[center][h2]~ Chapter I ~[/h2]
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	The savory and sweet aromas of braised goat stew wafted around you like a soothing quilt of warmth, a much needed contrast to the bitter and frigid air that stung your nostrils for the better part of the night. It was well past anyone's bedtime, yet the man who had left you to reach the temple alone was more than willing to allow you and your new companion to rest before hiking back down to the world below. This cantle lit hole-in-the-cliffs served as Umildraen's humble abode; cramped not only in a stature befitting a lone dwarf rather than two humans, but it also was cluttered with a myriad of books, pelts, tools, and climbing gear adorning the walls that would encroach upon your back no matter which side of the miniscule table you sat at. Aiding to warm your belly was a rather generous serving of mead, the smooth honey wine that complimented your dinner perfectly. Sitting across from you was the man himself, looking much more awake now than he did when you stood just outside his doorway not an hour prior. To your left, Aika justified the frenzy with which she devoured her meal by graciously thanking Umildraen over and over both before and during the feast.

	[color=7ea7d8]"We don't have goats in Geland,"[/color] Aika explained in a rough Daldoran. [color=7ea7d8]"I've always wanted to see one for myself but, this isn't what I had in mind."[/color] A small laugh was had around the even smaller table, and she looked up from the bowl to you and him. [color=7ea7d8]"Even so, this is simply divine, Mister Nogrid."[/color] As you nodded in agreement, your host took a long swig of drink, comically disparaging the respectful titling of his name with a hearty belch. [color=E6B0AA]"No need for formalities, lass,"[/color] he assured her with an affable smile. [color=E6B0AA]"Enjoyin' me cookin's more than enough. That, and seein' ye both safe n' sound."[/color] Umildraen leaned back in his chair and cast his gaze to you for but a moment with the same wagging finger from earlier in the night. [color=E6B0AA]"Ersu heard me prayer, he did. If anyone needs thankin' it's him. He ain't th'god of weather n' travels for nothin'!"[/color] Another belch succinctly ended his point as he tilted forward once more and seized his spoon with a similar hunger to Aika's.

	[color=95A5A6]"Indeed,"[/color] you agreed as you more gracefully tended to your meal than either of those sitting with you. [color=95A5A6]"We'll likely needs his fortune once again as we make our way east, we've quite a trek ahead of us."[/color] Umildraen rose an eyebrow at this, curiosity bubbling. [color=E6B0AA]"Oh? Is yer business in Daldon over then?"[/color] Aika shook her head to clarify. [color=7ea7d8]"Well- not exactly. I- we-"[/color] she seemed to freeze up, again showing apprehension to divulge the details of her mission. Luckily, you could step in before the dwarf asked too many questions. [color=95A5A6]"Aika's mentor, the client that hired me to find her, simply wants to see that she's alive and well. We may yet return after some time, if the temple proves enough interest to him."[/color] You looked to your companion, who in turn gave you a very short and relieved glance in gratitude. [color=E6B0AA]"Ahh, seems a simple enough prayer to whip up then, har har!"[/color] Umildraen pushed his empty bowl closer to the center of the table and began to run his fingers through his long beard. [color=E6B0AA]"Say, I've been livin' in th'temple's shadow fer years and ain't once set foot inside. Folks like you two comin' n' goin' seem like ye handle yerselves just fine tho. I can't help but thinkin', what's in there?"[/color]

	Your eyes turned to Aika, and as she met your look with one of caution, she returned to your native Gelish tongue to ask you in secret. [color=7ea7d8]"[i]Should we tell him? You said we need the help but, we can't just tell everyone either, right?"[/i][/color]

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[color=95A5A6]
	• Tell Umildraen about Zorkuth and Aika's goal to extract his heart.

	• Tell Umildraen about the books and spiders to deflect suspicion.
	
	• Say something else.
		[Write in: Describe something to say in either Gelish or Daloran.]
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