Aiken goes to the Frog and Peach to wait for his wife Curiel to finish her shopping, taking Kiona along with him. Mandy, the Lapi barmaid, needs to be reassured that the tavern's collection of wine will not go bad or explode.

Olivia comes into the tavern with a piece of paper, and is relieved to find the Kadie vintner (even though Kiona attacks her tail). She shows him the list of drinks that Emmett says are needed for the party, and Aiken assures her they'll be fine – so long as she buys them from the tavern and not from any otters.

And speaking of otters, a strange one barges into the tavern – strange in that he's fully clothed and incredibly dusty. He announces himself as Sylvania Jack, renowned explorer and adventurer. A little chatting with Aiken and Olivia reveals that he's not just here to check out the Barrow, but to find the Oggtons and recover a piece of an important artifact that they are alleged to have stolen.