"Three blessings upon you, Aralyn," Lumaris says, with a bow of her head, "it is my honor to greet you. Mel uliel bey Lumaris Flirore." She smiles, not adding where she is from, as Aralyn identified her already by her accent. "It sounds as though we may be well aligned with the desires of your good High Sheriff in these lands. I can travel well and swiftly, and am blessed by Oriellen to know the way. If any urgent news needs to be brought here, I will be able. I would be pleased to meet Sir Feromar, my lady."

"We would not wish to inconvenience you," Aralyn told her with a slight nod of acknowledgement. "Perhaps we could meet here, discretely, in the morning if that is convenient. I can arrange for the use of one of the back rooms with the Inn Keeper."  After a pause she adds. "It is well that the Wayfinders travel these lands.   Long years have passed since any but the bravest, or strongest, have been able to do so with any hope of returning south afterwards.  We understand little about the routes, places and perils up here. A Wayfinder may hope to discover such things and we shall all benefit from the knowledge.  Indeed," she glances at Avery, "knowledge has ever been the key to safely inhabiting new territory. You are all fortunate that you shall be among those pioneers whose discoveries and wisdom guide those who follow.  It is a noble purpose and I wish you all the best with it."

"Thank you, my lady..." Lumaris says, with a glance toward the doorway through which the assayer's men had just left. "I hope we may all work together to this noble purpose. A morning meeting would be amenable to me. I believe we are all staying here at the inn tonight." She looks to her new companions and smiles. How will the staves work together to claim the North for justice and right?

"If that is indeed convenient, then I shall trouble you no more. Again, please do forgive my intrusion. I wish you all  a pleasant night." Aralyn stands and bows politely. She turns and makes her way to the bar, where she converses with the landlord briefly then takes her leave.

After a moment, the landlord comes over to the table. "If it please you, I have arranged for your belongings to be moved to the Merchant's Suite. There's room enough for you all, there's three sleeping rooms, and a small private sitting room for your personal use - which the Lady Aralyn hopes will prove convenient for the morrow. The bill has been paid for a couple of nights and you are welcome to extend your stay if you wish at no charge to yourselves."

Gwen stands and curtsies politely as Aralyn leaves the group. She fishes out the money the miners gave her as the landlord approaches, but they are told the rooms have already been paid for. "How much would it take to cover the drinks and meals of the miners in here this eve?"

"A pleasant night to you as well, m'lady." Lumaris rises as the woman gets up to go, and bows to her. "We will see you in the morning."

As the landlord comes over to inform them of their rooms, the elf raises her eyebrows just a little. This is grand hospitality for a frontier town... their need must be very great. But she smiles, and her smile widens as Gwen offers to pay for the miners' meals and drinks. "I will contribute, and cover half the cost for their meals," she says quietly to Gwen. And she readies to hand over the amount when the landlord informs them.

Avery smiles and nods as she leaves, in a cordial mood. After it is just the staves again, he'll say "That went well, all things considering! I was worried for a moment tonight had a broken nose in store for me, but, instead, just the assayer's delayed animosity and some free rooms from a potential newfound patron-to-be!" he chuckles at their luck.

Quote from Lyrel >>

Gwen stands and curtsies politely as Aralyn leaves the group. She fishes out the money the miners gave her as the landlord approaches, but they are told the rooms have already been paid for. "How much would it take to cover the drinks and meals of the miners in here this eve?"

 The landlord nods but hesitates and appears to think for a time, rubbing his face nervously. Eventually he states: "I've no wish to cause offense, M'Lady, but miners drink hard when they are able. In truth I do fear that if I were to reimburse the lot of 'em they might kick up a ruckus - all innocent and in spirit, like but..." he pauses then carries on. "If a suggestion would not cause offense, were you to donate a sum of your choice I could have the lads put together supply packets for 'em to take back out when they go. The cost of oil for lamps is ruinous these days, as are torches and even rations are in short supply, which drives up cost.  Some assistance in that line would prevent them drinking away their gift - not that they don't deserve to kick up - and allow them to do Delmar's work a little easier. I know many are beginning to build up a debt with the suppliers and merchants.  This would ease that worry for them."  He hesitates. "I would match whatever you pay, M'Lady."  He turns over a worn ring on his middle finger.  It is scratched and dented but the mark of Delmar is visible. "I mined myself for many years, by Delmar's grace, but my joints won't allow it now and my wife tolerated the mining life for many years. She's earned some comforts and this is honest work. I take it as a sign and blessing that one of Delmar's chosen should grace my Inn. And with such company, too." He nods respectfully to the others. "I hope this is a sign of better times to come in the north.  The money men were quick to come up here, those seeking work were first of course. Where there's workers, there's always those who seek to profit from their labour.  We've seen precious few Staves in the past year or more."  He shakes his head. "I'm sorry, there's me prattling on." He places a large key on the table. "First floor, the large door immediately to your left. I'll have hot water sent up the moment you go up."

Lumaris tilts her head to one side, as if pondering something far away for a moment. "Those who seek to exploit and gain from the labor of others, rather than creating value with their own labor and skills, follow the whispers of Skelvath. Against such activities all who cherish the Divine Order must stand. We will do what we can to shine the light in this place, it is never too soon, it seems, for four Staves to arrive."

The elf's hand appears from underneath her cloak, holding a gold coin which she then hands to the landlord. "Take this, as my contribution to supplies for the miners." She bows her head in thanks to him as he sets down the key, but waits for Gwen to pick it up and lead the way.

[OOC - Sorry on the delay! Work has been very stressful recently and drained a lot of my creative juices!]

Gwen nods sagely as she listens to the landlord's words. "You words carry much wisdom, sir." She says softly. "One of Delmar's faithful need not be so self-depreciating when they carry on his good works. I will trust you do to what you think is best for the continued welfare of the miners." She reaches into the pouch containing the donations the miners had given her earlier and passes it over to the landlord. She pauses, thinking a moment, then retrieves an additional 4 crowns. "There is twelve crowns, I would give more, but I fear that I will need additional funds to deal with this Assayer and other moneymen that have been exploiting the people of these lands. Rest assured, goodsir, that I will give more when I can under the graces of Delmar. And thank you." She touches his shoulder with a smile. "Good with the blessings of our Lord." As her fingers pull away, a soft glow suffuses the landlord as she grants him the Guidance of Delmar. 

She turns to Lumaris and the others. "Thank you, Lady Lumaris. Shall we retire to our lodgings for the evening?"

Perception: 18

The elf nods, and picks up the key that the landlord laid on the table. Looking around at the tables and the gradually thinning crowd as the hour grows later, she guesses that by first floor, the landlord meant the first floor above this one. She leads the way up the stairs, and inserts the key to unlock the large door that was indicated. As it swings open, she takes note of the small sitting room, assuming that is what they first enter, and three additional doors to sleeping rooms. Silently she moves inside, looking at the condition of the place, the walls, the furniture, any windows, and opens the doors to the other three rooms to give them the same inspection. A Wayfayer must never let all places blur together and assume one is like another , but must assess each one as it is to know its strengths, qualities, and dangers.

Finishing her inspection, she comes back to the common sitting room to her companions, and smiles at them as she sets the key down on whatever surface in the common room is convenient. "Avery of course as the gentleman must have his own room. How would you ladies like to divide the other two? I am happy to share, and I am well accustomed to sleeping on the ground."

As Ren enters the room she looks around, and then starts using her magic to clean any small specs of dust she can find.

In answer to Lumaris' comment, Rin objects, "Oh no my lady! If anyone sleeps on the floor, it should be me!"

OOC: Is there more than one bed in each room? How big are the beds?

The merchant's suite comprises of three small twin rooms off of a central room which the landlord described as a sitting room. In fact, it appears to be more of an office/meeting space with a desk by the window and six chairs arranged comfortably around the fireplace.  The walls are panelled with wood, which is basic and unadorned yet polished to a fine shine. There are a couple of rugs over the floor boards. Two large oil lamps hang from the ceiling, offering light in addition to the fire.  The single window looks out over the front of the inn into the street and uphill towards the fortress guarding the Underpassage. Heavy curtains can be pulled across to keep out the cold.  There is a large chest by the desk, empty, with a key in the lock - presumably to allow guests to secure any valuables they might have. A couple of side tables offer space for visitors to stand their drinks or any food plates that might be supplied.

Three large hooks either side of the fireplace offer space to hang and dry any damp cloaks. Rin's practiced eye also spots a discretely located "gate" type hinged airer which could be placed a safe distance in front of the fire overnight to warm or dry any other items of clothing.

The fireplace is burning coal - which is something of a rarity south of The Breach where wood is far more common. It has become slightly more widely used in Carvos since the creation of the Underpassage but is a luxury afforded to only the wealthiest. Averey may have seen it used a couple of times but it will be new for everyone else.  It glows vibrant red and puts out far more heat than any fire except that found in a forge. The smell is quite unlike that of wood which makes it seem all the more unusual/exotic. It banishes all chill from the room.

The bedrooms are small but comfortable with straw mattresses (they smell fresh as though the straw is changed for each guest) and a single down-filled pillow for each bed. The beds are covered with heavy woollen rugs which promise warmth (if being a bit scratchy). Two of the rooms have small windows overlooking the side alley leading to the stables while the third is an internal room lit by two tallow candles burning messily on wall sconces. Each bed has a long narrow bulge in the middle with the wooden handle of a bed-warming pan just visible by the pillow. The bedrooms each have a bunch of dried flowers fixed to an overhead beam. These are faintly scented - enough to be the first thing the visitor smells on entering.  The scent is unfamiliar to everyone as are the small flowers which look as though they might have been blue or purple before they were dried. It is a sweetish smell with notes of fresh-cut grass.

A table stands at the foot of each bed with a wooden bowl on each and a folded cloth. Presumably for washing hands and faces.

The rooms blend a certain level of luxury and facilities with a simple, rustic functionality. Everything is well-made yet simple in its form and construction. It reminds Lumaris of the homes of the woodsfolk - the humans who also call the Ancient Forest their home.  They also favour function and simplicity, as do the Quelimari elves. The Rienmari of Lumaris' home, as with the Teomari of the north, embrace embellishment and decoration as a sign of superior artistic taste and craftsmanship.

Rin confesses, "I don't actually know how to be a ladies maid. I learned to be a maid serving the master who took me in from the streets. But that was just general cooking and cleaning. Both aided by magic."

OOC: Rin is fine with whatever the ladies want for sleeping arrangements, as long as they don't put her in with Avery.

OOC2: Should I be coloring Rin's spoken text so it stands out?

Lumaris smiles. "Rin, if it pleases your servant's heart, perhaps you ought to be the one who stays with your mistress, Gwen, and I shall take myself alone to the final room for my meditations. We elves do not sleep in the same manner as humans, and so this might be the most harmonious arrangement."

The elf moves over and gazes at the coal fire for a moment, her undescript gray cloak shrouded around her as she lets the heat of the fire chase away the chill from the frozen outdoors. She waits there until the promised water is sent up, and if she is then able to procure a bucket of it, the elf chooses one of the rooms that overlooks the alley, which she does, through the window, before shuttering it against the cold and setting down the bucket by the table. Next she fetches the bed warming pan from under the covers, and returns to the main room to fill it with coals from the fire. Next she fetches a couple of the fur rugs from the bed, as well as the down pillow, and brings them to whichever room Gwen and Rin are staying in, for Rin's use. Then, with a small bow and a bid goodnight to her companions, she returns to the room to take advantage of the small comforts of hospitality.

A short oblation to hands and face at the washing bowl as she stands for a long moment to contemplate how much to disrobe leaves her with the decision not to. This is a strange place, and despite their welcome, a Wayfinder must always be ready. She does, however, set down quiver, longbow, and shield, easily accessible in a corner, before seating herself on the bed, her nostrils full of the spicy scent of the strange flowers, and sets up her holy symbol, a candle, and a few more scrapes from the block of incense into the censer. Her thumb and forefingers together on either side of first the candle, and then the slivers of incense in the bowl of the censer, a whispered prayer, and both are lit. The sharp and musky smoke of the elvish woodland incense soon begins to drift throughout the entire suite as Lumaris recites her prayers, though the bulk of it slips out through the cracks in the window shutters.

Without a word to the others, as they are making their own preparations for bed, perhaps an hour later, the elf's silent robed and hooded figure makes two brief rounds of the entire suite, including the other bedrooms, holding the chain of the censor as she incenses the walls, corners, and objects. She does it so quickly and silently that before the others muster a comment or even much of a reaction, she is gone again, and as her candle burns out, she retires to her trance in the bedroom to await morning and the meeting that will come with the dawn.

(OOC: I always color the spoken text, just helps to navigate the posts more quickly I think, it's surely not required though. It's more important if you're long-winded like I am...)

Rin nods in agreement to Lumaris, and then turns and asks, "How may I assist you, my lady?" to Gwen. "I can heat the water or warm your bed."

(The innocent Rin is completely oblivious to other meanings of "warm your bed" other than using a bed warmer or magic.)

(OK, I'll use red since Rin is a redhead. Unless someone else wants red.)

(OOC: I'll move things along to the next interaction and then you can venture forth to adventure! *Spoiler is background info for you all, just didn't want to break into the narrative)

The night passes in peace and comfort.  Though loud, the sounds of the city are dismissed by warmth, security and the most comfortable beds you have rested in for some time.

Lumaris' meditation takes her to a favourite path within the forest of Rienmarien.  It is spring and new growth is bursting through everywhere.  She walks the path in her mind, experiencing every sound, touch and smell as though she was there in person.  This is as she remembers it and it brings a sense of warmth and comfort. Paths may take you far from home, but there is always a path back. You are never truly parted from the places and people you love.

For the others, there is deep refreshing sleep, from which the servants at the inn do not awaken you too early.  Breakfast is provided within the room and is cleared away in good time before your morning visitors arrive to speak with you all.  The Inn keeper knocks at the door and then opens it to admit the High Sheriff and Aralyn to the room.  Aralyn has discarded her cloak today and wears openly her blue robes, trimmed with silver thread at the neck and arms.  A silver wolf's head fastening proclaims her status as a member of the household of the Lord of Bran Tor*. 

 She is clearly very far from home, since Bran Tor sits even further west than Lumaris' home.  Aralyn enters first, which is odd for a servant, but the most perceptive among you will see that as she does so she quickly scans the room for threat or danger - an automatic and very quick action that happens in an instant. She then steps to one side to allow Gerant to take the lead.

Gerant is young for the position he holds.  He looks to be in his early twenties. He is quite tall for one of Carvos and clearly wealthy from his manner of dress. He carries himself assuredly but his eyes are not guarded and his manner is relaxed, open and friendly. His voice is clear and ringing, quite unlike the more common gruff, deep tones for which Carvos, and especially northern Carvos, are known.

"Good morning to you all, thank you for agreeing to this meeting. I very much hope that your night was restful."

When visitors arrived, Rin stopped her tidying of the room and goes to stand behind Gwen. She lets the others do the talking since she doesn't feel as if the lowly her can talk to such an important person.

(Rin has self esteem issues)

Wandering the night in her mind on the forest paths of Rienmarian, Lumaris spends the early morning agaze out the window as the sun rises, refraining from any wanderings outside the suite in an unknown locale. There is little to see of the dawn from the view over the alleyway, but the sparkling of the sun's tentative rays on the icicles and snow-dusted surfaces that she can see is quite enough to occupy her pleasant contemplation as she soards in her mind across the great and jagged landscapes north of the Breach, a place of dreams and nightmares for all Wayfinders.

But before the sun is much out, she comes out to stoke and rekindle the fire in time for breakfast, and await their visitors. She is by this time ready to go, having finished her morning prayers, ablutions, and restored all of her weapons and belongings in place on her person, as if ready to set out immediately on a journey. The musky scent of her incense is still faintly present in the suite when the visitors arrive. "Lady Aralyn," she says with a nod. "And I am pleased to make your acquaintance, High Sheriff. Your hospitality was much appreciated, and our night very pleasant. How may we assist you?"

"You are most welcome,  a night or two in comfort is the least I could do." Gerant states. "If I may speak frankly,  though I have the title of High Sherriff of the Northern Territory,  at this time Carvos has made very little headway in establishing authority far beyond the city limits. I lack the manpower, for one thing, and for another the populace is widely dispersed and... disinclined,  shall we say, to recognise the rule of law." He frowns and hesitates.  "My duty is twofold, but by far the most important is to secure the Underpassage and maintain a strong garrison here. I have enough soldiers,  barely, for this. What I lack is reliable eyes beyond the city. If trouble is brewing,  timely warning will be invaluable to meet any threat. Likewise,  if there are pockets of lawlessness that I am aware of,  men can be spared to deal with it. Routine or far-ranging patrols are not possible, but specific interventions are. For this I need reliable information. All I ask of you, without in any way exposing yourselves to danger, is to provide me with any relevant information gleaned from your travels. This would be aiding those whose lives up here depend on some level of law and security.  At the most extreme,  it might prevent a risk developing that would one day threaten the South."

"The High Sheriff places no obligation or demand upon you," Aralyn adds. "This is a formal request,  but one you are free to decline. However it would be immensely helpful. My own master, Lord Ralvast, is uneasy about the situation up here which is partly why I have been permitted to aid my Lord Gerant in his duties. There is much potential and possibility up here,  but we must be vigilant to any threat. Skelvath long held sway in this land."

"Should you come across something which you feel able to deal with yourselves, and you feel inclined to do so, I can provide you with writs of authority," Gerant continues. "And you would be suitably rewarded, of course. However, you have your own purpose up here, I am sure. I would in no way wish to impede or encroach upon your work nor place upon you any binding obligation."