Rumble at the Portal

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

The fight between Krentz and the half-orc had begun in earnest. There also seemed to be some sort of animated conversation between Mingnist and an elf I'd never seen before. I darted over to Mingnist but everything there seemed to be fine. A half-elf approached me and said she enjoyed my song with Threestrings which was nice of her.

There was no way I was going to get involved in something like this fight so I instead joined the half-elf at a nearby table where we ordered food from Bonnie. I learned that her name was Ketalysen and that this was her first day in Waterdeep. It wasn't exactly the warmest of welcomes here in The Yawning Portal.

Before long Durnan broke up the fight and somehow a small fire was started at a table near the fracas. It looked like the half-orc was a pretty clear victor since Krentz and his buddies staggered out of the inn. Two other people came over to our table who were evidently friends with Ketalysen. The elf I'd seen before introduced himself as Ránath and another half-elf called herself Elora. They both were also new to Waterdeep today. They had arrived with a caravan destined for tomorrow's Greengrass Festival.

Our lovely conversation was rudely interrupted by the corpse of a halfling landing on our table.

The Portal Yawns Deep

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

Mingnist and I travelled to The Yawning Portal in short order. I took my usual back alley route although I think it may have unsettled Mingnist.

Once there Mingnist found himself a table with some dwarves whilst I delivered the brandy to Durnan and the bottle to Krentz. I received a water and five copper pieces for my deliveries. One of the coins had some odd markings on it. Everybody seemed grateful for their items. During this time I noticed that a group of halflings were preparing to descend into the portal.

With the work obligations taken care of I wandered over to Threestrings who was just preparing to play his lute. I asked to join in for a song and we played that song about the Young Maztican Citizen's Association. People seemed to enjoy that.

Just after our song a disturbance started on the opposite side of the room. Krentz and a few others were antagonising a half-orc.

Return to Waterdeep

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

It was mid-morning and the north gate of Waterdeep was once again before me. Mingnist's eyes were darting about taking in the scale and splendor of the large city before him. I suppose I did the same that day five years ago when our ship sailed into the harbour here. I just smiled and led him through the gate.

The guards directed Mingnist to the sign at the gate summarising the laws of the city and I encouraged him to pay it mind. He accompanied me whilst I delivered the mushroom wine to The House of Good Spirits which is most of the way through Waterdeep. Along the way he mentioned that he is destined for The Most Careful Order of Skilled Smiths and Metal Forgers. Surprisingly I knew where that was and was able to help him find it. Good fortune was with him, I suppose.

The guild was pleased to see me with the mushroom wine. I think it's fair to say they were mostly pleased to see the wine. At any rate, I was immediately tasked with taking some brandy over to The Yawning Portal. Any chance to hear Threestrings is fine with me. Mingnist continued to accompany me on his whirlwind tour of Waterdeep.

As we were departing I encountered an “old friend” with a delivery of a bottle to a man named Krentz at The Yawning Portal. I was heading there anyway, so why not?

Off to The Yawning Portal!

A New Caravan

Tarsakh 22, 1493 DR

Mingnist, Poppy and I arrived at the High Road with no difficulty. Soon after turning south we espied a small caravan stopped at the side of the road, apparently having something to eat. Mingnist recognised them as dwarves. I was greeted with mouths agape. I take it these dwarves had never encountered a Tabaxi before but I bore that no mind.

One of the dwarves, Dilur, informed us they were headed south as far as Thornhold and invited us to travel with them. Mingnist seemed to get on with them quite well and discussed something about a dwarven excavation site. I'm not sure what that was all about. They seemed to keep their distance from me but everything was congenial.

Along the way I overheard Dilur mention The Yawning Portal to Mingnist. That was a bit of a surprise to hear. The two discussed some sort of arrangement but I wasn't particularly interested after the mention of the inn in Waterdeep.

Our travels proceeded peacfully to Thornhold where we parted ways with the dwarves.

Amongst the Gnomes

Tarsakh 20, 1493 DR

After a tenday I arrived in Gnomengarde. The gnomes I met welcomed me cautiously but they seemed friendly enough. King Gnerkli greeted me warmly although King Korboz seemed a bit distracted when I was introduced to them. Fortunately there were no issues with our transaction and I had the case of mushroom wine I was tasked to retrieve.

I was surprised to be asked by the kings to accompany a gnome named Mingnist from Gnomengarde to Waterdeep. He seemed to be a bit surprised to see a Tabaxi but I'm accustomed to that reaction. Otherwise he looked to make a pleasant travelling companion.

The gnomes graciously provided me with lunch before Mingnist and I departed for Waterdeep. The Kings did warn us about the threat of orcs in the Sword Mountains.

My first visit to a gnome village was most enjoyable.

Parting Ways

Tarsakh 18, 1493 DR

Our travelling caravan arrived in Leilon this day. This is where I separated from the group and headed east to Gnomengarde on my own (well, with Poppy). The group mostly consisted of merchants headed toward Neverwinter. Travelling with them was pleasant although I think some of them had odd ideas about Tabaxi.

At Leilon we passed by the lizardfolk camp at the south of town. It appeared to be quite an energetic village in its own right.

In another two days I would arrive in Gnomengarde. I hoped it would be as peaceful a trip as had been the prior eight days.

Sent Far Afield

Tarsakh 10, 1493 DR

I received a slightly unusual task from the guild today. I'm to head to Gnomengarde to take possession of a shipment of mushroom wine and bring it back to Waterdeep. This will be a lenthy trip: two tendays I expect. I'll be travelling part way there with a caravan but will be on my own at Leilon. I've been given a mule named Poppy with which to transport the wine.

I think I'll avoid The Wayside Inn. I don't think Meryl would be pleased to see me.