As the group traveled through the calming meadows, taking a tour across its crudely colored streets and drawn houses, the children would be met more and more evidence that such a world felt artificial. Fake, even. A mere tap against the structure would cause it to fall over, like cardboard cut-outs of the genuine article. It wasn't until they would quickly stop by at a nearby tavern to disconnect them from the surreal nature of the location. Entering within the Tavern would greet them the same colors and scribbles amidst the walls, the furniture, and even the glass that would contain such fresh liquids. The remaining two would check amidst the crayon-drawn boards for any quests, whilst the Pastor simply would get his usual drink of some mint tea. The children, however, quickly investigated with the owner of the Tavern to get more information, a bit surprised that two of them were managing the bar, one of which being familiar. One with Rags tied around his body, and another wearing a duke's clothes, even ensuring the outfit in question is as fresh and as clean as possible, being cautious when delivering drinks. Stolas immediately recognized the former and tried to grab his attention. "Vial??" He would ask, which made the ragged man almost double take upon his name being told. Something was a bit different however, in regards to his appearance: His face seemed to have gained more wrinkles, with crows feet eyes nearly surrounding his eyelids, almost as if he has aged since they first saw them.
"Well bless my soul! It's the sheriff's lil' youngin'! As well as his friends apparen'ly, Tell me, how did you exactly got here? No doubt that crooked crook of a coward must've trapped you within this putrid place." Vial would exclaim, being almost just as aged in his voice as he was in appearance. The group look amongst one another in confusion, recalling their encounter with the Ringmaster, assuming he was the reason.
"You mean the clown guy in the circus?" Stolas would ask, to which Vial shook his head rapidly for a no.
"No, No, No! Someone else! A Lanky man with wild, white hair and broken teeth. I'm talkin' about that man!" Vial's demands would stump the children, to which he would explain himself. "Listen well here, Aye? Right as you youngin's left me shop, someone snuck in and kidnapped me into this infernal place. T'was a man that did it, ramblin' on and on mindless fluff I couldn't be bothered to hear, but what I DID know is that I ain' the only one in these parts. I need you youngin's to get out of this place as fast as you can, alright? It's not a safe place to stay in."
"And exactly.....why?" Stolas' answer would be met by Vial showcasing his arm and hand, watching it become flakey, almost shedding like a snake, showcasing such an answer. He was getting old, and he was getting old quickly. They could infer that he must've been here for some time, and said time was changed in such a way where it rapidly ages someone away. The children felt slightly disturbed upon seeing such a discovery. "Ok, Y'now, That ABSOLUTELY would be a good reason to get out. You need some help in escaping too, Vial?"
"Would VERY much 'ppreciate it! I'll lend you me services any time you need it, free 'o charge! Just as long as I get out of this blasted world and be given my youth again." His words were quickly interrupted by a coughing sound, mainly from the well-dressed man, having him work his job some more. Despite wanting to talk with Vial some more, the children recognized that they would need to plan in advance to ensure their safety. Solomon would be quick at having Shady be casted, spreading itself out and removing certain sections from the shadow to have it act as a map, the wood serving as the location's keys. The locations they knew of so far would be the town square, the large kingdom, and the chapel that resides nearby, amidst other smaller spots that acted as their competition.
"Ok, so this is all we know so far. Unfortunately, we know diddly squat, SO, I propose we do a bit of exploring around the place, yeah? If we split up and looked around the area enough, we could come back with locations to visit as a group and learn more about. Plus, if anyone were to attack, we know JUST what to do." Harvard would give such an idea, to which he would have Shady create a compass in the middle of the square, with the four cardinal directions being given a label. "Zazel, you can take south. I'll take West, Stolas gets East, and Solomon goes North. We ok with that?"
Solomon would interject a bit in terms of his plan. "How exactly are we gonna know when everyone is meeting up? Let alone where." Harvard, hearing his friends words, would showcase a card depicting a large pillar, as well as a second card depicting a shining jewel, letting the group know exactly how they will get each other's attention. "Ok....any OTHER method that wouldn't want us to look like crazy people??" Solomon would state, yet Harvard ignored such requests and made his way out.
"Sorry pal! We gotta make sure we see it to regroup! Besides, not like people are gonna recognize us with the spells I got. We're in a book, after all! They barely even know us!" Before Solomon would interject again at Harvard's words, the Card Magician immediately grabbed him by the arm and dragged him out, with the other two laughing a bit at the bickering they have, before following in pursuit. Once they exited the Tavern and made their way to the square, Harvard would cast his two spells and create a large pillar with a gem at its tip. After that, it was as simple as the group disbanding to explore their surroundings, awaiting further input in their expeditions