Session Thirty-One: Bag Friends
General Summary
-16 of Solas-
Yarrow woke to the sounds of laughter and annoyance. He grabbed Starshine and Levant and went out into the foyer to see Lady Thornspur with a large basket of food trying to get her four children ready. Yarrow hopped over and helped her with her basket while she fiddled with the young ones dress. She thanked him and asked if he would like to come with her to see her husband for lunch. He said no and that she shouldn't travel alone as there were dangers to her and her family outside. Frustrated and a bit intimidated by this she thanked him again and made her way out to the barracks. Yarrow then hopped into the kitchen and started to prepare food.
At the barracks Gregor had Clara taken away to a holding cell with two guards trained to deal with magical prisoners. The group then began discussing the Manhana's with Gregor. He told them that they were a well known and reputable noble family involved with trade. Cyrus asked if being invited to tea was normal. Then Lady Thornspur walked in and tried to take Gregor to lunch. Gregor assured Cyrus that for nobles an afternoon tea is a normal request. Alabaster scoffed and insulted Gregor's station saying that he wasn't a noble but a clerical agent of the government. Lady Thornspur found this very rude and took Gregor away after telling them that Yarrow had woken from his nap and was ready to venture with them. The party head out to the Thornspurs, met up with Yarrow, and had lunch. They began to catch up on things with each other. Yarrow told him of the assassins from last night he had seen under the cloak of darkness. Lunestra didn't believe they were assassins necessarily but was happy that Yarrow informed the Perch Guard. The rest of the party informed Yarrow about Clara and let him know about the Underfall and the letter from the Manhana's. They talked for a while about Cora and Cyrus wondered why he would want them all dead and not just him. Sarcastically Alabaster reminded him about killing Hatyara and carving a warning message into her corpse and hanging her from a tree. Yarrow burned a sacrifice of food to all the gods of the pantheon as Lunestra tried to refocus the group. To her the plan seemed to be either to deal with the cultists, the assassins, the luma dancers, or to leave now for the bandits but she did promise Cyrus to help him before they did that. Yarrow put Starshine away and the group agreed to head back to the Underfall and to look more for the Lumas.
As they started to make their way down Alabaster started to play music. Lunestra quickly looked back at the bard who was now getting a lot of attention. Yarrow started singing in druidic, a lovely druid song about the seasons changing. Cyrus, using his hat of disguise to look like Nicholas Brackshaw, started harmonizing with Yarrow and soon the group was a moving band. They traveled down Alderheart, each level more and more people heard them and clapped along. Soon they were in the Underfall again. This time a different entrance but the same colder earthen air hit them. Their music echoed throughout the tunnel and people began to follow them. Lunestra kept an eye on them. Most of them seemed drunk or high but one Gallus woman was clearly sober and following intently. Alabaster made some rude remarks to Lunestra about keeping up and being good for something which she ignored. After a little while in the tunnel they found themselves outside of an inn. People from the inn and tavern came outside to get closer to the music. Soon they had a crowd and the group was surrounded. A tall Corvum woman came outside and yelled at the group, saying that if they wanted to play they should do so inside the bar. Alabaster rubbed his fingers together to suggest that he wanted coin and the Corvum shook her head to confirm and waved them to the tavern.
The Tavern was a good size for the Underfall. It had several rooms with their doors entering into the main space, a bar area, and a stage at the back. There were two large Mapach standing against a door near the stage, obviously guarding it. As they walked in Alabaster drove the group over to the stage. They finished their song which had the whole tavern loud with excitement. The owner motioned for the group to play another and Alabaster and Cyrus made their way to her while Yarrow set up to do a song with Levant. Lunestra meanwhile stayed near the wall looking over the crowd and keeping an eye on the Mapachs. The bigger Mapach saw her and nodded at her which Lunestra nervously returned. Alabaster and Cyrus began talking about payment with the owner. She was quick with her words and had a sharp tongue but she was more than willing to pay them. She offered them rooms and drink which Alabaster refused, the Hedge wanted money and nothing else. Cyrus asked about the guarded room and with a smirk the owner said that was a fight ring for tough patrons. The Vulpin, disguised as an elderly Corvum, demanded that he was a tough patron and the owner laughed saying she would let them in for free tonight if they wanted. They had a fight every Grian, unlike the temple of Altus who only had one once a month, and it would be a good show at least. Alabaster and Cyrus went back to the stage and started talking with Lunestra and Yarrow about the fight club. As Lunestra began to ask questions Cyrus repeatedly cut her off. In frustration she exclaimed that this was why so many people thought that Cyrus and Alabaster were mean. Cyrus froze at the accusation and demanded that he wasn't mean. Then he questioned it. Alabaster rolled his eyes as Cyrus started to spiral. Cyrus waved his hands and cast Sending.
Everyone hung around the walls of the circular room. The owner raised her talon and started going over the rules. No magic, of any kind. This is not a fight to the death nor would there be permanent dismemberment if people could avoid it. It would be one on one combat until only one person is left and they fight Demon, the larger Mapach. Healing between rounds was permitted of course. Winner gets 100gp and an ivory statue of three goats. The smaller Mapach guard held up the statue and a coin purse. Then the owner asked to see the hands of those that wished to fight in the ring. Everyone in the party raised their hands except for Cyrus who began to look around the crowd. The first fight was Yarrow versus a Mapach with a scimitar. Before Yarrow went out he cast Shillelagh on his quarterstaff while people were cheering. Yarrow started the fight by trying to persuade the Mapach that they shouldn't fight and that the Mapach should back down. As this started Cyrus whispered over to a Corvum nearby who seemed to be betting on the match. Cyrus bet 19gp that Yarrow would win. Lunestra joined the bet but against Yarrow thinking that the small Tola stood no chance. The Mapach refused to back down and the fight started. Yarrow apologized and then clubbed the Mapach in the shin causing him to curse and stumble. The Mapach then attacked, cutting Yarrow a bit with his sword. The Tola hit back this time hitting the other shin. Frustrated now the Mapach took another swing but Yarrow dodged and hit him once more. This time knocking him back and unconscious. The Crowd cheered and the Corvum and Lunestra paid Cyrus 19gp each for losing the bet. Next was Alabaster and a slender Luma with twin daggers. The fight started quickly and Alabaster nearly went into a rage, bashing her with his violin and dodging her attacks. Meanwhile Yarrow shimmied over to Demon and said hi. He offered the Mapach a cookie to which Demon offered him some of his own food. The both refused each others offerings on the grounds that they could poison each other. Still Demon seemed to like the Tola a bit and the two watched the fight. It was over as quick as it started as Alabaster struck the Luma for the last time before she fell. Alabaster took in the cheers and moved to the side. Lunestra went out into the ring next. Cyrus took Alabaster aside and told him that the Gallus woman from earlier was still here and watching him specifically. They both looked at her and she looked away towards the fight. Lunestra's combatant was a larger Raptor in nicer armor and with a shield. The two acknowledged each other and the Raptor got an inquisitive look on her face. She scanned Lunestra up and down and then shrugged getting into battle position. The fight started with a bang as the Raptor led with two attacks against Lunestra pushing the Paladin back using the shield in her off hand. Lunestra took a deep breath and then weaved and dodged between the Raptor landing three blows against her with her twin swords. Yarrow looked to Demon and asked him where he was from. Demon smiled and said that he was not from Alderheart but that he lived here now. The Tola smiled and asked Demon if he would like to be friends. Demon nodded and said, 'Sure'. Lunestra did not relent. Her blinding speed and flurry of strikes catching the Raptor off guard. Lunestra balance each strike to hit the Raptor with the dull side of her blades and with a solid punch from her hilt Lunestra felled the Raptor. As the Raptor fell a piece of medal fell from her pocket. In the heat of the moment Lunestra recognized the symbol of the Bandit Coalition and quickly bent down to pick it up. The owner came over and raised Lunestra's arm in victory. As they walked from the circle the owner confronted Lunestra for stealing from the Raptor and told her to give it back. The owner trusted a Paladin of Gaspard would return whatever they stole. Cyrus and Alabaster kept eyes on the Gallus as two more people entered the ring. As their fight started Yarrow kept talking with Demon.
Demon closed the door to the arena and showed Yarrow to the restroom. Then he stood outside it and ushered the Tola to go inside. Yarrow closed the door and immediately healed himself. He was in quite a lot of pain but didn't want people to know. Yarrow started to pee and talked to Demon through the door.
Meanwhile Lunestra lined up with Alabaster. Cyrus used Message and told both Alabaster and Lunestra that they would do great and that he had confidence in them. Alabaster took an aggressive stance and then sneered at Lunestra. She sighed and readied her weapons.
They returned to the Perch Guard Barracks in the Boughs. Yarrow asked for Gregor but was told that he had gone home for the day. Returning to the Thornspur Manor the group saw a pacing and panicked Gregor in his study. He quickly asked the party if they were okay and was glad to see them back. Yarrow cut him off to ask about Dandelion. He wanted to know where he was and what was going on. Gregor told him that he was traveling to Brackenmill to deliver a message to the Captain there about things going on and he should be back soon. Yarrow accepted this answer and told everyone what he had talked to Demon about. The group listened, having another lead in this Songbird person, and then decided to go to bed since it was already late. Having moved to the kitchen Yarrow and Cyrus continued to talk while Yarrow did some crafting. Cyrus wanted to buy one of the rubies and then steal the others but he was unsure about how to do so.
Yarrow woke up with Lunestra. The Strig started her morning exercises while Yarrow made food for the group. A deliverer came to the door and dropped off a slew of messages to Lady Thornspur. She quickly opened one of them and came into the dining room where most of the house was setting up for breakfast. "Oh dear, it seems Professor Revayne wants to see you at the Council Perch Library!" Lady Thornspur caught herself and tucked the letter back into the envelope and handed it to Yarrow. There was a letter addressed to each member of the party, Alabaster, Yarrow, Cyrus, and Lunestra. Each contained 150gp in a coin pouch and the same letter from Professor Revayne. There was also a letter for Aldous from Emma. It said that she and her group were here in Alderheart and that while she didn't expect to see him it would be nice to see him while he was here. She heard from the other Perch Guard that the Heroes of Brackenmill were in town and how exciting that was. She hoped he was doing okay. The group looked around and started talking about what to do over breakfast.
At the barracks Gregor had Clara taken away to a holding cell with two guards trained to deal with magical prisoners. The group then began discussing the Manhana's with Gregor. He told them that they were a well known and reputable noble family involved with trade. Cyrus asked if being invited to tea was normal. Then Lady Thornspur walked in and tried to take Gregor to lunch. Gregor assured Cyrus that for nobles an afternoon tea is a normal request. Alabaster scoffed and insulted Gregor's station saying that he wasn't a noble but a clerical agent of the government. Lady Thornspur found this very rude and took Gregor away after telling them that Yarrow had woken from his nap and was ready to venture with them. The party head out to the Thornspurs, met up with Yarrow, and had lunch. They began to catch up on things with each other. Yarrow told him of the assassins from last night he had seen under the cloak of darkness. Lunestra didn't believe they were assassins necessarily but was happy that Yarrow informed the Perch Guard. The rest of the party informed Yarrow about Clara and let him know about the Underfall and the letter from the Manhana's. They talked for a while about Cora and Cyrus wondered why he would want them all dead and not just him. Sarcastically Alabaster reminded him about killing Hatyara and carving a warning message into her corpse and hanging her from a tree. Yarrow burned a sacrifice of food to all the gods of the pantheon as Lunestra tried to refocus the group. To her the plan seemed to be either to deal with the cultists, the assassins, the luma dancers, or to leave now for the bandits but she did promise Cyrus to help him before they did that. Yarrow put Starshine away and the group agreed to head back to the Underfall and to look more for the Lumas.
As they started to make their way down Alabaster started to play music. Lunestra quickly looked back at the bard who was now getting a lot of attention. Yarrow started singing in druidic, a lovely druid song about the seasons changing. Cyrus, using his hat of disguise to look like Nicholas Brackshaw, started harmonizing with Yarrow and soon the group was a moving band. They traveled down Alderheart, each level more and more people heard them and clapped along. Soon they were in the Underfall again. This time a different entrance but the same colder earthen air hit them. Their music echoed throughout the tunnel and people began to follow them. Lunestra kept an eye on them. Most of them seemed drunk or high but one Gallus woman was clearly sober and following intently. Alabaster made some rude remarks to Lunestra about keeping up and being good for something which she ignored. After a little while in the tunnel they found themselves outside of an inn. People from the inn and tavern came outside to get closer to the music. Soon they had a crowd and the group was surrounded. A tall Corvum woman came outside and yelled at the group, saying that if they wanted to play they should do so inside the bar. Alabaster rubbed his fingers together to suggest that he wanted coin and the Corvum shook her head to confirm and waved them to the tavern.
The Tavern was a good size for the Underfall. It had several rooms with their doors entering into the main space, a bar area, and a stage at the back. There were two large Mapach standing against a door near the stage, obviously guarding it. As they walked in Alabaster drove the group over to the stage. They finished their song which had the whole tavern loud with excitement. The owner motioned for the group to play another and Alabaster and Cyrus made their way to her while Yarrow set up to do a song with Levant. Lunestra meanwhile stayed near the wall looking over the crowd and keeping an eye on the Mapachs. The bigger Mapach saw her and nodded at her which Lunestra nervously returned. Alabaster and Cyrus began talking about payment with the owner. She was quick with her words and had a sharp tongue but she was more than willing to pay them. She offered them rooms and drink which Alabaster refused, the Hedge wanted money and nothing else. Cyrus asked about the guarded room and with a smirk the owner said that was a fight ring for tough patrons. The Vulpin, disguised as an elderly Corvum, demanded that he was a tough patron and the owner laughed saying she would let them in for free tonight if they wanted. They had a fight every Grian, unlike the temple of Altus who only had one once a month, and it would be a good show at least. Alabaster and Cyrus went back to the stage and started talking with Lunestra and Yarrow about the fight club. As Lunestra began to ask questions Cyrus repeatedly cut her off. In frustration she exclaimed that this was why so many people thought that Cyrus and Alabaster were mean. Cyrus froze at the accusation and demanded that he wasn't mean. Then he questioned it. Alabaster rolled his eyes as Cyrus started to spiral. Cyrus waved his hands and cast Sending.
"Uyncis! I'm not mean, am I mean? Do I come off as mean?! I'm not mean! Someone called me mean! Do you think I'm mean?!" "Not mean but you do come off as self-obsessed at times. Alabaster is mean though. I don't think you're mean sweety."The response from Uyncis hit Cyrus hard and he stood there slack jawed for a minute. Alabaster grabbed him and Yarrow and they went back on stage. The night progressed as the group played song after song and Lunestra kept watch. The Gallus woman from earlier had stayed the whole night watching the group. A Mapach came up to the other two Mapach and handed them what looked like a piece of jerkey. They both ate it and the larger one came over and handed a piece to Lunestra. She took it and thanked him before quickly eating it. She felt invigorated. Then concern crossed her face. Did she just take a drug? Were they doping up for the fight!? The group made a decent amount of money performing. Their shows and songs were incredibly popular. At the end of the night though the only people left in the bar were battle ready people, the party, the Gallus woman, and the people that worked there. The owner nodded at the Mapachs and they opened the door to reveal a circular room with a dirt floor. People started to make their way in and dropped off an entrance fee to the smaller Mapach at the door.
Everyone hung around the walls of the circular room. The owner raised her talon and started going over the rules. No magic, of any kind. This is not a fight to the death nor would there be permanent dismemberment if people could avoid it. It would be one on one combat until only one person is left and they fight Demon, the larger Mapach. Healing between rounds was permitted of course. Winner gets 100gp and an ivory statue of three goats. The smaller Mapach guard held up the statue and a coin purse. Then the owner asked to see the hands of those that wished to fight in the ring. Everyone in the party raised their hands except for Cyrus who began to look around the crowd. The first fight was Yarrow versus a Mapach with a scimitar. Before Yarrow went out he cast Shillelagh on his quarterstaff while people were cheering. Yarrow started the fight by trying to persuade the Mapach that they shouldn't fight and that the Mapach should back down. As this started Cyrus whispered over to a Corvum nearby who seemed to be betting on the match. Cyrus bet 19gp that Yarrow would win. Lunestra joined the bet but against Yarrow thinking that the small Tola stood no chance. The Mapach refused to back down and the fight started. Yarrow apologized and then clubbed the Mapach in the shin causing him to curse and stumble. The Mapach then attacked, cutting Yarrow a bit with his sword. The Tola hit back this time hitting the other shin. Frustrated now the Mapach took another swing but Yarrow dodged and hit him once more. This time knocking him back and unconscious. The Crowd cheered and the Corvum and Lunestra paid Cyrus 19gp each for losing the bet. Next was Alabaster and a slender Luma with twin daggers. The fight started quickly and Alabaster nearly went into a rage, bashing her with his violin and dodging her attacks. Meanwhile Yarrow shimmied over to Demon and said hi. He offered the Mapach a cookie to which Demon offered him some of his own food. The both refused each others offerings on the grounds that they could poison each other. Still Demon seemed to like the Tola a bit and the two watched the fight. It was over as quick as it started as Alabaster struck the Luma for the last time before she fell. Alabaster took in the cheers and moved to the side. Lunestra went out into the ring next. Cyrus took Alabaster aside and told him that the Gallus woman from earlier was still here and watching him specifically. They both looked at her and she looked away towards the fight. Lunestra's combatant was a larger Raptor in nicer armor and with a shield. The two acknowledged each other and the Raptor got an inquisitive look on her face. She scanned Lunestra up and down and then shrugged getting into battle position. The fight started with a bang as the Raptor led with two attacks against Lunestra pushing the Paladin back using the shield in her off hand. Lunestra took a deep breath and then weaved and dodged between the Raptor landing three blows against her with her twin swords. Yarrow looked to Demon and asked him where he was from. Demon smiled and said that he was not from Alderheart but that he lived here now. The Tola smiled and asked Demon if he would like to be friends. Demon nodded and said, 'Sure'. Lunestra did not relent. Her blinding speed and flurry of strikes catching the Raptor off guard. Lunestra balance each strike to hit the Raptor with the dull side of her blades and with a solid punch from her hilt Lunestra felled the Raptor. As the Raptor fell a piece of medal fell from her pocket. In the heat of the moment Lunestra recognized the symbol of the Bandit Coalition and quickly bent down to pick it up. The owner came over and raised Lunestra's arm in victory. As they walked from the circle the owner confronted Lunestra for stealing from the Raptor and told her to give it back. The owner trusted a Paladin of Gaspard would return whatever they stole. Cyrus and Alabaster kept eyes on the Gallus as two more people entered the ring. As their fight started Yarrow kept talking with Demon.
"So if we're friends can I have your real name?" Yarrow asked with a twinkle in his eye. Demon looked down again. "My name is Demon, now anyways. You don't need more than that to know me." The Mapach's smile frustrated Yarrow a bit. "Can I have your name once we become better friends?" He asked trying to pry. Demon laughed and rolled his eyes, "Suuuuuuuuuuure little one."The match soon ended and Yarrow had to go against the Vulpin that just won. This fight took some time but the crowd continued to cheer. As Yarrow emerged victorious he offered the Vulpin a cookie who threw it away in disgust. Yarrow looked angry and then sighed. "I have to pee!" He said loudly. The owner and the people in the arena looked at him. "Now? Can't you hold it?" Yarrow shook his head. "Fine. Demon go with him, make sure he doesn't steal anything." Yarrow and Demon head out together and the next fight started, Lunestra versus Alabaster.
Demon closed the door to the arena and showed Yarrow to the restroom. Then he stood outside it and ushered the Tola to go inside. Yarrow closed the door and immediately healed himself. He was in quite a lot of pain but didn't want people to know. Yarrow started to pee and talked to Demon through the door.
"If things ever go bad here you can always come to Meadowfern!" Yarrow said happily, "My Mom loves having people over!" "Things are pretty good here. Although there haven't been many bards lately besides Songbird." Yarrow's ears perked up. "Who is Songbird? Do they play here by themselves?" The sound of distant fighting filled the silence of the bathroom. "Songbird comes by himself but sometimes he has some dancers. Pretty good ones too. There were some Strigs and Vulpin dancers that used to come but the last few times it has just been Songbird by himself." Yarrow finished up and cast Shillelagh on his quarterstaff again and opened the door. "Are there a lot of dancers in town?" Demon smirked at the Tola. "With the Sun Dance Festival coming up there are a few but there have been a lot less lately," Demon put a paw on the Tola's shoulder, "if you're looking for a special kind of dancer there are plenty up in the Bright Hollow, like at the Nymph and Crow." Yarrow looked confused for a moment and then had a sudden realization and put his paws up. "No, no, no, I'm good. My grandfather Crioth would like it though and he's a bard so maybe I can get him to visit." Demon laughed. "I know Crioth! I haven't seen him in ages!" The Mapach looked Yarrow up and down, "You're really related to him? Weird. Come on let's go fight." Demon led the Tola back to the fighting ring.
Meanwhile Lunestra lined up with Alabaster. Cyrus used Message and told both Alabaster and Lunestra that they would do great and that he had confidence in them. Alabaster took an aggressive stance and then sneered at Lunestra. She sighed and readied her weapons.
"Look, I don't want to hurt you. It doesn't make sense for us to fight if we are going to share the prize." Alabaster brandished his Violin at her. "Don't be condescending! I'm gunna kick your ass! Besides I'm having fun!" The fight started and Alabaster swung hard at Lunestra who dodged out of the way. She returned by striking him with her hilt. "I don't know why you have to be so rude! I'm just trying to help! You're the Heroes of Brackenmill!" Alabaster struck again this time hitting her in the side. "I don't know why you have to be so passive aggressive! I'm not your hero! I'm Alabaster and I'm having fun! If you're going to fight me then fight me! Show me that you're useful!" Lunestra furred her brow and flipped her swords. Strike after strike she rained down blows on Alabaster. He returned with his own strikes but they weren't enough and soon Lunestra widdled him down. Alabaster fell and Lunestra was named the victor.Yarrow and Demon returned. Yarrow picked on Alabaster for losing and then congratulated Lunestra before hopping in the ring. Lunestra readied herself and smiled to match Yarrow. The two squared off and the fight began. Cyrus was still scoping the Gallus woman out. She hadn't left and her eyes stayed on Alabaster. Steadying his hat Cyrus made his way over. The Gallus saw him coming and nodded at him.
"Hello there, you aren't here to participate?" Cyrus asked the nervous Gallus. She shook her head. "No. I do watch the matches at the Temple of Altus from time to time but I don't ever participate." She began to fiddle with her talons. Alabaster saw Cyrus talking to the Gallus and cast Detect Thoughts. The people around him saw this and knew that he had cast magic. "Hey bud," one luma said to Alabaster, "That didn't look like healing. You're not trying to mess with shit right?" Alabaster looked at him and sneered. "No, fuck off. I don't care about the fight anymore. I lost." The Luma looked at him and then started walking over to the owner. Alabaster ignored him and focused on the Gallus. "Ah I see. So do you normally come down to the Underfall?" Cyrus asked while Alabaster read the Gallus's mind. What? The Underfall? Focus. Do they have it? It doesn't look like they do. They're very strong too. "Not usually, I'm in the Underfall to check on some things. There is a boy that's sick that I'm trying to help." The Gallus began to close in on herself. Bobby does need help but these people are more important. I need to know if they have it. Lunestra made short work of Yarrow and he quickly fell to the ground. Cyrus put a finger up and went out to grab the Tola. "This is our healer. Maybe we can help." Cyrus smiled and the Gallus smiled back. Alabaster felt a talon on his shoulder. It was the owner. "No magic. I don't think you did anything or else the Paladin would've gone down but still. Don't test me." She said before putting her back against the wall and declaring Lunestra the winner. "People were wrong about you, you are very kind." The Gallus turned to Lunestra, "and you fight very well even with the drugs you've taken." Both Lunestra and Cyrus looked away. "I'm Kin." The Gallus said with a smile. "I'm Cyru-Nick... I'm Nick." Cyrus quickly caught himself and tried to play it off. "You don't have to use your real name. It's fine. I understand." Yarrow perked up after being healed a little and looked up at the Gallus. "I'm Yarrow and if you need our help just go to the mail deliverers and have them send a message to me. Yarrow Fermata!" Kin looked afraid. Alabaster's spell was ending and he focused on the Gallus again. This is-is the person who hurt our entire order? These people really did all that on their own? I don't know. They seem so kind. "I will do that. I fear this child is too far gone for my help alone. Thank you. For now though I may get going." Kin raised her talon and spoke to the owner in a hushed tone. Kin and some of the losing contestants made their way out of the bar leaving a smaller group than before. Lunestra got into the ring with Demon who brought out his warhammer. They both nodded at one another and smiled and the fight began. Lunestra attacked first with her blinding speed. Her strikes falling on the Mapach squarely. Demon roared and swung his hammer surprising the Strig. Every move seemed to invigorate him and soon Demon was swinging his warhammer around wildly and with abandon. "A fast one! I like it!" Demon screamed as Lunestra ducked and weaved through the blows getting caught in the force of them occasionally. His veins began to bulge and the strength of the Mapach became very clear. If Lunestra couldn't dodge his attacks she was going down hard. He swung. She leapt. Lunestra found herself in the perfect position and slashed Demon, hit him with her other sword, and then punched him with the hilt. The Mapach grinned and fell to the ground defeated. "I got his goat!" Lunestra shouted as she stood victorious. The party got around her except for Yarrow who went over and healed Demon. Lunestra was handed the coin purse and the statue of the ivory goats. She turned to Alabaster and asked him, "Was that snide of me? The goat thing?" Alabaster rolled his eyes and took the goats from her. "Thank you little one. You are a friend." Yarrow looked at Demon expectantly. "Fine, my name was Verog." "What about your last name?" Yarrow asked to which Demon smiled and shook his head no. Cyrus turned to Alabaster and started whispering to him. "Is Demon going to be our next bag friend? We can bring him with us!" Alabaster shook his head no. "This is why people think you're mean." Alabaster said picking up his things leaving Cyrus frozen in place. The group gathered their things and started to leave.
They returned to the Perch Guard Barracks in the Boughs. Yarrow asked for Gregor but was told that he had gone home for the day. Returning to the Thornspur Manor the group saw a pacing and panicked Gregor in his study. He quickly asked the party if they were okay and was glad to see them back. Yarrow cut him off to ask about Dandelion. He wanted to know where he was and what was going on. Gregor told him that he was traveling to Brackenmill to deliver a message to the Captain there about things going on and he should be back soon. Yarrow accepted this answer and told everyone what he had talked to Demon about. The group listened, having another lead in this Songbird person, and then decided to go to bed since it was already late. Having moved to the kitchen Yarrow and Cyrus continued to talk while Yarrow did some crafting. Cyrus wanted to buy one of the rubies and then steal the others but he was unsure about how to do so.
"I know that the Fey make deals..." Cyrus said shakily, "I was wondering if I gave them people's names in trade would they give me the rubies." Yarrow continued stirring his potion but raised an ear. "Do you own people's names?" Cyrus looked around confused. "Uhm I know lots of people by name." Yarrow chuckled and continued his alchemy. "That's not how that works, you need to own their names! Otherwise you would have to do it with your own or make a new deal with them." Yarrow turned to look at his friend. "I wouldn't make a deal with fairies. Not unless you're sure about it." A strange twinkle flickered in Yarrow's eyes that sent shivers down Cyrus's spine. "Y-you're right. I should just steal them myself. Will you help me?" Yarrow smiled. "Probably! If that's what we need to do." The Tola went back to his potion. "Oh, can you send to Uyncis and ask about Dan? I'm worried." Cyrus cast his spell in the kitchen and relayed Yarrow's message. "Did a deliverer named Dan come and deliver a message. Yarrow wants to know. Also I hope you're doing well." "Yes they did? They left the other day I believe so they should be back soon. I hope you're doing well as well." Cyrus smiled and told Yarrow the news and the two went to bed.Alabaster spent some time casting Identify on the belt and wand from Clara and the ivory goat statue. The belt allowed for shapeshifting, the wand could cast magic missile, and the goats... turned... into bigger goats?
Yarrow woke up with Lunestra. The Strig started her morning exercises while Yarrow made food for the group. A deliverer came to the door and dropped off a slew of messages to Lady Thornspur. She quickly opened one of them and came into the dining room where most of the house was setting up for breakfast. "Oh dear, it seems Professor Revayne wants to see you at the Council Perch Library!" Lady Thornspur caught herself and tucked the letter back into the envelope and handed it to Yarrow. There was a letter addressed to each member of the party, Alabaster, Yarrow, Cyrus, and Lunestra. Each contained 150gp in a coin pouch and the same letter from Professor Revayne. There was also a letter for Aldous from Emma. It said that she and her group were here in Alderheart and that while she didn't expect to see him it would be nice to see him while he was here. She heard from the other Perch Guard that the Heroes of Brackenmill were in town and how exciting that was. She hoped he was doing okay. The group looked around and started talking about what to do over breakfast.
Report Date
31 Aug 2020
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