Fargen packs up his things early and finds a quiet place to pray to Moradin for his blessings.  He quiets himself and channels the blessing into his warhammer.  The head glows briefly red as the magic absorbs into the metal.  Fargen grins imagining the extra punch it will deliver.

The dwarf nods to his companions. "Off we go.  Let's make haste to Elturel."

Thufir nods in agreement as he packs his gear, "We have delayed enough. I'm in need of a proper beer as well."

"That's Fine my friends you can ride along. I've got to find Leosin I was supposed to meet with him yesterday." He spurs his horse on.

Nobody breathed a soft sigh of relief. He then couldn't help but chuckle a bit at Thufir's comment, before tlooking to the knight(paladin?).  "Here's hoping he is not too terribly upset at your missing a day." Commented the tiefling. "At least not so much as to do anything rash.... Although admittedly, I only know the man so much compared to the rest of you." He adds once the group are well on their way to Elturel. 

Elturel, a large, orderly city overlooking the River Chionthar, is filled with merchants, river traders, and farmers’ markets. Its most distinguishing feature is a brilliant magical light that hovers above it, while the setting sun sinks slowly.

        As you cross a bridge leading to the city, you note the bridge is laden with travelers, As you enter the city merchants are selling goods in the streets in this normally orderly City a few knights dressed in plate mail mounted on fine steeds are proceeding in a orderly fashion with their entourage of squires parade down the street. Jesters practice their trade as well as bards. It seems to be a festive mood. Penates, fly above buildings here and there.

Riding along his on his horse Thufir stops at the nearest stall selling wineskins to buy one and takes a big sip, saying, "Ah! It's good to be back in civilization!" Then looking to the shop keeper adds above the roar of the crowd, "Shop keep! What is the occasion?"

Fargen breathes in deeply the smell and sounds of Elturel.  He examines the craftsmanship of the wares and purchases a local edible, You can tell much from a land and people by what they grow...

Fargen asks the knight, "Where will we find Leosin, Sir?  We are seeking news of the cultist rabble.  Surely there are other people with whom to speak?"

Nobody for his part chose to quietly absorb the atmosphere while trying to draw the least attention to himself. A task easier said than done given his height, tiefling features, and overall dark ensemble clashing horribly with the festive atmosphere around town. Nevermind the winged familiar perched on his shoulder at the time and chewing on some trail rations. Nevertheless, he would try all the same and leave the others to do the talking while he stood nearby taking notes in one of his extra books. 

Quote from kevtr0n >>

Riding along his on his horse Thufir stops at the nearest stall selling wineskins to buy one and takes a big sip, saying, "Ah! It's good to be back in civilization!" Then looking to the shop keeper adds above the roar of the crowd, "Shop keep! What is the occasion?"

 The merchant charges you ten silver for the wineskin

"It's a festival of the companion sir. You know jousting, pie eating contests and such,. celebrating the anniversary of the light that saved us from the undead."

Quote from Faux_Beau >>

Fargen breathes in deeply the smell and sounds of Elturel.  He examines the craftsmanship of the wares and purchases a local edible, You can tell much from a land and people by what they grow...

Fargen asks the knight, "Where will we find Leosin, Sir?  We are seeking news of the cultist rabble.  Surely there are other people with whom to speak?"

 Frume replies "Squire Pip will show you to the Black Antler Inn. There's a tavern within and I have rooms reserved for my friends and I to stay" He chuckles mirthlly "Try and get some sleep if you can. We'll meet with Leosin at breakfast." He tosses you a medallion Thufir notes it has the order of the gauntlet's symbol upon it "Present that when they ask they'll set you up. We have a tab there." he shrugs "We own it actually have fun drinking for free. I owe you more than that."   he rides off leaving you with Pip.

Tossing a gold coin for the wine skin he looks back to his companions, taking another big sip, and offering the skin to anyone else, "Aight... So off to the pub where we have an open tab? Or shall we explore the festival?" then patting his horse says, "Up for a joust?"

"Joining the festival would be rather tempting, but... I-It's probably best that I at least do not take part." Nobody replied. "Crowded places and myself do not go well hand in hand, as curious as a soul as I am." He chuckled a bit before quickly waving his hands. "B-b-but don't let me stop the rest of you of course! Who knows when might be the next time you all can enjoy such things after all!"

Fargen winks at Thufir, "Who am I to refuse the good Sir's offer of a drink.  Perhaps we'll talk to some locals and see if any have encountered the cultists."  

Fargen proceeds to the Black Antler in and starts making conversation with locations and asks if anyone has seen signs of the cultists.

"I cannot follow you all night good sirs. So if you'll let me escort you to the Black Antlers. You may do what you wish from there." Pip says and moves his horse. But waits for you.

The Black Antlers, is more of a fine restaurant than a Tavern/Inn The building is well made and the entrance is a ten foot wide by 8ft tall double doors(5ft each) carvings on the walls outside are of woodland hunting scenes There  is a large black carving of an elk above the outside entrance. before you enter there is a human male dressed in a uniform there to take your horse. Pip hands his reins to the man and a silver then goes and stands by the door.

(edit (restaurant)  I doubt most would like to stay at a restraint🤣)

Approaching the tavern Thufir, wineskin in hand, looks to the man in uniform and says, "How's one get involved in the joust here? This steed is looking for some action." he adds, patting his horse on the neck.

"Ah right. F-fair enough." Nobody chuckled a bit before making ready to continue following Pip to the establishment. Upon arrival at which, the tiefling offers a polite but toothless smile before handing off reins and mirroring payment as Pip had done so. But unless barred from entry, he'd at least step on inside for an immediate look about the place while keeping his tail tucked neatly about a leg. A not so comfortable position, but it often beat having it stepped on should the place be filled from locals and visitors alike. He'd already learned that lesson before...

Quote from kevtr0n >>

The man takes the reins "Well Sir, you'll have to rent or buy some barding, buy a few blunted lances and head to the fair grounds pay a 10gold fee, and if you're lucky and win the first round. Someone might sponsor you." 

Quote from Mehmen >>

"Ah right. F-fair enough." Nobody chuckled a bit before making ready to continue following Pip to the establishment. Upon arrival at which, the tiefling offers a polite but tootheless smile before handing off reins and mirroring payment as Pip had done so. But unless barred from entry, he'd at least step on inside for an immediate look about the place while keeping his tail tucked neatly about a leg. A not so comfortable position, but it often beat having it stepped on should the place be filled from locals and visitors alike. He'd already learned that lesson before...

 The man says looking at the condition of the horse. "Thankyou sir she will be well taken care of. Groomed and fattened" with a smile and hands you a recite with the #10 on it.

"U-uh. Not too fattened, I hope!" He let out a chuckle. "I may need them on the road come tomorrow, and it would not do to have it too sluggish." He joked, but promptly add, "But I trust you to know better of course. Creatures of the equine persuasion are not exactly my expertise."  

Quote from Stormbringer4729>>

The man takes the reins "Well Sir, you'll have to rent or buy some barding, buy a few blunted lances and head to the fair grounds pay a 10gold fee, and if you're lucky and win the first round. Someone might sponsor you." 

"I do have this old chain mail around. Maybe that'll be enough to trade in for the rentals." Thufir says with a smile. "Point the way!" Ready to take on the world, Thufir heads to the jousting area. 

Fargen spends his time at the Black Antler Inn, telling tales of foes and riches.  He chugs the ale down in large gulps and eats a plate full of turnips, potatoes, and sausage. 

He calls over to Nobody and pulls out the ruby of the war mage.  "Would you like this for your rapier?  Otherwise, I'd say we look for a trade in town..."

He then drinks more...and is drawn outside to the festival.  He wanders about enjoying the 'sway' of the ale looks for Thufir's joust with the knights.

In spite of a fair quickness to enter establishment and momentary curiosity in examining the interior, Nobody is prompt in finding a seat -- any open seat really to rest and begin unwinding from the journey. To that end, he stuck to absently "air hustling" on any passing conversation and ordering the closest equivalent to either soup or tea the antler had to offer. He would just about get to cracking open a book in waiting before being lured over to Fargen, confused but clearly curious all the same. 

The news to follow leaves his eyes wide open for a good few seconds there before finally catching himself, clearing his throat awkwardly, then holding out a hand tentatively holds out a hand for it... presumably having been told of its properties beyond being a bauble. "I... I don't know what to say! O-other than thanks of course and a promise to put it good use. O-or failing that, uhm... to do my best." He assures Fargen. He then commits to giving the jewel one last once over before beginning the attuning process and enjoying the rest of the evening indoors largely reading in the end.