Part 2: Arrival in Thurmaster

[Woojitsu]

Shen tells Theothrastus, "I know that divinations require much preparation.  We will leave you to your rest."  Turning to the others, he continues, "We should get some rest ourselves.  We will need an early start tomorrow if we are to conclude our business with Squire Marlen without losing too much of the day."

[PaulH]

Garrick addresses Theothrastus:

"Then, with your pemission we shall take our leave. The Hound & Tails it is then".

"Until the morning, good wizard.."

Garrick nods towards the old gentleman and leaves.

[Balgin Stondraeg]

Taking their leave of the elderly wizard the party easily find the Hound and Tails (the inn sign depicts a hound looking up and barking at three foxes tails that dangle with no visible means of support). As they tread the muddy streets they get the impression Thurmaster's pretty run down, it clearly hasn't seen prosperity in a while. The inn itself is pretty rowdy, local lads are "relaxing" after a long day's work (and they relax hard, one pint after the other). There's a sort of surly joviality to the crowd but it could probably turn ugly if someone was provoked.

Three rouged barmaids move carefuly throughout the crowd, serving drinks and flirting with customers. In fact one is currently sitting on some local boy's knee and laughing at his jokes. It only becomes evident that she works here when the barman yells at her and she detatches herself to head for the bar. The smell of food comes from the kitchen and there's a small blackboard up by the bar upon which someone has chalked in a list of "today's specials" (although from it's smudged and faded nature you'd assume that list hasn't changed in a long time).

[Woojitsu]

While scanning the room for a place to sit in (relative) peace, Shen repeats his opinion that the party should plan on getting an early start on the morrow.  "Those of you who must sleep may wish to find a room as soon as possible.  I will join you in a little while."

[Balgin Stondraeg]

There are enough spare seats for Shenaistos to find somewhere to sit. There might even be one or two tables with no-one at all sitting at them yet (but he can only see one, there's a few others that might be unoccupied but it's hard to see because of the crowd).

[PaulH]

Once Shenaistos finds a seat Garrick will join him and will order a drink.

[Balgin Stondraeg]

After a few minutes the crowd settle down abit, growing accustomed to the strangers in their midst. After a while one of the barmaids comes over to see if anyone wants something. She looks a bit tired, her hair is dishevelled  and her makeup's smudged (and inexpertly applied, practicaly overdone but the local boys seem to like it).

[Woojitsu]

Shen barely notices the barmaid as he absentmindedly orders an ale.  He concentrates on gathering his thoughts.  After all, so much has happened in such a short time since he left home!  Bandits, wizards, mysterious disappearances... it's as if he has stepped into one of the stories that he so loved as a child (though much dirtier and more damp).

The arrival of his drink jolts him out of his reverie.  He looks up at Garrick and asks, "So, friend, how did you come by your love of the road?  If you will pardon me, you do not strike me as the sort typically drawn to adventure."

[PaulH]

"Well, my good friend, it's all just a case of mistaken identity...."

"I was found by some humans in a forest - my parents having been killed in a Hobgoblin raid - and taken to a local abbey, where I was brought up. Whilst there I found I had some magical potential, but kept it quiet. As an older lad I was apprenticed to a human tailor to learn some 'skills'. The tailor found out about my magic skills and put them to profitable use with his clients.

Of course, eventually I met up with some 'stealthy' types, and although I hadn't done anything wrong myself, I decided on caution when they got rumbled.

So here I am, itinerant follower of The Great Traveller, doing what I can to keep body and soul together....."

"Enough about me - what about you"?

"And what you'd reckon happened to this missing Wizard's Apprentice"?

[Rod the Worm]

Hasta walks up to the bar and tries to catch the innkeeper's attention.

"Good evening," she calls.  "Might you have a room or two for the night?  My friends and I have had a long day and are sore tired."

Once arrangements are made she comes back to sit with the others, listening with interest to tales and exclaiming quietly "Oh, that's terrible!" when Garrick tells of his parents' fate.  She looks truly saddened to hear it - as a young member of a long-lived race who live safe in underground fortresses, she has little real experience of death, and certainly none so personal. 

[Woojitsu]

Shen takes a long sip of his ale, then launches into his story.

"I have been travelling between the towns near my home for over fifty years.  My father is Leranis Morningmist, see."

Seeing his companions' blank looks, he prompts, "...the famous bowyer."

"Never mind.  My point is, I guess it was only natural that after my father retired, I would continue my travels without him."

A contemplative look crosses Shen's face, and his voice quiets nearly to a whisper as he continues, "But I will be no mere merchant.  Someday, I will be a force for good in these lands to rival the heroes of legend."

His eyes refocus on his companions, and his voice loudens, crescendoing to a triumphant shout, "That is why I will not stop until we have found this girl, Chenna, and rescued her from whatever foul fate has befallen her!"

Realizing his volume, and noticing heads turning toward him, Shen wilts back into his chair.

[Rod the Worm]

"Well said," Hasta agrees, looking around at the faces turning their way.  "We'll get her back safe and sound.  I'm sure your father would be proud to have such a chivalrous son.  It sounds like you got on well with him."

[Balgin Stondraeg]

Due to the antic's of Shenaistos, the group do indeed currently have an audience but it's interest soon fades and things quieten down again. The crowd are a more surly bunch than that at The Baron of Mutton, the barmaids flirt a little more than might be expected and the punters seem to enjoy it. The inn serves fairly simple fare consisting of alchoholic beverages, mutton pies and "soup" (whatever that is).

[PaulH]

Garrick will chat up one of the local girls (gather information) and find out what's going on/not going on around here.

If she recommends the food here Garrick will order some light soup and a glass of wine. (He is an Elf, you know)!  :dragon:

(No reason for the icon - just thought it looked good)


Cheers
Paul H

[Woojitsu]

Shen's an elf who likes beer.  Want to make something of it?   :icon_beer:

After taking his time with his ale, Shen excuses himself and heads up to the rooms that Hasta arranged for the party.