11/13/14 Market Day

After being delayed and growing impatient, Leorio opened the door and Booyow followed. They finally met with the Bergermeister of Treefall, Humphrey Mortemer, in The Rat's Kellar.  It housed his office, the town hall and jail.  The town leader had been "busy" with a young lady that turned out to be Dolphin's sister! That was a matter best dealt with between the siblings.  Booyow was irritated with the lack of respect shown by the politician.  But he showed him the list with names of Treefall residents that they'd found on the lizard-like men. His assistant, Otto Symeonis, made a copy and told them that the creatures sounded like the troglodytes that he had encountered in the past.  He said they were very territorial, like the basilisks that sometimes accompanied them.  Humphrey said that he'd warn the villagers and Booyow let him know that they'd continue to defend the town by battling this latest threat.  Booyow also told him about Abe and asked for his help with a wagon and a strong horse to pull it to Waterdeep.  The bureaucrat agreed to help and wrote up the appropriate paperwork.  Booyow and Leorio thanked him and left.

Market Day brings merchants and mercenaries from near and far to Treefall. Caravans arrive with merriment and show of force. Over a dozen soldiers mounted on war horses dressed in plate barding escorted one such group. "For the finest arms and armor anywhere, come see the Briggspear brothers!", shouted a halfling as he tossed coins from a wagon to the delighted crowd below. Leopold DeClare rolled his eyes and continued toward the church.  His patience was understandably wearing thin.  Booyow had spoken to him twice before about repairs to his keep, but talk is cheap.  The dwarven carpenter needed payment for supplies and was ready to begin.

Booyow and Leorio led him to the church and showed him the statue of Abe.  After hearing of their predicament, the little man said that he might be able to help.  He told them of some magical chisels he'd lost that were able to remove stone from flesh.  If they could help him retrieve them, perhaps he could restore the cleric.  He felt certain he could find the tools, so they agreed to help him after market day.  After he left, Leopold DuVall the priest reassured them that he was trustworthy.  He then showed them where the citizens of Treefall had been donating money to place candles in honor of the now petrified Abe.  Booyow and Leorio bought another one to go along with the lonely half-dozen that were there.  It was touching and sad, but they had only recently returned.  Hopefully more support would come in time.

But the adventures couldn't wait for charity.  They were more accustomed to taking matters into their own hands. They headed to The Wavy Leaf, which was Treefall's tavern and inn. They needed to discuss the low morale that Humphrey had recently displayed.  They were greeted with free drinks and cheers when they entered.  "Hooray for Booyow!", shouted the crowd.  The wizard was honored and smiled.  He lifted his ale toward the crowd and then to his elven friend.  "And to Leorio!", he replied.  "Hooray for Leorio!" they responded and the elf smiled and drank in return.  Booyow could have sworn he heard "Who the Hell is Leorio?" somewhere in the crowd.

They spoke with Dolphin about their dilemma.  Humphrey's reluctance to continue on their latest adventure had contributed to Gervase and Abe both falling in battle.  They needed to know they could count on him regardless of the circumstances.  Dolphin understood and had already spoken to him.  He reassured them that it wouldn't happen again and pointed out the need for rest and relaxation from time to time.  They all agreed and then returned to their mead.  A dance contest began shortly thereafter, to which Booyow politely declined the invitation.  There wasn't enough ale in all of Treefall to get him out there.  But he enjoyed watching his elven friend.  Leorio was the fastest and most agile person he'd ever known, but who knew he could dance?  He mopped the  floor with Humphrey and their latest misfortunes were soon forgotten.

That night Leorio and Booyow shared a room at the inn with the Briggspear brothers.  Leorio even shared a bath.  The halflings told them about their shop in Waterdeep.  It was on Silver Street, down from Yawning Portal Inn.  They told Booyow about new clothing they were making that was laced with metal for more protection and of wanting to expand by opening a store in Treefall.  The wizard was definitely interested and listened politely as he copied another spell into his book, for hours.

The following day was hectic at the market and there was much to be done.  Leorio and Booyow were both very charming and able to sell all their wares.  Included in the mix was a magical short sword, The Melborne Hill Blade.  From their shares Leorio bought stealthier clothing and enchanted armor from the Briggspear brothers and Booyow purchased an Amulet of Health.  The amulet was discounted on the agreement that the brothers could use Booyow's good name as a valued customer with the citizens of Treefall.  Perhaps their proposed business arrangement might come to fruition after all.

That night Booyow worked in the smithy's shop.  He was doing forging of a different kind though.  Since the shop was within the magical range of his mentor's statue and grave, the wizard felt more powerful here.  He had longed for a special companion, but the time had not been right until now.  For an hour he concentrated and summoned his familiar, but nothing appeared.  He felt its spirit telepathically and knew that somehow it was unable to come.  He would have to go to it and be patient a little longer.

The following morning the adventurers set off again, this time with the dwarf Leopold.  The journey there was uneventful and the following day they arrived.  The road led to a cave with chickens penned outside and a few statues.  The stoned figures brought unease to the party as their encounter with the basilisk was still fresh in their minds.  The elves Leorio and Gervase used their stealth to approach through the trees.  Leorio nailed it and didn't make a sound.  Gervase, not so much and a towering giant emerged from behind the pen and moved toward them!