[center]┏━✦❘༻✧ ✦ ✧༺❘✦━━┓[/center]

The tavern’s warmth flickered uneasy in the wake of Netzir’s glittering theatrics. A few locals gasped when the shards pierced the ceiling, but when they dissolved into a fall of dust, most only hunched deeper into their seats, muttering. One man near the hearth tugged his star-charm tighter against his throat, his lips moving in a hollow murmur.

The bartender slammed his rag onto the counter, glaring. [color=#ffcc00]“You’ll pay for repairs if that left so much as a dent, beastman. I’ve no patience for turning my inn into a carnival.”[/color]

Reed, though dripping wet, only laughed. [color=#66ff66]“Better dust than splinters, eh Ben? Though I’d wager your rafters don’t thank him either.”[/color] He turned a smile on Netzir, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. [color=#66ff66]“Pretty tricks, friend. But Arborhaven doesn’t need gilding—what it needs is remembering.”[/color]

Juniper, sitting upright despite the weight of the room’s stares, nodded earnestly to Miiya’s offer. [color=#b32d00]“Oh, yes! Please. I’d be glad of a scout—Guild contracts don’t forbid working with independents. We’ll need all the help we can get.”[/color] Her tail wagged once, defiant against the dreariness.

The man Miiya had collared stiffened, his eyes darting to her and then to the glittering shards above. His shoulders bunched, but her grip made sure he stayed seated. His lips pressed thin, but at last he croaked, [color=#999999]“…showy mage’ll get himself killed out there. Not that anyone cares…”[/color]

Reed’s gaze sharpened. [color=#66ff66]“What do you mean by that, friend? Killed where?”[/color]

The man flinched, his eyes cutting to the door, then to the hearth where the missing posters fluttered in the draft. He had no silver charm pinned to him—just a fraying cloak and a weary face.

[color=#999999]“South road. And the river path. Folk go missing out there, aye. Travelers, farmers, even a Guild pair. But no one listens. Easier not to.”[/color]

The room hushed further, the storm outside a constant low roar against the shutters. A few of the charm-wearers twitched, their fingers brushing their talismans in unison, but said nothing.

Juniper leaned forward, eyes wide. [color=#b32d00]“That’s exactly why I’m here! If people vanish on those roads, then that’s where we should start.”[/color] She glanced at the others gathered—the birdgirl, the insect-masked woman, the drunk swordsman, even Netzir with his conjured board. [color=#b32d00]“Together, we can do it.”[/color]

Reed gave a low hum, rubbing his chin. [color=#66ff66]“South road, river path… Aye. I’ve walked them both in brighter seasons. Too many shadows there now, it seems.”[/color] He glanced around the tavern, letting his words hang heavy. [color=#66ff66]“And shadows only grow deeper when folk stop caring.”[/color]

The man under Miiya’s arm squirmed, muttering again. [color=#999999]“Said too much already…”[/color]

The fire popped, sparks spiraling up the chimney. Outside, thunder growled, as though to underline the words.