[F1-PP] Hunger Pains (First Lessons)

[Illisandra 0]

The soft whistle of wind through emerald green leaves lingering just beyond the walls, causing them to sporadically sway and bend in a somber serenity. A chained cacophony of footfalls that grace hardened brick, creating a cascade of patters in a droning white noise. Sounds accented by the insistent chattering of players and NPC alike, an exchange of goods between the town. 

Aboard a centered fountain, whose ever clear waters glimmered beneath a bright burning sun. Gentle mist finding itself into a hue of color as it reflects, the slight bits of silver beneath its surface becoming like stars as they peered back. A violet haired girl, haired tied above in a tight pair of bands in long tails that threatened to dunk themselves in the water.

Staring in earnest into a small clasped purse, offering it nothing more then a reticent sigh. A dwindling lifeline, coin running ever lower and matched with a handful of meager meals. At the rate she was heading, Illi had two days tops before she'd be on the street and eating grass. "Ugh...What an annoying turn of events." she decrees as passersby pay her no mind.

 

Spoiler

Illisandra, The Maiden of Strings
Level: 1
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 20/20
EN: 20/20

Stats:
Damage: 4
Accuracy: 2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Ghost Hunter's Training Scythe [T1/Rare/Polearm] (Accuracy +2)
Armor:
Misc:

Skills:
Polearm R1

Battle Ready Inventory:
Field Rations 2/2

 

Edited June 21, 2023 by Illisandra

[Dimos 0]

The light of sparks was soon accompanied by the sight of smoke lazily wafting through the air, swirling and twirling like ghostly tendrils. A sharp inhale would be heard from the blue-tinted black-haired man as he stepped through the city streets. Stowing the lighter in his white shirt's chest pocket, his eyes would begin drifting about the streets ahead of him. The eyes, a dull grayish blue, would set themselves finally on the center fountain in town. As the absolute center of town, this was one of the best places to meet people who were looking to have work done. Jobs had been horridly scarce as of late, even to the point where his usual runs had come up short. 

His fingers would begin to feel the tingle of heat as the flame burned through the cigarette. Unfortunately, Genshiro hadn't had any work for him but instead gave him a smoke out of pity. The man drew closer to the fountain, beginning to listen to the conversations of NPC's and players that lulled about. He would listen here for a while, waiting for someone to mention needing a hired hand. If nothing was here, perhaps there was something out near the gates to the city that could at least provide him with the pocket money to sleep soundly in the night. 

"Ugh...What an annoying turn of events."

Eyes drifted over to a woman with violet hair bound in two long tails. She appeared to be looking through a purse and not finding much that caught her attention. 'You and me both, girl.' He would think to himself, his eyes peeling off of her to the other individuals who could promise more in the way of money. 

Dimos | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 4 | ACC: 2

Spoiler

Dimos
Level: 1
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 20/20
EN: 20/20

Stats:
Damage: 4
Accuracy: 2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: The Point | ACC x2
Armor:
Misc:

Custom Skill:


Skills:
Straight Sword R1

Active Mods:

Inactive Mods:

Addons:

Active Extra Skills:

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:
Field Rations x2

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

 

Edited June 21, 2023 by Dimos

[Enya 0]

The smallest of breeze drifting her bangs into her eyes. "How the heck do you work this thing..." to herself. Chatter behind Enya causes eyes to turn behind. -Was that another NPC- thinking, lifting herself from the ground and fountain that she was leaning against. Looking to a long pig-tailed purple haired girl, "Hey, uh, do you know how to work this thing. I know I bought food earlier, but I can't seem to find where it went..." Opening her menu again with no progress. "Ugh..." saying as eyes start to gaze toward the near buildings.

There were a few things that were noticeable, things that Enya had read that were recognizable. Others, though with the weird icons and symbols, it was very confusing. While drifting her eyes, they land on a man, they didn't look like an NPC... Was he though... Clearing her throat as the sonic wave of a tummy grumble. Winning a bit, "This is harder than I thought..." trying her menu again.

Enya | Lv. 1 | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 1

Spoiler

Enya
Level: 1
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 20/20
EN: 20/20

Stats:
Damage: 5
Accuracy: 1

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Silver Training Rapier [T1/Rare/Rapier] (Damage 1, Accuracy +1)
Armor:
Misc:

Skills:
Sabers (Rapier) R1

Battle Ready Inventory:
Field Rations 2/2

 

Edited June 21, 2023 by Enya

[Rencesvals 0]

Few sounds are quite so distinct as the telltale biting of pearly whites into the crisp, thick flesh of a ripened apple.  One can instantly imagine the flowing juice that curls about and saturates the lips, pooling at their edges and threatening to overflow.  An explosion of sweetness follows as saliva joins the fray and finger rushes to reinforce or catch the spillage already and inevitably underway.  A smile perks the face at the absurdity.  

So it was for the white-haired man with golden eyes who wandered in from the gates, a fresh bushel under one arm.  Most of his daily catch had already been allotted to the gaggle of orphans whose routine it was to greet him there.  A token offering to the stalwart guardians had been rebuffed in the standard, silent stoicism.  Some strange fellow in black had offered to hold it for him, claiming that the two were engaged in some deep philosophical debate about the nature of good and evil as it relates to cow farts.  Not sure how to reply, Ren has simply smiled and pretended to understand, then politely excused himself.  Whether the man was mad or simply joshing him didn't really matter.  He'd been courteous in return, which was something.

Turning to resume his journey into town, something small and dark slithered out from the shadows to place itself precisely where he'd meant to step.  It was a suspiciously cat-like maneuver and it worked.  Halting mid-step, Ren's upper torso carried forward its full momentum and sent him sprawling forward.  The bushel launched itself in a wide arc as the three remaining ruby reds within sailed out like spongy cannonballs, rolling across the square. They were destined to land at the feet of three unsuspecting strangers, each somehow eager for a bite.

Behind the sprawled figure, a pair of slotted azure orbs smiled to themselves, their mischief managed as they and their spoopy host snuck back beneath the dark stranger's cloak.

(Eats 1 field ration, increasing max HP from 20 to 22)

***

Rencesvals | HP: 22/22 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 4 | ACC: 2

Spoiler

Rencesvals, The Student of Sacrifice
Level: 1
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 20/20
EN: 20/20

Stats:
Damage: 4
Accuracy: 2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Joyful Tribulations | ACC 2
Armor:
Misc:

Skills:
Straight Sword R1

Battle Ready Inventory:
Starter Healing Potions x3

 

Edited June 22, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Illisandra 0]

Scrunching up her nose, Illi turns with a sour look strapped to her face. A violent snap like a whip "Do you have to do that here!? It smells, wouldn't you rather wipe your ass with your own tongue?" Scanning the nonchalant yet overtly offensive stink that bled from a well dressed goon. Reminded her clearly of a banker, or a hitman. As a small collective of tiny green diamonds started to become more prevalent. "No, do it yourself." The girl barked out toward another who had slinked up from some place behind the fountain. "What am I your mom? Get Bent." Why a sudden gaggle of small screaming flies had began to circle her eluded her, lifting her arm and taking a whiff in a sharp inhale.

"Am I giving off some sort of stupid attractant?"

An agitated rumble in the girls stomach bequeathed and demanded tribute shattering her concentration, and skittering to a tumbling halt was a bright red piece of irresistible offering.  Without a second thought, a greedy paw that plucked it from the stonework and broke the skin. Who it belonged to wasn't important, what mattered was that it was free. Grinding it down and helping herself, she eyed the top of a bright white hairdo. "Nice going stretch, they build you with two left feet or no toes?"

Illi consumes 1 field ration
HP becomes 22/22

Edited June 22, 2023 by Illisandra

[Dimos 0]

Another exhale spewed a plume of smoke into the air, which hung like a veil, slowly dispersing with each passing second. A few conversations seemed to chat up the fountain air, but none seemed to speak of something he could assist with. A flick of that cigarette brought about an irritating sound... the one of a voice speaking in his direction.  

"Do you have to do that here!? It smells, wouldn't you rather wipe your ass with your own tongue?"

Blue eyes drifted back to the violet-haired woman. "Smell? I lost that sense a while back, sweetheart. Thank goodness for that, your attitude might have made me sick to my stomach" The voice was low and without much emotion, almost as if he were a robot playing back an automated message. Luckily, another individual seemed to catch her attention and protect him from the barrage of words that could only remind him of the sound of mosquitos near one's ear. Taking a few steps to gather a short amount of distance between himself and the woman, something else would catch his attention. A dull nudge to the foot would reveal a bright red fruit, bruised from a fall. 

Curious eyes traced the direction back to find a white-haired figure, just regaining his balance. His eyes would lock with the man's before he would take one last satisfying puff of that lit cigarette. Tossing the butt to the side, it would make a few skips off the ground before dissipating in a glowing blue light. He would nudge the apple with his foot, causing it to move a few feet in the direction of the klutz. 'I wonder if those apples were something important,' he would think, eyes casting to the other two apples. One was already being feasted upon. 'Eh, there's a pretty low chance of a guy paying for someone to fetch apples.' 

[Enya 0]

Looking up from the menu that had her stumped, blinking a few times toward the lady before saying "How do I get bent?" A commotion just to her right as an apple ends up a few feet from her. Quickly getting to her knees, picking up the apple with both hands, letting the HUD do whatever. Taking a large bite, "Oh my god, so good..." with a mouth full as her eyes follow up to find a white haired male. "Thank you... Oh wait, uh sorry! How much do I owe you. I have like..." Stuffing the apple in her mouth. "Dam menu... I have an amount..." saying in a muffled mess. 

Nose crinkle up smelling something... Taking the fruit from her lips, "That smoke is making my food taste like butt... Why do you smoke those things? You know they can kill you right?" Getting up from the ground sniffing the food, shrugging and taking another bite thinking she was too hungry to care.

Enya consumes 1 field ration
HP becomes 22/22

Edited June 22, 2023 by Enya

[Rencesvals 0]

Pride grapples with yet another flesh wound.  It wouldn't be the last, by far.  Dust that smells like ash clings to Ren's black and purple gear as he stands, mixing with his latest mouthful of dirt.  A single gulp swallowed both.

"Apologies," a quick turn and spit matched a raised finger requesting a pause. "I must have missed a step."  

Wiping a sleeve over his face achieved little more than sullying the same clothes he'd just sought to clean.  Three strangers gazed back upon him, each exuding distinctly different vibes.  A sheepish, disarming smile was all he managed, shrinking slightly into himself despite his gangly height.  Glancing behind him discerned no origin to his fall.  Wasn't that just the truth when it came to Aincrad? 

His errand remnants had clearly found new homes in the mouths of these stranger.  So be it.  Ren was here for other reasons.  Clearly they were also in the midst of some previous exchange, leaving him at a bit of a loss. 

"I, err... oh.  Smoking?  I preferred the Brick House Churchills, in the few goes I had at them.  Intonations of apple, cedar and baking spices with creamy notes of coffee and vanilla before a coconut-like finish, as I recall."

Seeing their stunned faces was enough to end his daydream to a vanished world.

"Oh.  Right.  Sorry.  Old habits.  They still poke through sometimes, especially when I'm distracted."

Fine filaments of arctic white spun contrary to the rest of his head as he turned, searching their surroundings.  Golden eyes narrowed as they failed to find their prize.

"This isn't Tolbana, is it?  I think I've taken a wrong turn again.  Dorian's going to give me endless grief if I show up late for his job.  Could you point me in the right direction?"

[Illisandra 0]

Sizing up this monkey in tight wrapper, Illi toyed with a response. "Explains a lot, no wonder you cant smell the bullshit your wearing. Those standard issue dupe suits or tailor made?" Sliding up from the fountain and weighing her options for an exit stage left. Eyeballing the tan haired girl, seriously taken completely off guard with a clear shift in her posture. "You cannot be serious?" Scanning the girls eyes as the lightbulb clearly had died, or was never lit in the first place.

Waving her hand around and shuffling the smoke away, giving a sharp cough. Enough was enough, the girl leans down and scoops a handful of water from the fountain and tosses it onto mister black jumpsuit. Attempting to put out a cigarette she'd missed him discarding. "Better. Now." Her attention finally slides to the white haired delivery boy, who honestly just took the punch like it was nothing. Either thick or smart, no matter given the way it worked. "Dorian is who again? I might know."

Illi counted her blessings, maybe she could rope him into using that head of his for target practice. Would save her the licking she'd eat otherwise.

Edited June 22, 2023 by Illisandra

[Dimos 0]

The irritating buzzing kept on droning in his ear. Her insults shifted from the smell of the cigarette to his clothing attire. Disregarding the insult, he would answer it as a direct question. "Think I'd be standing here listening to you yap if I could afford some designer shit? This is some basic crap I found to put on to find work." His eyes glanced over to the tan-haired girl who seemed to be ravaging an apple without remorse. These are not the kind of people one would be around to find some kind of job. Starved animal, klutzy, and irritating were not features many were fond of. It was time for him to make some distan-...

A cold sensation splashed over him, dampening his shirt and spraying water over his face and hair. His top knot dropped a bit under the new water's weight. A long exasperated sigh would begin to escape his lips as he looked down and access the damages. The poor-quality clothing became nearly see-through on the white shirt. A retort prepared itself on his tongue but would never fire as he listened to the words of the white-haired character. 

"There's someone named Dorian who's got a job needing done? Where could I find him? Is he paying any decent rate?" His normal monotone voice of his shifted into a much more polite tone when speaking to the man now. "I'm afraid you've found yourself back in the Town of Beginnings but I can take you to Tolbana." 

He made a few steps forward, attempting to peel the two women out of the conversation entirely. It was possible he could hit a two-for-one in this situation. Get the man to pay for the escort and then fetch a job from this 'Dorian'. "10 col, I'll cut you a deal in honor of your... lost... apples. What do you think?"

[Enya 0]

Watching the two men starting to walk away... "Hey, wait a moment. You guys aren't the only ones needing money around here." Wiping her hands on her worn out clothing. Running to stand in front of the two looking them up and down. The core pops on the ground. "You both look like business men, and good at earning that moola so why don't we all just team up." Glancing to the purple-haired girl with a temper, eyes turn to the white-haired man then to the very obnoxious looking guy with the see-through shirt. They all seemed a bit lost, how bad could it possibly be...

"I'm Princ..." holding her tongue for a moment thinking... "I am Enya" Holding out a hand to whom ever where to take it. The worse that could happen is the two men could leave the two ladies out in the middle of nowhere and make them fend for themselves... Same situation they were in at the moment. "Come on y'all, we all want the same thing, we could help one another out. What do ya say?" Holding out her hand out still as her arm becomes a bit heavy, but she would keep it up not showing her weakness.

[Rencesvals 0]

Had he walked into some sort of argument.  Purple-hair relentlessly dug at the one in discount formalwear, the two nattering at each other like they were destined for an arranged marriage.  Tides turned, and interest, the moment he mentioned the prospect of work.  A hook had sunk.  

"Dorian's the mayor in Tolbana, which is apparently having some..."  

Dimos was already smooth-talking his way into some profit-sharing Ponzi scheme, dragging Ren along gingerly by the elbow.  Snowy hairs raised on the back of his neck at the feel of the man's spider-like touch, his mouth motoring at a mile a minute.  All Ren could manage was to shove a recently obtained advert for work in Illi's general direction.

"It sounds like they need quite a few hands.  Please feel free to... what?  No, I don't want a time-share or your uncle's swamp land, and I'm sure he'll pay fairly and reasonably for work performed."  Golden eyes looked back at the two women, a cross between pleading and concern.

Edited June 22, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Illisandra 0]

A singular harsh shove from Illi with a instant rebuttal to Dimos "No no, he's mine I saw him first. Get your own stiff." Taking the flier and sizing Ren up at closer inspection "You'll do nicely. Tell me stretch, how tough is that skin of yours." A set of armor, a bit of a glimmer. This guy would make for an excellent glowing metal distraction, and if you'd look close enough you'd find a pair of dollar signs playing the part of irises. Eying the other two, sizing them up heavily. "Second thought, you can be my meat shields." The girl had set her sights on a brand new prospect, and using the paper as guide she starts to walk.

"Come on whatever your name is, we'll be late and like hell if I am letting this pass me by." Her eyes immediately scan to Enya. "Hurry up, I don't have all day. Clocks ticking."

Right out the walls of the city, a bombastic group of mooks destined for greatness. Or to die horribly, but thems the breaks.

Edited June 22, 2023 by Illisandra

[Dimos 0]

He should have known that it would have been far too much of a blessing to get the two pests to buzz off. "You ate his apple, what would the man want with you?" He would hastily reply, keeping a smile trained towards the white-haired man. The information on Dorian's location was priceless. Even without the white-haired boy there was work to be done now. However, Mayor made it sound as if the man was an NPC. Those guys typically paid less than a player organization. At this moment, however; any pay was better than none at all. 

"You both look like businessmen, and good at earning that moola so why don't we all just team up. Come on y'all, we all want the same thing, we could help one another out. What do ya say?"

Dimos's blue eyes would shoot her a look as he instantly began to shoot her down. "I don't 'help' people without a sum of money being split my way." His eyes would turn to the pestering mosquito. "Same goes for you, guard duties also come at a charge. I'll agree with the fact that the clock is ticking though. I hate working overtime." 

Tolbana was a fair distance away and would take about twenty minutes to walk to from the gates of the Town of Beginnings. Thankfully, the Starting City took about three-quarters of the First floor making travel simple and easy if one were to dodge the various mobs out in the plains. Dimos would now fold his arms over each other, waiting to hear what the others would have to say now. 

[Enya 0]

Taking her hand back and setting both of them on her hips. "Well, excussse me Mr. Grumpy pants. I did offer to pay for that of which I ate, so either he didn't..." Pausing for a moment to look at Purple. Clearing her throat, "I don't know why i'm talking to you. It's like talking to a brick wall." Turns completely away from the man in the suit. "If you knew what was good for ya, you would follow," calling out behind her. Grabbing the white-haired man's arm, "Let's go, it will be getting dark soon I think, and there is NO way I'm staying out after dark." Dragging the man beside her following the other chick Enya shutters a bit at the thought. "If anything that I have read is in this game, I REALLY DON'T wanna be out here when the sun hits the end of it's wheel." Enya voice changes half way through the sentence as her grip on his arm get tighter. Walking almost running toward the girl finally catching up with the White-haired man attached to her arm.

[Rencesvals 0]

Haggard best described Ren's state by the time they reached the small, sleeping market town of Tolbana.  Tiny plumes of smoke and scents of meals already being shared signaled the lateness of their arrival beyond the dinner house. Memories of an old 'cat-herding cowboys' commercial kept flitting through his head as he pondered their trek.  Not that he truly minded the company, but his travel mates all seemed to be trying to lay claim to him in ways beyond familiarity or comfort.  Still, lessons learned.  Never travel alone in the open wilds.  Even if it meant these three 'uniquely' different folk.  A brief sigh replaced the growing need for a burgeoning eye-twitch as the NPC Mayor's voice rung out across the twilight-laden air.

"Ah!  Master Dorian.  Yes, it's very nice to meet you.  We received your request and made our way here as soon as possible."  Ren's hand met the statesman's grip firmly and in a clear signal to the others that negotiations had begun.

"Excellent.  Excellent!"  Dorian's dress wasn't far off from Dimos' in cut and style, but of far flashier fabric and greater formality.  Even as the older figure vigorously shook his hand, Ren wondered whether his new companion might literally try to talk him out of his suit before their business was concluded.  "Trouble with financial matters.  Loans, etc. It's all very technical, you see.  I need you to speak sense to Zackariah about back-payments."

"I'm not looking to hire on as a thug, sir."  Ren's voice, remaining courteous, suddenly carried a firmness that it had previously lacked.

Dorian stepped back, releasing their handshake and raising both gloved palms openly in feigned indignation.

"No, no!  Certainly not.  Please, this is merely a matter of message delivery with a hearty dose of tact.  I need the precise opposite from force!"

"Then we may have a deal.  You may address me as Rencesvals, and my companions are PrincEnya and..."

Only then did it strike him that the other two's identities remained a total mystery.

Edited June 23, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Illisandra 0]

A midafternoon lull played upon the settlement of Tolbana. Dim glows of orange began to bleed out of windowpanes, matching columns of smoke that exit from slits above nigh every rooftop. Pungent scents of spice and produce filled the air, where kettles of porridge was surely being nursed as to feed a rising appetite. A subtle growl in Illi's stomach sounds off her acknowledgement, making known that a single apple wouldn't be a full meal for the day.  Sporadically she dejects from her own embarrassment.

"Nice to meet you paycheck, I mean Dorian." speaking with a quirky smile plastered to her face, taking note of a handshake between the dude and Ren. This guy was the formal type apparently, a handshake and all these pleasantries sat funky with her. "What if he doesn't pay?" The blunt question rises immediately, right to Dorian. "Do we spank him then? And are we getting paid anyway?"

Dorian looks to the girl with the almost horrified glance. "Not at all, I must insist that there will be no issues. Simply deliver this parcel to the man and return here for payment."

Illi with a bit of a skepticism an eyebrow raises. This guy seemed pretty thick himself, nothing was ever that simple. "Illi." she barks out a response to Ren as she pops a hip with a hand clasped to her waist. "Sure, but I wont take no for an answer. Better get that wallet ready, pennybags. A girls gotta eat, and my time aint cheap."

Her hand slides free, and she ushers to a fence and hops up with a smile looking to Dimos. "Better pick up the pace trash bag, or that overtime is about to bite your keister. Unless..." Her grin gets a bit wider. "You want to leave...God knows I can find a use for your share after all."

Edited June 23, 2023 by Illisandra

[Dimos 0]

The walk he had made in silence, hoping to avoid conversation with the violet-haired woman. The hope was to complete this job, get paid, and lose her in the sea of people trapped in Aincrad. For the travel, he pulled out a baguette-styled piece of bread, sinking his teeth into it every few steps. His eyes remained plastered on the two women, prepared to fend them off if they attempted to steal his meal. 

It wouldn't be long before the group entered the town of Tolbana, approaching the large stone walls that surrounded the town. If he recalled, this place normally stood as a resting ground for the hunting of mobs in the surrounding areas and for the labyrinth that lay nearby. Eyes fell on the city guard that manned the front gates to the city who similarly gazed at the four of them. "Cause no trouble," the NPC would say as they walked past. 

The white-haired boy led them to the house of the mayor where the group would find a grey-haired man complete with a monocle and a gentleman's attire. A short conversation was had between 'Ren' and Dorian before his name was expected to seal the deal on the agreement. 'Illi' introduced her and assured Dorian that their time was money. Finally, she was beginning to speak a respectable language that he could understand. 

"Dimos, pleased to meet you. Should you have any other deliveries you need, seek me out." After introducing himself, the corporate slave would offer the man a slight blow. As he did so, Illi began to dig at him. "Laugh it up now. I'll find it hilarious when one of the critters on this floor starts snacking on you." 

[Enya 0]

"Not if they snack on you first. Rudeness will get you nowhere," walking out from behind Dimos. "I'm Enya", holding out a hand to the good sir. "I promise to make this delivery quick. I need the money for food too. For a game, it sure ain't cheap..." Dorian shakes the held out hand. "Pleasure and very please. Thank you, all of you for the hospitality." Handing the package to Enya with a small bow. Giving a smile and turning to the group. "Well, let be on our way then. No one will be left behind if I can help it." 

Enya sets the package in her inventory, it was like she knew exactly where to place it, quickly going through her menu to track the quest. Fake it till you make it, it was how Enya knew to get what she wanted. Being in this game so long there was no way that she was going anywhere until she knew exactly what she was doing. The two men seemed all about the money, but us girls seemed all about the food. Enya felt like she was starving, so standing around wasn't an option. "Well get a move on slackers," saying as she starts moving toward the objection. 

[Rencesvals 0]

Ren nodded thankfully towards Enya as she collected the package, noting for future reference how he'd clearly misunderstood her name.  So many players in these games created strange handles for the characters that he'd grown accustomed to just accepting oddities as he heard them.  This group was apparently a bit more considerate of their own virtual identities, which was admirable.  He and his friends had spent weeks in debate over every detail as they nerdishly crafted their future selves.  If only they'd known their fate.

"Thank you, Master Dorian.  Could you be so kind as to provide directions to Zackariah's shop?  We're new to town and wouldn't want to deliver such valuable goods to the wrong individual."

"Oh, erm... yes.  It's on the far side of the village, just inside the palisade wall.  He's hung a shingle with some sort of plant on it over the door.  You can't miss it."

Casually, and with a clearly practiced hand, Ren opened a purple-hued UI and appeared to be jotting down notes as the man spoke.  Illi and Dimos made their own introductions in the meantime, initially taking their tones for eagerness then moving to confusion and doubt at they nattered at him and each other.

"Excellent.  We'll proceed there promptly.  Don't mind them," he said, gesturing to his companions, "it's simply been a long trip on an empty stomach.  We'll be looking for boarding and a hearty meal when this matter is settled.  Could have a recommendation for us upon our return?"

Releasing the mayor's hand, Ren ushered Illi and Dimos after Enya and out the door, staring momentarily at his screen for reference.

"I think it's this way," he muttered quietly, while pointing in the wrong direction.

Edited June 23, 2023 by Rencesvals