"Ah. Well , what I'm searching for. On the surface?  Of course, you must be.. a drow.. I am searching for... hold on, did you mention a drag-" Falver sighs as his new acquaintance stands and stares behind him. He notices the grace with which the drow, Rel, moves.. he watches the leaf float to the floor. Curious, he looks behind him over his shoulder at the newcomers that have just entered the Inn. Falver raises his left eyebrow and sighs. 

He studies the human that looks like she could definitely hold her own in a battle, followed by a paled skinned young lady, and an elvish male as they enter the Inn. Well, now. This is fortune shining down on him this morning... 

Looking back to Rel as she addresses the others, he finally rises from the table... 

To the newcomers, Falver says: "Well, a few more chairs to pull up. Come join us this morning. We are talking about.. orcs? A midwife? " 

Looking quickly at Rel, he adds: "And now a dragon?? A dragon? "  A quick smile darts to his lips, to show he really isn't as annoyed as he is acting. 

"All right, come on everyone, sit sit sit... TOBLEN! Add 3 more plates to my order, please!    Good morning, everyone.  Come talk, friends! " 

Linene takes the potion almost greedily from Jasper. Then she disappears into the bowels of the shop, returning with a sturdy set of chain mail. "Here you are," she says brusquely. "All sales final. Absolutely no returns. Come again." She gives the elf a stern look, as if she fully suspected him of trying to return the armor at some point in the future, probably full of holes. 

Toblen nodded genially at the halfling. When the drow woman approached, he eyed her a little more sharply, but the friendly smile never left his face. "That'll be 12 coppers for two meals of bacon and eggs," he announced, taking their coin. "I'll send Margret around with the meals when they're ready." He nodded toward a plump waitress with wavy brown hair and freckles. "As far as strangers in town, well, pardon my saying so, but you and your friend there are the only strangers I've seen lately."

When Margret approached the table with two steaming hot platters in her hands, she noticed three more guests had arrived. She smiled at them. "Welcome to the Stonehill Inn," she said, seemingly not noticing any tension. "I'll be right back with three more plates, coming right up!" Margret gives them all a cheery smile before returning to the kitchen.

Khessa asks Margret: "Could I also have some boiled cabbage, by any chance?"

Then she sits near the halfling: "Thank you for inviting us to join! So you too would like to help Phandalin with the last problems? I am Khessa and together with Jasper" (she presents the elf with a wave of his hand) "and Echo" (same) "we had in mind to go take a look at the Townmaster's Hall after breakfast! It would be great to go together and cohoperate! Even more since you seem well informed already about the current issues. What's your name, by the way?"

Rel sits back down.  She acknowledges Khessa, Echo and (somewhat hesitantly), Jasper.  She does not pull chairs out for them, more through ignorance of custom than intended rudeness.

There are many responses in her head to everything she has heard.  But to Khessa and Falver's assumption that she is a "peaceful drow," she says simply, voice still flat and choppy as always:

"I am not a peaceful drow because I am not drow.  Only half.  My mother is not a peaceful drow because she is not peaceful.  A slaver.  One day, I will kill her.  But that day is not today.  So I am not peaceful either.  I am sad to hear your ordeal, Khessa Cabbagefield, and that of your family and village.  My father was a slave, dying when I was a child.  An aasimar.  He never escaped Menzoberranzan but I did with my only friend, Roywyn Inkbow, also then a slave.  A rock gnome from the surface a few days from here where her clan welcomed me once we arrived after our escape and ascent.  Probably killed by the orcs now.  That is why I am here.  Speaking to Falver... of the three tasks I saw on the townmaster's board.  And yes, there is a dragon involved, though the orcs seem the more immediate threat.  To me anyway."

She recognizes that she has not allowed Falver to respond to Khessa, nor any of the others to speak, so she subsides and listens.  Back straight and body still.  Rel also realizes belatedly that she has dirt and leaves in her hair and smudged clothing from entering her trance outdoors in the wilderness the last few nights.  More annoyed than embarrassed, she attempts to discreetly use Prestidigitation and Mage Hand to clean and remove the worst of it and deposit the debris in a rubbish bin.  Seemingly not even fully cognizant that she is using magic, more as an extension of her will.

As Jasper and the others walk into the Inn, he lightly bumps Khessa when she stopped suddenly. Looking up to her and seeing the tense stare in her eyes, I hear the quick scraping of wood on the Inn floor. Jasper looks over to the sound and sees what appears to be a dark elf. Amazed and concerned, having never seen one. Only heard stories. Not very good ones either. She speaks...

After a brief moment of tense pleasantries, the halfling speaks up, urging us to join them. Giving a gesture and following Khessa’s lead, I lean my spear and shield against the wall. Looking to the others to sit first, I take the remaining seat. The new armor, heavy and loud, grinds slightly against the back of the chair.

I listen curiously to the conversation between Khessa and Rel. Seems very brief but honest. Thinking to myself, ‘Should I try now? No. Not now. Another time.’

When the food comes, I eat like I haven’t had a proper meal in months. A little sloppy and quick. I look up and give a small embarrassed smile. Slowly finishing the mouthful of food and asks, “If we are to travel together, where shall we go first?”

As they enter the inn, Echo looks back and forth between Khessa and the drow, both curious and a little worried. A fight thankfully did not break out, and when the halfling invited them, Echo happily plops herself down in a seat. She slips off the hat, introduces herself and talks a little about how fun it is to see new faces in town despite the circumstances.

 Her jaw hangs open mid-chew as Rel shared her story, much like she was when talking to Khessa last night, and Echo comments, as articulate as she can be: "This is some heavy stuff for breakfast. Some drows are really not nice, huh... but you know what they say, it's the person that is mean and does bad things, not their blood."

She watches intently as Rel cast her magic, elements of it familiar yet the appearance is different. "I have magic like that too!" Looks at Khessa excitedly, then back at Rel, "we were just talking about it! Are you a wizard?"

Echo sits back and sighs contently as she finishes the meal. "Sounds like Rel's already checked out the Townmaster's Hall? We can go to the Townmaster again to ask about the jobs if y'all are ready!" She's evidently thrilled by the idea of working with others on a job.

Khessa is more and more struck by Rel's words as the half-elf tells all she has been through.
"My... my apologies, Rel" the blonde warrior is holding back her tears at the end as she stands up and slowly approaches Rel, wrapping her gently in a hug. "I DID notice some difference between you and the drow ... but fear clouded my eyes."
"Plus, my dear friend here" she smiles at Echo "has a point; it's the person that is mean and does bad things, not their blood."
She looks again with her blue eyes in Rel's: "I had no idea that you too owed such a great debt to the drow. Once we get things right here, maybe we could pay them off together. It would be much easier to free my family, with the help of someone who lived in Menzoberranzan. And I would definitely help you with your... unpeaceful intentions towards a slaver. However, from now on you can count on me; I will spare neither my sword nor my blood to defend you".

When, after the meal, Echo proposes to go to the Townmaster, the tall warrior agrees: "Yes, ready!"
And to the others, while standing up already: "Shall we go?"

Jasper hesitantly responds to Echo’s comment. Not making any sustained eye contact with her.  “We should speak with someone to secure the job and payment.”    Then Khessa speaks and I respond quickly. “Yes, I’m ready.”  Standing up and grabbing his spear and shield. Not so discreetly walking to the entrance of the Inn. Stopping at the door, Jasper looks back and thinks of Khessa’s words to Rel. Sighs heavily and eyes move to Echo. After feeling a brief moment of calm, memories come flooding in…Clutching his mother’s Moonstone amulet, Jasper walks out of the Inn and waits outside in the sunlight. 

Rel devours her breakfast ravenously, holding her utensils in an unusual, skewed way, listening to the others.  Her table mannerisms an odd mix of a lady's and a servant's, mostly the latter.  Between mouthfuls, she relays a preview of the 3 posted tasks at the Townmaster's Hall as she remembers them:

- Persuade local midwife to return to town given the danger from the dragon and the orcs (Rel thinks this is the most immediate one to tackle as the midwife may be alone, defenseless and crucial to the town's well-being if rescued, and you get the feeling she added the part about the orcs).
- Take message of warning about the white dragon (and the orcs) to dwarven prospectors in the mountains to the southwest.
- Convince local clan of rock gnomes - (Rel's voice catches here) - to divulge secrets that may help defeat the dragon (and the orcs).

All three notes ask interested adventurers to see Townmaster Harbin Wester at his residence on the east side of the village (Rel thinks she saw the house near the Townmaster's Hall).

She looks up suddenly when Echo asks if she is a wizard.  "I... no, my friend Roywyn Inkbow the gnome was a wizard.  Always so clever with her spell book.  I just... think things.  Feel them.  And then sometimes it happens.  Sometimes I think it has something to do with this too." (She touches the dull black earrings that dangle, oddly-shaped, next to her silver hair).  "I would be honored to witness your magic.  Also, I do not think the breakfast is 'heavy stuff'.  A little rich perhaps, but it is delicious.  Thank you Falver." (clearly not understanding what 'heavy stuff' refers to).

She thinks about judging the person, not the blood, then nods.  But then glances at Jasper thoughtfully, noticing him clutching something small.

I believe that one does not fully trust me, or perhaps any of us yet.  Nor do I trust him entirely, surface elf that he is, despite my best efforts to forget my upbringing...  Better than an orc, though.  I do not think I am open-minded enough to be friendly with orcs right now.  But I will need to trust Jasper and the entire group if we are to succeed.  Just as he will need to trust us.

Rel stiffens suddenly in shock when Khessa hugs her, belatedly and awkwardly returning the embrace.  More with her hands than with her arms and body.  Roywyn sometimes hugged me too, then giggled at my reaction...  I had thought it was a gnomish custom, but perhaps it is one of all surface humanoids?

She manages to say:  "I see you Khessa Cabbagefield.  I will do my part as well.  Yes, once everyone is done and Falver has compensated Toblen Stonehill, let us go find the Townmaster."  She nods once again at the halfling in gratitude, conscious once more that she is down to a few coppers.  I will pay back his gift of kindness.

Jasper stands just outside the Inn. Shield in hand lowered to his left and spear held behind his right shoulder. Eyes closed…

How can Khessa trust so easily? Even after what she’s been through. I don’t think I can. But I will not let her regret her trust. May Her light strengthen me. 

If the party makes their way to Harbin Wester's house, they discover a two-story stone house with a slate roof; it is easily the finest house in the village. There is a stone path that leads  up to a handsome wooden door with a brass door knocker.

As we walk around a little ways passed the Townmaster Hall, I see a fine two story stone house to the left of the path. I point with the tip of my spear and say,

”This must be it!”

I look to Khessa and ask,

”Would you like to speak first to the Townmaster?”

Jasper leans his spear against the wall and as he reaches for the door…

knock, knock, knock!

Falver beat him to it.

Falver pays the Innkeeper, and enjoys his breakfast as everyone eats and talks.  During breakfast he absorbs their presence, judging each based on how they interact. The three newcomers seem to have a bit of a rapport. Some knowledge of the town. A bit of tension being resolved between the elf and half-drow. A bit of interesting background with Rel, his initial instincts were correct, it seems. He studies their mannerisms, how they eat, the ease or tension in how they hold themselves. 

Falver mumbles agreement as everyone stands to leave. He hands Toblen 4 silver pieces: "I hope this will cover breakfast, and thank you for the excellent service" 

Grabbing his sack , Falver follows the newly formed party to the street and the house with the slate roof.  

"Well, look at all of us. Freshly fed, and ready to find out what fate has in store for us... "  he looks around at each of them... "Shall we, then?" and he makes his way up the stairs to the front door, knocking on the brass knocker. 

Echo happily promises Rel to show her her magic tricks later. As the party exits the inn, she slips on the hat again and thanks Falver for covering the meal, even though he didn't have to. Adventurers are all so nice!

The group arrives at Harbin Wester's residence, she calls out after Falver knocks: "G'morning Mr Townmaster! We are here to ask about the posted tasks in the Hall if you have time!"

Quote from Sam1am96 >>

...I look to Khessa and ask,

”Would you like to speak first to the Townmaster?”

 

Khessa answers: "Oh, I think Echo and Falver will get the Townmaster's attention in no time..." she smiles, pleased with the enthusiasm with which 'Moon Girl' and the halfling took the initiative "I guess we will ask him some details, as soon as he shows up, and which task is the most urgent in his opinion; if he has no preferences, Rel's proposal of taking care of the midwife first makes quite sense".

Quote from guyu >>

The group arrives at Harbin Wester's residence, she calls out after Falver knocks: "G'morning Mr Townmaster! We are here to ask about the posted tasks in the Hall if you have time!"

Jasper is startled slightly with Echo’s sudden announcement of our presence. He turns and steps back...

 

Quote from PaintedBeyound>>

 Nodding with agreement...”Yes. Helping the midwife seems more pressing.”

Jasper takes his spear from the side of the door and stands back about 8-10 feet. 

From the other side of the door, you can hear some shuffling, as if someone is moving around just behind it. Then, a muffled voice calls through the door, “If you’re a dragon, know that I’m far too thin and bony to make a good meal!”

There is more shuffling, and the curtains on the window nearest the door flutter a bit, as if someone is peering outside. "Hmpf, finally someone answers my postings! What else do you want to know?" His voice is still quite muffled, and he apparently makes no move to open the door.

Jasper shouts…

“We will leave soon. Where is this midwife? Can you give us directions to their home?”

Jasper adds…

”What sort of proof will you require for completion?”

"Might also be worth knowing" adds Khessa "if there is a reward for the work... and what would it consist of. Don't get me wrong - we''ll be glad to help the village, because it's the right thing to do and we don't want to leave you in danger... but buying and mantaining equipment has a cost, plus many of us will have to pay to eat and sleep... not to mention that we'll most likely risk our lives; so a reward would be nice."

The tall blonde warrior starts to notice that Jasper does not behave normally when Echo is around... Whenever she is close, he moves away... Puzzled, she nonchalantly comes near the elf and whispers "Jasper... Sometimes, you seem almost worried or even frightened by Echo... You have no reason to! Trust me, she is one of the kindest and nicest persons I ever met!"

Jasper lowers his head in embarrassment and concern.

Thinking to himself… ‘The last thing i want to do is sow distrust among the group.’

Turning his back to the others and leans in to Khessa whispering…

 “I have my reasons…but I will keep my emotions in check. This could be good for what I’m looking for.”

Jasper reaches into his prayer pouch and pulls out a pale blue translucent stone(moonstone). He gives it to Khessa and tells her…

”This is my promise. As long as you keep it, my hands will be steady and at your call.”

Jasper looks into Khessa’s eyes as a sheen glosses over and udders an elvish incantation casting Vigilant Blessing.

~~~Khessa has advantage on next initiative roll~~~

Jasper slowly turns back to the group and walks forward stopping next to Rel.