The next morning, as the inn came alive with the scents of eggs and bacon, the murmur of gentle conversation, and sheer morning light, the party reconvened. Their breakfasts, which were lush, consisted of thick slices of bacon, fresh eggs, and warm, soft toast with butter. They were silent for most of the meal, save a few smirks in Aylin's direction. She had her head propped in one of her hands, massaging her temples. Apparently, she hadn't been able to sleep most of the night. Still, no one brought up the events of the night before - especially Bromash, who was avoiding eye contact.
When the meal was finally done, the party cleared off their table and sat closer together, lowering their voices. Oswin took a deep breath and began.
"Alright, what have we got?"
Each party member took turns explaining what information they had gathered, Aera and Corus making sure to leave out how exactly they got theirs.
"I think we should check out the Smiling Jester," Aera said, "It sounds like there's some shady shit going on down there."
"First we need to go to the witch's old hut," Aylin said, "And then I agree, the two areas are far too suspicious."
"Is it smart to seek out the witch's hideout?" Corus interjected, "She might have left some traps behind."
"True," Oswin said, "But there also might be some valuable information there that we shouldn't miss."
"So we'll go south first, and then head to the Smiling Jester," Aera said, "Is that what we're saying?"
"All in favor?"
The group agreed unanimously, and decided that they had better head out before the day got too far along. Each went up to their respective rooms, armoring up and packing all of their bags. Bromash and River decided to stick with the group, and soon everyone was gathered in the main hall again. They were just about to pay their bar tab for the night when the front door burst open, and six fully-armored guardsmen entered.
As they spotted the group, the guards approached, converging with swords drawn. Aera held his hands up, "Whoa, whoa, whoa... relax, gentlemen."
"We're here to arrest Corus Pumanath," one of them said, removing his helmet. It was Fortin Hara, the head guardsman. He looked entirely unamused, in fact he was downright pissed. Everybody looked at their fishy friend, who gazed back with a stern expression.
"I will go with you," he said.
"What the fuckdid you do?" Oswin said through gritted teeth.
"I will serve the consequences of my actions," was Corus's answer.
"Listen, gentlemen," Aylin began, "This has been a horrible misunderstanding! Corus was... admittedly brash, but he was defending us." At the sight of their doubtful expressions, she continued, "Hear me out. The fight was started by this 'Sand' guy, and Corus put him down. Well, he came back, trying to start something again, so Corus went to approach him."
"Are you certain?" Hara asked. Some of the guard were shifting, looking at each other.
"Yes," Aylin said, "It's all a misunderstanding."
"No," Corus said, "I admit it, I went to Gus Sand's home, and I beat the shit out of him."
"Dammit Corus," Aera groaned.
"Why?" Fortin Hara questioned.
"For my honor," Corus said, holding out his wrists, "Take me, I will serve for my actions."
"Corus," Aylin hissed, "I've almost-"
"Silence!" Corus answered her, "I must serve for my crimes."
