[color=00a651][center]Malkai[/center][/color]

Malkai wasn't goping to fall for the innocent trick. He put his staff in front of Parum to block her path. [color=00a651]"These horses are reserved for agents of the mage guild... Are you one?"[/color] Chances are she was there when the old man explained the mission, but wasn't visible. But instead of seeing her as a threat, he saw the halfling as an opportunity. He lifted his staff out of the way and walked with her. [color=00a651]"You know what we're looking for, and you know it's power. Don't be a fool and expect us to do the hard work for you; partner with me, and we can both the chalice and the money. And more importantly, you'll live longer."[/color] Falchion landed to rest on the halfling's head, as if to serve as a warning that this offer wasn't deniable.

[hr]

[color=7ea7d8][center]Veridis Quo[/center][/color]

[color=7ea7d8]"Nor am I, m'lady."[/color] Veridis quipped with a smile. He was no stranger to women aware of his charms and libido. Often, he is a gentlemen and respects their choice, though that didn't mean they never came around after some time. A kind word, a deep thought, or even a stern talking to often allowed Veridis to charm his way into a woman's company. Still, he wasn't here on vacation; their quest truly did have some priority over pleasure. Still, Kalista was willing to chat with him so Veridis would oblige. [color=7ea7d8]"Perhaps if I were a simple minstrel, you would be right. Playing soothing music for weary travelers and adventurers would be best done in the north, where there is an abundance of both. Or perhaps in a court of royals, if I ever grow older and more accomplished. However my musical talents are merely one part of my occupation. As a bard, it is my duty to collect and recite epic tales of adventure and journey, wherever they may be."[/color]

Veridis took out his instrument and started to strum and tune it as they walked. [color=7ea7d8]"Not many would think a bard as the adventerous sort. Lacking the martial prowess of warriors, the magical power of mages, or event the cunning of rogues, one may mistake a bard as a liability. But I assure you, m'lady, a good bard hears a good story. A great bard is a good story. We are here."[/color] Veridis and Kalista arrived to a temple of Gilean. While a greater god, his temple was modest, yet large. Suiting for what is essentially a grand archive. People were allowed to come and go freely, generally offering donations to the temple for their service, however none can remove a book from the temple. Each book was safeguarded by a spell that would alert the temple paladins of it's theft. And should that spell be dismissed or otherwise hidden through magical means, it would also be detected. Those who wish to obtain a transcription or copy of a book may purchase one from one of the scribes. Veridis, however, was quite prepared and had his own ink and parchment. After all, how else did he keep music sheets?

[color=7ea7d8]"So tell me, m'lady, what brings you here? You are obviously a scholarly yet adventurous sort. Why choose Saphire?"[/color]