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.