Chapter 1: Harvest Moon

Lietha walks with you Are you saying she's sick? Why her? She's always been such a good girl...

As you near the elder's hall, making your way through the square, you can see that a good handful of the townspeople have been served. In addition, some actors are getting props ready to take to the stage. The elder's hall lies beyond, and is not guarded or locked, so you may enter easily if you wish.

Lietha backs away when Chuton attempts to hand Prea to him, a scared look on her face. She puts her hands up as she does. But what should I tell them? What if there are... more people like Prea?

As everyone enters the building's front room, a conversation can be heard between the elders and a younger man. The elders are insisting that he stay, but he keeps making excuses about deadlines and research. He doesn't seem like a strong personality. The voices come through large double doors in front of you. To the right and left there are doors. At least one of them would probably lead to an upper story, if the outside of the building is anything to judge by.

Chuton should make a check, intimidation, persuasion, or perhaps deception, if he wants Lietha to take Prea and/or leave.

Lietha is calmed by both Isuna and Deturai, and manages a smile back I'm sure you're right... we should tell the elders what happened first.
As you all open and cross the doors, the conversations stop. Arius and the elders all turn to look at you, with curious, if slightly annoyed, faces. The furniture inside looks much like a courtroom. The elders are arranged in chairs in a box at the far end of the room, a small empty area is in front of that, followed by many rows of benches.

One of the elders, with an arched back and a long nose speaks in a gravelly voice Can we help you? His tone doesn't sound entirely helpful.

Another one, taller, perhaps a half-elf, points at Chuton Look, they've got a hostage!.

The one sitting next to him, a thin halfling, gently reaches up and lowers the other's hand Relax, I'm sure there's an explanation... and shakes his head slightly.

Arius says nothing, but looks interested as well.

Your news starts a noisy discussion among all of the elders. You can hear voices of doubt and cynicism, but a few seem to legitimately be concerned. After a few minutes of deliberation, the elder in the center raises his voice Calm yourselves! and the conversation grows much quieter We do not have the whole story. Why have you tied this girl up, and brought her to us?

She tied up because she tried to attack us. I gesture towards Lietha and myself. I asked Lietha to check on Prea after her mom and her got into an argument, they stormed off in a huff, something about spices i believe. So I took their place on the cooking line. After a while when neither of the ladies came back so i went to my cart to grab some spices and heard some noise in the tavern. It was in shambles when I entered and thats where i seent a blood trail into the kitchen where I saw Prea dunking Mellia's head into the sink. It was after i put Prea to sleep was we able to tie her up and noticed Lietha. Before we left Prea did vomit some black gunk. As hes telling the story he kind of reenacts some of it.

And where is Mellia now? Are you saying that the girl is sick, and hurt her mother? The other elders start talking loudly once again, wondering if the illness is contagious, how a little girl would do something terrible. The voices of distrust seem quieter now, at least. Listening in, the elder who spoke earlier doesn't interfere. At some point, one of them speaks louder than the rest What does Arius say? He's the one from that magical city. If anyone could figure out a new illness, it's him! The others nod, seemingly in agreement.
Arius looks back and forth to them, expressionless My field is alchemy. Potions and poisons. It's unlikely I can help much unless it's the latter, but since I'm available, I'll do what I can. His voice is distant, and somewhat cold. Turning to the party Could you please show me to where you said she vomited? That will be the most likely spot to find traces, outside of her.

Of course, we'll see to that. Return quickly. The elder pulls a small cord behind him twice. He nods as a signal to leave, and the murmurs start again among all of them.
Arius grabs a satchel, shaped similar to a postman's bag but larger, with a few vials in cloth loops on the outside. If you're ready, please show me to the place. I'll need some time when we get there, as you'll understand.
As you exit the hall, you find that everyone in the square has been served, and they are happily eating and watching some kind of choreographed dance on the stage.