[4E] Winterhaven's Gates

[Snowbody]

It's another beautiful morning in the Nentir Vale, the sun rising gloriously in the East. The vale is mostly untamed wilderness, quite dangerous -- things haven't been the same since the fall of the Nerath Empire about a century ago -- but here a village rises from the forest, a steadfast outpost of civilization, trade, and order. Not quite a "city on a hill" but a beacon offering protection to all who seek peace... and reward to those who seek adventure.

The rutted King’s Road leads to the foot of a broad hill that holds the walled village of Winterhaven. The village is nestled in the southern foothills of the Cairngorm Peaks. The walls are weathered stone topped by defensive palisades. Small thatched homes stand around Winterhaven, each fronting a small piece of farmland or pasture. Beyond the farms to the west and south lie dark woods, and to the north, tall mountain peaks. One of the southern farms, easily visible from the road, seems to have recently been burned to the ground.

Yet all is not right today. The road that leads up the hill is clogged with carts, and merchants grumble about delays. There seems to be a small commotion at the gateway into the village.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
The young human woman gives a strange look at the front of the line. Her blonde hair, blue eyes and immaculate features are out of place among the homogenous rabble, a lone splash of vibrancy is a field of dun and brown. She turns to an older woman next to her. Are you aware of what is causing the delay? she asks, in a voice that sounds vaguely reminiscent of rain falling on tin.

[Snowbody]

"This isn't supposed to happen," mutters the old woman. "Lord Padraig never lets anything get in the way of trade, especially on Market Day. I heard someone say the Regulars wanted to improve security. What are they afraid of I wonder." She clutches a satchel at her side. "I might not have time to buy new jars."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
If you would kindly hold my place, ma'am, I will advance to the line's front and investigate what is happening there. Hopefully you will have time to obtain jars, she says, slipping gracefully out of the queue and advancing to the line's front to see what is delaying progress at the gate.

[Snowbody]

Several of the merchants and farmers call out angrily as Alessa (apparently) cuts the line. Some throw up their arms in frustration.

At the front of the line, the main town gate is closed. A side doorway, only wide enough for a person to walk through, is open but a guard is blocking it, trying to reason with the first would-be trader. "Please stay calm, this is just a temporary measure until we find the criminals." The guard appears a little unsure of himself, and keeps looking over nervously at another guard. Said guard, in the same armor and helmet, is leaning against the wall, arms folded, observing the proceedings. Each guard's belt has a hand crossbow and a sword.

"But you can't make me unload the cart! There's no way I can carry all that through the doorway by myself!" protests the farmer.

"I'm sorry, really I am, maybe we can make an exception?" says the guard, sounding genuinely sympathetic, and looking hopefully at the senior guard.

The stoic senior guard shakes his head slightly, and the junior guard sighs. "I'm sorry, rules are rules, only empty carts through the gate. Here, I'll help..." he offers, but the senior guard shakes his head again.

Fuming, but keeping his temper in check, the farmer throws the cover off the cart and starts unloading, while the other two guards watch.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I am sorry, I do not intend to cut the line, says Alessa to the first person who objects. She gives a variation on this apology to all others, throwing in I only want to verify the cause for delay, and similar phrases here and there. As she reaches the front of the line, she frowns as the farmer has to unload his cart by himself. She addresses the guards. Apologies, sirs, but I do not understand the delay. What do criminals being in the city have to do with farmers' carts? If assistance in catching these criminals would help these folk get through the gate faster, I would gladly offer my services, she states.

[Snowbody]

OOC

Since Alessa is trying to improve the attitude of the hostile unfriendly farmers, and seems to be trying to get on the indifferent guards' good side, that sounds like two separate uses of the Diplomacy skill.

If you take actions that assume a skill use, but don't roll, my default would be to roll for you. Do you want that? Or do you want the default to be to take 10 (in situations where you're not pressured or threatened)?

[Shadow_Elf]

OOC:
I typically just describe my actions, and then if the DM wants a roll, I will roll something. I don't know that a diplomacy check is necessary to just be polite to people, but if you'd like the checks, I can make them. I understand with the guards, I suppose.

Check 1: [roll0]
Check 2: [roll1]

[Snowbody]

OOC
Normally being polite means taking 10, which tends to not affect people's attitudes at all. It won't make anybody like you less, but it won't make anybody like you more -- it's just what's expected of you. Since you stated that's your intention, I'll allow that and ignore the botch rolls.

The farmers and artisans still seem unhappy that Alessa is walking past them, and several mutter under their breath. One phrase she overhears "She'll slow things down even worse, I'm sure."

The junior guard spots Alessa and moves to confront her before she can speak. "Ma'am? Ma'am? I'm sorry, all traders have to wait in line." The senior guard stops leaning on the wall and stands in a ready pose, but doesn't draw a weapon.

Responding to Alessa, the guard says, "Some troublemakers were jailed last night and escaped. The Regulars are handling it, there's no need to fear, but there have to be some increased security measures for everyone's safety. They got out of town concealed in a farmer's cart...we think..., so we need to make sure they don't sneak back into town the same way. It won't be for long, one's already been recaptured..." The senior guard clears his throat, warning the junior guard not to talk too much. "Thank you, we don't need any help, let the Regulars do their job. Could you please go to the back of the line now."

Alessa's insight tells her the junior guard is not completely sure what he's saying is the truth -- he's been ordered to say it.

The farmer is sweating as he carries each piece of his load through the side door. He glares at Alessa.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I see. Very well. I shall return to my rightful place in line and wait as instructed, she says, walking away from the line abd returning to the spot she'd originally been waiting in. She speaks to the old woman. It seems, ma'am, that the delay is caused by a slow and inefficient search at the gates for hidden criminals. The wait may be longer than anticipated. With that, the disguised elemental carries on amiable, if stilted, coversation with the old woman while she waits.

[Snowbody]

The old woman jabbers, "Criminals? How dangerous! I'm sure the Regulars have things well in hand though. After all, they act in the name of Lord Padraig, bless him!"

The artisan behind them, carrying a heavy sack, grumbles at Alessa, "Hey. Blondie. Back of the line. Might be okay with her that you cut back in, but isn't with me. I've already been through the line once today for nothing, you aren't getting in before I am." He points with his thumb behind him.

The old woman takes no notice of him. "I wonder if these criminals were the same ones who almost started a fight in the Inn last night."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
As you can see, sir, I am hiding no criminals on my person. My presence here will not affect your own arrival through the gates by more than a few seconds, while sending me to back of line will delay my own arrival by significantly longer, and for no cause but your spite's satisfaction, reasons Alessa. I already do not like this place. The sooner I have slain the undead and left, the better, she thinks.

[Snowbody]

He seems to notice for the first time that Zimelda is unencumbered beyond a simple traveler's pack. "Huh," he says, moving some dirt around with his toe. "You ain't a local, you ain't got nothing to trade, are you some kind of mercenary? Or maybe you're one of Avandra's pilgrims?"

"Oh, I always open my home to pilgrims passing through, trusting to luck, Avandra gives me luck in return," twitters the old woman. "Do you need a place to stay tonight dearie?"

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I have not heard of Avandra; is she a goddess? In any case, I am a hunter of undead and brigands. I do not take payment for my work, so I suppose I am not a mercenary. I heard tell there might be undead in the region, so I am in Winterhaven to see if I can learn anything more of my quarry, she replies to the artisan's question. Though I am not a pilgrim, ma'am, I would gladly accept your offer of hospitality if you would have me.

[Snowbody]

The old woman, taken aback, gasps and puts her hand to her chest. "Haven't heard of Avandra? Great Lady of luck and change? Protector of travelers and traders? She's how we survive out here in the wild! We're so fortunate, one of the few full temples to her in the whole Nentir Vale is here, you just have to stop by and visit Sister Linora on Temple Day, I guarantee you'll love to hear her speak on freedom!" She shows Alessa a hand-knit yarn medallion, which bears a symbol resembling three wavy lines.

http://images.coplusk.net/project_images/92610/image/medium_IMG_0263_1306871481.jpg

The other farmer isn't quite as enthusiastic. "Sister Linora lives and lets live, she's got that going for her, she ain't a hypocrite. As for undead? Hah! Not around here, only tales told to frighten children into behaving. The Regulars would have taken care of any kind of threat like that. Some of the merchants from out-of-town complain about brigands on the road, but those kinds of problems are far away. You can ask at the Inn but everyone'll tell you the same." He seems sincere.

"Oh miss, my hut isn't much but I'd be thrilled to have you! My husband won't mind."

"Sara, you've got to stop trusting everybody you meet! One of these days it'll do you in."

"Avandra's luck hasn't failed me yet, Horace."

The line moves, slowly.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Thank you kindly for your hospitality, Ms. Sara. I will gladly stay in your residence tonight, once I have gathered what information I can about potential quarry, she says, in her lilting, watery voice.

She then turns to Horace. Are the Regulars really so competent? I am impressed by their apparent prowess; most city militias I have encountered have required my assistance to actively dispatch such threats. Perhaps they were not as organized or well trained as these individuals you speak so highly of.

[Snowbody]

"Yeah, I know what ya mean about town guards," says Horace. "Usually they're useless and corrupt, conveniently arriving just too late to do any good, always wanting a bribe. I went to Fallcrest once and got the royal shakedown just to get in. No, these guys are for real. The village'd be overrun right quick otherwise.
"The Regulars are the pros. Captain Kelfem is a great leader, keeps the men in line, and he has the full backing of Lord Padraig (they've been friends since they were boys). I'm a volunteer in the town militia for when things get hairy, like the gnoll invasion ten years ago -- we train once every week, and there are drills -- but the Regulars can handle just about anything."

The line advances again.

"But what about that burned farm?" asks Sara. "Could just as easily have been my house!"

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
This is reassuring. Perhaps my services will not be required in Winterhaven, she replies. Nonetheless, I will stay and gather information while I am here. Perhaps a threat exists outside of the Regulars' jurisdiction that I can neutralize.
Perhaps this place is not as bad as I first thought... All present are simply on edge due to the delays.

[Snowbody]

Horace: "Like I said, ask at the Inn, who knows, someone might need ya. And Sara, fires can start anywhere, I heard the Regulars put it out with minimal losses. Probably those criminals were responsible."

Sara: "Oh, it will be grand! And we can swap stories -- you tell me about your work, I'll tell you the ghost story of the skeleton knight who takes away naughty children back to his..."

Horace: "Sara, stop. That's not a topic for now." Horace is visibly uncomfortable that Sara brought up that particular ghost story.

They approach the gate. Another guard comes out with a piece of paper with one corner torn off. He shows it to the other two guards. They shrug. "Okay, show 'em," says the stoic senior guard. The new guard walks up to the three chatters. "These are the criminals the Regulars are looking for," he says. "If you see any of them, let the Regulars know right away." The paper has sketches of a male Goliath in hide armor, male Dragonborn in plate armor, and a vaguely Elvish-looking female in scale armor, her face mostly concealed by a hood. There was probably a fourth portrait but it's torn off.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
If I encounter these criminals, I will gladly subdue them and return them here for punishment, says Alessa, her voice taking on stormy tones as she speaks of the criminals. If I may ask, sir, what is their crime? she asks inquisitively, her voice returning to its gentle rainlike cadence.

[Snowbody]

"One assaulted a villager. All interfered with the ability of the Regulars to protect the town, and escaped from jail before their trial. Just tell us if you see them okay?" says the new guard, looking quizzically at her.

[roll0]

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
As you wish, sir, she replies, inclining her head. May we pass through the gates now?

[Snowbody]

"Not my department, ask them." He indicates the junior and senior guards, then moves on down the line, showing the wanted poster.

Alessa, Sara, and Horace approach the gates. The junior guard sees Alessa first, and is about to usher her to the door, when the senior guard starts walking towards them. "You! With the blonde hair! I don't recognize you, are you here to trade?"

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I am called Alessa. I am a hunter of undead and brigands. I am here to rest, purchase supplies and collect gossip before I set out on my next hunt, she explains.

[Snowbody]

A greedy light shines in the senior guard's eye. "Hmm, only a buyer, eh? Got gold? Well then you'll want the sellers to get in first so you'll have things to buy, so why don't you head to the back of the line like my colleague ordered you to." He stands in her way, but holds out his open palm expectantly.

The junior guard's eyes pop open wide at the blatant request for a bribe, but he doesn't dare challenge his superior.

Sara is oblivious.

Horace is aware of what's going on, but isn't quite sure he's seeing and hearing what he thinks he is, and he holds his tongue.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Clearly, the Lord Padraig does not pay you fine gentlemen enough for terrorizing his guests and sending away trade, she says, her black-and-white morality kicking in as her eyes begin to cloud over with flecks of lightning and roiling storm. I will return to the back of the line as you request before I do something we shall both regret. Ms. Sara, may I meet you in the market place in a few hours? It appears my wait in line may be longer than anticipated.

[Snowbody]

The guard responds to Alessa's indignance with a grunt. "Get moving."

Sara still doesn't get it. "What? You're not going in now? Whyever wouldn't you? You're next in line! Of course you can meet me in the square, I have a stall there."

When the guard isn't watching, Horace beckons Alessa to come over close to him.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
She gives Horace a questioning glance. What is it? she asks, pausing in her progression towards the back.

[Snowbody]

OOC
Aren't you going to respond to Sara?

Horace beckons her closer, and whispers to her, "I don't believe it. They don't do that to anybody, not even out-of-towners. They can't do that to anybody. If you file a complaint, I'll vouch for you."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
To Sara (in the past): This kind guard would like me to return to the back of the line, and so, law-abiding guest of Winterhaven that I am, I shall comply. I promise to meet you at your stall before too long.

To Horace: Thank you, Horace. You are a good man; I shall file the complaint as soon as I am permitted entry.

[Snowbody]

Alessa returns to the back of the line, attracting a mixture of puzzlement, ridicule, and sympathy from the other line members.

The guards change shifts, and the line starts moving faster. The thread of the conversation among people in her area of the line is the arson fire last night at Arne's farm, who might be responsible, and whether Lord Padraig will compensate him for his lost crop.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
She tries not to get too involved in the conversations, simply taking it all in and trying to quell her raw elemental fury at being sent to the back of the line. She waits patiently and quietly for her return to the front of the line.

[Snowbody]

The general consensus among the line members is that the troublemaking criminals are somehow responsible for the fire, even though some people saw them at the Inn when the fire was being set.

Alessa arrives at the front of the line. Both guards are involved, they are actively checking the wagons and carts, helping traders unload when necessary, and some wagons are even able let through the gate without unloading.

Now it's Alessa's turn. One of the guards turns to her. "Name? Business? Anything to trade? Be brief, we want to keep the line moving." The other guard begins checking under the cart behind her.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I am a hunter of undead, brigands and beasts. I am simply stopping in Winterhaven to purchase supplies for my next hunt and to get any rumours I can about potential targets in the countryside. I will not be staying long. I was hoping you might be able to give me directions to the Regulars' headquarters? I would talk to them about local issues I might be able to help resolve, she explains.

[Snowbody]

"Sure, go past the Inn, through Market Square, turn right when you pass the blacksmith, and head to the inner gate. Talk to the guards there about your issue. Lord Padraig rules the town, show him respect. Don't damage another's person or property. And please, don't get in the way of the Regulars doing our job. If you see one of these guys, let us know. They're not your ordinary brigands, so don't try to take them on." He points to the wanted poster, now affixed to the wall. "Though...come to think of it...definitely mention to the inner guards that you're a hunter, there might be some info for you." He waves her through the doorway. "Next!"

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Thank you kindly, sir. I will make my way there. With that, the water elemental makes her way to the Regulars' Headquarters, and goes into the entrance. Good evening. I would like to file a complaint against one of the Regulars. I do not know his name, but I know his station and shift, and have a witness that will vouch my complaint. Where can I file this? she asks to the first Regular who will listen.

[Snowbody]

The guard at the outer gate watches her go, taking one last long look:
[roll0]

Alessa finds the inner gate as the guard had described: past the Inn, where the breakfast rush seems to have subsided; past the Market Square, where the merchants, farmers, and artisans are setting up (she notices Sara selling jellies and jams, and Horace with various wooden articles), past the blacksmith shop which, oddly, seems to be closed (several people are standing outside waiting), and also passing a five-story tower of pure white stone, the tallest building in the village.

There are two guards on duty at the inner gate. They are talking quietly to each other; Alessa hears something about "fire" and "kobolds". They snap to alertness when Alessa approaches.

"A complaint? Yeah, we've got the papers here..." The other one says, playfully, "You don't look as drunk as most of the other complainers." The first guard gives Alessa a form. "Fill this out and give it to whoever's on duty here, he will bring it to the Captain at the conclusion of his shift. Make sure you put down a way for us to contact you if he has any questions for you." The form has what you'd expect: time and place of incident, nature of incident, whether there were any incidents, junior or senior guard, complainant's name, race, business in Winterhaven, etc. "My apologies for the incident, ma'am, please don't let it stop you from trading here in Winterhaven. If you don't like what you see in Market Square, there's also Bairwin's Grande Shoppe, a little further along that pathway." He points.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Thank you kindly, sir. It is a relief to know that my experience at the gates was an exception in the behaviour of the Regulars, she says kindly. She begins to fill out the form, hesitantly putting "human" under "Race" but seeing no real alternative. She can't very well put "sentient water elemental", can she? She checks off senior guard, the rough time of the incident, the location, records her own name as simply "Alessa" and puts down "Horace the Woodcarver" under witnesses, unsure if Horace has a family name or not. Her stated business in Winterhaven is "rest and resupply". Handing in the form, she then turns to the guard who handed her the form. With that taken care of, I have another query before I proceed to the market. I am a hunter of undead, brigands and dangerous beasts. I was wondering if the Regulars knew of any threats outside their jurisdiction that they would like handled? she asks, following the advice of the nicer gate guard.

[Snowbody]

The two guards look at each other. "Actually...there may be something you can help with. Stop by the Inn in about an hour -- around noon -- there will be a table reserved for you." One of them summons a child playing a game nearby; the child soon runs off apparently with a message.

OOCDid you want to RP the buying of supplies, or just say what you're looking for? Nearly all Common items are available readily, and some other stuff might be too.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Intrigued, the elemental manages a smile. Thank you very much. It will be refreshing to have prey again; the wellbeing of the people must be safeguarded. She inclines her head slightly to the guards and then proceeds to the market. She purchases some trail rations; as an elemental disconnected from her home plane, she needs to consume matter to sustain herself, but the simplest foods will do for that purpose. She is sure to stop by Horace's stall, indicating that she had filled out the form and thanking him for offering to be her witness. She is sure to buy a small wooden charm at his stall as thanks, and then proceeds to Sara and her preserves. I need to be in the Inn in about twenty minutes for a meeting, Ms. Sara, but I would still very much like to stay with you this night. How late will you be here in the market, ma'am? she says, oozing with a genuinely cheery politeness.

[Snowbody]

The other guard counters, "Just remember. The Regulars are responsible for the wellbeing of ..." but is interrupted by the primary guard. "Easy, easy, she's not after our job. Again, my apologies." They watch her go.

Alessa purchases the trail rations without difficulty. At Horace's stall, her attention is drawn to a toy waterwheel carved out of wood. He promises it will actually turn if water drips on it. The carver is still incredulous that such a thing would be done to her.

Sara: "Making friends so quickly? Good for you! I'll be here as long as the jars are still selling, then I'll buy the some empties, either from the traveling salesman, or from Bairwin's if I have to. If we don't see each other, ask for me at the Inn and say I offered Avandra's grace."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
As a means of thanks for the oblivious old lady, Alessa insists on buying a jar of preserves (even though they're of little use to her, since she just needs raw sustenance) and paying full price for it. Thanking the kind old woman and promising to meet her later, the elemental in disguise then proceeds to the Inn, where she simply orders a glass of water. While she waits for her mysterious meeting, she puts a finger in the glass and absorbs its contents into her form, using the extra water to play quietly with Horace's water wheel.

[Snowbody]

Sara is a little embarrassed by her guest purchasing something from her, but she doesn't turn Alessa down. "I had no idea you liked preserves so much! When you stay over you can try all my flavors, and a few that I'm still trying out!"

Inside the Inn, things are a bit chaotic, which is surprising since the lunch rush hasn't started yet. The cooks and serving-boys rush around, moving tables and chairs, but no one seems to be in charge. It takes a while for a server to notice Alessa and take her order. "Are you sure you want to spend your money on that ma'am? Most people just get their water from the town well in Market Square, ours isn't any different." But he returns in a few minutes with a mug of water.

The waterwheel does turn easily as Alessa pours water on it. A basin catches the water to stop making a mess.

One of the few patrons in the Inn notices Alessa playing with the waterwheel and approaches. He's an old, grizzled farmer by the looks of him, and his red nose indicates he's prone to drink. He doesn't seem to be drunk now though. "So you stopped by my boy Horace's stall, eh? He's really made something of himself with his woodcarving."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Quietly concealing the fact that the water was actually coming out of her finger, the disguised elemental smiles in greeting. He showed me kindness waiting in line this morning, so I felt I ought to return te favour and visit his stall. This wheel fascinated me. I am very pleased with how smoothly it works; he is very deft and skilled, no doubt. Do I understand from your language that he is your progeny? she asks, somewhat doubting her question but posing it nonetheless.

[Snowbody]

The old farmer helps himself to a seat. Snorting, he replies "Kindness? That was never one of his strong points. Maybe he's taken a shine to you, can't see why myself but who knows, maybe because Lord Padraig won't steal you away from him. Horace isn't my pro-anything, he's my younger son, and his woodcarving does me proud. I'm Eilian, nice to meet you, your name is?"

His putdown of Alessa's looks doesn't seem to be mean-spirited; seems like he's just speaking his mind.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
She smiles. Ah yes, I see the resemblance, she fibs, not knowing much about human anatomy. She is somewhat upset that he finds her guise unattractive; she reminds herself to continue experimenting with alternate forms, though she hasn't mastered any but this human female and a few simple animals yet. He is very talented, your son. You really should be proud. My name is Alessa, she says kindly, extending her hand to the rugged old farmer.

[Snowbody]

Eilian chuckles. "No shame in missing the relation. All us old farmers look alike, if we live long enough. We stand out in the field all day, our legs start to think they're roots, and take the soil up into our blood. We end up closer to the land than to our own family, unless they take up farming themselves like my firstborn did. The ground'll have my husk soon enough, but Salvana mixes me a special brew to keep me human a bit longer. But she ain't here so I was glad to see a new face to chat with."

"Ya know, I bet it's something to do with the commotion last night. We nearly had a to-do in here, would've been a mess with all the Regs off fightin the fire. Two big guys from out of town, a rock man and a crystal thing, both tryin' to chat up a lady elf hunter. And Goyle didn't show for work this mornin at the stable, I bet something's up."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Alessa chuckles politely at the man's metaphors. At "rockman" and "crystal thing", her interest is further piqued. Could there be other elementals leaving nearby? A commotion, really? That sounds unfortunate; I hope no one was seriously hurt. I don't suppose these are the same visitors the Regulars are looking for at the gate? There was quite a fuss out there which made it hard for the merchants to get inside. It was waiting for them to check all the carts that I met your son, she explains.

[Snowbody]

"...Was that the poster they were trying to get everyone to look at on the way in? Didn't see it. I'd actually talked to the rock man last night, his name was Merth or something, he was worried about a friend of his what had gotten lost in the woods hunting for treasure. He was with another unusual fellow, looked kinda like a lizard, or a dragon maybe, in armor with dragons on it. That one was Arjhan I thank. So they might be the troublemakers the Regs are looking for. Nah, no one was hurt, Salvana talked 'em down. My gold was on the rock man, the crystal thing looked too fragile."

A female human storms into the Inn. Gritting her teeth, she grouses, "I never want to have to do that again. Word to the wise: Forace is Acting Captain of the Regulars now." She looks around at the general disarray, sighs, and immediately starts giving orders to her staff. She's obviously the proprietor of the Inn.

"Ahh, there's Salvana now...maybe I'll wait before I ask her to mix me a cup."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I suppose, then, that this "Forace" being in charge of the guard is not good? she asks of Eilian. Your son spoke highly of the Regulars, but my experience with them has been mixed. Your son volunteered as witness to my complaint when one of them tried to elicit a bribe from me at the gate, she elaborates.

[Snowbody]

"Well it's not good if you're a troublemaker, suspected lawbreaker, or worst of all, an adventurer, that's for sure. Or an associate of 'em. Forace has been after the top spot ever since he joined the Regs, made no secret of it, still got made Lieutenant since he's a mighty fine soldier. I wonder how he pushed out Kelfem. Anyway, he favors a...strict reading of the law."

He's completely stunned when Alessa mentions the solicitation of the bribe. "You...you sure? Even if it was one of the men loyal to Forace, they're all law-and-order types. Horace saw it? I'll talk to him later." He seems to be highly doubtful of what Alessa said.

The innkeeper scans the room and notices Eilian and Alessa sitting there with just a cup of water between them. "Tom! We've got customers here, why haven't you taken their order?" she calls to the serving boy who previously took Alessa's order. "My apologies to both of you. Welcome to Wrafton's, my people are much more attentive when I'm around. Eilian, I'll mix your drink right away and have Tom bring it over. Anything else for ya to enjoy?"

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
I am probably what this Forace would classify as an adventurer. Does this mean I should shorten my stay in Winterhaven? Eilian's response is temporarily delayed by the appearance of the innkeeper at their table. All I wanted was this water, and Eilian here was waiting for you to come and make his special drink. Do not worry, miss, your serving staff have not been lax in your absence, assures Alessa, spinning the wheel of her little wooden waterwheel with a finger absentmindedly.

[Snowbody]

Eilian's eyes go wide, then suspicious, when Alessa reveals she's an adventurer, but then Salvana arrives at the table. He smirks when Alessa reveals her preference for water.

"Now c'mon honey, you can do better than that! Don't tell me you ate lunch already! There must be something we have here to tickle your fancy, something that you'll enjoy! Just look at the menu board" she says cheerfully. Her desire really seems for Alessa to be able to enjoy herself.

"Salvana, I'll take my drink at the bar, as usual." Then in a low voice to Alessa: "Well then, you should know how keep a low profile. And since I was talking to them last night I probably should too. Good day milady." He abruptly leaves the table, and heads over to the bar, trying to look inconspicuous.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
No thanks, ma'am, I'm not really hungry. I am fond of simple water most. If you've any fruit juices, I could try one of those, she suggests half-heartedly, wanting to keep the nice innkeeper happy but not really wanting to pay for a prepared meal she can't really enjoy. As Eilian leaves her tables, she smiles and returns to her play, waiting for whatever appointment the Regulars have lined up for her.

[Snowbody]

"Sorry...not the season...In a month maybe, if the apple harvest is in...we've got last year's cider, and wine, of course..." but she seems to know that Alessa isn't really interested, and leaves, disappointed.

More people filter into the inn. The lunchtime rush is starting, and under Salvana's direction, the staff function like a well-oiled machine, taking orders and serving.

Alessa alertly notices several guards take up posts by both doors to the inn. A middle-aged male walks in, dressed in noble's robes, his long hair streaked with grey. Something about him suggests he might not be human, but Alessa can't put her finger on it. All present rise to their feet, the men doff their caps, and a chorus of "Lord" and "Milord" rings out. He nods, the picture of bearing and nobility, and moves to a table set up in the corner. Another, a man about the same age, but with slightly darker skin and unusual eyes, follows close to him, openly carrying a long, slightly curved sword and a strange, angled device on his hips--the bodyguard. The regular guards move out, except for the two who you spoke to at the gate previously. "Lord Padraig will see you now."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Not sure what to do to greet Lord Padraig, but thinking that perhaps the method that one meets Drow Matrons, with eyes downcast and humble, may not be the best play in human society. Instead, she stands and attempts a curtsey; she's seem village girls do something similar when lords and ladies pass in wagons in the countryside. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, Lord Padraig? asks Alessa.

[Snowbody]

"Aah, my dear, the pleasure is all mine!" He takes Alessa's hand and kisses it while looking meanigfully into her eyes. "I've heard that you are a hunter and tracker, specializing in rooting out dangerous creatures and eliminating bandits. For the past few weeks, the kobolds that live in the area have turned the old King’s Road and our outlying farms into their personal hunting grounds. Those beasts vex me sorely, as they inhibit the flow of trade, which is the lifeblood of the village. Yet the villagers refuse to recognize the seriousness of the problem. Attacks along the road have grown more frequent over the last few months. Something’s stirring the kobolds up. I don’t suppose you would be interested in taking a commission from me? I promise you, I can pay well for your services." He sighs. "I was hoping to commission several people, but the others I'd heard about seem to have disappeared. If they show up I'll be making them the same offer, and I hope you can combine your talents with theirs."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Her eyes brighten, the colour of clear, calm seas. It seems, Lord Padraig, that I have a new quarry. These kobolds will regret preying upon the people of Winterhaven. I will leave at dawn; if the others are not found by then, I shall proceed alone, she states. Normally, I do not charge for my services... but I am running low on funds, so I will take your gracious offer of commission. Can you or your Regulars provide me with any information about these kobolds that might help my hunt?

[Snowbody]

He smiles broadly. "Good, good! The reward for completing the task is 100 gold pieces, shared among all who are hired; also, you will have the right of salvage of any loot found in the kobolds' clutches, regardless of its original owner. As for information about the kobolds...Kelfem had been the expert, but he is presently...indisposed. A meeting may still be possible today but it may take time. I know they've been in the area for a long time, an occasional nuisance, but lately they've taken to raiding mainly the southern farms, and travelers on the King's Road. The Regulars did capture one once, but couldn't get any useful information out of it, it barely spoke Common, but we do have a record of all it said. Several of the Regulars suspect that the kobolds might have a new hideout, or a new non-kobold leader. But there have been no signs of dragons in the area. Oh, I remember: the one that talked said it belonged to the Clan of the Arm."

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
That may be of use, thank you, milord, she replies, hoping she got his style correct. If you'll excuse me, I have been offered board at a kind woman named Sara's house. I hope to find her in the market before she retires for the day so I can walk her to her home. She politely excuses herself from the Lord Padraig's presence and, assuming her exit is uninterrupted, she hurries to go find Sara in the market, her meeting concluded.

[Snowbody]

"What? you're not going to join me for the noonday repast?" He looks disappointed. Several of the nearby customers stop eating and look over at her. The bodyguard has no reaction.

[Shadow_Elf]

Alessa
Pausing at the door, she tries to laugh it off. Is it only noon, sir? I had thought the day was well past, and that I might miss my gracious hostess in the market. She looks out the window, noticing the noonday shine. Ha. It's still only noon. I will of course join you for your repast, Lord Padraig. I meant no offense. The elemental sheepishly returns to Lord Padraig's table.

[Snowbody]

Lord Padraig makes small talk with Alessa about her experience hunting bandits and monsters, and she is quick to perceive that this is part of the job interview, and his probing questions are revealing much about her skills, though none touch on her actual identity. The bodyguard doesn't say a word but also appears to be studying her closely. He does not eat any of the food.

Before too long one of the Regular guards enters. He stops a few steps away from Lord Padraig. The bodyguard nods imperceptibly, and the man approaches the town's ruler and whispers something to him. He immdediately brightens.

"Well, it looks like our wandering adventurers have been found. I strongly suggest you follow me, to get to know your future teammates, if all goes well." He calls over to the bar. "Ms. Wrafton! An important event requires my attention. I apologize for my hasty exit. Please send the food up to the manor." Without waiting for a reply, he rises and, accompanied by his personal bodyguard and the Regular, walks out of the Inn.

(Assuming Alessa follows him, you can post in the main thread whenever it's appropriate)