<strong>Point Respite: Commandant Vin's office</strong><br/><br/>"My apologies, Ms. Sunlight," Vin said, nodding her head in recognition of her error. "I meant no insult to your ability to survive outside of a library or a laboratory. I would not have invited you here if I believed you soft or foolish. I appreciate you being understanding about the Crown's authority, and I will do my best to not conflict too greatly with your obligations as a member of the Magna Sophia. I wish you luck keeping things in order, there. I've been told that there've been some conflicts within the chapter house, lately. I could be wrong, of course, but if anyone's capable of putting together what's happened, I'm sure it's you."<br/><br/>Having apparently satisfied with her attempt to make amends with the scholar, the commandant turned her attention to the elf beside her. "If you do not desire to carry coin, I can have Pa- hem, Quartermaster Nils keep an account for you. It would, of course, limit your choices somewhat, but we have all of the essentials." She shrugged. "The choice is ultimately yours. I understand that you may prefer to avoid carrying money, or being involved with commerce at all. If that is so, I will do my best to aid you and see that your skills remain well-used. I have no desire to disrespect you by letting your talents lie untapped."<br/><br/>She raised an eyebrow at Reliyian's revelation, thinking a moment before trusting herself to comment. "That is disturbing news indeed. Though it might explain its complete efficiency in preventing any survivors from returning from our failed exploration party. A wild animal that sizable would be worrying in and of itself. A creature bred or somehow ... created for war is something else entirely. I suppose I rather regret attempting to enlist a naturalist rather than a historian, now. Someone who would have been able to give us such information would have been extremely useful, earlier. Still, I thank you your insight, even though it only offers possible explanations, not certainty."<br/><br/>When Aeryn approached for the note indicating their requisition rights, Vin graciously handed it over, matching the other woman's nod. "I wish you all the best of luck and a swift journey. The quartermaster will have a map for you, if you want it. I would suggest it, quite honestly, unless you desire to hire a pathfinder from us. I'm afraid I can't really spare one without compensation, at the moment. They're dreadfully useful on this awful island."<br/><br/><strong>Point Respite: outside the town hall/military headquarters</strong><br/><br/>When the group emerged, Tabetha had disappeared. The guard who she had referred to as "Reginald," however, was still standing by the door, along with his companion. He offered the group a small nod and a muttered, "Good luck," as they passed him.<br/><br/>The marketplace was a short trip away: visible (if only barely, through the clutter of the town and the mist that still hung in the air) from the steps of the large, stone building. Despite the fact that the marketplace was now slightly busier than before, due to the progression of the day, the Quartermaster seemed fairly unoccupied at the moment. Barring a stealthy approach, Nils soon noticed the approaching group and greeted them with a wave (and a familiar smile towards Reliyian) and a call of, "Hello, there! How may I help you?"<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">I'm making the assumption that we're moving on, as nobody else seems to have anything for here. If someone needs something else, please stop me and let me know! Again, I apologize for the delays.</div></div>