Breldo looks up with a start, and a mixture of emotions flash across his face before he gives her a slow smile. "That'd  be nice, lass. That'd be nice."

He gives a harrumph and veers sharply away from openly sharing emotions, turning away slightly and rubbing at his face.

"Sure hope the food gets here soon, traveling by boat always did work up a hunger. Even if it was only just a short trip out into the harbor."

Nuria returns his smile with a small one of her own. Then watches him curiously as he rubs his face. She gives a small start when he speaks up again. "Y-yes, I can't wait to taste it. ...that was actually the first time I ever stepped foot on a ship....o-or a boat really. I-It was...interesting?" Her face reddens again as she realizes that she must sound silly.

"Aye, they usually aren't so interesting as that! Ships are usually dull, once you get past the seasickness."

The tavernkeeper gives a wide grin at seeing the three gold, a more than gracious smile as he gladly accepts it, and responds.

"Of course good sir! We got some water carted over earlier, so I'll get you a flagon of something fresh. Do you want me to start preparing the water already, or only after dinner?" he asks. Regardless of the choice, he comes back after a while with what could perhaps be described as a "poor man's banquet". The tavern owner compensated the generous tip with a few small additions, that being that aside the bowl of stew, the flagon of water, and a single plate of sausage and lamb steak for them to share, he also included some bread (only slightly stale), an apple, and a few local berries.

---

The human is about to respon to Khond, his expression grave... Only for Slick to butt in between, as he needs to share his great insights- The man taken aback for a moment, about to protest, but eventually just responds when Slicks' mania dies down a bit.

"...As your... Friend? Already said, it's... Not good. You're not to blame, no, you just tried to help, but... That monster stabbed Perlar. He didn't make it. Guard will be looking for this Bussar, for whatever that's worth," he says, anger bubbling up for a moment, before it is replaced with grief once again.

"...It's my fault. I'm the idiot that wanted to have a last drink. Pallen thinks the same," he starts, hesitates for another moment, then looks back to Khond.

"I've no right to ask, but... Could I ask a favor of you? If you're wanting?"

Khond sighs, running a hand across his face.  "This is a great loss, I'm sure.  I wish I could have done more for you and your friends.  Maybe if I hadn't interfered it would have ended with just shouting...  What favour would you ask of me?  I'll do what I can to see it done for you."

Rick's ears twist to listen in on the favor being asked while absently rubbing a scare on his arm.

"Oh no, no, the guy was drunk beyond compare. If it weren't for you, I'd probably have been the one shanked," the man states, shudders for a moment... Then quickly pushes on.

"Just in case you didn't notice, Pallen- He is actually wasting away. He doesn't have long left, I don't think. And I admit I don't know the details, he's a bit vague about it all, but I know his family has a... Tradition, or something. Whatever it is, it's important to him. And it means that he's going to need to travel a few days away from here to a family grave, of sorts. I think."

"...Intention was that Perlar would go with him. Not that I don't trust the people we hired to help escort, but... Well, nothing would stop them from just dumping him somewhere then coming back claiming the job is done, you know? I'd take his place, but I don't think Pallen wants to see me right now. So, would you be willing to join this journey? I'd pay you, too- At the very least how you acted in protection shows you'd be honorable..."

"When you can, tip in advance, they'll make sure to take good care of you.", Breldo whispers with a wink and tucks in to his dinner.

Khond nods and places his right hand on his (humanoid) chest, "This I can do for you, I'll carry him myself if need be.  Some may be nervous around the Wasting, but I'm young and healthy as yet.  If nothing else, the tradition may be one I can turn to song, so this is something worth doing."

Rick yawns big and smacks his lips,

"Rick thinks ponyman is most noble but Rick is wanting to eat now. Rick will leave ponyman to go back inside and get food!"

Nuria's eyes widen at the sight of all the food placed in front of her. She picks up one of the sausages and takes a bite, then she proceeds to grab several of them, one loaf of bread, and part of the steak. She only pauses to look at Breldo and nod when he speaks to her. Tip in advance? She supposes that makes sense, though she's not sure she'd trust many people not to just run off with the extra coin. After washing down her first helping with water, she finishes off the steak and sighs. She can't remember the last time she ate this well.

The man nods with a soft, grateful smile, to Khond's acceptance, before a deep sigh escapes him and he adds more info.

"Sorry, I'm a bit of a mess myself with all that's happened- I'm glad, I'm glad. Ah, but, I've not even introduced myself. The name's Higgs. I run an apothecary here, so I'm helping sponsor my friends trip. Together with a bunch of his savings, you'll be well rewarded for what boils down to just a simple escort. Just a few days of hopefully peaceful travel over to the forest South West. The escort is only really needed because he can't walk himself. I'd just have you join in with the people we've already hired."

"And, well... Make sure the job gets done. After what happened today, if you say so I'll believe it. And... That Pallen can forgive me before he finds his rest."

Nuria and Breldo enjoy their meal. A modest one in the grand scope of things, but for at least one of them a feast. As the plates are slowly beginning to empty (and if they'd ask for a refill, they'd find the first one free), does the tavernkeep eventually come back.

"Got some water boiling for whenever sir and miss want to take a bath. Were you looking to share, or go separately?"

Khond shakes his head slightly, "I'm not looking for any big rewards.  So long as I can afford somewhere to stay and some food, I want for nothing but grand tales."

Higgs let's out a wide smile in response.

"You seem like the type. Well, perhaps the place he wants to take you will hold some stories. And if nothing else, then please - The reward will make sure you can get just that."

"Right- They'll be leaving early morning already, near the guild hall. Shall I make my way here to help make sure you'd get there..?"

Nuria does not ask for seconds as she is completely stuffed with what she just ate. When the tavernkeep comes back she looks up at him wide-eyed. A bath. In warm water? That sounds amazing! She can't remember the last time she bathed in anything other than a stream-- Wait, share or go separately....she feels her face heat. "S-separately o-of course! W-we are just co-workers!" She squeaks, then her face turns even more red when she realizes that she probably could have left the last part off.

"Guidance would be appreciated.  I'm new to town, so it wouldn't be too surprising if I got lost."

"Oh, and, another thing-" Higgs seems to suddenly remember, a bit embarassed, as he turns back to Khond. Slick is just about to go get himself some dinner.

"No need to press things, but... We should figure out what his wishes are with his inheritance now. Wouldn't have been an issue with his son, but now we've got to figure out where all his holding should go. I'll take care of it, if you can get me his wishes?"

---

The tavern owner pauses at Nuria's blurted out response, freezing almost comically in place for a moment. Then quickly moves on, as if it were the most normal thing in the world and he had not had any misconceptions.

"But of course! And two seperate rooms as well, right?"

"Har-uumph, yes, yes. Nearby, if you can manage, but separate, indeed."

Breldo diligently swipes a crust of bread around his plate searching for any drippings he missed, or perhaps searching for a graceful exit from this conversation.

Khond nods, "I'll try to find a delicate way to broach the subject."