"That is it" Raspberry sighed with exasperation. "I need a drink. Barkeep!" she shouted as she shoved the crudely drawn map at Novato and wandered off to the large bar. Ailell shrugged and wandered off to join her.
Novato watched them leave before exchanging a 'what just happened' look with his mate Sunhalter, who merely shrugged back at him. "Well, I guess we should go see what Lilith wants, right?" He asked.
"I suppose we should." Sunhalter agreed, leading the way to the rounded, battered table where Lilith sat among a group of others.
Before either of them could open their mouths, Lilith interjected excitedly - the thick accent noticeably absent. "Welcome! Novato and Sunhalter, was it?" she did not await a response "Here, allow me to introduce you to Urchin" she gestured at a tall and vibrant Tsabhua to her left. Urchin nodded in acknowledgement of the greeting, the others nodding back. "And over here we have Maypop!" she gestured next to Urchin at another Tsabhua who seemed to hunch over, but notably merely stared, unblinking.
"err, hi?" Sunhalter faltered, a little put off by Maypop's unwavering stare.
"Great to meet you both, I am Novato, and this here is my mate, Sunhalter."
"Good good, now, on to business. You lot will be travelling together on to-"
"Hang on a dang minute" Novato interrupted, his brows furrowed so much they nearly touched.
"Lilith, please clarify what you mean. We are confused." Sunhalter gently prompted, placing a hand on her mate once again to calm him down.
"Well of course you are all looking for the same thing, right? Well why not look for them together~!" Lilith beamed. "It is no secret around these parts, and you all seem quite trustworthy."
Novato and Sunhalter exchanged a brief look causing Novato to sigh in resignation "Alright, so what is the plan?"
"We are going to be introduced to these... newcomers." Urchin chimed in "And hopefully gain some answers to the questions we all seem to have."
Novato did not seem to convinced to trust the two new strangers, however agreed that Lilith was their best lead so far. "Alright, but, how?"
"I'm going to introduce you, silly!" Lilith beamed again, giving a sly smile as if stating the obvious.

-----

It had seemed like weeks since the group set out from Tenné Quai, following their Belemoid guide, Lilith, however it had only been half a day. Sunhalter was doing her best to not complain but was struggling to follow Lilith's path along the rocky cliff side which had an incredibly narrow path, if it could be called a path. Maypop opted to bring up the rear, silently, which put Novato and Sunhalter on edge since it seemed that Maypop could move without making a sound so it was unclear exactly how far behind she was to the rest of the group. Novato found himself constantly looking over his shoulder only to be met with the silent wide eyed stares of their strange companion. The weather quickly started to turn as the day progressed, buffeting the group with wind and sheer rain. The rocky path became quite slippery beneath their feet; but seemed to not phase Lilith nor Maypop. Urchin appeared to be very prepared for the turning of the weather, donning a water repellent coat which kept him dry.
In comparison, Novato and Sunhalter were soaked and struggling, rapidly reaching their limit.

"How much longer!?" Novato shouted loudly to be heard above the howling winds. Lilith did not answer, but instead Urchin turned his head and shouted back.
"We will rest up ahead. There is a shelter not too far from here where we will wait out the storm."
True to his word, there indeed was a small shelter dug out of the cliff. Surprisingly was already stocked and a fire roaring in the corner. A soft noise echoed in the cave - Maypop had let out an excited whistle which was both haunting but yet soothing. Sunhalter quickly made her way to the fire to dry off, doffing her pack and wringing out the water it had accumulated.
"Hang on..." Novato started "what is all this about?"
Lilith merely smiled with excitement as Urchin started to talk "We of the Ocean make sure we care for one another. Places like this are stocked for visitors to escape weather like we experienced. The ocean is beautiful but also unforgiving...." Urchin's voice trailed off, lost in thought. A crack of thunder almost underlined his statement as the storm outside worsened.
Maypop started wandering the small cave, investigating everything she could find with a curious wonderment.

After a few hours, the group were rested and had snacked on some provisions Lilith had packed from the tavern for the trip. Not much of anything was discussed during this time as everyone dried off, napped or just otherwise occupied themselves. Quite suddenly Lilith clapped her hands, causing everyone to jolt in surprised and look at her. "Right-o then! I think it's about time, how about you?"
The silence that followed was cut by the sound of approaching wet footsteps. "I believe it is, Lilith."
A figure stood by the opening, smooth skin dripping and gleaming in the light of the fire.
"Everyone, it is my greatest pleasure to introduce to you my colleague, Bloodbeak!" Lilith announced.
"Always a pleasure, Lilith. I'm glad to meet you all, sorry to have you come somewhere so secluded to meet. Have to avoid the watchful eye, ya know." Bloodbeak shot a grin, and swished their large finned tail against the wet rock - clanking giving away the presence of jewelry.