The Coast Way

Stella is a bit caught off-guard by how soon they were performing, but quickly takes a seat and Aiwë begins.
Looking around at the patrons, nerves begin to rise and her stomach churns. Maybe it wasn't too late to—no...this was for Aiwë. Stella closes her eyes and takes a breath as deep as the frosted snow of home.
"From hooooo-ooome. Stella joins in quietly, shooting above Aiwë's note in a haunting harmony, before rising further.
"Ooooooo-hearty, strong, and ha-ale, she softly descends, visions of the hardy tundra filling her mind.
Here in the depths of Icewind Da-aaale."

She blows and four twinkling lights flow out of her mouth. They spread to illuminate the platform, lazily drifting around the performers like cold, quiet stars, watching from a turning sky. (Stella casts dancing lights)

Then, as Aiwë begins the next phrase and with her eyes still closed, Stella begins tapping the air in front of her. The taps create the sound of quiet bells, the pitches alternating between high and low, like snow being whisked about in the wind. (Stella casts minor illusion.)

Rift watches the girls play and sing in amazement. Music is not really something he has had much experience with, but the haunting melody makes his skin prickle under his scales and sends a shiver down his back. His wings twitch and he looks away.

The room is quieter now and he starts to examine some of the other patrons out of curiosity. One of them might know something that could help them with their quest(s).

"Hey gibber bait, you want to make some money?...of course *cough* you do. Talking is weird" dieter says as he is pulled up. He takes some sips of water and eats a little but stops finding the act of swallowing uncomfortable. He stands up and rests a hand on runeson "lets go we the others"

With the musical number over, the Inn's proprietor makes his way to Stella and Aiwe. "Marvelous performance!" the little gnome says with a beaming smile. "Adding in just the small touches of magic to the music made the whole experience... well... magical!"

He gestures to himself. "I am Bentley Mirrorshade, owner of the Friendly Arm Inn! I hope you feel welcome for however long you stay here!"

The gloom of the past few days seems to have entirely left Aiwë by the end of the song.

"Stella, that was amazing!" she gushes, brown eyes warm. "When did you learn to do that? Wait, no, tell me when we eat. We have to ride the crowd!" She fixes her drum to her hip and looks back out. Seeing Dieter and Runeson enter the inn she begins a drum roll.

"This one is dedicated to Dieter! Brave soldier, noble man!" she cries, then promptly begins a raucous drinking song about a young boy who becomes a mercenary to see the world.

When the song finishes, Aiwë smiles warmly at the gnome proprietor. "Thank you. Your inn is such a relief after our days on the road. I'll be about doing some work if I can find it, but when I'm back may I play for my keep here?"

"Of course! With people passing through, I'm always on the lookout for more entertainment for the guests. And myself, I admit!"

Bentley points out the job board on the wall. "If you're looking for work, you might give that a read. There's always someone who needs help in these parts! If any of the jobs strike your fancy, let me know and I'll point you toward the ones who are paying."

After briefly conferring with the other party members, Aiwë returns.

"Can you point me to Khalid? How worried he must be about his wife!"

Bentley's nod is a resigned, sad one. "Yes, Khalid is most distraught about his missing Jaheira. I hope there is something that can be done for her, for both their sakes."

The gnome gestures toward the melancholic half-elf that Rift noticed earlier.

Khalid happens to be looking up at this moment, and he looks at the party with a suddenly hopeful expression. He anxiously waves them over, then stands to greet them. His furrowed brow is slick with sweat, and his sun-tanned skin has blanched to a sickly pallor.

"Th-thank you for joining me! M-my name is Khalid," he stutters. "I wish to hire a group of f-formidable adventurers to aid in the rescue of my wife. She was carried off by gibberlings after our c-camp was overrun less than a tenday ago. It seemed like their horde was traveling towards the Cloakwood—not far from here." He takes a drink from his glass of water. "Gibberlings usually eat their victims, but for some reason, they’ve kept my Jaheira alive." He holds up his hand, where an ornate metal ring wraps around one finger. "Our wedding bands share a magical bond, you see. This will be a dangerous t-task—but I have gold! Will you help me?"

Of course friend, normally we wouldn't charge for a quest as noble as this but we are trying to raise funds for a sick friend. What will you be willing to pay for the safe return of your wife?" Dieter asks putting comforting and on the man's shoulder.

Aiwë hands Dieter the job posting that lists the pay as 50 gold pieces each.

"Hello, Khalid, I'm Aiwë. Yes, we'll help. I think it may be best to leave at first light, when we are rested and most capable. Do you think Jaheira will be alright that long?"

Stella blushes and grins sheepishly. "Thank you! You were too! I—oh, okay!" Stella sighs with relief, seeing Aiwë her usual self once again.

And performing felt amazing, especially with her new spells. No wonder Aiwë enjoyed it so much...

Seeing Dieter, Stella's heart sinks for a moment. The young man was wonderful, but...most of them knew Kregguk, not Dieter. Who decided that? Aiwë didn't seem to pay any mind, though...so perhaps she shouldn't either. They'd earn enough to pay for the orog's revival soon enough, she hoped.

She joins Aiwë, Dieter, Runeson, Rift and any others with them. Where was Wirrow? Expertly not being seen apparently...or rather...not apparently?
"It might depend why they're keeping her alive," Stella remarks grimly.

Happy's flames bounce up and down to the beat of the music. During some of the high notes his flames kiss the low ceiling.

Ossein slides over to speak conspiratorially with Rift.

"Hey kid, how difficult would it be to plant tiny pieces of my bearer all around the temple we were just in. Well, not really the temple, mostly just the priestess's bedroom and in all her pockets, bags, shoes, you know, everywhere. That way she ends up sensing evil all the time. What do you say?"

Fighting the urge to roll his eyes, Rift stands behind the little group. Gibberlings? Really? They couldn't burn down that one lady's house instead?

He shrugs. At least it will pay well, although he has a sneaking suspicion that they will expect him to donate to the dead body fund. Gross. Although the one dead guy is up and walking around, so that's... weird. Just really weird. Dead people shouldn't walk around. It's unnatural. He inconspicuously steps away from Dead Guy while still listening to the conversation.

The strange hobgoblin starts speaking to him and Rift doesn't know what to do. The voice doesn't sound like a goblin. It actually sounds a lot like the strange smelly man who had his head chopped off. Why is he talking about pieces of bears? Maybe it's a hobgoblin thing.

"Um, it doesn't seem like a good idea to make a priestess angry," Rift says slowly. Common sense obviously isn't a hobgoblin thing.

Khalid smiles shakily and with tears in his eyes. "Y-you will? Oh, what g-g-glorious day!"
The half-elf grimaces and takes a moment to find his voice. It comes out very small. "T-tomorrow? I... I d-don't know... I had h-h-h-hoped we might leave as s-soon as p-possible..." He looks down at the table, and then up again. This time his voice is stronger, though the persistent stutter remains. "I'll g-give you 60 gold pieces each instead if we leave t-t-tonight. It's... all I h-have."