Paula looked around the casino, noting that the clientele were outsiders. It probably meant that they would lose money to the casino in the long run. Even more important to be prudent with my money, she thought to herself. Cities typically would not want to bankrupt its own citizens but foreign merc...

Yep, that was all my creation. I love that Murrin is using it. But, I need to remember that Paula doesn't know much about it. lol

Paula stopped at the shrine, made a small offering of coin and asked for Jove's blessing.

[You all come from a world that doesn't really truck with gods, given its history with the original God, who is dead. The peoples who came to the Heartland and founded cities there were unusual, seen as fanatics by the outside world.] Paula's comment was more superstitious than anything. Kind of li...

Paula checked the small purse tied around her waist to make sure she had some extra coins. She was a prudent person and not given to extravagance such as gambling but she did have a knack for cards and enjoyed playing often but not with money she did not have. Finding enough to play a few rounds, sh...

Paula keeps an eye on the crowds, looking for anything familiar but finding nothing. The day feels good and her mood begins to rise. When the waitress arrives, Paula politely declines anything further for herself and thanks the server. Upon seeing the casino, Paula asks with a twinkle in her eye, &q...

Paula also watches the crowds go by, getting the feel of Jovian. "I've never known anyone who did it. Of course we had somewhat of a fortune teller with the troupe claim to use meditation to read people's thoughts but that was just for coin, you know. He would sit with a glass ball, a purple tu...

Paula smiled a little at Slade's reaction to the food. She had been in many taverns and inns while with the troupe and this one was no better or worse. The food was satisfactory, as was the company, and she felt that the trio was gaining a measure of comradery. Paula paused as she heard Slade's ques...

"Thank you," Paula says with a bright smile. "I would enjoy that. I think starting our afternoon with a decent meal is a good idea. Two weeks of campfire food is enough for me."

Paula sat back in carriage and looked out the window to watch the city go by, hopefully.

Searching.

Paula remains in the carriage, watching and listening.

Paula listened to the conversation between Bela, Hestor, and The Fox. "The call is ultimately yours, Hestor. But, at this point in time," Paula said, "we can either be heroes or fools. Perhaps The Fox is right. We are through. I can always seek out a Guild member when we reach Jovian ...

"I have been thinking the same thing," Paula chimed in. "It could benefit us if these are not the real guards."

She looked at Bela, "On the other hand, we could be in big trouble if they *were* real guards.

"It's risky either way."

Paula nodded at Slade's assessment, feeling guilty that they didn't get to the bottom of the situation. They could possibly have rescued the officers, if they were still alive.

She looked back again at the bridge.

"He just didn't seem to like letting us through."

"Of course. Thank you for your help." Paula says sweetly and without malice as she rides by in the cart with Bela. "Jed looks none too happy," she remarks to Bela. Paula keeps an eye on the guards after the caravan passes. In hindsight, Paula thought that perhaps she should have ...

"Thank you," Paula responds to Hestor's praise, noting the pleasure with which he showed.

She made a mental note to inform the Merchants Guild about the 'guards' and let them deal with the issue.

Paula considers. "Jed will do whatever I ask him to do at this point. The other fellow - I'm not so sure. He looks scared. "Perhaps if Slade and The Fox were to accompany me to the hut, we could find out. That way, if they attack us, we are innocent of any wrongdoing. If they don't attack ...

We can wait.

"I've done all I can," Paula says and indicates for Bela and Slade to follow her back toward the carriage where Hestor and The Fox can hear. In a low voice, she says, "My guess is that the real guards are in the hut. If we can help them, it might give us an "in" when we ente...