Session+84

** Session 84 ** **1/23/2016** **Investigating the Disappearance of Azarius's Parents in Sarshel**

*New magic item enhancement with Level 15* Woot!

 Posy - Once per day, she can use her nose ring to summon up the spirits of barbarians with corporeal weapons effectively forming a blade barrier as though a cleric of her caster level.

 Thorn - can now summon his mirror Thorn flanking buddy as a swift action from his dagger. Also once per day, one of his sneak attacks does maximum sneak attack damage.

 Azarius - Once per day, as a standard action his breastplate can cast seamantle as a sorcerer of his current level.

 Maliumpkin - Once per day her staff can cast fire storm as a druid of her current caster level.

 Erevin - He can now imbue his bow with a divine bond as though a paladin of his current level.

 Wren - Cirdan can now hold up to 50 hp of Wren's blood to heal her as a swift action. It takes her own blood to refill him.

With a couple of teleport spells... Azarius, Amara, Trieste, Erevin, Shri , Thorn, Posy, Uther , Mali, Ursus , Wren, and Kale all journeyed to Sarchel , northeast along the coast from Lyrabar. Arrangements were made for the Garishthimbles to travel to Sanctuary with Silvermane.

It was late winter. Seagulls called in the air of South Bay around the Chaat estate. The massive noble home was built on top of an enormously tall rock island in the ocean. A green flag with the Chaat crest flew high. The city was carved into a giant cliff across from a few more of these rock islands where the three other main noble estates were located. The Marhannas, the Bronzewards , and the Ruthermones.

Stairways from the upper level of the city wound down to the docks. Merchant vessels lined the bottom of the city along the docks. Covered wagons hung from ropes like cable cars running from the islands to the city. Erevin looked around from the gazebo at the towering estates, "Now I'm going to have to build a home //here// too..." Azarius laughed, "You are always welcome at the Chaat estate anytime, my friend." The elven ranger grinned and nodded, "Thank you."

One of the Chaat guards snapped to attention as Azarius and his companions arrived. "My Lord! We were not expecting you to arrive so quickly... We just sent a letter off to your sister, but it's good that you are back," he nodded to the charismatic sorcerer, and opened the gate, "Welcome home." Azarius led his friends up the pathway to the main door past sea-shelled decor, statues, and fountains with squids and other various aquatic life spewing water.

The young sorcerer smiled and nodded in greeting to the family butler at the door, "Aquainas, good to see you. I have several friends in tow." "Ah, it is good to see you as well. I... didn't know you would be back so soon. I shall have the servants prepare a light repast for your friends who can wait in the parlor while we prepare your rooms," the butler nodded, stepping aside to welcome everyone into the vast estate. Azarius nodded, "I have to step out for a moment to retrieve some more friends, but it should be a quick trip." "Ah very well, I shall treat your friends as welcome guests. Please, come in, come in," the butler nodded. He escorted them into the foyer of marble. Shelves of golden vases, multiple culture valuables, and aquatic treasures lined the walls along with vast beautiful paintings. Azarius leaned closer to him, "We do have some rabbit food on hand for the elves?" "Yes, yes, I'm sure we have a leaf or two of lettuce and some carrots... they like carrots, right?" Aquainas asked him quietly. Azarius nodded. The butler glanced at Thorn and quietly moved the valuables up higher as they walked. A display case held small scale ship models from some of the Chaat family vessels from the past.

Platters of delicious food and pipe weed were brought to the tables. Thorn happily smoked a pipe, forming intricate smoke rings alongside Maliumpkin. Erevin and Shri sat on lounge chairs on the open balcony overlooking the ocean. Posy sat at the table nibbling on the platters of food. Azarius and Wren returned with the others to join them.

Aquainas filled in Azarius with current events, "A couple of weeks ago the Marhannas were here for a party. I'm not sure exactly what went on during the party... I believe others were there as well. At least the lady of the house from the Ruthermones... Emery... But the next day your parents seemed... not upset exactly... but perhaps... purposeful... They sent for one of the merchant ships to make ready for voyage. Normally that takes a couple of days... but they were out most of the day... then... the next day your parents and some of their things were gone... I'm not even sure when the ship sailed. I thought perhaps that your parents had gone to the Marhannas to discuss what had happened that evening... but when they didn't return, I sent one of the guards down. We found out that the ship had left... but I don't know if your parents were on it or not... that's why I sent a letter to Miss Amara explaining that they were missing. We have tried to contact the ship, but we haven't gotten any response."

The two eldest children, Belruhn and Alashar Marhanna, had the same father. Belruhn's mother had died, and his father married fairly quickly and they had Alashar. Alashar's mother died as well from a sickness. Their father in a moment of grief was said to have committed suicide, leaving Belruhn in charge of the estate and family affairs.

Everyone boarded the cable car to head to the marketplace. The gondola was nice inside, swaying gently in the breeze, and creaked as they went across. Much like in Lyrabar, the queen of Impiltur had placed a paladin of Lathander in charge of Sarshel. Temples and Shops were all along the topside of the city with residences built into the cliffside beneath. The smell of fresh roasted fish, shrimp, and various shelled aquatic delicacies filled the air. Thorn, Posy, and Uther stayed topside in the marketplace. Thorn carefully selected several delicious items from baskets and tables as they walked, collecting a basket for lunch. Posy dropped a gold or two into the hands of the poor and hardworking merchants. The young halfling rogue noticed a woman in a cloak working the crowd much like he was himself. Wren, Kale, Mali, and Ursus boarded one of the slow descending platforms to the docks. Azarius had given them some names to contact and warned them to be careful. The platforms and wooden stilts creaked as the waves crashed and the people crossed. It was bustling with workers and merchants. The small group headed into the centralized large wooden building. Phineas was very busily stamping papers and giving orders as he handed them to different people, controlling the hub of action. "Yes, yes, how can I...?" the lanky human glanced up as he seen the shadows of the companions come near. Surprised to see two graceful elves, an adorable halfling, and a rather large barbarian... he paused his words and stared for a moment before continuing, "Can I help you?" "Are you Phineas?" Wren stepped forward with a smile. "Why yes I am," he nodded, wiping his ink stained hand on his apron before shaking each of their hands, "We don't get many visits from the fair folk down here on the docks... you must be what they call... adventurers... cause you're... you're shiny!" Wren laughed and nodded. They were clean, dressed well, and dripped in magic items... they were indeed shiny. "My name is Wren. Azarius asked us to come on behalf of his family. Can you tell me about the recently departed Chaat merchant vessel?" She handed him the signed documents Azarius had sent them with. "Oh!" Phineas nodded, accepting the documents and looking them over, "I hadn't heard the lord's son had returned from his studies abroad." "We just arrived this morning," Wren replied. "Well what can I do for you?" Phineas nodded again. "We're hoping you can tell us more about the Crakken of the Sea... the Chaat vessel that was supposed to depart under Captain Ackbar," Wren nodded. "Yes... I heard that it left a day early," he nodded. He appeared that he knew, but was reluctant to confirm whether or not Azarius's parents were aboard. "If Azarius cared to speak to me himself possibly... but I can't really confer with this type of family business with just anyone." "It's less about business matters and more about their well being," Wren explained further, "We're trying to make sure that they're alright." "Oh, well I haven't heard anything about the ship sinking," he shook his head, "I'm sure that they're fine." Wren smiled, "So they are on it..." "I d-didn't say that! ...I mean if they were on it... they'd be fine," he nodded quickly, and added a little more thoughtfully, "Though I did hear the rumor that someone tried to contact the ship and they didn't answer... but I'm... I'm sure they're fine. Probably some misunderstanding. I don't listen to those rumors. Captain Ackbar is one of the finest captains." "How long have they had Captain Ackbar in their service?" Wren asked. "8... maybe 9 years? He's been with the Chaat family for awhile," he assured her. She leaned over the counter, her cleavage more exposed, "You know, I really don't want to have to trouble Azarius to come all the way down here... especially since I'm already... so close," her sultry golden eyes locked with his, "Are you sure you don't know more about his parents and the ship?" "Well... they did come to me," Phineas nodded, giving in, "They asked to board passage... which was very unusual... the lord and lady Chaat never board a ship together... in fact it's quite rare that they board at all... and they came to me personally... I am a friend of the family..." "Oh, I'm sure that you are... Azarius sent me to you personally afterall," Wren leaned closer, listening intently and nodding. "You will tell Azarius that I helped?" he asked hopefully. "Oh, of course," Wren nodded, "I'm sure he'll be most pleased." Phineas nodded, "They came to me in secret... it's why I was so hesitant to say anything... but surely it's okay to tell their son." "Of course! I'm sure they'd want their son to know," Wren nodded, "Can you tell me what heading they were on?" She smiled sweetly. "They were to head to the south," he replied, gesturing out into the sea in a southward direction. Wren nodded, following his gaze before turning back to him, "Have you heard any rumors as to anything happening in the south?" "No..." he shook his head and brought a finger to his lips in thought, "It's unusual... that's open water. They could have been heading to one of the coastal cities... but there's nothing much but open water that way... I'm not sure what they were doing... but with a captain like Captain Ackbar, I'm sure they'll be fine." Wren nodded, "Well you've been most helpful and I appreciate it." "Of course, of course... Please be sure to mention to the Lord Chaat how helpful I was," he nudged her again. Wren tried to cover her smile as she nodded, "Of course... and I'm sure he'd like to see you rewarded." She handed him a small pouch of 10 gold that he quickly pocketed. As they walked up the docks, the sun began to set dipping the lower part of the city into shadow. Wren turned as she heard the beautiful sound of music coming from a tavern called The Lonesome Sailor. "Mali... do you hear that? Do you want to go check it out?" Wren glanced behind her and the young druidess was already heading to the tavern.

Wren and Kale followed Mali and Ursus into the rather dingy hole-in-the-wall bar where most of the pirate-looking patrons were captivated by a stunning silver-haired woman singing on stage. She wore bright gypsy colors and bangle jewelry. A few patrons glanced over, a little surprised by the entrance of the four, but most stayed mesmerized by the brilliant performance. The beautiful woman on stage glanced up at the newcomers and winked playfully, her singing flawlessly uninterrupted. Wren noticed a tingly feeling washing over her. Back up top... Posy, Uther, and Thorn ventured into one of the nicer inns, The Foaming Pint. The patrons here were wealthy merchants and well dressed adventuring parties. Sitting at one of the tables was a group of people that the trio recognized... Sea pirates from their macaw cove adventure. Throndir Whitenedwave - the Emperor of the East, Maelin Sunrose - his first mate, and Corsha Ocneia - their weather mage. Thorn paused at the barkeep, gesturing to the table of well dressed elven pirates, and paid ahead for a round of drinks before he headed over near their table. "Master Thorn... it is Thorn, right?" the cultured elven pirate captain greeted him, "It's been quite a while!" "Yes," the young halfling rogue nodded, "It has been." "What brings you to Sarshel? I heard rumors that you and your companions were wandering around Impiltur... and the elven lands... and Damara... and who knows where else?" "Yes, there... and there... and yes, there too," Thorn nodded with a laugh. "You've made quite a name for yourselves... you and your 'simple woodsman'," Throndir nodded and gestured to the table, "Please... pull up a chair." Maelin ordered a round for the table and Thorn nodded to the barkeep, smiling as he sat down, "Already taken care of." Posy and Uther sat down with them as well. "You're a good man," Maelin nodded to him, "I don't suppose that Erevin has managed to put my dagger to use yet?" "Not to my knowledge... should I let him know that you would like that to happen sooner rather than later?" Thorn asked inquisitively. "Well as a matter of fact that has something to do with the reason why we're here too," Throndir nodded. "Oh really?" Thorn turned back to the captain, "Care to share?" "Well you know old Rotgrim the Red was never the most level headed of the emperors... but I think he took that whole thing with you at the pirate meeting a little poorly... We've never had the best of relations... you know elves and orcs and all that..." Throndir explained. "Oh go ahead and say it, Captain," Maelin nodded to him, "The only good orc is a dead orc!" "Here, here," the three of them raised their mugs and drank. Thorn glanced around to make sure there weren't any half-orcs nearby and nodded.

 "We've pretty much kept to our area in the east for the last year and Rotgrim and his crew have kept to the south," Throndir went on, "But in the last couple of months or so... he's gone a little crazy, even for an orc. He attacked my pirate ship... which is an act of war. I came up personally to try and talk with him... and let's just say his ship has gotten some upgrades... He damn near sank the Wavelighter. We had to head here for repairs. We've been in Sarshel for a couple of weeks now, and the ship is about ready. We plan to meet with the Empress of the North to see what we can do about this new Rotgrim and his crew." "Have you considered including the one from the west as well?" Thorn asked. "Fizpot's harder to find with that gnomish submersible that he had... and he's a gnome... they're not very reliable," he glanced at Posy and put a hand over his mouth, "Oh sorry! No offense." Posy shook her head and shrugged, "None taken." Thorn nodded, "Well I don't mean to tell you how to do your business... but I would suggest that you at least think about contacting him... I think that the three of you would be a stronger force." The elven captain nodded, "It is a good idea... we'll have to see what we can do. We should be leaving here hopefully in a few days."

Corsha looked relieved at this, "I'm a sorceress of the seas... and I hate to be stuck on land for so long." She turned thoughtfully to Thorn, "Is Azarius here?" "Oh yes," The young halfling nodded, "He brought us here." "Oh, Is he doing well? Is he as handsome as ever?" she inquired further. "He is a very good looking man," Thorn agreed. "Well I will have to call on the Chaat estate before we leave. It would be nice to see some different surroundings other than this inn," she nodded. "Actually that's why //we// are here... members of the Chaat estate," Thorn nodded. "Oh really?" Throndir turned with interest, "What's happened with the Chaats? They're some of our best... clients." "Well they're missing," Thorn replied, "At least as far as we're aware." "Did someone kidnap them here in town?" Throndir asked. "We're trying to find out," Thorn nodded, "You wouldn't know anything about the Chaat vessel recently leaving port called the Crakken of the Sea, would you?" "These waters are the Empress of the North's territory... you might want to inquire there... but Rotgrim the Red is here as well because he was just chasing us until we got too close to the Impiltur shore... The Impiltur navy frowns on pirating... but that orc's certainly the type to rape and pillage a human noble ship." "That's not exactly the kind of news we were hoping for," Thorn frowned, "But aside from that you haven't heard any other rumors of anything?" Throndir shook his head, "No... no rumors... if the Empress of the North and Gar had taken their ship, they would have taken the goods and sent some kind of ransom letter by now." Thorn nodded.

"The seas have been rough, but that's expected in the winter time... the truly unpleasant weather will come in the spring," Throndir added thoughtfully, and then turned to Maelin. "Who is it that the Chaat's use as a captain?" "Ackbar I believe is his name," his first mate nodded. "How good of a captain is this Ackbar?" Thorn asked. "One of the best," Throndir answered nodding, "He's from Turmish ... which is in my territory. I've certainly run into him before. It was Turmish's loss when the Chaats scooped up Ackbar... but when you have a lot of money to spend..." he shrugged. Thorn nodded, "Looks like we'll be looking into this Captain Ackbar then, thank you."

Posy nodded, "And you should come by the Chaat estate." "I will," Corsha nodded. Maelin agreed, "I wouldn't mind seeing Erevin again." "If there is anything else you need, just let us know," Throndir nodded. "Thank you," Thorn nodded and paid for another round before they left.

Erevin, Shri, Azarius, and Trieste stepped onto the walkway of the Marhannas. A guard greeted them at the gate, "What can I do for you Lord Chaat. I didn't know you were back in town." "We're on rather pressing business currently," Azarius nodded to him. "I see. Did you wish to speak with Belruhn or Alashar?" the guard asked. "Either or both," the blonde sorcerer nodded. He led them into the house, "Lady Alashar will be pleased to speak with you."

Known for the timber trade and making a lot of goods, there were several woodworking displays in the home. The two had known each other for a long time... Alashar used to babysit for Azarius and Amara years ago. Their parents had tried to throw them together a few times, but the young sorcerer found it awkward to date the slightly older woman who he had known as a caretaker. Alashar didn't get along with her half-brother. She was suspicious of the deaths of both of their mothers as well as their father... but she didn't voice it. Shri gestured to the strange division of the house by decor... it had a very his half / her half feel to it.

Alashar came in to greet them. She was a young human woman pale with light blonde hair, dyed with streaks of sea green. She was a few years older than Azarius. She embraced the sorcerer warmly, "It's so good to see you! I haven't seen you in 3 or 4 years... and my... you've grown even more handsome! Come in, come in... you have elven friends? Who is this elven prince beside you?" She used the word prince loosely as a handsome elven man with no direct knowledge of any real lineage as she looked Erevin and Shri over curiously. Azarius introduced Erevin and Shri and Trieste. "A drow... so exotic," Alashar looked like she wanted to touch the young priestess. Shri smiled and nodded, "Yes, I am quite real." The noblewoman nodded and blushed, turning to the Chaat bodyguard, "And Trieste it is quite good to see you as well." Trieste nodded.

"So I hadn't even heard that you were in town... is Amara here as well?" Alashar asked. Azarius nodded, "Yes, she's at home currently." "I would like to get together with her and talk shop so to speak," the lady Marhanna nodded, "What brings you to our estate today?" Mentioning the party where she and her brother had recently attended at his parents, Azarius asked, "How did that go? What was discussed? ...Was it business? ...Travel?" "Well... My brother, being the bore that he is, actually didn't tell me about the party at all! I just happened to find out from one of the servants, so I decided to tag along... I'm sure he simply misplaced my invitation. He's not the kindest of men... though perhaps he's just trying to look out for me," Alashar shook her head, and continued on, "but anyway... I made my way to the party. It seemed like a typical affair although my half brother did meet with your father for almost an hour! I'm not sure what they discussed... I had a pleasant conversation with your mother, and it didn't seem like anything was amiss... but it was shortly after that that my brother decided that he wanted to accompany one of our merchant ships down to... Lyrabar, I think? I certainly didn't mind, it's nice to have the house to myself." "He left in a hurry?" Erevin asked. "Yes," Alashar nodded, "He had just returned from traveling on one of our ships the week before... It's unusual. He doesn't usually travel quite so much... When I asked him how the voyage was... he seemed shaken... he said he had seen something in the sea that he had never seen before... but when I pressed him on it... he did his stupid condescending act and shooed me off... 'oh you're just a woman and you don't understand the seas'." Her voice mocked her brothers as she imitated his normal phrase. "Go back to your embroidery, woman," Erevin nodded. "Exactly! You know the type!" she nodded to the elven prince. "I do," he nodded. "As if I couldn't run this business just fine," she grumbled, "I mean I helped to raise him and his sister." She gestured to Azarius.

"Well we're trying to locate my parents," Azarius changed the subject, "They made some sort of hasty departure and we're trying to locate the ship to figure out what is going on." "I could certainly send a message to our ship that is heading to Lyrabar asking if my brother knows of anything... though whether he would share that information with us, I don't really know," she answered. "Would the message perhaps bear more weight if it came from me since you don't seem to get along?" Azarius asked. "That might help," she nodded. "He's going to Lyrabar?" Erevin asked, and then nodded, "Why don't we meet him there?" "Well let's send a message to see what information he is willing to send back... we can still meet him there," Azarius nodded. "I will have our harbor master send a message right away then," Alashar nodded, serving them delicious scones and tea while they waited.

An hour or so later she received an answer, "The captain has arrived in Lyrabar... but apparently my brother never traveled with them. He told them that he changed his mind." "So is he still here then?" Azarius asked. She shook her head, "Not to my knowledge... though I certainly try to avoid 'his' side of the house... but the servants would have certainly said something." "Would you mind if I looked around... without disturbing anything, of course... around his side of the house? Perhaps I can find some sort of correspondence," Azarius asked. "Of course, you're welcome to look around all that you like," she nodded.

 Azarius and Erevin wandered around Belruhn's side of the house with the young elf noticing the large portrait of Belruhn himself. Behind it they found a safe that looked like it had been gone through in a hurry. A few maps of the sea and a statue of a gold squid. Azarius recognized the totem as likely from that underwater city his family had gotten several items from. Looking over the maps, the sorcerer discovered they seemed to be different stages and different times of the same general area... overall it was apparent the lord Marhanna had been looking for that underwater city. "So he told your parents that he found it... and was looking to stake a claim?" Erevin suggested, looking over the noted maps. Azarius shook his head, "It doesn't make any sense... I don't think they've been back to that city for years... he must have told them something... a trick or not... something that made them want to go." "Given the Ghandahaur stuff that's been going on... we should look into it," Erevin nodded. Azarius nodded, "I hate to postpone our other plans further... but it does look like we need to go. We'll have to arrange a ship." Erevin nodded.

Azarius thanked Alashar for her hospitality, and began their farewells. "It was no trouble... you're welcome here anytime," the lady Marhanna nodded, "I'd like to come by and visit with Amara. Did she find a husband yet?" "No... I don't think so... I mean there was the one guy, but... it's kind of a hard long distance relationship," he nodded to her, "If she has someone else on the line, I haven't heard." "I had heard that you rescued her since her disappearance at the wedding... but I haven't heard about any of her exploits in the big city of Lyrabar," Alashar nodded. "She would appreciate the company, I'm sure," Azarius agreed.

Wren, Mali, Kale, and Ursus enjoyed the silver-haired woman's performance. Kale and Ursus lingered close, keeping an eye on some of the delinquent patrons around them. There was a clatter of hooks on the table and hoots and hollers from 3-toothed sailors as the bardess took her bow. Several copper clinked into a little pot on the stage. Wren approached the woman with her companions, "That was quite the performance." The young witch admired her. "Well thank you," the beautiful silver haired woman nodded, "I do aim to please. My name is Carra." "It's a pleasure to meet you, Carra. My name is Wren. This is Maliumpkin, Kale, and Ursus," she gestured to each of her companions. "Quite the interesting group," Carra nodded, "You don't look like you quite fit in here." Wren smiled, "It's true... we're foreigners. We're visiting the city with a friend." "Oh, well you seem a little more cultured than the fine gentleman in here," the silver haired woman smiled. Wren laughed softly, "Thank you... we do try."

"I haven't seen a halfling in quite some time... Maliumpkin is your name?" Carra looked the druidess over and ooo'd over the shrunken form of Melleron, "And that's such an adorable little kitty!" She reached out to pet him. "He will eat you," Mali scowled. "Oh! Does he bite?" she pulled back her hand. "Yes," Mali spoke with irritation in her voice as she contemplated removing the lion's collar.

The silver haired performer laughed and turned to look them all over again, "So what brings a couple of elves, a halfling, and a... large barbarian... into a place of such ill repute?" "Well... we were on the docks looking into some matters when we heard your voice," Wren nodded, "So apparently we're here for you." She smiled. "I appreciate the patronage... although I'd appreciate...," the beautiful songstress gestured her head toward her copper pot on the stage. Wren smiled and nodded, "Of course." She tossed a gold into the pot. "Most generous," Carra nodded happily, "You seem to be quite the intoxicating young woman." "Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment... coming from such an enchanting woman as yourself," Wren smiled and nodded. "Why thank you," Carra nodded, and glanced at the elven warrior beside her, "And quite the handsome gentleman who seems to be hovering very protectively over you." "My fiance," Wren nodded. "He seems... violent and dangerous," Carra laughed softly. Wren laughed, "Some of his most endearing qualities." "And rather green..." Carra smiled, adding almost as an afterthought, "with jealousy." She looked about the room of the scoundrels that the warrior was watching. Wren raised an eyebrow looking the songstress over more carefully. Not just anyone would pick out Kale's green dragon lineage... The beautiful performer had certainly brought out a tingle over her body and she had an exotic beauty to her... her silver hair reminded her of Argent, but this woman didn't have the same aura that the sorceress carried about her. The young witch quickly flipped through stories and memories in her mind as she looked her over... there was a rare dragon that didn't affiliate with the chromatics, primals, or metallics... a song dragon. Almost all of them had the ability to assume human form, and they liked traveling the world learning music and performing songs. They liked to experience music from all of the other races, though they were reclusive and didn't mingle with the other dragons. They were typically good dragons.

"So what is such an impressive woman such as yourself doing in a place like this?" Wren tilted her head, curious. "Well I'm sure other bards and performers would frown on coming to such a bawdry place... but these shanties need song as well. While they are a little rough around the edges... the patrons here are certainly appreciative... and it's always nice to feel appreciated," she nodded. "You certainly look like you can handle your own," Wren nodded, glancing at her and around at the patrons. "Nobleman are nice to perform with as well... but there are times where it feels like you are more window dressing... rather than them respecting your art," Carra explained. Wren paused thinking it over and nodded to her, agreeing, "I like your phrasing." "I mean no offense... Certainly there are noblemen who appreciate music as well... but I go where the mood takes me," she nodded. Wren grinned, "The commoners party the best anyway."

"Exactly," Carra nodded, taking another moment to look the witch over, "So you are one from Myth Coramanth?" "Yes," Wren nodded, pleasantly surprised, "In fact we are." She laid a hand on Kale, and nodded again. "I have not been there in quite some time," the songstress nodded thoughtfully. "We would welcome you in with open arms, I'm certain," the elven witch nodded. "The elves do sing fine songs," Carra mused. "Have you been to Lyrabar? Just southwest of here?" Wren asked curiously. "I have," Carra nodded, "I've been up and down the coast, skirting all around the sea here." "You've been busy then," Wren nodded. "I do like Sarshel... it's the closest place that I would call home... as close as it gets for a wandering soul anyway," the song dragon nodded. "Well this is my first visit... so I'm certainly glad to have met you," Wren nodded.

"I was drawn to you and your hulking friend ever since you came in... I've no idea why... it must be your elven beauty," she smiled. Wren laughed softly, "I'm sure that must be it... and there could be nothing else..." The young witch winked at her and nodded toward Kale, "He does like the color green." "Mmm I've even been as far west as Waterdeep and entertained them as well... there was a noblewoman there... very similar to you... though I can't remember her name," Carra looked thoughtful, and then shrugged. "A noblewoman? Who looked similar to me?" Wren asked, thinking for a moment, "Was her name Glacia by chance?" "Glacia! Yes! Her and her darling husband were quite accommodating," the silver haired woman nodded. Wren smiled and nodded, "We are related... in fact I only recently discovered that." "Really? Well she's quite the imposing woman," Carra nodded, "Well if you should have need a bard for any reason... look me up. I should be in the area." "For say... a wedding?" Mali raised an eyebrow.

"Why is your halfling friend looking at me like that?" Carra glanced at the druidess and back to the witch, "Like she seems to trust me less for some reason." "Well you know... she doesn't really appreciate the scaled races," Wren laughed softly, speaking in draconic, "Have you met the council? ...I'm certain they would love to have you." "The council?" Carra asked. "They've been trying to round up more and more to represent each of the races to speak," Wren nodded. "I've no idea of what you speak," Carra shook her head, "Surely a lowly bard like me would be welcome in such a prestigious... high and eluding..." "Well like I said... they've been trying to form a more full council... one that represents each. I'm not sure that just any bard would be able to speak this language," Wren nodded. "I'll think it over," the song dragon nodded, "But I know a lot of information... so if you need help looking up something in the Sarshel area, I would certainly be able to pass that along... but I'm not one for meetings or anything like that." She nodded, "We are women... it is our prerogative." Wren laughed and agreed.

The group returned and gathered at the Chaat estate for a nice little feast, including delicacies for halflings, gnomes, and elves. Everyone shared what they had learned and relaxed for the evening... retiring to their rooms for the night. Dreams of the sea feathered into each of their sleep... starting off happy... getting darker and darker as they sank deeper... and then waking with an unsettling feeling... all except for Wren who sensed the depths were dark, but she remained where it was happy and light, protected at the surface.

The following day Corsha came to visit, and Azarius sent word to expedite the last of their repairs. They made arrangements to travel with Throndir and his elven pirates, and went into the merchant district to shop for water breathing magic items and potions.