Part 1

"So what's this thing you've found that you had me come all the way down here to Southern Itari? It wasn't exactly an easy trip you know." James Hargrave said to the wild haired woman sitting across from him at the restaurant table. She looked like she'd been in the woods for weeks, her hair a tangle, and her face and arms covered in dirt.

"I don't know! Isn't that fascinating?" She replied. "Me, Emma Rawlinson! And I don't know what I found!"

"I have to admit that is interesting." James acknowledged as their food arrived. He was downright shocked at the town when he had first arrived. He didn't even know tabaxi formed towns this elaborate, he thought to himself. Or that they cooked food, for that matter, as he began to eat. "This meat is so tender, what is it?" He asked the waiter after the first bite.

"The honoured guest should not ask question he doesn't want answer to, yes?" The waiter responded, bowing.

"...Ah." James replied. He elected to continue eating regardless, as it was delicious.

As the meal wound down, Emma looked slightly guilty. "James, I forgot to mention, but..."

"But what?" James asked.

"I'm broke. If you would?" Emma replied, looking away for a moment.

James sighed. "Mister Waiter, will you accept Gilnan Pounds?" He called out to the tabaxi, who nodded eagerly as he made his way over.

"Yes, Gilnan currency is very good, you will tip well, yes?" The waiter said, looking expectantly at James. James dug into his pocket, pulled out a half crown and tossed it at the waiter. "Half crown? You are most generous, honoured guest. Please let us know if you need anything else."

James nodded, then looked back at Emma. "Emma, be honest with me. Was the main reason you sent for me because you ran out of money and couldn't get home?"

Emma didn't answer, only looked down.

"Emma, look at me. You ran out of money and are stranded here, aren't you?"

"...yes."

James sighed even louder.