Chapter 1: A Friend in Need

Alastriona watches Volo's mouth as he speaks, and when it seems like there is a pause, she nods. Reaching down, she grabs the page with the image of the alhoon and tears it out of the book. She folds the page and tucks it into her jacket.

As attention seems to shift to the newcomer, Alastriona melts back into the crowd. She reappears behind Xelia and resumes her stoic poise.

Xelia watches and listens as everything seems to be happening at a breakneck speed around her. Placing her hands on the table, she shakes her head a bit as she tries to remember what happened. "My lovelies, everything will just fine. I've gotten the wind knocked out of me, but you know what they say. I've got a few lives left in me still." She smiles, with only a slight wince indicating soreness from the stirge's wound in her side. She places her hand over the bruise, surprised to find it well mended. "Durnan." She casts her eyes toward him across the room. What a handsome boy he was.

"I don't play harp, baby." Prince teases, feigning ignorance. "I don't think even Xelia does. But if you're talking about joining the band, it'd certainly mean we'd be able to spend more time together..." *bites lip*

Seeing his friend causes Vatra's face to light up, You sure did, a big ass Troll, with a buncha stirges hanging off it came through the portal. And before that we were in a brawl with one of the other bands. Vatra's face lights up a little more, coming to the realization that this is the first time he's had a story to tell Meloon. Alastriona over there even chopped the damn things hand right off. Xelia got knocked out though, but thankfully she's ok

Butler eye's the well for a moment or three before shaking his head "Wouldn't dream of it" he says to Durnan whilst thinking to himself Well, not today at any rate. Tossing a few coins onto the bar he points to the keg "Just a couple of those for the moment then if spelunkings out of the question" he takes the drinks back up to where the others are planning.

As Obaya chants in rhythm, Stitches softly repeats the incantation using the priestess’ own voice. His eyes go saucer-wide as he glimpses the Weave for the first time, and he involuntarily reaches out to grab a strand before catching himself.

When the ritual ends, he reverently accepts he handkerchief from Obaya. "A fascinating item," he echoes. He looks up at her, inclines his head, and makes the sounds of clinking coins as he points to the item and then to her, making clear his promise to sell it to her when the time comes.

A bit dazed, he hops off the stool and takes his leave with a bow. He heads over to Volo’s table and begins practicing to use his new handkerchief, though he’s careful to make sure none of the Beauties are still around. When its magic is spent for the day, he begins leafing through the now damaged copy of the bard’s bestiary, waiting for the others to finish their business.

Bonnie can't hide her disappointment. "You're so cute. Prince, if you ever find out what I'm talking about, promise me you'll let me know, okay? It's important."

Meloon simultaneously expresses earnest enthusiasm about Vatra's story and stinging jealousy that he wasn't a part of it. He finds the thought of a Troll fighting against a Fire Genasi particularly hilarious. "Oh man, that Troll didn't stand a chance! You're like a Troll's worst nightmare! Gods, I miss the fight Vatra. I miss it something fierce! Tell you what, if you keep telling me your battle stories, I'll keep dropping them around the Grey Hands. Before you know it, they'll be tripping over themselves trying to recruit you and your friends."

Volo is glad to see Stitches is interested in his tome. "Take it, my feathered friend! It is yours! Perhaps the words within will come in handy! It contains advice for how to combat some of the most savage monsters in the realms, scribed from the words of the great warriors from lands both distant and near. Alas, I must be going. It will take a bit of time to arrange your final fee. I'll drop by here daily, awaiting word on the success of your mission. Perhaps you can send that lovely silk bird my way if you need me, hmm?"

Butler brings up the leftover beers up to the table where Stitches, Xelia, and Alstriona. offering them to anyone around. Durnan pretends to ignore any more attention, the warm light in his eyes you saw during the battle now gone.

Butler downs his drink before standing and looking to the others "Shall we?" he says as he grabs his gear.

Alastriona stares unblinking at Butler, then looks over at Prince. It is evident she is not willing to go until either the flamboyant one or Xelia are ready to depart.

Deal! Vatra days in response to Meloon’s statement about the Grey Hands. He bids his friend a good evening and rejoins his compatriots. Yes I think I’m ready for a change in scenery.

Leaving the Yawning Portal, you find the City of Splendours now lies in the shadow of Mount Waterdeep as night fast approaches. A cool breeze comes off the ocean, blowing away the city's stagnant haze with fresh sea air.

You head south on Snail Street in search of Floon Blagmaar, a steep downhill thoroughfare that descends from the clean and orderly Castle Ward into the dirty and dangerous Dock Ward.

Following Volo's directions, you look for the Skewered Dragon on Fillet Lane, but as you turn the corner, you find that this end of the street has been cordoned off by the City Watch. Lying on the cobblestones are a half-dozen corpses, seemingly the victims of some terrible skirmish. Watch officers have disarmed and arrested three blood-drenched humans and are in the midst of questioning witnesses. One of the officers sees you. "Get on," she says. "Nothing to see here."

Alastriona walks near the back of the group, acting as an anchor through the procession. She stares past the officer, regarding the bodies of the fallen with an impassive and unemotional gaze. Almost absently, her free hand touches the holy symbol around her neck.

Butler tries to get a good look at the scene whilst nodding at the officer and slowly moving away.

Butler observes the scene with a critical eye and counts 12 City Watch guards. The survivors of the skirmish have been stripped of their weapons and forced to kneel with their hands on their heads. They coldly catch Butler's eye as they await questioning.

You see the Skewered Dragon sign on the other side of the cordoned area. You estimate that you could find your way around the crime scene through one of several dark winding alleys, and weigh the chances of talking your through the scene.

Vatra, you feel certain you've never met these three humans before, although you do recognize the dead look in their eyes that remorseless killers tend to develop.

Butler moves a short distance away from the scene and gestures for the others to follow. Once they are out of earshot of the guards he quickly lays out what he observed "We could probably work our way round to the inn but could be risky if the watchare still looking for anyone who was caught up in this. What do you all think?"

Unless we want to call it a night, let’s just keep going.

"Well, you know I do love a man in uniform! If we ask nicely they might let us pass." Prince turns to Xelia. "What do you think, Mama? Should I shashay over there and make some new friends?"