All ruffians are now dead. Combat has ended.

Ash: "Did... did we all just nearly die?"

Badger drops to a knee. "Multiple times, yes. That was some luck that we survived; some quick thinking by each of us to help each other. But... I am exhausted and need to rest."

K: "Did you notice before the fight? That Shanks nodded toward that dilapidated manor when asking to go home."

Badger: "Yes. That must be where they are hiding out. Let's go back to let Sir Hallwinter know where the ruffians are likely hiding, then go rest at the Stonehill. I need wine."

You return to the Townmaster's Hall, inform Hallwinter about the likely ruffian hideout location, and then head to Stonehill Inn. The common room is largely empty at this time of day. Only Elsa tends the bar where Narth, the old farmer, still sits, into his third ale of the morning.

Badger orders a wine and otherwise waits for a short rest.

You all complete a short rest.

Badger: "I want you both to know that I have no healing magic available until I can rest a long while. And even after this fine wine, I still feel one inch from death."

K: "Then it's probably best we don't enter that manor until we're fully rested. Should we gather more information from town folks?"

The next time Elsa checks on their table, Badger asks, "Elsa, where is Ms Stonehill? I wanted to ask her about the Redbrands issue."

Elsa replies cheerily, "She's probably turning rooms or in the kitchen. She'll come around eventually... or right now!"

Just then, Trilena bounds down the steps.

Badger waves down Trilena, trying to meet her path. "Ms Stonehill! I am Clive Badger, paladin of Tyr and member of the Quote Unquote Fantastic. We're currently in the service of Sir Hallwinter and I'm interested in your perspective on these Redbrand ruffians. We've slain four of the bullies outside the Sleeping Giant and plan to confront them in their hideout soon, but we wanted to know if you have any knowledge that might help us in that quest."

Trilena walks with you a ways before stopping and looking around the room. "Good day, Mr Badger. Sorry, I just need to ensure Toblen doesn't catch me whining about those awful thugs again, though it's a fine line between whining and calling for action."

K: "We hope to infiltrate their hideout and root them out of here. Do you know anything about them that would help us in this quest?"

Trilena wipes her forehead with her forearm. "No, not really. But do be careful. Thel Dendrar, a local woodcarver, stood up to the Redbrands a tenday ago when they came by his shop and leered at his wife. The ruffians murdered him right then and there. Several townsfolk saw it happen. The Redbrands grabbed his body, and now his wife, daughter, and son have gone missing too. They are terrible, evil people. Oh I do hope Mirna and her children are okay."

Just then, Trilena's son Pip runs up and grabs her leg. "Mama! I wanna go hunt with Cappy! Can I please skip the dishes?"

Trilena brushes her son off her leg and musses his hair. "No, Pippy, the dishes need doing and you know I don't want messing in those woods right now." She addresses the party. "Apparently Quelline's son Cappy had a near run-in with those good ol' Redbrands. Gods know what they would have done to the boy had they found him."

Pip: "Cappy would have sliced them all up with his pocketknife just like the half-orc did to the bastards outside Sleepy Giant!"

Trilena: "Pip Stonehill, watch your tongue!"

Pip: "It's true! I heard people talking! I saw the bodies in the street! Townmaster was directing the clean up."

Trilena: "Anyway, no you can't play with Cappy today. Besides, these are the heroes that took out the riff-raff at the tavern."

Pip's eyes go wide and he looks at the party for seemingly the first time. There is clear awe and admiration on his face.

Trilena: "Go now. Give Mama a kiss and do your chores."

Pip does pecks her on the cheek and runs to the kitchen, stealing a glance back at the party as he opens the door.

K: "Perhaps we should speak with Quelline about her son's altercation with the bullies. Where might we find her?"

Trilena: "Quelline Alderleaf. The Alderleaf farm is, well, do you know where Wester lives? No, how about Townmaster's Hall? Great, go around Townmaster's Hall to the east. To the south up the road a ways is some nice farmland. That's Alderleaf farm. If you get to the rubble wall you've gone too far."

The three of you follow Trilena's instructions easily and find yourselves at the doorstep of a modest but well kept farmhouse that fronts a few acres of farm that grows an assortment of vegetables. A plain, friendly-looking, middle-aged halfling woman answers the door. She invited you in and offers tea and crackers.

Quelline: "How can I help you?"

Badger takes a sip of his tea. "Ooh delicious, thank you again for the hospitality. Ma'am, we are investigating incidents around the Redbrand ruffians that have been terrorizing this fair town, and we heard that your son—Cappy is it?—had a near run-in with them. Could you please tell us what happened?"