The group marches onward through Tarkett. They can see people busy preparing for First Veles night, a celebration marking the beginning of the dark half of the year, which will occur tomorrow. Runic markings are painted around door frames, and protective exhibitions of salt minerals are placed on window sills. Finally, the group finds themselves at a market with numerous various stalls. One of which sells chocolate, and the party gladly buys several boxes of the yummy treats. Once the purchases are made, and Adrian Maulitz has handed out the containers, Irdien Talvaeth says she has a quick errand close by and wants to meet up at the tavern. Zach immediately becomes anxious, causing Irdien Talvaeth to pity him and say that he may come with her. The wizard and the rouge departs, and Sirona Boyd takes the opportunity to browse a booth with books in hopes to find a birthday present for Irdien Talvaeth. She's on the hunt for a cookbook with some favorite meals she is hoping to introduce Irdien Talvaeth to, and luck so has it that she comes across a book with traditional Romian Human recipes. After the shopkeeper graciously wrap it for her, they head over to the Honeywine Inn.
The Innkeeper, Sindri, is Adrian Maulitz's good friend, and there is a sweet reunion as they greet each other. Then, after some friendly bickering over discounts, he, Sirona Boyd and Labrat are shown to a table and served a roasted pig and a barrel of ale, and Adrian starts recounting his recent adventures to his friend.
Meanwhile, Irdien Talvaeth and Zach have made their way to The Cats Cuirass, an armour shop. Inside, Irdien Talvaeth shows her symbol of the Thanor'Thal and are told to head downstairs. There they find a group of people bent over a map of Tarkett. They discuss the unrevealed plans of an unidentified individual that have drawn their attention. As they are hesitant to greet them, Zach becomes offended on Irdien's behalf and demands them to show proper respect to her. He is rewarded with a crossbow bolt hitting the planks at his feet, but the wizard manages to levitate out of harm's way. Irdien calms the situation down by telling them she's from Thanor'Thal and looking for work. The shady individuals in the basement say that if she can figure out the mystery man's angle, they'd appreciate it. She will be paid two gold coins per day to come back and report. Irdien asks for more details and quickly recognizes the description of Jak o' the Wisp. Seemingly, he has frequented every bar in town, and the group wants to know why. The last known location is the shabby pub called The Gauntlet, located just outside the northern gate. If she wishes to report her findings after business hours, she can climb in through a window out on the back. Irdien accepts the mission and leaves together with Zach to reunite with the others at The Honey Wine inn.
When the last two party members arrive, Irdien asks for something more potent than the ale, and Sindri fetches a distilled strong liquor that ends up almost choking the drow when she tries to drink it. Zach also spits the content of his glass out, and they both decide to settle for the ale. During some conversation, Sindri brings over a page with musical lyrics scribbled down, saying that a man has been singing it all over town. The song's words are insulting and aim towards Adrian, even if his name isn't featured. It's easy to assume who this scorned troubadour is, and Irdien tells the rest of her recently acquired mission. She doesn't want to go, and since the song is a clear indication that Jak doesn't want to see Adrian, it is quickly decided that L and Sirona should be the ones to enter The Gauntlet pub.
Not confident that L and Sirona won't be needing backup in the shadiest pub of the area, Adrian, Irdien and Zach decide to come with and wait outside.
Sirona and L ask the hungover barkeep if he knows where Jak is. He tells them that he thinks the bard has left town. Making sure he hasn't forgotten anything important, Sirona heals him from his hangover. The man's mind instantly clears up, but he has no further information. So instead, he asks if they want to stay and partake in their nightly fight club activities. L seems excited so they decide that they will take a look.