Rixton:

"I, for one, could stand to sleep in a bed for a night instead of on the ground. Perhaps we will be less inclined to chase trolls into the forest if we are kept inside walls as well."

Vigan

"A night here would be good.  With our luck, we will surely have giants descend on us tonight!  I will sharpen my glaive for an extra 30 minutes tonight to prepare."

Ladrian

"Let's stop here for now and see what news they have."

Carrow

"I'll remind you" Carrow looks at Vigan a wry smile on his lip "That makes up half my physche"

From under his hood the Ranger surveys the hold, preferring to press on and be in the wilds Carrow however defers to the group and is enticed by the thought of a hot meal prepared with little effort from himself "Aye let's give the horses a rest and find ourselves a hot meal"

His hand goes to his inside pocket, fumbling quickly he checks for the dice, it's still in place, maybe he could ask the sorcerer to examine it further later on. 

Andor

"Mmmm, a warm bed and a cup or three of ale sounds perfect. Vigan, don't tempt fate I'm looking for an entertaining evening of refreshing drinks, ideally some music and song, but this time I'd like not to have to spend the whole next morning trying to find my boots so someone give me a nudge if I start slurring my words." Having been quiet on the road Andor seems much more lively now even a small piece of civilisation beckons. 

The Headless Troll isn't fancy, but it's clean and warm on the inside. Two men, both of whom appear to be in their sixties, are sitting near the fireplace playing a game of dragonchess. The only other person in the place is the innkeeper, Dunavin. He's talkative and attentive, and it is quite obvious that he's pleased to see five paying customers. Within a few minutes, he explains that the inn gets its name from an incident involving a beheaded troll that wandered into village, caught fire, and nearly burned down the establishment. His prices are fair, but his menu is short. A meal (bread, cheese, and venison stew) and a night's stay will cost eight pieces of silver. Pints of ale (4 copper pieces) and  glasses of wine (1 silver piece) are extra.

Rixton:

I sit by the fire enjoying the glow from my second glass of wine. "So, good Dunavin...to borrow a nautical phrase, what is the latest scuttlebutt in... wherever we are?" I say with a flourish of my hand to indicate the entire town. I smile at the good natured fellow expectantly.

"The scuttlebut in the Ol' Hold, eh?" replies Dunavin. "Well, the good news...and the news that I consider most pertinent to our situation here...is that we've had no trouble for quite some time from the sorts that live in the Evermoors. No orcs, no ettins, no trolls, no hill giants. None of 'em comin' around and causin' trouble for months now. I'll drink to that!"

Dunavin wipes down a neighboring table before continuing, "Any other talk around here is talk of other places, especially Everlund, seeing how it's the closest piece of civilization. Rumor has it that the Lord's Alliance has fallen out of favor among the council there. Not sure what that means, however. To be honest, it's a rich city with rich people, and that means I likely won't understand a thing that takes place there." 

He picks up a few empty mugs and says, "I did hear of a mess of a battle in the High Forest a few weeks ago. Elves and members of the Tree Ghost tribe crossed paths with one another. A few hunters stopped in here for a meal and told me they stumbled across the aftermath. Funny thing, eh? A forest so big that no one really knows all that's in it, and folks can't seem to find enough space to keep from killing each other."

Andor

"Many thanks for the news, the moors do not seem the most hospitable of places and it is good that you have had some peace recently, I feel I should say though that we have seen signs that giants and other monsters are moving across the land looking for magical artifacts so keep your eyes open, I would not like you to be caught unaware."  the sorcerer continues drinking his ale having already finished his venison stew "Ah it is good to not be out in the wilds tonight, far better to be warm and well fed."

Vigan

The goliath's brow furrows as Dunavin shares his news of the Lord's Alliance.  He addresses the other in a low voice, as if the council were sitting at the next table. "I will not mention my membership of the Lord's Alliance in Everlund, at least until I can confirm or deny this rumour.  I ask that you all do the same."

Vigan drains his ale, nods to the innkeeper for another.  He sits back, still frowning, clearly pondering the rumor further.

Andor 

"Of course, Vigan, nothing more will be said, now let us have another drink shall we?" 

Rixton:

I eye Dunavin and try to gauge his honesty.

Insight: 13

Not finding any real mystery here, I excuse myself and retire to my quarters. Drunk on wine with a full belly, sleep comes quickly and early. My last thoughts are  that I will probably awaken before dawn and I should make use of that time to practice...

Dunavin--in response to Andor's remarks--says, "That's kind of you...very kind. Olostin's Hold is no stranger to threats from the wild, but it's good to know if anything new is afoot." 

The night in the Hold passes quietly and without incident. The next morning, after eating a hot breakfast and preparing for the final leg of the journey to Everlund, the five adventurers step outside and into the first snowfall of the season. A dusting of powder has begun to paint the world white, and off and on during the course of the day, the snow falls lightly as the group makes its way eastward toward their next destination. The day is strangely serene, and the quiet is broken only once by a west-bound caravan: four horse-drawn wagons loaded with wares from Everlund that are making their way to the smaller towns and villages along Evermoor Way. 

With empty stomachs and horses that need rest, the five adventurers reach the southern gate of Everlund roughly an hour after the sun has set. 

Situated on the banks of the Rauvin River, Everlund is one of the North’s most active mercantile communities. A thick stone wall encloses the city, pierced in five places by gates. Like the spokes of a wheel, broad, straight avenues lead from each gate to the Bell Market at the city’s center. The streets are clean and wide enough to accommodate large caravan vehicles. Soldiers of the city’s army make a show of patrolling the walls, to reassure citizens and visitors as well as to discourage attackers. The buildings of Everlund are stately and well maintained, with steeply pitched rooftops and tall spires that sport colorful banners. Two bridges span the river, which has parks and trees along its shores.

Rixton:

"Well, we should stable the horses first and find an inn. There we can ask about our contact."

I feel a little on edge being back in Everlund. My mother frequents this town, although I don't expect her to be here during the winter.

"I recommend Danivar's House or The Phantom Knight," I say, eyeing how the city has changed since I was a teenager. Neither of those places would be where my mother would stay...just in case.

One of the guards at the Bridge Gate (southern gate) calls out, "If you're needin' a home for the horses, travelers, turn right on the next street. You'll see Marlee's place, no doubt. Otherwise you'll need to make your way to the other side of the river...near the Silverymoon Gate." 

Rixton:

The mention of Silverymoon is enough to prefer this side of town. We are getting far too closer to my elven family for my comfort, I realize. "Marlee's will be fine," I say. "Thank you."

Ladrian

"Interesting little town" Ladrian says admiring the layout "Could be very profitable is terms of trade, via river or land. Space wide enough for caravans as well. Interesting, very interesting. We need to know who rules here" he says more to himself than the others.

Andor

"It seems like we have a guide as well, Rixton, just goes to show we don't really know each other as well as we should - how long since you've been here?"  Andor looks around as they move through the settlement. "It seems like a nice enough place - I don't want to pry but is there anything we should know, you are among friends, you can trust us you know?"

Rixton:

I sigh. "Oh, it is nothing so serious. My overbearing mother hails from Silverymoon and visits this city, usually in the spring or summer months when she does. I haven't been to Everlund since I was young. It has been 8 years? Maybe more. A lot has changed here but much of it is still the same."

Rixton knows that Danivarr's House isn't far from the stables--just a quick walk over the Knightbridge and then a short distance to the west. Danivarr's House is where Dral Thelev can be found (the member of the Harpers to whom Darathra asked the group to tell the news of what occurred in Triboar).  Of all the places to eat and rest in Everlund, Danivarr's House is the oldest and largest. Once a noble’s mansion, this rambling inn is a favorite haunt for adventurers.