Dev's smile freezes on his face when they enter the inn, and immediately, his prior unease regarding his social status reasserts itself in spades. Everything is beautiful, to be sure. But he winces in anticipation of the high rate he expects the halfling to utter.
Lokilia too looks around the place as they enter, taking in the decor. "It's bound to be a great place if you and your grandfather worked on it! That's really neat." She doesn't seem concerned about it being too fancy, she just hopes they end up in a nice place.
The halfling man looked over the group somewhat critically but seemed to notice something about both Normont and Lokilia that left him nodding.
" Well, with the usual discounts applied for officials....that comes to....shall we say 10gp for the suite....though we will need to add an extra cot if all four are staying in the one room."
" Breakfast is of course included, luncheon and dinner can be had in the restaurant or off property. Bath facilities are available in both communal and private areas."
Normont is a little taken aback that they qualify for an officials discount, but doesn’t argue. He digs around in his pouch and withdraws 20 gold pieces from his back pay.
He looks to the others briefly hoping they won’t request additional rooms, as he places the coins on the counter.
“The suite will be fine, right?”, he asks his companions.
Lokilia is only half aware that the innkeeper seems to be looking at her and Normont when he mentions 'officials'. She thinks, 'Normont is surely an official here. But is the halfling actually looking at me? How strange!'
In response to Normont, she eagerly replies. "Of course, a suite should be great!" She then looks back at the halfling. "Do you have a garden here? Are there lilacs? I heard there was a park nearby. Will we be able to see it from our suite?"
Dev blinks. The amount is as much as his parents earn in two months, from which they pay rent for their little cabin. And now he and the others would spend such an outrageous amount for but one night at this hotel in the city. When Normont turns to ask Dev and the others a question, the teenager assumes he’s going to tell them they need to stay someplace else less expensive. To which Dev would agree. But instead, Normont simply asks whether sharing a room would be all right. Dev has spent his life sharing a single room with his elderly parents, so nothing would be more natural. If only it did not cost so very much.
Dev smiles and nods happily. He wasn’t about to spoil it for the others now that he has led them to this place. He’ll figure out a way of paying Normont back. But wait! Dev’s mind suddenly catches up with reality. I don’t have to pay him back. And maybe... if people can afford to pay this much for a hotel room, they have extra money for other things too...
“That is fine, Normont. But… I still have gold left over from before, when I had concerts near Drynna. Since this was my idea, I’ll pay. Okay?”
He turns to the halfling. "Hello. Do you know where... where people go to listen to music? I sing stories and music, so..."
Normont is a little taken aback that they qualify for an officials discount, but doesn’t argue. He digs around in his pouch and withdraws 20 gold pieces from his back pay.
He looks to the others briefly hoping they won’t request additional rooms, as he places the coins on the counter.
“The suite will be fine, right?”, he asks his companions.
Lokilia is only half aware that the innkeeper seems to be looking at her and Normont when he mentions 'officials'. She thinks, 'Normont is surely an official here. But is the halfling actually looking at me? How strange!'
In response to Normont, she eagerly replies. "Of course, a suite should be great!" She then looks back at the halfling. "Do you have a garden here? Are there lilacs? I heard there was a park nearby. Will we be able to see it from our suite?"
The halfling smiles at Lokilia " Kaitiakè, Ma'am. Indeed, just across the way is Lord Trinkets Public Park which pays tribute to the boon companion of Lady Vex'ahlia de Rolo."
" Your suite overlooks the park, there are lilacs in the window boxes along with lavendar."
Dev blinks. The amount is as much as his parents earn in two months, from which they pay rent for their little cabin. And now he and the others would spend such an outrageous amount for but one night at this hotel in the city. When Normont turns to ask Dev and the others a question, the teenager assumes he’s going to tell them they need to stay someplace else less expensive. To which Dev would agree. But instead, Normont simply asks whether sharing a room would be all right. Dev has spent his life sharing a single room with his elderly parents, so nothing would be more natural. If only it did not cost so very much.
Dev smiles and nods happily. He wasn’t about to spoil it for the others now that he has led them to this place. He’ll figure out a way of paying Normont back. But wait! Dev’s mind suddenly catches up with reality. I don’t have to pay him back. And maybe... if people can afford to pay this much for a hotel room, they have extra money for other things too...
“That is fine, Normont. But… I still have gold left over from before, when I had concerts near Drynna. Since this was my idea, I’ll pay. Okay?”
He turns to the halfling. "Hello. Do you know where... where people go to listen to music? I sing stories and music, so..."
" Ah, well.......of course there are performances at the palace and the theatre and often open air concerts in the squares and parks...of course...there are allowances for...", his face seemed to contorted momentarily and then become exceedingly placid. ".......busking and troubadours and the like at weekly markets and on street corners."
Lokilia was a little surprised by the Ashari greeting the halfling offered. "Kaitiakè," she replies. "The window boxes sound lovely! I can't wait to see them. And the view of the park sounds wonderful. Thank you so much." She puzzles a bit over the whole 'boon companion' thing and the long sounding name. To the other three she says, "Let's hurry and see the place. Get settled in. And then arrange some dinner?" She looks over at Dev. "We should try to figure out how to invite your new friend Balaran to join us as well! We know he's here. Perhaps we'll run into him on the way."
She's eager to get moving on, though she does pick up on Dev's offer to pay. "Dev, you shouldn't have to do that. We could at least split the costs if you insist on helping pay. I'll chip in."
"There is even a statue of Lord Trinket in the centre of the park. We might be able to see it out the window. If not, I will take you tomorrow", Normont promises.
When talk turns to payment and Dev offers to cover the cost, he shakes his head. And when Lokilia asks to chip in he smiles at them both gratefully.
"It is a kind offer, but it's done now, Dev", he says nodding up towards the counter with the coins on. "Perhaps you could cover dinner though?", he suggests, knowing that he likes to pay his way as well, and not wanting to deny them that here.
He is very happy at Lokilia's eagerness, after she seemed a bit reticent on first entering the city. He just waits for the key to the room and some directions now.
Dev is at first crestfallen and embarrassed to have put the group under a financial burden, but he notices that no one seems put out except for himself, and quickly adjusts.
”Okay, dinner then! Normont, where should we go? Is there good gnomish food somewhere? I want to try it!,” he smiles.
When Lokilia suggest inviting Balaran to join them, Dev seems uncertain. “Yeaaahhh…, that would be great…,” he begins, then gains confidence and asks the halfling if he can leave a note with him for Balaran.
"Oh, well. There aren't that many gnomes in Whitestone, and I don't think there is an inn or tavern run by gnomes. My parents ran an inn back in Emon, and they were great cooks. I used to help out myself, but not too much, I was quite young at the time. Perhaps if my grandfather agrees, he and I can cook something another day. A proper home cooked meal. What do you think?", Normont replies to Dev, having quickly thought it all through, and looking to the halfling in case they know of a gnomish chef working somewhere in the city.
"As for now, maybe we could eat here. I have heard their food is excellent, and it will be easier to organise with your new friend", he adds,
Lokilia gives Normont a polite nod when he mentions the statue of Lord Trinket. 'Why would I even be interest in a statue of some nobleman?,' she wonders. The gnome's suggestion to eat here seemed good to her. "Yea, let's just eat here! Hopefully you can get a message to Balaran. But if not, we'll be right here and likely to run into him!"
Quinn will add, "I wish I was able to enjoy your parent's cooking Normant. My village did not have much interest in food, which I am now learning is sad."
"You would have loved it, I am certain. The world lost out when they...you know", Normont says not overly sadly, but as one whose grief has eased with the passage of time to allow them to think of their loved ones fondly.
"What was your village like?", he asks casually, being curious about Quinn's past, but trying not to push for answers.
" Ah, well.......of course there are performances at the palace and the theatre and often open air concerts in the squares and parks...of course...there are allowances for...", his face seemed to contorted momentarily and then become exceedingly placid. ".......busking and troubadours and the like at weekly markets and on street corners."
"Open air concerts...," Dev repeats, thoughtfully. Then his eyes shine with realization. I could afford to go to one! "How do I find out when they will happen?"
Dev is at first crestfallen and embarrassed to have put the group under a financial burden, but he notices that no one seems put out except for himself, and quickly adjusts.
”Okay, dinner then! Normont, where should we go? Is there good gnomish food somewhere? I want to try it!,” he smiles.
When Lokilia suggest inviting Balaran to join them, Dev seems uncertain. “Yeaaahhh…, that would be great…,” he begins, then gains confidence and asks the halfling if he can leave a note with him for Balaran.
"' Of course, Sir. I will have that delivered to their room at once."
"Oh, well. There aren't that many gnomes in Whitestone, and I don't think there is an inn or tavern run by gnomes. My parents ran an inn back in Emon, and they were great cooks. I used to help out myself, but not too much, I was quite young at the time. Perhaps if my grandfather agrees, he and I can cook something another day. A proper home cooked meal. What do you think?", Normont replies to Dev, having quickly thought it all through, and looking to the halfling in case they know of a gnomish chef working somewhere in the city.
"As for now, maybe we could eat here. I have heard their food is excellent, and it will be easier to organise with your new friend", he adds,
Lokilia gives Normont a polite nod when he mentions the statue of Lord Trinket. 'Why would I even be interest in a statue of some nobleman?,' she wonders. The gnome's suggestion to eat here seemed good to her. "Yea, let's just eat here! Hopefully you can get a message to Balaran. But if not, we'll be right here and likely to run into him!"
Quinn will add, "I wish I was able to enjoy your parent's cooking Normant. My village did not have much interest in food, which I am now learning is sad."
"You would have loved it, I am certain. The world lost out when they...you know", Normont says not overly sadly, but as one whose grief has eased with the passage of time to allow them to think of their loved ones fondly.
"What was your village like?", he asks casually, being curious about Quinn's past, but trying not to push for answers.
" Ah, well.......of course there are performances at the palace and the theatre and often open air concerts in the squares and parks...of course...there are allowances for...", his face seemed to contorted momentarily and then become exceedingly placid. ".......busking and troubadours and the like at weekly markets and on street corners."
"Open air concerts...," Dev repeats, thoughtfully. Then his eyes shine with realization. I could afford to go to one! "How do I find out when they will happen?"
" Generally around holidays, Mr Dev. I believe there are a number scheduled for the month, not in the next few days however, sadly."
"Well, I guess we have our dinner plan settled," Lokilia says. She nods to the halfling. "You are so kind. I guess we head for our room now, wait to see if Balaran responds, then you'll let us know when dinner is? Umm, five... ah yes. That is correct presuming Dev's tiefling friend will join us - which I am sure he will!" She is ready to go see this suite now.
Normont nods to Lokilia, distracted from Quinn for a moment.
"Ah yes, best grab the key and go find the room, you are right. Hopefully there will be time to bathe before dinner. Which way is the room?", he asks the halfling.
Once that is all sorted, he turns back to Quinn as he begins to head to the room, "Now, where were we. Oh yes, your village".
Dev thanks the halfling for relaying his invitation to Balaran, and for the information about concerts.
“Oh, I’m not ‘mister Dev,’ just Dev, he says. This hotel is beautiful. I’m sure you work very hard to keep it so attractive. May I ask your name?”
After these brief introductions-in-parting, Dev follows the others to the suite and begins to reflect on how good a bath would feel after his many days in the mountains and woods.
Dev's smile freezes on his face when they enter the inn, and immediately, his prior unease regarding his social status reasserts itself in spades. Everything is beautiful, to be sure. But he winces in anticipation of the high rate he expects the halfling to utter.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia too looks around the place as they enter, taking in the decor. "It's bound to be a great place if you and your grandfather worked on it! That's really neat." She doesn't seem concerned about it being too fancy, she just hopes they end up in a nice place.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The halfling man looked over the group somewhat critically but seemed to notice something about both Normont and Lokilia that left him nodding.
" Well, with the usual discounts applied for officials....that comes to....shall we say 10gp for the suite....though we will need to add an extra cot if all four are staying in the one room."
" Breakfast is of course included, luncheon and dinner can be had in the restaurant or off property. Bath facilities are available in both communal and private areas."
Normont is a little taken aback that they qualify for an officials discount, but doesn’t argue. He digs around in his pouch and withdraws 20 gold pieces from his back pay.
He looks to the others briefly hoping they won’t request additional rooms, as he places the coins on the counter.
“The suite will be fine, right?”, he asks his companions.
Lokilia is only half aware that the innkeeper seems to be looking at her and Normont when he mentions 'officials'. She thinks, 'Normont is surely an official here. But is the halfling actually looking at me? How strange!'
In response to Normont, she eagerly replies. "Of course, a suite should be great!" She then looks back at the halfling. "Do you have a garden here? Are there lilacs? I heard there was a park nearby. Will we be able to see it from our suite?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Dev blinks. The amount is as much as his parents earn in two months, from which they pay rent for their little cabin. And now he and the others would spend such an outrageous amount for but one night at this hotel in the city. When Normont turns to ask Dev and the others a question, the teenager assumes he’s going to tell them they need to stay someplace else less expensive. To which Dev would agree. But instead, Normont simply asks whether sharing a room would be all right. Dev has spent his life sharing a single room with his elderly parents, so nothing would be more natural. If only it did not cost so very much.
Dev smiles and nods happily. He wasn’t about to spoil it for the others now that he has led them to this place. He’ll figure out a way of paying Normont back. But wait! Dev’s mind suddenly catches up with reality. I don’t have to pay him back. And maybe... if people can afford to pay this much for a hotel room, they have extra money for other things too...
“That is fine, Normont. But… I still have gold left over from before, when I had concerts near Drynna. Since this was my idea, I’ll pay. Okay?”
He turns to the halfling. "Hello. Do you know where... where people go to listen to music? I sing stories and music, so..."
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
The halfling smiles at Lokilia " Kaitiakè, Ma'am. Indeed, just across the way is Lord Trinkets Public Park which pays tribute to the boon companion of Lady Vex'ahlia de Rolo."
" Your suite overlooks the park, there are lilacs in the window boxes along with lavendar."
" Ah, well.......of course there are performances at the palace and the theatre and often open air concerts in the squares and parks...of course...there are allowances for...", his face seemed to contorted momentarily and then become exceedingly placid. ".......busking and troubadours and the like at weekly markets and on street corners."
Lokilia was a little surprised by the Ashari greeting the halfling offered. "Kaitiakè," she replies. "The window boxes sound lovely! I can't wait to see them. And the view of the park sounds wonderful. Thank you so much." She puzzles a bit over the whole 'boon companion' thing and the long sounding name. To the other three she says, "Let's hurry and see the place. Get settled in. And then arrange some dinner?" She looks over at Dev. "We should try to figure out how to invite your new friend Balaran to join us as well! We know he's here. Perhaps we'll run into him on the way."
She's eager to get moving on, though she does pick up on Dev's offer to pay. "Dev, you shouldn't have to do that. We could at least split the costs if you insist on helping pay. I'll chip in."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"There is even a statue of Lord Trinket in the centre of the park. We might be able to see it out the window. If not, I will take you tomorrow", Normont promises.
When talk turns to payment and Dev offers to cover the cost, he shakes his head. And when Lokilia asks to chip in he smiles at them both gratefully.
"It is a kind offer, but it's done now, Dev", he says nodding up towards the counter with the coins on. "Perhaps you could cover dinner though?", he suggests, knowing that he likes to pay his way as well, and not wanting to deny them that here.
He is very happy at Lokilia's eagerness, after she seemed a bit reticent on first entering the city. He just waits for the key to the room and some directions now.
Dev is at first crestfallen and embarrassed to have put the group under a financial burden, but he notices that no one seems put out except for himself, and quickly adjusts.
”Okay, dinner then! Normont, where should we go? Is there good gnomish food somewhere? I want to try it!,” he smiles.
When Lokilia suggest inviting Balaran to join them, Dev seems uncertain. “Yeaaahhh…, that would be great…,” he begins, then gains confidence and asks the halfling if he can leave a note with him for Balaran.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Oh, well. There aren't that many gnomes in Whitestone, and I don't think there is an inn or tavern run by gnomes. My parents ran an inn back in Emon, and they were great cooks. I used to help out myself, but not too much, I was quite young at the time. Perhaps if my grandfather agrees, he and I can cook something another day. A proper home cooked meal. What do you think?", Normont replies to Dev, having quickly thought it all through, and looking to the halfling in case they know of a gnomish chef working somewhere in the city.
"As for now, maybe we could eat here. I have heard their food is excellent, and it will be easier to organise with your new friend", he adds,
Lokilia gives Normont a polite nod when he mentions the statue of Lord Trinket. 'Why would I even be interest in a statue of some nobleman?,' she wonders. The gnome's suggestion to eat here seemed good to her. "Yea, let's just eat here! Hopefully you can get a message to Balaran. But if not, we'll be right here and likely to run into him!"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Quinn will add, "I wish I was able to enjoy your parent's cooking Normant. My village did not have much interest in food, which I am now learning is sad."
"You would have loved it, I am certain. The world lost out when they...you know", Normont says not overly sadly, but as one whose grief has eased with the passage of time to allow them to think of their loved ones fondly.
"What was your village like?", he asks casually, being curious about Quinn's past, but trying not to push for answers.
"Open air concerts...," Dev repeats, thoughtfully. Then his eyes shine with realization. I could afford to go to one! "How do I find out when they will happen?"
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"' Of course, Sir. I will have that delivered to their room at once."
" Table for five? I will inform the maitre de."
" Generally around holidays, Mr Dev. I believe there are a number scheduled for the month, not in the next few days however, sadly."
"Well, I guess we have our dinner plan settled," Lokilia says. She nods to the halfling. "You are so kind. I guess we head for our room now, wait to see if Balaran responds, then you'll let us know when dinner is? Umm, five... ah yes. That is correct presuming Dev's tiefling friend will join us - which I am sure he will!" She is ready to go see this suite now.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Normont nods to Lokilia, distracted from Quinn for a moment.
"Ah yes, best grab the key and go find the room, you are right. Hopefully there will be time to bathe before dinner. Which way is the room?", he asks the halfling.
Once that is all sorted, he turns back to Quinn as he begins to head to the room, "Now, where were we. Oh yes, your village".
Quinn looks at Normont will a shake of the head. "I am tired and look forward to rest."
Dev thanks the halfling for relaying his invitation to Balaran, and for the information about concerts.
“Oh, I’m not ‘mister Dev,’ just Dev, he says. This hotel is beautiful. I’m sure you work very hard to keep it so attractive. May I ask your name?”
After these brief introductions-in-parting, Dev follows the others to the suite and begins to reflect on how good a bath would feel after his many days in the mountains and woods.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer