I am Lord Lando of House Spire of Elyria. This is my choosen Lady. Yvara Spire. We are here as dignitaries to help improve the conditions of Drakkenhiem and the surrounding villages on behalf of my house.
Deception: 10+6 =16
We seek a place a lodging for the foreseeable time. Would you happen to have enough rooms for us. These are our Banner men and agents of peace from across the lands. The need of assistance here is great indeed, the Flame has guided our hands and the hands of our houses. We will need a place to call our base of operations.
Lord Stavros smiles welcomingly as he nods to Roman's bow. "Ah, emmissaries from Elyria! Few enough of your nation travel to Westemar these days."
He greets Elena likewise. "It is my pleasure, good lady. Blessings to your master's House, Liberio was a favorite destination of mine before the war! Of course, take your ease." Elena bows again in acknowledgement, and takes herself over to the strange woman in the purple jacket, taking the plush chair nearest her.
Lord Stavros smiles wider at Moksad's clumsy attempt at a greeting. "How quaint," he says.
Turning to Lando, he gives him a wink. "And now, my esteemed Elyrians!" He reaches out and takes Yvara's hand, lifting it up and kissing the air just above it as he eyes her plain grey robe. "You and your lady wife are most welcome, of course." Yvara turns red as she pulls her hand away. "Here on behalf of your House, hmm? I'd certainly be curious to hear more. What interest does the noble House Spire of Elyria want with Drakkenheim? Inquiring minds would MOST like to know, so that we can best support your efforts, of course. Please, my lord Lando, have a seat." Lord Stavros seats himself back in his armchair, waving his wine goblet towards a plush antique loveseat adjacent. "I am of course happy to offer you the best of accommodations, with full service, stabling and meals included. I cannot afford to charge less than 25 gold per night. A fine suite for you and your lady wife, but as for your three retainers, separate rooms would be 25 gold each as well. However, if you prefer, I can arrange to have cots placed in your suite. A most undignified arrangement for a lord, to share his lady's suite with servants, but I certainly understand and do not judge if your funds are running thin. I would hope that you'll keep our company here, and together you and I can draw up a plan for this wonderful village and for the future of the ruined capital."
Elena
The woman looks up from her book, pushing a pair of spectacles down on her nose with a wide, and unnervingly sharp-toothed, smile. "Good day, ma'am! New to town? Well, you've picked a good place to come and unwind. The wine is fantastic, for what you can get out here." She motions to one of the servants, who bustles over with a tray of glasses, offering one to Elena.
Roman's eye widen at hearing the price of the rooms in Emberwood. In all their travels he hadn't heard such a price for lodgings. He feels his light purse. They would need more money. Clearing his throat, he addresses Stravos " Tell me M'lord,do you know of any endeavors in town that may fund Lord Spire's embassy and his cause?"
" Who is buying this Delirium, M'lord?" Roman asks " We had heard that it is quite dangerous. As we left Elyria and passed through Michael's Gate, the bastion of the Silver Order, the word crusade was on many lips. We even saw many signs that confirmed they were preparing to march. Have you heard or seen any of their forces yet?"
Elena gives a slight bow to the tiefling, accepts a glass of wine for herself and Moksad, and says, "Yes. My name is Elena Firavanti, servant of House Giorgione of Liberio. This here is Moksad of..." She trails off, realising she never asked where he came from or if the place even has a name. "We've just arrived and, unless I am mistaken, we may be here for a similar purpose as you. From your clothing, I judge you to be a member of the Amethyst Academy?"
Glazing over the offer and understanding his nobility increasingly means less the deeper we get into this economy.
Lando looks around the room, and calls out to the two miners playing chess.
Do you gentlemen know where we can pick up some delerium. I can tell your brilliant minds by the way your playing your chess game, surely your master tacticians who can abandon the traditional format of the game for a more vibrant play.
Ill even play you in a game, if I win, you can tell me what you know and if I lose the your next meal is on me? How does that sound?
The wide smile drops slowly from Lord Stavros' face at Roman's words. "Really," he says, "Elyria is planning on invading Westemar? Is that what you're telling me? How interesting. So nice of them to send an advance greeting. A crusade, you say? Goodness! We just finished a civil war, and now we're being invaded by a foreign nation. It never ends, now, does it!" The Reeve laughs, lifting his wine glass as if in a toast, but there is no mirth in his laughter. "Coming to improve the conditions of Drakkenheim, eh? Westemar's inner turmoil is a ripe opportunity, I'll give them that. I suppose we must ask ourselves the question--do we want a foreign power ruling us who dress their wives like mendicants?"
Yvara's face is stormy, displeased, but she holds her tongue for now. Her penitential grey robes say enough about where her loyalties lie.
"Oh, and who is buying delerium? Just ask around Caravan Court. Orson Fairweather is our biggest exporter. And, of course..." he briefly passes a glance over at the tiefling woman, and then turns a smile back to Roman, "there are other buyers who have asked us to remain discreet."
Lando
The two dwarves look up, incredulous, as Lando addresses them with his characteristic winning charm. They seem surprised, if not quite offended, at having been addressed. Finally one of them smiles, a half-twisted grimace. "You want to play? Have a seat. What you be wanting delerium for? Pay for your room? It's not so easy to get, you know. Or are you asking for a job?" His smile widens into a grin, showing a gold tooth or two winking in the light. "Go on, then, sit down." He winks at his companion.
The other dwarf rolls his eyes and stands up. "See you tonight, then. I'm going to take a nap until dinner." Nodding to the Reeve on his way out, he tramps out of the parlor.
Elenaand Moksad
"Why, it's my pleasure," the woman says, smiling. "I studied a bit in Liberio. Fascinating place, such creative minds! My name is River." She makes no offer to shake hands, quite taken up as her own are with her book and her wine glass. "Indeed, yes, I belong to the Amethyst Academy. Similar purpose, mm? What brings the two of you to Drakkenheim?"
"My apologies, I did not mean to offend." Bowing his head. " I am but the bearer of such news. I am surpised that there isn't already a Silver Order presence in the area. They typically have a vanguard sent ahead to establish a forward base. But such things are not my place to ponder on, I will leave further negotiations to my lord." Bowing to Lord Stravos Roman turns away. Seeing Lando sit to a game of chess, and feeling out of place in such an opulent establishment, Roman steps over to Elena and Moksad talking to River.
"Apologies for interrupting, but I am going to take a stroll about town and see what other establishment may be available." He then turns and heads out of the Red Lion inn. Leaving his horse in the stables for the moment he heads towards Caravan Court.
Roman, sweating under the collar of his habit a bit with the tension of local politics, takes his leave from the opulent Red Lion Hotel to trek back down the hill towards the heart of Emberwood village. The bustle and conversation of Caravan Court soon greets his ears, floating over the rooftops. The small round Chapel of Saint Ardenna draws his eye to the left of the road, the warm flickering of the braziar's flame dancing in the thin stained glass windows. Roman can see merchants and adventurers alike talking animatedly around the market stalls, the wagons, carts, horses, mules, and oxen leaving a veritable maze for the prospective shopper to navigate.
A familiar red-headed, freckled child comes scampering up to Roman as he approaches Caravan Court. "Hey!" she shouts. "You're back! Didn't like all that noble stuff and finery, huh? I can't blame you. Papa says it's not necessary and a waste of money." She nods wisely, and then grins, folding her hands behind her back, and rocking back and forth from her heels to her toes. "What can I help you with? I don't charge near as much as the Reeve does!"
Grinning at the child. "Quite the precocious one aren't you." Glancing back at the RedLion. "I come from much humbler orgins than M'lord Spire. Even if I could afford such extravagant lodgings I would feel out of place."
Looking around Caravan Court. "At the moment I could use a good meal. We have been on the road for many weeks and the meals have been somewhat lacking. Where could a meal for a fair price?"
"Hmm... well, I can only recommend the... Bark and Buzzard!" Emma spins on one heel and points east past Caravan Court. "It's just past the Court. I'll walk you over there. The meal prices are the best you'll find. The Alsbergs run it, and Karin is the best cook in town. It's going to be more expensive than what you've ever paid anywhere else, though. All the food has to be brought in overland, 'cause nothing grows here, so it's not cheap to eat!" Emma starts to lead him down past the Court, skipping every few steps, and she glances back at Roman, a sly expression on her face. "Were you so humble that they took your horse away?"
As the pair walk dow the street to the Bark and Buzzard. " When you have spent weeks in the saddle you can grow tired of it. It feels good to strech my legs when I can. As for being humble, The Flame teachs us to remember where we came from. I am a simple man and don't require much to be content." Stopping in front of the tavern. " Thank you once again for your assistance young lady." Giving her a grand bow. " Before we part ways I do have a question and a favor to ask of you. I heard that there is farm where some pilgrims are gathering could you give me directions?" Handing her a silver coin " And could you return to the Red Lion and inform my traveling companions where I am. They may worry if unable to find me." With that he turns and enters the tavern.
Elena sits down on the armchair and, as she does, she tries to hear what the Reeve has to say about her newly made travel companions. (If needed, Perception: 7 (rolled in game log))
"A pleasure to meet you, River," she says. "Perhaps a bit biased on my part, Liberio is indeed the jewel of this continent. But reminiscing about the city is not why I'm seeking an audience with you. I would like to talk to you about delerium. It's been whispered in Liberio that the Academy has been interested in it. Growing up with the Enigma Ziggurat looming over our harbours, I am a little familiar with the dealings of the Academy. You keep well to yourselves, working in the shadows and away from the limelight. Given your history, it makes sense, but it also means you will be looking for people willing to work on your behalf. To venture into the limelight."
Seeing that his companion was trying to hear what was happening across the room. Moksad decided to lend his ear to see what he could descern.
Perception: 17 (rolled in game log).
He found himself properly engaged in two conversations at once as a listener, and capable of relaying to Elena some gist of what was being said across the room.
The two stop in front of a small, one-level home that, except for being larger, has absolutely no distinction from the abandoned residential cottages that surround it, except for a wooden sign hanging above the door. Blocky calligraphic script is carefully painted with the words "Bark and Buzzard", and a garish illustration of a vulture feasting on the entrails of a bloodhood, both animals smiling happily as if they're enjoying a pleasant meal together. Lamps are lit through the small windows.
"Oh, Hendrix Farm! That's easy! If you take the south road out of town from here, you'll find it. It's the only farmstead that has anyone living at it." Emma giggles as she points to the south road. Her eyes grow big and round as she sees the coin, and she happily takes it. "Of course I will! I'll run back there and let them know right now that you're here. Okay, bye!" And the young girl takes off back towards Caravan Court, her leather boots slapping the cobblestone streets and the skirts of her dress flapping around her legs.
As Roman enters the tavern, he can see a layout that looks like it was once a family home. There is one large main room, the kitchen and cookfire discreetly placed in the back corner. Towards the front and to the left, there is a large hearth in which a woodfire burns, with several round tables circled around it, and on the other side of the room to the right, there is a large wooden cask with a tap, surrounded by a few benches. There are a few people in the tavern, some seated at the tables, a few on the benches by the cask, sipping on pints. The whole atmosphere is warm, cozy, and welcoming.
A woman is busy in the kitchen with a large cast-iron pot hanging over the cookfire, her outer skirts tucked up out of the way in her belt as she cooks. Her hair is tied back and covered with a scarf. As Roman comes in, she looks up and smiles, wiping her hands on her apron, and comes over to greet him. "Hello there sir, new to town? Welcome to the Bark and Buzzard! My name is Karin Alsberg. What can I get for you?"
The Reeve isn't trying to be quiet, so Elena can easily hear what he's saying. She can't make out Lando's conversation with the dwarves, though.
River's smile doesn't change, but she waits so long to reply that Elena almost wonders if she said something wrong. "Delerium," she finally muses. "It's true, most folk in Emberwood Village are interested in delerium, for one reason or another. The Academy is no exception. But Drakkenheim is not a place for the weak or faint-hearted, nor even the crafty and cultured, as you yourself seem to be. Though, you look like you could find your way around... have you been there yet?" She takes a sip of her wine.
Moksad
Moksad, listening with his keen ears used to hearing the tread of deer in the woods, although the loud banter is somewhat unfamiliar to him, he is able to pick out all of the conversations in the room and hear what they are saying.
Instantly feeling more at home in the cozy tavern, he takes a seat at an empty table by the hearth. Giving Karin a warm Smile "Greetings Karin, my name is Roman," he says, extending his hand to her. "You are indeed right. I just arrived in town, and I am looking for a good meal. Young Emma Crowe told me you are the best cook in town." Sniffing the aroma coming from the pot in the corner. " I would love a bowl of what you are cooking and mug of ale, please."
Karin smiles as she shakes Roman's offered hand. "Ah, so you've met our little Scare? She's certainly the one for greeting newcomers! We're all very fond of her." Karin straightens up, smoothing out her apron. "That'll be 2 sp for a mug of our Ember Ale--we brew it here--and it's 1 gp for the meal. A nice big bowl of braised lamb stew, and fresh-baked bread to go with it." She takes a mug from the shelf in the kitchen and bustles to the cask to fill it, and then back to the cookfire to ladle up a generous bowl of stew. She sets them both on a tray along with a big hunk of fresh bread, and brings it over to Roman's table with a warm smile. "If'n you don't mind me asking, what brings you here to Emberwood Village? You look like you came out of a monastery... or are heading to one."
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I am Lord Lando of House Spire of Elyria. This is my choosen Lady. Yvara Spire. We are here as dignitaries to help improve the conditions of Drakkenhiem and the surrounding villages on behalf of my house.
Deception: 10+6 =16
We seek a place a lodging for the foreseeable time. Would you happen to have enough rooms for us. These are our Banner men and agents of peace from across the lands. The need of assistance here is great indeed, the Flame has guided our hands and the hands of our houses. We will need a place to call our base of operations.
Lord Stavros smiles welcomingly as he nods to Roman's bow. "Ah, emmissaries from Elyria! Few enough of your nation travel to Westemar these days."
He greets Elena likewise. "It is my pleasure, good lady. Blessings to your master's House, Liberio was a favorite destination of mine before the war! Of course, take your ease." Elena bows again in acknowledgement, and takes herself over to the strange woman in the purple jacket, taking the plush chair nearest her.
Lord Stavros smiles wider at Moksad's clumsy attempt at a greeting. "How quaint," he says.
Turning to Lando, he gives him a wink. "And now, my esteemed Elyrians!" He reaches out and takes Yvara's hand, lifting it up and kissing the air just above it as he eyes her plain grey robe. "You and your lady wife are most welcome, of course." Yvara turns red as she pulls her hand away. "Here on behalf of your House, hmm? I'd certainly be curious to hear more. What interest does the noble House Spire of Elyria want with Drakkenheim? Inquiring minds would MOST like to know, so that we can best support your efforts, of course. Please, my lord Lando, have a seat." Lord Stavros seats himself back in his armchair, waving his wine goblet towards a plush antique loveseat adjacent. "I am of course happy to offer you the best of accommodations, with full service, stabling and meals included. I cannot afford to charge less than 25 gold per night. A fine suite for you and your lady wife, but as for your three retainers, separate rooms would be 25 gold each as well. However, if you prefer, I can arrange to have cots placed in your suite. A most undignified arrangement for a lord, to share his lady's suite with servants, but I certainly understand and do not judge if your funds are running thin. I would hope that you'll keep our company here, and together you and I can draw up a plan for this wonderful village and for the future of the ruined capital."
Elena
The woman looks up from her book, pushing a pair of spectacles down on her nose with a wide, and unnervingly sharp-toothed, smile. "Good day, ma'am! New to town? Well, you've picked a good place to come and unwind. The wine is fantastic, for what you can get out here." She motions to one of the servants, who bustles over with a tray of glasses, offering one to Elena.
Roman Silverstar
Roman's eye widen at hearing the price of the rooms in Emberwood. In all their travels he hadn't heard such a price for lodgings. He feels his light purse. They would need more money. Clearing his throat, he addresses Stravos " Tell me M'lord,do you know of any endeavors in town that may fund Lord Spire's embassy and his cause?"
Lord Stavros laughs. "Delerium funds everything here, my good man. Find yourself some delerium to sell, and you'll never be wanting for gold."
Moksad
sort of awkwardly hanging over Elena and the purple robed woman excitedly stoops his head when wine was mentioned.
"wine sounds good" he thinks to himself.
Roman Silverstar
" Who is buying this Delirium, M'lord?" Roman asks " We had heard that it is quite dangerous. As we left Elyria and passed through Michael's Gate, the bastion of the Silver Order, the word crusade was on many lips. We even saw many signs that confirmed they were preparing to march. Have you heard or seen any of their forces yet?"
Elena Firavanti
Elena gives a slight bow to the tiefling, accepts a glass of wine for herself and Moksad, and says, "Yes. My name is Elena Firavanti, servant of House Giorgione of Liberio. This here is Moksad of..." She trails off, realising she never asked where he came from or if the place even has a name. "We've just arrived and, unless I am mistaken, we may be here for a similar purpose as you. From your clothing, I judge you to be a member of the Amethyst Academy?"
Glazing over the offer and understanding his nobility increasingly means less the deeper we get into this economy.
Lando looks around the room, and calls out to the two miners playing chess.
Do you gentlemen know where we can pick up some delerium. I can tell your brilliant minds by the way your playing your chess game, surely your master tacticians who can abandon the traditional format of the game for a more vibrant play.
Ill even play you in a game, if I win, you can tell me what you know and if I lose the your next meal is on me? How does that sound?
Persuasion: 20+6 =26
Roman
The wide smile drops slowly from Lord Stavros' face at Roman's words. "Really," he says, "Elyria is planning on invading Westemar? Is that what you're telling me? How interesting. So nice of them to send an advance greeting. A crusade, you say? Goodness! We just finished a civil war, and now we're being invaded by a foreign nation. It never ends, now, does it!" The Reeve laughs, lifting his wine glass as if in a toast, but there is no mirth in his laughter. "Coming to improve the conditions of Drakkenheim, eh? Westemar's inner turmoil is a ripe opportunity, I'll give them that. I suppose we must ask ourselves the question--do we want a foreign power ruling us who dress their wives like mendicants?"
Yvara's face is stormy, displeased, but she holds her tongue for now. Her penitential grey robes say enough about where her loyalties lie.
"Oh, and who is buying delerium? Just ask around Caravan Court. Orson Fairweather is our biggest exporter. And, of course..." he briefly passes a glance over at the tiefling woman, and then turns a smile back to Roman, "there are other buyers who have asked us to remain discreet."
Lando
The two dwarves look up, incredulous, as Lando addresses them with his characteristic winning charm. They seem surprised, if not quite offended, at having been addressed. Finally one of them smiles, a half-twisted grimace. "You want to play? Have a seat. What you be wanting delerium for? Pay for your room? It's not so easy to get, you know. Or are you asking for a job?" His smile widens into a grin, showing a gold tooth or two winking in the light. "Go on, then, sit down." He winks at his companion.
The other dwarf rolls his eyes and stands up. "See you tonight, then. I'm going to take a nap until dinner." Nodding to the Reeve on his way out, he tramps out of the parlor.
Elena and Moksad
"Why, it's my pleasure," the woman says, smiling. "I studied a bit in Liberio. Fascinating place, such creative minds! My name is River." She makes no offer to shake hands, quite taken up as her own are with her book and her wine glass. "Indeed, yes, I belong to the Amethyst Academy. Similar purpose, mm? What brings the two of you to Drakkenheim?"
Roman Silverstar
"My apologies, I did not mean to offend." Bowing his head. " I am but the bearer of such news. I am surpised that there isn't already a Silver Order presence in the area. They typically have a vanguard sent ahead to establish a forward base. But such things are not my place to ponder on, I will leave further negotiations to my lord." Bowing to Lord Stravos Roman turns away. Seeing Lando sit to a game of chess, and feeling out of place in such an opulent establishment, Roman steps over to Elena and Moksad talking to River.
"Apologies for interrupting, but I am going to take a stroll about town and see what other establishment may be available." He then turns and heads out of the Red Lion inn. Leaving his horse in the stables for the moment he heads towards Caravan Court.
Roman
Roman, sweating under the collar of his habit a bit with the tension of local politics, takes his leave from the opulent Red Lion Hotel to trek back down the hill towards the heart of Emberwood village. The bustle and conversation of Caravan Court soon greets his ears, floating over the rooftops. The small round Chapel of Saint Ardenna draws his eye to the left of the road, the warm flickering of the braziar's flame dancing in the thin stained glass windows. Roman can see merchants and adventurers alike talking animatedly around the market stalls, the wagons, carts, horses, mules, and oxen leaving a veritable maze for the prospective shopper to navigate.
A familiar red-headed, freckled child comes scampering up to Roman as he approaches Caravan Court. "Hey!" she shouts. "You're back! Didn't like all that noble stuff and finery, huh? I can't blame you. Papa says it's not necessary and a waste of money." She nods wisely, and then grins, folding her hands behind her back, and rocking back and forth from her heels to her toes. "What can I help you with? I don't charge near as much as the Reeve does!"
Roman Silverstar
Grinning at the child. "Quite the precocious one aren't you." Glancing back at the RedLion. "I come from much humbler orgins than M'lord Spire. Even if I could afford such extravagant lodgings I would feel out of place."
Looking around Caravan Court. "At the moment I could use a good meal. We have been on the road for many weeks and the meals have been somewhat lacking. Where could a meal for a fair price?"
Roman
"Hmm... well, I can only recommend the... Bark and Buzzard!" Emma spins on one heel and points east past Caravan Court. "It's just past the Court. I'll walk you over there. The meal prices are the best you'll find. The Alsbergs run it, and Karin is the best cook in town. It's going to be more expensive than what you've ever paid anywhere else, though. All the food has to be brought in overland, 'cause nothing grows here, so it's not cheap to eat!" Emma starts to lead him down past the Court, skipping every few steps, and she glances back at Roman, a sly expression on her face. "Were you so humble that they took your horse away?"
Roman Silverstar
As the pair walk dow the street to the Bark and Buzzard. " When you have spent weeks in the saddle you can grow tired of it. It feels good to strech my legs when I can. As for being humble, The Flame teachs us to remember where we came from. I am a simple man and don't require much to be content." Stopping in front of the tavern. " Thank you once again for your assistance young lady." Giving her a grand bow. " Before we part ways I do have a question and a favor to ask of you. I heard that there is farm where some pilgrims are gathering could you give me directions?" Handing her a silver coin " And could you return to the Red Lion and inform my traveling companions where I am. They may worry if unable to find me." With that he turns and enters the tavern.
Elena Firavanti
Elena sits down on the armchair and, as she does, she tries to hear what the Reeve has to say about her newly made travel companions. (If needed, Perception: 7 (rolled in game log))
"A pleasure to meet you, River," she says. "Perhaps a bit biased on my part, Liberio is indeed the jewel of this continent. But reminiscing about the city is not why I'm seeking an audience with you. I would like to talk to you about delerium. It's been whispered in Liberio that the Academy has been interested in it. Growing up with the Enigma Ziggurat looming over our harbours, I am a little familiar with the dealings of the Academy. You keep well to yourselves, working in the shadows and away from the limelight. Given your history, it makes sense, but it also means you will be looking for people willing to work on your behalf. To venture into the limelight."
Moksad
Seeing that his companion was trying to hear what was happening across the room. Moksad decided to lend his ear to see what he could descern.
Perception: 17 (rolled in game log).
He found himself properly engaged in two conversations at once as a listener, and capable of relaying to Elena some gist of what was being said across the room.
Roman
The two stop in front of a small, one-level home that, except for being larger, has absolutely no distinction from the abandoned residential cottages that surround it, except for a wooden sign hanging above the door. Blocky calligraphic script is carefully painted with the words "Bark and Buzzard", and a garish illustration of a vulture feasting on the entrails of a bloodhood, both animals smiling happily as if they're enjoying a pleasant meal together. Lamps are lit through the small windows.
"Oh, Hendrix Farm! That's easy! If you take the south road out of town from here, you'll find it. It's the only farmstead that has anyone living at it." Emma giggles as she points to the south road. Her eyes grow big and round as she sees the coin, and she happily takes it. "Of course I will! I'll run back there and let them know right now that you're here. Okay, bye!" And the young girl takes off back towards Caravan Court, her leather boots slapping the cobblestone streets and the skirts of her dress flapping around her legs.
As Roman enters the tavern, he can see a layout that looks like it was once a family home. There is one large main room, the kitchen and cookfire discreetly placed in the back corner. Towards the front and to the left, there is a large hearth in which a woodfire burns, with several round tables circled around it, and on the other side of the room to the right, there is a large wooden cask with a tap, surrounded by a few benches. There are a few people in the tavern, some seated at the tables, a few on the benches by the cask, sipping on pints. The whole atmosphere is warm, cozy, and welcoming.
A woman is busy in the kitchen with a large cast-iron pot hanging over the cookfire, her outer skirts tucked up out of the way in her belt as she cooks. Her hair is tied back and covered with a scarf. As Roman comes in, she looks up and smiles, wiping her hands on her apron, and comes over to greet him. "Hello there sir, new to town? Welcome to the Bark and Buzzard! My name is Karin Alsberg. What can I get for you?"
Elena
The Reeve isn't trying to be quiet, so Elena can easily hear what he's saying. She can't make out Lando's conversation with the dwarves, though.
River's smile doesn't change, but she waits so long to reply that Elena almost wonders if she said something wrong. "Delerium," she finally muses. "It's true, most folk in Emberwood Village are interested in delerium, for one reason or another. The Academy is no exception. But Drakkenheim is not a place for the weak or faint-hearted, nor even the crafty and cultured, as you yourself seem to be. Though, you look like you could find your way around... have you been there yet?" She takes a sip of her wine.
Moksad
Moksad, listening with his keen ears used to hearing the tread of deer in the woods, although the loud banter is somewhat unfamiliar to him, he is able to pick out all of the conversations in the room and hear what they are saying.
Roman Silverstar
Instantly feeling more at home in the cozy tavern, he takes a seat at an empty table by the hearth. Giving Karin a warm Smile "Greetings Karin, my name is Roman," he says, extending his hand to her. "You are indeed right. I just arrived in town, and I am looking for a good meal. Young Emma Crowe told me you are the best cook in town." Sniffing the aroma coming from the pot in the corner. " I would love a bowl of what you are cooking and mug of ale, please."
Roman
Karin smiles as she shakes Roman's offered hand. "Ah, so you've met our little Scare? She's certainly the one for greeting newcomers! We're all very fond of her." Karin straightens up, smoothing out her apron. "That'll be 2 sp for a mug of our Ember Ale--we brew it here--and it's 1 gp for the meal. A nice big bowl of braised lamb stew, and fresh-baked bread to go with it." She takes a mug from the shelf in the kitchen and bustles to the cask to fill it, and then back to the cookfire to ladle up a generous bowl of stew. She sets them both on a tray along with a big hunk of fresh bread, and brings it over to Roman's table with a warm smile. "If'n you don't mind me asking, what brings you here to Emberwood Village? You look like you came out of a monastery... or are heading to one."