Visibly relieved that they have finally reached their destination, Alden manages to pull himself up on his own thanks to the rest on the wagon. He feels a little better but still longs for a healer or a rest to regenerate.

"Alden my name - Would be grateful for a helping hand"

Once you have all finished speaking there is a pause, followed by a metallic clunk as the door is unlocked. It swings inward far enough for the occupant to see out. In her right hand she holds a lantern, which she holds up to better see the faces of those on the doorstep. She looks a bit taken aback by the sheer size of Lukuth but makes no mention of it. In the flickering light you see a human woman, maybe 30 years of age, with dark hair pulled back in a ponytail. She is wary but seems reassured by your mention of Gundrun.

'Gundrun, you say? I haven't seen him. He was supposed to be here by now, I'm a bit worried about him.' Her eyes dart to the wagon and then back to the elf and the goliath in front of her. 'What happened to you? I suppose it was those cursed Redbrands who hit you, was it?' She pauses and thinks for a moment. 'Sister Garaele is probably your best bet if you've got an injury, but I wouldn't want to disturb her at this hour, especially when...' She tails off and her eyes flick downward. 'Um, never mind.' 

She looks back up at Aeran. 'How bad is it? Could it wait til morning? I can take you down to the Inn for now, Tobler will be able to give you a bed for the night.'

Alden was overcome by an uncomfortable feeling. He had to think about Gundren - was it the right decision to travel here first? He hoped for the best but expected the worst.
Slowly and carefully he made his way down the wagon towards the door.
Thank you my dearest for the shelter. I think if I speak for our group we are all happy to have a roof over our heads and maybe some warm food left over. And maybe an ale or spiced wine if it's no trouble to flush down the stresses and strains of the journey
His laughter was drowned out by a familiar cough

We'll hold out until tomorrow - what was the good nun busy with again at this time of night, you say? 
Hoping to get some information because something seemed suspicious to him?

Redbrand you said? Maybe you can also tell us a little more about them and these ambushes

Aeran winces, squinting his eyes for a fleeting moment to adjust to the sudden assault of light on his senses. But once he gets used to it, he notices the apprehensive look on the face of the woman, and takes a small step back to give her more space. Having a bunch of strangers at your doorstep in the middle of the night can be a scary experience even for a man, let alone for a lone woman. He assumes she is alone because what man would let a woman open the door to some questionable characters at such a late hour?

Aeran just lets Alden tell the woman how he is feeling currently. In his opinion, a good night's rest should help indeed.

"Yes, Gundrun, " the high elf pauses for a moment, and when he speaks again, there is a hint of sympathy in his voice. "We believe they faced an ambush as well. I cannot say for certain what fate has befallen them, but it seems likely they were taken alive by the goblins," he adds carefully. He isn't sure what this woman's relationship with the dwarf or the warrior human could be, and such news can bring out a strong reaction, so he observes her features quietly.

The woman purses her lips, a look of deep concern on her face. 'Goblins.. yes you did say. And you think they've got Gundrun? Oh that's no good. No good at all. I haven't seen either of his brothers for at least a tenday either. I do hope they're ok. And Gundrun was taken alive? Look, I think someone needs to go and see about getting him back, but chasing after goblins in the middle of the night is only likely to bring more misfortune I think, especially if one of you is already hurt.'

She leans out of the door and peers to her left, where you can see a fenced off yard next to the building. 'Pull the wagon into the yard there,' she says, 'it should be safe enough for tonight. Then I'll walk you down to the Stonehill Inn. It's not far but I won't send you there alone. Tobler would probably throw something at you out of the window rather than let you in. He can be a bit gruff, but he's ok really. Just a bit put out at the moment like the rest of us honest folk in this town.'

She looks at Alden with concern. 'Those goblins got you did they? I'm so sorry. Tobler will be able to give you something to eat and drink. It won't be much, probably leftovers, but better than an empty stomach, hey? And a good night's sleep in a soft bed will do you some good I'm sure.'

'And the Redbrands?' The look of concern turns to one of anger. 'Those blasted sons of curs have been causing no end of trouble around here. I don't know where they came from or why they're here, but they can all go to the ninth hell as far as I'm concerned!' She shakes her head with exasperaion. 'You don't need to hear about that at this time of night though. Let me get my boots on while you park up the wagon. Tie the oxen up in the yard, I'll get them some food and water when I get back. Tobler will have stabling for your horses.'

With that, she retreats back into the house and closes the door, remerging a few moments later, booted, cloaked, and clutching her lantern. Now she's out in the open you can see that she's quite small and slim, but carries herself with an air of authority, as if she's used to giving orders.

'Follow me, it's only a five minute walk.' She says, as she sets off.

“Thank you for your hospitality. What are these red brands you mentioned earlier?” Luk adds.

Thank you very much for your help.
these ambushes - you have often raids here with victims who have been captured?

Actually a Strange behavior - goblins taking prisioners during ambushes. There must be more to it than that.

Aeran nods and heads back to the wagon, so he can do as the woman asked. Taking the reins from Mayres, he leads the oxen into the yard area, tying them up to the fence. Giving them one last pat on their sturdy hides as a small token of gratitude for their reliable service, the elf returns to the rest of the group just in time as the woman re-emerges from her house. 

“Thank you, honorable lady,” Aeran tells her. “We are eager to return to the ambush site and investigate the direction the goblins may have taken. The absence of bodies gives me hope that these nefarious brigands have motives beyond mere plundering.”

He unties the grey mare and leads the horse by the reins.

"These are actually Gundrun's horses, we found them on the road... But a stay in the stables should do them good."

The woman replies over her shoulder as she leads you further into the village.

'I don't know of goblins carrying anyone off, actually. They're a nuisance but Gundrun shouldn't have been troubled by them, especially if he had company. That's why I thought of the Redbrands. They're a bunch of ruffians who've been terrorising the town recently, shaking people down for money, extorting businesses, that sort of thing. They carried off a couple of people the other day but that's the first time I've heard of it. I'd be surprised to hear of them operating out on the road. Plenty of mischief to be had right here in Phandalin, no need for them to go looking for it out there. They're getting bolder, and there's no-one to stop them. The law doesn't reach all the way out here I'm afraid so there's not much we can do.'

'Anyway, enough about those scum. Come back to me at first light. I'll be in the shop where you found me tonight. I'll have your money for you and you can gather any supplies you need before you set off. I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight, worrying about poor Gundrun.'

'Oh,' she says, realising that she has not introduced herself, 'I'm Elmira Barthen, by the way. Owner and proprietor of Barthen's stores.' This was said with a note of pride in her voice. 'Any friend of Gundrun is a friend of mine, so it's good to meet you all, despite the, er... circumstances.'

The road widens in front of you into what appears to be the village square. You can make out the silhouettes of buildings around its perimeter, and some sort of shrine immediately to your right. To your left, opposite the shrine, is the Stonehill Inn. This is obvious from the sign hanging outside. It is a large, wood-built building similar in construction to Elmira's shop. Both buildings look quite new, from what you can tell in the darkness. Elmira bangs on the door and then backs away a few feet.

After half a minute or so an upstairs window opens and a heavyset man appears in it, brandishing a leather shoe.

'What in the nine hells is going on?' he demands. 'Can't an honest man get any sleep? I've a mind to see you off with this shoe!'

Elmira turns her head to Aeran and winks. 'Told you,' she whispers conspiratorially.

Turning back to the man in the window, she says, 'we have visitors, Tobler. Friends of Gundren. They've suffered misfortune on their journey and one of them is hurt. They need food and rest.'

Tobler seems to see the party for the first time, giving a little start as he takes in the scene. The two horses, the noble-looking, blond-haired elf, the cloaked and bearded ranger, the rather intimidating painted and heavily armed goliath, and the well-dressed but otherwise unassuming-looking chap at the back. 'Trouble, is it?' he asks, gruffly. 'Not surprised if Gundrun Rockseeker's got anything to do with it. Nothing but trouble, that dwarf.' He grumbles this last sentence as he turns away and disappears from view.

A couple of minutes later he reappears at the door as he unlocks it and swings it inwards. He is quite tall for a human, over six feet, and has a large belly that speaks of many years of ale drinking. His hair is thinning on top and runs into mutton chops on his cheeks. He has thrown a simple leather coat over his nightgown and carries a lit candle in a holder. He says, 'Stable's round the back. There's hay and water.' Then he jerks his head to indicate you should follow him inside.

As you disappear into the dark interior, Elmira calls out, 'If they haven't got any money, Tobler, don't fret. I owe them so will settle the bill tomorrow. See you in the morning, friends. First thing.'

Tobler leads you through the taproom, stools placed upside down on tables, and into the kitchen. He pulls back some cloths that were covering some cold leftover meat, a pot of stew, and some dry bread. 'Help yourselves,' he says. 'Elmira will settle up tomorrow. I'll get you one drink each and I'm going back to bed. What'll it be? Ale? Or Ale?'

Alden was happy about the inn - finally rest and have something to eat and drink.

"Thanks for the hospitality my friend - let me guess...äähm...then I take the ale" Alden said with a smile. "and thanks for the leftovers - the main thing is something warm in the belly"

"What do you mean with the dwarf causes trouble? did he have any difficulties here - with something or with somebody"

Once he has ensured that his horse is unsaddled and provided with hay and clean water, Aeran goes into the inn as well, following the light from the kitchen. He settles in a seat around the kitchen table, filling a bowl with some stew and nods to the innkeeper. 

“Ale sounds good. You and Elmira both have our gratitude for taking care of us at this late hour, “ the paladin expresses with a warm, appreciative smile. 

“Lady Elmira said that there have been troublemakers recently in the area...” he trails off as he takes a spoonful of stew. "Have you had any troubles yourself?"

The rotund innkeep goes to the taproom and returns with four mugs of ale, which he places down on the table in the kitchen.

Looking at Alden, he says, 'Ah, Gundrun's alright. He's just... ambitious, I suppose. Him and his brothers. Men of ambition always seem to attract trouble, it seems to me. Makes them more noticeable. There's always people as want to take what they've worked for. Pay no heed to a grumpy innkeep. Gundrun's a good fellow.'

Turning to Aeran, he lets out an amused snort despite his gruff demeanour. 'Lady Elmira, is it? Ha! She'd like that, so she would. Don't let her small stature fool you, she's tough as old boots, that one. And as for trouble, aye, we've all had our share, though the bastards tend to drink down at the Sleeping Giant.' He scowls. 'They know better than to darken my door.'

He leaves the kitchen again and returns a minute later with four room keys with numbers on. He indicates the direction of the stairs. 'Rooms are upstairs. You'll smell when breakfast is ready. If you need a cleric I'll point you towards Sister Garaele in the morning. Don't make too much noise when you go up.'

With that he disappears from the kitchen and you hear him clomping up the stairs.

Unless anyone wants to do anything else I'll assume you are all going to eat and go to bed, which will be a long rest. We can pick up in the morning at first light. You can decide whether you want to go at first light to get on with things, or wait for breakfast before you go. There may be more opportunity to talk to Tobler in the morning if you stick around for breakfast.

Time for the horizontal. I can already hear the bed calling my name. Alden said and took the last sip of his ale.
We'll see what we can find out tomorrow. Elmira is on our the list, maybe we'll pay the sleeping giant also a visit 
I'll definitely sleep through breakfast. If you want to leave before then, wake me up. 

Have a good rest my friends

Alden disappeared in the direction of the stairs and you could hear the creaking of the steps as he slowly walked upstairs

Aeran finishes his late supper in quiet contemplation, thinking about the journey so far, and what lay ahead of their group.

His heart seems to be in two places - part of him wants to call this whole business settled and to go find what is actually waiting for him in the village, but another, the bigger part, commands him to set his own selfish motives aside, and learn more about the situation with the goblins and what has happened to Gundrun. He can almost see Elowen's disappointed face in the darkened windows and hear Thandor's voice in the quiet of the night - 'You made a vow'. 

And so, he considers that Alden might be right. They should probably talk to Lady Elmira (he almost chuckles as he remembers the innkeep's words about the woman), and then they can check out the clientele of the Sleeping Giant. But first... it would be breakfast. It is his first time on the continent after all, and he feels he must learn about the culture around these places, and culture includes local culinary delights.

With the stew savoured and the ale enjoyed, the paladin finally sets off for his final destination of the day - the bed. 

Quote from Uhtred_the_Unprepared >>

Tobler leads you through the taproom, stools placed upside down on tables, and into the kitchen. He pulls back some cloths that were covering some cold leftover meat, a pot of stew, and some dry bread. 'Help yourselves,' he says. 'Elmira will settle up tomorrow. I'll get you one drink each and I'm going back to bed. What'll it be? Ale? Or Ale?'

 Grabbing a bowl of leftovers he starts eating it hungrily. With a mouth full he mumbles, “Ale or ale? To hard to choose, I’ll take both thanks.”

After finishing the ale and food Luk gets up from the table and walks to his room. “Have a good night friends. We’ll need a good sleep.”

After a peaceful night you all return to the taproom as the grey light of dawn filters through the windows. There is a fire burning in the hearth to banish the morning chill and all the stools have been placed down around the tables. The room is plain but neat and tidy, with fresh straw on the floor. A stout human woman in a simple dress and a white apron is bringing platters of bread, cheese, and apples from the kitchen. Seeing her guests she smiles warmly.

'Ahhh, a good morning to you all, gentlemen. You must be the travellers who arrived in the night. Tobler was most put out, he does like his sleep,' she chuckles. 'Anyway, help yourselves, there's more where that came from.' She places the platters on a table and bustles back into the kitchen before reappearing with more food. Looking at Lukuth she says with a wink, 'I'll wager you've got quite the appetite, haven't you?'

I bet he has said Alden, giving Luk a friendly pat on the shoulder, "I think we all have after the trip.
Alden feels reborn after the long rest. And he feels the new spirits of life flow through his body. 
The sight of the breakfast and the smell made his mouth water.
Good morning my friends, have you all had a good rest?

Lukuth smiles in reply to the lady, “Of course, I hope I won’t be eat you out of the house.” 

Turning to Alden he replies, “It was good to be off the road and to rest my aching bones. How’re you feeling?”

Thank you my friend, I feel like a new person. And when my appetite returns, everything seems to be fine. Alden laughed and reached for the bread.
I haven't had the chance to thank you all for saving my butt. I am indebted to you all.
he looked at the faces of his three companions and nodded his thanks to each of them.