You open your mouth to assist, but instead decide to take another sip of what little Tzah-Tzie left you! Volka’s a big girl, you think as you shoot her a reassuring smile–she doesn’t need you or TT or Morook to back her up!

“Well…” The Skog sighs, her face scrunched up in thought, “I help dad out around the shop, so I know a thing or two about potions… oh, and I go with Morook on scavenging runs!”

“That’s an understatement.” Mutters Morook as The Waitress zips by and places your fresh ANTON on the table with a wink! “My sister’s modest to a fault… give her a forest and she’ll identify everything with leaves, bark, and gills!”

“Swell drink, by the way!” Whispers The Waitress! “Don’t tell ‘em I told’ja, but Inngie’s eyes widened by thiiiis much when he tried it!”

It’s hard to measure given how The Waitress’s eyes are always wider than Morook’s, but you’ll take her word for it!

“High praise! Hiiiiigh praiseeee!”

While The Waitress speeds off to collect her next batch of beverages and TT dives into your drink, Jhairo leans forward with a mischievous grin!

“Is that so? Pray, enlighten me: what is that vine that wraps itself round mangroves–the one with the pleasant aroma, but painful barbs?”

Volka answers with a cocky ‘ha’ before replying! “Easy! That’s SWAMPSTICK! The barbs are venomous AND poisonous in large doses, but if ya’ gently brush your tail against it, and I mean gently, it actually gets rid of that-”

“That midday ache!” Exclaims Jhairo as he gives his forehead a ‘why-didn’t-I-think of that’ smack! “Thou hath saved me many hours rifling through the Temple Library… a shame, but-”

“I’m sorry!” Volka remarks with genuine regret on her face! “Didn’t mean to take you away from the books…”

“No no,” He chuckles, “That place is an unyielding quagmire for the likes of me…” His blue eyes cast downward with embarrassment. “The Librarian acquired a special bell to rouse me from my reading… alas, it only works half the time…”

“Huh.” Volka blinks. “You acted a little cagey around my father’s library though…”

“Y-yes, well…” Mutters the Paladin, “I owe mine life to the Mitaaran Church… and yet I can’t bring myself to shun the knowledge and whimsy enclosed within a book.” He hangs his head as if confessing to a crime. “The Librarian insists it’s not a sin, but perhaps my lapse in adherence to Mitaar’s teachings is why I find myself here today…” Realizing what he said a bit too late, Jhairo doubles-back with a forced laugh!

“E-err, not that your company isn’t welcome, of course! In truth this has been the most I’ve spoken to anyone besides my Brothers in… well…”

“AAaAAaaagessss…” Mumbles Tzah-Tzie as she nuzzles your shoulder. Is… is she LICKING it!?

“… Guildeeee…”

>CONTD.