A Quest's Beginning|Ronduin

[Northen Light36]

Artica staggers a little as she and Takeshi arrive on the part of the shore of the Great River that's closest to Talen'sul and Takeshi suddenly finds himself standing in ankle deep water. "Sorry," appologises Artica, sitting down on the river bank. "I'm just exhusted. It's been quite a while since I took someone water walking."

[aivea]

Takeshi steps out of the water after getting over the surprise caused by the sudden, though very short, drop. Kneeling near Arctica, he says in a concerned tone, "It's all right, I just hope you didn't strain yourself too much... If you want, I think I can teleport both of us closer to Talen'sul. That would save some of your energy and we could find somewhere for you to rest sooner."

[Northen Light36]

"I'd be greatful," admits Artica. "I could use a meal and a good rest, then I'll be right as rain."

[aivea]

"I will do my best to bring us close to the city," Takeshi says before holding out one hand for Artica to take hold of.

Though knowing that specialising in telekentics had weakened his other abilities noticeably, he is fairly sure that they are not far enough away that he'd strain himself too much. Just in case, however, Takeshi decides to chant quietly when she takes his hand and he teleports the two of them.

[Northen Light36]

"That's an interresting way to get around," comments Artica with a grin. "Faster then walking anyway." Glancing around she smiles and adds, "The inn my siblings and I usually stay at is only a short walk from here. It's a very modest place, but the beds are very soft and the meals served are lovely."

[aivea]

"There are quite a few who can travel farther than I can by teleporting, and I agree it is a lot faster than walking." Takeshi says with a smile and lets go of Artica's hand, then suggests "Perhaps we should go there first?"

A meal and a good rest appeals to him, not only out of his own hunger and the fatigue that the walk had caused, but also out of concern for the woman.

[Northen Light36]

Artica nods her agreement and leads the way to the inn she was talking about. A kindly seeming old woman greets the pair. "Artica! How nice to see you again dear. Visiting your family I assume? And who's your friend?"

"This is Takeshi," Artica replies with a tired smile. "Takeshi, this is Grace. And no, Grace, I'm afraid Tavin, Tavia and Aideen are... missing... I fear they were captured when the Clears took Zephyr... Takeshi volenteered to help me find them again." Grace looks quiet concerned at that.

"Oh, Artica dear... I am sorry..." she murmurs. "I know Lady Lya managed to recover Zephyr's children from slavery to the Ice types, but I don't know if Aideen was among them... I believe the children not claimed by their families were taken to the temple though. Aideen may be there. You should go there in the morning." Grace casts a concerned eye over the pair and adds, "Will you be needing a room or two for the night?"

[aivea]

"Nice to meet you, Grace and thanks for the tip." Takeshi says before adding quickly, "Two, please... I'll pay for mine. Sorry but I'm not comfortable sharing a room with someone I just met. I hope that doesn't bother you, Artica."

He looks a bit flustered and his inexperience dealing with people instead of just books is starting to show through.

[Northen Light36]

Artica blushes slightly and replies quickly, "Oh, it's all right. I quite agree." Grace just laughs softly at the pair of them and takes the payment for the rooms before handing over a pair of keys.

"You're in rooms seven and eight," she tells them. "Come along, I'll show you there. And tonight's dinner will be ready in about half an hour, so feel free to come down to the dining room then." Even as she speaks, Grace is cheerfully leading Takeshi and Artica up the stairs.

[aivea]

Takeshi follows Grace, relieved that the topic of how many rooms to rent had been set aside. He makes a mental note of about how long there was until dinner and of the route to the rooms as he walks.

"Could you tell me about about any important places in this city?" asks Takeshi, deciding there was no harm in knowing what major landmarks existed there.