Near the well, Shadow smiles a somewhat wicked smile at T’aria’s description of one of the previous night’s victims. “Whining lady? My dear girl, that was the widow of a very famous and well-liked ambassador. Well-liked by the king, even, so you can imagine he wants to find her attacker. You said his name is Gwyn, did you?” She waits a moment for T’aria’s reaction, then adds “But no, I have nothing to gain by telling the city guard who to look for.”
When the half-demon changes position, Shadow does as well, now lounging on her side. It’s almost a dance, both people responding to one another’s moves, both people looking relaxed but ready to leap to their feet if necessary. She says “Yes, power groups. I don’t think the city guard will take you in; they’ve never hired a woman before. Sexist idiots. Then there’s Hectaras, he fancies himself starting a thieves guild. But since I think he’s out to kill your group, he may not be the best employer, unless you’re interested in betraying this party you shouldn’t have joined. And the third group I mentioned, the ones who seemed to spring from nowhere, why I do believe they do employ dogs. I had no idea they were celestial ones, though. That’s certainly interesting.”
“And then my group. Well, as I said, we’re very secretive. You’d have to prove yourself. But you’ve already shown me you’re pretty skilled… I can barely tell by your movements that you’re in a lot of pain. But I don’t see a wound on you, so you’ve covered up quite well. I’m sure my group would have
something you could do. Our primary goal is gathering information. There’s no agenda to us, we don’t spy ‘for’ anyone, just for ourselves and our leader. And as far as we can tell, our leader never does a single thing with the info. Doesn’t sell it, doesn’t use it to influence anyone. At least not in any obvious way. I personally think there’s a pattern to it, but I haven’t quite made it out. Yet.”
She looks back in the direction that Skulker and the boy went, and sees them both coming back, but taking their time. Apparently Skulker wants to make sure the conversation here is finished before bringing Sunjin. She says to T’aria “No other power groups really. They all sort of collapse before they get too big around here. There is a wizards guild, but since they keep themselves pretty secluded, I wouldn’t call them a power group. But, there’s lots of powerful individuals you could work for, given your skills.”
In the bathing room at Brie’s, the owner snarls a bit, but then says “You’re right. You’ve been a help, and it makes more sense it was Hectaras anyway. After that blabbermouth this morning mentioned him, I’m sure Modrin went right to him, and let it slip it was an adventurer I hired who talked about him. I’m going to have to kill that punk, I just know it. And Jovana not telling me you were here is going to merit some retribution too.”
[Accalon rolled Diplomacy 9+9=18]
She looks to Loni and Beatrice, both of whom have eyes downcast at the mention of Jovana’s punishment, and says “You two, go upstairs and let Valasia out. I doubt Modrin will be back tonight.” Beatrice moves immediately, Loni delaying a bit for one last touch on Accalon’s shoulder. When both are gone, Brie walks up to the tub and says “I sure was proud of Loni just a little while ago. She was telling Modrin how much in love you and Valasia are. It was really touching.”
She watches Accalon carefully for his reaction to that, then adds “He seemed really concerned for the stupid elf. Wanted to make sure you were worthy of her. Ha! So anyway, I need to get this whole Valasia thing resolved. I talked with her father, Vandior. Naturally, the man still doesn’t have my money. I told him you and your friends can help him with that. He balked, but when I mentioned you guys killed a slestial, I still don’t really know what that is, but he does, because he turned all white. I also told him Modrin would be investigating him soon, so he didn’t really have a choice. He finally admitted he knew a way to get the money if he had some ‘muscle’, so now he’s expecting you guys to pay him a visit.”
She thinks for a moment, “It really isn’t any of your business, but since you got some girls on your team, and at least one proved she was willing to whore herself, I should probably tell you. Tell her not to sleep with him. He’s got a sex-disease. That’s what he owes me the money for, he infected a couple of my girls. Cost me quite a bit to get it cured, and hurt business too, so he’s going to pay out the nose… or any other suitable orifice.”
The next morning in the forest, Gwyn takes a bite of the pear and, although he’s not likely to show it given his nature, it’s the best tasting fruit he’s ever had. The single bite makes him feel better too, replacing some of his pain with a slight euphoric feeling. The dwarf says “I’ve seen parties of adventurers before. They usually keep themselves in better shape than you guys are. You very clearly need me, or do you plan to brave the ruins with no healing at all?”
[Gwyn is healed of 1 HP of damage. Will probably be healed more if he eats the whole thing]
[I would do the Boone’s shop thing but I need to know from Fangor: how did you envision this? Did Aligor see Lydia through a window, and yell through the closed door, or was all that with you opening the door? Please tell me which you saw it as, preferably not just choosing the one more favorable

]