Episode 1: A Helping Hand

Parallel considers her words.

"I think you are an incredibly insightful person. Yes, I had the same feelings in the meeting last night and still didn't get comfort as to why I should trust my companions. Perhaps my distrust isn't with this beautiful creature. It is indeed unsettling that some power was able to observe us, saw that we were sympathetic toward the Diva, and left us messages to gather here. If it were that easy, I fear that the Caer Tan could sniff us out just as easily, putting us and all whom we love in danger. Can you share something of the process?

But I have to say, she does have much more in common with a dragon than a turtle does. And I got a sense of ancient power when I first encountered her -- but I was unsure if it was her...or you...". His voice sort of trails off at the end, afraid that his mouth may have gotten him into trouble again.

"Perhaps you are sensitive to this land?" Precipe says, coyly with a hint of mischievousness. "It is rather ancient, having existed since before it was settled by civilization.

"As to the process: no, I cannot share. Secrecy is essential to ensure the safety of the Pale Deva and those who support us. I know that does not allay your fears, but take some measure of comfort knowing that someone out there believes in you and your companions. There is faith that you and yours will do what is right."

Precipe turns slightly, moving the wooden ladle to stir the settled pot of stew. "You are young, Master Halfling, and youth often wants the entire world laid out for them. Perhaps with more experience will the unknown be made known, and you might discover a little more about the Pale Deva, as well as yourself."

"Perhaps. Thank you for your time. It was a pleasure to speak with you and I'd be pleased to spend more time with you when I return.

Should I send the others in for a crock?"

After her answer, he takes his leave and joins the others in the common room.

Precipe nods, but adds, "If they are so inclined."

Back in the common room with a giant sack of provisions and a large covered crock in his arms, Paralell is in a fabulous mood. He puts the sack by the door but keeps the crock with him.

"Hey boys! Ready for the trip? I'm headed over to the store -- anyone else?".

He pauses when he sees Golwen, "Oh, hi. You with us? Names Parallel. We can catch up on the ship." He heads out the door, running to catch up with Rhod.

Still walking toward the dwarf, "With a description like that, im sure you'll find him right away. All you bigens look alike to me anyhow. Besides, me and my friend are new in town, and don't plan to stay long. Your store open?"

"Hey, Rhod -- you're the sailor, right? Do these charter ships usually have provisions for their passengers, or do we fend for ourselves? I'm already missing out on second breakfast and elevensies when I travel with big folk, but I don't want to starve. I got a month's dry rations plus some tins from Rhiann, and a crock with 4 days of fish stew from Precipe. You should go get one. We'd be golden if we had galley privileges and could save the rations for our time on the island."

Golwen is quickly on Parallel's heels in an effort to keep the crew together. Once outside he locates his familiar, an owl named Rhevia, and instructs him to follow the group and keep an eye from above.

He slows his pace when he recognizes a potential confrontation brewing and starts scanning the street looking for likely threats. His demeanour remains calm and non-confrontational, but he is now fully alert and keeping everyone in front of him in case action is needed.

The dwarf, waves of heat visible from his balding head, points behind the group at the Arcadian Rose. "Maybe he went in there? You! Elf! You seen a big human, about that fella's height?" He thumbs in the direction of Rhodrick.

Tordek finally emerges from his room at the Arcadian Rose, beard intricately braided and wearing full chain mail armor. Some rings are made of a darker metal that forms the symbol of a storm cloud and three lightning bolts. In one hand he holds a warhammer and in the other a shield bearing the same symbol.

The dwarf makes his way downstairs just as he hears people leaving the Inn. Entering the common room, he addresses Rhiann. Am I to assume I've just missed my new companions?

Rhiann tips her head towards those that remain inside the common room: Jandral and Haesh. "Another of your new teammates," she says, referring to Tordek.

"Sooooo your store's not open? Doesn't anyone want our coin around here? Maybe there's a shop by the docks..."

"Good morning, master dwarf! You can call me Jandral. We were just about to head out, I think. Though I gather Haesh here has already been out for supplies."

"Well it is a pleasure to meet both of ya. Am I the last to arrive?"

Perception check with disadvantage for still being in an angry stupor