BT Session 16: Small Victories

General Summary

The group took some time to rest and recover in the Platinum Chambers before heading into the Old Market to find Miko suitable attire for his date. However, no sooner had they left the temple then Poe disappeared. Presumably, his patron was none-too-pleased with his recent pledge to the Black Hunter. Undeterred, the party made their way into the Peacock's Path, where Val’s frequent patronage and good graces with the proprietress, Tressa Elmshore, afforded them a sizeable discount on a few last-minute finds and requisite alterations. Suitably attired, the party made their way to the Frill Markets.   The markets were a flurry of colors and activity. Colored pennants waved in the evening breeze while lanterns twinkled merrily between tents. Vendor stalls, including a showing by Periwinkle’s Crummy Cakes bakery, offered a variety of tasty cuisines and novelty beverages. Merchants offered bits and baubles for purchase, a cacophony of sounds and light emanating from their tents.   Miko spotted Petra waiting for him at the fountain where they'd agreed to meet. The halfling girl was dressed in a vibrant green dress with the chamomile flowers he brought her earlier braided into her hair. The pair, under the watchful guidance of Pam and Val, peeled off to try their luck at the star-throwing booth. Miko attempted to win a prize for Petra, but his nerves got the better of him.   Meanwhile, Pam and Val found themselves at a blissfish racing table. Pam spoke to the least assuming of the fish. The fish was quite excited to race. Val, however, was skeptical and placed his money on a much safer–and larger–bet. Pam’s intuition proved correct. The little fish handily out-swam the competition.   The group continued to enjoy the sights and sounds of the festival until the band began to play. Miko dumped his winnings and purchases with Pam and invited Petra onto the dance floor. To everyone’s surprise, he proved a passable dancer. As the music wound down it was time for Val to take the stage. With a little help from Pam, and Periwinkle's baked goods, Val handily trounced the competition for the Song of the Night, earning a tidy purse as well as a Wand of Whispers.   The competition concluded, Miko and Petra retook the dance floor. As the evening wound down, Miko pulled Petra aside. He explained that, while he'd had a lovely time, he wasn't sure if he would remain in town much longer. The party was headed to parts unknown, including the City of Dis. Petra was rendered a bit dumbstruck by this revelation, only exacerbated by Miko’s immediate departure into the crowd.   As the Feast of Two Faces came to a close, Val retired to the Laughing Naiad. The tavern, with its familiar, middling ale and raucous and drunken crowd, was a welcome comfort after the chaos of the past few days. Pam and Miko walked back to their shop, sharing notes on the evening before arriving home for a well-earned rest.