Delivery and a Second Reunion

Mirtul 1, 1493 DR

We arrived safely back at Frewn's Brews with the delivery in tow where I announced my arrival to Emmek who excitedly received his merchandise. I assisted with unloading it and mostly ignored his grumbling. Afterward we noticed that Volo and a dwarf I assumed to be Fildreck, prior owner of Trollskull Manor, were standing in front of that property.

Lypher was reluctant to invite them for a drink with us a Frewn's Brews but I ignored him and wandered over to ask them. Instead, Volo opted to invite for supper at a different location nearby called A Maiden's Tears. I agreed that once the rest of our party had rejoined us we would meet them there.

I got back to the pub and saw that Lypher had purchased some sort of ale-like substance that smelled rather poor. Elora was gazing around the room at some grumpy people. Emmek was moaning about something boring. After a short while I fell asleep.

Later I awoke to find that Ketalysen and Ránath were there. Emmek came by at that moment to ask if we were going to buy anything although Lypher had clearly ordered alcohol and something that was apparently supposed to be food. It smelled putrid. Ránath and Ketalysen headed out through the back door and I decided to join them. Mingnist arrived just then and we all caught up behind the sorry excuse for a tavern. Well, except for Lypher. He was still forcing down his meal.

Ketalysen noticed a sign above a door nearby depicting a gold dragon curled around a pile of books. She knocked on the door which was answered by somebody who introduced themself as Rishaal. The store was closed but we learned that it was a library and book store called Book Wyrm's Treasure.

With nothing further to be gained here we decided to meet with Volo. We headed down Saerdoun Street to Lion Street where we found A Maiden's Tears and Volo and Fildreck waiting inside. They were seated at a table next to a fire which was glorious. I can see why Volo insisted on coming here instead. We ordered some food and realised that Lypher was not with us but he did arrive before long. He looked rather pale and had developed a cough. I made a note to myself to avoid that sad excuse for a tavern on Trollskull Alley in the future.

The discussion turned to the topic of Trollskull Manor. Fildreck was intrigued by the prospect of our acquisition of the property and asked if we had any questions about the place. Ránath asked about the peculiar painting but Fildreck only said that it was always part of the place. He mentioned that somebody named Ulkoria Stonemarrow might know more about the painting. Apparently she has some sort of interest in the manor.

Ketalysen asked if any particular part of the house was more haunted. Fildreck merely scoffed at the idea. Lypher asked if he'd ever been up in the top floor of the turret but he had not. The discussion then focused on entering the room that night. Ránath was obsessed with the idea and inquired with me if I thought he could scale the exterior. I was a bit dubious.

Volo encouraged us to make the propery transfer immediately. Ránath and I were enthusiastic about the idea but Lypher wanted to see up in that top room before agreeing. After a while it was decided that Ránath would attempt to enter the room that night then we would stay at the manor. We would choose our path forward the next day.

Reunion at the Docks

Mirtul 1, 1493 DR

The Dancing Delight was scheduled to be at the Waterdeep docks that afternoon so I headed there to receive the Vintners Distillers and Brewers Guild's shipment. Following along with me were Elora, Lypher, and Mingnist although the latter would be separating from us at the Metalmasters' Hall. I followed the High Road until the Way of the Dragon which was the most direct route to the harbour master's office.

We were making excellent progress but the others began acting strangely when we were night near The Thirsty Throat. Lypher asked to pause our journey and began looking around for something. They seemed to feel as though somebody may have been following us. I didn't notice anything unusual at all. I thought they were just being paranoid but they began discussing whether a different route would be best. Eventually we decided to cut over to the High Road via Brian's Street.

Before long we arrived at the Metalmasters' Hall and I entered along with Mingnist. Since this was home to The Most Careful Order of Skilled Smiths and Metal Forgers I really wanted to know who I could talk to about having forgeries made. Unfortunately I was met with only confusion upon asking inside. Perhaps that particular service is secretive but it's in their name. I don't really understand. At any rate, Mingnist was presented with a pile of paperwork which seemed intensely boring. Time to leave.

With Mingnist engaged the rest of us continued on to the docks. We followed the Way of the Dragon and then cut south on Hog Street on the way to the harbour master. Lypher spoke up once again to indicate that we were being followed. This time he identified them as either the Black Network or the Xanathar Guild. We decided to prodeed to the harbour master and see if he could offer and assistance.

After arriving safely Elora and I entered to greet Horst, the harbour master. Lypher remained outside as sentry. Horst indicated where the Dancing Delight was and we asked if he might help us with our followers. He said he'd do his best to waylay them if he saw them. That was good enough for me. Back outside Lypher went off to explain our predicament to the city guard as well.

When he returned we headed off for the indicated pier. Along the way Lypher became rather interested in a tavern called The Sleeping Snake for some reason. I was anxious to get to the dock so we continued in short order but were promptly halted by a blockade. It looked like some more gang fighting has just been interrupted by the guard. We took a detour and were accosted by members of the Xanathar Guild. One of them stabbed Elora with a dagger. That was completely uncalled for.

After a brief conversation regarding Xanathar being displeased with our appearance in the sewers two days prior they began trying to usher us into an alley. I was having none of that and managed to attract the attention of the city guard. This was enough to ward off our potential abductors. After a short conversation with the guard we were finally able to arrive at the Dancing Delight.

I called out to Philbert, one of the crew with whom I worked four years ago. He recognised me immediately and greeted me warmly. I introduced Lypher and Elora but let him go about his business. I asked permission to board from Emil, the first mate, after which I led the way to the captains quarters where I smiled broadly as I entered to see the captain, Stands in Tar. It was wonderful to see her again. We caught up a for a moment before I hugged her goodbye and we gathered our merchandise.

I wished I'd the opportunity to reminisce more, but I had a delivery to make.