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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carnifex" data-source="post: 600257" data-attributes="member: 227">The Unyielding One answered Cord's questions as best he could; to reach the conclave wouldn't take more than a week or two due to well-maintained roads leading there.The way to the temple was winding, but pleasant. Wyshira caught occasional glimpses of the river in the distance, and quickened her pace; she nearly dragged Cord along in her hurry to see the water and find the Temple of Ishrak.She chatted with Melisande, telling her a little about her childhood spent assisting her mother in the shrine by the mountain stream. It was apparent to anyone watching her that the priestess became more animated and lively the nearer to the river she got."Devotion to Ishrak is in my blood, I guess," she confided as the small, homey-looking temple came into sight. "I didn't even know there were other gods and goddesses in this world until one day, when I was about eight winters old, I met a boy from the village who worshipped Grummand. (His father worked in the mines.) I found out much later that my own father worships Immar." She paused for a moment, suddenly seeming to notice something. "Which reminds me..... What has become of your other companion? Ebri... is that her name? Will she be able to find us again?"Burl quietly followed the strange group down the meandering street. He was taking in the different sights and sounds of yet another neighborhood. Reflecting, he thought about the many new places he had seen since he left his quiet home in the woods. One thing was giving him some small problems. Never in his life had he heard so much talk about religion, nor had he ever visited so many different places of worship. It seemed everyone had their favorite place to find comfort and each was either more grand than the next, or in some cases more weird. Life was much simpler at home. All he and Raymond had were a small statue set off in a corner where they occasionally would pray. On special days, they would move it out, place it on a flat rock overlooking the stream that ran close by and relax and meditate."She always seems to," Mel sniffed, giving a shrug. She wasn't the suspicious sort, but it did seem odd that Ebri Zol always disappeared every time they came to a large settlement. Probably nursing a bad habit, she surmised, although in her youth and naïveté she could only imagine what sort of bad habit it might be. Those necromancers she used to work with at the labs would sneak out to sniff solvents every chance they got, but Ebri didn't have the red-eyed, runny-nosed, hazy look of an ether addict. Neither was she quite the sort to frequent houses (whatever those were; her mother had warned her not to lodge in one even in a hailstorm, and to be careful of people who did), or to be prone to gambling. Maybe it was just soup after all. Although they had all stuffed themselves at Lord Ecurius' table...The band slowly made its way to the temple of Ishrak, through narrow, winding roads between houses that crowded over the street. They found it down by the river in a part of the city away from the bustle of the markets and main streets; the small building was built on the banks of the river that meandered through the capital. Whitewashed and simply constructed, it sat in the middle of a small, lush garden full of little streams and brooks; inside it was more akin to the shrine of Wyshira's homeland than the grand Cathedrals of the faith. A simple altar, some small stained-glass windows, a donation bowl and suchlike, as a couple of initiates performed their duties and a handful of worshippers took part in prayer. "I don't want you to be mad at me, Wyshira, but do you know what they call Ishrak in Carthagia? They don't approve of other gods, you know." She leaned close to whisper the unflattering word in the priestess' ear."I'm beginning to think there's an awful lot of religious propaganda circulating on Toran's behalf. It's been quite a shock to discover the truth. What a lovely little temple! Is it all right if Pierre takes a dip in the garden pools? And if I follow you inside and eavesdrop?"The amphibian wasn't waiting for permission, however. He bounded from his snug but dry pocket and blobbed his way to the nearest brook. Vicariously, Melisande felt a cool wash of relief as he plunged into the running waters, and realized she understood maybe a small part of what was making Wyshira so vibrant as she approached the temple of her goddess. She smiled, gesturing for the priestess to lead on. At Melisande's whispered word, Wyshira stopped and stood very still, a look of shock crossing over her blue-tinted face. The more I hear about Carthagia, the less I like what I hear, she thought.Out loud, she said, "Well, my mother never had much that was nice to say about Toran, if I remember right. And my own dealings with his clerics have been less than pleasant."Of course, there had just been the one time that she'd encountered any Toranite priests. And this was the second time today that she had been reminded of it. The first time had been earlier in the Temple of Grummand when Melisande - Melisande again - had brought up the clergy of Toran.Maybe she was being reminded for a reason. She really had been letting her guard down today, especially here in the city. She glanced nervously around for a sight of Burl. He had lagged behind a bit what with the way she had hurried ahead toward the river; Sebastian was even further behind though, keeping a sort of rear guard. She almost expected to see a horde of black-mailed and spiked zealots descend on them from out of the shadows.She wished she knew where Kale was. There was one particular Toranite that had it in for him, she suddenly recalled. Why did he have to go off on his own?She told herself that she was just being jumpy and forced herself to smile at Mel. "Pierre is more than welcome to enjoy himself in the pool. I wish I could join him!"A crazy idea entered her head just then: What if this strange blue girl is some kind of Carthagian spy?As soon as she thought it, she realized how ridiculous it was. She truly liked Mel, and had been hoping that the two of them would become fast friends. She smiled again reassuringly, and laughed, ostensibly at the two-headed frog. She hoped that none of what she had just been thinking had shown on her face."We can all go inside; I just need to check in, and of course make an offering."Wyshira felt almost instantly more secure once she was off the street. The soft blue-green light pouring in through the colored glass was calming, as was the quiet murmuring of prayers all around. She went to speak to the initiates about meeting with one of their superiors. It didn't take long to attract the attention of an initiate, a young man in turquoise garb who scrutinised Wyshira carefully, obviously intrigued by the genasi's strange features. He soon came back with the ranking priest of the chapel.What surprised Wyshira was that the cleric wasn't a human; rather, the delicate features and slightly pointed ears of the middle-aged woman hinted at elven ancestry in her blood. Introducing herself as Mileene Shamelock, the priestess nodded respectfully to the genasi. "Greetings, fellow priestess, and welcome to our humble chapel. What can I aid you with?"The place was well-ventilated, as was typical of Ishrak's worship centers. Drafts of moisture-laden air laced with the sweet scent of burning incense tickled her nose, reminding Wyshira even more of home. She acknowledged the half-elven priestess' greeting with a slight, graceful bow, and offered one of her own in turn."Greetings to you also, Mileene. I am Wyshira of Cryosia. My companions and I have travelled far, and it has been some time since I've been to one of our Lady's temples."Keeping her tone friendly but formal, she told the priestess about some of the things she had faced on her journey, like sea devils and werewolves. And she passed along what news she'd picked up along the way that might be useful to the temple clergy. She explained that she was staying outside of town at the estate of Ecurius Tarravas, but would soon be leaving for the Sarokean mountains. It was her duty of course to check in whenever she could; there was always the chance that she could perform some small service for the Church, like carrying a message, or just providing information and news."I'd also like to purchase some of the Lady's healing waters. There are many dangers on the road and in the mountains, and I like to be prepared."Mel ended up hanging back at the entrance of the temple of Ishrak after all. She thought it was an amusing anecdote, but the look on Wyshira's face when she'd told the priestess Toran's theologians' point of view on her goddess had sobered Mel somewhat. Maybe it was a bit of a faux pas?Standing back with Burl while he let his own familiar have a romp in the gardens, she watched the little ball of spines trundle off. Surreptitiously, she eyed his face, deciding quickly that he was definitely not like the necromancers she had known. There was even a little ruddy color in his cheeks, unhidden by white makeup, and what's more he lacked the purple circles under his eyes and the body piercings."Maybe we should check with Lord Ecurius. If he has a few instruments and ingredients we could use the kitchen, and working together we may be able to get something done before it's time to go."The only problem is that I don't have much money. I'll go with you to the alchemist's but I'm afraid I won't be of much help financially."Let's stop in quick while Wyshira--uh, worships. There was a place up the road that looked decent."Tugging on Burl's sleeve she urged him out of the gardens, telling Sebastion, "Just a quick trip to the alchemist's. We'll be right back. Watch Pierre for me?"Sebastion had been trailing the group, eyes wary, wondering just how many temples there could be in a city like this. Religion had never really paid much of a place in his life - he had been brought up at something of a frontier, bred to look out for himself. Faith was something that needed to be earned, not simply given away blindly, and the waste of time and energy that went into the larger cathedrals and chapels confused him completely.However, this smaller display of belief was more to his liking - obvious, without being overstated - and he felt a brief smile tug at his lips as they approached. Resolving himself to remaining outside, hoping for a few moments of solitude, he was somewhat disappointed when Burl and Melisande chose to remain as well.Settling himself against a stone, he revelled for a moment in the abundance of nature; being from a small village he had played most of his childhood in the peace of open spaces, and if this place was closed in, it still carried with it the feel of the rills and tarns of the hills.When Melisande spoke to him, it caught him by surprise a little, and he looked about in a confused fashion for a moment."Pierre?" he asked, rising quickly, switching his sword to the other hand as he pushed away from the rock. "The frog? If you insist on treating me like a hired hand, then I'll least choose the assignments. If you're heading to this shop, I'll come with you. Your frog can fend for himself for a little while..."He wondered for a moment if his irritation had shown through in his speech. Bodyguard a frog, indeed.He hoped so. About to head to the rock outcropping that he had planned to stakeout for a bit of a rest, Burl turned to listen to Mel’s proposition. “That’s probably a good suggestion. Even if we don’t have time to make my salve, it takes a couple of days to solidify, at least we will have the ingredients for when we do have the time.” Burl wasn’t surprised when Mel asked Sebastion to keep an eye on her frog, but he was a bit taken back at the look that was flashed by him at the request. He had thought that the soldier was used to acquiescing to her requests and learned a bit about the man at that moment. Trying to keep the peace, he spoke, “Give me a moment to let Wyshira know where we are headed and ask her to keep an Spike and Pierre. We shouldn’t take to long.” To Sebastion he added, “It will be a pleasure to have you along on our side trip.” To himself he added, I only hope she doesn’t ask him to carry our purchases.Decidedly, Sebastion Cornell was obstinate about seeing things wrong side up, Melisande thought. Lord Ecurius a warlock? Pierre a frog? What was the matter with this mercenary anyway? Next thing he would start refusing to carry her purchases. "He's a toad. And I'm so sorry but I can't pay you for escorting us to the alchemist's. I was only asking a favor."Why did he keep making her act like a petulant little girl? It was mortifying. Maybe if she changed the subject while Burl, who surprised her with his diplomacy, went into the temple.She got hold of her tone of voice and lowered it to something less strident. "You see, Sebastion," she began confidentially, taking his arm, "an arcanist's familiar is more than just a toad or a hedgehog we keep around for company. Pierre is in my mind. He's part of me. And he's much, much smarter than your average toad, even given two heads. If anything were to happen to Pierre it would be like cutting off one of my limbs."In her sincere smile there was no suspicion that anyone might wish this on her."But you're right. I'm sure he's safe here. Let's go."Sebastion's jaw clenched as she turned on him, more concerned about her bloody frog than her own empty blue head.It's got two flaming heads, he thought to himself, as Burl wisely gained a little space from the discussion. It's not really a frog or a toad. And what's the bloody difference between the two anyway?"I don't want paying to escort you. Something happening to Pierre might be like having a limb cut off, I don't know, but going out there, where people don't like Car... people from your country, and certainly are going to pay attention to someone your colour, is asking to have one of your actual limbs cut off. That's why I'm going with you." So saying, he stood fully, gesturing rather sarcastically for her to lead the way. Walking over to where Wyshira and the priest were talking, Burl waited for them to acknowledge his presence before telling her where they were headed and asking for her to watch out for the familiars.As the three left the temple, Burl let Spike know where he was headed and to stick to Wyshira.Cord was more than slightly unnerved as Wyshira held him fast, winding her way through confining streets to the temple of her faith. Few times in his life he had walked faster than a patient saunter; he could not recall a time he had moved faster than on his way to the temple of Ishrak. He remained silent, intent on his surroundings, and trusting that Wyshira would steer him from any obstacles that might surprise him. Yet his trust in her surprised him, as well. It had been quite some time since he had relied on another for his senses.Upon reaching the temple, he began to understand the reason for her haste, especially considering her heritage, devotion, and even temperament. The bubbling of creeks and the slow meander of a nearby river, along with splashes on rocks and the smallest hint of trickling water, merged into a musical song that Cord found enchanting.He introduced himself to the priestess of Ishrak, as well, but decided to explore the temple alone as Wyshira began to speak with her. He returned to a walking pace far more comfortable to his senses and easily avoided the small number of initiates in the small, unconfining shrine. He stepped outside, breathing in the damp smell of flora and soil. He let his bare feet sink into the loam, and even reached down into one of the creeks to allow the cool water rush through his fingers. Kneeling only for a moment, before his back began to protest, he picked up a couple of rounded pebbles from the rocky bottom, relishing the feeling of the stones tumbling in his hand beneath the water. His youth had been spent in underground caves, his adulthood in cramped cities, and although he preferred the comfort of Grumand's temple, the experience of rushing water in the open air was one he dared not miss.Straightening with a grunt, he overheard pieces of the heated conversation between Melisande and Sebastion as they slowly walked out of range, accompanied by Burl. He suppressed a deep chuckle, following his same route to the temple entrance to find Wyshira.DM's Note: Wyshira exchanged news with Mileene, without going into too much detail about the other members of the party. She then set about Gathering Information, encouraging the priestess to tell her about Ecurius, Truthseekers in general, Wind Hawks, the Sarokean Mts, or any Flame Guild or Fire genasi activity in the area.The priestess listened quietly to Wyshira's tales of travel, sad-faced at the news of such dark happenings as the genasi had encountered. When questioned, Mileene answered with careful thought and deliberation."I know little of Lord Ecurius; it's a name I hear rarely, he is not someone who becomes heavily involved in the day-to-day affairs of Tarravus. A member of the royal family and a Truthseeker who has estates outside the city, but beyond that I can tell you little.""As for the Truthseekers in general, again, there is little I can tell you beyond the common knowledge and the rumours surrounding them. They are a society of Naserian sorcerers, incredibly elitist and exclusive in whom they allow into their ranks, who allegedly..." she shrugged bemusedly, "seek truths. They claim to seek to acquire knowledge for its own sake, in the pursuit of an enlightenment of sorts. Things I can tell you for certain is that they are very powerful and very wealthy, and they possess a large number of histories, prophecies, ancient artefacts and suchlike, hidden away safely. Some say they possess the one true history of the world, untainted by the blurring that time has on stories passed on by word of mouth; though I find that unlikely. Others say they seek a particular, undefined 'truth' amidst all the knowledge of the world that will grant them the power of the gods. As I said, hearsay and rumour.""The Wind Hawks are the Order who have their headquarters - the Air Tower, you can't have missed it - here in the capital. They're like the other Orders - elite troops trained in spellcraft and swordcraft both. The Windhawks hold as their military dogma the importance of mobility; if you've seen the great paddocks down the valley, that's where the horses that supply them with cavalry are kept. Their Grand Master is Wind Lord Severin; he's getting on in years but I still wouldn't recommend crossing swords with him. They've got close ties with House Tarravus, and they are our strongest protectors.""The Sarokean mountains? They're the range that runs north-south along Naseria's eastern border, seperates us from the Drakkath. You came across them from the Drakkath, so you've seen a bit of the mountains already, but I'll tell you what I can. They're a wide swath of dangerous lands; the dwarves have some presence in the north but even there it's basically wilderness. It trails off to the south at the south-eastern corner of Naseria where the lands of House Merlihr meet the wild Drakkath. You'll find al sorts of beasts there; giants, orcs, gnolls... The Iron Hawks have their fortress in the foothills of the Sarokeans.""The Sarokeans are a huge place; I can't really tell you much more about them generally, and I don't have a specific enough knowledge to be able to give you finer details. Except, I know there is a large temple to Ishrak - if you head east from Tarravus and slightly south. Clerics from there occasionally pass through here. They say it's in the foothills, not really deep into the mountains. If you're heading back into the Sarokeans and your path takes you in the vicinity, you might want to visit it; apparently they have one of the real teeth of Jormungand there in the reliquary.""The Flame Guild? I don't know much of them. A band of mercenary wizards from the South, aren't they? As for fire genasi, I've never seen one myself.""Now, on the matter of potions; I can give you our entire stock of healing curatives for one hundred gold pieces. That's 3 potions full - I don't often make them, we don't have an intensive need for them. I'm sorry I have to ask for a donation at all from a fellow priestess but we're just a small temple and aren't exactly as wealthy as the faith in the east. You talk of grand cathedrals along the coast of Cryosia, but sadly we lack the following here in the west of the Middle Kingdoms to build such edifices."Sitting and talking quietly with a fellow priestess was a rare pleasure; time seemed to fly by for Wyshira as she and Mileene chatted about this and that."The Wind Hawks are rather impressive in their feathered cloaks," the water genasi admitted with a shy smile. "I wondered if the Temple had any dealings with them."Mileene smiled at Wyshira's comments. "Oh, no, the Wind Hawks are far beyond my station. I may officially hold the post of the highest ranking clergy of Ishrak in the city, but that hardly means much," she gestured around her to take in the small size of the chapel, "and I only get invited to official functions out of politeness rather than any need to consult me. The Wind Hawks may follow the teachings of Air but I fear that sadly, Ishrak's own guidances hold no place in their training. They're military, and closer to Naskha than the Storm Lady. Yet still I am thankful for their presence; I have no fear of the capital ever falling to enemy hands with them here. No finer cavalry force in the world!" the woman added patriotically.Mileene's mention of the Temple of Ishrak in the Sarokean Mountains elicited an exclamation of awe from Wyshira."A tooth of Jormungand! That is something I would very much like to see. But I don't know yet in which direction we'll be travelling."She was grateful for the healing waters. "Of course I understand that you must charge for them. I was raised in a small temple much like this one, and my mother's potions were a major source of income for us."Thank you for everything, Mileene. If there is anything that I can do for you or the Temple, please let me know."Now please excuse me while I take a few moments for meditation. Thank you again, and good-bye."Mileene bade her farewell. "And... if you do find yourself passing through the area I mentioned, well, if you could just pass on my greetings to the high priest there? It would be nice to try and establish stronger ties with that temple, to perhaps increase our influence here by association."All through their conversation, the music of the water had been calling to her. To Wyshira, the sound was the eternal voice of the goddess murmuring secrets untold. Left alone, she closed her eyes and lost herself in listening.But duty called to her also. It wasn't long before thoughts of the crew intruded on her meditation. Finally, she bid a silent and reluctant farewell to the little temple and went looking for the others.* * *The alchemists was pungent indeed with the smells of chemicals on the air; the shelves stacked as much with tomes and treatises on chemistry as it was on actual products; an array of vials, beakers, glassware and strange liquids.The alchemist himself was not a pretty sight - surely not beyond thirty but his vocation had aged him. Patches of hair had fallen out, his skin was pale and blotchy, and the tall man had a racking cough. Nonetheless, he tried his best to be cheery and pleasant as the potential customers filed in."Welcome to... [cough] Archibald's purveyor of chymicals and chymistry [cough]." He smiled as pleasantly as he could. "What can I help you with? Oh..." he laid eyes on Melisande. "Your Ladyship, how can my establishment be of use to you? Are you perhaps, er, looking for an alchemical substance to return you to normal colour? I'm sure that daedrothwort or shadowbane might be of use?" It seemed that he thought her a sorceress, and one who had been the victim of an unfortunate magical accident at that. "Oh, I've already tried both," Melisande confided, not approaching the sickly alchemist more than necessary, but appreciating his concern. "Daedrothwort made my skin turn a sort of lime green for two days."With a helpless shrug she turned to Burl. "If we don't have time to whip up some balms for this trip, maybe we can afford a few cheap and effective products such as acid." Digging out the meager remainder of her fortune she displayed this apologetically so that Burl would know how much, or how little, they were working with.Answering her, he said, “We could probably use some, but first, I would like pick up a half dozen jars and the ingredients to brew my salve. Also, I would like to look around a bit and see if there is anything that catches my eye.”  Noticing her meager number of coins, Burl continued,  “I don’t have much money myself, but I will try to share what I have after I make my purchases.”Moving to the counter, Burl gives the proprietor the list of ingredients that he requires. Just before the man turns to fill his order, Burl has a thought. Lowering his voice so as not to be heard, “By chance, would you be interested in a potion that I came across. It would probably require a very special customer to use it, but it is probably worth a good amount to the right person.” DM's Note: Burl was carrying a potion of Cause Disease - yes, Cause Disease - he acquired back when he raided a temple of the disease god Kevayek...The alchemist engaged in earnest but discreet discussion as he gathered various jars and chemicals for Burl's salves,though all it sounded like was a quiet banter. Once he had ascertained just what Burl was selling, he seemed interested enough, though not giving details for what purposes he would wish to buy it; he offered the necromancer two hundred pieces for gold for it, which would be passed discreetly under the counter in a small bag, of course.Burl entered into a quiet, but animated conversation as he pointed to different items, and dickered over their prices, all the while negotiating for the potion. Burl had hoped to pick up enough to make six jars of his healing salve, but that would be dependent upon the apothecary’s price. While the old man finished gathering the items, Burl slipped the vial from his bag while packing away the items. Pulling his pouch out to pay, he passed the vial and accepted the 200 gold, which he quickly hid on his person.As he turned to leave, Burl couldn’t believe his good fortune. He had never fully decided what he was going to do with the potion and the opportunity to sell couldn’t be passed.“Mel, I almost forgot that you wanted to acquire some items. Let’s see what we can do about getting them. You can always pay me back later.” Sebastion wasn't entirely surprised, following his comments, that Melisande practically ignored him for the duration of their short journey, though he felt a little disgruntled that the other warlock had seen fit to ignore him.Birds of a feather.... he told himself, as they arrived at the destination. The acrid stench, and the apparent condition of the host, encouraged Sebastion that neither of his charges were in any apparent danger, and he settled comfortably against the wall outside, watching the world wander past, and taking some time to breathe deeply, and not have to worry about who was going to treat him as a servant next. * * *After her discussion with Mileene, and her meditation, Wyshira and Cord made their way the short distance to the alchemists; easily discernible by Sebastion leaning languidly against the wall outside.* * *The alchemist wandered amongst the shelves, picking off this jar and that, a pinch of that powder, three vials of this strangely blue-green liquid, coughing and sniffing as he went about it. For the six salves Burl wanted to make, once all the ingredients had been collected to his satisfaction, the man put a price of one hundred gold pieces; cheaper by far than buying the final-made salves from an alchemist with skill enough to make them (which this poor soul did not) but of course with the hassle and chance of having to put the substance together yourself, as Burl had previously found out."And for your Ladyship?"There was another thing Melisande's mother kept warning her about: never accept gifts from strange men. And certainly not, she added to herself, strange necromancers. Yet although she had not eavesdropped on the whispered (and wheezed) negotiations, she couldn't help but notice a goodly quantity of gold changing hands in Burl's direction, and if he was prepared to spend some of it for her (and indirectly for the whole expedition's well-being), then it would be rude, wouldn't it, to refuse."Well... I could do with a vial or two of acid and some lamp oil." She looked closely at Burl, wondering whether he was the sort to expect to be paid back with interest. "It's very generous of you. I'll pay you back as soon as Lord Ecurius gives us our--our--did I say Lord Ecurius? Ha ha, I meant Lord--Lord--the other one, who's paying us."It was a clumsy attempt at discretion, but her heart was in the right place. "Is that all right?" “You will probably find acid here, but I haven’t seen any lamp oil.”  answered Burl to Mel’s request.“I’m sure that I can trust you for the loan. I’ll just wait over by the door until you have made your choice.” Burl walked to the door where he was browsing among some used equipment and a few containers of mundane ingredients when he heard a voice that he wasn’t expecting….Wyshira.* * *Before making their way to the alchemist's, Cord paused for a moment to listen to the animal sounds within the garden. Two had been left behind by their respective magic-users and after a moment or two of searching, Wyshira was holding Melisande's toad and Cord had Burl's hedgehog. Within moments of leaving the temple they located the alchemist lab: Wyshira by sight, Cord by scent.Cord nodded to the form of Sebastion just outside the door before stepping in. The mercenary soldier was, with little doubt, still fuming. Cord allowed him the luxury.The sudden mixture of pungent odors and acrid tangs within the store completely blocked the majority of his senses. Not blind, but a grayish haze had descended over his mind. It was a difficult lesson to learn, how easily his connection to the world could be obscured. Travelling from farm to homestead, sleeping in the outdoors, and rarely venturing into the cities had left him in control for the majority of the past few decades. Not until recently did he discover the tenuousness of his senses, times where his blindness seemed to be almost . . . a handicap.Reserving such thoughts to ponder another time, Cord turned to Burl, and relinquishing the eager familiar, its twitching nose searching for its master's scent. "Have no fear, my friend," Cord said, "your animal has been kept safe."Turning slightly to the other in the room, Melisande, Cord opened his hands and smiled. "Have you two found what you desire?"DM's Note: There was a bit of complication here because in fact there had been no mention of anyone picking up the familiars <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> but Cord cunningly did a little backtracking when he posted...Melisande was able to easily pick up a couple of vials of acid from the alchemist, borrowing some twenty gold pieces from Burl to pay for the transaction; unfortunately Archibald didn't stock any lamp oil, so the sorceress had to go without.* * *Outside and in the streets of the capital, the day now growing late and soon to be the time when the small band would have to return to their patron's estates once more, Burl had to stifle a sudden shock.Burl.Tewlcroghen's voice seemed to reverberate within his mind. A surreptitious glance about revealed the others had apparently not heard it though.Good, the amulet works; I can communicate to you. I have a simple favour to ask of you.I am sending to you a bird; a carrier hawk that should soon arrive over the next day or two. All I need you to do is to write down the current average market prices of grain and iron ore in the Tarravus markets and send the list back to me by the hawk. It will help us in predicting economic changes here in Iril.And that was it. Soon after, the evening growing more full, the band made their way back to the estate of their patron perched high on the side of the verdant valley.* * *In the next update I'll set about charting Kale and Ebri's ventures of the day <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /></blockquote>

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