Dwain
Zelyvia and Shynoata had already settled into a corner booth of the Wayfarer tavern after making sure the elf was stocked for her journey. The tiefling chose this particular area during the morning hours so they could not only see the door but any chatter was easily overheard. Streams of sunlight from the windows bathing the patrons with enough light the candles were left unlit. There's a dull humm of conversation ranging from friends conversing about their personal business, this she was paying extra close attention to, the rest were either nursing hangovers or games being played by sailors enjoying their shore leave. A few flyers on the wall of a missing family member stood out among a board with plenty of other jobs for would-be adventurers or those looking for fame. These she had taken note of along with each curious individual leafing through them. None striking her interest enough as of yet to approach them outright as both women silently waited for the one that'd lead Shy through the swamps. An agreement from the informant to pay for the expedition as the Healer was an asset, an investment into the young lass's organization for the price of keeping The Cēnara off her back in exchange for potions and services without question.

Zelyvia had chosen to keep her hood drawn over her features, only her horns were outlined in sharp wavy contrast along the sides of her head beneath the black thick cloth that kept her for the most part hidden in the shadowed corner of the room. Only her light blue and pink tipped strands of hair spilled over the lapels from her slightly bowed head, pink eyes surveying the room of "Hardened" Individuals while keeping an eye out for the guide. Rylkyn wasn't going to be cheap, but from what she'd gathered through the contacts here he was worth the weight of coin she was investing in this excursion. Waiting patiently for him on her side with a mug of mead held between her gloved hands.
Matthew
Unlike the calm lass across from her, the elf had her hood withdrawn so it'd be easier to spot them both. Her long ebony locks plated in thick braids that disappeared beneath her light brown cloak. Shy was picking at some of the goat cheese, fruits, and vegetables on a plate in front of her. Occasionally sneaking one of the vegetables inside of her cloak which Bramble was more than happy to quickly pull into the small burrow of a pocket in her coat. Her sharp but fair mocha elven features made her somewhat easy to spot despite the slightly darkened area they were residing. There wasn't a conversation going between the women, Shynoata was thankful for small miracles as she steeled her nerves to both converse and travel with someone she didn't know on her own. If not for her debt she'd probably take the bounty from the board herself. Use the small network of those thankful for her service to find a party within her control, but alas this came first. Fungus were easy enough to locate, yet it was only in Blackwater that one in particular assisted in blood flow and longevity. The other more poisonous one for Zelyvia was less on her priority list despite her appearing to agree to the request in full. Herself, pouring over a small book of plants that she may want from the area while she was there. Lost in this instead of everything around her, while thin long fingers kept her passage between bites.
Dwain
It didn't take too long for another to grab her attention, his tall well built frame beneath his armor stood out among those that'd looked over the flyers thus far. A long healed cut along the side of his cheek was visible for a short period of time before he took it from the wall itself. Another still remained behind it, but the determination in his eyes is what brought a faint smirk to her light green painted lips. Zelyvia new better than to wait for Shy to notice when she was in a form of zone. Let Rylkyn find the elf first, watching her stutter would be entertaining for the tiefling and since she'd already acquired a guide to the swamps it'd make it more challenging for the kindness of the elf to back out in any way. Besides, Biomancers were difficult enough to come by.

Whenever Hawk approached someone in regards to finding out how to accept the contract is when she finally placed the mead onto the table. Slowly sliding out of her seat to keep her hood from lifting any, she knew full well that a tiefling here would raise suspicion to a degree if she seemed too careful. Keeping her head slightly bowed, her 5'3" Height was likely easier to overlook as she slipped beside Hawk. Full black well used leather armor at least showed some competence that she wasn't just some floozy trying to gain attention. Adding a soft purr to her voice so soften the sharp aspect of it as she leaned into the bar next to him. **"If you're heading that way and need a guide you're in luck."**
_ _

She lifted her hand to shake his, if he took it her grip was firm, if he didn't or eyed her suspiciously she lowered it with a light shrug of her shoulders as she continued. **"I guess an introduction is in order first isn't it? You may call me Indicis."** Zelyvia bowed slightly while raising her right hand over chest. **"I'm only here as sort of an emissary to my friend."** The tiefling turned and waved towards Shy still nose first in her book completely oblivious to literally everything happening right now. **"Her name is Shynoata, a biomancer. If this person is lost it stands to reason they're likely injured. I'd go myself, but I have business elsewhere that requires my attention. If you'd be so kind as to join her I'd appreciate it greatly. Shy was looking at this flyer in particular before we took our seats. I can vouch for her skill and if need be offer you more money for her protection. She's a valuable ally."**

Waiting patiently for his answer, she canted her head high enough her pink eyes held his gaze almost imploring him for the assistance. Light blue skin that marked her for a tiefling if her blue and pink strands of hair didn't already. Zelyvia hoped this was enough to convince him, rugged and handsome though he may be there was a hint of danger to how he held himself. She'd kept her posture calm and relaxed despite this the whole time, hoping that she was hitting the nail on the head that someone kind enough to take up that poster would also have the chivalry to assist with an addition to more money. The guide himself having arrived by now had been standing over the table by the elf for at least a few seconds.
Matthew
Shy had been too absorbed in the variety of plant species to realize someone had walked over to the table. Leafing through the booklet and placing small shreds of paper between pages of fungus, molds, and weeds that were impossible to obtain elsewhere. Her gray eyes filled with a mixture of hope, determination, and sense of giddiness until a cleared throat beside her made the lass freeze. As if she was caught looking up the worst of pornographic material, the lass quickly shoved every small piece of paper she had shredded into where she was and hastily closed the book. Sending all of these flying towards her in a waft of slightly yellowed paper scraps.

Embarrassed, her mocha cheeks darkened a faint sheen of pink as she looked up towards the lad standing there expectantly. It was only age that saved her from bumbling like an idiot immediately, her tone was level and calm despite the beginning stutter. **"H-hello. You must be the guide."** She looked across the table hoping Zelyvia would be there, but the color easily faded from her face as she noticed her compatriot wasn't there. Turning in her seat and looking around the room in panic for a second until she noticed the smaller lass speaking with someone else. A deep calming breath taken once she realized she wasn't left for both the bill and needing to explain why he was hired.
_ _

After a brief awkward second she lifted her hand towards the seat opposite of herself with a kind smile. **"Please have a seat, Indicis will be back with both the money and an explanation for your summon here... Though I guess I can cover that."** Whether he remained standing or seated she quickly removed the book from the table and stuffed it into her bag. The sound of glass lightly tinkling next to each other is soft but easily heard with their space from the crowd. Still not looking in his direction she rambled a bit first, it was obvious she wasn't used to these types of meetings. **"She's paying you so I can gather some supplies or ingredients for my potions. I dabble a bit in alchemy in my free time with a keen interest in healing. There's so many plants here that could create a remedy for so many ailments I can't even begin to."**
_ _

Shy cut herself off while turning her attention back his direction, realizing she was rambling again as she tended to for anything that excited her. An apologetic bow as her right hand lightly rubbed the back of her neck, her left nervously gripping the lapels of her cloak. After another calming breath she sat up straight, withdrawing Bramble from her cloak and setting him on her knee so she could stroke his soft fur. **"My apologies. My name is Shynoata, but most call me Shy for... I'm pretty sure you've guessed why."** Leaning back in her seat she lifted the small rabbit to her chest, Bramble eyeing the lad a bit while still munching on the bit of lettuce she handed him earlier. The movement of this opened her cloak. Intricate tattoos that seemed akin to henna that were lighter on her face were noticeable on her chest as well. These obviously extended to her fingers, but the cut and cloth of dress was light blue cotton for travel. A step up from the clothes of peasantry so he was aware the money he was offered wasn't for show. **"S-she mentioned something about you needing information before accepting. What would you like to know that I can offer while we wait?
Richard
Rylkyn was almost thankful for the small reprieve of the relative darkness of the Wayfarer Tavern. Even the candle and naturally lit interior was a mercy compared to the harsh sunlight of the day straining his eyes and causing a massive headache. While he promised himself he would never drink like last night again, he knew that it was only a matter of opportunity and a wicked hangover that stopped him from doing so now. Leaning into the wooden door of the tavern as it opened, Rylk still remembered to take his wide brimmed hat off while crossing indoors; he may have been raised in a hovel, but he still wasn't raised in a barn. Rylk's orange reddish eyes almost looked backlit by the dark lighting of the tavern, despite his pupils still constricting to try and mitigate the headache as much as possible. Braided white hair lightly swishing against his shoulder blades, small strands were pulled free from the loose tie by the fur lining the collar of the leather padding on his armor. A few were standing around the notice board in the tavern, a new batch of missing persons and property pinned up against the cork. So far, it all seemed business as usual for a town so close to the Blackwater. Which reminded him, he was here for work. Right, better sober up fast.
-

From what he remembered of the missive, he was supposed to meet some elf here, mocha skin and some tattoos for another expedition into the Blackwater for some herbs. Of course it had to be another elf, nearly half of his customers were always some variation of elf. He got that most Elves were fairly in tune with magic, but seriously just a bit more variety would be a breath of fresh air. Still, it didn't take long for him to find exactly who the missive described. Not like it was hard to see the tattoos from this distance, he'd seen wizards with an "Artistic bent" Produce less intricate patterns on a canvas than she had on just a fraction of her body. Not his style, but he couldn't help but respect the commitment, and it at least made her easy to find. Navigating the small crowd over to her table, his thick leather boots arhythmically thumping against the floorboards as he fought the crowd and his own lingering intoxication, Rylk finally made it to the chair opposite of his potential client. Sitting down much more heavily than he meant to, the small rings of mail sandwiched in between his armor's leather and padding mutely jingling as he righted himself, Rylk placed his hat on the far side of the table to his right just as the elf attempted to invite him to sit down.
-

Even with her soft uncertain voice, her words still felt like nails on a chalkboard inside Rylk's head. Fighting the urge to put his hat over his face to hide the light and lessen the headache, Rylk just dipped his head for a moment and held up a finger. "Yes yes, I'm pretty sure I can piece together why you sent for me. Now please, indoor voice." With the same hand that he used to shush her, Rylk circled the air towards the small group that was gathering around the notice board. "I assume one of those is your companion with the actual payment, yes? Fine, just tell me what you want to get out of this in the meantime." Listening to her begin to ramble on about medicinal herbs, Rylk's headache started to abate slightly as his mind became preoccupied flipping through his internal catalog of the various herbs he'd been collecting in the swamp throughout the years for various clients. Sadly enough, disturbingly little of his clientele ever asked for explicitly medicinal materials, most demanding the more volatile of reactants.
-

Seeing Bramble hop out onto her lap, Rylk couldn't help but flick his eyes down at the furry little creature, the tiny mass in the leather bag hanging from his shoulders shuffling as the tiny creature inside smelled another animal. Quilliam popped his snout out of the bag, some of his quills escaping the confines of the bag as well as his nose bobbed to sniff out the rabbit. Lightly pushing his hand down to the top of the bag, Rylk attempted to entice Quilliam to go back to sleep in his bag. While the hedgehog did retreat for a moment, he immediately popped his head back up in front of Rylk's hand. After three more repetitions of the exact same process, Rylk let out a small sigh as he gave out and allowed the little rodent to sniff around, from the edge of his carrying bag.
-

Trying to turn his attention away from his rebellious rodent, Rylkyn looked back up at the tattooed elf as she introduced herself. "Well, Shy does seem fitting now doesn't it? I'm Rylk'' Leaning forward towards the table, causing the hedgehog to finally make a break from his carrying bag, scurrying up the leather strap and mail of Rylk's armor to rest on the fur of his collar, Rylk started to turn over his usual spiel in his head. "Don't mind him. Let's get down to business then, Shy. I'll start off with what I tell every prospective client of mine. First, the nature of the Blackwater being what it is means that things out of everyone's control happen sometimes. You are not paying for the guarantee that anything will come from this expedition, you are paying for the expertise to give you better odds of something coming out of it. So don't toss a fit and get us both killed if the swamp decides today's a bad day and lets Infernum loose on us. Second, do not take offense if I need to be rough with you. You are paying me to guide you through the swamp, it is a dangerous place where acting like an idiot will likely get us both killed. If I share some harsh language to get your attention or pull you away from the path of some particularly pissed off creatures, then it is not personal. I just don't particularly feel like dying so soon. So please don't expedite that process. Third, we will not go into the deep swamp. What you are promising for payment will get you the outskirts and maybe to the mid swamp with some extra incentive. But, the deep swamp is not somewhere you go because you want to. It would cost you much much more and, frankly, I can promise absolutely nothing there. If you want to try your luck, feel free but I will turn my happy ass right back around and go have a pint while you get yourself killed. If you're ok with that, then we'll get along about as well as you expect.
-

Returning to his normal sitting position, Rylk reached up to pull Quilliam from his collar, the short legs of the hedgehog flailing a bit before he placed him back inside of his bag to sleep. "So" He stated with a small incline of his head, "You say you're looking for medicinal materials. Tell me what kinds you had in mind. It'll help me narrow down where we can start so we don't spend an entire day just getting to the right area."