“Here you are Glass: fresh Siltrian roast! And be sure to try one of these fine confections. I don’t know what to call them, but Mandri tells me they are very popular in Qoth — which normally wouldn’t be cause for jubilation, but I will admit I’m quite fond of them.”

As you talk with Yuovo, you hear the same thunderous voice from earlier. “What fortune to have this adorable hunter wash up on our shore!“

Before you is easily the largest person you’ve seen in your life.

“Glass, this is my wife, Mandri!” 

“Light guide you!”

 You croak out the first thing on your mind, “Your wife? You two… are quite the dynamic couple.”

Yuovo laughs, “What can I say? I like older women.”

“He has been using this joke for the entire 54 years of our shared splendor.” Mandri says.

54 years? Your mind is all over the place.  “You probably get this a lot, but you look very young for your age!”

“Aww that’s so sweet to hear! I am 109.”

…You focus on something else so as to not break your brain.

Not the first hot drink you’ve had, but thanks for the reminder.

…

This is interesting. It’s thick and sweet. Very foamy. Almost citrusy. Pleasant amount of acidity, which your Gnomanyan tongue can admire. This is acceptable.

“So Glass, tell me more about this ‘cross continental’ swim of yours?” he chuckles.

“Can’t take credit for all of it.” You tell them. “I was on a boat until it… capsized this morning. I swam as best I could until I got exhausted, and before the waves pulled me under, I felt a hand grab my arm. Next thing I know, I woke up here.”

You can hear an audible gasp out of Mandri. “An act of grace by Daunto to be sure. The Grand Architect must have plans for you yet.” 

You have no idea what she is talking about.

“Mandri, you might be onto something. The literal Hand of God.”

“I was being metaphorical, Yuovo.  If I were being literal she would have been grabbed by His coruscating trunk.”

“No dear, I mean that cagey light-keeper I was talking about. They were still dripping with seawater when they passed by an hour ago. Came from the same direction as you, Glass.”

This might be the savior you’re looking for. You ask them if they remember what they looked like.

“Yes, a Shintuln I believe.  Weren’t in the mood for chatting.”

“A… what?”

“Around here we call them Spark-wuln. They look similar to you, except much lankier and with a lot more color. 

Mandri adds, “Shintuln are touched by Daunto’s light same as my kind, but a lightkeeper? Even more so. Of course, it would be Yuovo to frighten off such a spiritual traveler.”

You are really hoping you did not just stumble into some divine plot.

“I believe they left me this note. But… I can’t read it. Mind if you take a look at it?”

 “Let’s see.” Yuovo scans the note intently.

“Interesting. These are some funky symbols. Certainly wasn’t written in any language I know. Mandri?”

“Certainly not from any of our tongues. Sorry, child.”

You ask them if they can tell you anything about Vebruk, and if there are any nearby cities.

“Oh, we are just a humble hamlet. We grow a variety of plants that are much too opinionated for open areas. We also have a very pleasant waterfall you can bathe in. Oh, and the nearest city is Cohv, which is a day’s trip from here.

“A day’s journey for me.” Mandri says. “Longer if, like him, you have stubby little legs and a predilection for inspecting every flower that catches his eye.”

You recognize that name. Cohv was the place that crazy Captain Delaford was going to take you and Iron.

If there is any place you might find Iron, Cohv has to be it.