Eventually the inn is cleaned and repaired. The damages don't amount to much (Assuming all merchants pay into it, $10 per should cover it. The food items were already bought, the crockery was cheap clay and only two tables, three benches and a few other items actually needed replacing. This should only affect Beka, Kent and Riccoco. They can dock their various employees/partners if they so wish.)
Nuyok does not show up. Jareek had left the party before the fight broke out. He confides to you that Nuyok approached him last night and told him that there may be trouble for him in the Fort. He may or may not show up before the party leaves, but he will rejoin everyone in Tallon, regardless.
In other news, Kent confirms what many have overheard or suspected. There will be an Emplacement Ceremony today. The new Master of the Fort, Mistress Sasha of Tallon will be honored and there will be speeches, a free lunch and a religious service. (Jareek could really use another day to recover. In fact, so could you all, since you arrived only at sundown yesterday after a fairly brutal trip.)
For anyone deciding to take the Columbia home (like Vance), the ship will leave at daybreak tomorrow.

EDIT: Don't reply to this post. Nuyok was included in the visibility to keep everyone in one thread (easier for me). Reply to "Morning Talk" below.

Edited on Monday, August 23, 2004 08:59:24 AM by Keith Curtis

You are unmolested, staying the night in the wagon. The fight calmed down rather quickly. What do you wishe to do now?

Nuyok plans to mostly lay low, but will venture out in a stealthy fashion if he can avoid Tallon guards in the process in order to try to figure out what's going on in the fort, when the Columbia will be leaving, and whether the caravan will return to Tallon that way or not.

Nuyok will also check out the Columbia in general in order to see the status of Tallon guards being on it, or if it purely commercial.

Replies begin here, to keep the absent Nuyok from visibility.

Lekchock will search for Nuyok, hoping to catch him before he heads off to Tallon

Perception Roll: (I don't have my sheet with me at work and can't pull it up anymore on the site. )
[roll]:
Roll: 6 Monday, August 23, 2004 09:15:14 AM

Tracking
[roll]:
Roll: 7 Monday, August 23, 2004 09:15:14 AM

Great Rolls!
To Leckchock's trained eye, his trail is easy to follow. It halps that his hiding place is not all that unexpected. He is in the caravan wagon.

Riccoco is willing to part with his share of the fracas cost, but does so nonetheless. As the morning dawns and the news of Nuyok is brought to the Caravan, a bit of morosity (made that word up), creeps into the plucky 'coon's moodiness.

"Ol' Riccoco will be havin' a look at the stable an' the goods. Iffin' any of you folk be needin' him, that where he be. Faliol, you be givin' an old 'coon a fox-paw?"

"My paws are yours, Master Mug Chunker!"

Faliol follows Ricco.

"Shall we be gettin' back at those Otters? You be knowin' somethin' about the arrow?"

"Are you sure that was meant literally? The arrow part? I thought it was in the spirit of 'there is your bed, now lie in it' type of declaration."

"Be that it be... What bed are settin' alight?" While Ricco seems intent on going through with this, the excitement normally shining in his Coonish Eyes seems to be missing, as if he's only going through the motions.

It occurs to you that the arrow is indeed metaphorical. By handing you a bit of personal info on your otter pal, he was giving you a weapon to use against him.

... should you choose to do so.

"Ricco, what is wrong? Something is eating you up, a friend can tell..."

As Riccoco is about to answer, Faliol interrupts him by acknowledging the presence of Nuyok and Leckchok.

Celeste opens her eyes, pulls the blanket back over her head and attempts to go back to sleep.

OOC:Now you've got me doing it, Keith

Edited on Thursday, August 26, 2004 12:45:26 AM by Barbelle

When Celeste, Cas, Vagrant and Beka finally arise, Faliol and Riccoco are also off and about. Inquiring of Innkeeper Jame reveals that they left talking of arrows and otters.
The common room is fairly vacant; you have enjoyed the rare Savage Earth luxury of Sleeping Late.

Vagrant awakens with the sun. Unable to break his military regiment even in the Savage Earth, he gives out a sigh, gets up, puts one the cleanest of his clothes and makes his way to the common room. He will mumble 'morning' to anyone there and find a place on the front porch of the Inn.

Unless interrupted, he'll watch the fort awaken and turn into a bustling little town.

Other boarders and customers begin to trickle down or in. Kent looks somewhat relaxed. Jareek is looking well, walking without a prop. Bergen is escorted by Konnur and Umbra. He gives them leave to eat or go play. Konnur grabs a hunk of bread and cheese and exits the inn, but Umbra sits in a corner and speaks softly with Brother Cadbury. Dashel is not to be seen.

Bergen approach the lot of you and says, "Good morning, good morning. Looks like decent weather, eh? How's the kafé?"
He sits and begins to eat and drink, but he soon asks, "Have you all given any thought as to how you will proceed from here? I'm considering storing the wagon here and taking the river boat. That last leg was a sausage grinder."

"How much room is there and what's the cost?"

Bergen rubs his chin, "Well, you'll probably need to talk to him about the room, but the prices are thirty dollars per head. That's with food as well. He usually charges ten percent of the appraised value of your cargo, too. Pretty high, but he insures you against damages. I've had enough of the road and I'm taking it."
"I don't thik the brother will, nor the stick man."

30 silver, or 3 gold

"That would really cut into profits. I'll see if the crew wants to fit the bill out of their share."

Celeste eventually wanders down the stairs to the common room. She orders a substantial breakfast and as she eats, she recalls the last time she ate breakfast in this room.
.oO(Rath was with us, and Handle too. He stole my breakfast...)
Smiling, she shakes her head recalling the young thiefs audacity.

Celeste responds to Vagrants comments, "Oh? What mischief are they up to this morning?" On the table are assorted plates of food and pastries, (one wonders where she puts it), "Help yourself James, there's plenty to go around."

Beka stumbles downstairs. She looks worse for the wear and not quite her jolly self. She sits heavily and starts to consume what food is in front of her. When she sees Cori, she orders more of whatever she ate and mumbles something about replacement food. She seems quite morose.
"Where is everyone?" she demands.

Celeste looks to James to explain to Beka where 'everyone' is...and continues eating breakfast,

Beka sees the look from Celeste and looks at Vagrant. "Well?"

"Jame said they left talking of arrows and otters. I didn't inquire further. Nuyok is still in the vicinity because my posters are still intact. I don't know what has become of the others."

"Hharrumph."

"I've heard tales of brawls before, but none like that. It was an amusing event to witness if I do say so."

Cas examines Beka's posture, "Rough morning? Why is it you always wake up grumpy when you sleep in a bed?"

"Ah ha ha! You're right Cas, I hate to sleep in a bed! I'm grumpy because I don't know what to do about Vance. He's got everyone so mixed up they'd believe he was Promethius himself! He wants me and the cargo to go back by river but I won't leave the crew. He's almost got me believing he's on the Stones side! I miss Rath, he always saw through Vance. I guess I'll just have to wait and see if he shows his true nature."

"We need to gather the crew, I have a question for them, you, everyone."

"I want to ask about the trip back to Tallon. Let's go and see if everyone will meet here before the big investure."

Where are you going to look for the others?

"I wouldn't be surprised if those two crazy beasts were already in a jail cell. Should we check there first?"

Nuyok is suddenly surprised to see Leckchock enter the stables. He is obviously following tracks and comes right up to the wagon. He sees the adept at about the same time.

"I assume you got my general message? I will be lying low until the caravan leaves, and may have to take alternative arrangements back to Tallon if something comes up..."

"By the way, do you know whether the caravan will head back to Tallon on the Columbia or not?"

"Don' know where dey headed..." Lekchock looks at Nuyok a minute as if wondering if he should say what's on his mind, never one to hold back, even when he should, he comes out with it, "You wanna tell me what dis hidin' is about? Why dey lookin' for ya?"

"I'm wanted back in Tallon for a crime I didn't commit. This excursion was intended to let things cool down back there, while thinking about what to do when I return. It may be that things haven't cooled down, but still, I need to return to Tallon and see whether I can find out who framed me and why. Else I may have to flee from there again."

Lekchock looks at the adept for a second, then nods his head, "If dey lookin' for ya, how you goin' to get into da village? Dey find you for sure, yeah?" Lekchock smiles a crooked grin, "Too ba' you miss da 'distraction'. Lotta fun der yeah. Some dem ain't right bro."

"Tallon is very large, and there are many ways to get in, Ricco even mentioned some tunnels, so that should not be a problem. As for the ruckus below, it sounded quite entertaining, maybe next time," Nuyok smiles.

"Well in dat case, maybe I shoul go see what da others plan to do den. I'll be back." Lekchock goes back to the others to determine the route they plan to take.

"That would be very helpful for me to plan. Also, if you can get information on the tunnel locations from Ricco, that would be good. Right now, I am thinking of being a stowaway on the Columbia..."

As Nuyok and Lekchock discuss matters in quiet tones, Faliol and Riccoco walk into the stables, sayin something about arrows and beds. The 'coon and the fox are surprised to find the adept and the mutant.

---

I love it when I type a fairly generic sentence that has probably never been typed before in the history of mankind...

---

"Lechock! Nice move back there! Nuyok, he flattened that pesky Dobie! Made it look accidental too! Hey...I thought you would meet us in Tallon. What is going on?"

Ricco is caught with his mouth open as Faliol alerts him to the presence of Nuyok and Lechok! He snaps it shut and doesn't say anything, content to hear the Adept's latest song and dance.

Nuyok glances toward Ricco, with a momentary stare as if he is trying to figure something out, but continues with the conversation about the caravan's departure.

"Ricco, you have mentioned the tunnels of Tallon before, what can you tell me of them and their location?"

Ricco's features draw into a frown and suspicion narrows his eyes, "That be somethin' not be spreadin' abou', Master Adept. Iffin' all be knowin' the byways o' the Night Folk..."

"It seemed to a subject easily enough discussed, but may not matter, depending on the caravan's plans...but, you must have some plan for getting your product into Tallon?" Nuyok's look focuses in the raccoon.

Ricco mummbles, whiskers twitching enough he reaches up a paw to twirl one side of them. "Mayhap not. Easy to be talkin' bout, an' smart to be talkin' bout not always the things o' the same."

"Iffin' you be willin' for straight talk, Ol' Riccoco will be obligin' ya."

Faliol watches the exchange and Ricco's tension. Humans were pretty blind when it came to warning signs exhibited by beasts. Ricco was giving Faliol 10 different signals that he was not pleased, but it was doubtful if Nuyok or Lekchock could pick up on those subtle clues...

"So what do you have in mind?"

"Don't we deserve to know what stalks you? Especially if we are in danger?"

With a brief look of displeasure, Nuyok responds simply "you are in no danger."

"Master Nuyok, if someone attacks you, we three present plus all the other Hamilton-Kent-Riccocoans are going to defend you. Therefore, an attack against you IS an attack against us all. Therefore, what endangers you, endangers us... Are all Adepts this slow on the uptake?"

The last is said with a smile (no teeth) to let Nuyok know the gentle teasing is not meant to insult.

"You won't be attacked, instead I would flee. The less you know, the better actually, else you may be implicated as well."

OOC: I believe here is where things were deleted. IIRC, Ricco and Nuyok were amenable to traveling together through the tunnels, Ricco wanting certain precautions and Nuyok wanting to not split from the caravan too early.

OOC: I agree totally. Is there any reason to re-post all of that stuff?

I don't think so.

OOC I don't think we need to. We get the gist of it.

Lekchock looks at the two talking, wondering if perhaps there is some hidden meaning that he isn't catching. He quickly looses intrest as he sees someone walk by holding an interesting object he hasn't seen before. He almost goes after the object, but seems to remember the ongoing conversation.

"As you may know by now, I may have had some of my...trouble follow me here. Depending on how the caravan travels back to Tallon, I may or may not accompany you. Does anyone know the plan for the caravan's return? Will it be aboard the Columbia?"

"Don' be thinkin' so. They be speakin' onnit back at the room, now. It be leavin' too soon for the likin' o' this 'coon."

"Do you have more business here? I see no reason to stay here longer than necessary..."

"Ol' Riccoco be gettin' on in years an' could be usin' a bit o' rest after to long trip back an forth from Adalla."

"We have been cleaning pudding out of the cracks in the floorboards for half the night! We need sleep, Master Nuyok! Jareek is not fit to travel and could use a day of rest."

"Vance came in on the Columbia, yes? Presumably he would return that way? And the caravan is not going with him? Once you get a final plan, I would appreciate the information."

"Why not be askin' Miss Beka?" He tucks his nimble paws through the arm slots of his leather vest. "Ol' Riccico be an equal partner an' all, min' you. The time o' leavin' an' the manner o' makin' way into Tallon still be up in the air."

Faliol, taking a cue from his chunky thighed buddy, decided that now would be a good time to interupt...

"Master Nuyok, I don't know the plans of Miss Beka or Mr. Vance, perhaps we are indeed now joined with him at the hip. What sort of trouble are you expecting? You can trust us to be secretive, you see how reluctant Ricco is to divulge secrets entrusted to him by the Night People. I think it is an admirable quality in a beast, this desire to protect his friends. Is there anyway we can help you that does NOT involve information about certain tunnels?"

"I do not know if there will be trouble, some time has passed, but I prefer to be prepared. I simply may need to get into the city in a less than open fashion. The tunnels seemed like one option, especially in light of Ricco's need to get his product into Tallon, and may want some company as I doubt the tunnels open into the safer parts of Tallon."

OOC - A coon, fox, adept, and mutant walk into a bar...

Welcome back, John! You were missed.

Nuyok's just been hiding!

Actually, the thing that catches Leckchock's attention is indeed noteworthy. Near to where the four are talking, the door of Bergen's wagon opens. A disheveled Dashel looks out and then crosses to a barrel to wash his head. He gives you a barely perceptible nod, intent on morning ablutions.

Nuyok, you checked the area carefully last night. The porcupine must have come in after you went to sleep.

None of you are sure how much voices would carry.

Edited on Thursday, September 2, 2004 11:23:04 PM by Keith Curtis

Faliol spots Dashel and moves toward him...

.OOO(Least I can do is provide those three with some privacy)

"Dashel, my old prickly friend! How goes things? Did our jabbering wake you?"

Faliol will use his body to try and steer the porcupine away from his three buddies, to provide them with more privacy.

"Wake me? Nah, I was awake awready, eh?" He glances around Faliol at the small crowd. "Issa problem with your cargo, 'en?"

Faliol smiles (no teeth) and shakes his head, "No problem with our cargo. Mister Nuyok is our war leader. He is delivering a much deserved dressing down to Ricco and me for starting that ruckus during dinner. We got a little carried away... Dashel, I apologize for our actions. Ricco and I will try to do better and not get in any more fights."

"Ahh, 'sno big deal. I 'ope 'at Ricco got alla quills out OK." He winks.
"Anyway, I gotta check in wif Mr. Bergen, eh?" He back away so he can shake his quills safely. Then he nods and leaves the stables. After locking the door to the wagon.

Ricco, remember your cargo is in there.

Ricco's quiet disgruntlement turns to outright suspicion. "That Pointy Beast be up to somethin'!" The plucky 'coon slips off os his makeshift seat and rushes over to his purchased wagon. He'll slowly go over the cargo and se if he can tell if anyone has messed with it.

Roll
[roll]:
Roll: 11 Friday, September 3, 2004 12:24:16 PM

Complimentary
[roll]:
Roll: 8 Friday, September 3, 2004 12:24:16 PM

Ricco's cargo is still in Bergen's wagon, right?

Somehow, I was thinking we'd shifted it to a newly purchased ride.

Re-posting.

Ricco asks, attempting to keep his suspicion from his features and demeanor. "Ol' Riccoco be needin' to have a look over the cargo. Meanin' to be replacin' the wagon the Yaraza wrecked..."

OOC: Before Dashel leaves and as he's locking the wagon.

"Right 'en. Here go." Dashel opens the wagon for Riccoco to peruse the goods. They appear to be untouched. The porcupine keeps an eye on the raccoon while he looks around the interior of the wagon. (It is Bergen's home on the road, after all.)
After Riccoco has satisfied himself with the goods, Dashel asks, "Did ye wanna be movin' it out 'en? Mister Bergen says you're welcome to leave it there, but he's likely takin' the river boat on to Tallon. In that case, the cart gets locked up good an' proper by the keeper of the keys 'ere.
"Any case, we won't be likely movin' till tomorrow mornin', so's you got some time to decide, eh?"

You arrived late, partied, slept and then went right to the stables. You haven't had time to buy a cart. BTW, your merchant sense tells you you can expect to pay at least $50 silver for a cart capable of making the trip. Deals are hard to come by so far from the city...

Do I have $50?

According to the Bank, you have $26.60. You could sell your horse, but that kind of defeats the purpose. And it's Angilak's horse, anyway.
Technically, it was Angilak's cart, too. But Sangioyk is expecting you to cover all expenses (In return for that sweeter percentage at the end).

The bank doesn't mention the amount of Dreamleaf you sold in Adala. Since the storyboard search is down, you can root around and see if you can drum it up. (it should have been more than enough, ~$37.50, but I can't remember if the price was as good as you had forecasted or if you sold it all).

I recall giving Sangiyok at least some of the Dreamleaf...

I have a niggling memory of possibly selling some, but that could be a figment of my imagination. If I get time I'll look into it.

Either way, I highly doubt it brings me anywhere near what I'd need for the wagon.

Ricco says, nodding quickly. "Ol' Riccoco will be talkin' with Merchant Bergen an' makin' the right o' it. No doubt."

Nuyok nods toward Dashel and after he passes, meaningfully looks toward Ricco.

The plucky 'coon sighs and shakes his head. He gives Nuyok the 'I told you so' look, whiskers twitching agitatedly.

After a brief pause, Nuyok continues "Well, please tell Beka, and let me know any information as to the caravan departure plans..."

The early morning has passed in various conversations and gatherings. In the street in front of the manor house (and the inn, of course), tables are being set up and food is being prepared. The inn kitchen is closed to regular customers so that the feast can be prepared.
Many of the folk from last night can be seen throughout the civilian areas of the fort, buying or selling, talking or engaging in various forms of recreation. A festival feeling is beginning to grow. There is a small contingent of soldiers down by the Columbia paddleboat.

I need to know everyones immediate plans, so that I can move you to the appropriate encounters.

(with Cas' permission) will look with the fort guards to see if they've seen anyone.

"Sounds like a plan to me."

"Have you seen any of my crew this morning?"

The strong silent type I see. I try the next group...

"Beka, did you have a little to much to drink last night? Our horses are not guards."

OOC: Okay where is everyone and who the heck is Beka talking to?

"Hi Celeste, Lekchok. Cas and I are trying to find the rest of the group but no one is talking to me so I decided to ask these horses if they know where anyone was. They didn't talk much either. Do you know where anyone else is?"

"otters and arrows...we might check down by the docks."

"Let's try to docks!"

"Who exactly are you lookin' for?"

Since I have no idea who is where I don't know who isn't here. A little status report would be good here.

OOC Is someone keeping an eye on the Ladies? They tend to get into trouble unless chaperoned!!!!!

We don't need no stinking chaperone....But on the other hand, what do you think Lekchock is here for?

The girls (and you Lekchock) are here and heading for the docks. The rest of the guys are nowhere to be seen at the moment.

Faliol is tagging along behind Ricco...

The $64,000,000 question is "Where is everybody's favorite striped mammal?"

(No, not talking about Zelda the Zebra!)

Lekchock will head back to Beka and the main group, to learn about the travel plans.

Nuyok plans to mostly lay low, but will venture out in a stealthy fashion if he can avoid Tallon guards in the process in order to try to figure out what's going on in the fort, when the Columbia will be leaving, whether it is purely commercial or has Tallon guards/soldiers on it, and whether the caravan will return to Tallon that way or not (perhaps it is leaving before the caravan, so the caravan will go by land?).

Nuyok expects Lekchock, Ricco, or Faliol will get back to him on the caravan's plans, so that is a fairly low priority for Nuyok. Also if it is clear that the Columbia will depart before the caravan, Nuyok won't worry with the Columbia research, and focus on laying low.

Nuyok, I need a Stealth Roll (to avoid being noticed--if anyone's really looking that is). Actually, give me the number of your roll and I'll make it in secret. (I don't have a character sheet handy)
I also need a Streetwise to determine the level of info you get.

Stealth, 12-
[3D6]:
Roll: 6, 4, 6 = 16 STUN, 5 BODY Monday, September 13, 2004 01:10:42 PM

Streetwise, 11-
[3D6]:
Roll: 4, 4, 3 = 11 STUN, 3 BODY Monday, September 13, 2004 01:10:42 PM

Hope these rollers work!

Nuyok, you manage to track down Shado (the sleek black cat beast soldier/scout of the fort), who gives you some helpful information.
"No the Columbia and her sister ship, the Sunrunner are not military, though that little armored transport anchored nearby is. The Columbia can provide luxury accomadations for the trip and her Master, Crockett, insures all cargo. He also knows the river better than any man alive.
"Mistress Sasha came with the military escort, but travelled on the Columbia with all her household. The Columbia won't be leaving until the morning, probably at daybreak. I don't know who's going to be on her."
He hesitates and then asks, "Did you by any chance see any of our folk in your travels? Folk like Able?"

"Thank you for the information Shado. Will the armored transport escort the Columbia back to Tallon?"

Nuyok thinks for a moment "As for Able or your other folk, I do not recall seeing any of them on our travels..."

[OOC: Please remind me who Able was?!]

Able was the 'other soldier', Doom's counterpart. He was the one who armed you at the armory and in general was the "named soldier" you interacted with most often. He disappeared during the last Reaver Attack.

[OOC: Thanks for the reminder, I knew the name, just couldn't place the details, but Nuyok's answer remains the same!]

"So...what of the armored transport, will it return to Tallon with the other two ships? When will the Columbia return?"

"Shame. I liked Able.

"The Columbia rarely stays more than a day. She'll probably churn out before daybreak tomorrow. The transport will probably stay until the new misterss is satisfied with the garrison. Rumor is she's got some hand-picked replacements." He looks a little sour? Hard to tell with a feline.

"Hmmm, I'm guessing there will be a change in how things are run around here. Have you got much of a feeling about the mistress? What was her name again? I presume she is from Tallon originally?"

"Mistress Sasha. I don't know much about her. She went to the Hall, obviously. I believe she's an animist and morphist, but I could be wrong. I think she was a soldier during the Karkul campaign, but I was a kitten then." His sleek grace and general capability makes the word "kitten" seem incongruous.

"Interesting, well, we shall see how things work out...thank you again for the information."

Visit Mako (the uncertainty of impending punishment is killing him)

Tag along with Ricco.

Visiting Mako and the rest of the Lizard troops would be good.

Ricco also needs to find Angilak... and a wagon.

Oh, and meeting up with Beka is good. Still need to figure out the itinerary she has in mind.

Mako is not in his office, but inquiring of a few soldiers will let guide you to him. He is standing in front of the Manor House, giving some orders to Sgt. Doom. There is a low tornado of activity in the area, as tables and chairs are being set up for the impending ceremony.
Mako catches your eyes and motions you over.

Vagrant is included in this, since the last I heard, he was lounging in front of the inn, taking in the sights.

Ricco and Vagrant can tell, the fox kit is more nervous than they have ever seen him. He approaches Mako, tail hung low, shoulders hunched down.

"Mr. Mako, I was wondering if we could discuss my impending doom...no, not Sergeant Doom...MY doom. Not knowing whether or not I have a future is tearing me up inside and I just want to get it over with. So, have you decided my fate?"

Moving over towards the Lizard's Commanding Officer, Ricco waits patiently to hear what happens to Faliol. He has his own questions, but is more than willing to wait.

OOC: Isn't the Manor a good distance from the Inn? If so, why is Vagrant involved in this thread? Or, did I misread a typo, or something???

Not that I don't like the idea of Vagrant being involved... Quite the contrary!

Here's the map of the lizard
Mako is standing about a quarter of the way from the water barrels to the manor house gate. Vagrant is in one of the many chairs and benches that now fill the end of the road between the inn and the church.

Ricco waddles past the lounging cop (where's the donuts?), with a perspiring Faliol close by. "... Be headin' to the Manor there for a quick speak-like with Mako..." The invitation lingers with the lilt in his voice.

"Hell, why not? I'll come along. I've been waiting for the merchants but they've stood me up. A walk about the fort may do me some good. Lead the way."

Ricco's chest swells up to ungainly proportions as he comically (unintended) pushes it out. "You be waitin' no longer, Vagrant. Merchant Riccoco be right here. You be joinin' this 'Coon an' Red as you will."

Ricco's mood seems sullen, but willful. He's obviously preoccupied with something that concerns him. Yet, the affront of Vagrant not considering him a Merchant is there, if subdued.

Mako stares at you in incomprehension for a moment. Then he brightens and says, "Red, you're talking about that horse?. Son, you've got more determination to find whiz in the wine than Doom here. I thought we settled that. No? Well then, I'll sum up. I talked to Bergen. Not only is he not pressing charges, he's of the opinion that your ride saved folks from taking a tour of a gator's gullet.
"You're a free fox, Red."
"For however long you might live," adds Doom.

"You...aren't going to make me work the mines as punishment for horse theft? I won't have to wear unattractive shackles or eat gruel or break rocks? GREAT!!!!! Ricco, Vagrant, I feel like a condemned man that just got a last minute pardon! WHOOOPPPPEEE!!!"

Faliol jumps on Doom and plants a big sloppy kiss on his forehead...

Doom backs away before this sudden onslaught.
"Awright, awright. Stones! I didn't have anything to do with this." He rubs his forehead. "Now I'll probably catch some jungle rot that foxes are immune to..."

As always, Faliol's Kittish antics bring a chuckle from the paunchy-thighed 'Coon. Still, there is business to attend to. Riccoco steps towards Mako beckoning the Lizard Officer to speak with him. (Not necessarily away from Vagrant, Faliol, or any soldiers, just a request to speak of something of import.)

"Mako, iffin' you be havin' a moment. Ol' Riccoco be needin' to propositionin'you."

OOC: I intentionally made that sound funny. So, no laughing!

Mako is obviously very busy, but he makes time for you.
"What's on your mind, Bandit?"

"Well... You be seein'..." After a couple more attempts, the flower-tongued Merchant 'Coon finally gets to the point at hand...

"Ol' Riccoco be knowin' you be busy an' all. But you see... He be in sort o' pickle. His wagon not be makin' the trip outta the low-lands an' a wagon he be needin'. The Lizard be havin' any to rent or borrow... Adala be unkind to Ol' Riccoco's purse."

"Hmmm... Wagon? All the stuff I got is army property. You might want to check with the stableman. Sometimes merchants will leave a cart or wagon here, while they take the river to Tallon. They pay the stableman to hold it. He holds it for a set time. If the merchant doesn't reclaim it by that time, he sells it, usually at a fairly good price."

Bergen mentioned that he intends to store his wagon

Is it understood that Bergen is planning on taking his cargo via the steamboat? Or, is he leaving it here with his wagon?

What if Ricco offered to get Bergen's cargo to Talon for the use of his wagon to take Ricco's own cargo?

That sound plausible? It may be cheaper for Bergen in the long run then paying fees to get his cargo on the ship...

Faliol puts paws on hips and smiles (no teeth) at Doom. "Someday, I will make you crack a smile, Sgt. Doom... Mr. Mako! When you promote the good Sargeant to Lieutenant, can we change his name to "Laconic"?

Celeste stays with Cas and Beka. She stifles a laugh when Beka begins a conversation with the horses butts.

If Beka is speaking to the horse's ass, then she would be standing next to Faliol?

Beka, Celeste and Cas have had no luck with inquiring of the Fort Guards. On the way down to the docks, they run into Leckchock, who appears to be heading from the general area of the stables.

Leckchock, you were on your way to find Beka and inquire of travel plans and found the aforementioned folk about halfway to the docks.

There is a great deal of activity by the docks, it looks like some large and heavy boxes are being moved from the Columbia.

"Since we've had no luck finding anyone else, let's see what they're unloading from the Columbia!" I head that way.

"Just curious, but how were you plannin' on makin' your way back to..er...where we goin' again? Oh right Tallon, how you plan on goin' back to Tallon?"

The workers aboard the Columbia are shifting large pieces of well-crafted furniture and what looks to be many heavily reinforced crates. The dog from the night before, Keno, is supervisiong theunloading, barking orders and making sure everyone is careful not to scratch or ding anything.

Aboard the ship, a woman stands who is obviously not part of the crew. She is an older woman, with hard weather-beaten lines in her face. She does not look the type to cotton to the luxurious furniture you see, but she is obviously an adept and her clothes bespeak of a decent amount of wealth.

"That's what I wanted to talk to everyone about. We could go back on the Columbia but it would eat into the profits and I wanted to know who wanted to pay and who didn't. We'll go with whatever the most of the crew wants. Where is Nuyok? He's the only one I haven't heard from. Ricco and Faliol aren't part of the crew but I'd certainly like to hear what they say anyway."

"Don' know where he is, why you askin' me? I'm not his parraih."

"I'm askin' the stones. He's disappeared."

"How do you want to go home? The ship will cost "x" gold."

3 gold or $30 per head, plus 10% of the appraised value of all cargo (as insurance and for stowage cost)

"If you askin' me, I'd jus' soon walk den take a boat. Don' much like water dat big."

Celeste considers Beka's proposal, "If it were just us, I would rather see us all save the expense of travelling by boat, but you have to consider that Vance is returning by boat as well. I don't think you want him returning to Tallon ahead of you. You don't know what he's started while you were gone. So I think those of us belonging to your party at least, should go by boat." Celeste looks at Beka, Cas and Lekchock, "Or you could go by boat and someone could stay behind and 'delay' Vance, and then you would arrive in Tallon well ahead of him..."

"I don't want to return by boat, I just wanted to give the option."