Adventure Three, Session Six

A Peaceful Interlude...
I/E. THE DOUBTFUL - DAY
The party, now going under the banner of the "Quixotic Curiosity," has been traversing the Inner Sea for just over a week. After the violent events of the previous session, fortune has shined upon the PC's and they've had smooth sailing ever since. Now, as they approach Varuumae Corona, as the sun sets upon their ninth day at sea, the party begins to make plans.
Another curious thing... It seems Temerity has grown rather fond of Altious Khaza Eeris, the Fortreal first mate.
When the ship docks at Varuumae Harbor, the party decides to wait until tomorrow before announcing themselves to the inheritrix, Naiya Arabata (who they've come to work for). In the meantime, they set out to both enjoy a fancy dinner at a restaurant called "The Silent Room" (so named because of it's wards against divination magic), and to get a lay of the land around the royal palace, called "Hassakhan House."

EXT. ROYAL DISTRICT - NIGHT
Accompanied by both Altious and the ship's cook Adi Longhollow, the group takes a carriage to the Royal District, where they are dropped off roughly two blocks from Hassakhan House (the closest carriage traffic may approach). Altious and Adi inform the party that the royal guards, known as The Valuum, often keep plain-clothed officers mixed in with the street crowd, in order to keep tabs on anyone getting too close to the palace.
The group approaches Hassakhan House, which is far less opulent than expected. They spend a good while examining the exterior, and are eventually approached by a little old woman who says she can't find the palace (which obviously happens to be right in front of them). Instantly, the party suspects her to be an agent of the Valuum, and Sendry (using Mangy's blade) tests this theory by cutting the lady's purse.
At that moment, they group is accosted by two teenagers... also agents of the Valuum. The two of them, plus the old lady, explain that they know who the PC's are, and that they were actually expecting them tomorrow. Sendry gives the old lady a gold crown to replace the few coppers he stole from her (even though it's likely that those coins were merely a "prop" in her disguise). The group is not really even admonished. They're just politely warned (suggested?) to stay out of trouble, and to go enjoy their meal in peace. Apparently the Valuum "know everything" about the goings on in town, almost as if they share a hive mind.
The party (wisely) takes the Valuum's advice and departs for the Silent Room. Once there, they are seated for a pleasant meal. At the table across from them sits a blue dragonborn female named Thomasin. The waiter makes the suggestion (as is customary for the region) that Thomassin join the group for dinner. The party acepts, and the dragonborn joins their table.
Instantly the PCs discover that Thomassin has skills they could benefit from, as she is a calligrapher and designer, and they need a "logo" or, more to the point, heraldry. They become quick friends, and after paying the exorbitant bill, everyone returns to The Doubtful for drinks and a rest.
Once aboard the ship, the group begins trading stories, and Warren (the warlock who had just joined them in the previous session) tells the story of "the worst thing he ever did."
The party continued to bond as the night wore on, and they began to look forward to their mission which would commence the morrow morn...