Wine, Women, and Song
As the group approached Harmonia, Maekon provided a crash course in Kartakassian culture. She reminded everyone of the sanctity of wolves and advised it was customary to sing a song before and after dinner, if you were a guest in someone’s home; a situation likely to occur after returning Miko.
While attempting to cross the gate bridge, the party was stopped by the guards. While being questioned, it became obvious their progress was halted because of the non-human party members. The guards seemed very suspicious and distrustful of them. The party was eventually allowed to enter the town after Miko explained they had saved her life and Sigismund agreed to be held accountable for the actions of the entire party.
On the way to Miko’s home, Maekon stated she had some personal business to attend to and would meet up with the group in the morning. T’Sai went with her. The rest of the party continued to escort Miko home and on the way noticed there were very few other people on the streets. Miko simply stated it was nightfall and no one stayed out past dark.
Finally arriving at Miko’s home, a joyous family reunion was had. Miko’s father, Stephen Bouchard, insisted everyone spend the night. Everyone was given a room and some light refreshments before going to sleep.
At some point later in the night; Raynard, Thaminor, Pix and Sum were awoken by an altercation outside. Sum climbed out his window and into the roof to see that was going on. The other three went downstairs and looked out the windows. What everyone saw was a young woman arguing with a hooded man. There were two wolves present as well. The man had ahold of the woman and was trying to drag her away.
Sum lept to the ground attempting to assist the woman. Unfortunately, he did not manage to break the man’s grip and the wolves closed in. The man struck the woman, who slipped free from his grasp. The wolves mauled Sum badly and he fled. Pix went back upstairs while Raynard and Thaminor continued to watch the events unfold.
After observing the woman and Sum escape (separately), Raynard and Thaminor returned to their rooms. Sum made it back to the house and his room. The rest of the night passed quietly. In the morning, Johnan, the butler, was instructed by Stephen to take the party anywhere they wanted to go and pay for any supplies they might need or want.
The shopping trip complete, the group returned to the Bouchard household to find Maekon, T’Sai and a young woman present. The woman was the same person from the night before, her name was Arkiel. She explained a dark woodsman sought her hand in marriage and would not take no for an answer. He was pursuing her relentlessly and she had begun to fear for her safety.
Arkiel further explained she was in love with Dr. Dominiari from Gundark, the land next to Kartakass. She wanted the party to retrieve a magic item called the Crown of Soldiers. It was a family heirloom that had been lost but Arkiel believed she had located it and wanted to use it to protect herself. Dominiari would happily compensate the group for their efforts and any other treasure they found was theirs to keep.
The entire conversation was very strained however, as Arkiel displayed an astounding level of prejudice and disrespect toward the non-humans of the party. It was apparent this was not intentional, as Arkiel did not seem to even be aware of it when questioned, but the party was very divided about being willing to take on the job.