Chapter 1: A Friend in Need

Bonnie flutters her eyelashes at Prince's charm. She pokes him in the ribs and teases him:

"How'd you avoid getting hurt when all these big, strong warriors are all bruised, hmm?"The prisoner refuses Bonnie's treatment as if the idea of showing kindness to a foe is too foreign for him to understand it as anything but a trick.

Renaer has Bonnie look at the gash in his temple.

Alastriona nods once to Bonnie and wordlessly dresses herself, donning her armor like it was a practiced ritual, buckling straps and lacing studs in a precise sequence. She then ties her hair back into place before shouldering her equipment. With a final check of her sword, she snaps the blade back into her scabbard and stands by the door ready to move out.

Xelia sits in a chair watching the others as they recuperate. She nods to herself before standing, leaning against her staff as she makes her way over to the newly rescued Renaer. "Renaer, will you stay and recuperate here while we continue the search for Floon, or is there any possibility those that took him will realize their error and come searching for you?"

Renaer looks at Xelia. He was ready to bluster his way through any protests of his involvement, but asking gently disarms him.

"It's not about them coming for me," he begins to explain. "I have a friend in need ... "

Renaer rises out of his chair, his face flush with determination, but his wounds get the better of him. Wincing, he falls back into his chair. He looks over at Bonnie as if searching for some last-minute medical reprieve, but she pokes him in the ribs, eliciting another wince from the man.

"Listen to your elders," Bonnie chastises, her stern look melting into a smirk before long.

"Alright fine," Renaer relents. "If I can't go, maybe I can help in another way."

He switches to Elven, which he speaks as fluently as humanly possible. Quietly, he says:

Xelia pats Renaer reassuringly, responding quietly in a lilting Elvish that’s fluent by Tabaxi standards but has a gruff accented edge to anyone who is a native speaker.

Alastriona waits by the door, patiently. She seems to be in no rush, but stands ready to move when the party does.

"If you take my offer, I'll be happy to babysit." He gestures to the Prisoner, who Bonnie has just finished patching up.

As you depart, Bonnie catches Prince's attention.

"This was just a sneak peak at my 'special skills' darling. If you and your friends appreciated my help, you already know how to repay me."

"Thank you, dear. That would be lovely. We won’t be long." Xelia checks in everyone else before gathering them to leave. "I have a bit of an errand to run. I could also use some air after the day we’ve had. You’re welcome to join me if you’d like." At the earliest opportunity, she fills them in on Ranaer’s contact and source of potential supplies.

You step out of the dark, cool inn into the scorching summer sun. Xelia leads the way to the North District. This is her home turf for many years; the Ulbrinter and Roznar villas are just a handful of blocks away from each other.

You first pass through the Castle Ward with its clean, wide streets and stately buildings. You pass marching soldiers and well-groomed magistrates. In the distance, you see several of the great Walking Statues towering above courthouses and amphitheatres.

After twenty minutes, the trappings of law and order give way to the perfumed decadence of the North Ward. Ornate carriages whisk nobles to and fro, dung sweepers following in their wake and trying to escape notice. Huge estates and opulent villas hide behind spiked gates and manned walls.

After another 25 minutes of walking, you arrive at the Ulbrinter Estate. A gatehouse manned by two guards in ornate livery appears to be the intended entrance. Beyond, the gates you see a beautiful, fountained garden flanked by a grand stone mansion embellished with nautical themes.

Alastriona pulls her gray shawl over her head to protect against the sun during the walk.

As the party approaches the gatehouse, the paladin shifts from following Xelia to flanking her, signaling her position as an armed escort.

Prince loves everything about the North District! It's not his first time here, of course, but if it were up to him he'd never have to leave. He offers Xelia his arm, and preens as the group walks.

As you approach the gates of the Ulbrinter estate, the two liveried guards - one grey in the hair, the other a pimple-faced teen - snap to attention. The lad unfurls a scroll and looks at it with a puzzled look on his face while the elder addresses the group in a curt but professional manner.

"What befalls?"

Vatra keeps to the rear of this ensemble, keeping a low profile for the time being.

"Good evening. You are to announce myself, Xelia of House Rosznar and guests, here to visit with Lady Remallia." Xelia makes eye contact with each, looking for any sign of recognizion.

Alastriona snaps to attention at the end of the noble tabaxi's statement, lending an air of authority to the request.

The younger guard smartly snaps the scroll closed and secrets it away, as if checking to see if nobility was the guest list was a hanging offence. The older man attempts to smooth things over.

"My apologies Lady Xelia, I did not recognize you. You must forgive an old man's eyes. Please, come this way."

The gates to the Ulbrinter Estate swing wide open are escorted through the blooming gardens. The old guard brings you all to a comfortable sitting room, complete with exotic refreshments and a harpist strumming placid music. After a short wait, the castellan - Sir Talulah, a short Tortle in an ornate suit of armour - clanks into the room with some servants dressed in house colours. She announces herself and speaks to Xelia:

"Lady Xelia, won't you please join Lady Remallia on the rooftop garden. Feel free to bring one of your attendants, if you wish. The rest of you shall remain here, with me."

THE ROOFTOP GARDENS

---

The servants bring Xelia and her attendant to the rooftop gardens, which give you a breathtaking view of the city. Lady Remallia, an ageless, flaxen-haired elf appears to be in the middle of swordplay lesson. She takes a break and addresses you.

"Lady Xelia, welcome. How fares House Rosznar this day?"

THE SITTING ROOM

---

Once Xelia and her attendant depart, Sir Talulah changes her tone abruptly.

"Alright, cut the crap. I wasn't born yesterday. What's going on here?"