Antares self-consciously glances at Stoneburner the Goblin at that, gesturing discrete apology to him -- if not for the content of the words themselves, than at least for speaking of him in the third person while he is oh so present?"And a piece of advice on goblins. Don't trust them. They're useful enough to the more powerful, but as soon as they think those watching them are not watching them as carefully they'll try to take advantage."
"Indeed," emphatically agrees the elf, obviously struggling to stay abreast of the conversation, alternatively walking and then trotting a few steps as leafy branches resist his progress. (Could they not, in truth, have discussed this where they stood?) "And this is where you yourself might be of the greatest help to this noble effort? For we have been told your knowledge of plants and animal ichors is unrivalled in the region? That the secrets of the poison used against the good captain could almost-instantly unfold before your learned eyes like simple writings on vellum pages, pointing the way to he who thinks himself safely concealed in mists of his own devising?" Dancing at the feet of the five-fold star..."Greed is a greater drive than confort, which so far I hadn't have aplenty. I share your view of goblins, but our common foe seems to be a dire one. We need to put a stop to him, a definite stop." States Muzdim.
"I'm sure one can only enhance the efforts of the other," quickly (and hopefully diplomatically) inserts the elf -- accepting both drawings but only paying concerted attention to the former for now, saving the best for last. "Pray, would you know where this flower is to be found in general, goodhermit, that it might guide our search? In a certain confined region, perhaps? Is it a lover of meadows, mossy banks or perhaps wooded shade?A rather elegantly drawn picture of a three petaled flower with each petal a different color (red, yellow and purple), and a a much cruder appearing map. "From the sounds of it, you aren't sure where this goblin village is - and I'm not sure I trust your... guide to safely deliver you there."
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What a strange organism, thinks Antares, beginning to consider it as perhaps more than just a thing to be quested for, a simple means to an end. "Such a peculiar plant must have fascinating applications, goodhermit, must it not? By what name does it go by, if I can inquire? And, more importantly, I wonder... Would- would you be opposed to having an assistant when you apply its properties, time permitting?" This last being in quite short supply ever since they decided to form the company -- but still, a young elf can dream...To Antares he gives a wry smile, "The problem with that distinctive plant is that the leaves look just like another common weed all throughout this area. The flower only blooms in the hour before dawn and the hour after sunset. Almost always it is found in the shadow of hills in the shadow of mountains, such as the location you will be going to on this map."
"We will- we will at the least try to accomplish the latter, goodhermit," assures the elf with an uncomfortable swallow.A pause and then he adds, "If you find any of those flowers and return alive, I may have other such maps that I can dig up of the mountain and things beneath it. I expect you are in something of a hurry, so don't let an old hermit keep you any longer than necessary.
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