Sylvia groaned as she woke up. She had a dream...she knew she did, but the frustrating part was that the details were slipping away. She did her best to mentally note what she did remember: A dark room, a fierce battle against someone or something, and a deep baritone voice echoing the word 'choice'. It was kind of frustrating. She had a dream, and yet she couldn't remember it? Was a deity trolling her right now? She thought the dreams were a way of the deity telling her something, so why would she not remember...?

She snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Shortfang, and after taking in the room, she greeted him in turn, sounding tired but not letting her frustration show, "Morning, Shortfang. Yeah, I'm pretty hungry," She got up from the bed and headed for the table, and gave a bit of sigh as she sat down. She noted that since Shortfang was up, now would be a good time to tell him the truth as well. She also looked at Buddy, briefly wondering if she did go into astral form and just didn't remember. She didn't ask though. She wanted to talk to Pylia as well.

She looked to Pylia as well, but noticed that she was asleep. So, she turned her attention to Shortfang, and she started, "Shortfang...there's something I want to tell you. I've told Pylia when I first met her and we just told Buddy last night. So, now that you're awake, I think now's a good time to tell you as well, since you're traveling with us," She then got to the point and she told him, "Shortfang. I am not from this world, Keratia. I am from another world called Earth,"

Shortfang was in the middle of eating his soup when you told him about your true origins. He put down his spoon and just sat there contemplatively. "Shortfang kinda know." He says quietly. "Momma tell me... Another part of Pun-Pun tale. Part not a lotta little kobolds know. See, all Pun-Pun tales talk about Pun-Pun. But, like Shortfang, lotta things Pun-Pun do that's great is because he have help. Help from strange people." Shortfang raised his hands up as if he was trying to shape what he was trying to say, making motions and molding his tale physically despite lacking the magic to actually do so. "Story of C'Tan, Pun-Pun have help from people of 'The Meta'. Outsiders. They smart, know all about world, even if they not strong enough to fight C'Tan. They know world like... Like... Like they creators. In this world, in Keratia, they weak like normal humie. But they smart. Know the fabric of reality and magic woven through world. Momma says... You kinda like those humies." Shortfang lowered his hands and rubbed his face. "Momma old. She could be Greyscale if she wanna lead tribe. Even Longstrider didn't know. But Momma say to Shortfang, 'Son, Sylvia is not just humie. Sylvia doesn't know Keratia, but has traveled farther than you ever can. Shortfang destined to become hero, I dream of this when still baby. See Sylvia as humie who will change fate.' Shortfang just thought momma drunk on mosswine, but then she tell me again after hangover."

Sipping some of his soup Shortfang remained a bit quiet as he tried to collect his thoughts and come to his own conclusion about things. He seemed to be really thinking hard about it. "Shortfang... Shortfang wanna be hero like Pun-Pun. But Shortfang know, Pun-Pun just story. Tales for little kobolds to think they be strong like dragons. But kobolds not dragons. Kobolds cannot be Kalmeet or Ferrodsuaco, great dragons who shape world with magic and claws. Kobolds strong because Kobolds work together. That's why, in sewer, and even now, Kobolds so weak. All kobolds not work together. They fight because they don't wanna work together. Even Pun-Pun not win against Kalmeet or C'Tan or even Gorum Axehand alone. Pun-Pun get help all the time." Soon Syfr finished his meal and Shortfang petted the owl, who flew down towards Dinah. Though she seemed somewhat hesitant, he approached her gently and Dinah allowed him near.

"Basically, Shortfang okay with you not being from Keratia. Just means that Shortfang doing right thing: get help from all sorta people. Shortfang don't do stupid thing like do stuff himself or only work with kobolds who Shortfang know. When kobolds work alone, get greedy, bad stuff happens. Trogs take over home, humies come kill us, or become slave to dragons." Shaking his head back and forth, Shortfang also came to a different conclusion, one that still concerned him. "Shortfang... Shortfang know, not good to make Sylvia fight Shortfang fights. Sylvia wanna go home. Shortfang... Shortfang gunna keep fighting bad guys until Shortfang can't fight no more. But that's okay. Shortfang warrior, hero! Shortfang wanna help Sylvia be happy and go home. Shortfang want all Shortfang friends and family go home, be safe and not scared. So... If boss needs Shortfang help to go back to Earth, Shortfang have no problem! With crossbow and magic, Shortfang do anything."

Sylvia blinked in surprise at Shortfang's first three words. She quietly listened to Shortfang as he spoke, and her question to his knowledge was answered. His mother. She remembered Skinwalker's words when they first met her and she had to admit, Skinwalker was very astute, it was actually impressive. She also noted that there may be value to Shortfang's stories if Skinwalker noted that she was like the people from this 'Meta'.

She continued to listen to Shortfang as he spoke. She answered when he finished Shortfang, "Thank you, Shortfang," She then continued, "I think it may be...a while before I go home. Pylia and I are not just here to deliver the message to the Duke, but to also do some research here. So...while I am here, I want to use my newfound abilities to help wherever I can," She then looked to Pylia, and she sighed, speaking more to herself than to Shortfang, "Though...I think it may be a bit longer before we can get into that, because now, I have more questions about my own situation that need to be answered,"

She then clarified, speaking directly to Shortfang, "I'll explain once Pylia wakes up. She needs to hear what I have to say as well,"

As you mention waiting for Pylia, Dinah went over to Pylia and smacked her face with her tendrils. This caused Pylia to sneeze and look at Dinah with annoyance. "Mhmm... I'm awake, I'm awake..." Though she turned over to sleep, Dinah continued to pester Pylia until she sighed and picked up the cat in her arms, sitting up on the bed while rubbing it's cheeks. "Okay okay I'm up. Good morning everyone." Pylia yawned and looked over to you two while still trying to gather her mental faculties together. "Oh, did you get breakfast already? Or lunch even? I'm pretty sure I didn't sleep in too late..."

Sylvia did a double take of a glance when she noticed that Dinah was pestering Pylia, seemingly in response to her comments. Before she could get Dinah off of Pylia, her friend already sneezed and started waking up. Sylvia chuckled at the sight and she greeted Pylia, "Morning, Pylia," She answered Pylia's questions, at first with a chuckle, "It's not quite time for lunch yet. At least I don't think it is," She then continued, "I was just finishing telling Shortfang about...well, my origins,"

She waited for that comment to sink in Pylia's mind before continuing on seriously, "Anyways, there's something important I need to tell you guys before we continue on to do anything else,"

She then addressed all three of her friends, "As I have told Pylia, I don't know how I came to Keratia. All I know is that I fell asleep at home, in my own bed, and then woke up to find myself in a cave near Pylia. So...last night, I asked the Oracle doll how I got here. All it said was...'By Choice',"

She then shook her head, and continued, "That being said, I think before we even start any sort of research to get me home, I think we need to find some way to restore memories. I don't know if the doll is referring to a choice I made or not, but if it is...then I certainly don't know or remember what it is talking about," She then asked them, "I don't suppose you guys know of anything that can help with memory problems?"

“Wow, this is a lot to take in before breakfast.” Pylia says as Shortfang hands her a bowl of soup. “Memories huh? I can’t say I know anything in particular. I’ve heard some northern elves specialize in dreams though. Workings of the mind. Perhaps we could journey up there or find an elven mage who could help jog your memory?” Pylia also looked and nodded towards Buddy. “It would be helpful for Buddy as well. Though I’m not sure if he sleeps or not.” Buddy shakes his head confirming that he does not sleep, however he writes a note voicing his opinions. ”I would gladly seek out any means to learn of lost memories.”

Shortfang finishes off any soup that isn’t eaten and wipes his face down. “Shortfang could ask Greyscale. They super smart, know all Sorta lore. Maybe they know some thing for boss’ mind.” As Pylia goes to handle some personal business in the water closet Buddy shows her something from his journal. “Oh yes, Don’t forget We have some business from yesterday to attend to as well. We should stop by Ferric’s shop and pick up our items as well as see Shor about those criminals we brought in.”

Sylvia chuckled hesitantly at Pylia’s comment, “That it is. Sorry about that. Just wanted to keep you guys in the loop,” She then listened to Pylia’s suggestion about finding an Elven mage, and she answered thoughtfully, “That sounds like a good idea. But that may have to wait until after we deliver the message to the Duke,”

Then Shortfang mentioned the Greyscales. She nodded and answered Shortfang, “I don’t think it’d hurt to ask them when we get the chance. Thank you, Shortfang,”

At the mention of business to attend to, Sylvia nodded in agreement, “You’re right. Can’t help anyone out without our weapons,” She got herself a bowl of soup before Shortfang finished it. After she finished her bowl, she gathered her gear, and told her friends, “Right then. To Ferric’s shop first,” She led the way to Ferric’s store.

As she walked, she thought about the vague dream she had last night. She can tell her friends later today. Plus, if the dream about Buddy is of any indication, then there may be something that’ll make her remember more details about that dream.

The party gathers their equipment together and heads out. It wasn't quite early morning anymore but still morning and people were once again going about their businesses. The place looked livelier as more decorations were put around the town. Wreaths, flowers, and other ornaments were decorating the plaza, with colorful papers being strewn about the streets as well. Things were peaceful enough as the group arrived to Ferric's shop. A large group of adventurer looking types left chatting as Ferric was sitting at his spot counting up a rather hefty sum of coin. Upon seeing you he smiles and waves. "Aye Sylvia and friends! Top of the morning to you! I gotta say, despite the rocky start business is booming. Why if this keeps up, I'm going to have to close up the shop a while to buy new products to sell! Speaking of products I know exactly what you're here for, just give me a moment."

Soon Mica and Ferric would arrive with your weapons. First was Buddy's axe. It looked cleaner, polished, and had an ethereal gleam to it. "I'd recognize a metal like this anywhere. Veridium, an alloy made of dwarven metals, but needs elven wood to fuel the coals. Now, I'm not going to bore you with the lore of it, but let's just say that some of the strongest metals in the world aren't made by just digging up any old rocks and blasting it with as much fire as you can put out. The source of the heat, whether it's from charcoal, a lava pit, or even dragon's fire, can vastly change the quality and type of metal you have. You got a relic here my friend."

Next was Pylia's war club. Aside from a new coat of laminate it didn't look very different from usual. But when Pylia picked it up, channeling her magic through it, you could see faint glowing runes on it's surface. Ferric wheeled out a beat up looking armored dummy. "Go ahead, give it a whack." Pylia did so, and when she did there was a burst of flames that appeared right where she struck the dummer, leaving not only a dent but also a burn mark. "Unlike most flame enchantments, Mica's elemental enchantments are subtle. While not as visually impressive as say, a flaming sword, this way you don't have to worry about burning down a library or being a beacon in the night." Pylia touched the head of her war club, surprised that she didn't feel any heat even as she lightly tapped it against her hand. "Trust me Pylia, my son knows how to spellcraft! You won't have to worry about your club inadvertently burning you or your things unless you want it to." She seemed satisfied with this and thanked Ferric. "I love it. I never imagined I'd ever have a weapon like this."

Finally there were your tonfas. Both pairs had new leather grips attached to them, and the scruffs and cuts from your previous battles were buffed out, leaving a shiny pair of ivory clubs. "I'll be honest with you Sylvia, I have no idea what these are made of. Bones of course, but what sort of beast has bones this big I don't know. I've never gotten into Scrimshaw but I can tell this isn't bonemold, so whoever made this must've found or even taken down quite a large monster. In any case, the next time you land a solid blow on your enemy, you'll definitely notice it doing a lot more damage."

As Sylvia led the way to Ferric’s shop, she took in the sight of Gransys adorned with new decorations. She smiled at the sight, remembering that everyone was getting ready for a festival, celebrating Duke Erod’s return. She chuckled, commenting out loud to her friends, “Wow, they’re really going all out for the festival. It kinda looks like everyone’s getting ready for Christmas,”

Just saying that brought up joyful memories of celebrating the holiday with her grandparents and her friends when she was at school. She easily remembered when she was a child and how she believed in Santa Claus, and eagerly looked forward to Christmas Morning.

She stopped silently reminiscing as the group reached the shop. She noted that the adventurer looking types just left the shop. She greeted Ferric in return, “Morning, Ferric!” She smiled happily as Ferric mentioned that his business was booming now. She waited as Ferric brought out their weapons. This morning was shaping up to be like Christmas Morning after all. Not only were there the enchantments, but they looked like they were brand new!

She listened intently as Ferric explained what the weapons were made of and what the new enchantments did. At the mention of the bone, she wondered if the bone tonfas were made from the bones of the larger troglodytes. She would have to ask the kobold merchant if they ran into him again.

She thanked Ferric after he handed the tonfas back to her. She held the tonfas by the leather grips, and she commented “This is awesome, Ferric! It’s like they’re a brand new set of tonfas!” She then looked to Mica and thanked him as well, since he did the enchantments.

She looked to her friends and she asked them, “Is there anything you guys want to buy here before we go?”

If her friends answered that they didn't want anything, then she would bid Ferric and Mica "See you later!" and lead the way to Shor's barracks.

Your friends were pretty set for equipment for now. Pylia had ideas to buy scrolls, but didn't know anything in particular she needs so refrains from doing so. Buddy spent most of his time swinging his axe around to get familiar with it's new power while Shortfang was pursuing arrows. It all seemed like they were set to go, so after you said your farewells the party left to find Shor. At the barracks, it seemed like only Yorik of all people was there. Upon seeing you he allows your party to enter while he serves some water. "Aye there Sylvia an friends. Fancy meetin ye here. Guess yer looking fer da boss eh? Headed down to the sewers he did, something about Thunder Company or some such. Seemed somewhat ornery about it, just got here this morning me self. I asked him wot was wrong but all he told me was ta tell ye, now dat yer here, that he and the shorties gotta take care of things themselves and would rather dat ye stay outta it. I wish I could tell ya wot else dat means, but far as I can guess something happened up top that makes things riskier fer ye and yours ta take part. Politics an shite."

Pylia rubbed her chin thinking about what Yorik just told them. "Well... We are potentially ruining the name of a nobleman, so I could imagine that all of the evidence we found could be something that they'd want to keep a secret. Though what Shor and the others are doing in the sewers I have no clue." Shortfang looks over to you as he fiddles with a bone tipped crossbow bolt. "We go to sewer? Shor say don't help, but gotta be something big big." Buddy simply stands there at attention waiting to see what the group decides. "As much as I'd like to bring justice, this is a delicate matter. Jumping in blindly could cause a lot of problems if Shor insist that we stay out of it. I can't say I like it, but I understand it." Pylia spoke. Shortfang loads his crossbow bolt and puts his weapon away. "Friends gotta help friends. If Shor in trouble, we help em out."

Sylvia was somewhat surprised to see Yorik here, but she greeted him like normal, and thanked him for the water. She answered his question with a nod, and answered "We are," She then raised her eyebrows at the mention that Shor and the twins headed to the sewers, and that the Lightning Company was down there. She was confused as to why Shor would want her to stay out of it though. She listened to Shortfang and Pylia as they pitched their own thoughts into the situation. She clasped her chin as she thought over the situation.

If only they had cell phones...! Dang it. She missed having smart phones. She grumbled "Damn...If only we had some way of communicating long distance other than by letter..."

She couldn't help but wonder why the Lightning Company are in the Sewers in the first place. Then her eyes widened as she sorted through her memories and a single guess came to mind. She mumbled "Oh no..." as she looked around the room. After not seeing that the person in mind wasn't anywhere to be seen, she asked Yorik with dread laced in her voice, "Uh...Yorik? Dimos isn't still in the sewers, is he?!"

"Actually, last I saw em he was with Shor and the others. It's why he told me ta head up 'ere and such. Dunno what Shor's doin with the guy but I imagine dat might have somethin ta do wif why Shor's been all mum about wot's goin on." Yorik crossed his arms as he looked at all of you. "Now, suppose I gotta say officially, ye can't be going down in da sewers gettin involved. I know ye wanna, but officially I gotta tell ya no. Unofficially... Well, let's just say I saw some Lightning Company emblems leavin the city, all fancied up and such. If I had ta guest those louts are escortin someone important outta 'ere. I'd half a mind to chase em down myself but well... Officially, I ain't suppose to." He wiped his in the direction of where he saw the Lightning Company leaving before rubbing the back of his neck. "I ain't gunna pretend I can simplify wotever shite Shor and Aisha go on about when dey go to da castle, but I get dat things ain't as simple as bashin heads and callin it a day. Way I see it ya got two leads ta follow. Ya can either head into da sewers an talk ta Shor bout wot he's doin, or maybe see what dem thunderheads are doing leavin town when all this is goin on. Yer choice."

Sylvia blinked at Yorik's words in curiosity. She thought over the fact that the guards were dressed up and were probably escorting someone, possibly a noble, out of the city. She also recalled what Shor's group told her back in the sewers before they fought Red Stain. She sighed, and she answered Yorik and her friends, "...You guys trusted us when we sent the letter regarding the sewers. I think...as much as I want to go to the sewers to help him, I think we should trust Shor, and you guys, as well. If Shor doesn't want us to go to the sewers, it's probably for a really good reason," She then looked to her friends and she told them, "I think it's time we did some reconnaissance. Let's see who is being escorted out of the city by the Lightning Company,"

The group seemed to have no issues with this new direction. "Let's just be careful. Last thing we want to do is tip them off that we're onto them. Maybe we can spy on them and report to Shor once he's done with his sewer business." Shortfang seemed extra excited. "Yes! We hunt! Shortfang good for hunting!" Buddy once more had no real comment, simply waiting for your directions. Yorik seemed rather satisfied at this decision as well. "Well aight den. Like yer mate said, don't let em know yer tailin em. But if things do get messy, they ain't armored up, so it ought ta be easy ta fight em. But don't underestimate em. Lightning Twats might sell out dere badges ta thugs and criminals ta make work easier, but dey are legit fighters demselves. In any case, hurry on now while da trail still hot. Chances are once they reach da stables they're gunna mount up, and den it'll be hard work chasin em."

Sylvia nodded to her friends and Yorik in response to their words. She answered her friends, "Right. Let's get going," She then led the way outside. Once they were outside, she spoke to them, "I think we should send our familiars in to do the spying," She then looked to Buddy and Shortfang, and she asked them, "Shortfang, do you mind having Buddy carrying you? We're gonna need Syfr to find them first, as well as give us a bird's eye view. After that, I can try and get close enough for me to send in Dinah,"

She asked Pylia, just now realizing that Dinah and Syfr looked different from normal owls and cats, "Oh right...Pylia do you think any of them would recognize Syfr and Dinah as familiars?"

As Shortfang summons Syfr and sends him off, he also climbs into Buddy’s backpack and starts channeling his vision. Meanwhile Pylia responds to your questions. “Well, if Syfr flies high enough most people probably won’t immediately recognize him as anything but a bird. Being a black bird is t too unusual either though an owl in the city will certainly be strange for anyone who thinks about it. Dinah... Well, I suppose if she tucks those strange tail things away she might not be immediately noticed, but white cats are fairly rare around here. But at worse that might just attract the attention of children or stray dogs. As long as Dinah doesn’t bother anyone no one would suspect her if being a familiar immediately.”

Sylvia mentally noted Pylia's answer, and she answered "Alright, good to know," She then led her friends to an alleyway, or somewhere less crowded. Once they reach the alleyway, she would summon Dinah. They would wait there until Shortfang tells them where he saw the Lightning Company through Syfr's eyes. Depending on the distance between them and the Lightning Company, Sylvia would either stay in the alleyway and just send Dinah, or she would lead her group to a closer alleyway (but still maintain a comfortable distance between them and the Lightning Company) and then send Dinah.

The group were on the move following the trail of the Lightning Company. At first Syfr didn't see anything out of the ordinary in the crowds of alley, but after about ten minutes of searching he spots something. Five men, four wearing similar outfits and armed with longswords. They had the Lightning Company patch on their shoulders as they were escorting who appears to be a woman from the back of a building. Syfr wasn't able to get close enough to hear anything but from the way the woman was dressed it seemed like she was trying to hide herself as well. Shortfang reports what Syfr see's as he informs you that it looks like instead of the stables, the Lightning Company and the woman are heading towards the docks district. "Maybe they take boat?" Shortfangs says somewhat loudly due to not being able to hear. Either way they were on the move.

Sylvia swore under her breath. If they were taking the boat, then it would be harder for the guards to catch her later on. And the fact that the person the Lightning Company was guarding...it reminded her of the fact that a woman had left the platinum for the vandals in the trash can. She muttered to the rest of her friends after hearing Shortfang's words, "That's not good...let's get to the edge of the Docks area. I'll send Dinah in and see if we can't get a closer look at the woman. I think she might be the one who left the payment for the vandals,"

She then led to the edge of the docks area, staying in the alleyways, and she summoned Dinah. She sits down, channels her sight through Dinah, and tells her to go find the Lightning Company, follow them, see if she can get a good look at the woman, and keep her tendrils out of sight.

Once summoned Dinah gets to work following the group. She is able to move quickly despite her small size due to her agility and natural climbing ability, getting a closer look at the group than Syfr could. The woman indeed does look like the one who had dropped off the payment to the thugs from yesterday, while the lightning company looked far more grizzled and professional than the group of criminals. They each were human, wearing a breastplate and armed with a longsword on their hip. It wouldn't be long before the company leads the woman to an unassuming looking fishing boat. There were two men, fairly salty look sailors, who seemed to be expecting them and quickly ushers the woman onto the boat. Through Dinah's ears you can overhear their conversation.

"Stay here, we'll get the young lord here soon. They've got their dogs on his scent, but right now they're distracted. That ought to give us time to get you both out of here. Don't leave, don't speak to anyone."