With Kali settled after their quick journey,  Zosimus looks around the the wagon, a smile fixed on his bluish face.  The comforts of home, even for a short while, can rejuvenate the soul.

A quick inventory reveals the caravan could be trusted, all his provisions in place, his boxes and bags unmolested, but most importantly, Mercury in good health.

Settling with the cat, Zosimus’ fingers find the magic place that fills the wagon with the sounds of purring. “It’s good to see you as well, your silly little beast.”

“It has been an unsettling time away from you my little companion.   These are true adventurers and it is both exciting and infuriating at times.”

As the cat settles, a hidden stash of gnome whiskey is retrieved. “Mercury, I am uncertain of the future plans.  I am as much a stranger here as the outsiders, but my grandparents kept our household in the ways of their homelands.  And my blood and flesh fit in here more than any city before. I can see the complex gaze of the locals, my kind seen as near spirit ourselves.” he laughs softly, “I must remember that if I let my guard down I could end up in a cage trapped like a cherished rare bird.”

Looking around the nearly organized shelves decorated in the tools of his trade, his eyes pass over the hidden tools secreted around the lab from a former life. “My grandmother spoke of ninja, and these outsiders have fought him in distant lands. They are a dark and dangerous group but with their own sense of honor. I… am uncertain if this group will engage them correctly. They’ve already broken ranks once, thankfully in front of a forgiving Geisha.  But the ninja.. guards speaking out of turn will be seen as a deception that could undo the negotiations.” he shakes his head,  “If grandmother could see me now Mercury…”