((So Nyx, Fheiss, and Sagishi are riding ludwig to find the governer. The rest of us will stay and do whatever.))
"Right then, if you leave now you can be back by nightfall. You should probably have Fheiss do the talking, and Sagishi sneak around if needed. I'll investigate for more background on the frozen wastes, maybe there is something more to glean in the archives."
Once the party goes to their individual tasks, Thosar makes his way back to the university district. He does not, however, make it to the archives. During his walk there, he spies a young human woman. Clearly a scholar, given the robes, yet somehow remarkably comely despite the billowing clothing hiding most of her features. He thinks for a moment. From tomorrow on, he may not see another pretty face in his life...
"Good afternoon, what brings you here of all times? I thought classes were canceled, considering recent events."
She looks at him querily.
"Do I know you?"
"Ah, no, I apologize I simply needed a-an opening line."
Thosar is already stuttering. Shit
The lady smiles slightly, saying nothing but also not turning him away. He continues.
"You see, I haven't met another scholar to speak with since the Telmur incident. Having come from Rheuss, most of my colleagues and students have scattered to the four winds. I know the professors have remained, but their views are more rigid and stuck in the mud. For once I'd like to just chat with an equal."
"Rheuss is in Telmur, you were there when the Tower arrived?"
"Ah, yes. I did get a rather close look. Not one of my finer moments, considering I mostly just fled after observing."
"You fled here, though. There is a café nearby with a new Bahglam drink. Some sort of stimulant that's not so hard on the nerves from what I hear. My treat, just tell me what you know about that Tower. My name is Falrene, by the way."
"Thosar, a pleasure to meet you."
The café is small, but quiet thanks to the students being largely gone. The drinks arrive quickly as a result. The liquid is... Dark, almost black. Served steaming hot, not unlike a dark tea, but the aroma is strong, exotic.
"They call it Kora Kora in Baghlam, it's a nice replenishment for long discussions or late nights." Falrene explains before partaking. Thosar follows suit, but takes a gulp too large and barely manages to aim for the floor before spitting it out. His drinking companion laughs, "You need to sip, not gulp it like a horse."
*
Thosar obliges every question, even going so far as to make the connection with Huantar architecture and the extraplanar nature of the arrivals. In turn, he learns that Falrene is an alchemist by trade but has a passion for architecture. Bellows presents a grand place to study with such wonders built by dwarven hands.
By the end of the evening, the scholars delved into the various minutiae of scholarly life, mostly revolving around lazy professors and having to act as teachers for overprivileged, underinterested students. One question remains before they depart.
"This Kora Kora is growing on me, what is it?"
"Oh, well, aside from water, it's the roasted seed of a certain berry which only grows in Baghlam."
"The seed? Rather laborious method of making a drink I'd say."
"Less than you'd think. They simply take the droppings of the Legutamara, which eats the berries, and boil off the excreta. The seeds are heavier than water so they're easily collected at that point."
She says this with a strait face. Several awkward seconds pass.
"Well, this has been an enlightening evening. Best of luck on your matriculation."
Thosar makes ready to return to the Golden Goose.
"Wait, perhaps you'd like to meet again tomorrow? I'd like that..." She looks up with a smile.
"Ah, well. I'm afraid not. I'm due to leave tomorrow morning on an arctic expedition. Were looking into the aurora that's pointing there."
"Oh, I see. I understand, I'm sorry about the strange drinks."
"No, really. I enjoyed my time with you, but this expedition may hold the key to helping Telmur out of this mess. I would gladly see you again when I return... If I return."
He does his sympathetic best.
"A heroic scholar too? A shame I'm already betrothed or you might've gotten a hero's farewell." Those last words are barely audible as she sheepishly grins.
He laughs, a little too loudly. "Not to worry, I'll return this way." Before quickly making his exit.
He is screaming internally.
