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Chapter 11 by HistoricoPublius HistoricoPublius

Has the party at large enjoyed her show?

They have, indeed.

Fate Roll (Very Likely, CF 6): 1d100=61. Yes!

"Ah, the 'Wanderer,'" the gnome exclaims, with a twinkle in his eye. He raises a mug of ale to her. "We're well-situated for now, I think, but I have to thank you for the performance. Most...stimulating. I've never heard that version of the song before!"

"Got my cock nice and hard," the winged man growls. "I need to find a wench." He eyes Gilia with interest, and she flushes slightly as his golden eye travels up and down her.

"Now now, Turuk. Don't play with your food before you eat it," the halfling says quietly. He smirks slightly at Gilia. "Don't mind the strix; you're quite safe from him, if you wish to be. Not that I don't somewhat share the sentiment..."

"Was there something yeh wanted?" the dwarf asks, sounding the most guarded of the four.

"Er. Well," Gilia takes a deep breath, glancing around to make sure Luron isn't watching too closely. Fortunately, he's arguing with someone trying to settle (or possibly skip out on) a tab. She leans closer, the question coming out in a rush: "Are you all adventurers?"

The dwarf snorts, and the halfling's smirk widens. The gnome laughs aloud. "I suppose we are, at that," he says cheerily. "The name's Halungalom Starswindle, but you can call me Hal. Sir Hal, if you're feeling feisty." He winks at her, and Gilia's heart sings slightly. "This is Turuk, a strix shaman and our wilderness expert; Jamir Broadwind, our master of arcane arts; and Bodill Slagskin, a...technician of sorts. We make our way from town to town, solving problems in exchange for gold. And sometimes just...seeking the gold."

"Sometimes seeking the problems," Bodill mutters, and Hal laughs.

"It does seem to find us," he says cheerily.

"What brought you to Mudrin?" Gilia asks. She knows she doesn't have much time.

"Well, mostly we're passing through," Hal says. "But there have been rumors of...ruins in the woods. Possibly with treasure in them. We thought we might take a look into those on the morrow."

"Take me with you," Gilia says. When the gnome's brows rise, she follows up hurriedly, before he can respond: "I want to get out of this damn town. I can't stay here any longer or I'll - I'll go crazy! I've got...lots of skills, I - I know a lot about...beer..." She swallows, then hurries on. "I can help you out! Just...give me a cut of the treasure you find."

"It's going to be dangerous," Bodill says, their face hard behind their inscrutable beard. "No place for a green lass who's only used to fighting off drunkards. And not even fighting them off that hard, I suspect..."

"I can handle myself," Gilia hisses. "I - I'll prove it to you! However you like."

"Hmmmm. Perhaps we should consider it," Jamir says, raising an eyebrow. "Hellspawn often show some talent for magic...have you any such?"

"I...er...no," Gilia admits. The halfling waves her crestfallen face away airily.

"No matter, no matter. Sometimes it does not manifest till late in life...perhaps I could help you draw it out," he says with an indulgent smile. "What say we test out Miss...?"

"Gilia," she supplies.

"Miss Gilia tonight, and if she has the talents we think we need, she can come with us in the morning? It's been a while since we had a fifth member. She could fill Idli's role."

"What role is that?" Gilia asks.

"Oh, a vital one," the halfling assures her. "We could test you out for it tonight..." Hal and Turuk are nodding along, looking pleased at the idea.

Does she believe him?

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