As Kevin and his own entourage clear the small area behind the keep where the forge is kept, they encounter a group of armed guards being led by Radagast, Phil, Parthipan, and Ekim.
Both groups halt momentarily to take this into account.
South of where everyone is standing, the entire valley (or pass, if you prefer) is filled with keep guardsmen and Storm-rider tents. The center lane is left open for wagons to get through. Far to the south, past the furthest of the tents, a supply caravan is barely visible in the moonlight. In front of the caravan, something huge and shiny is lumbering around, pacing back and forth. Just past the edges of the tents, nearly a thousand Storm-rider bowmen and pikemen have already formed a defensive wall.
Phil: To your eyes, the creature ... monster ... thing glows red and yellow, but it's too far away to really make out any details.
"Bjorn, Lord Kevin. I take it you've also heard of our uninvited guest? We're heading to check it out right now."
Dracos gestures to continue any conversing while leading the group of guardsmen closer to the wall of pikesman and the beast beyond them.
Dracos
"What is it?" Bjorn wonders, continuing to move closer.
"Hell if I know. Just heard about it when I was talking with the loremasters and headed over here with the guards. Let's get closer and see, shall we?"
Dracos
Ginrai looks to see if Radagast, Serril and Ekim are also following them.
Radagast, Ekim, and about four hundred guardsmen armed with spears are following the group.
As you walk through the tents, a lot of the camp attendants look up and watch where you're going -- some of the Storm-rider women and children, others that have presumably come with their keep-defending bretheren.
By the time you reach the end of the tents, and reach the defensive line of the Storm-rider pikemen and bowmen, the ranks of the army behind you have swelled to nearly five thousand armed men.
The 'monster', now that you can see it, is at the head of a caravan. It's pacing back and forth before one wagon particularly. This wagon has two men on it, one of whom is holding something in his hand (possibly a glass phial), and the other of which has his hands in his lap. They both look like men, though one of them is wearing a hat an awful lot like Radagast's.
The monster itself is a strange amalgamation of a stone golem, and random bits of metal in constant motion, forced into a roughly human shape. The main body is shaped somewhat like a pear, the smaller end towards the bottom, but a good third of this pear shape is simply missing, filled with gears, cogs, spinning shafts, and rods. The arms, which are also stone, are the same, sometimes entire segments of them being either just whirling metal, and sometimes just solid stone. The arms, which hang out at the side could probably reach all the way to the ground, though it moves at a good clip considering how stubby its legs are.
It stands about four meters tall, and is about three meters wide. From here, you can hear the resonating thud of its footsteps, along with a rythmic, almost heart-beat-like noise of metal sliding on metal somewhere within the machine-looking half of the thing. Its head is just another boulder, with a machined jaw and shining gear-like teeth below a pair of metal orbs.
These orbs are fashioned to look like eyes, in some manner, and the stone eyebrows above it are oddly expressive. Right now the creature looks frustrated, though it pauses its march to glance up at the newly approached defenders before resuming its anxious pacing.
"This is odd," Bjorn says, frowning thoughtfully. "Whatever it is, it doesn't seem very threatening at the moment. Did we expect a supply caravan today?"
Turning to Radagast, Ginrai asks, "Do you know either of those two?"
"There's been a caravan every day," Kevin says, nodding. "That's how we maintain the keep."
Radagast shakes his head, glancing at Kevin and frowning. "I'm not certain what is going on here ... but Bjorn is right. It doesn't seem very threatening."
Dracos looks over the caravan and the 'monster', examining for magic and for armed troops or signs of hostility or nervousness anywhere he can see along it. Particularly he examines the people in the wagon behind the monster.
"Shall we go out to greet them then?" Dracos cautiously questions. "It's certainly an odd guard for an expected common caravan."
Dracos
Phil: Both of the people behind the wagon have an odd aura that it takes you a moment to figure out. Everything snaps into place in your frame of reference -- the aura of both of the people in the front wagon is identical (in respects) to the aura you've seen on Nathan, Parthipan, Durant, and Bjorn. Even Lindsey, Liandral, and Serril have it.
Those two are not from this world, at least, not originally.
As far as the magic on the golem, from what you can discern, most of the magic is to keep it going, and to protect it from other magic, though you can see that there's a thread going between the golem and the man who's wearing no hat (who is also the one who is not holding a glass phial of ... something).
You do not see a hidden army anywhere among the caravan.
"I don't know that all of us should go," Bjorn says cautiously. "Perhaps Sir Shuker and myself? I don't know that anyone else here should put themselves at risk."
~Bjorn, they are like us. Not of this world.~
Dracos
Bjorn does not outwardly respond to Philip's mental intrustion, though the non-mindboard contact, his first ever, is extremely disturbing. A few second's focus brings up the mindboard, and then he quickly merges the smuges of Philip, Nathan, and Parthipan.
If they're not of this world, he writes, then odds are they're the other two Pax Arcana agents.
"If it's all the same," Kevin says slowly, "I think ... we could probably send someone else."
Radagast makes a thoughtful noise. "Perhaps Ekim and myself?" he asks.
~Possibly, but weren't we notified that there was one or two independants running around? And I thought the pax agents couldn't make it. Anyhow, reason to be careful.~
"Well, it does seem like it's a wizard's caravan. So that might be sensible, though something just feels off about it to me."
Dracos
~Do you think we should inform Serril about this since he might have a way to determine whether or not they're Pax Arcana.~
I don't recall them saying they couldn't make it, Bjorn replies, just that they'd arrived in the South. And I hadn't heard anything about independents. You mean people other than Contest participants can enter this?
And Serril will find out at some point, but we can't tell him now. Unless you have some fancy method to do so.
Out loud, Bjorn says, "Lord Ekim and Master Radagast sound like a reasonable choice."
Radagast nods. "Very well," he says. "Lord Boneforge, if you would do me the honor?" he asks, looking at the dwarf questioningly.
Ekim grunts. "I see fine crafstmanship there," he murmurs to himself. "Oh. Hmm. Let us greet our monster, then."
Without waiting for Radagast, he sticks the handle of his hammer through his belt-loop, and strides forward, Radagast scurrying to keep up.
When they break the perimeter of the Storm-riders, the machine-monster-thing stops pacing, turns to face Ekim and Radagast, and then crouches low to the ground, as though to present a more docile image.
The two men begin (slowly and deliberately) to climb down from the wagon, the one leaving his glass phial behind him on the wagon seat.
Phil: The monster's change in movement pattern is preceeded by a strand of thought going from the man with the hat to the golem.
~I could inform Serril. But it'd be a stupid thing to do right this minute. We can wait. And yeah, independants can join. Though it's complicated.~
Dracos watches, listening as best he can from here on what's being said.
Dracos
Bjorn does not reply to Philip's last remark. Instead, he stands and watches as Radagast and Ekim approach the monster, muscles loose and ready to move in at the first sign of threat.
The monster sits to one side, Ekim standing between Radagast and it. The two other wizardly-types approach, and nod to Radagast. Radagast says something, and then you can all hear it as though you were at the scene, instead of watching from a distance.
"Greetings," Radagast says. "I am Radagast, lorekeeper for this keep. How may I be of service to you, masters?"
The man in the hat bows, and says, "My name is Derrick. I come from Soth with my creation -- this golem -- to aid in the defense of Storm-wall keep." The golem nods at this.
Radagast seems a bit stunned for a moment, and then says, "Ah. And you, good master?"
"I am Quarll, an alechemist from Borneas. I also have come to offer my services in this time of darkness," he says, bowing low.
"I see," Radagast says slowly, glancing at Ekim. For his part, the dwarf seems absorbed in studying the golem, which returns the scrutiny.
Bjorn's eyebrow quirks at the mention of Soth, and he glances at Kevin and Nathan, before returning to his study of the meeting before him.
"I see," Radagast says quietly. "Well, I'll ... take this news to the lord of the keep, then. If ... you don't mind me asking, what is that creature?" he asks.
"It's a golem," Derreck repeats. "It's ... a combination of magic and science. It's quite powerful, but there was no practical use for it in my home. So I thought to bring it here, and help to defend against the Dreadmarch."
~Whatever the case, think we should have a private conversation with them now or return to investigating the thread after this?~
Thread? Bjorn writes, still watching Radagast and Ekim. What thread?
Letting that aside -- if we can get a chance to talk to them in private, we should take it, but I can't see that happening anytime soon.
~Drac and I were able to find one of the threads from Elric. It lead towards the pedestal.~
'If I may please throw my two cents in here,' Rez comments over the mindboard, 'don't you think we should be a little more cautious about this? We know people can listen in, so can we leave the more sensitive matters until we've tested it a little more?'
I'll explain later. We'll get that finished quickly after this one way or another hopefully.
Dracos
Radagast and Ekim nod at the golem and the two young men, and withdraw back to the line.
"Your thoughts?" Radagast asks rather bluntly of Lord Kevin.
Kevin shakes his head. "I ... don't know," he admits. "I think it's oddly convenient. Perhaps too much so. Your thoughts, Lord Bloom? Bjorn?"
"Same here. There's something off about them. At the same time though, we're not really in a good position to be refusing extra soldiers, especially one of that size."
Dracos
"On the other hand," Bjorn points out, "we are not in any condition to be accepting such a thing into our midst without reason to trust it." He rubs at his jaw. "Convenience is one thing, but... it seems to me that it would require a fairly impressive talent to put together a golem like that. Has anyone ever heard of this Derrick before?"
"I have not," Radagast answers. "But Soth is a goodly way distant."
"Same," Kevin replies, glancing at Ekim hopefully.
Ekim just shakes his head.
"Well," Radagast says, slowly. "There are men here from Soth to help defend the keep. We can ask if any of them have heard of these. But, before that, Lord Kevin, I have a suspicon. I'd like a word in private with Lord Bloom and Windmaster Parthipan."
Kevin shrugs, and gestures off to one side, a spot where if you were to speak very quietly no one would probably overhear.
Before walking there, Ginrai approaches Serril and whispers, "Is there any way you can determine if they're allies?"
Dracos nods, heading over to the area kevin had pointed out with Radagast. "so, what is it?" he asks, trying to keep his voice low.
Dracos
Serril looks confused, and shakes his head. "I've never seen them before," he whispers. "Nothing in the journals." That's all Parthipan has time to hear before getting dragged off to the meeting spot.
"Those two are not from this world," Radagast says very quietly. "Lord Bloom, you have a way to make your companions aware of this? Is this ... is this someone you recognize?"
"I already have. I could see it."
Dracos
Radagast relaxes visibly. "But you've not seen them before?" Radagast clarifies quietly.
Ginrai shakes his head and replies softly, "There is a chance that the two are allies of Serril, Lindsey and Liandral."
"Not before now, no."
Dracos
"If that were the case, wouldn't they know eachother?" Radagast asks, glancing over at Serril, who seems just as curious as everyone else.
"Right now, it's best to doubt. But at the same time, these could be unknown allies. We have to be careful and see, I think."
Dracos
"I recall hearing before that two of their allies ended up in the south."
"Their aura does not match your own, or Serril's," Radagast says. "But we can discuss this later. For the moment, we must decide how to deal with this problem -- and that involves everyone, despite what truths remain unknown to the majority here."
He straightens up and nods, walking over to rejoin Kevin and the others.
"Sorry," he says apologetically. "I just had a thought -- it was unimportant. Lord Kevin, how do you propose we deal with this?"
"Normally I'd ask Lammermore," Kevin says, glancing at Bjorn meaninfully.
"The first step," Bjorn says calmly, "is to get that golem out of the way so the supply caravan can enter the Keep." He ponders. "What I would suggest, my Lord, is for the golem to stay here for the time being, watched by a score or so of soldiers, with orders to report to if it begins any movement. We can escort Master Derrick and Master Quarrl to the Keep, where we can discuss matters with them carefully and at leisure -- and make it politely clear that they are hostages for the behaviour of the golem."
"If I may . . . it might not be a bad idea to search their belongings. I mean, odds on they aren't carrying a periapt or the like, but it would certainly be prudent to make sure. But I would also be polite about it and ask their permission first - alienating potentially helpful allies is never a good idea. It would also be worth finding out whether the 'golem' has a mind of it's own, or if one of them controls it, before you start talking of using people as hostages for it's good behaviour and the like."
Bjorn, note the other one claims to be an alchemist. Just because the golem is out there does not mean that they could not be dangerous in here.
Dracos
Kevin drums his fingers against his gilded armor, no longer the confident, nearly jovial force he was when you first met him. "Very well," he finally decides. "We will need to depend on their good graces to see them through an uncomfortable time if they are to be allies. And if they are foes, we will not be taken by surprise as we were before."
Nodding, he turns to Radagast. "Relay our terms to them, if you would be so kind. If they are willing, we have nothing to fear. If they are not ... well."
"Yes," Radagast agrees. "But aside from that ... I would like to request that I have an opportunity to speak with them first, in my tower. While I am doing so, guards can search the wagon -- or better, Loremaster Serril can assist them. He has some knowledge of alchemy. Enough, at least, to keep the guards from doing anything dangerous in their attempts to search."
Kevin raises an eyebrow and glances about, as if to see if anyone else had a suggestion.
Bjorn nods. "This seems reasonable," he opines. "The Lorekeepers are most likely to be able to judge the truth of their claims, I think."
"And judge the possible help - or danger - of this golem, as well," Rez shrugs, "I guess it makes sense."
"Very good," Radagast says, nodding.
He and Ekim approach the impatiently waiting golem-manufacturer and alchemist, their golem looking up, but not moving, when they approach.
Radagast explains the situation, while Ekim resumes his inspection of the golem. "We would be glad to welcome your assistance," Radagast says carefully, "but in these troubled times, precautions must be taken. We'd ... like to learn more about you, first. We therefore invite you into the keep ... but we must search your things to make sure that nothing has been hidden there by others that could cause harm to the keep's defenses."
Both of the men nod, though the alchemist (Quarrl) looks upset at this.
"Anything else?" Derrick asks suspiciously.
"We'd also like the golem to remain here until we can understand your goals better," Radagast says, somewhat apologetically.
Derrick looks really unhappy, and the golem turns to look at him, its eyebrows drooping and radiating unhappiness. It raises an arm towards Derrick a short distance, then pauses, and drops it to the ground. Ekim seems fascinated by the movement.
"Very well," Radagast says, nodding. "Come with me if you ... ah ... hmm. How was your wagon drawn?"
"My wagon was attacked by bandits in the upper kingdoms," Quarrl explains, grimacing. "They slaughtered my oxen. Master Derrick and his golem arrived, and chased the bandits off. After that, the golem hauled the wagon for us, and we joined one of the regular caravans to the keep."
"Ah," Radagast says, frowning. "Well ... we have some oxen at the keep. They will be able to bring the wagon in. Come with me, then, if you please."
The two men shrug, Derrick pausing to pat the golem on its head (he has to stand on tiptoe to do this), before leaving. The golem doesn't sigh, but it does droop, and look on after Derrick like a dejected puppy.
Radagast leads the men to the defenders wall, where the men are begining to relax, Ekim trailing behind. "Lord Kevin," he intones, "Lord Bloom. It is my honor to introduce you to Masters Quarrl and Derrick, scholars of alchemy and the crafting of ... golems respectively."
"Learned men," Kevin returns, nodding at them graciously. "I feel you should give them our best hospitality, Loremaster Radagast. I think your tower suits those of a scholarly pursuit the best."
"Indeed," Radagast says, nodding again. "This way, if you please." With that, he starts leading Quarrl and Derrick into the keep, the golem left behind. It actually looks kind of sad.
"My Lord," Bjorn says, addressing himself to Kevin, "perhaps we should go with them? The company of senior members of the Keep command might soothe some of the insult of our precautions."
Kevin blinks, and then nods. "If you've time to spare. I'll ask Eske to look into the matter of ... of Dorian's quarters for the moment." He pauses. "And see to Mistress Lindsey's release."
"Lord Kevin, would you mind if I went and spoke to her, and Durant? I was meaning to do so after we were done searching Dorian's room, but events . . ." Rez shrugs helplessly.
"What?" Kevin asks. "Instead of going to the tower?"
"Well, yes. Unless you or Lord Bloom or Loremaster Radagast wishes my presence there," Rez looks faintly surprised.
Kevin shrugs. "As you wish, then," he says, dismissing Nathan.
Nathan now joins Alone (http://pishoque.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=38902#38902).
Looking after Nathan for a second, Bjorn shrugs internally, and then lets the mindboard dissipate, allowing his newly acquired combat senses occupy his attention instead. With a final nod at Kevin, he makes his way after Radagast and the newcomers.
"I think I shall join you, Bjorn." Dracos remarks, following him towards Radagast's tower.
Dracos
Parthipan joins the entourage, sparing a curious glance for Nathan.
Qurral and Derrick say nothing until they're seen through the guards (who search them) and let into the tower. Derrick is wearing a pendant, but it's not a bone periapt -- it's a Star of David. Qurral has a knife on him, which is left at the door, and in the name of fairness, the guards look at Phil and Bjorn's weapons expectantly.
Dracos frowns slightly, but takes off his sword, handing it to the guards and heading in.
Dracos
Bjorn stares back at the guards, quite coolly. There is a clear expectation that they understand that the rules, as applied to him, are quite different.
The guards look uncomfortable, but aren't going to let you in. You may be the acting Warden of Stormwall keep, but Lord Kevin still outranks you.
Bjorn sighs, and then turns and bows to Radagast and Philip. "If you'll pardon me," he says politely, "duty requires my presence elsewhere. I hope to have a chance to speak with you soon, Master Derrick, Master Qurral."
Unless interrupted, he turns, and makes his way down to the dungeons, where Lindsey, Durant, and presumably Nathan are to be found.
The guards (and Radagast) nod at Bjorn on his way out. Once he's gone, Radagast escorts everyone to his study. The two men take seats at Radagast's insistance, looking around at things curiously.
"So," Quarrl asks eyeing a glass container of some dark powder. "What do you need to know about us?"
Radagast shrugs, and glances at Phil, but says nothing immediately.
Bjorn now leaves this thread and joins Alone (http://pishoque.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=38916#38916).
"First, I'd like to apologies for the ...necessity of all this. I hope you understand, we've had some trouble lately with assassins from areas we'd never expect. Second...Well... dispensing with pleansantries and being blunt. This room is secure. What is going on here will not leave it. You can speak openly. We know that you are not from this world. We don't take this to mean you are hostile, as the same is true of both of us, but that said, we need to know. Who are you really and what are your intentions here?"
Dracos
Qurral shifts his shoulders uncomfortably, and exchanges a glance with Derick. "Magus Orbis," Qurral says finally, nodding. "I came here for my final test before being accepted into the highest rank." He shoots Derrick a sidelong glance. "I had not known for certain you were also from our world."
Derrick shrugs uncomfortably, and tucks his Star of David back into his shirt. "I am from Israel," he says slowly. "I was searching for ... for an answer, of sorts. I became sorely lost, though. From what I have found in my time here, the only way for me to go home is to change this world in some way. I am loathe to cause strife, but this seems to be the only choice I have to return home."
"Interesting," Radagast muses.
Dracos nods. "I am a participant in the contest, as far as it goes. Working with the Order of Symmetry. Our goal, as far as it goes right now, is to see this world protected from the dreadmarch and overturn the machinations that lead to it being so massive and widespread. You two seem in good faith. Are you willing to cooperate and help us towards this end? To protect stormwall keep?"
Dracos
"I've never heard of the Order of Symetry," Qurral says slowly. "Or about a contest."
"My goal is to protect this world so that I may return to my own home," Derrick says, nodding.
Curious over something he heard, Ginrai asks, "Qurral, can you please describe the world you're originally from?"
Qurral frowns. "I come from a country called Italy," he clarifies. "On a world we call 'Earth'. Where are you from?" He looks curious.
"Ironic almost." Dracos shakes his head. "We're from the states. United states of america to be specific. Parth's from new york or thereabouts. I was most recently of the boston area. And...not particularly surprising. I haven't heard of Magus Orbis and had you asked me a couple of months ago I couldn't have told you a lick about the order of symmetry or this insane contest. Anyhow, if you like, I can explain it, up to you two if you really want to know."
Dracos
"I am curious," Derrick offers.
Qurral seems largely indifferent.
Radagast merely shakes his head, producing a pipe, and takes a few puffs on it.
"Okay... As I understand it, the contest is an ancient battle for the future of earth. The winners change the world. Literally. Some of the previous contests have had results like the discovery of America, 'the new world' as I'm told. Historically, there are three participant groups each with an oracle and five contestants. Seventh Cabal, representing those who want to leave the world, abandoning the past and making a new future somewhere else. They, as far as we know, are responsible for preparing the dreadmarch to be the monstrousity it currently is. Their oracle was the being known as Rasputin. Pax Arcana, another group that is also here in the keep at the moment, their goal as we've been told being to anhillate those who are not worthy. To purge the weak and allow the strong to rule the earth. Their last victory, saw the black plague back in the middle ages in Europe. Finally, there is the order of Symmetry which is supposed to protect how things are. Technically, they were anhillated years ago. Due to...weird circumstances, we've found ourselves in contact with their oracle, the former greek oracle of Delphi, and taking up the torch of representing the group in the contest. Basically, the contestants go through the dreams of the various 'gods' around the world, entering them, passing through them, absorbing some 'truth' and power within them. The Oracle guides the group through completing this. The first to finish all the tasks is apparently the winner, though I'm not certain on that."
Dracos
"Ah," Qurral says after a moment. "I see."
Derrick says nothing, just looking stunned.
Radagast nods and puffs on his pipe. "It was our concern you were with the enemy," he explains. "One of the groups has already been through, and ... left their mark on this world."
"Yeah... It's a bit much. Pardon my own curiosity, but what is Magus Orbis? A council of mages?" Dracos guesses.
Dracos
"Yes," Qurral answers. "The circle of mages. I am seeking admittance into the highest office of the order. This is my test."
Derrick shakes his head. "Madness," he says quietly. "The ... I...." He trails off, and rubs at his temples, not dislodging his hat. "This adds much complexity to the situation."
"No, no," Radagast says, with a wry chuckle. "The complexity was already there. You've simply became aware of it now."
Dracos nods. "Anyhow, as I said, this does not leave this room. As far as the others will be concerned, you are allies from here. Same as I. Your golem, Derrick, will likely need to help us in the next defense, but I suspect after that show of aid, that the atmosphere here will become more friendly. Radagast, are you arranging somewhere for them to stay in your tower?"
Dracos
"I could, but the other lorekeepers might not be comfortable around what they do not understand," Radagast warns.
"I wish to be no trouble," Derrick begins, before Qurral cuts him off.
"I need to be close to my wagon, most of the time," he says. "But I will not tell any of those who are part of this dream the truth of the outer world."
Derrick frowns, and then says, "I ... would like to discuss this with you in further detail ... Lord Bloom. But I will not speak of it with others, if I should not."
"As you wish. It would be prudent not to speak of this outside of this room, or at least, kept to private conversation with those of us who are not of here. I'd be glad to talk more, when we have the chance. That said, Radagast, there is that little matter we were dealing with. Do you think we should wait another night for Lord Ekim to assist?"
Dracos
"I think so," Radagast says. "My suspicion ... well. We can put that off for the moment. Until then," Radagast says, turning his attention to the two independant arrivals to this world, "I'll put word that you two are free to come and go as you please. Master Derrick, you may bring your golem within the grounds of the keep ... but it may be too heavy to come inside. I trust you to take care?"
He nods. "Of course," he says easily, smiling. "Thank you. May I retrieve him now?"
Radagast shakes his head, and says, "I need to put out that word first. Lord Bloom, Windmaster Parthipan, is there anything else that needs to be discussed?"
"I think not. I'm going to go pick up my sword and get some rest before those damned fools outside decide to rush again, See ya, Loremaster Radagast."
Dracos turns to head out, heading back down to retrieve his sword at the entrance if not stopped.
"Qurral, if you have anything important in your wagon, can't you bring it inside?"
Phil now leaves this thread and joins In Too Deep (http://www.pishoque.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=39066#39066).
Qurral shakes his head. "My alchemical labratory. I'd like to bring it into the keep. Protection from the elements is crucial to my work. I can -- and will, with permission -- bring it inside. It may take a bit of time, though."
"I'd offer to help, but I really must see to the golem," Derrick says, rising. "If I may be excused to attend it now?" he asks, looking at Radagast.
Radagast nods. "Lord Bloom has given a note to the guards. They should know that it's safe now. Though, you may wish to keep your golem outside the keep -- it's quite large and may not fit inside well."
Derrick nods, and dashes off.
"Ah. You need any help bringing it inside?"
"It should be fine," he says, shaking his head. "I just need time, and permission. If I have that now, I'd like to collect my things and get to work."
Radagast nods, and Qurral rises, then bows, ambling towards the room's exit.
Looking at Radagast, Ginrai asks, "Is there anything else that needs to be done at this moment?"
"Nothing I can think of," Radagast says wearily.
"I'll need some rest after last night. I'll see you later, then."
After retiring to his room, Parthipan falls into a deep sleep, not waking until the moon is hanging low over the horizon through his window the next ... morning? It's still dark out, though, except for the moon, so it's hard to say for certain.
Ginrai heads out to first grab a quick bite to eat.
You're intercepted in the hallway and quickly asked to come to the library to meet with Lord Bloom by a servant.