Adventurer's Cabin
The 'deluxe' adventurer's cabin in Stonebarrow is actually furnished quite nicely. It's several rooms, meeting/kitchen, sleeping, and bathing. Recent renovations have even added internal plumbing to the cabin, making the bathing room equipped with running water. Hot water is provided by a second ceramic fireplace quipped with a water reservoir. Needless to say, it wakes a while to actually get a warm bath. The hot springs are still faster.

Well, if it isn't one thing, it's another, in the strange town of Stonebarrow. Not only do they have their own crazies to deal with, it seems like the outside world is intent on importing them. Today, poor Aiken seems to be cursed with dealing with the latest one, a rather strange otter who calls himself 'Sylvania Jack'. Mandy later told Aiken that the otter ended up selecting the adventurer's cabin and was busy 'moving in'. So, that's where Aiken has gone after finishing his rounds and sending Kiona home with Curiel. Jack must still be at moving in, because the front door is wide open and inside is a stack of something under a blanket. The otter, however, is nowhere to be seen.

Popping his head inside the door, Aiken looks left and right. "Hello? Mister Jack? You home?" The squirrel braces himself on the doorframe as he leans in, tail occasionally twitching in curiosity. "I've come ta take you ta see the Oggtons!"

There's an odd sound coming from the bathing room. It takes a moment to register, but it's the sound of running water. Apparently, the otter was distracted by a bathtub. Rather appropriate really, and hopefully he won't be leaving a cloud of dust in his wake anymore. With his head fully inside the door, Aiken can make out … lots and lots of covered crates of 'stuff' for the most part. The few that are uncovered have an odd collection of strange items; one looks like it's full of nothing but scrolls of some sort. Or at least rolled up paper.

The Kadie takes a few tentative steps inside the cabin, gathering his tail in his arms to keep from inadvertently knocking anything over. "Star, this stuff looks 'spensive," he muses to himself. Keeping his ears focused on the bathroom, the squirrel lets go of his tail, and nonchalantly uses it to lift up one of the blankets. "Little peek won't hurt nothin'… "

Under the blanket looks like … boxes of artifacts from around the world … or well, at least Sylvania. There are stone tablets with strange carvings in them, various statues of all shapes, sizes, and indications of species (some of which are making what appears to be a rude gesture), fragments of old stone and chitin weapons, (such as shattered swords or broken spears), and lots of tattered books. Well, maybe the otter wasn't completely full of it when he said he was an archaeologist.

This is enough to give Aiken pause, and his eyes go wide in amazement. I'd taken him for just a crackpot, the squirrel thinks, but maybe he's the real deal! Swishing his tail away from the blanket, he then uses it to smooth the cloth down, then makes his way further into the cabin. "Mister Jack? You decent in there?"

The answer to that question comes in the form of an Akwavi surfing across the wooden floor on a towel. And to describe him, decent is relatively close … he at least has a towel around his waist. He comes sliding to a halt, hand on his chest and head thrown back in dramatic pose. When he sees it's Aiken, well, he deflates a bit. "Drat, I was hoping it was a girl," he admits, "They can't resist a dramatic entrance."

Aiken's tail bristles a bit at the comment. "Didn't know my voice sounded like a woman's, mister Jack, but it was an impressive entrance anyroad." The squirrel smooths his bottle brush down a bit, then continues. "I'm here to take ya to see Emmett – that is, if your bath is done. Looks like you're mostly moved in – need any help unpackin'?"

"I need to find out where I stuck my spare clothing. The old stuff needs a bit of a beating to get out some of the grime. If you want to help look, feel free. Just don't break anything. Well, break it anymore than it's already broken, I suppose," Jack observes as he peers at the mess in the main room. He then goes about yanking off the cloth covers, commenting with a grin, "And something to know, lad. Out in the wider world, women come in all shapes and sizes and with all sorts of voices. You learn to not assume by voice. And it's just Jack, or Sylvania Jack. That mister stuff makes me feel old."

With a nod, the squirrel goes about helping the otter, pulling sheets off of the assorted crates, and peering inside. He tries not to show his excitement at viewing the assembled artifacts, but his rapidly twitching tail gives him away, and the squirrel's demeanor switches from one of mild annoyance to inquisitive awe. "Star and Anchor mis- er, Jack – how'd you come across all of this stuff?" The Kadie picks up various bits and pieces from the crates, marveling at them in turn, but not making much headway in finding the errant clothing. "I've never been outside of Stonebarrow. Well, 'cept before I was traded to the Silverfoots, but that was a long time ago."

"Where I got em depends on which bits you're referring to," Jack comments absently as he digs around. He pauses where he's at to glance over and look at the statue the Kadie has pulled out. It's an odd sort of statue, very stylized, though it bears some semblance to an Eee woman (you can tell by the hip shape, not the chest). "Ah, that one I found, hmm, quite a ways from here. Was doing a bit of research on old temples, religions, and other silliness. Uncovered what appeared to be an old temple dedicated to the worship of Angels. I think that one is supposed to be the Angel of life, though I could be wrong. I'm lacking good references on pre-war religions." And back to digging he goes. "Ahah!" he declares and pulls out what looks like some somewhat cleaner clothing. He gives them a good sniff, then says, "Good 'nuff. Smells generally clean."

Aiken marvels at the statue, then ear-blushes at he realizes he's looked at it maybe a bit too long. Gently, he replaces the artifact in its crate, and droops his tail in disappointment as he recovers it with the blanket. "Must be a nice life, getting to see all of the world. 'Course I don't need me any more women, since I got a perfect one already." The squirrel's expression brightens, and he turns to the otter. "I can take you to Emmett whenever you're ready."

Jack is already pulling on a shirt with one hand while holding his towel up with another. "The great thing about the world is that there is more to see than you ever could manage in a lifetime. Lots of danger too. Lots of places still have traps that date back to the Necromancer War. Nothing makes you soil your drawers faster than settin' off some Dagh-blasted trap and having to dodge pillars trying to crush you or spears coming out of the floor trying to get a mite too friendly with yer backside," the otter explains. "Still, wouldn't trade it for the world. I should be ready to go in a few minutes. Feel free t' look around and ask about anything that interests you."

The squirrel brightens even more at the offer, and – uncharacteristically for the usually laid back Kadie – darts from crate to crate like a kid in a candy store, with only a few minutes to make up his mind. "Whatsthiswhozitshere? Ohwait, where'dthatstatuecomefrom? Why'sthispoodlenotlooksopoofy?"

Laughing, Jack says, "Slow down there! I can't answer everything that fast. Now, for that poodle statute … that's not a poodle, that's a Titanian, lad. Big as a house, they are. Dumb as a brick too, 'cept for machines. They've got lots of research going on into ancient machines, they do. I hear rumor they've even uncovered some rather interesting plans from some of their digs. But alas, they guard that stuff pretty tightly and I wouldn't want to be at the business end of one of their hammers, neither."

"Not a poodle? Huh, that's odd." The Kadie cocks his head sideways as he listens, then sets the statue aside. He leans over the crate and digs deeper, only his erratic tail and feet soon visible. "Bet they'd get along with the Wingnuts just fine! Say, Mister Jack, what do you plan on doin' with all this stuff? Sellin' it?"

"Some I sell as trinkets to fund more expeditions. Some I give to museums that collect rare things. Depends on how rare and interesting it is. Lotsa statues don't have a whole lotta meaning outside of bein' interesting," Jack says as he pulls up his pants and cinches the makeshift belt on them.

Inside the current crate seems to be things associated with, or near, Titanians. There are, in fact, several broken Chronotopian clocks in the crate, books with the symbol of the great gear on them, and various patches probably from torn cloaks and the like. "That box there came from the southern territories of Chronotopia. Supposedly was a really nasty battle there couple hundred years or so ago against some Bosch nasties. Found lotsa weapon fragments and such during the dig out of an old outpost," the otter comments.

Grabbing a random book and clock, Aiken resurfaces from the crate, then sits cross-legged on the floor while peering intently at the items. "I don't have anything near as interesting as this in my collection, just bits and pieces from here and there." Staring in obvious wonder at the clock for a few moments, he sets it aside and opens up the book – sneezing as its innards unleash a cloud of grayish dust. "Always wanted to- CHOO – see Rephidim, or maybe Abu Dhabi."

"The land of the fuzzybutt Khatta? Interesting place, that is. Some collectors there, too. Been there a few times, myself. I highly recommend some of the places on Dream Street. Quite a show, let me tell you!" Jack says as he starts looking for something else.

The book is … written in some odd language. "That there is a book written in Olympian, iffin you can believe it. I still need to get that translated," the otter comments absently. He then poses triumphantly as he has completed his quest; he found his hat. With a rolling flourish of his arm, the otter drops the ragged bit of cloth onto the top of his head. "There, I'm presentable. Shall we go visit the horrors which are the Oggtons?"

Thumbing through the book, Aiken tries to make heads or tails out of the ancient tome, but can only scratch his head in puzzlement. "I'd love to see Dream Street some day, 'cept it's all moot since I've got a family and a business to run." Sighing, the squirrel closes the book, then puts it and the clock back in their original place after getting to his feet. Dusting off his paws, he brightens a bit. "They ain't no horrors, honest. Emmett can be kind of a kink in the tail now and then, but he means well. Let's go." He gives an about face, and heads to the street outside.

"You only can't see it if you decide you can't, lad. You're just using your family as an excuse, pah," Jack notes as he follows after the Kadie. "Tell me, what is your business?"

"Winemaking," Aiken replies, puffing up his chest a bit in exaggerated pride. "Best spirits in all of Sylvania! Well, in Stonebarrow at least. The only spirits in Stonebarrow for that matter – unless you don't mind taking your chances with the Oggtons' moonshine that is, which I don't advise if you enjoy being able to see." The squirrel chuckles, walking down the path towards the Oggtons' with a slower than normal pace for Jack's benefit. "And I can't well go traipsing around Sinai with a baby girl in tow, or leave my business be. 'Sides, nobody really makes it out of Stonebarrow."

"You could go in effort of expanding your business, lad. You just have to find a reason it benefits your business and family, is all. And who says you can't take a child along? My mother took me everywhere when I was little. And pfft, with those last words, you just sound defeated!" Jack chides the Kadie as the two walk. Up ahead is the Oggton 'Bote Rentils', Emmett's premier business.

Just across the bridge from the gypsy camp is a small pier stretching out into the swamp. A dilapidated shack anchors it on the shore, and a few flat-bottomed swamp boats are moored there as well. A sign above the loose door of the shack reads 'Oggton Bote Rentils'

The only sign of someone manning the shack is a pair of furry feet propped up on the counter.

Aiken self-consciously wraps his tail forward, holding it in his paws in semi-embarrassment at the otter's words. He does seem to respond a bit to the suggestions, however. "Well, technically the business is owned by the clan… but you may be on to something… And Kiona's a tough little acorn- whups! We're here." Darting up a bit ahead of Jack, the squirrel makes his way to the counter. "Mornin' Emmett! How's business?"

"Bidness is slow as molasses, thankfully," Emmett replies and rearranges himself so that he's leaning his elbows on the counter now. "What's new, Mr. Briar? And who's the scruffy old guy?"

"Old, old, who is old?" Jack demands of Emmett as the otter comes into view and wags a webbed finger at him. Puffing out his chest, he marches up to the counter and peers at the Akwavi warily.

"Not much new – Kiona's shootin' up like a weed, and the peaches are in season. Better let your still have a break for a bit, least until winter!" The Kadie chuckles, then blinks as Jack comes storming up. "Er, this is 'Sylvania Jack' – he said he had some business to take up with your clan. Somethin' about a key?"

Emmett grins, which looks odd given his subtly-dyed facial fur. It makes him look a bit feline. "Only old otters where hats that ugly. Where'd you find dis guy, Aiken?" Emmett says.

"At the Tavern," Aiken replies, taking a few cautious steps away from the otters. "He said he came here specifically for the Oggtons."

Jack's whiskers twitch in annoyance. "I happen to be Sylvania Jack Moschusartig, thank you. And mind your comments about my hat, you, you Oggton," the visiting Akwavi says in a huff. "My hat has been with me through every one of my expeditions. Kept me alive, it has."

"Oi, so it's the brains of the outfit, issat it?" Emmett asks. "Whatcha want to see the Oggtons for, Mr. Mushysoggy?"

"I want the fragment to the Key to Paradise that your clan stole when they fled," Jack says and crosses his arms over his chest. "We've been looking for the Oggtons for a long time."

"Now fellas," Aiken interjects, holding his paws up defensively. "There's no reason not to keep things civil. C'mon, Emmett – just hear the guy out."

"The Key of whatsit?" Emmett asks, scratching his head. "You mean Granny Oggton's Thingy? Why'd you want that old thing?"

"Ahah! So you admit that you do have it. It's important, that's why. It completes the key to an ancient lock," Jack says as he leans forward and places his hands on the counter so he can look Emmett in the eyes.

Emmett's black eyes twinkle. "Lock, eh? Where's that at?"

"Oh no, don't think I'm telling you that. Never trust an Oggton," Jack says bluntly. To Aiken he says, "See? I told you they were nothing but trouble."

Aiken – himself considerably smaller than the two otters – places himself between the pair. "Now Mister Moscha- Mushe- Mister Jack, he said he had it, so he has it. He just asked a question is all."

"So, you don't know where it is, is that it?" Emmett asks, still smiling. "Ah, don't worry Aiken, I ain't gonna let this guy get my Rughrat, so to speak."

The Kadie grimaces a bit at Emmett. "Well, then quit eggin' 'im on, Emmett! If you don't wanna show 'im the thing, then tell him so and I'll lead 'im back to his cabin."

"I know precisely where it is, thank you," Jack retorts and pushes himself off the counter and then wipes his hands on his pants. "And now I know who has the fragment."

"He's the insultin' one," Emmett notes, crossing his arms against his chest. "Casting 'spersions on our clan matron, he is."

"Ever ask her why she took her clan and left the other Akwavi behind?" Jack asks. "And you called me old before I even said anything to you."

"Granny led us here 'cuz the swamp called to her, everyone knows that," Emmett claims. "And how do I know you aren't just after her Thingy? If'n you had the fragments together before, why din't you put 'em together and unlock your whatsit?"

"I'm not that old, is why. It was broken long before I was born," Jack answers simply. "Everyone knows the Oggton leader broke the key and left in shame. And besides, it can only be used during proper planetary alignment! It's not like you can just walk into paradise anytime you want. This isn't some silly story."

"Eh? Don't you know, mate?" Emmett asks. "This is it. You're here. The Promised Land. Granny brought us here, 'cuz nobody else was worthy o' going."

"Bah, this is not it," Jack argues. "This is a swamp."

"Eh, what's wrong with swamps?" Emmett asks. "We're Akwavi! Swamp is in our blood! And other bits too, I reckon, from the smell."

Aiken just puts his paw to his forehead. "Dagh blast it, what have I started now," he mutters. "Okay fellas, let's put family history aside for a bit. Whether Granny Oggton was at fault or not, it was a long time 'go, and bygones're bygones. Mister Jack, maybe you could buy the thingy from Emmett – or maybe trade one of your treasures for it?"

"I ain't got it," the Oggton remarks. "Granny does. Wears it aroun' her neck."

"Well, then bring 'er here and we'll discuss trading for it," Jack relents with a glance to Aiken. "And lots is wrong with swamps, starting with the smell."

"Well, we can't just bring Granny Oggton 'out', mister Jack," Aiken says, rubbing the back of his neck. "She's seen more than her fair share a seasons, so we'd have to take you to her. That is, if Emmett says its alright."

"Wanna rent a boat then?" Emmett asks, his eyes lighting up. "Special rates for out of town otters."

"How much?" Jack asks with narrowed eyes.

"Well, that depends!" Emmett says, standing up straighter. "Ten shekels for the boat, but just twenny for directions to Granny's barge. That's a bargain, that is."

"And will you pilot the boat?" Jack asks, "So I can be sure that your directions are legitimate?"

"Ooo, piloting is extra," Emmett notes. "Figgered with you being an otter and a traveler and all, you'd pilot the boat yerself. What'll you offer me to do it for ya?"

"C'mon, Emmett," Aiken says, giving the otter a pleading look. "I'm goin' along with him, how bout you give him my discount just this once? Remember that case of raspberry wine me and Curiel got you for your birthday?"

"If I was certain your directions were valid, then yes I'd pilot it," Jack says, crossing his arms again. "What would you want?"

Emmett rubs his chin, and glances at Aiken. "Does this guy have anything good to trade?" he asks the Kadie.

The Kadie's tail perks up at this. "Does he ever! Emmett, you should see the stuff this fella has!" He grins, looking back and forth between the otters. "I'd wager my tail he has something you and granny both would like!"

Jack covers his face. "Way to play your hand, there, lad. You don't tell the person you're bartering with everything," the otter grumbles.

"Hmmm, mebbe Granny would go for a swap," Emmett grants. "Tell ya what, for just… oh… thirty shekels… I'll go tell her and see if she's willin' to come look over your stuff, Mr. Mushysoggy. Would she know your clan?"

With a blink, the squirrel's ears and tail droop at Jack's words. "Sorry, Mister Jack."

"She should yes, given her sister married into my clan. I am a direct descendant, in fact," Jack answers. To the Kadie, he shrugs and pats the squirrel on the back, "Eh, you've not been around. I shouldn't expect you to know."

"Oi, Granny has a sister?" Emmett asks, looking curious. "So you've got some Oggton blood in you then?"

"As much as it pains me," Jack grumbles.

"Wait, wouldn't granny have married into the Oggtons too then? Or do Akwavi keep the woman's last name?" The squirrel scratches his head in confusion.

"Well, what's her name?" Emmett asks. "I'm sure Gran will be happy to hear she's gotta great-grand-nephew come a visitin'." Then to Aiken, he explains, "It's the Clan name, see? Like you is Aiken Briar Silverfoot. Only we drops the middle name, like the Chalks do."

Aiken mouths a wordless 'oh' in understanding, then looks back to the pair. "Why not let Mister Jack just talk to her, Emmett? Or is she feelin' okay?"

"Because he probably wants to see what her reaction is to an otter coming looking for her, first," Jack reasons. "He doesn't trust me."

"Never can tell with Granny," Emmett replies. "She's usually a bit ornery."

Aiken sticks his paws in his pockets, tail twitching in slight frustration. "Well, what'll it be, fellas? Have Granny come visit Mister Jack's cabin, or have us go visit Granny?"

"Emmett can come to the cabin and tell us her answer," Jack offers. "I need to inventory anyway and unpack more."

"Sure thing," Emmett says. "Oh, might help if you had a fish to offer her too, to show goodwill and whatnot."

Aiken nods to the pair, then turns to Jack. "Why not tell him the name of your granny? Maybe ol' Granny Oggton will miss her and be curious about her nephew?"

"And let me guess, you're willing to sell me a fish?" Jack asks Emmett. He then looks to the Kadie and hmms, "Perhaps, perhaps."

"Whut, that wouldn't be a proper gift," Emmett says. "You gotsa catch a gift fish. Are you sure you're an otter, mate?"

"I figured you were angling for more money," Jack points out, "Of course I'm an otter and can catch a fish. In any event, just tell her Viveka sends her regards and her grandchild."

"Gotcha!" Emmett says, winking and giving a thumbs-up.

"What time should we be expectin' you, Emmett?" asks Aiken. "I can't stay out too late – Curiel's makin' a cashew casserole tonight!" The Kadie licks his lips.

"Well, she should be coming up outta her midday nap in a bit," Emmett notes, looking thoughtful. "So, mebbe an hour or two. Where are you staying, Sylvania Jack?"

"One of the tavern's cabins. I'll hang my hat on the door handle so you know which one," Jack says. He pats Aiken on the back, saying "C'mon, I could use some help unpacking."

The frustrated squirrel's demeanor brightens, and without another word, he zooms off down the path towards the village. "OkaythenI'llseeyoutonightEmmettc'monmisterJackI'llraceya!"