Jungle Ruins of Madaro-Shanti [IC]

[Koral]

Ignasio surveyed the assembled group around him with open interest, what an interesting combination! Finally the southern lands started living up to his expectation of it being exotic and foreign and exciting. They did not seem to know each other (though he did recognise two as fellow passengers on the Bannor's Pride) so he assumed that they were all here on some sort of business or errand.
He took off his hat, as courtesy states, and approached the clerk with confidence of one knowing his way around state bureaucracies "Pleased to meet you kind sir" he bowed lightly, flashing his best smile, "my name is Ignasio Fluentio de san christobal Guanahato, surely you have herd of the Guanahato Cartel as a major worldwide mercantile force and it is my intention to start a trade route in your lovely …ummm….town. Now, can you walk me through the procedures, documents and dues and maybe share some tips regarding local trade and trends? I am also interested in some sightseeing, always best to know the local traditions in order to do good business no?"

Spoiler: OOC:

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apologies for confusing the thread, back on track.

[A.A.King]

Upon hearing the news about the council, Cederick nods towards Gilberto to show he had understood him. Very quickly after that a half-orc walked in and growled. Cederick was a bit perplexed at that until he started talking.

"Ah, you just missed the announcement, we've been told that they will be here in a hour. If you have the time to wait than I am sure you can speak to them then." he then walks toward the table of fruit. Given the long boat trip it had been a while since he had something fresh.

[Mercurion 2]

“Hai, Niala, bix yanikech?,” the man replied, finishing a slice of orange and tossing the rind on the ground as he rose from the barrel. He squinted at her with a teasing smile in his lips. “And where is your fanged furball? You have not misplaced him again, have you?”

“And if by “lead” you mean “guide”, then yes, as always I am the best man for the job! But as to troops?” He spared a glance at the rest of the group assembled and waiting on the square. “These are too young, and too green, and too poor and desperate to have the sense to flee the muyal kaxan…unlike me, who is simply too stubborn. But then, I am indestructible!” he laughed.

“No, the Council is searching for more experienced hunters to venture into the jungle—to Madaro-Shanti no less! My job is to get them there, alive if possible.”

Pisco, rubbed a calloused thumb along his jaw. “And what of you Niala? Where will you go, with the muyal kaxan coming?”

Spoiler: OOC

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Nio, I didn’t see that you had indicated the gender of Niala’s leopard, so I made an assumption that it is male, but we can retcon that if that is not the case. Also, would he be possible for you to post the stats for the leopard?

[Mercurion 2]

“Yeeeessssss,” Gilberto answered, settling his glassed back on the bridge of his nose as he subtly took in Ignasio. “Sightseeing. Yes. The Chologadi Council is arranging something very much like that, should you be interested. They shall be here shortly with more details. He hardly seems the type, but beggers can’t be choosers and all that Gilberto thought to himself. Besides, his job was to gather candidates for the Council, not ensure that they survived once they entered the Ambicuaria. “As far as permits and the like, Councilor Dokaram handles financial and trade matters. He will be along with the others.”

[Auranghzeb]

It takes Karan a few moments to gather himself in the middle of all these very talkative humans.

Good Elhonna!

The parrot was the quieter of the lot!


He moves forward and says, authoritatively.

The paths of the jungle are becoming deadly, and there's something going further in that you people have gone in a long time. I don't like your town or your people, but this is a grave situation that requires us to work together.


Then he falls silent, looking as if that short tirade had exhausted him.

[Koral]

“Yeeeessssss,” Gilberto answered, settling his glassed back on the bridge of his nose as he subtly took in Ignasio. “Sightseeing. Yes. The Chologadi Council is arranging something very much like that, should you be interested. They shall be here shortly with more details. He hardly seems the type, but beggers can’t be choosers and all that Gilberto thought to himself. Besides, his job was to gather candidates for the Council, not ensure that they survived once they entered the Ambicuaria. “As far as permits and the like, Councilor Dokaram handles financial and trade matters. He will be along with the others.”

"Oh, what a fantastic coincidence!" exclaimed Ignasio, either completely oblivious or completely ignoring the somber faces around him. "I will definitely join such expedition, how exciting, into the wild jungles of the south!". He looked around searching for an emphatic partner to share his excitement with, "Will there be a designated cook escorting us? Because otherwise I can offer my humble skills, it has been a while since I practiced cooking on the field but my Rabbit alla Caciattora is something the Lady Sasteen herself cherishes to this very day, of course the local herbs and spices will need to be considered….hmmm…" and he got all lost in thoughts, considering culinary options and recipes.

[Stepfan]

Alan nodded at the attendant as he entered the council building. He took notice of the other four in the building, the two he was following, a strange half orc, and a ... ahhh Ignasio... I wasn't expecting him, I thought he has some sort of trade business to do... oh well hardly a problem. More help the better, less likely to get stabbed if there are more targets.

"Hello, I am Alan Robinson and I heard talk around town that there was some sort of meeting to deal with the approaching doom? As a magical purveyor I thought I would offer my services."

He listened as the clerk mentioned the meeting and some sort of thing about refreshments, then moved to join the others at the table, it never would do to turn down some free food.

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry if I made bad assumptions about the clerk, still new to all of this. As for any statements about Ignasio, I assumed from reading about him that he would have mentioned on the boat vaguely who he was and what he was doing and he is certainly a memorable man, my apologies if that is incorrect and I will be happy to edit if needed.

[Goby]

Thorium looks around the room, sizing up the wide range of people assembling for this meeting. Most seem to be strangers from out of town, and perhaps new to the challenges of the wild. As a guide, he’s used to evaluating the survival skills of those that seek to venture out into the dangerous jungle. Excursions can be dangerous, but it’s bad for business to come back without your clients. This lot looks interesting, to put it politely, though it takes all kinds, and sometimes he has been surprised at people’s capabilities. Perhaps the council representatives will have some good information to share.

He turns as the rough looking half orc speaks. Something about him seems familiar, though it takes a minute to recall why. Then it hits him, that must be the ranger that some of the less discerning merchants who procure items from the jungle have complained about. The kind of clients that Thorik refuses to deal with have mentioned a guardian in the forest.

“You’re Karan, aren’t you?”, he says as he approaches the woodsman, picking up some fruit along the way. “I’ve heard of you, though I thought it had been many years since you’d returned to Cholagadi? You have also encountered the dangers of the dark cloud?”

[A.A.King]

Cederick stands near the table, away from most interactions. He put his cane against the table so he could eat more easily, and now he just watches and observes. In these situations it is always better to know who you're dealing with before telling them anything about you. Im fact he was a little surprised that the friendly dwarf who let him here was seemingly intending to join the mission. If he had known that earlier he would not have shared s much information with him earlier. Rookie mistake.

[Auranghzeb]

Karan feels stupid, apparently, the council is already aware of the dangers and are acting accordingly. How surprising.

Then he turns when Thorik addresses him, he looks at the dwarf from top to bottom, staring at his big heavy dwarven feet...

Yes, I know those boots. Not a moon ago you were hunting north of the Usumacinta river, over the mangrove. You should wear something softer, the mangrove's roots get squashed and harm by those you know.


He then tries to amend his rudeness and answer the dwarf's question.

There's something indeed. My bet is that it comes from the ruins...

[Niobaran]

“Hai, Niala, bix yanikech?,” the man replied, finishing a slice of orange and tossing the rind on the ground as he rose from the barrel. He squinted at her with a teasing smile in his lips. “And where is your fanged furball? You have not misplaced him again, have you?”

“And if by “lead” you mean “guide”, then yes, as always I am the best man for the job! But as to troops?” He spared a glance at the rest of the group assembled and waiting on the square. “These are too young, and too green, and too poor and desperate to have the sense to flee the muyal kaxan…unlike me, who is simply too stubborn. But then, I am indestructible!” he laughed.

“No, the Council is searching for more experienced hunters to venture into the jungle—to Madaro-Shanti no less! My job is to get them there, alive if possible.”

Pisco, rubbed a calloused thumb along his jaw. “And what of you Niala? Where will you go, with the muyal kaxan coming?”

She laughs as he calls himself indestructible, and then responds to what he said. "Ma'alob. Kux tech? No, but my Suku'un hates entering the village." She shrugs. "It's always so loud and crowded... and all the screaming. As if he'd ever attack one of them.... But yeah, back to the muyal kaxan, and where I will go. You know, Pisco, I guess I'll go right towards it." She slowly shakes her head. "It's not ... natural. Someone needs to stop it. I can't do it alone though, I reckon." She looks at him, and winks. "Mind helping each other out? You know I can pass the jungle without that asqueroso knife of yours. And the fewer vines we cut, the better."

[Mercurion 2]

OOC: Feel free to make backposts if you want to continue any conversations amongst yourselves.

IC:
A chime rang somewhere from above in the Council Hall, prompting Gilberto to look up from the papers he had been studying. He stood up, straightened his fine gray embroidered tunic and said, “The Council is ready. If you will follow me please.” He lead them up a bannistered staircase to the third floor and through a wide doorway into a large, high-ceiled room with windows looking over the walls of the town and out upon the dark jungle. Not far in the distance a dark haze hung over the chaotic green foliage.

Three figures occupied the room as they entered: a middle-aged man sporting an impressive paunch was standing in the middle of the room, a woman with fierce eyes staring out from under a steel gray bun of hair, and a halfling sitting behind a table who appeared relatively young other than the fact he was rapidly losing his curly brown hair. The first man nodded as the five filed into the room.

“Councilors,” Gilberto Hemlen said with a deferential nod, “here are a number folk who have expressed an interest in the expedition.”

“Thank you, Gilberto, and thank you all for coming,” the man said. His voice was gentle, but weariness and stress strained his tone. “I am Fredrico Almani, head of the Council. Bettrice Hone,” he added, indicating the woman, and “Dokaram here are the other members representing the city. No doubt you are already aware of our situation: a cursed cloud approaches Chologadi, poisoning and killing everything under it. It seems to be centered on the old city of Madaro-Shanti and is expanding quickly. We have put together an expedition—guards, porters, guides—but need proven people to lead it.”

“It will no doubt be dangerous, I cannot deny that. But many lives and livelihoods hang in the balance, as does the very existence of Chologadi. Are any of you willing to assist us in this effort?” he asked with a note of desperate hopefulness.

Spoiler: OOC for Thorik

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Thorik knows of Bettrice Hone, if only by reputation. Bettrice “Mother Crocodile” Hone is said to be a fierce woman, one it is ill-advised to cross lest one suddenly find themselves in her steel jaws.

[Auranghzeb]

Karan took a step forward, leaving all shames behind for a second.

I am willing to. The paths to the ruins are covered by the jungle, but I have traveled in the past and they should be easy to find.

[Goby]

Thorik considers Karan's advice, as he was known to be wise in the ways of the jungle.

"Huh, perhaps if my last jobs hadn't been ruined by that blasted cloud, I could afford some better boots. It's hard to find good gear for my big feet, and now all the merchants are leaving town.", he responds before turning at the sound of the chime.

He listens to the councilor speak, considering his response more carefully than normal, having not often found himself dealing with government officials.

"I, too, will volunteer. Good to know that you recognized the threat, as it's not just to Chologadi but the entire region. I'm not familiar with this old city, though I've heard rumors. Point me that way, and I'll join your expedition."

[A.A.King]

Cederick had spend most of hos time waiting for the council observing the others, and most of them seemed like no threat at all. The two simple jungle folk seemed usual enough for this mission and unlikely to uncover hos secret. The Ignasio fellow was... weird but harmless. Keeping on the good side of a powerful mercantile group could be useful in the long run but Cederick wasn't certain what the guy would add right now. Was he even aware of how dangerous this cloud was?

The only person Cederick felt the need to be careful around was Alan. He was a mage of some kind. Cederick had noticed him on the boat to here and later he had noticed Alan following him and Karan, clearly the man was observant enough to notice they needed to go to the same place. If anyone would notice his secrets, it would probably be him. Cederick still needed to remain cautious.

"We too shall offer up our services" Cederick said, and he made a little bow (make sure to not bend too far so that Pearl, who was making a bow of his own, would not fall off "I have explored a few old ruins in the past already and while each one of them was of course different I would still like to think that this would be somewhat of an advantage to the expedition once we make it to Madaro-Shanti. Also, if nothing else, I have studied many dead scripts and if the old people of Madaro-Shanti left us any knowledge about this cloud I should be able to translate it."

[Stepfan]

Alan considered his options, accompanying this group was almost certainly the best way to get close to this dark cloud and abscond with any of the power there was to be had. Karan and Thorik were exactly the people he'd been hoping to accompany, skilled trackers who understood this nasty jungle and would likely prove useful in a fight. He wasn't certain what Ignasio was doing, but doubted the man would be harmful to what he was pursuing. Alan had no interest in commercial goods and if the man wanted to identify commercially useful items he was welcome to them. However Cedric... that could be a problem. Alan recognized a half truth where he heard it, he had given enough of them himself over the years, and that claim about being a minor explorer and translator rang hollow. He wasn't certain why, and he had no real knowledge of what the full truth was yet. Again he mentally cursed himself for not trying to find out more on the boat, but he'd appreciated the respite and the quiet after his last expedition.

There wasn't likely to be another expedition, at least not soon enough, and for now the old man was willing to accompany them. Alan doubted he was just trying to slit their throats while they slept either, so for now it was best to proceed.

"As I stated on my way in to this fine council chamber, I am a purveyor of magics myself and felt called to assist with this dire situation when I arrived. I am happy to take a place in this expedition and see where I can help.

... and keep an eye on Cedric while I'm at it...

[Mercurion 2]

Almani’s shoulders relaxed as the tension drained from them, at least a little bit, as one-by-one the attendees agreed to investigate the approaching cloud. Even Bettrice Hone’s usual scowl was replaced but a neutral look—which was almost a smile for her. The three Council members turned their eyes to Ignasio Aurelio de San Christobal Guanahato, the only one yet to speak up.

[Mercurion 2]

She laughs as he calls himself indestructible, and then responds to what he said. "Ma'alob. Kux tech? No, but my Suku'un hates entering the village." She shrugs. "It's always so loud and crowded... and all the screaming. As if he'd ever attack one of them.... But yeah, back to the muyal kaxan, and where I will go. You know, Pisco, I guess I'll go right towards it." She slowly shakes her head. "It's not ... natural. Someone needs to stop it. I can't do it alone though, I reckon." She looks at him, and winks. "Mind helping each other out? You know I can pass the jungle without that asqueroso knife of yours. And the fewer vines we cut, the better."

Pisco feigned offense and touched his machete protectively. “Ai, my maskab’ is hats’uts…ih hay!*” he said running a finger down the side of his weapon and breaking into a smile. His smile then turned thoughtful.

“I would welcome you on the expedition…ai, even your Suku’un, too, if he behaves himself this time. Right now, we have more bravery than wisdom,” he said with a thoughtful look at the group gathered in the square. Pisco sat back down on the barrel and began peeling another orange, offering a slice to Niala as he stripped away the rind. The gnome could smell the fragrant, sweet juice. “It is hoped that the Council can find others willing to test the muyal kaxan, else this journey will be short…and painful.”

“But we will have to cut some vines, I am sorry to tell you. Not everyone can pass through the jungle as you can. We will be bringing a wagon with supplies—see those two there?” he said, pointing to a pair across the square, a boy and a girl of perhaps 16 summers each. “They are the mule drivers. Minnee and Donnal. Their father cuts cocobolao wood, but now everyone flees, and they hope to help drive back the black cloud.” Pisco sighed. “So, until we get to the old road, at least, my maskab’ will be busy clearing the way.”

The guide looked sidelong at Niala. “You have been in the jungle as the muyal kaxan has grown. Is there anything you have learned?”

Spoiler: OOC

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*my machete is lovely…and sharp!”

[Koral]

Ignasio spent most of the introduction time carefully examining an exotic fruit he found in the entrance buffet, the taste was OK but the texture was not to his liking, there was a potential of using it alongside some cherry brandy and some spices as an exotic veal marinade. Maybe if he fry it first in some olive oil and some onions….
The words "Expedition" and "danger" registered in his head at some point and raising his head he found the councillor (and pretty much the rest of the assembly) eyeing him, seems like he was expected to say something.
"Hmm, yes, certainly, I concur" he said hastily and then cleared his throat to make it sound more official "The Guanahato cartel is making a point to assist with the financial well being of its customers, instability and uncertainty are always a fertile ground for bad business and I will be more than happy to assist and participate in any effort to secure the future of our mutual endeavour" .
Overall, he was quite happy with himself, quite a nice statement given the circumstances though he doubted his words accumulated anything meaningful. Exotic jungle, ruined ancient city and excitement instead of boring commercial papers to sign? Bring it on!

[Mercurion 2]

Fredrico Almani breathed a sigh of relief as Ignasio also agreed to accompany the expedition. “Very good, friends. We thank you, and the city of Chologadi thank you—".

Bettrice interjected herself into the conversation, pointedly and as bluntly. “We’ve prepared an expedition, as you’ve heard, at great expense. You’ll find your guide, Pisco, at the caravanserai in Jaguar Square near the Jungle Gate. We’ve spared no expense: you have five guards and five porters at your disposal, not to mention a wagon and mule team. Try not to waste our money. I’d suggest you get started at once,” she said, seemingly thinking the group were conscripts rather than volunteers. Almani looked slightly embarrassed and tried to smooth over Bettrice Hone’s rather rough tone.

“Yes, as my fellow Council member explained, the expedition has been outfitted with supplies—food, water, but also ropes, shovels, all the things you’ll need to reach Madaro-Shanti. Pisco, your guide, has many years of experience in the jungle and knows the way. Again, we are most grateful for you help and wish you success—the town is counting on it!”

Spoiler: OOC

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As the Council indicated, the expedition has all the mundane equipment you’ll want, so no need to stock anything basic yourselves, if you need a standard piece of equipment like rope, axes, shovels, etc. you can assume it is in the wagon that will be coming along.

[Auranghzeb]

Karan

Karan sneered at the council's words.

Why would they be taking all this into the jungle? always trying to make things more complicated. Destroying instead of cooperating with the jungle itself.

It angered him to no avail. But he understood he needed the help

He looked at the dwarf, the only one who looked half competent and said:

I'll be waiting for this caravan in the path. Hurry up

And he burst out of the council and out of the town into the jungle to wait for them.

[Goby]

Thorik

"Pisco? They hired Pisco? That's a lot of people and gear to take, more than I would have chosen, but at least I don't have to guide it. Though I'll probably end up having to defend it, and we'll move a lot slower. At least Karan is going, he'll be good to have with us when something goes wrong. Not sure about these foreigners, though I guess we might need those skilled in the magic arts."

Thorik nods to the councilors.

"Good of you to provide us with supplies for the journey. We'll see what we can find in these ruins.
I'm going to check out Pisco and his team, anyone that wants to, follow me to Jaguar Square."


He waits a moment to see if anyone wishes to follow, and heads for the caravan to see how well equipped the expedition will be.

[A.A.King]

"We'll take you up on that offer" Cederick said to the dwarf. "As you already know, I don't quite know my way around town yet."

[Koral]

"Jaguar square" exclaimed Ignasio "Sounds so exciting" he turned to the man with the parrot on his shoulder who was clearly as a foreigner as himself "do you think they have real Jaguars there? I hear they can be tamed….".
Without really waiting for an elaborate response to his rhetorical question he turned to the councilor "Thank you, my good man, for showing your trust in me and the Guanahato cartel, I am sure that neither of us will be disappointed with your choice. Now if you will excuse me I need to pack my personal equipment and make some arrangements in my Inn before leaving" (yes, and have a good long bath he thought to himself).
He curtseyed in the general direction of the ominous looking lady (she and the lady Sasteen will make a nice couple) and excused himself from the hall.
He made his way back to the Golden Roost inn then, packed his most essential items (can't leave to an unknown jungle without spare handkerchief, some tea herbs, tobacco and a bar of soap, can you now ?) arranged for the remainder of his belonging to be kept by the inn owner (for an extra fee) and stepped out, shaven, bathed and perfumed into the humid square. Barely here and already an adventure, how marvelous! He spotted a thin street urchin and tossed him a copper "There are two more for you lad, if you take me in the shortest way to Jaguar square" he said, showing the kid the promised coins and then using some cheap slight of hands to make them disappear. "Quickly now, let's move"

Spoiler

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I know, it's not a parrot, it's a Cockatoo. But Ignasio, he either doesn't know or doesn't care :). Also, if anyone wishes to speak to Ignasio before he leaves please post and I'll backtrack

[Auranghzeb]

Karan moves out of Chologadi and waits for the group there, sorting his arrows by feather colors and meditating on Elhonna's will.

[Stepfan]

Alan looked at the dwarf. "Yes I think an escort would be fantastic, I certainly don't know my way around town yet. Thank you. He adjusts the straps on his pack for a moment then asks, "May I inquire as to your name? It seems we will be working together for now and it would be good to have something to call you."

[Goby]

Thorik gathers the two newcomers and heads off towards the square.

"I'm Thorik, a guide from the jungle. Who are you two, and what brings to to Chologadi in these dark times?"

[Niobaran]

Spoiler: Last post for reference

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Pisco feigned offense and touched his machete protectively. “Ai, my maskab’ is hats’uts…ih hay!*” he said running a finger down the side of his weapon and breaking into a smile. His smile then turned thoughtful.

“I would welcome you on the expedition…ai, even your Suku’un, too, if he behaves himself this time. Right now, we have more bravery than wisdom,” he said with a thoughtful look at the group gathered in the square. Pisco sat back down on the barrel and began peeling another orange, offering a slice to Niala as he stripped away the rind. The gnome could smell the fragrant, sweet juice. “It is hoped that the Council can find others willing to test the muyal kaxan, else this journey will be short…and painful.”

“But we will have to cut some vines, I am sorry to tell you. Not everyone can pass through the jungle as you can. We will be bringing a wagon with supplies—see those two there?” he said, pointing to a pair across the square, a boy and a girl of perhaps 16 summers each. “They are the mule drivers. Minnee and Donnal. Their father cuts cocobolao wood, but now everyone flees, and they hope to help drive back the black cloud.” Pisco sighed. “So, until we get to the old road, at least, my maskab’ will be busy clearing the way.”

The guide looked sidelong at Niala. “You have been in the jungle as the muyal kaxan has grown. Is there anything you have learned?”

Spoiler: OOC

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*my machete is lovely…and sharp!”

"Yes, I have feared you would say that... But please, promise me, if we find animals who seem hostile to you, give me a chance to calm them before hunting them down. Enough lives are claimed by the cloud already, I do not want to lose more brothers and sisters than necessary." she answers, presumably addressing his planned application of the maskab'. "Some have foretold that the three nature spirits would be in turmoil: Toncho, Cho-Oda, and Magalo Hiti. And now... now there is this unnatural cloud. I do not know if or how it is connected." She shrugs. "When we listen closely, the drops on the ground will tell us. And probably, those... books of yours will also help." Clearly with yours she means the civilized world, not Pisco as an individual. "I will go and get to know those younglings." She says lowly and steps over the younger guards of the caravan.

"Greetings, you two. My name is Niala, and I will accompany this caravan."

[Mercurion 2]

“My, he is an eager fellow, isn’t he?” Almani blinked as Karan tore out of the Council Hall. “Good Hunting,” he added as the rest of the group began to file back down the stairs towards the main square. “We hope you are successful soon.”

Spoiler: OOC

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Please continue introducing yourselves as Thorik, Ignasio, Cederick, and I presume Alan make their way over to the caravanserai.

[A.A.King]

"Nice to meet you Alan, my name is Cederick and my feathered friend here is Jacob."

"NICE TO MEET YOU, NICE TO MEET YOU" gawked the bird.

"We are here exactly because of the dark times. It's just such a fascinating phenomena that I could not say no to an opportunity to investigate it." Cederick says in response to Thorik's response. "in that regard I feel I have a lot in common with mister Alan. I guess it takes a specific kind of outsider to still want to come in to try and help when the situation has become this dire"

Though after saying that he notices the still to him undecipherable Ignasio who had come in on the same oat as Alan and him.

".. then again, I guess all kinds of people can come and over their services... either way, Jacob and I hope that our services will be an help to the town"