Sylvia thanked the old woman politely as she handed the two silver pieces to her. She smiled softly as Pylia commented how they reminded her of a field of flowers she and Seraph used to go to outside of Gransys. She commented quietly, "It must have been really beautiful," She was in quiet awe of how the Moonglow flowers gave off a luminescent light for a moment, but it quickly passed. Sylvia refocused her attention on the matter at hand, and she gently nodded to Pylia, leading the group back to the graveyard so that they can lay the bouquet at Seraph's grave.

The party would return to Seraph’s grave to place the flowers at her grave. Pylia was quiet as she laid the flowers down, not having much to say. After a few minutes of just sitting there quietly, she stands up and looks to you. “I think... I think we should head back to our room. It’s been an emotionally draining day.” Buddy nods and Shortfang yawns a bit. “Yeah, Shortfang could use nap. What we doing toma-tommowawa, uh next day?“ Shortfang looked to you.

Sylvia quietly watched as Pylia laid the bouquet at Seraph's grave. She slightly bowed her head a bit for a moment of silence in respect to Seraph. Sylvia agreed with Pylia's suggestion, "Yeah...Today was pretty rough," She looked to Shortfang when he asked what they will be doing tomorrow, and she answered as she started leading the way back to the inn, "Well, Shor did ask us to come by once he finished getting an idea of what happened today. So, we'll have to report in tomorrow. And we'll visit Ferric tomorrow afterwards. Other than that, we'll play it by ear,"

"Okay!" Shortfang said simply. Pylia nods quietly and leads the group out from the graveyard. The return trip to your rooms was uneventful, with things at the Silver Stag busy as usual and but returned to quite once the group was back in their room. Shortfang let Syfr out who flew out the window to do owl things. Buddy, for once, sat down as he took out a book from his backpack. You'd recognize this as one of your books that was given to you back at Cassari. Pylia simply doffed her armor and fell into bed and quickly fell asleep. "Whew. So much stuff happen. More stuff than when Shortfang alone! Life crazy for you too boss? Back at home."

Once they made it back to their room at the inn, Sylvia let out a quiet sigh of relief as she sat down on the bed. She could feel the weariness from the day's events catch up to her. She smiled at her friends as she glanced to see that Buddy was going to read, while Pylia had already fallen asleep. She noticed how Syfr was flying out to do owl things, so she figured that she'd call Dinah (if she wasn't here already), and let her do cat things. She turned her attention to Shortfang when he asked her about life back home. She nodded and answered, "Yep! There was always something that either needed to be done or something that can be done recreationally,"

As she answered, she couldn't help but recall how as a child, she thought everyday life back home was very boring with how repetitive going to school and doing homework was. However, as she grew older and took on more responsibilities along with the school work and other activities such as hobbies and jobs, she didn't think of every day as much. She had to think of her future there...and of her grandparents who grew frailer every day. Compared to her life here in Keratia at this moment...

She didn't let her thoughts linger on that. She didn't want to think any further on that. She has responsibilities back home. Her grandparents need her...

She finished her answer, focusing her attention off of her thoughts and back to the present moment, "Certainly can't say it was boring back home, even if there were some tasks that get repetitive,"

Shortfang sat at the table just relaxing. "Re-cre-a-tion-all-ly. Big word. That means fun, yeah?" Shortfang pondered. "Before Shortfang leave Shadowrunner Tribe, lotta digging. Dig for grub, or dig for roots. Not much hunt or fighting because we live in tunnel. Always work for tribe since tribe always need more food. Shortfang sometimes wonder when Shortfang learn how to fight, so busy!" He began to take off his gear, setting them onto the table. He dismantled his crossbow and started doing some maintenance on it such as replacing the bowstring and fixing some bits of wear and tear. "Even after Shortfang leave to become hero, Shortfang just sleep during day, walk at night, sometimes kill rabbit or bird to eat. Shortfang fight sometimes, but thing like wolf or maybe bear. Nothing big big. Not till Shortfang with you that Shortfang fight real big things."

Meanwhile Dinah also left out the window, off to do cat things presumably. As Shortfang was dealing with his equipment he looked back over to you. "So boss, your world, what weapon they use? They fight like you? Lotta fist and bone clubs where you come from?" Shortfang took out his shortsword. You could tell it was different from what other people had used, as his looked like it was made from some sort of bone. "Shortfang got this when Shortfang leave home. Show tribe Shortfang is good warrior, so hunt down monster. Shortfang go big: he hunt Moorbounder! Black war cat, huge teeth, jump high. Shortfang hunt alone. Eventually got em, made teeth into sword." Shortfang raised the sword to his mouth, emulating a sort of tusk. "Now Shortfang my name. But Shortfang like shooty instead. Much safer."

Sylvia nodded and answered Shortfang's question regarding the word cheerfully, "Yeah! You've got that right, Shortfang," She listened to Shortfang as he talked about how his time was spent, before and after leaving to be a hero, and before he joined Sylvia's party. She gave a smile when he mentioned he wondered how Shortfang learned how to fight despite being so busy. She guessed that he learned when he was hunting.

Her smile somewhat faded when he asked about how the people in her world fight. She gave a chuckle at the mention of the bone clubs, and she commented, "Oh no. The bone clubs are uniquely kobold. There are tonfas back home, but they would be made of wood," She half wondered if tonfas were made of plastic, but she didn't ask out loud. Her smile faded as she thought about how people fought and a look of sadness did cross her face. She answered Shortfang, "There are some people who do take the time and discipline themselves to learn martial arts. Unfortunately, at least in the country I was born in, most people there...prefer weapons that are able to...instantly take a life. Advanced weaponry comes with advanced technology,"

When he mentioned the Moorbounder and talked about that, her smile came back. She chuckled and answered Shortfang when he finished telling his story, "Oh wow, that's impressive! Your name is certainly well earned. I can understand the sentiment. Kinda like shooting the radiant bolts in battle. It's safer from a distance,"

When Shortfang and Sylvia finish talking for the night, she would turn in and keep watch in her sleep as usual. If Buddy wanted to strike up conversation, she wouldn't mind doing so.

The night would pass without much incident. You'd be able to take on your astral form but Buddy didn't have much to discuss, as he was reading the books. The most he had to say was that he wondered if perhaps he should find more books to read, as he didn't really find the nature books all too interesting. The Spice and Wolves book was interesting, almost nostalgic in a strange way. It made Buddy wonder if perhaps he's very old, or maybe he's actually very young. Either way morning would come and soon Pylia was up first, followed by Shortfang. Dinah and Syfr would also arrive after their late night escapades. And eventually you too would awaken freshen up.

"Assuming we don't plan on doing anything too extreme today, I think I'd like to try and work on making some potions. I'm sure that we're going to need them soon, and while we do have some money, it's best if we use our time wisely and save the coin so I can craft the potions myself." Pylia started off the conversation at the table. Buddy and Shortfang brought in breakfast from the kitchen: omelettes on toast and boiled vegetables. Pylia also passed around the Good berries she had made this morning. "I already brought most of the raw material, so all I really need is time. With that being said, do you think you can keep yourself out of trouble long enough I won't have to worry about something like that?" Pylia asked you rather pointedly. Shortfang tried to defend you.

"Ah boss not trouble maker! Boss good person, just help people, not look for fight. Pylia too worry, like a mama or something." Pylia looked at Shortfang with an embarrassed look. "I'm not trying to be anyone's mother! I'm just saying, we've been through a lot since we got to this town. I just figured it would be good if we could spend a day actually relaxing instead of jumping into some zany adventure for a bit."

Sylvia woke up to the next morning well-rested. During the night she had made note that she should find some other books for Buddy. As she woke up for the morning, she looked to Pylia when she spoke and mentioned that she wanted to make potions for today. She noticed that Shortfang brought in breakfast for everyone with Buddy. She remembered that she had promised to pay for meals from now on the last time Shortfang bought all of the group lunch. She didn't say anything about it though. She decided to buy the next meal today. She accepted the goodberries from Pylia with a thank you.

She listened as Pylia spoke about her plan for the day. She did like the idea of having more healing potions at the group's disposal, without spending the gold. She can't blame Pylia for wanting to rest as well, they had been running around doing a lot of things ever since they got here, as Pylia mentioned.

She chuckled at Pylia's and Shortfang's banter about how Pylia was worrying too much. She reassured Shortfang, "It's okay, Shortfang. I did come back bloody from going off on my own once, so I deserve that. She has a point," She then answered Pylia, "I can certainly try and keep myself out of trouble,"

Sylvia immediately started wondering what she could do that shouldn't cause too much trouble. She knew she couldn't go and report to Shor and his company today without her friends, that would probably throw her into some zany adventure. Then she recalled that she could visit a library for research, or a bookstore to find another book for Buddy, or even simply explore Gransys. She asked Pylia out of curiosity, "How long does it take to cook up a healing potion? I can always have Buddy come with me to a bookstore or just look around Gransys while you make the healing potion,"

"Well it usually takes me about an hour to make just one standard potion, but I'm going to try and make some magic potions too. And that process may take me longer than usual since I'll be experimenting and going very carefully as to not ruin any materials or cause any explosions." Pylia explained. "If you're going to look for a bookstore, your best bet would be in the Castle Ward. I'm sure there's a second-hand bookstore in the market place somewhere, but if you're looking for a dedicated library you'll have to head to a fancier place." However Pylia suddenly looked very stern as she leaned towards you. "But whatever you do, do not go to the temple of the Maker! Those people are going to start asking you too many questions and if they find out you're not from our world, there's no telling what they might do. If any of them approach you, just tell them you're from Xiadan or something. Buddy," Pylia looked over to Buddy. "Make sure no one bothers Sylvia, alright?"

"Okay mama." Shortfang says sarcastically. Pylia simply bopped him on the noggin for his sass. "Shortfang gunna go visit Sewer Dragons, make sure everything okay. Will stay with Pylia if she need help and stay safe. Boss, Syfr go with you, okay? If need anything, just ask Syfr!" Shortfang says as his owl familiar hoots. Dinah is curls around your leg to remind you that she exists. It would seem like everyone was more or less ready to spend their downtime now.

Sylvia listened to Pylia attentively as she suggested that going to the Castle Ward might be her best bet for finding a book store. She wasn't sure if going to the Castle Ward was a wise idea, considering what happened to Erendal. Well, she could still go to the Market Place first for the second-hand bookstore. She was surprised when Pylia became stern, and Sylvia leaned back a bit when Pylia leaned forwards, making a somewhat comical picture. She answered Pylia's warning, taking note of the mentioned places, "Xiadan...Got it. Don't worry, I won't head to the Temple of the Maker,"

She gave a chuckle at how Shortfang sassed Pylia and received a bop on the head in kind. She nods to Shortfang and answers him, "Sounds great to me!" She then looked to Dinah, and after giving her a few gentle scritches on her head, she turns her attention back to Shortfang, "I'll have Dinah go with you, just in case you need any help as well," She gave the mental word to Dinah to have her go with Shortfang.

After that, she told the others before heading off with Buddy, "Well, I'll meet you guys back here before sunset,"

You leave the Silver Stag and head out towards the Castle Ward. At this point the hustle and bustle of the city feels almost quaint. Despite the craziness that had happened just a few days prior, everyone was going about their business. Aside from the occasional odd stare no one would bother you as you arrive to the Castle Ward. Unlike the market place which was adorn with all sorts of home-made ornaments and decorations, the Castle Ward was clean and had very uniform banners, flags, and paintings on it's walls depicting the duke and his accomplishments. There were some artists still at work, guarded by a few of the knightly looking sentries.

Eventually you'd find a bookstore called Under The Sun, with the tagline "We have every book". Despite how small it was, it was filled with books and neatly organized. Each wall had bookshelves with metal plaques labeling their genre, and a table with stacks of books that looked notably more aged and used compared to the newer ones on the walls. Another thing you may notice was the price: Almost no book here was worth less than 100 GP. As you peruse, a young man walks from around the door in the back. He wears a clean white tunic underneath a beige apron with ink stains on it. "Hello! Welcome to Under The Sun, I'm Tuscon, owner and scribe. Is there anything I can help you look for?"

Sylvia ignored the stares of the people as she made her way through Castle Ward, but she did stop to take in the sight of the paintings, banners, and flags. She kind of wished Pylia was with her now, so that she could explain the events depicted in the paintings. It certainly looked like he accomplished much. If there is a depiction of a dragon on one of the paintings, her gaze would linger on it. She wanted to see if she see if the dragon in the painting looks the same as the dragon she saw in her dream. As she stares at the painting, she can't help but feel that same fear come back to her heart, and haunt her.

After that, she would continue on to the bookstore.

Once she and Buddy arrive at the bookstore, she looks around the bookstore quietly at first. She was quite surprised to see that the books were no less than 100 GP. They were that expensive?! Textbooks she could understand, but books meant to be read for entertainment as well? Geez!

Her attention was then drawn to the young man who introduced himself as Tuscon. She greeted Tuscon, "Hi Tuscon. We're just looking for a book with an entertaining story to pass the time. Do you have any recommendations?"

"Hmm. I suppose that depends on what you're looking for." Tuscon says as he goes to pick out some books. "I know recently many ladies are interested in foreign romance novels such as Flotilla Fanyare, a book series about dashing swashbuckling sailors and the ladies in which they aim to impress. A Doros book so it's quite informative, though admittedly unless you already have a mind for the politics and economics, it can be droll." The book looked a bit old, but you could still make out the title inscribed onto the leather bound book. It's cover depict a ship over a rising sun.

"If you're looking for something simpler, there's always tales of the Goblin Slayer. Very popular with young men and even older ones. It tells tales of a lone warrior on his crusade against goblins and their ilk. If you're the adventuring type many of the warrior's exploits are said to be very practical." This book looked fairly new but also rather thin. You could guess there was only maybe a hundred pages at most.

"And finally a personal favorite of mines, it's historical fiction but I like to think there's some grain of truth in it. The Night Sun, a compilation of various stories from Greenford when the city was attacked by an undead horde. It's a truly inspiring book about the fears and struggles of thousands of people against an organized army of undead soldiers, as well as the courage that saved them all." This book was well kept. Though you could easily tell it's been read a lot it would seem that this bookkeeper made sure to take care of it.

"All of them in Southern Basic of course, though I do have a few books in original Elven and Dwarven if they interest you."

Sylvia immediately recognized one of the titles mentioned. Goblin Slayer!

Goblin Slayer! That story is in Keratia too? Sylvia thought to herself. While she hadn't had much time for manga and anime as of recently back at home, she had heard about it. She just didn't know the details...

Come to think of it...wasn't one of the books given to her back in Cassari reminiscent of another manga series?

Anywho, thinking over her options, she figured all three books could be very informative, as well as entertaining. She asked Tuscon, "How much would each book be?"

She then looked at Buddy and asked him, "What do you think Buddy? Which ones sound interesting to you?"

"Well let's see..." Tuscon looked around the back before gathering up the three books. "We have some older editions here I can sell you for an affordable price. So Flotilla Fanyare will be 80 gold, Goblin Slayer would be 70 Gold, and The Night Sun will be 95 gold. If you're interested in all three of them, that would normally be 245 gold, but I'm willing to round it down to 240." Tuscon lays the books down in front of you. Buddy picks one up and thumbs through the pages, looking over each one for a few minutes. Eventually he chooses The Night Sun and hands it to you for check out. Tuscon seems to be impressed. "Excellent choice. I actually have family, my grandparents, who were in Greenford. Hearing their tale and reading this book really gives you an idea of the sort of... Horror we can go through, but it's inspiring what some hope and bravery can do to see you through those dark times."

Sylvia nodded to Buddy in understanding as she accepted the book to bring to check out. After thumbing through the other two books, she decided tho get Goblin Slayer and Flotilla Fanyare along with The Night Sun. She fished out the 240 gold pieces as she answered Tuscon, “Buddy and I are certainly looking forward to reading it. I’m sure it’ll be inspiring as it’s informative. Thank you, Tuscon,”

“Thank you, and please come see us again!” Tuscon takes your coin, quickly counting them out before handing the three books to Buddy, who stored them in his bag. Once the transaction was done Buddy motioned towards the door, ready to leave. It was still bright outside and things seem peaceful enough. Though near the book shop was the park where the group had went to yesterday. Buddy was looking over at it intently.

Sylvia gave a smile to Tuscon as he thanked them and sent them on their way. She let Buddy carry the books in the bag and she followed him out of the store. She took in a breath of fresh air as they made their way out. She was glad to see that things were still quite peaceful. Despite the trouble she and the rest of her group got into yesterday, it seemed like everything was going to be fine for now.

She then noticed Buddy was looking to the park intently. She asked Buddy curiously, "What is it, Buddy? Notice something?"

She directed her gaze in that same direction, hoping to see what he sees.

Buddy took out his book and wrote you a quick response. "Could read in park. Look nice." The park was pretty empty aside from a few women who appear to be sitting at a tree chatting, and a few children playing on the hill. Aside from a small garden of flowers and a few trees there wasn't much places for one to sit, but that likely wasn't going to be a problem for Buddy. Soon a group of men arrived to the park carrying sickles and shovels, with one larger man who seemed to be ordering them around as they began to cut the grass and a few went to the trees, trimming branches and hanging up banners. Buddy took out his notebook again to respond to you. "Or walk around." It was around this same time that Syfr flew in, landing on Buddy with a quiet hoot. He didn't seem to be perturbed or bothered, so no trouble yet.