I see. I'm not great at telling if someone's lying, so I'd almost feel bad if I crushed you and you were telling the truth. Almost.

So, where is this book?
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Not worrying about Vandolf's arrangements for the night, you and Tabi head off, locating a nice looking inn a few blocks down. A large stone building with five or six levels and balconies for every room. Upon entering, you find the place well-lit and nicely decorated with a mix of light tan walls, bronze fixtures, and an abundance of green plant life.

The receptionist counter is manned by a duo of uniformed chirop, the two of you approaching it.

Receptionist 1: "Welcome!"

Tabi: "Hello, we would like a-er, uhm..."

Receptionist 1: "Would you like a room? Or two?"

Tabi: "UUUUUUH."

Her head slowly turns to you.

Tabi: "Kleigg, how much money do you have."

"...ten Aes. A shoestring budget. I don't know if that'll be enough for two."

"...okay, hear me out on this. We're comrades in arms. This mission is going to go on for some time. What could possibly go wrong with rooming together once?"

(shall we assume Vandolf's request to meet in the morning was heard before we wandered off to the inn? that would simplify things)

Tabi: "Yeah, just, once.

We'll have one room."

Receptionist 1: "That will be twenty Aes for one night, an additional ten for each added night."

Tabi: "Just one night."

Your batty companion glances towards you.

Tabi: "Let's split it."

Sounds reasonable enough, so both of you pass up a silver, and in exchange get a pair of steel keys, one for the each of you.

Receptionist: "Enjoy your night."

She gives the wink to the two of you, resulting in Tabi quickly turning and walking towards the nearest flight of stairs. You quickly follow her, taking a look at your room key. The number 206 is on it - must be the room number.

One floor up, and the two of you stand in front of room 206. Tabi inserts her key and turns, the lock is undone and she opens the door.

It's a cozy looking room - first there's a room to the left, a wash room with a large porcelain tub, sink, and toilet, complete with copper water fixtures. To the right is a closet, and ahead is the main room - two beds a few feet apart, a desk, and sliding glass doors at the back leading to the balcony.

Tabi drops off her stuff off beside the desk before moving towards the washroom.

Tabi: "I'm gonna take a quick wash."

The door closes behind the bat, followed soon by the sound of running water.
____________________


After delivering your farewell to the leviathan, you walk through the city, locating the bridge that takes you over the moat and out of Teleiat. Heading south, you reach the edge of the forest.

It's, well dark. You're not sure what lies within the shadows of the trees, but it seems odd that any creature would be so close to a large, visible settlement. If you want to encounter something, you might have to poke your nose in.
____________________


The library in Mead, where Sanoa took the cover of a librarian. A good place to hide a book.

The door to the building opens and closes, and you hear a pair of footsteps walking towards you. As they come into view, you see Tara, and a white armored figure.

Lucida: "Don't worry John, I'll keep your brain safe!"

Tara: "Lucida will be covering you until the Whitehawk gets here - I sent them a message through the ballista, so it shouldn't be too long."

Lucida holds his weapon with the handle towards you.
____________________


Bauen: "Hrm. You will most likely have to break a possession to get the spirit out, yes. The task will be further complicated by the weapon's own security measures, which must be broken before you can tamper with anything. I suppose you wish to learn how to undue possessions?"

You wander along the edge of the forest on the path between Teleiat and tower, not really going anywhere.

After a bit of walking back and forth, you see something on the path coming from Teleiat - a sort of figure with a huge hunchback, almost as if it was carrying a multitude of overstuffed packs. The thing is concealed in a large hooded cloak, so you can't make out any details other than its size.

It seems to have noticed you and gives a wave as it approaches your location.
____________________


After making sure you can move your arms, you take Lucida in your left hand and offer Atra's handle to Tara with your right. The moment the black armor switches off from you to Tara, Lucida's body vanishes and the armor quickly flies around you and snaps into place.

Lucida: Testing. Can you hear me?

Tara: "One of the main medical guilds, they'll investigate the matter in more detail. Go retrieve the book, do not destroy it or read it. Lucida will retain it until the Whitehawk arrives."
____________________


Hmm, you think you came here to check out some sort of facility north of Luttiim.
____________________


Taking off your armor and hair shirt, you put on your nice sleeved button-down white shirt that was part of a university uniform package. You the let yourself fall back on the bed, closing your eyes and getting a glimpse of the magic that runs throughout the inn's walls.

Conduits running to light fixtures, vents, and pipes - light, air conditioning, and heated water. Pretty advanced, you can see why this would be a popular place to stay.

The sound of running water stops after a few minutes, and Tabi soon exits the washroom wrapped in enough towels to resemble a mummy.

Tabi: "I forgot to grab a fresh change of clothes. Could you, um, take my coin bag and grab something from the shop on the bottom floor?"

She digs through her bag of items and pulls out a pouch, holding it hesitantly.