Shortly after I entered the orphanage and saw that bone creature, Lady Trudgeon came to greet me. She seemed delighted to see me this early but I simply told her that I enjoy being reliable. And sensing my confusion, she introduced me to Aggma, the bone-y creature, who apparently is a well-known doctor. Interesting, that I never heard of her before, if she is someone, I normally should know about her by now. After, I have to admit it, questioning her, she only confirmed what I knew already, that she is not from around here. But before we could indulge in other talks, the door opens the same time Lady Trudgeon returns, looking as stunning as I had hoped for in that dress, a woman with tattoos on her face entered, with two of the younger children in tow. She smells of danger, as far as I can tell, and seeing how she is well-equipped, I would not be surprised if she could be dangerous.
Apparently Lady Trudgeon knows her, calls her "Ratyn" or something like that. She starts talking about how she found the children in a forest and gave a warning shot in their general direction. My nose itches. Even as a warning shot, she should not endanger them this way! What would the outcome be if she missed her mark? Did she even think about this? People like her, I met a lot of them, they first shoot and then think. One of the reasons we as kids were never allowed out in the woods. And I guess I somehow let her know how I disapprove of such actions, using other words than I did now.
And again, before I have the chance to engage further, the door opens again, this time Fren enters, together with a bloodied human, who I later found out was called "Sett", and the Harengons Martha mentioned, called "Oris" and "Gina". How convenient. We were asked to help unload the merchants cart. I suppose we can give him a hand, it is basically for my old home.
After Fren left, Lady Trudgeon talked to all of us helpers. It seems she still has some work for me, or us as a group. She asks us to guard the fundraiser, worrying about bad people ruining the day, and for us to ensure the orphanage can get a decent amount of money, understandably so. And knowing the nobles and rich women and men of this city I can understand what she worries about. There are a lot of snakes in that world, and most of them know the taste of blood already.
I agree, so do the others, surprisingly even the weird huntress, that does not wanted to engage with any one of us before. I don't mind this at all.
But Lady Trudgeon has some other plans for us, than just departing now. She wants to build up our teamwork. Ha! Asking us to find a renowned bard, Patrick Singalong, who did not answer her letters, and convincing him to sing at the fundraiser. A magnificent idea! Even the others agree.
When they were getting ready to leave; Gina staying at the orphanage for the time being, helping with decorating; I looked at Oris. Well, if I have not just gotten the best idea! So I proposed asking the mages from the Bells to do a magical light show, something that makes the guest go 'aww' maybe? I have to admit, even I was surprised by that idea. Oris proposed something similar, that I did not actually hear, but all of them agreed to my plan, so we can finally leave this place. As much as I love my home, it reminds me of other times.
Since Oris seemed to know this bard, we decided to follow him for the time being. I forgot why, but apparently Ratyn had something to say about my profession. I countered her for a moment, but then decided against it, as did she. Not worth my time or the hassle.
We arrived at a tavern, and the innkeeper told us where to find that singing Kobold, because apparently Patrick Singalong is a kobold bard. Hard to picture, I know. They are not known for their singing voices, or maybe I just have not met any decent singers just yet. But we managed to find him fishing, just like the innkeeper told us. Looking at the group I am traveling with, I can clearly see, none of them ever had to sweettalk anyone before. And seeing how the little Harengon knows the bard, I grabbed him and we went to talk to him.
It did not go as well as I hoped for. But we basically have to make sure he survives the fundraiser, because he made some enemy by stealing something? I don't remember all the details, and I frankly do not care that much. Other people's business should not be my worry.
Knowing just the right place, I took the lead this time, bringing them all to GVS, Granny Vs store. And by the shrieking coming from inside, and hearing the word "fire", I concluded that there must be some serious burning going on there. I don't know why, but Aggma and Oris decided to run right in, Sett, Ratyn and me slowly following them. Well, the house was not burning down, it looked more like a tiny fire from underneath a kettle being a bit too big or something, I can't actually see a lot because apparently the doctor and the bunny used magic to extinguish it. It worked surprisingly well, and no one was harmed during this.
I talked to her, since no one else was interested in asking Granny V about the things we came here for, and after some back and forth, she gave me, I mean us as a group, a necklace, that makes it possible to go through walls for a short amount of time, but you could get stuck. Perfect. It is a payment for us helping her. With that house-destroying fire Oris and Aggma put out. I think loudly about selling the necklace to the bard, but get shut down quickly. No one here seems to be an admirer of wealth as it seems. Not even Sett, who is a really quiet young man. He seems capable, so I might consider asking him about my other plans, but that has to wait for at least after the fundraiser.
So we return to Patrick, give him the necklace and watch him ram his head in a wall, because he is not listening to instructions.
So far, the first step of this journey is handled, and so far this Ratyn is just bark, no tree. I wonder what is going on with her, eyeing me all the time. She should open her mouth, if she wants to tell me something. But alas, Oris is hungry. And since we walked quite some distance, we decided to get lunch. It was a bit costly, in my opinion, but tasted good. And we had some quiet time, fortunately, until Harris entered the establishment, unfortunately. I have not yet engaged with him a lot, but he decided to call me out. He might not be as disgusting as Gregory, but why not try him out. I tried to concentrate on the things I was taught, and failed. I must have been too open about what I tried to do, because Harris stood up and wanted to fight me. He should never underestimate the sharp tongue of a merchant, is what I love to say, but that whole affair was rather embarrassing, ending with us all getting thrown out. Best not to let the huntress see my face right now. Or anyone of them.
Onwards to The Bells, I said! And so we went right there. Even for me it is rare to return there so fast, but as I already said, I like to be reliable. And bringing Oris to Martha, as she is pretty interested in him, is one thing I am capable of doing. I frankly do not know what she plans to do to him, but knowing her it must be pure scientific in nature. Nonetheless, after inviting her and the students to the fundraiser and asking them to do a little magic show, drinking some tea in the meantime, the others seemed to be wary of her and our surroundings. Not really drinking their tea and appreciating her hospitality.
And with all this out of the way, we were finally heading to The Greens, where all the annoying and disgusting bugs are. Great.