‘Ride? Well, lets see...does a cutting horse count? Or breaking a new yearling to bridle and saddle?’ I’ll glance down at my hands then legs. ‘Its been a few years, but Im sure the skills haven’t changed much over the years-or horses for that matter. Unless they’ve been altered here? Any chance they’ll have one with wings-you know, pegasus style?’ You’ll definitely see a gleam in the eyes at that thought.

’Is there a limit on size or quantity you can work at any given time? Does my assistance help or hinder the process? What about archery weapons-compound bow or a metallic screw together short or horse bow? Arrow heads? Daggers?’ Specialty weapons? I have a couple designs floating in my head from all the movies and books over the years-if I can draw it think you can craft it?’ After a short pause. ‘And what about the cost-How is that covered as I know there’s material, fuel and time involved.’

"We are just talking about normal horses here, pegasi are a thing in this world, but they're not exactly sold at the local stables. Also, it sounds like you have more experience there than most of us started off with, you'll be fine."

"It generally takes me about a week to produce a masterwork quality weapon or armor. My homunculus Dobby and I can work in tandem to get both a weapon and armor out for you in the same week. Its even faster for something simpler, but for the simple stuff its usually more efficient to just buy it from the locals. The time needed for magical enchantments varies, but I could slap a simple efficacy improvement on that weapon in two days"

"In terms of specialty gear, I'm limited by the local materials, compound bows for instance are usually made with aluminum and fiberglass, not exactly easy to find around here. I have been working on a few projects to jumpstart the tech around here. I've managed to produce a few ferromagnets and a crank run electric generator for instance, but there's a lot still out of our reach. That said, yes, I'll take a look and do what I can, I'd be something of a hypocrite if I didn't try, I've been tinkering a lot with my own weapon after all." I take the big crossbow off of my back for his inspection. A short pair of steel bows cross each other at the front in an x pattern and attach to a shuttle towards the rear. A lever at the bottom is made to quickly crank the bowstrings back, and there's a crude scope.

"As to the cost, we've been managing the funds we get from the field collectively, with everyone getting what they need. It has worked quite well for the most part since nearly all of it was being used by me and Grant to make stuff to give back to people in the group anyways. That said we've grown a fair bit since the early days, its getting complicated to manage it like that and we ran into some problems on the last trip. We probably need to go back to a more traditional thing of everyone getting a share of the loot and then spending it as they wish, even if that still ends up being giving it to the crafters to buy materials for something. For now though, don't worry about it, its covered."

After going through the gate, I  wait off a bit but close to my friends. I notice the newcomer among the group from the Stronghold. Upon hearing Jason address me as Susan, I speak to the newcomer known as Herschel. 

"Greetings Herschel, my actual name is Vickie, I guess Jason here (I glance over at Jason) heard my middle name which is Susan. I am part owner of the Inn as well being with this group. As to my own 'Awaking'  I  became an Ardent with the  ability to control energy with my mind. " 

Herschel will see a not overly tall women in what looks to her late twenties/early thirties( but in fact is much older) with piercing green eyes and long braided brunette hair. She is wearing  chain mail, buckler, mace on hip and crossbow in one hand and the reins of her horse in the other. 

Once things are settled in, I will make inquiries around the mages, asking for anyone with the ability to cast a spell for use in our crafting goals - Secret Chest. As well, as down time allows, I'll produce various icons and items as the group needs, smaller stuff only, leaving the bigger productions to Jason and his skilled automaton. Ariel will keep a watch above the keep, adding to our scouting defenses, and alerting our security forces of her presence (so she doesn't get shot at!). 

In conversation with the group - "Our funds are getting low, these days. Want to make an excursion and do our own part to harass Boney M closer to HIS territory, if the Lord permits? I'm sure their gear will provide a needed influx of coins to our loot."

Giving a sweeping bow, ‘Greetings and hallucinations. Oops-I mean Salutations.’ Grin ear to ear. ‘What does the inn specialize in for drink? And how is the cook-Guy Fieri, Gordon Ramsey, or an army slopper?’ Rooms reasonable priced?’

I grin at his question. " Ask her," motioning towards Vickie.  " I have heard that it is very good but I haven't been there for a while for some reason.  " 

 Hearing out Grant I nod. " I like your idea.  We really do need some funds. Count me and Caesar in." 

  After getting settled in my room I look at Caesar.   " It is time to check on our cave my friend.  " 

  I think for a moment of what form I will use for the trip. Walking outside first I then concentrate on changing my form.  Quickly I shift onto all fours and and am covered in spots. Loping off I head towards my hidden sanctuary now appearing to be a leopard.  Caesar lumbers beside me. Upon passing through my protective ring of trees I attempt to grin. I then revert to my human form."  Leaving Caesar as a guard  I jump in the pond and swim down and back up nto the cave.I take the other exit to bring Caesar down with me.  i will spend the night sleeping on the mat that was prepared for me before.  

After a bath, I’ll head to the inn to see whats up there.  I’ll ask about a menu (if there is one) or what they typically serve for each meal. If they will allow, I’ll ask to see the kitchen and watch the cook for a bit if still cooking/serving. If not, then inquire about the time of set up/prep for morning meal.

if not able to spend time in the kitchen I’ll head to the stables to look over the facility and what quality n quantity of horses are there, eventually heading back to the keep.

I’ll also look for signs of a mason, blacksmith and herbalist shops.

Vickie smiles at Herschel;

" The Inn specializes  in several forms of drink, including mead, ales, various wines and water. Rooms are reasonably priced, but since you have just arrived to this world; I'm sure we could work something out for your stay there.  If you would like that is. I do have a cook and she is very good at her job. She feeds our guests well."

I look at Kelvin to see if he has anything to add. 

Looking at each member of the group; Vickie states the following before heading to the stables then to the Inn, Kelvin by her side.

" I miss seeing all of you at the Inn when we have our down time. You are welcome there anytime, I hope you realize that."

Kelvin answers Herschel.  "The inn is open to all as both Vickie and myself have nothing to hide.  The kitchen is clean and the cook may or may not allow you in while she cooks.  Enter at your own risk there."

When Herschel visits the stable he will find that there is not many horses there but the ones there are well cared for.  There are five horses in total no stallions, three mares and two geldlings,   The black smith shop has a few weapons but his main job is repairing farming tools. 

Rachel finds her cove clean and still untouched by anyone but her.  SHe will get a good night of sleep there. 

Travis heads over to the Inn for a drop of ale then approaches the barkeep and flicks over some coin. Before taking a gulp of the amber fluid.

I unpack back in my room, putting things back and then pack anew my go bag for the next adventure. Relaxing with the others in the Inn, I enjoy the meals provided, and discuss our next actions. "We shouldn't stay too long, and that dragon's horde is calling me, too. When do we leave? "

OOC - Any success with someone able to cast Secret Chest at the Keep?

https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2193967

As the Inn was not completed the last time we were here, I take a few minutes to look around it and ask where my stuff was put. Last time I was here, I had stashed it in the cellar under the unfinished floor. Seeing the kitchen, I try to get used to this layout. Now I won't have to bother the people in the keep anymore, but I certainly will continue to visit and make sure people know that this blue skinned elf is still me.  I make sure Maximus has a good spot in the stable when we're not practicing and make note to ask for Rachel's help as well, but for talking to Maximus and making sure then when we train there is sufficient stress put on the training to make things threatening. The key feature to having a war horse is making sure they can keep cool under stressful situations. At some point, I will place my shield on the wall near the training dummies where I first started doing my prayers and marvel at the difference between the Mithral dragon head created by my patron diety and the old wooden one with the painted on head I had made. They both meant as much to me as possible. I look next to me, certain that Maximus would be up to par for the work we are called to do, and I will pray for Bahamut's blessing upon Maximus. 

(The things stashed here were books, pencils, paper, playing cards. All my clothes and stuff were in my room at the Keep.)

(Is that the horse count including the ones we brought in?)

*Trying to pray for my special mount* 

I shrug at the question while sipping at a cup of strong wine, "I don't know, the Lord hasn't had time for our debriefing yet. Don't want to disappear or make too many plans until we know for sure that he doesn't have a priority task for us."

"Also, I'd like to consult with Lweithia before we try and tackle the hoard hunt. I'd be willing to bet that she has some means of at least narrowing our search area, and probably also give us a better idea of where that Green's main territory is so we can avoid them."

Things to note:  The Inn was complete before you guys last departed.  Jonathan you items were stashed in the basement of the building that Jason had commissioned for the group.  It includes a workshop and lab type area as well as dormitory style living quarters for the party.  The number of horses available are those horses not yet claimed by anyone.  Any horses the group no longer has need for needs to be addresses the the stable master.  Any war trained horse will be looked after and continued to train by the stable s=master to keep it weel trained and given a workout. 

Jason the next morning you will be called upon to bring the group in for a debrief to see where you will be headed to next.

In the morning I'll let everyone know that we're expected, and proceed to the audience chamber.

  Stretching upwards as I stretch I groan.  " Caesar, that early morning stretch is so nice.  We better get ready to head back soon. No rest for the weary.  " After bathing and cleaning up I brush my long black hair.  Thinking about Vickie and Kelvin i am   happy for them but loneliness eats at me.  Even though the others hold out hope of going back home I am under no such illusion. It would be nice to have someone to share my thoughts, hopes and fears with. The touch of a strong hand.  The ecstasy from sex.   Hopefully I will find a lover here.  I yank at my hair in anger as I finish brushing and Yelp.  " Damn. Let's go Caesar.  " 

   As we exit I shift forms to a chimpanzee.  I scurry up Caesar's tree trunk thighs and on up to his shoulders.   Taking a good perch we head back. We seek out the others as we arrive back.  

Once morning arrives, Vickie dresses in a gown of green and lets most of  her long hair flow freely.  She then heads to the common room for some breakfast and chats with any guests that may be there before heading to the Stronghold for the meeting with Lord Douglas.

As is my norm on Earth I wake about an hour before dawn (haven’t needed an alarm clock for years)...Sniffing the clothes, I decide they can go another day yet before needing changed/washed. As I let myself out of the inn, I stop to see if by chance the cook is up and has any bread-even a stale piece from yesterday. If not, I’ll head once again to the weapons area to request the same weapons used last night. After a few warm up stretches, I’ll move to the center of the ‘arena’, blindfold myself and run through the forms from last night. Anyone watching will quickly notice there is a set pattern to them, and that as I warm/limber up they flow quickly together. After about 10-20 repetitions, I switch to leading with my left. That too becomes smooth, flowing-and abruptly goes from the set patterns to mixing them all together in different combos. If the watchers notice, the practice never takes me 20 steps from where I started in the middle, returning unerringly back to the middle each time. Once the sun is up I’ll finish and head for the baths to freshen up, then return to the inn to break my fast.

Spending a moment to change my outfit magically into something suitable for casual court, I join Jason as we head to the audience. Under the cover of the magic, I'm still wearing my armour, and a lot of my magical accessories, but no significant weapons.