The tiny halfling town of Valen's Rest, named for the hero buried there two generations ago, is barely a dot on the map. With a population of only a hundred or so, the town is often overlooked by the hoards of humanoids, ravening beasts, and marauding dragons that plague the rest of the lands. The town is a couple rings of small homes mostly, with an occasional shop or two.
The Small Sprout Inn is by far the largest building in town and is two stories high.
Behind you is the kingdom of Ridia, or what was once the kingdom of Ridia, the wild deep growth trees that marked the northern border of the kingdom.
(So this starts just after the kingdoms fall, just outside the kingdom.....where you fled too.......)
Princess Valindra, exhausted from her travels, attempts to compose herself as she enters town. She is royalty, after all, and it would not do for her to look disheveled or weak in front of the common folks. She forces a smile, adjusts the stray strands of hair, and makes her way to the Small Sproud Inn. With any luck, they'll have a room for her to rent.
The towns folk, halflings in simple work clothing, mostly keep working as Princess Valindra enters the town. After all, elves are not unknown in town. Still more then one eye turns to look and watch her as she walks down the road.
The Small Sprout Inn has it's windows and main front door wide open letting in some afternoon air. The inn is made of wood, old but also well cared for, mostly left to it's natural wood color. The common room, just inside the front door is large and wide. Wood tables and chairs fill most of the room. A small raised wood stage takes up one corner and a large stone fire place takes up the other corner. Across from that wall is a low shelf leading to another room with a kitchen. Six halflings and a single human sit around at three tables eating and drinking quietly.
An older halfling, in worn work clothing sits on a small stood in the middle of the room. He looks up as you come to the doorway.
Iravias Shortwick "Well met traveler. I'm Iravias Shortwick, owner of the Small Sprout Inn. We still have eleven rooms open, so if you want one that will be one gold coin. Two meals and a bath included. "
Valindra gives a slight bow of her head to the innkeeper. "Thank you, Sirrah Shortwick. Your warm greeting is welcome after the troubles of the road." She hands him a gold piece. "Would it be permissible for me to take the hot bath first?"
Iravias Shortwick takes the gold coin "Of course, the bath house is just out back. Through the back door. My wife, Maryra, is out there to run the bath for you"
Just through the door is the small, one person bath house. And older female halfling waits at the stairs.
Maryra Shortwick "Welcome, come in. I got two pots of warm water on the fire. We don't get many travelers, and even fewer that want the hot bath....but I always keep pots ready."
The bath house is a small wooden room, raised up off the group a bit on stone blocks. The middle of the room is a medium sized wooden tub. Two metal pots sit on hooks over the fire in a long stone shelf. A chest near the tub is full of towels, soaps, shampoos and cloths. Two empty chest are over against the other wall.
Maryra Shortwick pushes the pots with some thick gloves hanging on their hooks off the fire and over to hang next to the tub. Slowly she pushes each pot over to have fill the tub with water.
When the tub is filled, Valindra undresses and climbs into the hot water, letting it soothe her muscles. She is used to bathing with servants and female bodyguards nearby, so she does not consider this immodest in front of a female, married attendant. She submerges herself in the water and lets it wash away the anguish of the past few days. For the first time that she can remember since the incident, she feels a faint sense of hope, and dares to flirt with the idea that some members of her family may still be alive. For now, she suppresses all thoughts of vengeance against the one who deposed her family. This moment of bliss is not about him, it is about her.
When she feels properly relaxed, Valindra takes to cleaning herself, lathering the soap all over to wash away the muck from her travels. As royalty, she is not used to being dirty or sweaty. While she knows she'll have to get used to it soon, for now the feeling is foreign to her. Unpleasant.
Once washed, she rinses herself off under the water, emerges, dries off, and gets dressed. She makes her way out to the dining area to greet the meal these kind halflings have prepared. On her way out of the bathroom, she gives Maryra Shortwick a gentle, "Thank you so much for your hospitality." She reaches for the halfling's hands to hold in her own, like friends.
Maryra Shortwick stays well back along the wall, ready if you needed anything. She is ready with the warm clean rinse water and the towels. As you don't offer any conversation, she keeps quiet. She does give a big smile and holds your hands.
When you get back to the common room it is a bit more full now with nine halflings, and a single elf sitting by the window. The elf is wearing well made, but worn green traveling clothing. His skin has a light white color, with some hints of blue, but his hair is solid black.
Iravias Shortwick has a plate of food ready. The clay plate has a small collection of green vegetables and chicken.
Valindra glances around the inn and looks over the halflings and the lone elf. If she elf looks back at her, she averts her eyes from his and tries not to let him know she's curious about him. On the one hand, she wonders if this might be one of her countrymen. On the other, she worries he might work for Lord Yeskon. As much as possible, she keeps an eye on him while not allowing him to see that she's watching.
Upon Shortwick's arrival with the meal, Valindra says, "Thank you so much, Sirrah Shortwick. How has business been for you and your lovely wife lately?"
Iravias Shortwick "Yes, life is good for us. We are not really in business to make money, we just like what we do. My father built this place mostly as a meeting hall. We don't get many travelers, but every so often get a hand full or two. They use to just sleep in homes or barns. So it made a bit of sense when my father made this place into a inn.
We don't get all that many elves through here, when we get travelers at all."
Princess Valindra gives a kind smile. "Well, I hope your visitors consider it a treat to see foreigners in their midst rather than a reason to fret. I'm sure you do your father proud, Sirrah Shortwick. I've been impressed with your hospitality since I arrived." She leans in closer and brings her voice lower. "Now, as for the other elf in the inn, how long has he been here? Did he just arrive today? Did he say who he is or what's brought him here?"
Iravias Shortwick lowers his voice "He gave his name as Qoronriel Salingihre. Been here two days now. Said his trade was farming, and he is on his way to visit some family. He does not talk much, and I don't pry. Not everyone loves talk s much as I do."
If he'd been there for two days, it meant he was not likely to be one of Lord Yeskon's men, neither was he one of the many other traitors to the crown who took advantage of the uprising. It occurred to Valindra that two elves traveling together may be less suspicious than one if Lord Yeskon's men came looking for her. Especially considering how much she stood out. Not only was she an elf in halfling lands, but she wore expensive clothes (much as they were in disrepair from the road), conducted herself with an air of regality, and was known for her beauty. A little extra help, a traveling companion, may be just what she needed.
Then again, if he was headed to Ridia, her kingdom, he ought to be warned of what's happened there.
"Thank you, Sirrah Shortwick," said Valindra, leaving an extra couple of silvers on the table. "Blessings on you and your family." She rises from the table and approaches Salingihre. With a slight bow of her head she says, "Good day to you, Sirrah."
The elf looks up what you speak. "Greetings from another Leaf of the Eternal Tree, lady. Grow with me, if you will. This inn makes a good tomato mint tea."
He stands "I'm Qoronriel Salingihre of the Woodland Realm, farmer and green grocer. I'm traveling to my brothers farm to help with the harvest. I have not seen another lady elf sense leaving my home."
"A pleasure to meet you," says Valindra with a curtsy. "I too am on the road, though I have not yet decided my destination. It's dangerous for a lady to travel alone, so I wonder if I might travel with you that we may face danger together."
Qoronriel Salingihre "You don't need to worry much about travel around here. The Wildwalkers of Ridia patrol along the border of the kingdom and keep things clear. And they cross the border all the time.
But I understand not wanting to travel alone. I'm heading east, outside of Caankadi. Though you said you have no destination? "
"No destination yet," said Valindra. She considered, for a moment, telling him about what had happened in Ridia and the problems there, but thought better of it. More than likely, he'd ask her how she knew, and she did not know yet if she could trust him with such information. He was not likely an agent of Lord Yeskon, but he might still be the sort to take a bribe or a reward for turning in a young princess on the run.
"I'm just hoping to spend a night here and get some rest, then I'll be ready to head out on the road again. Is that amenable to your schedule?"
Qoronriel Salingihre "I don't have a schedule. I have at least a moon before the harvest starts. I normally take my time to travel. I can leave tomorrow if you need. It's only three, maybe four more days travel to the farm. "
"I would be most grateful if we could be on our way come morning," said Valindra with another bow of her head. "Thank you, Sirrah Salingihre. This is most kind of you."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Valindra gives him a once over in an attempt to assess what skills he may have, particularly if they should encounter danger on the road. Are his shoulders broad? Are his hands calloused from swordplay or hard work? Do his feet appear swift? Is he carrying any weapons? For this sort of thing, she examines him.
Perception Roll: 16
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The tiny halfling town of Valen's Rest, named for the hero buried there two generations ago, is barely a dot on the map. With a population of only a hundred or so, the town is often overlooked by the hoards of humanoids, ravening beasts, and marauding dragons that plague the rest of the lands. The town is a couple rings of small homes mostly, with an occasional shop or two.
The Small Sprout Inn is by far the largest building in town and is two stories high.
Behind you is the kingdom of Ridia, or what was once the kingdom of Ridia, the wild deep growth trees that marked the northern border of the kingdom.
(So this starts just after the kingdoms fall, just outside the kingdom.....where you fled too.......)
Princess Valindra, exhausted from her travels, attempts to compose herself as she enters town. She is royalty, after all, and it would not do for her to look disheveled or weak in front of the common folks. She forces a smile, adjusts the stray strands of hair, and makes her way to the Small Sproud Inn. With any luck, they'll have a room for her to rent.
The towns folk, halflings in simple work clothing, mostly keep working as Princess Valindra enters the town. After all, elves are not unknown in town. Still more then one eye turns to look and watch her as she walks down the road.
The Small Sprout Inn has it's windows and main front door wide open letting in some afternoon air. The inn is made of wood, old but also well cared for, mostly left to it's natural wood color. The common room, just inside the front door is large and wide. Wood tables and chairs fill most of the room. A small raised wood stage takes up one corner and a large stone fire place takes up the other corner. Across from that wall is a low shelf leading to another room with a kitchen. Six halflings and a single human sit around at three tables eating and drinking quietly.
An older halfling, in worn work clothing sits on a small stood in the middle of the room. He looks up as you come to the doorway.
Iravias Shortwick "Well met traveler. I'm Iravias Shortwick, owner of the Small Sprout Inn. We still have eleven rooms open, so if you want one that will be one gold coin. Two meals and a bath included. "
Valindra gives a slight bow of her head to the innkeeper. "Thank you, Sirrah Shortwick. Your warm greeting is welcome after the troubles of the road." She hands him a gold piece. "Would it be permissible for me to take the hot bath first?"
Iravias Shortwick takes the gold coin "Of course, the bath house is just out back. Through the back door. My wife, Maryra, is out there to run the bath for you"
Just through the door is the small, one person bath house. And older female halfling waits at the stairs.
Maryra Shortwick "Welcome, come in. I got two pots of warm water on the fire. We don't get many travelers, and even fewer that want the hot bath....but I always keep pots ready."
The bath house is a small wooden room, raised up off the group a bit on stone blocks. The middle of the room is a medium sized wooden tub. Two metal pots sit on hooks over the fire in a long stone shelf. A chest near the tub is full of towels, soaps, shampoos and cloths. Two empty chest are over against the other wall.
Maryra Shortwick pushes the pots with some thick gloves hanging on their hooks off the fire and over to hang next to the tub. Slowly she pushes each pot over to have fill the tub with water.
When the tub is filled, Valindra undresses and climbs into the hot water, letting it soothe her muscles. She is used to bathing with servants and female bodyguards nearby, so she does not consider this immodest in front of a female, married attendant. She submerges herself in the water and lets it wash away the anguish of the past few days. For the first time that she can remember since the incident, she feels a faint sense of hope, and dares to flirt with the idea that some members of her family may still be alive. For now, she suppresses all thoughts of vengeance against the one who deposed her family. This moment of bliss is not about him, it is about her.
When she feels properly relaxed, Valindra takes to cleaning herself, lathering the soap all over to wash away the muck from her travels. As royalty, she is not used to being dirty or sweaty. While she knows she'll have to get used to it soon, for now the feeling is foreign to her. Unpleasant.
Once washed, she rinses herself off under the water, emerges, dries off, and gets dressed. She makes her way out to the dining area to greet the meal these kind halflings have prepared. On her way out of the bathroom, she gives Maryra Shortwick a gentle, "Thank you so much for your hospitality." She reaches for the halfling's hands to hold in her own, like friends.
Maryra Shortwick stays well back along the wall, ready if you needed anything. She is ready with the warm clean rinse water and the towels. As you don't offer any conversation, she keeps quiet. She does give a big smile and holds your hands.
When you get back to the common room it is a bit more full now with nine halflings, and a single elf sitting by the window. The elf is wearing well made, but worn green traveling clothing. His skin has a light white color, with some hints of blue, but his hair is solid black.
Iravias Shortwick has a plate of food ready. The clay plate has a small collection of green vegetables and chicken.
Valindra glances around the inn and looks over the halflings and the lone elf. If she elf looks back at her, she averts her eyes from his and tries not to let him know she's curious about him. On the one hand, she wonders if this might be one of her countrymen. On the other, she worries he might work for Lord Yeskon. As much as possible, she keeps an eye on him while not allowing him to see that she's watching.
Upon Shortwick's arrival with the meal, Valindra says, "Thank you so much, Sirrah Shortwick. How has business been for you and your lovely wife lately?"
The elf keeps his eyes down on his cup of tea.
Iravias Shortwick "Yes, life is good for us. We are not really in business to make money, we just like what we do. My father built this place mostly as a meeting hall. We don't get many travelers, but every so often get a hand full or two. They use to just sleep in homes or barns. So it made a bit of sense when my father made this place into a inn.
We don't get all that many elves through here, when we get travelers at all."
Princess Valindra gives a kind smile. "Well, I hope your visitors consider it a treat to see foreigners in their midst rather than a reason to fret. I'm sure you do your father proud, Sirrah Shortwick. I've been impressed with your hospitality since I arrived." She leans in closer and brings her voice lower. "Now, as for the other elf in the inn, how long has he been here? Did he just arrive today? Did he say who he is or what's brought him here?"
Iravias Shortwick lowers his voice "He gave his name as Qoronriel Salingihre. Been here two days now. Said his trade was farming, and he is on his way to visit some family. He does not talk much, and I don't pry. Not everyone loves talk s much as I do."
If he'd been there for two days, it meant he was not likely to be one of Lord Yeskon's men, neither was he one of the many other traitors to the crown who took advantage of the uprising. It occurred to Valindra that two elves traveling together may be less suspicious than one if Lord Yeskon's men came looking for her. Especially considering how much she stood out. Not only was she an elf in halfling lands, but she wore expensive clothes (much as they were in disrepair from the road), conducted herself with an air of regality, and was known for her beauty. A little extra help, a traveling companion, may be just what she needed.
Then again, if he was headed to Ridia, her kingdom, he ought to be warned of what's happened there.
"Thank you, Sirrah Shortwick," said Valindra, leaving an extra couple of silvers on the table. "Blessings on you and your family." She rises from the table and approaches Salingihre. With a slight bow of her head she says, "Good day to you, Sirrah."
The elf looks up what you speak. "Greetings from another Leaf of the Eternal Tree, lady. Grow with me, if you will. This inn makes a good tomato mint tea."
He stands "I'm Qoronriel Salingihre of the Woodland Realm, farmer and green grocer. I'm traveling to my brothers farm to help with the harvest. I have not seen another lady elf sense leaving my home."
"A pleasure to meet you," says Valindra with a curtsy. "I too am on the road, though I have not yet decided my destination. It's dangerous for a lady to travel alone, so I wonder if I might travel with you that we may face danger together."
Qoronriel Salingihre "You don't need to worry much about travel around here. The Wildwalkers of Ridia patrol along the border of the kingdom and keep things clear. And they cross the border all the time.
But I understand not wanting to travel alone. I'm heading east, outside of Caankadi. Though you said you have no destination? "
"No destination yet," said Valindra. She considered, for a moment, telling him about what had happened in Ridia and the problems there, but thought better of it. More than likely, he'd ask her how she knew, and she did not know yet if she could trust him with such information. He was not likely an agent of Lord Yeskon, but he might still be the sort to take a bribe or a reward for turning in a young princess on the run.
"I'm just hoping to spend a night here and get some rest, then I'll be ready to head out on the road again. Is that amenable to your schedule?"
Qoronriel Salingihre "I don't have a schedule. I have at least a moon before the harvest starts. I normally take my time to travel. I can leave tomorrow if you need. It's only three, maybe four more days travel to the farm. "
"I would be most grateful if we could be on our way come morning," said Valindra with another bow of her head. "Thank you, Sirrah Salingihre. This is most kind of you."
Qoronriel Salingihre "I can be up and ready to go with the sun"
Valindra gives him a once over in an attempt to assess what skills he may have, particularly if they should encounter danger on the road. Are his shoulders broad? Are his hands calloused from swordplay or hard work? Do his feet appear swift? Is he carrying any weapons? For this sort of thing, she examines him.
Perception Roll: 16