Kurinost - We Walked All of the Way Here Just to Leave Five Minutes Later

17 Gildember 348 AC

Ra’ziir shakes the halfling’s hand replying with “Hello”. Withdrawing his hands back into the folds of his robes, Ra’ziir continues, “Now tell me, what do you know of these waters,” as he nods toward the bay.

A faint smile cracks the corner of the Elf’s mouth.

“Be wary little one, my possessions are cursed. Best not to touch anything I am carrying without permission lest you wish to be cursed as well. The last time someone did, they were instantly vaporized…” he let’s the words hang in the air.

Butch jumps and down, clapping excitedly. "Being vaporized would be a Bad Thing for the vaporizee. Does it happen every time?" He reaches out cautiously, one finger extended toward the bladesinger's wrist. "What if someone just grazes your stuff. Leaving piles of dust behind you because you got jostled in a crowded tavern would be awkward at best." He stops, remembering the he was asked a question about the bay. He looks out over the rolling surf, taking in the late autumn breeze, the reeling gulls overhead, and the scents of salt and seaweed. "Ummm... it's wet? Wait, can water be wet? If you get water on something then that something gets wet but if you get water on water you just get more water."

”Water is not wet.” the black-robed wizard states flatly. “No, Master Greenbeans. Water is in fact not wet.”

Ra’ziir turns to Ornforithalas saying “Forgive me, Captain, I believe I was in Wayreth when discussions were had about the threats you’ve mentioned of Minotaurs and Goblins. Would I be correct in assuming the Minotaur ships are attempting some manner of naval blockade on the bay, with the Goblins serving as some sort of strike force?”

The Elfemental continues “If so, I would suggest taking out the more immediate threat of Goblins on your shores and then shift to the larger, Minotaur threat… I would be happy to assist in either endeavor, just tell me what you would like to see happen."

A mischievous smile is just barely visible from beneath the black hood.

Ornforithalas joins the black-robed Elfemental, Shadow, and Butch. He looks to the dark elf, "So are we going in?"

Shadow indicates that "going fishing" was a ruse to allow the group to penetrate deeper into the city and that he never had any plans of getting a boat.

The guard captain shakes his head. "I thought that you were planning on confronting the minotaur ships." He looks around, "Does anyone have a plan? Are we still searching for goblins? There are some inlets and beaches along the coast where they may be coming ashore."

Shadow says “The ocean is not my area of expertise. I am from under the land or sea if you will. We should gather some insight into sightings and find a ship to take us “fishing."  I even got some bait.”  He smiles at Butch and winks.

Butch laughs, "That's the second time you've made that joke. Are we talking in code?"

Kysek interjects, “While the Minotaur ships are of concern; the bigger concern would be of ground forces converging. In my opinion, that poses the largest threat to your cities. Are these inlets far from here?”

Ornforithalas shrugs, "This location was chosen for the city because of the view it provides of the entire bay and because the waters stay deep almost all of the way to the shore but no, there are a couple of coves within a half-day's walk from here and several more with long, shallow stretches of water extending a fair distance out where even short goblins could wade ashore without much difficulty."

The captain thinks for a minute, "Provoking a fight with the minotaurs would be foolish at best. I agree that the goblins are of greater concern. I, therefore, vote for following the coast south to see what we can find."

Shadow agrees. “Sounds like a plan.  South we shall go. Let’s go fishing another time perhaps."

Kysek claps his hands together. “Sounds like we have a plan? Unless anyone disagrees.“

"It's settled, then. We'll follow the coast toward Felinosti. It should only take two, maybe two-and-one-half days," Ornforithalas sighs.

As soon as there is a pause in the conversation, Cassidy introduces himself to Kysek and Onforithalas. The Kender looks up at the two elves, "Don't worry. I know all kinds of songs to keep everyone entertained while we walk. You won't even notice the miles and miles of hiking, the lack of soft, comfy beds, or the simple pleasure of a nice, warm meal not made from trail rations." The little fellow digs into his backpack and pulls out a small lute? "Shall we?"

Grotto walks with Ced to the mageware store and prods the bard to ask about alchemical information. The shop is stocked with crystals, assorted roots and reagents, beakers, flasks, tubing, and stoppers of all sizes but there are no completed potions to be had, healing or otherwise. The store carries satchets of tin, silver powder, copper flakes, sulfur, and the tiniest doses of quicksilver Grotto has ever seen. Mandrake hangs from the rafters while vials of assorted oils ranging from linseed to walnut gather dust on the shelves. The dwarf is surprised to discover a wide variety of fine glass stir rods - important implements if one is to mix ingredients while avoiding contamination. These are perhaps a bit more pricey than what he may buy back home but not so much that the storekeeper could be accused of price gouging.

Grotto takes inventory of his alchemic kit and restocks his supplies from the merchant.

After canvassing the shops, he says to Ced, "Well, let's hope we can survive with what we have."

Grotto then walks with Ced to the waterfront to join the group. "Looks like we have a new pet. Mind your belongings. These wee folk have sticky fingers back in the Grimmlands."

Grotto then addresses the group. "Not much luck in finding healing potions in the shops. My prayer beads and belt are at full charges. We have the healing gummies I made and gave you all. The first aid and salves will help. Cedron can sooth us through song. Hope that is enough to keep us alive. Me must be cautious. Choose your battles wisely. It could be your last!"