Quest [Syka Quest] Mustering For The Journey

[Gossamer]

Mathias nodded. “Dogs are an excellent idea, Miss Denusk. I would suggest sturdy dogs though, ones with short coats and not designed for cold regions. The ships – The Dawn Sister and Dusk Sister – are available to you. As I said, you can find lodging in town here at Arti’s but you can move your things to the ship we’re sailing on any time. You can even choose your berth on the Dawn Sister tonight if you’d like. But you are free to go anywhere on either ship you want. Just don’t get in the way of loading and be careful, especially on the Dusk Sister. They are storing things in every possible space. We want to avoid adding on another ship.” Mathias said, looking amused. It was a long and lengthy debate by his crew. Three or two? They had opted for two, but depending upon the requests of the expedition members, they might have to add a third or at least pack the casinors that would be coming along and private vessels with supplies as well.

Brodon was given a nod as well. “Yes, by all means, you can take the next few days to fly your hawk back and forth, getting the creature used to the ships. Be wary of the overhead cranes though. We will be loading heavily.” He cautioned again.

Vektor was given a nod and a smile by their host. He had asked no questions so Mathias really gave him no more attention than he seemed to need. If he was indeed going to be the ships healer or part and parcel of that contingent, Mathias expected requests sooner or later. He hoped the gentleman would be thorough.

Servers passed back and forth, refilling glasses and setting out fresh bread to add to the feast. The bread was baked with flowers so the loaves looked all in bloom. Mathias thanked them profusely and took one of the rolls to break in half and butter lightly. He nibbled as he listened, occasionally eating from his plate as well.

Mathias chuckled to Daekos’ request. “I have no smithing equipment. If you wish such things, you’ll need to request it. I know nothing of smithing, so how would I know what to purchase? That’s why you are along. If the settlement is to have a smith, you’ll have to request all the equipment you need or want and possibly take my personal clerk with you shopping and buy the goods yourself.” Mathias said, waving his hand. “I can only do what I can do. That means, your knowledge is far more valuable in this case than mine. Use it.” He said with a smile.

“Levissa. I’m glad you answered my add. I suspect we will have need of you where we go.” Mathias said, looking intrigued. His exchange with the Spiritist was short, however, but he wasn’t silent for long. He elaborated once Kinneas asked his question.

Kinneas Avain was the first person that had asked Mathias any sort of question regarding why. It was a smart question, for sure, and one Mathias wasn’t opposed to answering. “Syka was once a thriving city. And now… nothing is there. It was also rumored to be a city built on the ruins of a Nyavanni Monument. There will be double the interest for archaeologists and spiritists.” He paused. “Has anyone heard of the Nyavanni? The Nyavanni are an extinct race of arcanists that were old even pre-Valterrian. They predicted the coming of the Valterrian and hide some of their greatest treasures in tombs beneath the land. These tombs are marked by elaborate lines etched into the stone or soil. While probably highly elaborate when created pre-valterrian, these Nyavanni marks have been worn down by erosion and cultivation perhaps causing their secret caches to be lost forever. Many of these tombs were destroyed during the Valterrian, but a few have been found. Among them, a children's tomb filled with toys, literature, stories, dolls, and clothing was discovered on the boarder of Taldera and Syliras up near Ravok. This discovery was made by the scholar walking the actual lines themselves and reciting powerful magic to reveal the hidden secret to the tomb. The Nyavanni are thought to be glyph masters and powerful divinists. There are no more Nyavanni known to be alive, nor is very much known about their culture or what they even looked like. The dolls found in the children's tomb had representatives of all races and quite a few monsters and legendary creatures as well, making pinpointing appearance rather difficult.” Mathias said, looking thoughtful.

“However, Syka’s Nyavanni ruins are special. They may mark the original Nyavanni settlement in Mizahar – a lost empire - because these ruins were pre-Valterrian and old even as the rest of the Nyavanni were going to ground or wherever it was that they vanished too. No one knows what they looked like. But they tend to haunt their ruins. That much is well known. My family, long ago, went to the site of this ruin and started studying it. A trading post rose around it and became a center of activity for Falyndar. We exported exotic fruits and medicines to support our habit as a study site. But then something happened. My ancestor was one of those in charge of shipping and was personally sailing a route. When he did a turn around from a pre Valterrian city to Syka’s port – which was supposibly on a big bay back then, not on the Suvan as it is ow, he returned to the city just ‘gone’. It was one of the biggest mysteries of its kind during its time. Unfortunately most Nyavanni sites are gone now. The Valterrian took care of that. But Falyndar was somewhat untouched. Partially, that’s because of Myri and partially because of the fierceness of the Myrians. But regardless, it’s a good time to resettle Syka and continue the study there. We have mysteries to solve. A great many of them. But it won’t be without challenge.” Mathias said softly.

Mathias smiled at Kench. “We’ll make sure to stock clay. No worries. And if you provide a list of what you need elsewhere, I suspect you will be accommodated.” Mathias said, a little smile playing across his lips.

Lacerta’s announcement that her ship would be available for passengers caused Mathias to raise an eyebrow but nod. “My dear, as you and Sirroco must realize, the two ships we have for the journey are much faster than your ship. We’ll most likely need to tie the smaller vessels off to one or the other of the bigger ships and tow them. Otherwise, they won’t keep up. But we’ll need them for journeys to the shore and of course once we get there.” Mathias said, nodding and gesturing gently as he did so. He went back to eating once he got his little speech out of the way.

Mathias nodded at Jared’s speech, pausing long enough to let anyone answer his challenge if they so desired. When none did, Mathias gave the boy a smile and said… “I’m sure you’ll find your place.” And left it at that.

Eleret was given a graceful nod. Mathias knew the wood-carving Konti would be good for far more than carving wood. Konti were lucky, in Mathias’ mind, and had an ability to somewhat dodge problems with their foresight.

She would work well on the trip.

Zakar and Lucus were nodded to, a soft acknowledgement to their introductions. Mathias continued eating, watching the interactions of others, and acknowledging people when they spoke. He looked focused, like he was indeed paying attention carefully to everyone’s personality and needs.

Istril seconded the first Isur’s wishes and Mathias just shrugged. “Go with the clerk. Examine as he acquires. Make sure he is not cheated and the equipment you both need are of finest quality. We won’t get a second chance to purchase our survival supplies and any that aren’t good we will have to replace via ship and it could take seasons.” He added.

“I haven’t been to Syka. I do not know what is there. I suspect there will be water since Falyndar is rich with it. But as for a well, we’ll have to dig one ourselves if we want one. And line it of course. I will add well bricks to the list.” Mathias said, nodding at Brodon’s question. He’d already answered the first part of it when Kinneas had asked his question. His last question had already been answered as well. The ships would either be used to sail aback and forth trading or they would be dismantled for their wood and reused in the new settlement. That decision would be made when they were on the shores of Falyndar.

Mathias shook Abase’s hand, the potential crossing his mind that Abase was checking for his motives, his angles, perhaps even using this time to access his new group. Mathias spent a lot of time staring at Abase, and as if watching the interaction between the two souls. But what he was really doing was seeing where his gaps were in personnel. He might need to hire a few NPCs to fill in the gaps. So he simply smiled at Abase, nodded to his words, and leaned back to sip at his wine.

There were others still waiting to introduce themselves. And perhaps they had more to add as well.

[Abase]

The words of those gathered passed over Abase as he patiently listened to everyone's replies. His eyes would from time to time shift back to Matthius, taking in his words that answered some questions yet left many more in their wake. He had never heard of the Nyavanni, not even a whisper even from the Konti of Mura. Perhaps they were a secret? Or maybe all information on them was lost to the flow of time. Whatever the case Abase would sip from the wine before him, eating sparse bits of fruit as he pondered all that was said.

Brother, allow me to speak. Irist pressed close to Abase's consciousness, I shall ask what you are too timid to ask.

Abase's expression changed ever so slightly to reflect his surprise at the sudden request, but silently he agreed and allowed Irist to step into the light as he fell behind the veil.

*****

Irist turned to Matthius, his expression stonier and more focused than his brother's, and when he spoke his tone was harder and colder as well, "I hear words of great adventure, of treasure and magic. But I no hear danger we face. You say city 'vanish' as if were never there, and we to think this trip be a simple explorer quest?" He grunted, raising an eyebrow, "People here pledge life with no knowing what they pledge. People will die on journey, but I hear no warnings from you. This boy," he pointed at Jared, though he did not bother to look at him, "Likely not see rite of passage." Irist folded his arms across his chest, looking around the table before returning his gaze on Matthius, "What we face in Falyndar? Why we risk lives for you?"

[Delani Denusk]

As each name connected themselves to the many faces that would be joining Mathias on this quest, Dela quickly found herself wishing she’d brought parchment and pen, if only to make a record of those who introduced themselves and their reasons. Of course, there were some already that were standing out to the woman as she met the gaze of each during their introduction. She made note of Levissa, the spiritist first.

Having never encountered ghosts on the plains of Cyphrus, Delani had not anticipated encountering them there. The idea of latent spirits roaming the place of the ancient city, causing who knows what kind of havoc was intriguing in a cautious kind of way. She made a note to speak with Lavissa at some point, though when that would be she was not sure. Tomorrow was already looking to be an exceptionally busy one.

Following Levissa there was a man of Wysar, a protectorate whose name was unfortunately lost in the mix of other names and faces that came after him. The seriousness of his tone, however, suggested he was a man of immense resolve, a guardian worthy of befriending in time. Following him was the little pycon, a figure of some amusement to the Drykas as she watched from her place near Mathias. He was a tiny thing, compared to the others in the party, but no less fascinating. Inquiries would need to be made in time and she made a note to interact during travel with the tiny clay-figure, if nothing more than to understand exactly what a pycon was other than an animated, morphing mass of sediment.

Of the others, however, it was Lacerta that piqued the womans interest most, if only for the direct communication that the apparent Ethaefal provided. Dela considered herself an experienced woman, knowledgable of her home region and much, but she had only heard a few stories of Ethaefal, and those were unreliable at most. Her particular interest came in the allowance to examine at least that travelers ship. She would have to wait and see if Mathias would allow her the privilege of examining the rest of the vessels they would be travelling upon. “Thank you, Lacerta. When I am finished at the Sanctuary, I shall be certain to come to the docks to do so.”

Jared’s efforts to impress the rest seemed a bit overboard to the drykas; she wondered if perhaps he was hiding something. The premise of being a student of the University, on the other hand, suggested he might have more knowledge kept secret than anything else. She would definitely talk to him after the party was finished.

More faces and more names, and then one drew her focus quickly as he echoed her sentiments of acquiring some dogs. If Mathias approved the request, she would see about getting the ones that worked best from Kavala, not knowing what type of dogs her cousin possessed at the Sanctuary.

Finally, the Akontak spoke. She had never seen such a being before. His grass-hued flesh, hint of scaling, it was beautiful to the drykas. His speech, on the other hand, lacked the cadence of a practiced Common-speaker. That needn’t be held against him, of course, considering Brodon’s common. What intrigued her most about the man was what he was! How could such a being be born? She knew that Akalak bore only Akalak when they mated and Konti bore only Konti. So how did he bare the features of both? It was something she would have to investigate when the time allowed.

Mathias began to speak once again glad to hear that the acquisition of dogs would not be prohibited. If nothing else, they could aid in hunting in the foreign territory. They would be benficial in one way or another, that was guaranteed.

Her focus turned on high when Mathias explained some of the why for which he was returning to his namesakes city. She had never heard of Nyav…Nyaha…She mouthed the word he’d said, trying to find the pronunciation again. Nyavanni. An extinct race dating well before pre-Valterrian; strange creatures, races of the when of that time, it all sounded fantastical. Delani could not wait to explore this ruins. This had to be what Eyris meant her to participate in when she came upon her in the grasses the previous year. Her foresight went well beyond her own mortal sights. For now, the Drykas kept her own council on the exploration of this lost city.

Abase speaking up again, however, brought the drykas' focus back upon him, her brows raised. Perhaps out of turn, Delani could not help but speak up as well in response to him. "How many hunks of wood sank with their riders upon them before the first boat was made? How many fibers frayed and climbers fell to their deaths before ropes were woven and braided to support them? How many tribes burned each night before man tamed the flame? Knowledge is not gained without a little risk, young man. Had any of us not anticipated the dangers, we likely would not be so foolish as to join."

[Gossamer]

Mathias nodded, first to Abase having no idea there was a second soul within him. Then he nodded to for the young Drykas and her comment.

"I have never been there. As I have said, all this is from my research and it is all that I know. I am, however, not foolish enough to go investigate without a proper expedition. That's where you come in. You are the team we are gathering to investigate. I do not know what we face. But I do know that jungles are dangerous - Myrians, Dhani, and vanished cities. It's not too late to stay home. But I do believe this could be the biggest adventure since our ancestors came out of the ground after the Valterrian. The choice, as always, is yours." Mathias said, gesturing slightly outward, showing his open palms.

[Abase]

Irist shot a look across the table at the woman who would speak in such a way to him. The Drykas, Delani he remembered. He glowered for a moment in her direction, mostly from indignation than true anger.

Brother she speaks true. We knew that the dangers might be great, and that we might risk our lives. She only says what we ourselves have said.

Again brother it was you, not I, that accepted such things. I will not let us die for another without good cause.

But this is good cause. They are now our comrades, our friends.

Irists expression darkened, Perhaps they are to Abase, but they are no friends of mine. His voice growled between them.

Irist faded back once more, allowing Abase to step within the light again.

*****

Abase's expression softened as he looked at Delani, and he nodded an approving smile, "Yes, you be most right. Still, I no wish to see any die on journey. You may expect arms," He raised up his left bicep and slapped it with a chuckle, "to be at your aid if ever need come."

Abase sank back to his cushion, pressing a hand to his temple. He never expected his Dark Brother to be so fiercely against his venture, his search for purpose. Why was he so content to simply be? Shaking his head slightly Abase took up the wine and sipped it once more, swirling the liquid as he watched it flow in the cup. He resigned himself to remain silent for a time, to listen instead of speak and learn from those around him. He wished to know them all, to learn of them and their ways. Perhaps his answer would be found not in this adventure, but in those whom he traveled with.

Looking at Delani Abase could not help the curiosity the bubbled in him. She was very bold, and outspoken. He would make a point to converse with her later.

[Delilah]

Delilah had been sitting patiently waiting for her turn to speak to come around. Drykas, Humans, Isur, Ethaefal, Konti, and even another Pycon. She had picked a few others to consider rooming with, and an even smaller amount she might want to avoid. It wouldn't be the first time she was wrong however, she didn't have the best judge of character. She hadn't met any of them really, but by listening to their stories, she felt like she knew them. Deep inside she knew that overall the information next to nothing about anyone here, and if she looked closely, she thought she felt a little bit of mistrust. That aside, she payed close attention to every speaker, every question, every request, and she would most likely forget them all as soon as she left the party. Nonetheless, she took mental note of the requests every other member to so far introduce themselves made. This brought her to worry about what she would say. Since she knew none of these people, she would be making her first impression. She had to make as many of these people like her, or at least not hate her, with what she said here. It also seemed that the others all had a reason for traveling to Syka, whether it be self discovery, money, or other personal reason. Delilah didn't quite know why she was going. Maybe it was to take her mind of the death of her friend, or just for the sake of adventure. Whatever it was, she had no idea what she would tell the others. The closer it got to her turn to speak, the more and more nervous she became about what the others would think of her. Another problem altogether was the sacrifice. The only item that had true meaning to her was the picture. There was absolutely no way she would give that up though, she would not even consider it. Not even for a moment, the thought may as well never have crossed her mind. But what else did she have to give? One after another, introductions were given again and again, everyone with a different story or skill to flaunt, or hide in some cases. Delilah was next, and she was incredibly nervous, to the point she almost begged for the conversation between Mathias and the others to continue on. Though they seemed finished with their business, and her introduction was inevitable. Delilah stood to make her tiny self as visible as possible and prepared herself to speak. "Hello everyone. You may all call me Delilah, it's a pleasure to meet you all." She paused for a moment, and attempted to think of what to say next. "I'm a boxer, or at least I'm trying to be. And I suppose that's what brought me here. An adventure is a great opportunity to practice what you know, and learn knew things. Though I'm not incredibly sure how I will apply this to what we do or find in Syka. I don't have any grand skills, but I'm willing to do whatever is asked of me, or at least try to the best of my ability." After thinking for another moment she decided now would be the best time to ask "Also, I'm not quite familiar with sacrifices. If someone wouldn't mind horribly explaining to me what would make a good sacrifice, it would be very much appreciated." Delilah then sat back down, and began calming her nerves, hoping she hadn't made enemies already. Trying to refrain herself from looking too embarrassed, she forced herself to look calm, collected, and confident. Eagerly she waited for the next person to speak, so the attention would not be so much on herself.

[Sirroco]

Sirroco was late to the seating, having to chase down Tain who had made off with a loaf of bread. After thoroughly chastising the sulking otter, the Svefra took one of the last places at the large table. Sirroco's head swiveled, not seeing the ornery otter, praying to the Sea King that the creature did not get under the feet of the servants. Sure enough, Tain came skittering between the shuffling feet, slipping up beside the Svefra and giving him a twitch of his whiskers. "You gotta stay still and quiet." Sirroco admonished the otter in Fratava, who simply nuzzled the man's thigh. Mathias shared some information the guests had waited anxiously to hear, and Sirroco's brain already started working on the decisions to make. The Svefra fisherman was an ardent devotee of Laviku, but he understood that this sacrifice would be a special one. He was unsure about quarters. Sirroco knew the Misty would have to be towed for the journey across the Suvan, its single sail no match for the speed of a multi-sailed ship. He could sleep aboard the casinor. But he would end up crawling up the towline everyday to the main ship if he were to be involved in anything. He would most likely need to bunk aboard the larger ships. That mean finding a roommate, one that didn't mind otters. Sir was used to close quarters on a ship, with both male and females, and was not overly concerned. The formal introductions began with Mathias himself then moving around the table. Sirroco studied each person as they spoke, shoving food in his mouth and sneaking small bites to the otter under the table. They were a diverse lot for sure. The first two had the same accent, but the older woman spoke with a calm confidence, while the young one seemed to struggle more with the language. They were of the horsepeople. There was the healer, certainly someone to remember, and an Isurian smith, whom Sirroco hoped would keep him supplied with fishing spear heads. The next to speak was an attractive spiritist girl whose vocation was both intriguing to the Svefra, and a bit disturbing. Then came the black-haired man he had seen propositioning one of the Konti's earlier. He was a fighter, something to take note of. Keeping this fellow near in the jungle may be a good idea. Kinneas also posed a question that cetainly must have been on many minds around the table. The Pycon Kench made Sirroco grin with his enthusiasm. He had already met the Eypharian Lacerta, pleased to learn she was a sailor as well, but nearly stunned to find out she was one of the mythical Ethaefal. Sirroco got lost trying to follow the next young man, who spoke fast and nervously. Then came Eleret, who Sirroco had already met. Konti were good luck indeed, and something about her very presence calmed the Svefra. A desertman, a squire, and an interesting Isurian woman (the first he had ever seen) followed, then came the big white haired kontalak...akakont...the Konti-Akalak man. The introductions were waylayed as Mathias took a moment to answer questions, Sirroco grateful for the man's frankness in his responses, and the history of the ruins did stoke the Svefra's excitement for the adventure. Sirroco was a bit startled when Delilah spoke up next to him, overlooking the small Pycon as he listened to the others and tried to keep Tain under control. The little clay person was full of spunk and Sirroco liked her instantly. She also had a good question about sacrifices. The Svefra cleared his throat, turning his tawny-maned head a bit towards the Pycon, giving her a smile. "Like other gods and goddesses, a sacrifice to Laviku is just that, a sacrifice, the giving up of something of some value or meaning to you to show how much you want his blessing. If you have a bag of gold and you offer him a clay pot you bought for two copper mizas, don't expect to see his grace out in the sea. If all you have is four copper mizas and you offer that same pot, you have made a real sacrifice, and can move a god's heart. " Sirroco's azure gaze lifted again to his fellow explorers. They all had reasons to join the expedition, most were rather lofty and inspiring. His were not so moving. Nor where they reasons he wished to share with strangers. "My name is Sirroco. I am a fisherman. My reasons for joining the expedition is to have an adventure, to see the side of the Suvan not many Svefra have seen, and to provide tasty fresh fish to my fellow explorers!" He flashed a bright grin around the table before turning his attention to Mathias. "Most of the supplies I need are aboard my casinor, though some extra heads for my fishing spears would be useful. I think we should look at using inner waterways as another source of fish. A smaller fishing net that can be cast in a river or stream should do the job. Also, sufficient salt to cure fish for storage would help add to food stores. I will make sure to let you know if there is anything else, Mister Syka."

[Levissa Certier]

From what Mathias had explained, she guessed they would be encountering a lot more ghosts than she had expected. It was a lost civilization, for Dira’s sake, and it would be interesting indeed to know what had become of it. She wondered if it was possible to let a ghost possess her in return for information about the ancient city. As driven she was to send the spirits where they belonged, Levi also had developed an interest in the stories of the ghosts. She had always found the intriguing in its own way. And the histories of such old wraiths should be very intriguing indeed.

As far as she was able to tell, she was the only Spiritist in this whole expedition. She barely listened to the rest of the conversation as the gears in her head started to turn. These ruins were pre-Valterrian and the spirits that might linger there would be at least as old. Ancient ghosts are the trickiest one - they had enough will to exist so long in this physical world. And no doubt most of them would be extremely powerful. Now that she thought of it, she decided they would a lot of Soulmists, lots and lots of the magical stuff - just to be on the safe side. No one wants a surprise possession by a mad ancient ghost out for blood. Still, she doubted everyone would agree. Levi had met a lot of people who had some animosity against the usage of magic and in such a diverse group, she was sure there would be quite a few.

When she noticed the pause, Levi cleared her throat in order to get Mathias’s attention. “Mister Syka, I was wondering that if it would be possible to spare some extra cows and chickens for the journey? I think we will be needing what they could produce – such as eggs and milk. Well, at least I’ll need it, I think. A lot of it to make some Soulmist if it comes down to it.”

[Nailah]

“I am…excited and…anxious.” she said slowly, not sure it was the correct word until she said it. She gave his forehead a smile, “It does but…the unknown is…frightening…sometimes.”

“Oh.”

Nailah looked around nervously, taking in the other people before sweeping her gaze over Kinneas. Taking another bite of her food she nodded slowly, “I would not…oppose sharing bunks.”

She quieted down as Mathias began to speak, not making eye contact but for once focusing on the whole face instead of one point. He seemed to be passionate about the journey, it was something that soothed a strange worry of being left should it fail.

I had not thought about what I needed. That was foolish. But even as she thought it, she was making a list. Glancing around the room she looked for a paper of some kind or something to write on. Seeing nothing but food, she decided to wait and instead watched the conversation, her eyes flicking back and forth trying to take in everything. Though she did not have many years under her belt it all seemed new to be hearing such things from a diverse group.

She tried to hold her thoughts in her head until it was her turn to introduce herself but when it finally did land to her, her eyes widened in shock. She felt her cheeks heat but she stood and tucked a lock of hair away nervously. “I…” Nailah stopped, then tried again, louder this time but more nervous by the second with people staring at her, “I-I-I am Na-Nailah. G-good to-to m-meet you.”

Taking a deep breath she paused for another moment to calm herself, “Du-Du…I wi-will be a-a-a healer f-f-fo-for our tr-trip…I h-hope w-we all f-f-fi-find wh-wh-what w-we are loo-looking for. And-and I w-w-would re-request ah-a book of th-th-th…some Fa-falyndar p-p-plant ah-and ani-animals.”

She sat down hastily, more flushed at her own stumbling, and drank from her water to avoid eye contact with any in the room.

[Gossamer]

Mathias was content to listen to the others talk. It was enlightening watching them interact and ask their questions, watching each other with a mixture of excitement, a tinge of fear, and slowly some of them catching the same bug that had him by the throat… the need to know answers to questions long having been asked but never receiving an answer. Exploring was a skill, a true passion, and if these people had it in good measures, they’d all do well on their quest. The old city of Syka could probably be rediscovered, and with a spiritist and several mages on board, they might be able to find out some answers at long last.

“My dear Levissa, of course. We have a full second ship that will be loaded with supplies which will also include livestock. Though, in truth we might take the livestock with the passengers. We can survive being separated from a ship full of lumber, but if our food is lost without us, that makes things difficult.” He mused, looking thoughtful. He’d have to consult his two captains and see what they suggested. His most standoffish one, Jonathan Black, would be handling the Dusk Sister and the supplies. He was no people person at all to carry on passengers. And James was.

When Nailah spoke, Mathias nodded. “I’m afraid I can provide you with blank books and ink, but in terms of anyone writing a book on plant life in Falyndar, you’ll be hard pressed to find one. It would be a good project for a healer, though, to start testing plants and cataloging what is edible and poisonous. I knew of at least one adventurer who did so, back in the wilds of Taldera. He carried mice with him and fed the strange plants to mice. They are not so different than our own bodies, it seems, and will eat what we can eat and sicken on what will sicken us. If they won’t eat it, he further tested the properties of the plants to see why. Perhaps we can take a portable philtering lab with us for you to carry out some of this work. And maybe mice in cages.” Mathias added, looking thoughtful.

“But here here… eat, drink people. We are here for a party.” He clapped his hands and the servants started passing out more wine and ale for the party, giving mostly ale to the men and mostly wine to the women. Minstrels came out and took up residence in a corner of the garden and began to play. “Dance if you want.. get to know each other… we can answer questions and talk all night if you’d like. But first lets all get to know each other.” He added.

Then, rising, he approached the Eyphrian Ethefael. “My lady, would you like to dance?” He smiled, bowed graciously, and offered her his hand.