Balasar let out a breath of relief as he sees Zuigrii, quickly navigating his way over to him.
"Ah, Zuigrii, I'm so happy to see a familiar face. I was hoping to put in an order to have some tools made if the guild isn't too preoccupied with the war effort, and I've never been in here before so I don't really know how it all works."
He looks to the other member and the papers before looking back to Zuigrii.
"If you're not too busy, I would love some help. But if you're in the middle of something, I'd hate to interrupt."

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Jade does a lite jog to catch up with Vesta.

"I would like to go with you. I don't think you should be alone right now."

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“I see.” Vesta’s voice is flat. “Two months.”

Her expression remains unreadable, though she gives a slight nod as the words settle over her. She falls silent, lost in thought for a long moment, before giving Jade’s hand one final squeeze and gently letting go.

“I’m going to the vardo.” She glances toward the city gates. “You’re welcome to come with me, or look into Zukar first. Whatever you’d prefer.”

She turns toward the gates once more, only to pause and look back at Saige and Storm. A deep, weary sigh escapes her.

“I’m sorry. I’m not in a particularly sociable mood today.”

Her gaze shifts from Storm to Saige, and her brow creases faintly.

“Perhaps we can… catch up later.” She hesitates, looking as though she isn’t entirely sure why she offered. “Or something.”

With that, she takes a few steps towards the gate before stopping to wait, glancing back to see whether Jade will follow.

Beside Storm, Saige continues to pout, tugging her hood a little tighter around her head as she studies the Ramtovi woman. Her head tilts to one side, and her brow furrows.

After a moment, she looks down at her hands. She glances up at Storm, still frowning, before leaning towards her to whisper something else. Her fingers catch on the draconian’s sleeve, giving it a small, insistent tug.

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When Balasar enters the guild, Zuigrii is standing at the front desk going through some papers with another member. After a few seconds Zuigrii looks up and notices. “Well hello. What brings you in today?”

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"There is a metal that is useful against dragons. I think it's meteoric iron? I'll have to check and get back to you."

As they reach Zuiigrii's house Jade will approach the door and knock.

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As they make their way, Balasar speaks up. "I've also been trying to place an order at the Artisans guild for some tools to possibly remove the ritual from the dragon bones as well, like a saw or chisel, though I'm not sure what metal would work best. Maybe mithril?"
It isn't long before they make it to Zuigrii's home.

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"I didn't sick Kumara on anyone. He reacted when magic was cast in the embassy. I believe Vesta cast something but it was in the hall so I didn't witness it myself."

Jade thinks for a moment.

"I did try to send Vesta a missive about Roman's baby but it failed. So I sent one to Tristan after. He told me that he was trying to bring the information from the dragon letter up to higher nobility. "

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Balasar makes his way to the Artisans Guild. Seeing the hive of activity and the billowing smoke emerging from the top, he eyes the building uncertainly as he makes his way towards the door.

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Jade clears her desk and grabs her staff from a weapon rack in the corner. She stands excitedly.

"I don't have access to the ward in Zuiigrii's house, but I would love to join you."

Jade travels with Balasar to Zuiigrii's house.

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He enters with his notes tucked under his arm and a smile returning Jade's0.

"Hello, baroness Jade. I was wondering if you could accompany me to those dragon bones again, or just open the ward for me if you're busy. I haven't learned enough of the language to be completely fluent, but I think I've learned enough to translate the ritual and find out what it does."

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Storm scoffs. "Nah. Hate to break it to you but you've been gone about two months now as far as I know. And your fiance went to the embassy around the same time so he's been gone too."

She shrugs. "I dunno where he's at now though. Or honestly, if he's even alive. Though I'm guessing if Foresetidale was going to give him a death sentence for trespassing they would have announced it already."

Storm's brow scrunches. "Does anyone know why he would be dumb enough to turn himself in? What in the planes made him do that? I heard he was at the Seshtau embassy before he went in and that's about the same time that rumor started about the Baroness here siccing her flesh golem on someone."

She looks to Jade. "The fuck happened with that, by the way? It doesn't seem like you to just... Do that. So who set you off?" Her eyes widen. "Oh shit. Was it- Uh. Tris- Zoo? Whatever he's going by now. Did he do something to piss you off and that's what made him turn himself in?"

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"You what?! I would ask who did this but I know you wouldn't remember. "

Jade's face falls to a frown.

"He left soon after you did. I guess... a week or two? No more like a month now."

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The door is opened and you are met with a familar six foot tall flesh golem. It looks down at you and steps aside without a word. Inside the room is Jade at her desk. She is looking over some papers at her desk. When she hears the door open she looks up and smiles when she sees Balasar.

"Good afternoon Balasar. Please come in and make yourself comfortable. How may I help you today?"

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Balasar makes his way through the halls of the Seshtau embassy, going over his written notes and quietly muttering what he had learned of the ancient dragon language in preparation of what's to come. The familiar path he follows takes him to a place he's become quite comfortable returning to, Jade's office. He only finishes his rehearsal as he makes it to the door, reaching forward to give a quick, polite knock.

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From the gates of the Cemetery of Lost Souls, a figure emerges. He is dressed in a fine dark blue overcoat that doesn’t quite touch the ground. He has a black undershirt, black pants, and dark brown boots. The figure has long, wavy brown hair and a pair of glasses sit on the bridge of his nose. He adjusts the diagonal strap of the satchel hanging on his hip before his boot touches the ground outside the graveyard.

As he approaches the center of town, he pauses and looks around. His eyes scan the signs of the various guilds and baronial embassies in particular. Then he reaches into his bag and withdraws a single sheet of parchment. “Hmm…” Spotting the sign for the Adventurer's Guild, he steps through the door. 

Inside, Julien Mesen’ke is busily posting fliers to a large board against the right wall. But as soon as the door opens, Julien turns his attention to the entrance.

“Ho there! Welcome!” Julien says loudly, his voice carrying through the mostly empty building.The man with glasses steps inside and looks around. He takes note of the large counter to the left and the few tables spread out through the rest of the guild entrance. Beyond is a doorway leading further into the guild but the faint shimmer over it indicates it may not be easily accessible.“Hi there. I’m looking to receive some assistance.” 

Julien steps down off of a chair he’s using to help him reach the top of the large board bounty board. “Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’re the new Adventurer’s Guild. Come have a seat and let’s discuss the details of your request.”

The stranger steps further in and takes a seat at the table closest to Julien. He adjusts his glasses and looks at the blonde man expectantly. Julien takes a seat across from him and they begin discussing business.

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Vesta frowns.

“Why… why would he do that?”

Her brow furrows as she stares at the ground. After a long moment, she exhales sharply and lifts her free hand to rub at her temples.

“I died.” The words come quietly. “I’ve been dead since…”

She trails off, her brow knitting further as she searches for the answer.
Her gaze shifts from Storm to Jade.

“When was the last time you saw me?” A beat. “How long has it been?”

She falls silent for a moment, then looks back towards Jade.

“When did he go to the embassy?”

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Storm shakes her head in response to Saige and continues to watch Vesta. She folds her arms across her chest and nods.

"Yeah. Heard your fiance walked into the embassy and got himself arrested. Haven't heard anything else about him since. But I've been with Saige helping to defend the town." She lifts one shoulder in a shrug. "What happened to you anyways, Vesta? You've been gone a while."

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"If that's what you want, then sure. I don't think he is at your vardo though. Last I heard he turned himself over to Forsetidale. I can try to see if we can see him but I don't know if they will let us."

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Vesta looks down at Jade’s outstretched hand for a long moment.

She hesitates, unsure of whether she should take it. Eventually, however, she reaches out and slips her hand into Jade’s. 

Her fingers close around it in a light, tentative squeeze. Her hand trembles slightly, and she steps closer to Jade.

“I need to go check on Zukar.” She pauses, glancing towards the city gates. “Can we talk at the vardo?”

Her gaze shifts briefly to Storm, and she gives the draconian a small nod of acknowledgment before looking back towards the gates. 

Behind her, Saige’s attention is fixed on Vesta’s hands. Her brow furrows.

She leans towards Storm, lowering her voice to whisper something to her.  

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Storm watches Vesta and her reaction to Saige. When Saige clings to her, she shifts casually towards the wild elf in return. 

Storm silently watches the interaction between Jade and Vesta. 

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