A little amused and more then a little flattered, Lu takes the breakfast from Quipp.
Tearing into one of the biscuits, Lu looks around curiously.
You didn't get anything for you? Where did you find Ky? .. Can I ask you a personal question, Quipp?

Heh, slow down miss, you'll choke. I already ate. And I nipped a biscuit from the cook besides.

I asked the bartender where you were. He said you were in room 12.

Lu chokes, and splutters.. then turns the same brilliant shade of red again.
ARRGH! I don't even get a chance to ruin my reputation! Ky's doing it for me! Wonderful. I really should just go find the next available man and throw him down on the bed just so I can see what all the fuss is about!

Quipp blushes. Lu suddenly gains the ability to read minds.

Lu develops a sudden intense interest in her breakfast. Lu finally manages to speak after about 10 minutes.
So, Quipp... how old ARE you?

16. I'm a bit short for my age, I know. But it helps me in my work. Uh.. that is ... getting through crowds and such. I can get around easier. Ya' Know.

Wow, you're not that much younger then me... and you're a lot more experienced.. I mean*blush*city wise... you know who to talk to and all of that. It was never really something I needed to worry about back home. Though my aunt is convinced that one of these days we'll be going back to the 'Wood. I think she's... I'm sorry, Quipp, you really don't want to hear all of this.
Lu takes a sip of her milk and looks around the room and their packed belongings.
Oh, I meant to tell you. We'll be out of your hair today, I believe. We have one more stop and then we're on the road again.

Oh, .. I .. I thought you were planning on staying in the city a while? Why are you leaving so soon?

And ... I don't mind hearing about diffent places. I've seen all of this city.

Lu smiles.
I thought we were staying longer too, but with this ork man gone, there's really no point. We have to follow him. There's this wizard we have to see, and depending on what he tells us.. well I guess we go from there.
... You're a really good listener, thanks. Normally, I can't get a word in edgewise without Ky saying that I talk to much. What I was saying before.. my aunt Orelinde, she's a troubadour, a really talented one at that. Her place is at court, not within the hole in the ground we came from. Our family once held a place within the Elven Court, but that was... well, that was before. She wants us to go back, and her son...wait, Quipp, you said that you've seen all of this city. Would you say you've got a pretty good idea of who's coming and going? Who's new to the city?

Quipp, looking like he was following a line of thought and tripped when it turned 90 degrees, pauses for a moment to think.

New folks? Well yeah, sure. I do an awful lot of sitting by the gate there. Why?

Ky and I have been concerned that we might have been followed. Have you seen an elf man, around our age.. his early twenties. He is tall with long black hair. He has sharply defined features, and carries himself well. He would most likely be in disguise, but you can't hide a noble's walk or gait. Have you seen anyone matching this description?

Well I've seen a few elves besides the usual ones in the city. Someone following you though? I'd have known if there was someone tailing you, that's for sure. But since you arrived I've mostly ben on your errands. So someone might have gotten in without my knowin' it. I cam look in to it if ya 'need.

No, it's all right. I'm probably overreacting. Thank you for humoring me. You've been very kind.
Lu stands, pacing now to relieve some of the tension she's carrying. Suddenly, she stops, leans down and kisses Quipp on the cheek.
Really. Thank you.

Well it's .. it's uhh, no problem... Least I could do. Uh.. what should, what do ya' need done next

We, we have to go and speak to a wizard my aunt knows. She didn't tell us why, just that we should talk to him. She does that a lot. She likes her air of mystery. His name is Aristol. Have you heard of him before?
Lu stops pacing to sit beside Quipp again.

Yeah Aristol I know. Or know of him at least. A smart man told me one time not to meddle in the affairs of wizards. So I keep my distance. He's really good with old languages and such. Does a lot of translating for different people. Good at studying thread items to I hear. Want me to check him out for ya'? Get you an appointment?

Yes, that would be excellent. Tell him the same thing that you told the Weaponsmith, and ask him for an appointment time today.
Thank you, Quipp. You've really been a lifesaver throughout all of this. Thank you.
Lu blushes again, and smiles at Quipp.

Well, you're welcome. Quipp shuffles his feet a bit for a moment. Well then ,I guess that I should be gettin' goin; then. Gettin' an apointment with Aristol won't be easy, 'specially on short notice, so.. I should go.

As Quipp turns to leave, Kyla comes in to the room, carrying her clothes and wrapped in a bed sheet.

Lu, why does that dwarf think I'm you?

Throwing up her hands in disgust, Lu leaves the room behind Quipp.

Standing outside the room, Lu and Quipp again find themselves standing uncomfortably near in a hallway that suddenly feel so much narrower then before.
So, I'll... um, wait here, for you... For you, to return with Aristol's reply I mean. Lu stammers out.

Right! Uh.. right, alright then.

Quipp turns and walks quickly down the hall, dissapearing at the stair case. Lu watches for a moment, then *YANK* is back in side the room with Kyla, stumbling.

What was that all about? Hey .. you wren't , with the kid last night were you? Were you!

What? No.. NO. I wasn't. I was here. In my own bed. By myself. Unlike some people. Still, Lu can't help but blush at the thought.
Besides, he's not a kid. He's 16. He's just a little younger then us... Don't look at me like that! Oh, ergh. Anyway, he's gone to announce us to Aristol... the wizard?Lu reminds her sister at Ky's questioning look.
Moving around the room, doing anything to escape Ky's gaze. Lu keeps talking.
Oh, and you mentioned that we should be going once we talked to the wizard, so I packed your things this morning. Really, Ky you should take better care of your armor. Some of it wasn't even properly cleaned...

Clean and functional are different things. Half the people here have dirty armor. You keep it clean, they think you're green.

And don't be so touchy about the kid. You'd had plenty of offers from men last night. You were just to shy. Although why you passed on that beautiful swordmaster I can't even guess. He did leave a message though incase you changed your mind. What was his name? Elthen? Something like that anyway...

Anyway if Quipp's seeing the wizard, I'm goign to take a bath, then go see a sailor about an airship. 'k?

What're you gonna do? You could probably use anohter bath your self ya' know. *sniff*. You kinda smell like ale and man.

Kyla giggles at the face Lu makes.

You are common, you know that?Attempting her very best Aunt Orelinde impersonation, Lu jutted her chin up in the air, and grabbed a towel, heading for the door. As she did, Ky hit her with a pillow.

Later, freshly bathed and clothed in her clothing, armor and cloak. Lu waited for Ky to return from the docks. Sitting in the dining room, she grew nervous waiting for Quipp and/or Ky to return. Her eyes frequently strayed to the water clock, watching the water drip down... down.. down.
AHHH! Someone better get her soon!

11am

Quipp returned first, with news of a suprisingly easy to get appointment.

As son as I told the Aristol's secretary your name, he made the appointment. Said he'd see you at 4. Sharp.

Not long after Kyla returned as well.

Well fare mostly depends on where we;re going. There's ships going all over Barsaive. Price kinda changes by that. Throal's only 20 silver for each of us, and 40 for the animals. Jerris or Iopa is a lot more. So I'd guess we better hope we're not headed that way. We should have enough money with what Father sent with us, assuming no one's taken it from you yet. But it still isn't going to be cheap. Any luck with the wizard?

You're just in time. Quipp was just letting me know that he got the appointment. According to Quipp, as soon as he mentioned our names the appointment was made. It's at 4 p.m., by the way. It's almost as if he was expecting us. Do you supposed Aunt Orelinde wrote him? It would be surprising if a letter from her would have reached him already.
With the three of them finally gathered, Lu signalled the waitress, ordering drinks when she arrived.
What do you suppose we should do now?

Kyla laughed Nothing about Aunt Orelinde' really suprises me any more. I suppose now we kill some time. I suppose we shouldn't have to many drinks or get in to any fights, since we'll need to be presentable. So we'll be killing time and bored. Care to throw some knives for a while?

Kyla jerks her head in the direction of the knife board the sailors play on during the nights.

All right, you're on.Lu stands, pulling a set of double bladed throwing knives from a leather sheath strapped to one thigh. Turning she regards Quipp.
What you do now is your own. Feel free to stay and play if you would like. We will be seeing the Wizard at 4 p.m. and after that we'll most likely be departing. It's up to you. Lu smiles, and then turns trying to keep the invitation from sounding too hopeful.

Quipp sticks around. After all "Someone has to sow you the way."

Quipp quickly leads the sisters through the busy streets of Travar. Being out in the city again, in the middle of the day, is almost like experiencing it all for the first time again. The life of it, the grandeur of the towers, the people of the streets, the wares, the sounds, the sights, it's almost too much.


After what seems like forever and much too fast, the trio arrive at a large stone house on a side street. The house is narrow, but fully three stories long. It's brick is white, but also with some red added in for color, and a small wooden sign, bearing only an intricate mark. The heavy oak front door looks more like the door to a business than a residence.

Entering, the front area is indeed done as a business. A waiting parlor, with a heavy desk at the side, behind which sits a spectacled man, wearing a tall pointy cloth hat of red and gold. The hat looks fairly ridiculous, but the spectacled old human man wearing it seems to give it an air of seriousness. Somehow,

Quipp steps forward Sir , these here is, uh, I mean these are the Ladies Calaelen, here to see Aristol the Wizard. They have an appointment.

The secretary stands, give a slow bow of his head (*waiting for hat to fall off*) then regards the sisters. And what business shall I tell Master Aristol you are calling on?

Stepping forward, Lu gives the proper curtsy.
We are here at the request of our aunt, Lady Orelinde Celebrinal. Our business is our own.

With respect Good Lady, you have come to this house of wizardry, calling upon Master Aristol. I, as his representative, must inquire and ascertain the business on which you come calling if you are to pass. Such is the way of Master Aristol's dealings.

Raising an eyebrow and casting a sidelong glance at Ky, Lu sighs.
Your master is considered an expert in regards to pattern items. We come in recognition of this fact with a question for your master. I am sorry, but we will not divulge more information without speaking to the Wizard Aristol. If this cannot be allowed, we give our most sincere regrets and will continue on our way.

Quipp leans in to Lu's ear and whispers
Listen, guys liek this are like gate guards. You gotta give 'em some kind a ' story. Make it vague, just touching a bit on what you're there for. But if you don't give 'em something', he ain't gonna let ya' go up.

Quipp leaned back and looked at Lu as if to urge her on.

Infuriated, and seeing the emotion reflected in her twin's face. Lu turns back to the man. Suddenly, Lu is smiling, a contrite expression on her face.
My apologies, sir. You must understand my sister and I have been on a long journey, we've been harassed, we've been subjected to the rudest of proposals... and all because we come seeking information on a family heirloom, a treasured family memento recently lost. We come to you, as our last hope. Please forgive me my impertinence earlier, it was just the exhaustion setting in. Please, we do have an appointment. If we could simply speak with Master Aristol about the armor.. err, I mean, about the family piece, we would be ever so grateful.Lu's eyes mist at the last, as she looks hopefully into the eyes of the clerk.

The secretary smiles, an almost understanding smile.
You must understand that a man in my position has his duties, just you like you, I am sure, have yours. You would not have me be laxing in my duties would you? I quite understand a lack of patience. I suffer from that affliction often enough my self , if you can believe it.

Have a seat just over there. Be free to help your selves to the tea on the hot plate and the pastries. They should all still be quiet fresh. I shall inform the master of you arrival and the reason for your visit. It will just be a few minutes. Thank you

With that, the old human turned, walked througha door behind his desk, and vanished from sight.

Kya let out a large breath Lu hadn't realized she'd been holding.Thank Choraliss Lu! If that old buzzard had taken any longer I would have throttled him! Good thing you've got a silver tongue hidden away in there.C'mon, let's eat all the pastries so he has to order more.

With that, Kyla plunked down in to one of the waiting charis, and set about doing her damndest to fulfill her vengence. Quipp decided tis may be a good time to fulfill some vengence of his own and joined in.

With a sad smile, Lu nods to the man as he heads out the door. The smile gone in a flash once he's gone, replaced with a look of intense dislike.
Listening to Ky, Lu nods and pours herself a cup of tea and helps her self to a pastry or three.
Waiting, Lu spends time imagining the insufferable little clerk in several tortorous machines. By the time he's returned, she is once again smiling.

The secretary returns a full ten minutes later. Kyla has already made several comments about how he must be relieving him self, and it msut be difficult for him to do so with his head so far up his...Helloooo and thank you for waiting so patiently. The Master will see you now. Ah! I see you've finished all of the pastries! I'll be sure to bring more up. This way Pleeaase.

Kyla and Quipp, both already having stuffed them selves past capacity, groaned.

The secretary led the trio up the stairs to the second floor, rapped twice on a door, and let him self in, holding the door for them.

Ladies Calaelen, I give you Warden Aristol Senchal, Wizard of the 9th Circle, Expert of Linguistics Arcana.

Master Aristol, I present to you the Ladies Luthielien and Kylathien Calaelen of Kaer Vendroll, concerniing the matter of the Calaelen familial Armory.

The secretary bowed deeply.

Aristol stoofd from behind his desk. Thank you Manden, that will be all.

Manden bowed again.Of course Master. I will bring up more tea and pastries shortly.

Another groan from Kyla.

Thank you for coming Ladies Calaelen. Please, do sit and make your selves comfortable. I understand that you have had a trying journey thus far?

Despite being a wizard and a linguistics expert, Aristol was actually rather like able. Where as his scretary's manner seemed pompous, coming from Aristol ,the careful wording seemed appropriate. A wizard yes, but a gentleman as well apparently. He seemed ..... a happy man.

Bowing to the Wizard, Lu smiled.
Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, Master Senchal. Our journey has been trying but as they say 'it will be worth it in the end'. At least, we hope it will.

Your Aunt, Orelinde', a dear and sweet lady of the Court if there ever was one, has advised me on the business you come on. I must say how ever first that there is the matter of payment that must be seen to. A matte of 100 silver pieces.

I understand that this may come as a suprise, but, as they say, "knowledge is power". And once knowledge is given, it is very difficult to take back. Much more difficult, than, say, a coin purse.

I do assure you that the knowledge I hold for you is well worth the price. A bargain in fact, I would say.

If you have the information we seek, the price is a bargain, Master Senchal.Pulling the coins from the purse, Lu pays the wizard the 100 coins. Out of the corner of her eye, Lu can see the look of outrage in Ky's face. There was another few nights of drinks, beds, or worse, another few nights without massage!

The wizard takes the coin, placing it in his desk.
The orks you seek visited my office three weeks ago. They had a map and a very old log they requested that I examine, as well as the heirloom that I now know that you seek.

The short answer is that your quarry is headed towards Kratas.

Kyla began to stand..

But there is much more that you should know.

She looked annoyed, then sat back in the padded chair with a *thump*.

It concerns the items that they brought for me to examine. The first, as I had mentioed was a map. A map of a region of Barsaive near the fallen citadel of Kratas, now known as the City of Thieves. The map was created and cartographed by troll crystal raiders, or, more appropriately "Thunderheads" as they call them selves.

The "Thunderheads" were creating a map, near the time of the beginning of the Scourge, of kaers that were being created. More specifically Kaers in the vicinity of the Citadel of Kratas. The reasons are not important to the discussion at hand, but will become relevant in a moment.

The second object was, as I said, a log. A log in the sense of a diary or written record, in this case, of a dwarf of a Scythan trading house. It seems that a small group of dwarven traders were rushing back to their home, the kingdom of Scytha, hoping to reach it before the great kaer doors closed.

The caravan in fact did not reach Scytha, and was lsot to dwarf and time. Not that it would have mattered of course. In fact, the dwarves were probably quite lucky. It would seem that they found another shelter and were able to live out the rest of their natural lives, while of course Great Scytha fell to the horrors during the Scourge. Scytha is still fallen of course, although it may interest you to know that the dwarf kingdom of Throal is beginning to fund expeditions of adventurors to retake Great Scytha. In fact...

Manden came back in at that moment. Tea and Pastries! Here you are Master, my ladies. here is one for you, and for you, and oh, are you still here boy? Here is one for you. Is there anything else I can get for you Lady Luthielien? No? very well then. Back to your business.

Alright then, back to the topic at hand. On their extremely perilous journeys through lands that were becoming more and more infested with horrors, the dwarf caravan lost one of it's own, the author of the log in question. He was buried, in dwarf fashion, within a natural cavern, which was then collapsed to protect and preserve the body.

The ork Kraech, whom you seek, discovered this tomb some years ago, and the log. He could not translate everything from the ancient Scythan. But some characters still remain the same. Such as the dwarven symbol for gold. Which, interestingly enough, has not changed in the slightest for over 2,000 years.

The character for gold was indeed in the log, next to a figure. That figure was six. Not at all worth "writng one's home about", until you understand the unit of measurement. They were measureing by shipment chests. Six chests of gold. That was wat caught Kraech's interest.

Kraech began a suprisingly thorough investigation in to where the caravan may have gone to. Investigating the few remaining records of Kratas Citadel showed no sign of a godl laiden chest. That, certainly, would have been something they would have noticed.There are also no records of the small caravan in an of the open kaers in the region. Although a small number of them to the south-west did note it's passage. The caravan was coming north and east from the human nation of Fallen Landis you see, and would pass through that area.

It was then that he had the birght notion to check for maps of the Pre-Scourge region . He did, infact, find a kaer on the map that is not on tthe Throalic maps. A small and relaticely unimportnat Kaer called simply Kaer Haven. It was a small dwelling, primarily for dwarves and a few windlings. Which of course would make it a perfect place of refuge for the belagured dwarf caravan.

Unfortunately, the kaer in fact did not reopen. We do not know why. In fact it's entire existance was nearly lost to time, except for this one map.

Kreach and his band are seeking this Kaer Haven. You will find them south of Kratas. The land it is on belongs to a human woman, a war lord allied with Garlthik One-Eye. Her name is Ailanda. She is a warrior, much like your selves. However, Kreach seemed to me a greedy man, and I do not believe that he would tell her. He and his group instead spoke of a "Krojak the Thunderer". I suppose they thought that a schaolar like my self would not know the name of a blood thirsty troll out cast.

Krojak is indeed an out cast from is troll clan. And so he has come down in to the lowlands, hiring mercenaries to assist hiim in claiming land. Apparently at some point Ailanda offended Krojak's "honor", and he has decided that it is her land that he must now possess.

And so, the shield that you seek lies in the possession of a treasure seeking ork skorcher who has sold his allegiance to an outcast troll and his small army, approxiamtely 15 miles south of Krats, City of Thieves.

For a long time after Aristol's speech, the room is quiet. Lu's mind races...
Troll army? Dwarven Gold? Treasure hunter? .. The Shield.
Your price is indeed a bargain, Master Senchal. The information you have given us in invaluable. Forgive me if I am mistaken, Master Senchal, but my father is a Wizard himself and as such I have learned a few things about the discipline. One of them is an understanding of the talent Book Recall. I ask about this Master Senchal in the hopes of asking you to recreate for us the map that Kraech brought to you. I would also ask you to recreate the page of the log that detailed the six chests. I understand what a labor intensive process this must be for you and of course, my sister and I are prepared to pay you handsomely for your services.
Having our own copy of the map, as I'm sure you're aware is critical to our locating the ork Kraech and our shield. Is this something you can do for us, Master Senchal?

Aristol smiles, reaches in to an open drawer behind him, and pulls out a scroll case.

Trnaslated copies of the scroll, and the log.

He smiles, as if feeling truely appreciated for the first time.

Lu beams and clasps the scrolls close.
Master Senchal, you truly are Passion sent! How much do we owe you for these?

Those my dear Lady are at no cost. They are, after all, only spell wrought copies. I only ask that if you do discover the fate of the caravan, that you share it with me. And ... provide any Scythan wirt scrip that you could.

He gives the soft smile of someone that has revealed his "little hobby" to someone new.

Of course, Master Senchal.Lu beams again. We have to be going, we have so much to do, but thank you again. You've been incredibly helpful.
Taking their leave of Master Senchal and Manden, the trio soon find themselves outside and on the streets of Travar. Lu quickly tucks the scrolls into her pack, cinching the pack tight.
We need to find somewhere to talk. Somewhere private. Lu says to Ky.
Quipp, can you help us with that? There's a lunch in it for you.
Lu is all smiles now, confident that despite the troll army, ork mercenaries, and opposing political forces, they would get the shield back.. and possibly some ancient dwarven gold.

Quipp leads the pair through the bustling streets of the city. Soon they are within the walls of a bustling ale house.

It's not exactly quiet, but it'll be private. Much too loud to over hear any conversations here.

Kyla laughs at Quipp's shouting. Of course no one can over hear us. I can't hear us!

Well, the fare by airship to Kratas is around 100 silver for us and the horses. It isn't cheap, but we can do it. I think there's a ship leaving in a day or two. If we can get a ship, waiting a bit isn't going to be a problem. It'll bea hell of a lot faster tahn by horse. Plus we get to fly!

And I cant believe we're actually going to be in a battle Lu! Can you believe it!?

Yes, I can believe it. I think our best bet is going to be brokering some kind of deal with Ailanda. If we can go to her and negotiate a deal for a percentage of the gold and the shield, we'll have more resources and defenses. What do you think Ky?
While they sit, Lu pulls out a piece of parchment, quill and ink. As they talk, she writes a letter to her father.
Dearest Father,
We have arrived in Travar and are well. We have spoken with the Weaponsmith Bodar as you suggested as well as the Wizard Aristol Senchal as Aunt Orelinde recommended. They have both been helpful, but you must give our thanks to Aunt Orelinde for giving us the name of Master Senchal. He has been extraordinary. He was able to provide us with a map that should lead us directly to the ork Kraech. It will be difficult, Father, there are quite a few challenges along the way. But, as you have always said, you didn't raise us to quit....

Sounds like a good idea to me. I always wanted to go soldiering and fight with a unit. And best of all, it'll just be a short time thing, so we won't have to worry about drilling! AND, we'll get to bash in a bunch of ork heads!

This last was apparently said a little too enthusiastically, because more than a few heads turned her way, not a few of them orks.

Kyla blushed and drank her ale.

Signalling the waitress, Lu quickly buys a round for the table of orks... make that two.
Turning back to Ky, Lu shakes her head.
You know what would be great, Ky? Actually LIVING to fight in this battle. Yeah.. so, shush!
Finishing the scroll, Lu signs it with her and Ky's love.
Quipp, do you know where we can find a courier service? It doesn't have to go there quickly. With us scrimping to fly, we can afford to let the letter take awhile to get there.