II. That's a Nope

General Summary

Cersday, 5803 Suncrest 28

As camp was packed, a loud bang was heard, alerting the party to Tort's missing presence, though he had been right here scratching on trees moments ago. Running toward the sound, once more, all that was found was a scorch mark. All that was left to do was wait for him to catch up like he had before.

Ash pitched an idea to the rag-tag team - they should convince Behram to pay them to make an expedition down there. This discussion then turned toward how each of them knew Behram. Boran detailed a story of a bar brawl that Behram had saved him from. Ash explained that she owed Behram because he helped her sister in a dire situation. Max simply stated that Behram helps his temple.

Seeing no true connection between any of them,, you soon began to ask "why us?" The next question you evoked was "could it be that you were determined to be people who could keep their mouth shut, or might have to?

Your travels through the early day and into the early afternoon are idyllic, leading you to be suspicious and weary. This alertness paid off as you made a short rest to refresh the horses and eat some fruit or rations. A sudden movement was spotted by Ash and then Vaelin before a dryad emerged, venomously angry and demanding you return "it".

Through some pulling you learned that a group of humans had taken something from the dryads, which was killing them. The Everliving Seed needed to be returned or they would die. With some careful persuasion and a lot of rummaging through everyone's things in an attempt to offer trust, you convinced the dryad that those humans are your enemies as well, and that you would try to recover the seed for them. The dryad left you unharmed, but with a threat of dangerous return.

You continued on your way, reaching The Gateway and South Parish by sundown. Pushing further into the night, you attempted to catch Behram at The Hearth of Plenty - where you had originally met him. Although he wasn't to be located there that evening, you did learn that he would be in the next morning sometime. Accepting defeat for the night, you tracked down an inn, which had a room available with four beds. Max took three of the mattresses while Boran took one and Ash slept in a window.

After breakfast and a stash of pocket bacon, you continued your search for Behram, once more heading to The Hearth of Plenty. To your dismay, he was not there nor had he been seen. In fact, the staff didn't seem to be aware of the fact that he was supposed to be there at all.

Unsure where else to turn, you made your way to the East Perish, where the Radiant Dawn Inn, his assumed home, was located. To your surprise, your way was barred - you forgot that Behram had gotten you through the door before. Asking a guard if you could be let in for a delivery, you were advised that you'd have to send a courier with a message for him to come and let you in on his word.

Several hours later, defeated in the way of East Parish, you returned once more to The Hearth of Plenty. In mere minutes you're able to find your target, though Behram seems surprised to see you as he hurries you of back into a corner table at The Split Stave.