Nova would have spent most of the trip darting around similar to Cadence, except she'd be bouncing around people to shadow. She'd start with Cadence, then Gert, then Velda, then Peter. She couldn't find Fion or Hugz (because she didn't look in the wagon), so she tripled her time on Gert's heels, stopping abruptly and close to him when he'd address Charles the first time. Then she'd skip off to go find some flowers to sniff.

When they'd eventually make it to Phandalin Nova would be overwhelmed by the myriad of different smells that came from this place. Though, that lady that smelt like poop really stood out. That's not normal for people right? None of her new friends smelt close to that. Well... we forgive the one who's close. Maybe he'll bathe at the inn... The half elf would shake her head at herself, realizing she was getting off track.

Hearing a skewering of a fish, Nova's ears would perk. Before Velda finished saying 'pike' the second time, the half elf was right next to her. "Can I have that?" She'd point to the fish. Should she be allowed the fish, Nova would stick her fingers in her mouth to let out a loud whistle. Borris will come bounding over and as he comes skidding to a stop near them, she'd throw the fish as far as she could, "Catch!". And kicking up dirt as he sped off, Borris would go for the fish. But he wouldn't return with it. (He eats it)

Nova would stand politely by Gert and Velda addressing Charle's again. She had nothing to add. She'd just hum to herself and rock up and down on her heels, trying her best to focus on the conversation. But it sounded like these two had it under control. Shrugging, Nova will turn on her heels and find Fion and Sildar. "Are there cushy beds and yummy food at this inn?" Then she'd lean in towards Sildar to whisper, "And baths?" Her eyes would glance to Hugz. Then as if remembering, she'd add. "Is it normal for people to smell like po... sewer? A lady smells like it. I think someone should tell her..."

Sildar responds to Fionn “Yes you did. Nice of you to … ahem … rejoin us. The Stonehill Inn is just inside town.”

Charles hears the sigh from Cadence and realizes that her speech was directed towards him. “My apologies miss.” Finally registering Cadence having mentioned goblins, “Heavens no, not goblins in town… unless there are any apart of your group.”

He turns to Gert, “I thought she was speaking with you my good sir.”

Then continues talking to Cadence, “As far as where they are miss, No one rightly knows where. But they hassle everyone in town and are a right nuisance.” He takes a moment to breath. “There’s usually a few of them that can be found at the Sleeping Giant” Seeing everyone’s look of confusion, he adds, “It’s a tap house not far from the Inn on the east side of town.” He waits for a moment for you to get your bearings on the directions he just gave and continues, “I heard rumor someone stood up to them not more than a tenday ago … and now the whole family is missing… Would you help rid the town of them for us? Please?” He looks at Cadence first imploringly then at the rest of the group.

Addressing Gert’s questions, Charles adds, “They are the authority in town and no one can really figure out why. Not even the TownMaster will stand up to them.” Adding under his breath “… Fat, pompous old fool.”

Being addressed by Velda as ‘Six-Fingers’ he politely responds “It’s Charles if you please. Thank you.” Not sure how to respond to your question, he responds “I have nothing to pay you with … I am willing to help you get rid of them for the town… I just can’t do it on me own.” Thinking for a moment adds, “I imagine most of the townsfolk would be very grateful … except for maybe Grista who runs the Sleeping Giant that the Redbrands frequent.”

Pine pops into being near Cadence at the wizards command and relays to her that there is a Castle in the direction indicated from the cave, though he wasn’t able to get a good look at it due to the dimming light and when he went closer was shot at by goblins. So he started flying back to the cave.

While waiting for your responses Charles would be startled at the appearance of Borris and reach for the hilt of his sword. Though he visibly relaxes seeing Nova has some semblance of control of the beast. Letting out an audible sigh of relief when the wolf disappears after the fish and doesn’t come back.

Sildar when approached by Nova regarding Stonehill Inn, “I haven’t been to this Inn in quite some time. From what I’ve heard the rooms are quite nice. The food I can’t speak to as I’ve never eaten here and as for a bath …” He pauses to think. “I don’t rightly know if there are bath areas in each room or a communal area. At any rate we shall soon see.” Sildar suppresses a chuckle at Nova’s question regarding smell, “No my dear, that is not normal. At least not among people with dignity, I should say. Perhaps someone should have let her know but she is long past now, off to who knows where.”

As Sildar finishes his conversation with Nova, the wagon is now in front of the Stonehill Inn, near the center of town. It appears to have been newly constructed of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers. Peter offers to bring the wagon back to the stable for the night.

It’s now nearly sunset and you are all free to go about the town as you would like.

"inn then maybe the taphouse?"  Fionn looks around questioningly

"Should not we do something about the wagon and crates?" Gert glanced ad Sildar - the only one who actually knew Gundren Rockseeker and his business, yet, seemed totally unconcerned now about both or about problems of the town, that he knew and wanted to visit so much. "I suppose you never heard of that Redbrands, Sildar? If they are such a minor nuisance, probably we should not either? Anyway, do you know where Gundren wanted to deliver that crates?"

“It was to be taken to Barthen’s. But they are closed as the owner told us as we went past. Further Peter he said he would stow the wagon and it’s contents for the night at the stables.” Then in a lower voice “perhaps we should get hugs out of the back first.”

Then directly addressing Gert “I was unaware of the exact problems going on here. That’s part of why I was intent on getting here. I was supposed to meet someone here and assess the town. I think dealing with these Redbrands is something that should happen soon. But perhaps after a night of rest.”

"All for that," nodded Gert. "You, Charles, might just get your wish after all. In the morning, though." It seemed if they wanted to be payed they would have to do something about numerous problems of the place (though some hope remained - Barthen’s). "Let's see what passes here for the Inn." Gert's plans for the evening - get the room (bath would be a bonus), get some food and look around a bit, just to get feeling of the place.

Satisfied with a maybe from Gert, Charles gives him a nod “Thank you.” And departs saying as he starts walking away, “I’ll call on you tomorrow morning at the inn”

Peter looks into the back of the wagon and startles a bit having forgotten about hugz. “Yer welcome to stay the night at the stables wit the wagon.” Then realizing he’s just asked a goblin to watch everything. “I know exactly what’s supposed to be here should anything go missing” he runs his finger against his throat. For anything watching, hugz looks visibly worried and gulps audibly “Hugz not takes nothings.”

As Peter departs with the wagon and Hugz towards the stables, the more observant of you notice a familiar image on a sign for the building across the square. A lion with a shield behind it. (You are all standing outside then inn and people are looking your direction, but quickly look away if you try and make eye contact with anyone)

Cadence follows Hugs and the wagon into the stable.  She hops up into the back and spends an hour crosslegged, a low elven chant as mystical energy sparkles about her. (Ritual cast Find Familiar).  When done Pine appears, shimmers and transforms into a black alley cat. Purring as she rubs up against the goblin, Cadence opens her eyes.  She looks at Hugs and holds up a finger in front of her lips making a shhhh sign.  

"Pine, keep an eye on things here, stay out of sight if you can. Make sure Hugs doesn't get into any trouble. When I'm in the Inn we should be close enough to talk, but I might go exploring a bit."

She turns to Hugs, "When things go awry trust your friends intent, come tell us immediately rather than hide an ill event." 

She hops off the wagon and walks away, the black feline hopping up to a rafter and finding a comfortable spot to sit and watch. She heads into the Stonehill Inn. She wanders up to the front desk, "Hello good man, would you have a room for one nights span? This girl could use some privacy, shelter as it were from societal anxiety."  She smiles all friendly like. 

Once she's secured a room she heads upstairs to drop off some of her gear in the room.  Then she heads out to wander the town. She walks across the street to the shrine of good luck, placing a feather upon one of the items. She doesn't make eye contact with folk, ignores any strange looks as usual, and wanders around the village in a somewhat random pattern. She will look for a woman, about her size and shape, somewhere in town. She'll study her face from a distance for a bit.  Then as she's passing between the Townmaster's hall and a small home she casts disguise self to make herself look like the woman. She continues wandering the town for 30 minutes before wandering into the Sleeping Giant.  She sits down and with a short phrase "Wine is fine" orders a cup of wine and observes for another 20 minutes.  Then she heads out and goes back to the Inn. She checks with Pine (mentally from her room), and then meditates for 4 hours.

"Borris can keep you company Hugz. He's not fond of sleeping inside like people. He should be back from his meal any time and ready for naps."

Nova would listen with a tilted head to Sildar, nodding along, enjoying his softspokeness and appreciating his wisdom. "Hmm..." She'd pat her nose still curious about the bath and the smelly woman she can't break the news too. But, "Oh well!" She'd shrug. "Let's go find out!" The half elf would start bouncing up and down on the tips of her feet with an excited smile on her face. "Let's go, let's go!" She'll grab the hand of the closest to her and start tugging them along.

Velda wasn't so easily warded off. As the others were leaving for the comforts of the inn, she stayed behind, still facing Charles. "I can take care of the Redbrands. I want one of the houses with no one in them anymore. Make that happen, and I make the Redbrands go away."

After having stated her conditions, she heads over to the Sleeping Giant, to get an idea of the lay of the land. She'd perk up and then smile at hearing a stranger ordering their beverage in a rhyming fashion. She was a sly one, that Cadence. Velda was not afraid to show herself here. She had always been one that faced her challenges directly, the arena had only reinforced that.

When Cadence completes her hour long spell, she opens her eyes and looks at Borris with her in the stable.  "My oh my..." she says...as a cat appears.  After a short chaotic barking / cat screeching encounter she hides the cat away and leaves him instead up on a roof away from the dog.  

Fionn first goes to the inn and procures a room, after which he goes and pays his respects to the shrine of luck, leaving a copper coin and performing a quick blessing over the shrine, people and objects that are there,  

after spending a reasonable ammount of time there he heads to the sleeping giant as well, 

to the bartender:  "An ale if you please, and if ye have any whiskey i would like to refill my flask"

Velda places her large hand on Fionn's shoulder: "Listen friend. Ain't got an issue with you drinkin', long as it don't put the group in danger, ya hear?"

Fionn looks up,   Do i know you?, Ahh well yes that right i do, to the bartender , one for my fun luving friend here as well"   

back to Velda,   you really should lighten up 

when Fionn says the last bit to Velda, she could swear Fionns eyes went from pitch black to pure white for a second

Cadence perception in bar:  11. 

She is clearly distracted by flash of light and shadow on the wall, staring into the dark corner trying to make sense of the chaotic play of light and dark.

Fionn's magical display has the desired effect, and Velda freaks out: "I only mean well. It's hard fightin' drunk. Tried it a couple times, would not recommend." She tells the bartender to hold the drink, sticking instead with her glass of goat's milk.

Hugz watches curiously as Cadence performs her ritual to change Pine from a hawk to a cat. A look of horror shows on his face as it actually starts changing and he’s about to scream when he Cadence gestures to him to shhh. He nods silently in agreement. “You means this cat??” He asks curiously not sure how the cat is a friend. But then not wanting to be changed into anything different himself quickly says “Okay. I comes to Inn and gets yous if theres troubles or has cat goes gets you.”

As you walk in to the Inn Cadence you are greeted by a short, friendly human male, “Welcome traveler, names Toblen. Welcome to the Stonehill. Will you be requiring lodging for the evening?” Then looks hopefully and expectantly at you. Upon your answer, “Yes of course I have several rooms available. Just one for you then …” He makes a note in his ledger “What name shall I put your room under … Cadence … what a beautiful name” he writes that down in his ledger also. Then looking back up to Cadence “That’ll be 5 silver for the night miss.”

There’s an awkward silence as you fish about for your coin purse and realize you have no coin …

“I’m afraid I am a bit broke,

Though you seem like a nice bloke.

I can pay you tomorrow after I deliver goods to Barthen’s Provision,

Hopefully that doesn’t cause any friction.”

His eyes narrow, only slightly, a little suspicious, then they soften just as quickly. “Old Barthen did say he was waiting on someone to show up with some supplies. Supposing you don’t show up … You have anything I can hold as substitute for payment in the meantime?”

Searching through your things Cadence, you offer Toblen your dagger, which he gratefully accepts and puts behind the counter. He hands you a key to your room, “Thank you kindly miss Cadence. I look forward to returning your property tomorrow for 5 silver.” As you walk to your room you hear him call out “Enjoy your stay!”

After securing most of your gear in your room you set off into the night with your spellbook safely secured on your person and your quarterstaff. Having left your blades in the room, knowing they would stand out too much for what you have planned.

During your time at the Shrine you see another elf who nods at you as you approach and leave your offering to Tymora. You are delighted that there is another of your kind here and decide to use her appearance for your Ruse at the Sleeping Giant. As you pass the townmaster’s hall you notice that is has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. Posted on a board next to the front door is a notice written in Common. It reads: “REWARD—Orcs near Wyvern Tor! Those of a mind to face the orc menace should inquire within.” The notice bears the town’s seal and an indecipherable signature.

The Sleeping Giant is a ramshackle taproom at the east end of town. Four human ruffians linger on the covered porch, perched on empty ale barrels or leaning against the wall. They all wear grimy scarlet cloaks, their sullen stares fixed on you as you approach. One of them recognizes you and calls out “Fancy yourself a drink Sister Garaele.” You then realize the elf you saw earlier must be a cleric of Tymora and simply respond “Yes” and head inside.

Making your way to the bar, the inside looks as rundown as the outside of the building. The bartender comes with your order … sipping it you realize it is ale and not wine. You shrug it off thinking that they probably didn’t have any wine here. Looking around there are a few other patrons but none of them are wearing scarlet colored cloaks like the ones you saw outside.

Hugz looks pleased when Nova pokes her head into the wagon before it departs to the stable. Nodding excitedly that he won’t be alone. “Thanks” is all he says to you Nova as Peter drives the wagon off toward the stable. Grabbing Sildar’s hand the two of you go into the Stonehill as Cadence is leaving.

“Evening Folks! I’m Toblen! Pleasure to meet you. Will you be requiring lodging for the evening?” Looking between Nova and Sildar.

“Yes.” Sildar answers simply. Looking at Nova still a bundle of energy, continues “Two rooms if you have the space.”

“You are in luck as I currently have 2 rooms available.” He makes notes in his ledger. “What names shall I put down for the rooms?”

“Sildar”

“Nova” she says exuberantly.

“Lovely names those.” Toblen jots down both names separately and then looks back up at you. “Paying for the rooms together or separately?”

“I’ll cover the ladies room in addition to mine.” Sildar says as he pulls out his coin purse, which he is thankful the goblins were unable to find. Sildar hands Toblen 5 gold pieces “This should more than cover our rooms I think good innkeeper. I have some companions I am traveling with and I wish to cover their rooms as well. Cadence, Gertenor, Velda, and Fionn.” Sildar then looks to Nova with a look that says ‘please don’t say anything about this’

Toblen happily takes the gold. “Yes this is more than enough.” He then reaches under the counter and fumbles around a bit. Straightening back up extends his hand, full of silver coins, towards Sildar. Sildar refuses, prompting Toblen to say, “Thank you sir! You are too kind!” Toblen then hands both Sildar and Nova each a key. “Enjoy your stay!” Is what you hear as you walk away from the counter.

Sildar turns to Nova, “I’m going to retire for the evening. Please tell your companions that I will find you all tomorrow once I have secured the gold I promised in exchange for bringing me safely to Phandalin.” Nova nods vigorously in agreement, barely able to contain her excitement to explore her room.

Nova, as you enter the room you are pleased to see that there is a basin large enough to be used for bathing. In addition to that you see a comfortable looking bed, a nice rug in the middle of the room and a window overlooking the road leading to the eastern side of town. Running up to the window you see, Fionn and Velda separately making their way to the Sleeping Giant.

Charles looks a bit startled as you grab his wrist to stop him walking away and reaches for his hilt, though upon turning and seeing no malice in your eyes Velda he relaxes. Pondering your statement says hesitantly, “I think there’s a few empty houses around, if you would like one for yourself… you’ll need to talk to townmaster Harbin about that. Though if you wanted to deal with some tonight you can go to the Sleeping Giant. There should be a few of the Redbrands there.” Charles then frees his wrist from your grasp and walks away.

Four human ruffians linger on the covered porch, perched on empty ale barrels or leaning against the wall. They all wear grimy scarlet cloaks, their sullen stares fixed on you as you approach Velda. None of them saying anything to you as you enter.