Alyson wondered what the fuss was about. She wondered how the others were doing with their quest as well. She watched the Bronze Man leave and simply disappear within the crowd of people in the streets. "Ah, Quake will be fine here, Mertul?"

"Yes. After all her and Harley haven't stopped calling each other names for the last ten minutes." Mertul listened carefully and didn't hear anything, "I'd better go check on them."

Mertual walked to the rear exit of the tavern to see both Harley and Quake panting from smack talking each other. "Well....had enough you two?"

Harley rotated forty five degrees covered in dirt and dust from the game. "I...uh...aye mum. I'm tapped out here. I believe I've met my match."

Quake sat up also covered in dust and feathers from one of the animal crates that once housed chickens now free. "Ditto. I need a bath. P.U! Ugh! I didn't have this problem in my true form. I'm thinking maybe its better to be myself instead of trying to impress the Lady."

The dwarf woman helped the elemental back to her feet. "Come with me, deary. I've got a big tub for large folks in the basement to wash in. There's one for you too, Harley. Although I think getting hosed off would be a better choice for you."

Mertul, Harley, and Quake all stopped in the doorway back of the tavern. They could sense it. The wards going up. Someone or something was in serious trouble from the law.

"The Wards are up." Mertul said quietly.

"Hasn't been like that since the Torque invasion thirty years past." Harley added.

"Somebody's in trouble. Someone who poked the wrong person, or dragon." Quake added.

Mertul and Harley looked at each other. They knew if the Bronze Man was aware, that would explain why the Wards went up.

Quake eased into the large tub to clean herself up. It felt really good to rinse all the dirt and sweat off and smell better too. She reeked of ale and beer from the previous nights drinking. She could get used to this bathing thing humanoids do to clean themselves. Well most humanoids except for dwarves and Mertul. They like the grit and dirt feel of the earth on them.

After about ten minutes the elemental had enough of the water. Lava baths were so much better but in this current form, lava would be bad. She missed being a dragon, and now longed to return to her true self again. Mertul had provided fresh clean attire for Quake as she emerged from the now muddy bath water, "Eew! I guess I was dirty and gross."