Two horsemen ride up to a tavern...

Marianne nods as Callahan speaks. "My theory is the same as yours. This famine is not natural in origin. But as for who may be behind it," she trails off for a moment, and her expression changes to one of deep, careful thought. "I do not know."

"Ruins, undiscovered magics, see! I told you, we will find a magical sword that will help us fight off our foes, and maybe a relic that can save the crops as well!" Kaed beams as he revels in what he perceives as his predictions coming true.

Thrandimir's eyes light up at the talk of ancient ruins and lost arcana. "Marianne, might I see the citadel's report on these ruins?"

Kou intently watches Marianne as she speaks, looking for hints of deception. A flick of an eye, a change in her breathing pattern, anything that might indicate that she is being less than truthful with the group. But at least with this subject she appears to be telling the truth as she knows it.  Smiling in earnest at Kaed's remark "That you did my friend. This will be a once in a life time experience, and our best path to aiding the village." Looking back to Marianne "is there any any other knowledge you can share about the Retreat"/

She pushes a sheet of paper across the table to Thrandimir. It details a short expedition from the Verdant Citadel to a cave that matches the location that Marianne indicated on the map. The expedition noted the entrance and returned to the Verdant Citadel without progressing further.

Thrandimir inspects the report carefully, before inquiring. "If the Verdant Citadel's expedition never entered the Hydellian Retreat, how do you know that it was an arcanist's research station?"

Katrin listens to the enthusiastic exclamations bouncing around the table. She wasn't much interested in treasure, relics, lost ancient history. She just wanted to end this famine and put a stop to the impending war. "Ending the famine would throw a proverbial wrench in the King's quest for viable farmland. Or rather, his lust for war." Which would save many daughters and sons from certain death. It would save my sister. 

Marianne nods. "Excellent question. The Hydellian Retreat is mentioned several times in arcane notes. Most recently, in the notes of one Aratreus Demarkis, the citadel uncovered a note with the location attached to one of the more recent discoveries, relative to some other ruins. The citadel went and scouted the location, found it, marked it down, and left it undisturbed."

Ascian ignores the staff as he makes quick work canvassing the room, experienced fingers sifting carefully through dresser drawers and pushing through clothes - something that obvious seems to him an intended distraction. The dresser is void of anything of interest, as are the bed and the area around it. It isn't until he rifles through wardrobes that his hand closes around the handle of an axe lodged deep into the back of the one that can only be Na'arik's and pulls, opening a compartment that had previously been hidden. For a long moment he stares at the banner stashed behind it, trying to place it - red, with a bear's head emblazoned across - but the best he can do is memorize it, as bells fail to ring. Not something he's proud of, if it's hidden.  He gives it a long, unblinking look before swinging the door shut again, turning at last to the staff and cup beside it. The cup is empty, and almost too simple; set purposefully close to the staff and unable to be lifted from the tabletop. Dry lips press into a faint line as his gaze drifts from it to the staff, fairly emanating energy. He's no stranger to strange things, but this is clearly above his level of expertise, and he knows better than to risk touching it. He gives it a long look as well for future description and, after setting things back to the way they'd been when he'd entered, slips from the room, closing the door behind him. Silent, he scales back down the balcony supports, and drops into the grass.

"Find what you were looking for?"  a voice says from beneath the balcony. Ensconced in the shadows beneath the platform, Ascian sees Na'arik leaning against the wall of the tavern. He bears no weapons. He simply leans there with his arms crossed over his leather apron. "You tripped Marianne's alarm the second you stepped through our door."

He turns toward the shadow, grimacing, immediately resolving to have Thrandimir teach him how to find those.  "I think so." No use lying, and even if there were, he's no good at it anyway. "What's the banner for."

Na'arik chuckles. "My father's symbol. He was a baron of sorts. Long way from here." He pauses, and his gaze seems to turn inward for a brief moment. "Dead now. Has been for a while. It's just a reminder of where I'm from. What prompted the snooping?"

"Then why hide it." The sun is harsh on sensitive pale eyes and he moves out of the direct light, standing beneath the opposite side of the balcony to Na'arik as he says bluntly,  "Not everyone thinks you're being honest. Secret compartments would say the same."

Na'arik's eyes narrow. "I hide it because, to trained eyes, it may prompt more questions than I want to answer. I take it you didn't find everything, because then you would understand why. We're not hiding something nefarious. I don't know who suggested that, but it isn't coming from a desire to do good. It's greed...or at the very best, curiosity."

"The best way to curb curiosity is to sate it," he replies shortly. "What didn't I find. I assume it was hidden with magic."

He sighs, his piercing gaze examining Ascian closely. After a moment, he says, "Come with me."  He enters the tavern with Ascian in tow and looks toward Marianne. There's a brief exchange of looks between the two of them, and she nods. "Alright all of you. I know you're curious, but I have to know: who put this idea in your heads -- that we're hiding something?"

Katrin leans on the table, her hand forming into a fist, a scowl on her face. She looks right at Marianne.  "That shit stain, Audar. Seems pretty keen on the idea. Seems to think you're hiding something... … .nefarious. Something that could bring harm to this place." 

Thrandimir shrugs. " Everyone 's hiding something ," he asserts firmly. "The only question is if it's relevant ."

Nodding at Thrand's words he calmly  "Do you have any idea why Audar would have reason to be suspicious of you?" Intently watching the pair he says "I have to admit it is curious that beings with your talent's and power would chose to settle here. It is something that has drawn my curiosity  if not suspicion .  If there is anything that we do not yet know about your dealings here, now would be the time foster trust within our relationship."

She sits back, pondering all statements. "We settled here for precisely the same reason you think it odd that we settled here, Kou -- it's remote. Audar can keep wondering. I assure you, this isn't relevant to your quest. But if you must know, we will show you on the condition that each of you you swear upon whatever gods, graves, or guarantees you trust that you will never  speak a word of it outside this tavern. Ever. "

Kou leans forward and says "As long as your revelation will cause no harm to the village, I swear by Tempest to never tell another soul."

"Oh, I wouldn't dare cross you , Marianne," Thrandimir teases, his eyes twinkling.

"If you trust us to know a secret, you will never have reason to doubt I will keep it for you ." Kaed is solemn as he speaks but curiosity shines in his eyes.

"Wouldn't dream of it."  Katrin slowly releases the tension in her fist, her distaste for the dragonborn drifting to the back of her mind. She glances sideways at Marianne, then flicks her eyes to Na'arik.  "You should know. Audar doesn't have quite the distaste for the King and his government that we do. He's already sent a message to Crossroads."  She leans back, her eyes settling on Marianne again, gauging her response.

“I don’t have anyone to tell,” Ascian says flatly.

Cal looks to Ash with a sudden twang of sorrow. Whether or not he agreed with the boy’s actions the last few days, he was still clearly in need more than anything of some actual connection - some genuine warmth. Resolving to work harder to find a way to help the lad somehow, he looks to Marianne as the spotlight reaches him. “I promise I won’t tell nobody Ms. Marianne. My Pa always said a fella’s only as good as his word, after all,” he shrugs, “and I ain’t got much else to give at the moment.”

Thrandimir glances across at Ascian when he hears his new friend speak, his brow furrowing in thought.

Erika also gives her oath, and Marianne nods as each speaks, seemingly satisfied with the "oaths" each has sworn. Her eyes return to Katrin. "Damned fool. How long ago did he send this message?"

Katrin's hand brushes the hand axe at her side. "Last week. Maybe it's there already, maybe it isn't. Either way, trouble's coming."

"Wonderful,"  she says, and for a moment, the proprietor of the Fireblade Tavern looks ancient and world-weary as she slumps slightly in her chair -- but only for a moment. She stands, and looks to the group.  "Follow me, then." She leads the seven adventurers up to the room that Ascian had just snuck into, with Na'arik following behind. Leaving everyone in the center of the room, she walks to one of the bedside tables and picks up the mug there. Liquid sloshes as she paces across the room to the chest of drawers, with the staff and cup on top. She passes the staff to Na'arik, and turns back to the group. "No need to hold your breath. It will be over quite soon," she says. She turns and pours the contents of the mug into the cup. The liquid seems to fill the cup to the brim and spill over. She stops pouring, and the liquid continues splashing out of the cup. It trickles down the chest of drawers and across the floor until it laps at the boots of the adventuring party. The water rises and rises and strangely, as it touches the bare skin of hands and arms, it doesn't feel wet. Each one ponders this strange feeling until the liquid covers their heads. They all look at each other in their watery surroundings, perplexed stares all around, until the water suddenly splashes away, leaving them completely dry, with only a strange feeling in their stomachs -- as if a cart had crested a hill too fast. There is no trace of the water...or the bedroom. Instead, they stand in a long rectangular chamber lit by braziers of crackling white fire in each corner. Three walls are lined with shelves filled with ancient dusty tomes and old preserved scrolls. A desk sits in the center of the room, with pieces of parchment, books, and charcoal pencils. An open door sits at the far end of the room, through which a faint purple glow can be seen.  "Welcome to our nefarious secret," Marianne says, taking the staff from Na'arik. "This is likely the largest collection of knowledge in this world. But the reason for hiding it is through here." She leads the group through the door to a circular chamber, unadorned, raised dais in the center. Through a crackling purple wall of light, the group can see a solitary lectern with a massive black-leather bound tome resting on it. "Have you heard of the Well of Many Worlds? A magical book that allows for planar travel within the confines of Estros' inner and outer planes. But this is the Well of Every  World. Through it, one can travel to other worlds. Freyanna. Exandria. Greyhawk. Earth. Dragonlance. Arden. Eberron. Ravnica. Theros.  There are an infinite number of others, including our home," she looks at Na'arik, "Toril. Each one has their own set of adjacent planes, but they're all distinct worlds. This is what we're here to protect -- the ability to travel between them. Do you now see why we keep our secrets?"

Even before the revelation Kou was completely unbalanced, being teleported through drowning and winding up in one of the most impressive libraries he had seen even compared to those of the Citadel. His disquiet is furthered when she mentions the Well of Many Worlds and his jaw nearly falls off his mouth when she says hers is Well of Every World.  Shanking his head he says "This is too much power to rest in the hands of two people no matter how talented. This even surpasses the Citadel's access and understanding. How did you come across this power and what do you plan to do with it?"

Callahan can only gawk in wonder. He looks from wall to wall, barely able to peel his eyes off one tome to the next. "Ms. Marianne this is... I mean... but..." he staggers back in awe, "by the light of the stars. I knew they'd never steer me wrong. I knew it. I admit I had some doubts after yesterday but this ... this  is the surest sign I could ever have hoped to receive." His thoughts start to swirl with the myriad of possibilities contained in the words Marianne had spoken. Worlds beyond worlds, each teeming with life and beings and surely their own constellations and magic. "I left home hoping to see the world, and now I know I have that many more to explore," he chuckles,  "If that ain't something."

She turns her gaze on Kou. "There are now nine people in this world that know that this artifact even exists. You have the good fortune of living in a world that is fairly isolated from the rest of the multiverse. We brought it here to keep it from more...ambitious types that inhabit other places. For all their knowledge, neither the Tollanians nor the current inhabitants of their lands have mastered travel between worlds. And without this artifact, they never will." She looks at Callahan. "These other worlds are not for exploring, I am sad to say. But there is plenty to explore here, young Callahan."

"Of that you're certainly right, though I will hold out hope that one day I may yet set foot in them nonetheless." The idea of doing so seemed like good motivation at the very least to the wanderlust-filled firbolg, and he of course still had much to see and do in his own world before considering venturing out to another. Still, the thought continued to excite him. "Regardless Ms. Marianne, I too do wonder how it is you folk came to be the wardens of such a secret. And where did such a power come from? I'd never even imagined there could be so many other worlds out there, let alone a tome that connected each and every one like a door to all of existence."

The portal to the library was impressive. More impressed than shaken, Katrin looks around at the library they now found themselves in. Impressive. Bit showy. But impressive nonetheless. There were few things that took Katrin by surprise, but this certainly was an exception. Gathered around the tome, she can understand why it must be hidden. And she shudders to think what could happen if this book fell into the wrong hands. "If the King decides to interfere, he will come with the knowledge of the orcs, not this place." She furrows her brow.  "But the King likely has mages of his own. And if he sends them... … they may find their way here."

"I appreciate your curiosity," Marianne says. "But that is a story for another time. And I will reiterate: I like each of you in your own way. You've all a certain...charm about you." She stops and turns deadly serious. The staff in her hands lights with rolling fire and her eyes, once violet gems, blaze with the fury of a thousand suns. "If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I will smite you from this world. I will melt you down to your component molecules and spread them into the void between worlds. Your loved ones won't even find the cinders and ash that remain of your corpse." The fire fades, her eyes regain their previous violet beauty, and she smiles. "But I don't imagine that will be a problem."

Thrandimir remains uncharacteristically quiet throughout the entire impressive display, taking in every arcane detail like a sponge. Only once Marianne has finished explaining, does he open his mouth again. "You know, Marianne," the wizard notes, his tone entirely neutral and empty of accusation, "you lied before - you are an army. You could defend Fireblade, wipe out Ore'Agah and I'm not convinced that you'd even break a sweat."

Na'arik speaks first after Thrandimir's question. "She could do those things...I've seen it happen. But that barrier back there...it's more than just a physical shield. That thing ," he spits the word as if it were sour milk, "is constantly calling out to those that made it. If that barrier goes down, even for a moment, they could figure out where it is and come for it. She has to be here to maintain this barrier. We lived down here at first." Marianne speaks next, looking again as weary as ever. "But it was so dreadfully boring. So we built a tavern. Then the farms came. Before we knew it, a small community was thriving here. And we've stayed here ever since, through times of peace and times of trouble. I cannot leave, and he won't leave my side." She slumps on a bench along the wall of the chamber. " I...I need a moment. Na'arik, take them back upstairs?" The man nods.  "C'mon. Let's go."  He leads the group back to the library room and stands at the far end, where the water initially placed the party. As soon as the last person steps into a circular pattern of stones on the ground, the group is immediately enveloped in the same watery surroundings. They drop away, and the party once again finds themselves in the bedroom. Na'arik takes the now empty mug from where it sits next to the silver cup and heads for the double doors. Reaching them, he gives one a sharp knock with a knuckle and turns to look at Ascian with a small smile.  "Doors of Alarm. You never had a chance. Sorry."

Bowing his head to Marianne, somewhat taken back by the fire in her voice as she promised retribution. He calmly says "I am humbled by your trust in us, and I will honor my word. As long as you have the best interest of the people in mind, I will never share your secret." As they exit the library Kou looks at the rest of his companions  "Well unless Marianne can teleport us, we should prepare to leave for the ruins. The sooner we know if there is any aid there the better." Looking back at Na'arik he asks "I've never explored one of the ruins, how we will know what we found and if it holds any value?"

Na'arik scratches his head. "Depends on what you mean by value. We're looking for an old incantation that would create food. But as for everything else, that will be for you to determine. I haven't explored these ruins either, but I've done my share of dungeoneering. Just be careful -- that's my best advice."

" Sounds like good advice, sadly I doubt we will take it." Kaed laughs at his own joke clapping a strong hand on Ascian's shoulder, " But we will have tales to tell no doubt when we return with the magic and the treasure!" 

Given the long journey ahead of them, Thrandimir gathers some gold from his new companions and heads into the village in search of some horses for the expedition. After asking a few of the usual suspects for advice on who might be selling, the wizard is directed to talk to an older farmer with an underbite and about twelve teeth between he and his wife. Thrandimir's favourite kind of people. At first the wizard tries to angle for a discount, but once the farmer comes out with,  "well, I sure as shit watched that mare pull the plow across the back forty not two weeks ago, so I'm not sure whachyer talkin' 'bout,"  Thrandimir resolves to pay the going price, before the man's dirty clothes literally rub off on him. His pocket almost two-hundred and fifty gold pieces lighter, the old man returns to his companions with the five 'new' horses.

Kou walks around his new horse, stroking the beast's black fur as he examines the mount. With a small smile he begins to secure the saddle as he speaks to the group "Good find Thrand, they should serve us well on our journey." Hopping into the saddle he looks up and sees the sun still high in the sky and says  "We have several good hours of light ahead of us, it would behoove us to get a head start. Hopefully if we move quickly enough we can be back before the Orc's or the Kingdom shows up."

As the group prepares to set out, Marianne pulls Erika aside for a few moments. When she returns, she looks chagrined. "Looks like Marianne has a different mission for me. It's been wonderful travelling with you all. I hope to see you again soon." With a hesitant nod to Thrandimir, she returns to the tavern.

As the group prepares to leave, Katrin excuses herself for a moment. She knew that leaving would be hard. It always was. But she would be back. She always came back. Rose is sitting on the steps of the front porch when Katrin arrives at the farmhouse. She sits beside her, gripping her hand. "You're leaving." It's not a question.  "Yes." Katrin keeps her gaze focused outward. Rose reaches over and turns Katrin's face towards hers with a gentle touch. "You're coming back." Again, not a question. Katrin leans into her touch, her forehead brushing Rose's chin. "Yes."  Rose smiles, her hand trailing to the necklace Katrin had given her. "Then I wish you all the luck in the world. And I know you'll be magnificent." They share a short, impassioned kiss, and then Katrin stands.  "I'll see you around Rosie." "Until next time, Kit Kat." Katrin returns to the group, her heart simultaneously lighter and heavier.

The road is quiet as the party leaves the small village surrounding Fireblade. They pass a few farm wagons as they ride out, but as they proceed out of the reach of the farthest farms, they come across no other travelers. Their shadows stretch into long lines as the sun sets in the west behind them. As it touches the tops of the hills in the west, Kou's words turn from off-hand remark to dark omen. At the crest of the hill, the party can see a column of men marching to the west. Their armor is painted a verdant green, and their helmets each carry a pink plume.

Kaed leans over to Ascian as they ride, whispering, " This might be interesting, maybe Erika got the good deal, guarding the barn,  or hunting large rats or whatever they have her doing." He checks the sabre at his hip and reassures his horse that all is well. As the armoured men come I to sharper focus he begins to assess their strength in case there is trouble.

Ascian glances at Kaed. "You might be right. She's probably getting paid." Sunlight gleaming off armor ahead catches his attention and he narrows sensitive eyes against the brightness, counting silently as they march before looking over at the others.  "Over twenty of them. Are we staying to chat."

"They're on our side, right?" Thrandimir notes. "Let them take care of the orcs. Let's go find this scroll."

"Virid Heartlands," Katrin mutters sourly. "These are the people Audar contacted." Her thoughts go immediately to Rose and her father, and their safety. Na'arik and Marianne have always taken care of that community. No reason to believe they'd stop now.