Two horsemen ride up to a tavern...

Questioning Delilah Hornsby goes much the same as the previous interview did. She tells a similar story about the druids from the citadel and has no clue who would want to curse the entire continent to famine. She speaks with no vitriol towards the orcs, merely sadness. It seems that in his adventuring days, the late Mr. Hornsby had been separated from a hunting party in the Baervale Hills. His injuries would have killed him, if not for an orcish shaman that tended to his wounds. Delilah speaks about the orc's aggressive raids with a heavy sadness. The party finds the gold dragonborn Audar behind his home, tending to a small herd of goats. His farm is much smaller than the previous two, with no crops to speak of. Merely a small garden that has produced a single orange tomato and one small sunflower during the spring. Audar looks up in surprise at the party's approach. He looks at Thrandimir. "I didn't short you any coin during our game the other night, did I?" 

Thrandimir chuckles good-naturedly. "Actually, you threw in two too many," he tells the dragonborn with a laugh, palming him a couple of silver as he shakes his hand. "How are you holding up, Audar?"

Audar accepts the silver and returns the handshake with a smile. "All is well here. The goats have enough to eat and so do I. The garden could be worse, I suppose. What brings you by? Something I can help you with?"

"We're just trying to get an impression of how the community feels about the orc threat," Thrandimir explains. "We dealt with their raiding camp, but there are more out there. There's some disagreement as to whether Fireblade should stand up to its oppressors, or seek some other kind of solution. What's your perspective on the situation?"

Audar exhales slightly, and the corners of his mouth are lit with small motes of escaping fire. "Well," he says, his hand out as if to literally grasp the words he needs, "I know that the people in this village can't stand against an army of orcs. And I know that many people here don't want to send for help from Baervale or Crossroads." He shakes his head. "Their foolish independent streak has gotten quite a few people killed." He pauses. "Let me ask you a question. Do you know why Marianne and Na'arik don't want to call in the army?"

The last statement causes Kou's eyes to focus keenly on the Dragonborn. He had wondered earlier why the pair were so adamant on not relying on the authorities. It struck him as odd that two people of such power, would chose to open a tavern, odder still that they did so in the middle of nowhere. "I don't, it's something that has been on mind today. I would be truly grateful if you could share your knowledge with us Audar?"

"I have no idea," Audar says. "But I think it's because they're hiding something in that tavern. Something they don't want people to find."

Looking at the man intently, searching for any traces of deception. "Have the two ever done anything to garner you suspicions  before today?" Pausing he adds with a hint of genuine curiosity in his tone  "Any theories on what they could be hiding? "

"Again, I don't know," he says. "I was hoping you all did, since you seem more on the 'in' than others in town."

Cal takes a strong, curious look at the dragonborn. The news was certainly unsettling. In the day and a half since he'd arrived at the Fireblade, Na'arik and Marianne had been nothing but welcoming and hospitable to him.  "Sir I believe you are being sincere in what you say but this seems... Mr. Na'arik has been a purely gracious host so far. He's put me up for multiple nights now and provided food and drink on top of shelter, which makes that a pretty serious claim, y'know? If you're willing to say that, I think you oughta be willing to say everything you know about it for the sake of helping us figure it all out, yea?" Cal pauses for a moment before throwing in, "Of course it goes without saying I'd never speak a word of your mentioning of any of this to them! Not a one, y'know?"

Audar frowns, then looks around, searching as if there were brings hiding in the tall grasses, waiting and listening. He shrugs. "I sent a message to The Crossroads last week asking for military assistance."

Katrin narrows her eyes at Audar. She'd never gotten on particularly well with him, but then, she'd never made much of an effort. "Does anyone else know that you sent that message?" 

Kou nods it was the only sensible course of action to take, honestly he was happy that one of the villagers made that choice so the party wouldn't have to face the dilemma of making it for them.  "That was smart Audar, Fireblade needs allies. Have you heard anything back yet?"

"Since the independent streak here is as wide as the Great Divide, I kept it to myself," he says. "And no, I haven't heard anything. No idea when they're coming. Or if they even are."

Thrandimir stands and muses on this information why the others talk. "Thank you for your help Audar," he tells the dragonborn warmly, "this has been most illuminating." The wizard begins to walk away, but nods to Ash to indicate that he wishes to talk. "We should find out what they're hiding in the inn," he murmurs once they are far enough away.

Ascian easily peels away to walk alongside Thrandimir, nodding curtly.  "The sooner the better." He looks almost thoughtfully at the inn in the distance. "I've been in my fair share of places. That one's cellar could be huge. And not many people likely have access."  His gaze drifts from the tavern toward the others. "Searching just may not make us popular. Again."    

Kaed stands a little apart watching the group watching Audar and each other, the sense of suspicion lay heavy, unsurprisingly. As doubt was cast o nthe owners if the tavern Kaed sighed inwardly, and then again shortly afterwards when he saw Thrandimir and Ascian cloister themselves together. It could only end in mayhem he thought, but with a grin teasing the edges of his mouth Kaed conceded it would probably be fun too.

Katrin's brow furrows as Ash and Thrandimir peel off from the group, whispering to each other. She wasn't sure how she felt about the possibility of Marianne and Na'arik hiding something. They had been nothing less than hospitable and open since she'd first come to the Fireblade several years ago. If they had a reason to not trust the King and his government, it must be a good one. But she acknowledged to herself that it would put her mind at ease if she knew what that reason was. There was more at stake than just a tavern. But she also was not about to take Audar at his word. She had not forgiven him for the insult he had paid on Rose. It was not one he had paid directly, but rather refusing to take responsibility. She remembered his "friend" from out of town, who called himself Kallus. A larger man, looked to be a soldier. Every time she'd seen him, he was with Audar. And he was always loud, and always a little bit too rude to both the townsfolk and the tavern staff. She'd gotten the impression that he thought he was better than everyone. The man had taken an interest in Rose, and was continually harassing her. Katrin had stood without thinking and punched the man in the face, proceeding to beat the living shit out of him. Audar had done nothing to intervene, and because of that, she'd always held some contempt for him. and it was not long after that that the two women began to see each other. As she reminisces over the incident, she continues to watch the two conspirators. If they were going to do something stupid...…better to keep an eye on them. She walks over to Kaed, and nods at the two whisperers. "What are you thinking?"    

Thrandimir glances in the same direction as Ascian and shrugs. "So we tell those with an overdeveloped sense of honour that we're going for a walk. Or better yet, we convince a distraction for a reason that they consider more 'legitimate'."

"I'm thinking those two don't mind breaking rules, or laws, or anything really, to get the job done. I think they'll be up to mischief now, or later at least. But... I think they should be. We could do with finding out what is going on here, and I'll be honest if there is something to find in the tavern those two are probably our best bet." The tall man looks down at the dwarven woman, thinking for a moment. " You may wish to keep your distance, you have ties here, better not to burn your bridges if the dragonborn is mistaken, or a liar, although I dont think he is lying now." He shrugs, "If they ask, I will help them. We need more knowledge, and if there is nothing to find there is little harm in getting caught snooping around, if there is something to find though, better we know the whole story, whatever the cost in our reputation here."

Katrin's expressions sours at Kaed's mention of Audar. "Never take that one at his word. He'll only disappoint you." She sighs. "I don't want to believe him. I really don't. But the truth is, I don't know much about Marianne and Na'arik. They could, but they could just as well not, be hiding something. But it may not have sinister implications, as Audar so obviously implied." 

"Time will tell then. If they have anything that could aid the people here it would be good to know. On the other hand I will not be party to robbing them blind in the night. But I trust our friends over there wouldn't stoop so low." Kaed looks off in the direction.of the tavern. "Of course, if there are darker secrets, it would be good to know of them too..." 

Lost in thought Kou slowly comes up to the pair, and listening to the last of Kaed's words. "I don't believe the pair would rob the tavern, but Thrand's passion makes him reckless and Ash's morals seem far to flexible to let the pair go about this on their own. I would prefer to have a calmer head with the pair."  Taking a long evaluating look at Kaed "I believe that should be you, from the way you move your skill at going unseen surpasses  my own and rivals Ash's. And though I do not know you well, I have faith that you will temper their their worst impulses. And most importantly let us in on the full story, not just what they feel inclined to share. We need to know what if anything is going on the tavern, and I think the three of you would be our best shot at figuring it out." Looking ahead at Thrand & Ash talking amongst themselves. "Though you may have to be a bit forceful in claiming your place with that pair."

"That part's on you then. You don't want me doing the talking. Nor does Callahan, I don't think."  Ascian's quiet for a long moment, considering as he stares aimlessly past Thrandimir towards where Kaed, Katrin, and Kou are speaking themselves. If there's one thing he knows from having gotten this far, it's that it's far more useful to focus on his strengths than his weaknesses - and his strengths involve nothing if not being where he shouldn't.  "There's windows to the kitchen, I noticed them when I came in. Habit. You never know." He shrugs unapologetically. "If there's a door to the cellar, I'd bet it's in there. I can get in, but that distraction might be helpful."

"We will see, I  will speak to them. But, they may well not need my help, the wizard has many tricks and Ash is like a wraith when he chooses to be. I might match him at sneaking around but I think those nimble fingers would be far more useful at locks and other things we might encounter." Kaed beams at Kou, "and thank you for the trust you have in me, it is not misplaced."

Thrandimir nods in thought, before glancing back over at the others. "I think they're onto us anyway," he adds with a chuckle. "Let's just head in that direction and see if they follow." Pulling out his pipe as he walks, the wizard lights it and begins to puff.

A voice floats into Thrandimir's ear. "I've got something to show you and your companions," Marianne says. "Come back to the tavern when you have a moment."

"We're on our way," Thrandimir thinks back in answer to the sending, before glancing sideways at Ash. "She's expecting us."

“That’s unexpected.” He looks at the inn, pale face considering.  “Do you want me there, or ruling out an area. If she’s talking to everyone, it means she’s not in her room.” 

Thrandimir's eyes wander up and down Ascian's lithe form, watching the effortless motion of the leanly muscled man. "You do your thing. I'm good at keeping people busy."

“Yes, you are.”  Ascian smiles humorlessly.  “If there’s something I need to know, get within sight of me, and I’ll be able to hear you.” He pointedly inclines his head and looks back at the others, preparing to part from Thrandimir and wind his way back toward the inn. 

Kaed nods to Kou and Katrin and turns away, walking up to Ash and Thrandimir. " You two are as thick as thieves. Would I be wrong in thinking you are planning to investigate these claims of secrets at the tavern?" Kaed's cool manner gives little away about how he feels about this, as he adds "You could have asked for some company, I wouldn't have been offended."

Thrandimir gives Kaed a conspiratorial smirk. "Looking to join the fun? You only have to ask."

" Somebody has to keep an eye out, make sure you two dont have all the fun." Kaed smiles in reply, adding "or cause too much trouble ."

Katrin watches closely as Kaed interacts with Ash and Thrandimir. As they move towards the tavern, Katrin remarks,  "Perhaps it's better to not know. I suppose we'll find out."  

Ascian splits off from the group as the party ascends the hill to the Fireblade tavern. The midafternoon sun stretches shadows across the ground, and Ascian fades into the tall grasses. He nimbly scales the balcony supports as the party enters the taproom proper. Na'arik stands behind the bar and nods as the group enters. He waves the group toward one of the tables beneath the wrap-around balcony, where Marianne sits surrounded by a few stacks of papers and a large, old tome. She stands as the group enters. "Thank you for coming so quickly. I trust speaking with some members of the community proved fruitful?" Ascian quickly moves inside the balcony door and sneaks over to the door that he assumes is the entrance to Marianne and Na'arik's room. The door proves to be unlocked, and Ascian swiftly moves inside and closes the door behind him with nary a sound. The furnishings of the large room are simple. On the right, a large, wooden-framed bed with fur blankets is immaculately made. Nightstands sit on either side of it. The close side bears nothing but a simple oil lamp, while the other is adorned with both a similar lamp and a large tankard. Across from the bed, on the other wall, are two wardrobes flanking a waist-high dresser. Atop the dresser lies a beautiful, immaculately carved staff that seems to crackle with power. Next to the staff is a simple silver tankard. Opposite the door that Ascian just entered is a large window looking out over the farms and fields of the small hamlet.

Cal smiles warmly as he steps into the tavern once more, rubbing his hands together. He gives a slight nod to Na'arik as he begins walking towards Marianne, "Guess you could say it was quite the opposite, considering this here terrible famine y'all have going on. Could barely believe my eyes to see it all in person." He lets out a heavy sigh, "But people proved mighty kind and welcoming. I don't wanna speak for everyone but I'd say we certainly gleaned some real insight into the situation."

Katrin galumphs over to the table, setting herself down in a chair. "I take it you've found something?" Katrin prompts Marianne. Best to get straight to the point anyway. Small talk had it's uses, but this, she felt, was not the place for it.

"Indeed," Marianne says. "I think that I have found a temporary solution to our problems. Tell me, all of you," she pauses, gesturing for the group to sit, "What do you know about the Tollanian Empire?"

Ascian gives the staff a long, wary look, trying to commit it to memory to describe later. He supposes it's possible it's really that obvious - or a trap - but he didn't come here to leave without it confirmed. He skirts further into the room to open and look through the left side wardrobe.

"The Arcanum Emperatum Tollania?" Thrandimir asks with interest, recalling stories that he'd heard told in Karnopolis. "They were rich, powerful - the dominant regime of their time. They built the Great City. Modern magic stands on their shoulders... but the empire fell two millenia ago. Why do you ask about them now?"

"That's the one. You likely know that much of the magic we know comes from Tollania. It's been replicated one way or another. The magic that most people practice to day is no different than what the Tollanian's practiced 2000 years ago. At least, not in function. A fireball is a fireball. But the form ...the actual place these spells hold in the weave of magic -- that's different. Tollanian magic comes from a different part of the weave." She looks up, expectantly. "Magic from this time can't make the crops grow. But maybe... "

Katrin raises an eyebrow. She wasn't much of a history buff, but some of what the wizard said rang a bell. Powerful magic, powerful empire. But long gone. "You saying that Tollanian magic could halt a famine?" She glances around the table. "Where in the name of Tempus do you even find something that old? If it even exists anymore."

She smiles. "Tollanian ruins are discovered and catalogued every year. And they used to be explored thoroughly . But people stopped learning from them. No new discoveries have been made from Tollanian ruins in more than 600 years. So when someone finds one, they simply mark down its positioning and leave it. They're often quite dangerous anyway, so most arcanists don't find it worthwhile to open them up."

Katrin raises her other eyebrow, in mild surprise. "And one of these unexplored ruins could be the location of something like what you're suggesting. Interesting." She gives a half-smile. "Not much of an archaeologist, but I'm always in for a bit of danger."  

Kou is nearly beaming at the thought of getting to explore Tollanian ruin. It had been a dream of his growing up but the Citadel stopped devoting their resources to their exploration long before he was born. "Studying the birth place of magic would be a gift from Tempus himself. Doubly  so if it can help end the famine. Do you have the location of Tollanian site, or know of where we can acquire a map to one?

She nods. "These places are often raided by bandits and turned into hideaways, so we'll want a recently discovered one." She unrolls a map of the Virid Heartlands. "Here," she says, pointing to a spot just north of where the Heartlands Trivard turns east for The Crossroads. "This is the Hydellian Retreat. A research station where arcanists from all over the Empire could come and have a private space for their projects."

Kou eagerly listens and makes a mental note of the ruins placement on the map. "How long ago was the Retreat discovered?" Pausing for a second his apprehension beginning to return. "I hope you don't mind my intrusion but I'm curious to how you came across this information?"  

"Last year," Marianne says. She gives Kou a quizzical look. "I obtain records from the citadels on occasion. The retreat was mentioned in the last batch of documents I procured." 

"Magic that's the same but different? Aw man that's something else. Explains why mine failed to fix Mr. Westbrook's crops, though." Cal takes a moment to ponder the idea of this Retreat Marianne was talking about, "Gotta say this sounds pretty darn exciting though - like just the kinda place I've been hoping to explore since coming to the mainland!" "Say though, Ms. Marianne, way I was seeing it this here famine only exists cause some real bad person somewhere decided to use this ancient  magic to to curse the whole place. But who would even know such magics to begin with? And why use it to ruin some farmlands? Seems kinda strange to me, y'know?"