There is no reaction at first when Vin knocks on the door, though he knows he heard Gewyn moving around in his room just half an hour ago. 5 seconds go by with no noise from inside. Then 10. Just as Vin is deciding whether to knock again or walk away, he hears Gewyn's voice without warning from behind him. "Hey there, Vin." Gewyn is standing behind Vin, smiling pleasantly. Just for a moment, Vin can see some of Gewyn's more fae-like features, as though he were just seeing the tail end of the transformation. A second llater, Gewyn is completely in his tiefling form.

"Now's as good a time as any." Reaching past Vin, Gewyn opens the door to his room and invites Vin in. The interior is still no more furnished than when they first moved in. "What's on your mind?"

     When Sam arrives at the new "homestead" the day after the council meeting he is intrigued.  He pokes his head into all the rooms and nooks and crannies, even those already claimed by others unless locked already.  He'll give the entire structure a once over to check it's construction and worthiness (Investigation?  Using prof bonus since I am using my smith and mason tools to help check for woodrot and stonework?  And Fire Rune allows me to double prof bonus if I use tools so...  18 )  Upon hearing the prime bedrooms have already been claimed Sam merely shrugs and states he'll take the small one downstairs.  "If we get a live in housekeeper they'll need space more than I do."

     Sam has some ideas he launches into early on for improvements.  "Bathroom downstairs would be handy.  Trust me, you get to an age you don't want to be stumbling across the house and a half again just to empty yourself, eh?  Could maybe fit it in under the stairwell.  Something basic but convenient."  If he catches wind that Vin had thought a balcony would have been nice Sam will scoff and explain he's better with the room he has.  "Get a couple carpenters here and they could put a door in on your room and build a full on deck for you right over the stables.  Shit, not sure why Muir hadn't thought about doing that so as to have a whole second floor garden above the stables."

     "Eventually we could maybe excavate the basement a bit.  More storage or a sparring room or a big ass secure safe if needed, perhaps.  Lots could be done here," Sam would say, considering the possibilities...

     When the conversation turns to the applicants available for the storefront, Sam early on pushes for Blue, the firbolg carpenter.  "We're likely to need lots of repairs over time, don't you think?  We've a couple big oafs in Muir and Myself, no offense, lumbering around the place.  Neferox chewing and scratching up all the woodwork.  Don't tell me Gewyn isn't going to want his room remodeled every couple of months..."  But Sam early on would likely see the carpenter was a losing proposition.  He'd half heartedly back the blacksmith then but while he wnated to Gurdo a chance, Sam was more than happy to keep recommending any such jobs to Drawlin...

     If and when the idea of taking on the tavern is proposed, Sam is dead-set against it.  "Who wants to be up all hours listening to others drink and carouse?  Oh they say it won't be that type of establishment but no bar ever knows their clientele until the clientele is established, eh?  Even the most well to do overindulge once in a while... And I don't want to be having to step around vomits on the sidewalk right outside my place!"

     As the tavern/ bar option seems to be gaining consensus, Sam's attitude towards the house shifts and he makes his stance clear.  "I'm not living in a bar," Sam states. "Can't start, won't start. It's fine though. If the bar is what wins it is what wins. I've got my place in the Tangles anyway... Was never big on moving away from the people to 'represent' their interests from so far away anyway."  Sam isn't angry nor seems to be making this a threat, rather just conceding to the vote of the others.

     "Sure on, I'll keep a few things here and perhaps crash in my room from time to time.  The Council will likely insist, wanting us to look unified and such...  The extra coin they promise to pay will do a lot for house upkeep and such.  Yeah, it likely is your best option."

     As for household help, Sam would suggest that the tavern should pay them enough to have a daily housekeeper / cook.  "Throw in their use of the larger room and you could even chop a bit off their wage since they won't need pay rent elsewhere, eh?  Might want to hire a couple guards who live nearby to do daily passes around the place.  Symbols of unity aren't always accepted by everyone and you all won't be there at all times to guard it, eh?"  But truthfully, not seeing himself as a full time resident Sam isn't too invested in the decisions...

Muir having already chosen the room with the plushy green rug, which reminded him of a mossy forest floor,  and balcony was sitting downstairs when Sam entered. He listened to Sam go on about this and that and offered a suggestion or two when Sam was done. "Sam I trust you to make the necessary arrangements to better accommodate us. I know nothing of city living or living in a house such as this. I can't help but wonder though if a herbalist and potion business led by Arch Druidess Goodall wouldn't be prudent? We will all need healing potions and who knows what other potions. Discounted prices will go a long way, and I can help make them in my downtime. I agree with you wholeheartedly that living above a tavern would not be my first choice. However, a potion shop, now that would be beneficial to all of us! A daily housekeeper and cook is a great idea too Sam! I would have never thought of that. We have the funds between all of us to certainly pay for one. Guards too! Sam you have excellent ideas, please stay more often than not. I am going to stay out of my tree as much as I can stomach staring out the windows and seeing giant buildings. Perhaps you can show me around the city? I would like to help the poor folk perhaps create gardens for themselves for food, or maybe you have a better idea?" Muir finally stops flapping his ears excitedly looking at Sam

Elthana checks out the house with the rest of the group as they arrive.  As the boys start picking out rooms upstairs, she decides to leave the stink and snoring to them and takes the bedroom on the main floor.  It was such a strange feeling, having a place in Marblestead that wasn't with the Treasury.  A bit liberating really.  She wonders what her mother thinks about this.

Listening to all the different things they can do with the place kind of makes her head spin and she tells Erriol that she might need some time to think about it.  She walks around the building as well, trying to get her bearings on the place where she is supposed to call home for the foreseeable future, she wonders where she will be able to practice her martial arts... her bedroom is certainly not big enough.

As Sam returns and announces his feelings on things, she scowls.  "Wait, ok, you don't want a tavern.  You know, you don't have to be so belligerent about it.  The five of us, oh sorry Nef, six of us have been through a lot together, you think we aren't going to take your feelings into consideration when choosing a shop for our storefront?  Why are you so vehemently opposed to a tavern anyways?"  Her scowl deepens when he talks about staying at the Tangles and just 'stopping by here when convenient', "No.  We are a team.  It's not us and half of Sam, that would be awful, that wouldn't make us whole."  Her scowl starts cracking as emotion starts to break through.  She gets up and heads to her bedroom.

Vin is asking for secrecy from Gewyn for now.  This conversation happens before talk of taverns/stores and such.  Read the spoiler if you're eavesdropping on them:

Vin comes down to join the others after talking with Gewyn and greets everyone.  Talk of taverns and making a place of fun and entertainment sounds great to him.  He likes the idea of seeing folks from the city and learning what is going on.  He also says the wizard supplies with potions and such sounds really useful.  If they sell wands too those can be really handy.  Sam shows up at some point surprising Vin after what happened during the audience but the young man smiles all the same.  Glad to see Sam is apparently allowed to join them after all.  Nef gives a bit of a huff of annoyance at Elthana for calling her Nef and not Neferox but she doesn't seem to lash out with violence right off the bat.  She is very annoyed though and glares at Elthana.  Vin corrects Elthana saying "She prefers Neferox from others."  Vin gives the black hound a look of curiosity as she didn't immediately attack Elthana which she likely would of in the past for that.  This time however, she seems to accept just reminding Elthana.

Sam becomes adamantly against the idea of a tavern.  So much so he is already threatening to leave the homestead.  Of all the folks, Vin thought he might like to have a tavern nearby but it seems he hates the very idea of having it connected to the house.  To be fair, he makes a good point about it being loud and rowdy late at night.  Vin thinks he wouldn't be bothered by it too much.  He was used to the hustle and bustle of the school or living on the streets before that.  He found a bit of reassurance in hearing folks around him.  When he was younger he learned he could often tell if it was safe by the tone of voices around.  If they were happy it was a good place to rest.  If there was anger he knew to move.  It's why he'd often find places filled with laughter to hang out near when he was on his own.

That said, not everyone would be like him.  "If you really don't want one Sam that's okay.  Is the concern just around the noise at night?  if so, why not have a breakfast tavern?  Only open for the morning or maybe morning and lunch and closes for evenings and nights?  I kind of like the idea of having breakfast ready every morning and getting to hear what folks are planning for the day.  I wouldn't say no to the bookkeeper and having a small library to read at.  I know I've graduated but still a lot I'd like to learn on history, religion, arcana and more.  the magic supplies sounds good too.  Potions are very handy and wands come in all kinds of styles and types that often prove super helpful.  Lots of adventurers would stop by for that kind of supplies."

     “Hey now!  No, no, no… Just because I don’t want a bar doesn’t give me the right to veto the idea for the whole house,” Sam says, hands up in mock surrender.  “They’re giving this place to all of us, yes?  I’m not looking to set rules or dictates or anything.. “

     Sam sighs.  He’d been doing his best to be calm and reasonable yet people are acting like he’s throwing a fit.  “Nothing wrong with the extra coin the tavern would bring in, surely.  The daytime only thing is an interesting compromise but not sure that would be enough for their bottom line, eh?”

     “‘Sides, it’s not just the noise,” Sam adds quietly a bit after Elthana steps out.  “I like a good drink as much as the person.  Probably more.  Sometimes a lot more, if you catch my drift.  Mostly I’m fine.  Mostly.  The easy access of having it right there though…  all the time?  I just…  it’s probably not wise is all…”

     Sam shrugs.  “But that’s a me thing.  I’m not forcing my problems on the whole house.  So if the tavern wins it wins.  I’ll adapt.  Adjust.  Overcome…”

     After putting that out there Sam will then go tapping on Elthana’s door.  “Can we talk a sec?”  Assuming she lets him in Sam will tell her much the same…  though add a bit more.  (In channel on Discord…)

     At some point later (depending what happens earlier and such) Sam approaches Muir.  “I haven’t forgotten your request to see the city and see about setting up gardens and such,” Sam says.

     “Others may be better to show you the nicer parts, but I can definitely show you about the Tangles and introduce you to some people who could maybe help,” Sam adds.  “Mind you, the Tangles earned its name.  There’s not a lot of space for gardens or such.  Not a lot of yards or such.  It’s basically a scribble of streets with houses and businesses all built atop of each other, leaning upon each other for support.  Figuratively and realatively…”

     “There may be a couple burnt out lots or such that with some work…” Sam says, thinking on it.  “Some of the sturdier structures, perhaps if we trudged dirt up on top them?  And I’ve seen people growing little herbs and such in boxes outside their windows…  When the weather is better than now, anyhow…”

Vin nods to Sam's description of the Tangles.  "Sam is right.  The tangles doesn't have much room.  That said, if the plants don't need much sunlight I might know a few places to plant them that are hidden to most.   I also used to know a few kind families that'd provide shelter to kids too.  I used to direct a few of the younger ones their ways.  Might be they'd let you grow some food there to help out."

Earlier that afternoon, before Sam had returned and the group discuss their employee options.

.

The back door opens and Muir walks into the house going into the kitchen and speaking with someone, a moment later he calls out to the rest of the group to meet him in there.

As Elthana, Gewyn, and Vin join Muir, they see that sitting on their sofa is one council member, Jimmy Connelly, who stands as the group enter and gives them all a broad smile, "hey! Hey there! Come sit, I wanted to meet all of you! I thought Sam would have returned by now but it seems he's still at the forge, I did tell him to swing by and check the place out, but... Well you've travelled with the guy, I'm sure you know what he's like by now, gotta finish a job once he's started it eh? 

Anyway, first off I wanted to introduce myself properly, Jimmy Connelly, Workers faction of marblestead representative, now I say representative because I ain't the head or leader of anything, I'm merely a mouthpiece for my people, and with that in mind I also wanted to apologise. I got hot headed in that meeting and I know it was directed at Sam, but that still wasn't right, it's not how I conduct business. So I hope you can let bygones be bygones, after all we're neighbours now! I'm sure you'll have pieced together that this house is pretty much on the outskirts of the tangles eh? 

I also came to talk about something I discussed with the council after you left, regarding Sam. Now I'm sure that you all have different skill sets and work together well, I'm damn sure you couldn't have done what you did in Hokum without eachother, but I've known Sam a long time... Ah! How to put this nicely? Sam ain't had an easy go of it, out here in the tangles no one does, and we are lucky to have him in our corner, he fights passionately and his ideals are set in stone. But he is a hammer, something used to stomp down the nails of injustice, but you can't use a hammer to open letters, y'know? With this in mind I've had the council preemptively excuse him from future meetings with them, this will be entirely up to Sam, but I need to know I can count on you all to have his back too. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to make excuses for him or apologise on his behalf, he can do that himself. I'm just filling you in on what's going on, and also planning some future projects with Muir here." Jimmy chuckles as he looks about the room, to each member of the group attempting to gauge their individual reactions.

Gewyn takes a seat at the piano and lightly plays around with the keys for a bit to get a feel for the instrument before running his fingers silently through some scales without actually pressing the keys down. It's not obvious at a glance that he's never actually sat down at a piano before. "Compared to our mutual friend, you were positively tepid," Gewyn remarks. But his tone softens up and he says, "But yes, we are aware that the very part of his nature that makes him ill suited for bureaucrats is largely responsible for us being here alive today. It doesn't escape anyone that when heads need pounding, or nightmares crawl out from the shadows, he can do more in 6 seconds than I can do in a minute."

Gewyn turns away from the piano to fully face Jimmy. "Mr. Connelly... Can I call you Jimmy? Anyway, Jimmy, we appreciate you coming out of your way to connect with us. You are the first to warm our new house with us, and if you are the last, it will hardly be a surprise." Gewyn rises to shake his hand jovially. "By the way, since you're here helping Muir out already, any chance you know a good interior decorator? If I'm being honest, I've no idea how to furnish a space, and that reflects poorly on me, haha!"

Jimmy gives a smile, and returns Gewyn's handshake, "the Oakhands have been assigned to basically do anything you want, just ask Erriol and I'm sure you can spitball ideas, they're the highest quality that the tangles can offer, and they're doing discounts specially for you through the council, and they get business all over town not just here. Mind you if you're wanting to make things look fancier the central market has many fine fabric stands, there's tailors and seamstress shops around, though I'm sure you particularly know of the fancier locales when it cones to decoration, the perfume district does that kind of thing much higher end than what you'll find around here."  

As JImmy arrives and introduce himself Vin smiles and greets him kindly.  "It's nice to see you Mr. Connelly.  You were quite nice all things considered.  I mean, I often find a sense of safety with Sam's strength aiding us.  We wouldn't of made it through a lot of the more dangerous situations without him.  That said; yeah, I wouldn't of guessed in a million years he'd pick a fight with everyone over a demon made soul eating bag.  With the situation what it was I think you handled it the best you could.  No need to apologize.  I know first hand it can be rough in the tangles.  Many have to fight for every inch of survival, I had it rough but I can only guess how bad it was for Sam.  Maybe that's just what the tangles do if you stay too long..."

Vin seems to be thinking on this and then seems to suddenly realize how dreary that sounded and adds  "I was lucky, I got picked up into the adventurer school in the cavalcade.  I was given a chance to get out of there and make a difference.  I think a hammer is just what we need sometimes.  Other times we need a letter opener.  Other times we might need a saw.  That's the idea with us right?  We are a tool kit of various groups and ideas to tackle things in unique ways that only all of us together can do.  We don't just hammer nails in, we saw the boards, measure the walls, and paint the house.   You can't make the home without that hammer.  So I for one have his back.  We might not always see eye to eye but he's a good man at heart.   That said, I also agree the hammer should stay away from the letters."  Vin gives a smile as Nef who is curled up listening gives a chuckle about Sam being a hammer kept away from letters.

"thank you for the kind words vin and thank you for understanding the position both Sam and I are in, I must warn you though, that there may come a time where my people look to Sam with a degree of distain. Unfortunately people who 'get out' tend to forget their roots, and suffering can of course lead to jealousy of those who seem to be doing better off. This is why it is so important to me and my people that you are seen as a united force, not for any one faction but for Marblestead as a whole, I'm sure you'll see who is in need of your help and be able to support them. Which is why I'm thrilled that Muir has already come forward with a suggestion for a workers and druids project, increasing the amount of food that we can grow for ourselves. I thought I'd let you all know that I will be discussing the integration of the druids into our streets, those who wish to join and help out, as right now, with a severe lack of clerics, we are seeing the numbers if our injured and sick increase. Hopefully the druids can step into a much needed role within our city." 

Elthana was lost in thought as she entered their new home and was a bit surprised to see Jimmy Connelly in their common room.  She hangs back a bit as others start to chat with him.  She raises her eyebrow at Muir when it is mentioned that him and Connelly were going to work together for the Tangles. 

Finally she adds to the conversation, "No need to apologize, Sam did get out of hand for the situation and it would be hard not to react that way when he is your representative." she comments a bit coolly.  "A united force.  This term is used quite often amongst the council, is there a definition for it?  Is there some view you all have that we are supposed to fit?  I have a feeling that we will probably not fit that more often then not, so what will be the ramifications from the council?"  She looks at Jimmy square on, not challenging him, but showing that she means these questions, not being flippant about it.

Then adds, a bit flippantly, "Can I be excused from the council meetings then as well?"

Jimmy's smile doesn't fade but he does look a little quizzically at Elthana, before addressing the second thing first... "being excused from the council meetings is essentially giving up your voice on matters, should you wish to not attend it would be something you would have to discuss with your representative. However I think you hold yourself well in those meetings, I can tell you hate the bureaucracy of it all, but you all provide insightful responses and tact, even when faced with backhanded and sometimes straight up insulting questions. Sam doesn't, this is the main difference. He could, but he would have to bite his tongue more often than not, just to be able to get through it, and that is something he would have to work on...

The whole united front thing from my perspective is going to be personal to you guys, you don't necessarily have to 'fit in' to any views of the council. Each council member is managing a lot of things and sometimes have ulterior motives for certain things to make sure their faction gets a better deal than others, this is what causes friction and shows us up to be bad at working together. But if you can set those motives aside and simply do as good a job as you can helping everyone, no one could argue your results right? Essentially the most you have to do is show that you can work together, because that shows everyone else that it is possible, you're just leading by example. Now other council members may dispute that and expect more of you guys, but I would seriously question their reasons for doing so." 

Jimmy, as the conversation comes to a close, rises and politely bids you all farewell, making sure to congratulate you all once more on the Hokum job. 

Later that evening Sam returns and discussions on the employees are had, the group whittling the options down to two; Hog, a goliath enchanter of magical items from the cavalcade, and Marzana Lively, a human wizard from the JFA, each wanting to open up a shop in your home and become employees under your guidance. 

Erriol Oakhand knocks on the door toward the late evening, requesting lists of additional furnishings for each room. Hearing the tail end of the employee discussion Erriol also tells the group that he will inform the two prospective tenants to pop by first thing in the morning for the group to interview, and with that he takes his leave.

The night comes and each member of the party finds that after nearly a week out on the road and resting in mountain caves, a bed is a highly welcome and comfortable feeling, and one to call their own is just an added benefit. the house is well insulated and stays warm even through the harsh winter's night, and in the morning, another knock at the door wakes everyone.

Just as promised, one of the potential employees arrives, the first of two. Marzana Lively is a middle aged human, though age has been kind to her motherly face, she wears fine purple robes and a wide brimmed pointed hat with a gem inset into the center, there are several tomes strapped about her waist along with a couple of vials. She holds herself well, taking a seat in the groups living room and making her self a little comfortable, she seems to be trying to be as respectful as possible. "I was told you may have some questions, and I'm more than happy to oblige, and so... here I am! This is a rather nice place you've got. I've been wondering who was going to move in after the clerics cleared out." she takes a good look around the room, and gives the group a warm smile, obviously a morning person... "so! shall we get started then? what would you like to know?"

     "Why me?" Sam asks, scratching his ass and heading for the stove hoping someone was already awake enough to have made some coffee.  Or tea.  Or something to help him wake up.

     "No, sorry, that wasn't for you," he grumbles a bit glancing back at their prospective renter.  "But yeah... Why here?  Plenty of places you could hang a shingle, why do it here?

     As Sam wakes up and becomes a bit more social, he will ask Marzana Lively about her history and her life - Where she comes from, where she grew up, general background type things.  He's not looking for any gotcha type moments more just trying to get to know the woman.

     "You'd be living here then?  Would it be just yourself or is there a Mister Lively?  Or another Misses?  Or children Livelys?" Sam asks.  "I doubt we're the rowdiest bunch around but I am not sure we'll be keeping regular hours or will always be the quietest either.  I mean we're..."  

     Sam looks around at the others.  "What are we, exactly?  Guards?  A strike force?  Adventurers under lease?"

     "Anyway, we could be gone for long stretches and come back bloodied and beat up but ready to celebrate... Or mourn," he continues, looking back to Marzana.

     "Personally I think we should be looking to hire a live in who could cook and clean and basically keep the place when we are away.  In addition to renting out the store area, mind you.  I guess my point is how do you get along with others?  Us, for one and possible help as well?  Also, just how much space do you be needing.  There is just the one room left upstairs but it's not tiny...  But if we divided the space up it may not be large either..."

     Sam asks these questions and others around the questions the others asks, definitely trying to make sure everyone has a chance to ask their questions and such.  Nearing the end of the interview, though, he will be a bit indelicate...

     "This is going to be our home.  Potentially ours as well.  I for one need to know that what happens here... What is said here...  Stays here," Sam says in a serious tone.  "This is where we will be letting our hair down, so to speak...  Griping our gripes, airing our complaints and venting about... Well, who knows.  Anyone who is going to be living here, I need to feel assured that if I spout off about the Council or a specific member of it, or this faction or that faction or just the price of fruit, that it won't be making it's way outside this house.  I'm not asking that you be willing to pledge undying loyalty to us or anything, but I do need to believe you know how to be tactful and keep family shit within the family, eh?"

"I've never had a family of my own, aside from the one that raised me, though I have been looking for one. I took my studies rather seriously when I was in my younger days and I achieved a great many of my goals, I am accomplished in making, um, 'above average' potions and scrolls, I have extensive knowledge of herbalism too and some divining magics, I have access to a great many spells that can be applied in versatility. But... when you throw your head in a book for so long, at some point you look up and you don't recognise the people who used to be your friends. The main reason I chose this spot to open up shop is that I wanted to get away from the airs and graces of The Jasmina life, and I want to work on my social skills, make a friend or two that will last longer than the next apprenticeship, study partner, or mentor. When I heard a live in spot to open a shop with a group of uhh, I guess adventurers? Who will be coming and going, I jumped at the idea, I feel I could extend my craft and my knowledge to make sure that you guys have what you need, I could keep you safe with my skills and maybe you would repay me with tales of your adventures or an ear for when I have something to share? That's how this works right?" Marzana shifts a little, it seems she is not well versed in being so open and honest.

Vin pipes up saying "I think adventurers is a good term.  Although we are more a unified group representing each major fraction here in Marblestead.  We are all from different factions with the idea that with each major faction working together it will better the city.  We definitely need a group name though."  Vin looks to Sam as he threw out a few options "Hmmm... I don't think those work.  I think we are unique.  Peacekeepers sounded pretty good.  Maybe mediators or arbitrators?  Hmm, definitely need a name for us."  Vin turns back to Marzana and asks "You mentioned apprenticeship.  Do you have an apprentice or should we expect an apprentice that would be working here as well?"

"No no" Marzana chuckles, "I fear I wouldn't be of much use to an apprentice. No my craft honing days are behind me, of course I could teach a lot but I think my future lies in applying my craft and using it for, well profit I suppose. There's only so much learning and teaching you can do in one lifetime after that I think it's ok to be a little selfish whilst doing some good, right? As for the name I think people would confuse you for a branch of the clerics of Hermes if you chose a name like 'The Arbitrators' they are known as 'Qui Arbitranur' in an official capacity, but I think it's great that you all decided to work and live and adventure together coming from such different backgrounds. This also explains the need for things said in the home to remain in the home, but you all get along right? I would be hesitant to get myself caught up in a household where quarrels are a daily occurrence."