Liza and Lupus slip into the salt-crusted tavern, where the air tastes of ale and wet wool. In the back corner, Kaelen sits alone, coin-heavy and careless, just the sort of man who talks too much when watched.
Lupus gives Liza the lead and hangs back by the wall, hand near his blade. The fresh chalk mark on stone outside has brought them to the right door, and the room offers the next opening in the western guild's trail.
Liza Honeycrumb
The chalk mark points here. He knows something, or someone wants him to.
Liza closes the distance with quiet purpose. Kaelen notices her at last, and his easy drink stills halfway to his mouth.
Kaelen
You are either lost, or dangerous. I am hoping for the first.
His eyes flick once to Lupus, then back to Liza. Whatever he knows about the western invaders, he is deciding how much it is worth to keep breathing with his secrets intact.
Kaelen
If the Settlers want names, routes, or a warning before the west moves, you should ask quickly.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get Kaelen to reveal the western guild's secret warehouse
“Liza grins and brushes her bangs behind her hair as she motions to a barkeep and takes a seat across from Kaeleen”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +2)
Liza flashes a quick grin, tucks her bangs back, and gives the barkeep a small beckoning gesture. Then she eases into the chair across from Kaelen, claiming the space like it already belongs to her.
The barkeep lingers just long enough to set down a fresh cup, then retreats. Lupus stays near the wall, watchful and silent, while Kaelen keeps his hands visible and his attention fixed on Liza.
Kaelen
That is a better start. A table between us means you are willing to listen, and I am willing to earn it.
Kaelen
The warehouse is not in the old fish market like the rumors say. It sits below a salt storehouse on the east wharf, under a black door marked with chalk.
Kaelen
They move crates there after midnight, westward seals on every one. If you came for their nest, that is where the eggs are kept.
Kaelen
He watches her reaction closely, already measuring whether his words buy him protection or a quicker death.
The tavern’s smoky hush tightens around the table as his answer lands. Lupus straightens a fraction, ready to take his cue, while Kaelen waits for Liza's next question.
Quest Complete
Get Kaelen to reveal the western guild's secret warehouse
“Liza measures the man to gain insight to his honesty. How many men, guards and workers alike in the warehouse?”
SUCCESS (Good Perception, rolled +0)
Liza lets the silence stretch just long enough to make Kaelen work for it. Her gaze lingers on his hands, his shoulders, the way his breath catches before he speaks.
Liza Honeycrumb
He is counting, not guessing.
Kaelen swallows, glancing once toward the tavern door before forcing himself back to the table. The confidence in him thins to something measured and nervous.
Kaelen
Not many in the warehouse at any one time. Six guards on the floor, maybe two more above in the loft. Workers come and go in shifts, four or five at a stretch.
Kaelen
If the shipment is heavy, they add another pair to haul and watch. If you move before midnight, you catch the smaller crew.
He taps one finger against his cup, then stops himself as if even that small motion feels like too much.
Kaelen
That is all I know, truly. The black door is on the east wharf, below the salt storehouse, and the men there do not like strangers asking after the chalk.
Lupus straightens by the wall, watching Kaelen's face for any crack in the story while the tavern hush waits on Liza's answer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Report the warehouse location to the guild and station Lupus at the wharf.
“Lupus, get to the east warehouse. Conceal yourself, and watch there movements. Ill get Broderick and Hansel.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Liza tips her chin once, and the room seems to take it as command. Lupus pushes off the wall at once, already turning for the door.
Liza Honeycrumb
Lupus, get to the east warehouse. Stay concealed and watch their movements. I will bring Broderick and Hansel.
Lupus
Understood. I will be where their eyes do not reach.
Kaelen goes still, watching the exchange as if counting how far his own name has carried.
Kaelen
So she means to move on them tonight.
Lupus slips away from the table and threads toward the tavern exit, already lowered into a hunter's posture. The fresh chalk mark waits beyond the doorway like a trail only he can follow.
Kaelen keeps both hands visible, but his eyes flick to the door, then back to Liza, measuring what this report has bought him.
“Gazes narrowly at Kaelen, I suggest you forget this meeting. Throws a coin on the table and exits gracefully”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Liza lets the silence stretch, then pins Kaelen with a narrow look. The copper coin flashes once between her fingers and lands hard on the table.
Kaelen
He swallows, eyes fixed on the coin as if it might bite.
Kaelen does not reach for it. He only folds his hands tighter, like a man trying to keep his own secrets from spilling.
Kaelen
I understand. I never saw your face, and you never saw mine.
Lupus is already gone at the door, while the fresh chalk mark waits outside in the dark. Broderick's habit of guarding his coin feels suddenly less foolish in a room like this.
Kaelen
If they ask, I was here alone. If they ask twice, I was drunk and talking to myself.
Liza rises without hurry and slips from the bench. Kaelen keeps his gaze lowered until she is almost clear of the table, then adds one last careful word.
Kaelen
...Will that be enough to keep me breathing?
“Liza returns to the guild, informing Broderick and Hansel of the new info.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled -1)