Sighing in frustration, Reghys is looking towards the others: "T, want to join me in talking to Nal? Seems like you feel at home here, and any more information we can gather is a plus."

It annoyed them that they had been asleep and their brain was still trying to catch up. What use was a bard that wasn't witty? Well, they had to get their head back in the game, try and focus on the tasks at hand. But the temptation to go and cheat that guard at dice was pretty great... Maybe after talking to Nal. If Reghys played their cards right, they might even be able to persuade their tiefling friend to join in some way. Pretty sure that highlighting the potential earnings and the comparatively little risk would at least get him to listen for the plan.

Damn, here they were going again, getting distracted! Talking to Nal first. That was the priority now.

"T'chal'fronack'zcinicker," mutters T'chal'fronack'zcinicker in response to Reghys question. Then simply waves his hand forward, prompting Reghys to lead the way. 

Kerric:

"Nal, eh?  I'll keep an eye out," responds Kerric, watching for a loquacious elf as he does his part getting the wagon settled before going into the inn for some long overdue hot food and cold drink.

Reghys follows the tiefling eagerly, excited to see how T would be "in his element".

Seeing Reghys waiting for him to lead, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker walks forward and enters the Inn, looking around. First order of business is to NOT look for Nal the elf, but to get some warm food, a bit of drink, and act as casual as possible about it all, while getting a good scan of the place.

Although T is trying to appear as casual as possible, his task is made considerably more difficult by the accompanying satyr, that seems to be almost vibrating with excitement and impatience.

"T, don't we have more pressing concerns? For example, finding Nal? Why are you just sitting there, stuffing your face, when we could be DOING something to find out more about the goings on in the region for once? No? Just me then? Fine. I'll just sit here, watch you eat."

The satyr went quiet for a bit, only for their voice to be replaced by the incessant tapping of a hoof.

The Old Bargewright Inn

The Old Bargewright Inn is a recently rebuilt stone structure with thick walls, so inside the building reflected the same refreshed feel. Sure, there were obvious signs of wear and tear, and dirt and grime tracked in on the floors, but it was surprisingly comfortable.

A beefy bartender stands behind the bar. To everyone's 'amazement', his face was expressionless while he polished a mug with a cloth, eyes watching you all as you entered. He'd chuff.

There are a few patrons who are enjoying an ale amongst themselves at the northern table.

At the table tucked back in the corner, to the side of the bar sat an elf of medium build. His feet rested casually up on the corner of the table as he picked at his nails with a dagger.

Main Floor

Upstairs

Kerric:

Joining  T'chal'fronack'zcinicker in his meal, Kerric eats and drinks at the table, looking around casually and listening to his exchange with Reghys.  Smiling at the satyr's enthusiasm, Kerric offers, "I can stay over here or join you in speaking to Nal at your option, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, whichever you think would be more helpful.  I'm no diplomat--that's for sure."

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker endures the flighty Satyr stoically, listening a lot but not saying anything, eventually responding with a simple, "T'chal'fronack'zcinicker."  Then he turns to the Satyr, "Why don't you have a go at Nal over there at that table...I'll just listen in and see how you do."  He motions casually towards the elf picking his nails with a knife.  He lightly encourages Reghys to move, while casually winking at Kerric. 

Xalkas has spent the time from the gate to the tavern his mind reeling with all of the information he recalled from his studies and attempts to quietly inform the rest of the group to be mindful of what they say and who might be watching them.

Sitting at the table with the others, Xalkas abstains from eating a meal at the moment his mind to preoccupied for to deal with such trivial matters as eating. Looks over to Reghys to see about getting that song from them and sees, much to his dismay, that they are also quite preoccupied and sits quietly with the group trying to observe their surroundings as best he can. 

Perception:1

T's encouragement is all that Reghys needed. With a hop and a bright smile on their face, the satyr heads over to the elf: "Hey there, the name's Reghys. Now, you must either be very comfortable around blades, very much into your grooming, or just someone who likes to live dangerously. Care to tell me which over a drink and a friendly game?"

Persuasion: 10 (minimum 19)

Ebele

With all the new voices, sounds and smells surrounding her in this place, it was almost overwhelming at first. The monk would stick close to the familiar sounds of Bill’s steady steps and the creaking of the wagon as Hawke ushered it along. Bargewright didn’t give Ebele the same welcoming feeling as it apparently gave T'chal'fronack'zcinicker and perhaps Reghys, but she could appreciate their joy and enthusiasm all the same. She could crack a smile, enjoying the sounds of their pitter patter and chatter on the way to the Inn. As the unique guard took their leave from the party, the blonde couldn’t help but wonder what their name was. They didn’t ask did they?

As the Argent Alliance members began pouring into the Inn, Ebele would tilt her head up in the direction of Hawke in the driver’s seat. “I’ll help you unload the wagon and can keep you company while you stable Bill?” She didn’t know how to care for a horse, but since they seemed to have one now, maybe she should learn a little?  “Two eyes will be better than one, am I right?” The monk’s head would dip as if she winked. “I’ll be right back.”

Like a shadow, Ebele would slip into the inn with the others, following them to the bar to order some food and listen to where they sat. She couldn’t help but smile the whole time as Kerric, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, Reghys and Xalkas all fell into rhythm for the evening. It was nice to see them all relax, especially Kerric. The monk could tell that he and T'chal'fronack'zcinicker both had a meal, and Reghys was making their way to getting theirs...

Placing her order, and putting it on the ‘tiefling’s tab’, the hefty bartender would eventually line up her order. With the clever use of her staff, the monk would hook mugs of ale on the end of it and carry bowls of fragrant, and surprisingly mouthwatering, bowls of stew with root vegetables and a fresh dinner roll, balanced in her hand and arm. She even had some carrots in her pocket? Ebele would swoop her staff in to deliver Reghys and the elf a drink to get them started before sweeping over and dropping off three more at the boys’ table. She’d slide a bowl of food to Xalkas. “You have time to think, you have time to drink. And eat.” She’d remind with a smile. “Parkin’ Bill and covering watch.” She’d add, giving a reassuring nod Kerric’s way.

Ebele would find her way back outside to Hawk in the wagon. She’d reach her staff out to him with the mugs of ale to grab so she could put her staff away and free up a hand to get pulled up. “There’s an empty stable right next door.” She’d point in a random direction with her dinner roll before taking a bite of it.

DM

Xalkas, you’re so preoccupied with your thoughts that you didn’t even notice Ebele shadowing you through the place until she handed you a meal.

Reghys, you could see a smirk grow on the elf’s lips as he slows the picking of his nails and glances up at you without moving his head. “Why not all three?” He’d bring his feet down from the table and sit up to offer a hand to the Satyr. “Nalaskur.” His eyes would break away when the ale slinging monk dropped some off. “Looks like we got the drink. What’s the game?” Nalaskar’s eyebrow would quirk, intrigued by the offer.

Kerric:

Smiling as Ebele approached, Kerric felt a bit more relaxed and moved over to make room for her to sit down, only to have her continue on her way and head outside.  Shrugging, the elf continues eating and keeps his eyes and ears open for any useful morsels of conversation he can overhear...

Perception: 14

"Well then, Nalaskur. My friends and I are in need of accommodation and seeing as we're new to the settlement, some information too. Here's the game: We each in turn give the other an amusing task or harmless , though perhaps mischevious dare. If it is successfully accomplished, then you get to ask me for compensation in drink or information. If you don't want to do what is suggested, or you can't accomplish the task, then I get compensation from you.

Let's start with an easy one: See the small gnome over there? He's been very pensive all afternoon. I want to cheer him up, by having you introduce yourself to him  with name, occupation and associated organisation, but all in mime. If he knows all three after ten minutes, I'll buy your next round." A bright, if slightly mischevious smile lit up Reghys' face.

Letting out an audible groan as he rolled his eyes, Nalaskur would sit back in his seat, immediately losing interest. Bards. He'd take his outstretched hand back, not getting a return introduction. "Look kid, I'm not interested in playing your game of charades." He'd lift his leg, resting the heel of his boot on the corner of his chair. Leaning back further, he'd also rest an elbow over the back of his chair. "If you wanted dinner and a show, you've come to the wrong place." He'd jerk his head towards the north. "Beliard would be better." The elf would look the Satyr up and down before leaning over to scan the other three at the table before looking back to them. "I'm not your puppet in this play." After a moment a grin would tug at his lips. He'd tuck the hilt of his dagger in his palm, holding it with his ring finger and pinky so he could free up his other fingers and thumb. "But, accommodations and information, perhaps I can still entertain." He'd reach for his ale. "You didn't get their name, did you?" He'd help himself to a gulp as he watched in silence for a bit.

Nalaskur would grin as he pulled the mug from his lips. "I was given the heads up to expect a curious group of individuals who go by the name the Agent Alliance. They appeared to rather enjoy a good game of chance, and even played fairly too." His eyes would pull away to glance at the pensive gnome the Satyr had asked him to entertain. "A little birdie told me a scholarly gnome enjoyed indulging in a few rounds." The elf would then tilt his chin towards the tiefling at the table. "A dapper one earned the group accommodations. Not only rooms for the party, but stables for horse and wagon too. Asking about any news and rumours of a dwarven delegation from Miribar. Was it?" A chuckle would leave his lips as if he remembered something when his eyes would pass over the warrior at the table "Their elf threatened to take their business to Womford!" Then he'd look back to the Satyr. "Come to think of it there were whispers of an accompanying satyr, quiet as a mouse." He'd smirk, taking another drink of his ale. They asked for information, but didn't specify what.

Again, Nalaskur would sit comfortably in some silence before eventually putting his foot down. He'd lean forward onto the table and shrug. "Word had it the delegation traveled overland from Westbridge to Beliard, crossing the Stone Bridge. From Beliard it headed south into the Sumber Hills, bound for Summit Hall." The elf would take another chug before letting out a quick burp and continuing. "But, got attacked few miles from the Hall. Only makes sense things would be hauled in riverboats to cross the Dessarin River and why there are rumours of their valuables ending up across the bridge." The elf would gesture over his shoulder in the direction of Womford.

Kerric:

With the conversation catching his interest, Kerric moves over and says, "What you say makes sense, Nalaskur, and you know much of us already.  Know then, also, that cultists and bandits roam the lands and infiltrate the towns, as we have encountered both those that serve the Black Earth and the Crashing Wave.  Rumor has it that the Riverguard Keep is occupied as well and may be involved in this unpleasantness--do you have any information as to who might have attacked the delegation, or their current whereabouts assuming they still survive?"

"Oh, and it's the *Argent* Alliance, though I suppose in time we may have agents as well," Kerric finishes with a smile, hoping to get some further useful information from this elf after giving the results of some of their investigations.

When the games were over and the earnings were sorted out, Hawke returned his hands on the reigns and gets the horses moving again. Hearing the group speak on the Zhentarim, the druid decides to keep the name at the back of his mind. He was relatively out of touch with... every little 'group' or 'gang', only really knowing of the Emerald Enclave simply because he was in it. Even if the Enclave had spoken of the Zhentarim, he wouldn't have remembered. Don't trust 'em. Got it. He would mentally confirm with Kerric's words.

Hawke stops the horses once they arrived at the inn, taking a brief gander at the place while the guard spoke his leaving piece. While a cool ale was definitely tempting, he wanted to at least get the horses and wagon taken care of prior to hopping off and enjoying himself inside. He waves off the group that enters the establishment for some information gathering (saying he might join them later but who knows what might grab his attention) and perks up when he hears Ebele's voice, drawing his gaze to the monk as she made her offer. He snorts at her joke and says, "You got that right. I'll be waitin' here." And just to mess with Ebele a bit (after she enters the building), he directs the horses to move forward, just a few feet.

While he waits for Ebele's return, he does some people seeing, eyeing those who might have been walking down the road or entering the inn, just to get a read on what sort of people lived here (not sure if it matters too much but his Passive Insight is 14 and Perception is 21). 

When he sees Ebele leaving the inn with some mugs on her staff, Hawke can't help but chuckle. "Woman after my own heart!" He calls out, using his voice to guide her to where he was. When she sticks out her staff for him to grab the mugs and pulls her up, he does so with much gusto. "Didn't think I'd get one of these till later. Thank ya, Belle, you're the best." He doesn't waste a second to get his lips on the rim of the mug and leaning back, taking a few big gulps of the ale before pulling back with a satisfied sigh. "Aahh... Hits just right. Now where was that stable?" He looks in the direction Ebele had pointed to... then face palms. Oldest trick in the book... "I didn't fall for it." He announces with jest in his tone, hands going back to the reigns. "Totally didn't."

He'll start the horses walking again towards the direction of the stables (if they were nearby, if not, he asks for directions if anyone had been out and about).

(lol forgot my phone at work today...)

Inside the Inn

Nalaskar would correct his posture, sitting up straighter in his seat to watch elven warrior approach. A smirk would start on his lips and only begin to grow further as the warrior divulged what he knew. The elf would even draw a light chuckle from Nalaskar on the correction of their groups name. "The A*r*gent Alliance." Nalaskur would dip his head in a humble apology as he corrected himself, his grin still danced on his lips. "Your accommodations for your rooms and stables have been paid for this evening. But should you find yourselves here once again, you are welcome to stay here any time." He'd gesture a hand out towards the rooms and then to the bar. "For my mistake, please accept your meals on the house..." Nalashkar eyed the mug of ales, remembering two walked out the door. "And that ale slinging lass with the crying bandaid, she one of you?" He'd gesture with his mug, giving it a little shake. It appeared he was running low.

Leaning back in his seat, Nalashkar would get comfortable once again. He'd smirk at the elven warrior for a while before looking back to the Satyr who shared the same mischievous smile. "Some of those names sound familiar." Tilting his head back, Nalashkar gulped back the rest of his drink. "Ah yes." He'd lean forward once again, placing his mug down on the table with a satisfying hallow sound. "The keep to the north, where all the goods flow down river... A taciturn mercenary lord named Jolliver Grimjaw and his band of sellswords occupy the keep." He'd say a matter of factly before adding. "I've heard they recruit for the Wave." The elf would go to lift his mug again, remembering it was empty, he'd still try to suck back the foamy drops before putting it back down again. "As for the delegation, I suppose I have heard some rumours of a skirmish few miles outside Red Larch, some shallow graves were found up on a hill." Nalaskar would gesture a little Northwest before going back to fiddling with his empty mug. "Rock beats Wind. Then gets a lift from the River." He'd wink.

Outside

Hawke as you gander and take in the atmosphere of this place, you really feel watched. But you also notice they're all watching each other too. They actually seem more suspicious of each other, than you. You figure this because, well, you're pretty obvious and stick out like a sore thumb at the moment and it's not like you're doing anything shifty... except watching them too. Though, you did get a sense that someone, somewhere, was watching you more closely...

Ebele only registered the sound of Kerric pulling out the chair for her to take a seat beside him when she was halfway out the door. A bit sad she almost completely missed the invite to join them, she'd make a mental note to herself that she 'owes him' a drink.

Distracted from her thoughts, Ebele was at an even greater disadvantage when she walked out to join Hawke at the wagon. I swear it was only a few feet... Where did he... She'd step and reach around cautiously for bit until the druid would finally speak up to give her a chance to find him. Touche... Accepting the enthusiastic haul up onto the wagon, Hawke would earn a chuckle from Ebele for a handful of reasons. "You've said that twice now." She'd finally get a hold of her own mug in her hand and hold it up to him for a cheers of 'you're welcome'. Hearing him already slurping, she'd then tilt her ale in a playful gesture, 'What? No cheers before you chug!?'. "So what happens after a third? I get access to the first of four heart chambers before having to defeat some baddie for a key?" The monk would bring her mug to her lips with a popped brow. She'd finally get her first sip, almost spilling it when Hawke would lurch the wagon forward in direction contemplation when he 'wouldn't fall for it'. "Not at all eh?" Ebele would smirk. Tit for tat. "We gunna have to get T to keep tabs?"

You didn't have to go that far. Hawke you manage to find the stables, literally, right next door. You still take your time though as you enjoy your ale to the sound of the horses hooves, the sway of the wagon and get a last bit of people watching in. Some of them give you a bit of the stink eye. You notice it's because you somehow managed to get mugs of ale and bowls of stew outside of the Old Bargewright Inn. Soon enough you pull off into the stables and when you do, you notice the tall guard from earlier standing off in the shadows just outside, also people watching. Their eyes were watching you and Ebele. And Hawke, when your eye would finally find theirs, they'd smirk at you.

Kerric:

Uncertain about this sly elf and his multiple answers for the location of the attack on the delegation, Kerric narrows his eyes and tries to figure out what Nal is up to...

Insight:  3

Kerric, as far as you can tell, the elf is being truthful. If anything, you’re thinking he gave you a riddle with key information.