[Story] Prelude: How the Cookie Crumbles

[morgantha]

Langtree Langtree meant to listen to what Rahat had said, but she felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. Usually she would assume it was one of the bats, but the only one out at the moment was currently in her pocket, cleaning it's little hands meticulously, so she knew it wasn't him. She turned and caught three little eyes staring at her and lifted the corners of her lips in a smile that revealed her long, pointed canines. Just then a booming voice filled the room, drawing Langtree's attention, and apparently everyone else's as well. When she flicked a gaze back to the window, the children were gone. She shook her head, wondering if she had imagined them, then turned again and found Rahat had trotted off to see what was amiss with the new arrival. Langtree trudged along after her, for the first time realizing that the voice came from... well, she wasn't exactly sure what. She hung back a step, prepared to help the micefolk if necessary and keep out of Rahat's way if not. Since all parties involved appeared living (or, at least, the slime person wasn't dead), Langtree felt that Rahat was the more qualified at the moment.

[briar]

Prelude: How the Cookie Crumbles
Date: 11th Day of The second month in the Summer season.Aiou, 334 After UnificationA.U.	Time: ~ 10:00 AMMid-Morning	Weather: Fair / 68° F	Locale (Environ): Tradewinds, Rouge (Town Center)

Sister Melody, Mausling Trader

Given the sheer number of employees that seem to be hard at work at the critique, Khrysa isn't too surprised when the timid assessor doesn't immediately reappear. Its quite possible that it will take a her some time to transcribe the order list, which makes the young chef-in-training wonder if there will be enough time for her to race all the way to the tavern and get it in on time.

Still, there probably isn't anything Khrysa can do about that now. Looks like she'll need to kill some time until the Assessor returns.

-ˋˏ ────────────── ༻❁༺ ────────────── ˎˊ-

The scene ongoing in the main hall is enough that Rahat and Langtree are soon joined by several concerned members of the Critique staff, all of whom seem to be trying to figure out how to help. "Your...body, it isn't...acidic...right?" says one of them with a hint of worry.

For its part, the Info: The Mau are one of many curious sort of smallfolk who originate from the Great Forest of Wrenhollow. Though small in stature, they make up for it by being curiously strong and affable in demeanor. They generally like people, almost as much as they like traveling, and often work as couriers and traders of small goods. According to rumor, there is a complex labyrinth of Mau-made tunnels dug deep underground that run all over the Seven Kingdoms, allowing for them to rapidly move from place to place without having to deal with impeding terrain and unruly climates. However the tale of how these tunnels really came to be is a longer, sadder story.Mausling wears a bit of panicked look as it is drawn up into Goop's abdomen, spinning and swirling around in her ichorus form with exclamations of surprise, as well as an initial and very short-lived delight.

"Why thank you, I--...w-wait!! T-t-t-t-t-t-t-taste?!?! Eep! Please don't eat me, Your Stickiness! I am but a humble This would probably explain the salty taste of its bag.shell trader, certainly all skin and bones, I am! Have mercy! Mercy!!" it pleads, clearly unable to break free of the slime-lady's viscous body, though certainly not for lack of trying. This revelation had, the mausling turns instead to exaltations of remorse and sorrow which are...amusingly dramatic. "Oh woe betide me of this ill venture! And curse that vexing woman for distracting mine eyes from the road before me! 'Never take your gaze off your path' my grand-dad did say to me, and lo' what should befall me the moment that I do! Tis a cruel thread thou wouldst weave against me, 'o Fates! Tis cruel indeed!"

Of course, none of this can be heard from outside of Gloop's body, but it isn't difficult to tell how the creature marks this monologue with appropriately sensational body language, ranging from a despairing swoon to a faithful and endearing grasp of its chest. There is nothing to show, however, that the little creature is suffocating or otherwise in any clear peril.

"What a ham," spits one of the other mauslings below, clearly unconcerned like the rest of the troupe, "If you're quite done, Sister Melody, we are late for our delivery!"

GM's Notes The mausling trapped inside Goop--Sister Melody, apparently--is in no immediate danger unless Goop wants her to be, but also is apparently unable to get out. Goop can likely do this without any extraneous effort of her part, but if you'd like to make a spectacle of it, I would rule that an Athletics (STR or DEX) check with a DC of 12 would suffice for someone to reach in and pull them out.

[Touketsu]

Merris Most of the table seemed utterly disinterested in acknowledging the firbolg, and one of the others that did (the one that, until a moment ago, Merris had taken for a lumpy bag and not a person) seemed more frightened than sociable. That was unfortunate... luckily, one of their group WAS feeling talkative, and Merris' eyes lit up as the woman began to speak to him, explaining away the behavior of her companions as a product of their natural suspicion. Merris shrugged, unbothered. "Perfectly understandable. I hope I'm not bothering you!" Merris' wide smile faltered ever so slightly at the look the dwarf was leveling his way. "Bothering", it seemed, may have been an accurate choice of words. But the pale, cloaked woman seemed to feel differently as she leaned in closer, smiling. "Ssssuch an adorable little thing you are. Why, I could just eat you right up. Pity that we've already had broken our fasssst for today, no?" Merris' cheeks reddened at the compliment as he chuckled appreciatively, unprepared with a response. She was so kind! Obviously, she was speaking metaphorically. Obviously. Probably. "Yessss, I'm afraid we are bound for much danger today. One hasss to be, after all, lessst we not be able to afford treatsss for Ssssylvia here..." Merris nodded sagely. As important a reason as ever there was. "Agreed. One must do what they have to for their companions. Well obviously I don't know you personally, but you all look very strong! I'm sure you're more than prepared for whatever jobs you take on." Merris's warm tone seemed quite impervious to the fluctuating vibe of the conversation, from cold and distrusting demeanor of the remaining group to the confident, more than slightly predatory behavior of the single one bothering to address him. Looking away for a moment, the firbolg lifted one of the cups set out at the table, flipping it over in his hand as he withdrew a small cloth from one of the inner pockets of his shirt. Running it delicately over the rim with practiced grace, he eyed the inside of the cup briefly before setting it down before him. "I'm Merris by the way. Lovely to meet you. Though I currently find myself lacking employment, I'm sure something will come along soon enough. Have you been working for the Critique long? It must be very exciting." Merris lifted the teapot, slowly filling the cup as the sound of increased activity from the main area began to tickle his ears. Glancing over, he couldn't help but notice a growing number of people seemed to be gathering around a... gelatinous person? Well THAT seemed interesting.

Rolls & Actions No action yet; continuing to speak with Y'gritte, though it's probably pretty hard for Merris to not start noticing the others soon.

[Homestarbaby]

Goop

"But I have already eaten you," Goop replies back tot he mouse person inside of her, feeling confused. "I mean, you are already inside of me, are you not? Isn't that what it means to be-"

Someone's voice draws her attention, interrupting the blue slime's train of thought. Goop looks up to see a centaur with a black its really a jackalpuppy mask offering to help.

"Oh, that would be wonderful!" she exclaims after a quick gulp of air. She pulls in another to add, "I would try to pull her out myself, but my hands are just as goopy as the rest of me, you know. And she seems quite upset."

Her body warbles a bit as she pulls the adorable shell trader, air pocket and all, higher up her body so that the centaur can reach her without having to bend down too far. She has not met a centaur before, but based on appearance she guesses that it would be difficult for their hands to reach their own toes.

OOC Loving this game already! 💗 Also, apologies if Goop is making any racist assumptions about Rahat. She is simply ill-informed, not hateful.

[Kaigen]

Rahat Rahat had dealt with melodramatic patients before, so she had a feeling about Sister Melody's histrionics. The Mausling's body language was emphatic, but held none of the tightness that usually accompanied pain or panic. The reaction from her companions confirmed that feeling. The slimefolk, for her part, seemed entirely unconcerned about the living creature inside her, but Rahat still wagered it would be better to have Sister Melody out before the spectacle drew unwanted attention. Originally Posted by Homestarbaby "Oh, that would be wonderful!" she exclaims after a quick gulp of air. She pulls in another to add, "I would try to pull her out myself, but my hands are just as goopy as the rest of me, you know. And she seems quite upset." Her body warbles a bit as she pulls the adorable shell trader, air pocket and all, higher up her body so that the centaur can reach her without having to bend down too far. She has not met a centaur before, but based on appearance she guesses that it would be difficult for their hands to reach their own toes. "Erm," Rahat said, her face suddenly feeling warm. Yes, Sister Melody would be easier for her to reach in her higher position, but now Rahat was going to be reaching for the slimefolk's chest in order to get to her. Healer's detachment, Rahat reminded herself, glad for the mask on her face. You are probing a wound in order to remove a foreign object. That is all. "Right." Rahat reached down, hands sinking into Goop past the wrists. The sensation was too fluid to remind her of flesh, but too thick to remind her of fluid, and Rahat had to concentrate on her task to avoid getting distracted by all the jiggling. "Uh, my name is Rahat, by the way." Oh good, you remembered. Maybe next time you'll introduce yourself before you stick your hands into someone. Rather than grab Sister Melody directly and risk hurting her with an improper grip, Rahat elected to grab her pack and pull her forward with that, hoping that there was nothing particularly fragile in there.

OOC It's all good! I assume there's going to be some ignorant fumbling owing to both of them being unfamiliar with each other's culture/species. Here's an athletics (dex) check for the removal: Dice Athletic removal: 1d20+5sh12 (5)+5 ✘ Total = 10

[morgantha]

Langtree Langtree watched the slimefolk adjust the mouse inside of her with a morbid fascination. Suddenly she had an intense desire to help, mostly motivated by an unquenchable curiosity about the nature of the slime's slime. She stepped forward and watched as Rahat dipped a hand in to try and remove the little mouse. "May I assist?" she asked, already circling around the situation to assess her options. "Oh, and I'm Langtree," she added, just before poking her hand through the slimefolk's back to Dice Athletics: 1d20 11 push the mouse forward towards Rahat's hand. "And your name?" she added conversationally, secretly wondering if the strange creature had a name at all.

[briar]

Prelude: How the Cookie Crumbles
Date: 11th Day of The second month in the Summer season.Aiou, 334 After UnificationA.U.	Time: ~ 10:00 AMMid-Morning	Weather: Fair / 68° F	Locale (Environ): Tradewinds, Rouge (Town Center)	🎼

Sister Melody, Mausling Trader

The mausling's eyes grow big and take on a sheen when Goop answers the little creature, and for a brief moment, she actually faints, falling back limply into the soft, pillowy texture of Goops body. Fortunately, the slimefolk girl has enough control of herself that the mausling doesn't sink further down.

Rahat's first experience of touching a slime comes with a bit of a strange sensation. Goop's body is somewhat cold on the outside, and there is an obvious thickness closer to the surface of her form, whereas it gets warmer and more gelatinous further in. As she reaches wrist-depth, there is an odd >ga-loop!< sound as the slime girl's chest swallows them.

Thereafter, the centaur healer is able to fish around with much less resistance, eventually feeling the rough leather pack of the mausling. Getting a grip is fairly easy, and Rahat can certainly feel numerous hard, jagged objects, fortunately blunted by the leather of the pack, within.

As she is going to pull the creature out, however she realizes there is significant opposition. In fact, it almost feels like the slime's body is sucking her arms inward! What's more, struggling seems to only hasten the process!

A few snickers of amusement can be heard around the room as the spectacle continues, but fortunately, Langtree offers her assistance, reaching into the slime from the other side and pushing the mausling's tummy. The result is that Rahat is finally able to pull her hand--and the mausling--free of the slime's body!

...unfortunately, Langtree finds herself now in a similarly difficult situation, as she, too, appears to have gotten her hand stuck in the gelatinous form of the slime. And proportionately, Goop finds that this new bodily trespasser's touch is even more frigid!

Now free from her slimey emprisonment, Sister Melody groggily rouses herself in Rahat's hand, looking around at first in confusion, then up at her rescuer. "Ah! Salvation! Sweet, sweet deliverance! T'was such a harrowing experience that I feel as though I now breathe in life anew, and look around with reborn eyes! O' ye masked maiden, however can this humble shell trader thank you?!"

Meanwhile, a collective sigh of relief can be heard from the crowd of other mauslings below--well, all except the one who spoke before: she seems to be tapping her foot impatiently. Sister Melody ignores it.

---

Meanwhile, not far across the room, the woman chuckles a little at Merris' response, her long, attractive eyes blinking slowly, "In thisssss line of work, one cannot afford not to prepare for every contingenccccy. Running out of emergencccccy rationssssss, for instanccccccce."

In the time it took Merris to look away, polish his cup, and return to her again, the strange, shrouded, shrouded woman has turned to face him, and the proximity of their two tables allows her to lean on his. Her finger seems to appear out of nowhere, gliding gently across the opposite rim of his teacup. Only now with her much closer at hand does Merris realize that she smells very deeply of patchouli, almost to the point where it is overpowering the aroma of his tea.

"I'm Y'gritte. Exccccciting...yesss, very excccciting," she says simply, slowly, at first gazing down at the contents of his teacup, then raising them to lock with his. "Sometimessss it gets sssso very excccciting that I just can't help myssssss-"

"Skein" says a gruff, deep voice nearby. The red-headed 'leader' of the group shoots a single glance in their direction, though the human's gaze, Merris finds, is on the woman and not himself.

The woman snaps around suddenly with a deep hiss. "You know I disssssslike that name..." she says in a low, almost threatening voice. The man makes no further words, and simply returns to the map.

"Leave th' lad be, witch," the dwarf says, his accent prominent as he bites down on his pipe, "An' cast yer bloody augury. There's a treasure be callin' our names, and beasties be callin' my axe."

Y'gritte lets out a long sigh through her nose, and Merris can see her tongue running across her upper lip as she glowers at the dwarf, her form slowly slinking back towards her own table. As she does, however, she turns and gives the firbolg one last, eager smile. "Too bad..." she pouts a little, "Perhapssssss another time?"

If Merris continues to watch them, he sees her draw something forth from her encloaked body, soon reveled to be a small bag containing numerous bones, which she takes in her hand and begins to whisper feverishly before casting them onto the map before her. Their talk is hushed and quiet, to the point where Merris can't really hear it without intentionally A Perception check with a DC of 14.eavesdropping, but by his reckoning, it appears that they make for the notorious Light Bloom Mountain.

GM's Notes Since Langtree assisted Rahat, the latter is able to get her hand free with the mausling, but since she didn't beat the original 12 DC herself either, she's stuck in turn. If anyone wants to help her pull her hand out, they can also assist, but anyone who sticks their hand in Goop risks the same fate. Just fyi. And of course, Goop can voluntarily release Langtree if she wishes, too, but I suppose that wouldn't be any fun, huh? 😋

[Homestarbaby]

Goop

"Hello, Rahat!" Goop says as the centaur reaches into her. "Yes, if you could just push a little more in I think you can reach her p-oh!"

Goop makes a startled expression and loses her talking air. It takes a moment to gather enough air to continue speaking. "Sorry, your flavor surprised me. Hard to describe. Like nutty cinnamon and mushrooms? Maybe like a radish, but without the texture or taste."

A pale woman comes up behind Goop and offers to assist. "Yes please, only try not to get stuck if you could. I still need to figure out how to make my body more gelatinous and less gummy, it seems."

The pale woman introduces herself before pushing her hands into the blue slimegirl's back, and the new sensation interrupts her train of thought. "Oh, a very crisp flavor. Like aged cheese and frozen bread. And bees, but not honey. What an interesting ice cream that would make."

With Langtree's help, Rahat is able to get the mouseling out of Goop's body. But Langtree seems to remain stuck inside of her now. But instead of seeming troubled, she asks Goop for her name. This makes the slime girl wonder if perhaps Rahat's introduction should have also been followed up with her name as well.

"My name is Squishy. Goop Squishy. I am a slimefolk," she adds, as if that actually needs to be stated aloud after everything that has happened.

OOC The journey continues. Unfortunately Goop still has not quite learned how to release someone willingly. Just move them around inside of her. But hopefully this experience will help teach her.

[Kaigen]

Rahat The situation was awkward enough already before the slimefolk started describing how Rahat tasted, but when she felt the resistance preventing her from removing Sister Melody, she despaired of salvaging any of her dignity, feeling the flush of heat from her blush spread down her neck. When Langtree came around to offer assistance, Rahat projected as much gratitude and desperation as she could through the eyeholes of her mask and said, "Please." When the mausling was finally freed, Rahat breathed a heartfelt sigh of relief as she looked her over for any signs of injury. Originally Posted by briar Now free from her slimey emprisonment, Sister Melody groggily rouses herself in Rahat's hand, looking around at first in confusion, then up at her rescuer. "Ah! Salvation! Sweet, sweet deliverance! T'was such a harrowing experience that I feel as though I now breathe in life anew, and look around with reborn eyes! O' ye masked maiden, however can this humble shell trader thank you?!" "Uh, don't mention it," Rahat said, rather feeling that the sooner this spectacle was over with, the better off she would be. Somehow, she didn't think the story of pulling a mausling out of a slimefolk's chest would do her reputation any favors. "You're alright, then?" Rahat kneeled to bring herself closer to the ground and set Sister Melody down next to her companions. "No strange sensations or difficulty breathing?" Goop's body hadn't felt particularly acidic to her, but her exposure had been shorter, and she had not had the misfortune to breath in or swallow any of it. Realization that Langtree hadn't removed her own hands from Goop's body settled in, and Rahat sheepishly got back up and circled around to assist, knowing that the vampire was only caught up in this because of her. "Hang on, I'm going to try to pull you out," she said. Rather than risk getting stuck again by reaching back in, Rahat moved behind Langtree and reached around to grab her forearms and pull. "Goop, can you anchor yourself to the ground, or maybe pull in the opposite direction?"

[morgantha]

Langtree "Oh my," Langtree said in mild surprise as her hand sunk into Goop's gloop. She started to pull out as soon as the rescued mousefolk exited in Rahat's hand and quickly discovered that she was just as stuck as Melody had been. She frowned slightly and met Rahat's eyes with a bewildered expression. "Like nutty cinnamon and mushrooms? Maybe like a radish, but without the texture or taste." Langtree licked her lips. Strange as it was, Rahat's taste sounded pretty good, but Langtree's version of tasting was even less socially acceptable than Goop's. Not that she had tasted human (or, well, any sentient being) blood in many years, but every once in a while the urge did rear it's ugly head. Luckily Rahat had moved around behind her to help pull her out. "Oh, a very crisp flavor. Like aged cheese and frozen bread. And bees, but not honey. What an interesting ice cream that would make." "Thank you," Langtree replied primly, twisting her hand around a bit to hopefully help Rahat pull her out. She stumbled a bit as her hand popped free with a satisfyingly wet sucking noise. Langtree rubbed her liberated arm, more out of confusion than any real pain. "Does that... uh... happen to you a lot?"

[Touketsu]

Merris Merris didn't so much flinch at the woman's sudden closeness to him as the opposite; he ceased movement, slightly widened eyes locking with her gaze as his mouth parted slightly. She was... very sneaky, this one. As her fingers danced delicately across the rim of his cup, Merris suddenly had the oddest feeling. It was a sensation most folk who lived long enough in Wrenhollow experienced at some point; staring down a hungry predator. But of course that was a misread of the situation. She was simply being friendly to a newcomer. How courteous of her! And besides, would a predator smell so strongly of patchouli? Why, by the moment, its pungent aroma felt as though it was calming Merris, lulling him into a sense of security, lowering his defenses as she smiled alluringly and closed the gap between- "Skein." The voice, combined with Y'gritte's sudden reaction to the unwelcome name, brought Merris out of a mild daze. Blinking a few times, the firbolg glanced back over at her companions, listening as the dwarf now took the opportunity to urge her focus. Merris smiled sheepishly, feeling a twinge of guilt. In his pursuit of good company, he'd interrupted them and stirred up some discord in the group. Hardly intentionally of course, but the firbolg reminded himself that not everyone had a free day on their hands. Just because he hadn't found work, didn't mean he needed to be interrupting others in the middle of theirs. As Y'gritte smiled at him again in that (he assumed) unintentionally unnerving way, he flashed her an apologetic expression. "Too bad... Perhapssssss another time?" He nodded. "Looking forward to it. I'm sure I'll be around here plenty. Good luck with that treasure!" He raised a cup to her, then to the others who were continuing to ignore him. Well, not IGNORE him of course, they were simply quite busy! Merris was sure they were all pleasant enough folk in their off hours. Left with no-one else to converse with, Merris tried to give his new friends a bit of privacy, pivoting in his chair a bit as he took his first sip of tea. It was the perfect temperature now, and he let out a soft sigh of contentment, already reinvigorated by the potent, flavorful leaves. Inevitably, his attention shifted back to the small crowd around the gelatinous woman, and Merris found himself people watching again. And oh, what an interesting assortment of people it was! Amongst the various onlookers, Merris' watchful eye caught sight of a group of mauslings. How nice! Though they were renowned world travelers, it felt as though he hadn't seen any since leaving home. And there was the slimy lady of course. And oh, a centaur! ... a rather tall, reddish-brown centaur, adorned with a most interesting black mask that resembled a jackal. She looked so much like... "... Rahat?" Merris slowly rose to his feet, crossing over from the balcony area toward the assembled group. As he got closer, he began to get a better look at what was going on; a rather pale woman seemed to gave gotten her arms lodged IN the gelatinous woman. As Rahat gave aid, they had just finished pulling the two apart as Merris approached. "Rahaaaaaat, it IS you! Helping people in need as always I see... though THIS situation has to be a first, right? Unless it's not." Merris chuckled, arms stretching out in a gesture of greeting as the firbolg expertly avoided spilling a single drop of tea.

[Xyza]

Khrysa

While Khrysa waited for Celluey to return, she gazed around at the rest of the room, her attention immediately drawn to her old acquaintances and the interesting slime-woman that had walked in. They appeared to be focusing on something inside the slime, bewildering Khrysa for a moment and reminding her of a jelly dessert she'd tried before, until she realized it was actually someone inside. Rahat, and later the pale woman, were soon reaching inside as well, leaving Khrysa even more bewildered.

She stepped on over. "Umm...hi Rahat! And good to see you again too!" Khrysa awkwardly greeted her other former guest as the vampire stuck her hand into the slime as well.

"Oh, and I'm Langtree"

"My name is Squishy. Goop Squishy. I am a slimefolk"

Khrysa caught the others' names just as they were 'switching off' on being stuck. "Ohh, a slimefolk! I've never met one before! So...is this the traditional form of greeting for your people?" Khrysa wondered, glancing between all three adventurers that had just apparently embedded themself within Goop, and hesitantly extending her hand out. "Hi, I'm Khrysa! Do you want to taste me also? I wonder what flavor I have!"

[Homestarbaby]

Goop

"Often?" Goop thinks to herself, pondering Lantree's question. "Well it used to happen all the time before I figured out this form. But yes, I guess it does happen often."

Another woman comes up to Goop, this one with some scales. She asks about traditional forms of greetings, which surprises Goop a little. Most humanoids were more interested in people learning their own cultures. But here is someone that wanted to know more about slimefolk! Goop feels tempted to engulf the woman traditionally, but she does not feel like she has the words to explain the detailed nuances. And given all the other people that have been in and out of her lately, she is worried no one actually enjoys the experience.

So she decides to try making her form more jiggly than sticky and attempts to shake Khrysa's hand instead."I will greet you, Khrysa. Perhaps you do not want to be so traditional with me? You taste mild, like fish or quail or gator. Or perhaps like lemons that are not sour?"

OOC Having to keep re-editing to take out long words.

[Xyza]

Khrysa

"I will greet you, Khrysa. Perhaps you do not want to be so traditional with me? You taste mild, like fish or quail or gator. Or perhaps like lemons that are not sour?"

"Oohh!" Khrysa responded in excitement. How she tasted like might only have been a fleeting thought in a daydream before, but now upon finding out that was a real possibility, she was heavily invested. "Mild but slightly gamey, huh? Yeah, I can imagine that! I wonder if I could make a dish with those flavors! Lemons that aren't sour...maybe another type of citrus fruit? Or, what if I took lemons and..." she pondered over various ideas for a moment. "I can't taste you, but you feel like almond jelly! Or hm...maybe certain types of fish livers?"

She eventually realized that the crowd around was growing bigger. "Oh hey, Merris, you're here too! I guess this is the best place to look for an adventure after all...well, looks like there's no official quests available so we'll just have to make our own!"

[briar]

Prelude: How the Cookie Crumbles
Date: 11th Day of The second month in the Summer season.Aiou, 334 After UnificationA.U.	Time: ~ 10:00 AMMid-Morning	Weather: Fair / 68° F	Locale (Environ): Tradewinds, Rouge (Town Center)	🎼

Sister Melody, Mausling Trader

At Rahat's concern, Melody looks herself over, making a bit of a show of spinning around and stopping in affirming pose. "Fit. As. A. Fiddle!" she exclaims in her tiny voice, "My thanks to you, Miss Tall One! Ah, it is 'Miss', yes? I should not assume!" She pauses briefly to let Rahat answer, nodding and turning to Langtree, "And you as well, Pale One! Though if I may be so bold, I believe you to be in dire need of a large blanket, as you are quite cold!"

"Really, Sister, how can you be so clumsy? The slimefolk girl is just as big as the rest of them! Hardly something one can miss!"

Melody 'hmphs' loudly, turning to the voice of the other mausling who had originally called her a ham. "The world around us is a big place, Sister Lyric! There is simply too much for me to see to focus on what is only before me! And look! In doing so, I've made several new friends! You should try it some time!" She spins around again, placing her fists on her hips combatively, to which 'Sister Lyric' only answers with a short sigh of exasperation.

Eventually the little group begins to grow larger with the addition of Merris and Khrysa, both of whom apparently know the centaur woman. This prompts Sister Melody to ask further, "Ah! Are you all adventuring companions, then? My goodness, what an ensemble! Sorry to have troubled you like that. If there's anything I can do in return, you just let Sister Melody know! I happen to be quite influential, you know!"

Behind her, the other mauslings are a mix of relief and impatience, and most of them give Rahat and Langtree a respectful nod before heading towards the merchant's counter. Or rather, there appears to be a teenie tiny door in the wall next to the counter, obviously leading to some particular part of the Adventurer's Critique where merchants do their own business.

Sister Melody remains behind for a moment in case her new friends need anything from her, and doesn't look to be in any great hurry to leave, unlike the rest of her troupe.

GM's Notes With Rahat's assistance, Langtree is freed and the Mausling is safe! Well done! I'll let you interact a little more with each other and/or Sister Melody if you like and then see about moving things along. 😄