The next morning, Skamos led his friends to the Silken District. The scent of fresh pastries and coffee wafted through the open windows of bakeries as they prepared for the lunchtime rush, having been emptied out of stock by people from breakfast. Shops lined the street with fancy jewelry, high-end fashion, and other artisan crafts. Feyre's eyes ogled at the trinkets shining in the sun and wondered how much she could sell them for should they happen to fall into her pocket. 

"Those smells are making me hungry," Magra said with a glimmer of drool on her lip, walking closer to the dining establishments than the others.

"But we just ate!" Feyre replied, not actually surprised at her friend's appetite.

"Looks like we all have things we're always hungry for," Skamos smirked back at the gnome, noticing her eyes looking at each exchange of coin and treasure between the hands of shop keepers and their patrons.

Coming upon Olorin's wooden house, they noticed it was quite ordinary but nice enough to not look out of place in this community. Knowing Magra would be triggered by the door, Skamos didn't bother knocking and went straight to opening it. When his hand grasped the door's handle, he felt a tingling sensation as the door verified the guests and unlocked to allow them entry.

"Come in, come in." Olorin gestured them into his large foyer as the door began to open. The magic sensor must have alerted him to their presence as well. "I am quite glad you made it. The other members of the council are waiting for us in back." He waived the adventurers to follow as he led them through the vestibule into a spacious meeting room.

The walls were made a wood more ornate than the rest of the house, and the white cathedral ceiling allowed for taller windows that let the natural sunlight illuminate the room. At the center of the room was a circular hardwood table that looked like it could fit a dozen seats comfortably, although there were only ten set up. At each seat was a set of tableware, fine blue cloth napkin, and a refreshing glass of water with a slice of cucumber. Ru's mouth curled unpleasantly when she spotted the fruit floating in all the waters.

On the opposite side of the table were name plates of the different council members. Olorin took his seat at the center. Already sitting were Brawny Grizzlebeard to Olorin's immediate left and Luna Stardust to the far left. Berta's name showed she normally sat at Olorin's right, but her seat was empty since she had to stay behind in Hammer's Fall. The last nameplate read an unfamiliar name, Aarin Gend.

"Hiya!" Feyre exclaimed to everyone, excited to see the familiar faces. The table was barely nose-height for her, but she noticed a seat with an extra cushion which she commandeered. Now sitting, her chin just cleared the top of the table.

"Are we waiting for anyone else besides Berta?" Aeldevan inquired as he pulled his chair out, nodding to Aarin's empty seat.

"Everyone is here who will be," Olorin responded with a hint of wariness. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Olorin began once everyone had taken their seats. He smirked at Magra, "And thank you for not trying to break down my door."

"Luckily Skamos beat me to it," Magra laughed before looking more serious. "On our way over, I noticed smoke rising north of the city walls. How are the city's defenses doing?"

Olorin sighed. "Unfortunately, not as well as we would like. There was an orc raid just outside the city only a day or two after Everlit's army left for Hammer's Fall." He hesitated before continuing. "I know they only just arrived there, but we will need to call the army back. It appears that the orcs got what they needed from Hammer's Fall, but they still have a strong presence here."

Before he could say anything else, Feyre piped up. "Are there going to be any snacks? I could really go for a caprese salad."

Olorin smiled, amused at Feyre's timing. He quickly clapped his hands together twice and looked towards the doorway expectantly. A halfling servant came in from the other room and approached his master, leaning in to hear Olorin's request. As the halfling left the room, Olorin turned back towards Feyre. "Weaston will be back momentarily with food that I think you will find satisfactory. Now, back to business."

"Aeldevan," Magra prompted, "do you want to give a recap of everything going on?"

Before the half-elf could begin, Olorin held his hand up. "I have updated Brawny and Luna with everything you told me and Berta yesterday. That only leaves Aarin Gend, but I am certain he is quite aware of the dangers." His face darkened. "Aarin is one of Everlit's elite spymasters who has been tracking the orcs to the grove, but we lost contact with him a week ago. In addition to him, two of our other spies are also missing: Pipwick and Brindle Thistleshod."

"Pip!" Feyre exclaimed with loving eyes. "I love him!"

Everyone at the table turned towards the gnome, but only Luna spoke. "You know him? What about Brin?"

"Of course! We grew up in Gangleberry Forest together," Feyre replied. "Brin can go eat a slaag, though," she added with disdain. Her friends looked at her eagerly, waiting for more detail. "Ugh, fine. Pip and I were close when we were younger. Really close. But his twin sister Brin, or Thistle as I like to call her, didn't like that and would pick on me and gave me wedgies." The rogue's face crinkled as the unpleasant memories came back to her. 

"Well," Olorin took back the conversation, "that's very helpful that you know them personally. Their last report suggested a ritual to open a portal was the orc's objective. By what you have since learned at Hammer's Fall, that report appears to be accurate. All three were scouting orc movement further north towards the mountains, although Aarin went separately from the others."

"Was that the last thing you heard from any of them?" Feyre inquired.

"The last message we received was from Aarin, and he said that there was something going on up towards Rancor Peak. The grove is just below the tree line, and it looked like the orcs were constructing a wooden palisade to guard the area. He also mentioned the orcs are using evil creatures, although more detail was not provided."

The wizard's last expression betrayed him to Skamos and Magra, who both subtly nodded at each other. "Olorin," Magra started, "you look like you're holding something back." She then said nonchalantly, "My nipples are tingling," and several people at the table almost spit out their drinks, "which leads me to believe there's more to the story."

Olorin composed himself before responding. "There is also something, or someone, else out there. It, or they, do not seem to be a fan of the orcs, as orc bodies have been found along the path towards the grove. Not large groups of orcs, just mostly single targets." 

Curious, Feyre spoke next, "What type of damage was done to the bodies? Are we talking torn up or sniped?"

"It is not clear," Olorin admitted, "but the injuries appear to be magical in nature with evidence of elemental spells. This could be the work of an individual or multiple entities. Honestly, the intel is scarce, so I would exercise caution just in case."

At that moment, Weaston came out with an oversized tray in each hand filled with various dishes and a large bowl of caprese salad balanced on his head. He expertly placed them all down at the center of the table: seared barracuda served with marinated broccoli and a wedge of muenster cheese; baked mako served with steamed cherries; charred octopus smothered in a thick red sauce; stewed dogfish with ears of corn and a slab of cheddar cheese; broiled wild turkey with baked soy beans and snow peas; and fried hogfish in plum sauce.

Everyone's eyes were wide, and Ru immediately grabbed a bit of everything except for the octopus. Feyre had to stand on her chair to reach the ladle for the dogfish soup. The rest of the team proceeded to help themselves while the council members waited to eat last. Weaston went around the table and gave each seat a glass of Siren's Song, a white wine with an opalescent sheen.

After a few minutes into eating, Magra addressed the council again, her jaw working on a chewy peace of mako. "Have you discussed any plans to protect the people of Everlit?"

Ru spoke up before they had a chance to respond. "I think we need to evacuate the people rather than have the army come back here. At least the women and children first."

Having talked for the first half of the meeting, Olorin leaned back to allow his associates to participate. Brawny responded first, his thick accent softening vowels while pronouncing consonants, "Everlit is probably the safest place for our people right now. If the ritual is completed and Gruumsh is summoned, nowhere will be safe. Not to mention it would be risky to leave since there are other dangers outside these walls. Besides, Everlitites aren't the type of people to run away."

"We did discuss the possibility of the city's people being used in the ritual as you suggested, Ru," Luna added, looking at the dwarf. "More likely, the threat was an indication that the city would just be one of the many places attacked should the ritual be successful." 

"Well, then they should at least be warned so that they can prepare," Ru urged, her fork stabbing some barracuda. The council members looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

"Alright," Feyre said, swallowing a mouthful of salad. "Let's come up with a battle plan then, and we also need to find Pip, Thistle, and Aarin." She looked to the people opposite her. "What do you suggest?"

"Leave Everlit's preparations to us," Olorin answered. "Given your party's accomplishments, you might be the best shot at finding where our spies went. I suggest returning to Hammer's Fall and heading towards the grove from there. As soon as you find any of them, let us know, and relay what intel has been gathered. Also, so that you know who you are actually looking for, Aarin is a strong-built human with dark skin. Feyre should be able to recognize the other two. All of them left here wearing dark clothes and elven cloaks."

"That's fine with us," Feyre accepted. Then she added in a more pleasant tone she reserved for when she wanted something, "Also, I just wanted to compliment your beautiful home that you have here. The delicacies you have placed before us on this fine table have been delightful as well as the ambiance and the manner in which you choose to decorate your luxurious home."

Magra and her friends knew exactly what was coming and just rolled their eyes. Luna, having dealt with Feyre's haggling, stifled a grin and slowly shook her head in awe at the gnome's talent. Olorin smiled, also seeming to know where she was headed.

Feyre continued, "And that brings me to my next point. We, Haven's Blade, have been on the road for months. We are tired and somewhat barren of the necessary items that have gotten us this far into our journey and only wish to further assist you in this detrimental matter of life and death. Therefore, I would really love if we could discuss if maybe possibly you have some supplies we may need for our upcoming journey to help my brethren as well as help your city of Everlit."

Not wanting to over-offer, Olorin merely asked, "What is it that you are looking for?"

"Well, I'm not sure if my team members need other things, but I personally would greatly appreciate some greater healing potions as well as anything you think would assist us in further advancing our success on this mission." She paused before adding on, "Do you have a lair? Perhaps a hidden room that might have items like invisibility cloaks or something?"

Olorin chuckled. "If I had a hidden lair, it would not be something I would admit. That being said..." He snapped his fingers and Weaston hurried over with a parchment and quill. After the wizard wrote a message on it, he handed it to Feyre. "Give this to Elara Silverleaf, and she might be able to help you get what you want."

Feyre took the note humbly. "I greatly appreciate that of which you offer." Pocketing it, she quickly asked, "Will there be a reward when we return?" Before Olorin drew breath to answer, she added, "May I tell you why I ask for such things?" With barely a pause, she leapt into one of her narratives. "Back when I was a wee gnome, at the young age of 87, these orcs ravaged my forest, burning it to the ground." She teared up as her voice squeaked, although it was hard to tell if she was crying intentionally or not. "And I'm just trying so hard..." she sobbed. 

Ru handed her a napkin to wipe her face. "Thank you, Ru," she said, and then under her breath added, "Bitch." The dwarf didn't seem to hear it though, dabbing at her own eyes with her sleeve.

Feyre continued mumbling words about her forest and helping her people, but it was difficult to discern what exact words she used between sobs and sniffles.

Aeldevan interrupted, "I also have something to ask after the show." Feyre glared at him as he smiled devilishly.

After a few seconds of respite, Olorin spoke. "Due to all the turmoil in the land during the last decades, the treants have either left or refused to appear as anything other than regular trees. They have neglected their job as being shepherds of the forests as they are afraid of moving and being killed by the marauding orcs. Should that threat pass, I may be able to convince the leader of the treants to help rebuild your forest.

"Oh my god," Feyre cried with what this time seemed to be true tears. "That is so much better than gold. That is so kind." She blew her nose before stuffing her mouth with more food and gesturing with her spoon for Aeldevan to ask his question. 

"While we're traveling to find the spies and the grove, what are Everlit and the other cities going to be doing? Are we going to the grove on our own, or are we getting any backup?"

Olorin took a sip of his Centaur Swagger ale before answering. "At this point, the other towns on this continent are too far away to directly or effectively affect things over here within the next week or two. However, Berta may be able to lend some troops to your aid, although the majority will be coming back with her to protect Everlit."

After another pause, Magra broke the silence. "Do you have any weapons we can use? It doesn't need to hit hard, just look badass."

The rest of the table chuckled lightheartedly, and Olorin scribbled another note before handing it to the barbarian. "Give this to Rurik, and he will give you something I think you will like," he said with a knowing smile.

Turning to each Brawny and Luna to make sure they had nothing else to add, he then addressed Haven's Blade. "Thank you again for suggesting we hold this meeting. I do not believe there is anything we left out, so if there is nothing else you wish to talk about, I would like to motion to close the meeting."

"Can we take some food to go?" Ru asked shamelessly.

The wizard smiled and gestured towards Weaston. The halfling came back seconds later with several burlap sacks which he handed to the adventurers. Magra wasted no time or energy deciding what to take and proceeded to haphazardly shovel food into her sack with her arm.

"Good luck," Olorin said as the party headed towards the door. "We're all counting on you."

◊◊◊

Skamos heard Rurik's hammer clanging on metal before he came into view, his chestnut skin glistening with sweat. "Hey, Rurik," the Tiefling called as he waved. 

Rurik hammered a few more times before putting down his tools and wiping his brow with a dirty rag. "Skamos! Nice to see you and your friends again," he said smiling.

"Do you have my vampire sword ready?" Skamos inquired.

"I haven't made many of these...," the dwarf said as he went to get it from the other room. Coming back and handing it over gently with both hands, "but I'd say it's the best one I've made. I saw you had a rapier, so I figured I'd make this one in the same style."

Skamos's eyes gleamed as he held it, its crimson blade tipped with black and glinting in the light. He then stepped to the side and pretended to strike an invisible foe. "This is awesome!"

"I'm glad you like it," Rurik replied. "I don't think there was anything else I had waiting for the rest of you to pick up," he said, looking amongst the rest of the party. 

"Nope!" Magra confirmed. "But Olorin told me to give this to you. I promise I didn't read it."

Curious, Rurik took the note. As soon as it was unfolded, a wide grin appeared on his face. He laughed to himself as he returned to the back, this time taking longer with some clashes as he moved equipment around. He returned with a large maul that had a crystalline lattice on its head. "I hear you like doors," he joked as he tossed the weapon to Magra.

Magra's face immediately got angry at that word. Effortlessly catching the maul, she swung around and brought the head down on a spare door standing against the wall. "I. HATE. Doors!" she bellowed. As the maul's head made contact, it vibrated and instantly splintered the door into a thousand pieces, covering the room with sawdust particles. "Woah!" she mooed, eyes wide. "This thing hates doors just as much as I do!" Still brimming with excitement, she leapt into the air with the maul and seemed to hover there for a second.

"That thing is great for smashing locks, hinges, and doors," Rurik explained. "I call it the doorbuster, but feel free to name it whatever you'd like."

"I'll call it Doug," Magra said right away, smiling lovingly at the weapon.

A little confused by her choice, the blacksmith simply asked, "Anything else I can get you all?"

"I think that's all for now," Ru replied.

"We're gonna crush some orcs and doors! Thanks again," the barbarian yelled as she started running for the street shaking her maul in the air.

◊◊◊

Strange but not unpleasant aromas wafted out Elara Silverleaf's shop via the front door and windows, which were all thrown wide open. Once inside, Feyre called to the alchemist who was bending over and studying the contents of her cauldrons, her silvery hair in a bun to keep it out of the roiling potions.

"Elara!" Feyre shouted again, her hands cupped around her mouth.

It took three times for the elf to hear her, and she nearly dropped her ladle into one of the cauldrons out of surprise. "Sorry about that," she giggled. She turned towards them, her emerald eyes hesitant to look away from the cauldrons. "What can I do for you?" She turned back to one of pots and stuck the ladle in. The liquid had a blue luminescence, and she blew on it before taking a sip. Seeming satisfied with it, she quieted the fire under it to a glowing smolder.

"Elara, fairest of Everlit," Feyre started. The alchemist raised a brow and barely turned towards her but smiled ever so faintly as she listened. "We have come so far in our journey, and we must go just a little bit farther to help more people in need. We met with the Council of Everlit this morning and have accepted a dangerous quest. Olorin graciously wrote us this note to give to you in hopes that you would assist us." The gnome made sure to wear her saddest eyes, hoping for some pity in the form of a hefty discount, as she passed the note over.

Elara brought her small circular glasses from the top of her head to the crook of her nose and read the note. She half smiled as she responded, "As much as I would like to provide you with anything you need, I do support myself on running a business. The most I can offer you all is half off on healing potions, which I happen to be brewing at the moment, so you won't need to wait." She quickly turned back to stir the sparkling red contents of one of the remaining cauldrons.

While Feyre mulled over the offer in her head, Ru walked up to the counter and thanked her. "In addition to that offer, I was wondering if I could trade in these items for some stronger potions."

The alchemist looked over the pouches of naga scales and dappy sap plant. Spotting the eye of Gruumsh, her own eyes lit up before she recomposed herself. "I can give you one greater and two superior healing potions for these." As Ru accepted the deal, Elara quickly put the ingredients in her drawer. She then grabbed three vials to pour the red liquid into, adding a few drops of an unknown ingredient before adding stoppers.

"Excuse me, Elara," Feyre spoke in the tone she used before trying to gouge others for a better deal. "I just wanted to say how nice it is to see you again. How have you been, girly?"

Now having actually been greeted, Elara smiled at the rogue. "It's nice to see you again, too, Feyre. What brings you back to Everlit? I thought you were heading north."

"Well, we came back to help out a couple friends of mine and to save the world, essentially," Feyre explained. Elara looked a little surprised at the last part. Feyre continued, "But I was actually thinking about you recently. Would you mind if I looked at your palm?"

Skeptical, the alchemist slowly reached her hand over to the rogue.

As Feyre traced the lines of Elara's hands, she continued her story. "The other night I was sound asleep when I suddenly felt this jagged pain in my throat."

"Must have been from that massive dick," Magra commented loudly.

"Yeah, that or the Covids," Skamos added.

Feyre ignored them while Ru and Aeldevan stifled their laughter. "When I awoke, I immediately thought of you but don't know why. So, I figured I would read your palm to try to figure it out. But now I see why I had that feeling," she looked solemn. Elara reached a hand to her chest in concern, her curiosity besting her skepticism.

"I'm afraid that there are these dark, large evils coming your way," Feyre warned. "Your palm is showing me that you need to protect yourself."

"You mean the orcs," Elara asked.

"No, not them. That's a whole other story," Feyre dismissed. "I can tell you're afraid of the orcs, but you really need to protect yourself from these dark entities. Your wine is the best way to do this."

Elara looked confused, not knowing how her hobby would save her life.

"These people are going to come here, and I see them drinking your wine. Your wine is how you'll survive, but only if you do exactly as I tell you." Everyone leaned in to hear more, but that's when Feyre decided to throw in her request. "But in order to help you, I need you to help me."

After a long pause, Elara tried to understand. "So, you want to buy my wine?"

"No," Feyre answered. "I want to make a trade. You potentially save my life, and I potentially save yours. I just so happen to have some leftover giant spider and wolf spider poisons, both very potent. From what I can see, the evil spirits will drink the wine on the shelf right there." She pointed to a small display of the Silverleaf Wine.

"Are you insinuating I poison my own wine?" The alchemist by this point had taken her hand from Feyre's and now had her arms crossed.

"Not all of it. Just these three specific bottles," the rogue clarified. "In my vision, once they barge in and drink these bottles, they start choking and collapse to the floor."

"Sounds like the spirits will be committing cannibalism," Aeldevan joked, although it fell flat on his audience.

Skamos offered him a sympathetic smile. "Leave the jokes to me, honey."

Now understanding what was in it for her, Elara asked, "And what do you want out of this?"

"I only ask that in exchange for me potentially saving your life that you potentially save mine by giving me two, maybe four, greater healing potions for free." The rogue smiled sweetly and fluttered her lashes over big eyes. "I also have these really sparkly stones," she mumbled.

"I'll take the poisons, but I'll decide what to do with them," Elara announced, not wanting to take a chance. "For your persistence, I will give you three of the potions."

As Elara reluctantly handed Feyre three greater potions of healing in exchange for the vials of spider poisons, she had the look of instant regret. Her eyes subtly glared at the gnome. "Will that be all?" Her voice was flat.

"Yup!" Feyre's voice was chipper as she skipped out the door, shouting thanks over her shoulder.

Before following after her friend, Ru asked, "Do you have anything that will help us find some lost spies? I'm very new to all this magic stuff, so I wasn't sure if there's something we could use if one of us is familiar with the lost persons."

Now that the rogue was out of view, Elara's face softened with a twist of sympathy in her lips. "Unfortunately, I don't have anything like that. There might be a spell rather than a potion, but I'm not sure what it would be."

"Thank you anyway," Ru said before heading out the door, her other friends following behind.

"Aw man!" Feyre said downheartedly as they neared Luna's shop. "I totally forgot about this ettercap poison I could've traded in." She held a vial of purple inky fluid in her hand, jiggling it as she held it up to look at it. She noticed Ru's eyes lock onto the vial in interest. "Here," Feyre tossed the poison to Ru, who fumbled and just barely caught it. "I don't feel like walking back, so maybe you'll be able to use it."

"I don't think Elara wants to do business with you again anyway," Skamos snickered under his breath. Aeldevan and Magra giggled, being the only ones close enough to hear.

◊◊◊

"Hi again," Feyre said cheerfully as they entered the Astral Oddities Bazaar.

Luna finished putting some trinkets away behind the counter before turning towards them. "Long time no see," she joked. "What can I do for you? Did you already visit Rurik and Elara?"

"We sure did," Feyre answered as she placed some items on the countertop. "And since we're on a tight schedule, I'm gonna give you a good deal." Luna's eyebrows raised in amusement but didn't respond. "I've got these owlbear claws and orc tusks that might make some fine accessories."

"Thirty-eight gold pieces," Luna said almost immediately.

Feyre's jaw dropped in surprise. "Surely these are at least worth fifty."

Luna rolled her eyes but didn't want to be the victim of another lengthy barter. "Fine. Forty-five, and that's my final offer."

Feyre thought for a moment before accepting. While trading hands, she added, "I totally forgot to ask you earlier about how you did with the jewelry sales."

"Actually, I did make necklaces out of the teeth and was able to sell a lot after telling people they're used to ward off demons," Luna admitted.

"Oh my gosh! How did you know that?" Feyre said surprised, her mood becoming more energetic. "I don't think I had even mentioned that, but it's just added protection for what's about to come! But don't you worry, for we're going to fight off these terrible orcs. In the meantime, I have more precious, valuable stones that I think would benefit the people around here as well as your pocket. Let me just open up a window to get the right lighting." The gnome had to pull over a chair to reach the curtains and thrust them aside.

"I have these lovely, iridescent, beautiful stones," Feyre said as she walked back over with a handful of rocks now glimmering in the light, her voice speeding up. "As you can see, some of them even sparkle like a diamond in the sky in my eye, just peaking around the mountains of Mordor and they just sparkle and just look at them!"

"Where did you get them?" Luna asked as soon as she could get in a word.

"Oh my gosh, we've had so many travels that all I can remember is I was washing in the river butt-naked with my friend Ru and suddenly I stopped and saw these stones - three sparkly, nine pretty. And I thought to myself that Luna, my girl, is gonna love these."

Aeldevan tried to interject what actually happened and where, but Feyre talked over him. "And there was a magical giant platypus in the river, too."

Then Ru joined in and fed into Feyre's hype. "It was like the water started to slow as Feyre reached for them, like it was destiny."

"Twelve," Luna said flatly, leaving no room for negotiation. "I already went lower on the other things. If you succeed in your mission, I'll make more, but if not, then I make nothing."

Obviously disappointed with the result of her energetic sales pitch but understanding this was the best she would get, Feyre shrugged it off. "Deal."

"I wanna sell a stone, too," Magra yelled. 

"More stones?" Luna mocked with a smirk.

"Yup! I got this Ioun stone," the orc said, presenting the wondrous item.

Luna's smirk quickly vanished as she took the stone from Magra's hand and threw it towards the ceiling, where it then started orbiting around her head. Plucking it from the air, she explained, "I just needed to make sure it was real before I gave you an offer."

Magra looked offended at first before encouraging the shopkeeper. "Buy it. Buy it!" 

Ru joined, using Luna's earlier statement against her. "If you expect to get more money from river rocks if we succeed, just imagine how much you'd make with this one, knowing that we are going to succeed."

Luna ruminated for several seconds before making an offer. "I'll give you fifteen hundred gold pieces. Nonnegotiable."

"Could you throw in that cool pouch," Magra asked, pointing to an ordinary-looking leather pouch on the counter.

"Sure," Luna said absentmindedly as she collected the gold from her safe and poured it into the pouch.

"Pleasure doing business with ya," Magra said as she turned to leave. As Haven's Blade left the shop, Luna grinned as the Ioun stone began to circle her head again. Stepping outside into the afternoon air, Magra dug inside her new leather bag, feeling something among the coins. "Guys, check it out!" She excitedly held up a book for her friends to see. "It came with a book of smut!"