The Sheriff nods his head as he sits back down. And you wouldn't be in trouble if you where just defending yourself. By all accounts your group defused the situation at the cemetery. Which is why I am asking that you let me know before you decide to act on anything that might cause issues with the locals. Maybe I could offer some advise or put in a good word. Just something to think about.
I think I can speak for all of us that we would welcome your advice Sheriff Caeller. We will be staying here for a month and it would be good to have friends.
"I most certainly agree! I've always tried to work with the local constabulary when events indicated a need to do so. Sheriff, it sounds like you were at least somewhat familiar with the Professor's work. I would ask that you and your deputies be vigilant-- I fear that the Professor had some dangerous enemies, and his death would likely advance their agends. Indeed, it would not surprise me in the least to learn that they had something to do with his untimely demise!"
The doctor looks first to Kendra and then back to the sheriff. "As much as I hate to ask, what do we know about the events of Petros' death? Could it have been foul play?"
With the Doctors question the Sheriff turns his head to Miss Lorrimor. Do you want to hear this Kendra. Kendra only nods her head to urge the Sheriff on. I found the body in Harrowstone the old prison. He was laying on his back near one of prison’s walls the stone face from a gargoyle looks to have fallen from the roof above and crushed the professor’s face and neck. It was ruled an accident because there where no other marks on the body and no one else around but it still didn't seem right to me. He left word to look for him at the prison if he was gone for more then a day which is why we found him so quick. After that the whole council decided to close off the prison to everyone no tolerance for any shenanigans 10 day stay in the jail for anyone caught trespassing. Said it was too dangerous, not that I can disagree considering.
"You say you found no signs of anyone else at the prison, so you declared it an accident. Would it not be possible for someone to have deliberately dropped that statue on him? Perhaps someone hiding on the roof of the structure?"
Kith blanches at the very thought of the Professor being murdered. Did he... Did he tell anyone what he was doing there?
So the Professor had been seemingly crushed to death by part of a gargoyle statue? Was the old prison in such disrepair that a death could be ruled an accident? Ileana sat, listening to the talk around her, nothing to share with the group at the present time.
The Sheriff nods after the doctor asks his question before going into a more detailed explanation. I can't say that it wasn't possible for someone to drop the stone on the professor but it would take a great deal of timing and luck to do it. That is partly why we didn't call it murder. No clear evidence of someone else at the site no other wounds on the body and the unlikeliness of the weapon. Still he made a lot of preparations in case he met an untimely end and that was recent it makes me think he knew that he was doing something dangerous. More dangerous then a ruined old building. It just didn't sit right with me but I don't have any leads.
The Sheriff smiles a humorless smile as he turns to kith as he answers. I don't know how you know the professor but I have always known him as someone to keep things close to his chest. I respected the man but I can't say that we totally trusted each other. He skirted or bent the law to get things done at times. While I believe his motives where pure it still made our relationship difficult. So he wouldn't let me in on his plans and I can't think of anyone else in town he would confide in either.
I see. Kith says quietly as he wrings his hands. He just now realizes that the Professor had very many very dangerous enemies.
The sheriff finishes the rest of his tea in a great swallow and slowly gets up from his chair. Well I should get going. He looks to Kendra his hat held near his heart his voice holding a quiet conviction to it. I am sorry that your father passed Kendra. If you need anything you know where to reach me. Don't hesitate to call if something happens.
Kendra nods her head several emotions seem to pass over her face as she speaks as if she isn't certain how she should feel about the offer. I will keep it in mind Ben. Thank you for stopping by and offering your condolences.
The sheriff turns to the rest of those assembled If you would keep my offer in mind and a word of advice. If you are going to be staying here for a spell try to make friends with the locals. The towns folk are leery of strangers so don't be a stranger go out and meet them get some goodwill going that will stave off any yammering the councilman might do more then anything. I will see myself out have a good night. The sheriff heads to the door.
"Thank you for your time, Sheriff! If I could ask two unrelated questions...
First, you mentioned that the abandoned prison where Petros' body was found is now off-limits without permission. I, for one, would be interested in seeing this place for myself. How would one go about obtaining permission to visit the site?
Second, and pertaining to your kind parting words of advice... As I mentioned, I am a practicing physician. If I'm going to be in town for the next several weeks, I'd hate to be idle. Does your town have a healer, or a midwife, or an apocathery? If so, I'd like to introduce myself, and also to offer my services to the townsfolk."
Kith thinks. I could perhaps introduce myself to the locals at the taverns. I'm told that I have a good signing voice and I know a few traditional Ustalavian songs. Everybody appreciates entertainment
Your welcome The Sheriff stops at the door and turns to the doctor to answer his questions. To gain access to the prison you would need the ok from a majority of the council and honestly without at least a little goodwill from the towns people I doubt you can make a compelling enough argument to three of them right now. As to healing there is the Temple of Pharasma and Jominda’s Apothecary. there seems to be a strange vibe between Kendra and the sheriff when he mentions the apothecary. The temple can be a little funny about whether they will provide healing to someone even If they have the money for it. They consult the Lady of Graves to see if a person is working against their natural span of time and if the deity says no they will simply refuse healing to the person. It doesn’t happen a lot but it does happen. Jomida on the other hand offers some simple medicinal remedies but doesn’t really do doctoring. There may be some towns folk that you might be able to help that aren’t in a position to help themselves. Turning to Kith The sheriff nods his head. you might find The Laughing Demon to your liking but honestly you will find people who gather to sing in the town square on many days after a long day of working. I will leave you to the rest of your evening since I need to do my rounds. The sheriff leaves and you can hear him calling his dog biscuit to him as he walks down the road.
After the Sherrif has made his exit Kith turns to Kendra I guess there are five Councillors? We've already met Councilman Hearthmount.
"That we have. I don't think we made a positive impression. At least the Sheriff seems approachable!"
Well, I suppose that we should go out and try to make some friends then. Perhaps you can go the Temple or the Apothecary and I can go to the Laughing Demon? Or should we go together? Then we can come back and help Kendra clean up the Library.
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At the mention of the number of Councilman Kendra speaks up. There are only 4 people on the council, Councilman Vashian Hearthmount whom you met. Councilwoman Mirta Straelock, she owned the town’s tavern before she sold it to Zokar and his family. She is the most easily approachable of the council members a very down to earth woman. She is well liked and knows the town and its people and tries to vote as she feels the people would want. Then there is Councilwoman Shanda Faravan. She is a hard woman to get to know. She was a royal accuser for a time and there was some gossip of why she left but I won’t repeat it. She is very by the book and takes her job seriously and finally there is Councilman Gharen Muricar he is Hearthmounts childhood friend but they are nearly polar opposites. It might be best if you decide to talk to him to send a gentleman to do it because well he has an earned reputation as a bit of a rake. He isn’t crude as a rule but his attentions can be a little overwhelming and he is prone to go off on… tangents in a ladies company.
The last part of the conversation seems to have colored Kedra’s cheeks as she decides to change the subject. We have two guest rooms with beds. My father had company from outside the town fairly often... they have linens and pillows if you would like to move your things in. The thought of previous company seems to make Kendra pause a moment as if she might be looking at the visits in a different light with some of the latest developments.
Maybe we should start meeting the townsfolk tomorrow. It is late enough in the evening that I think we'd be disturbing them more than anything else. Should we get started helping Kendra with the library?
"I, for one, would not mind heading over to the local watering-hole for a glass of brandy. I would imagine that's as good a place as any to start interacting with the townsfolk. Would anyone care to join me?"
" ... and finally there is Councilman Gharen Muricar he is Hearthmount's childhood friend but they are nearly polar opposites. It might be best if you decide to talk to him to send a gentleman to do it because well he has an earned reputation as a bit of a rake. He isn’t crude as a rule but his attentions can be a little overwhelming and he is prone to go off on… tangents in a ladies company.
The last part of the conversation seems to have colored Kedra’s cheeks as she decides to change the subject. We have two guest rooms with beds. My father had company from outside the town fairly often... they have linens and pillows if you would like to move your things in. The thought of previous company seems to make Kendra pause a moment as if she might be looking at the visits in a different light with some of the latest developments.
Ileana noted all the Councillors' names to memory. So, it seemed, that Councilwoman Straelock was their best chance to befriend and impress among the leaders of Ravengro.
She had never shared a room before. An only child afforded one certain luxuries and also, people were generally afraid of her once they looked upon her mismatched eyes or listened to her grandmother's foul accounts of her. The only other female remaining in the party was the wild spirit - Drusilla. But the Other seemed particularly disturbed whenever she was too near. I cannot afford for the Other to make its presence known to the rest of my party. We have enough trouble as unwanted trespassers in this town.
But it seemed there would be no other choice but to share a room with the other girl who looked much like herself.
"So, Miss Drusilla and I will be sharing a room." Ileana cast a glance toward the wild-looking girl and then back at their hostess. "If you would be kind enough to show us which room has been set aside for us, then I shall carry my bags up and Drusilla will do the same with her bags. Thank you, Miss Lorrimor."
"I, for one, would not mind heading over to the local watering-hole for a glass of brandy. I would imagine that's as good a place as any to start interacting with the townsfolk. Would anyone care to join me?"
Ileana turned her mismatched eyes on the clever doctor. "I do not drink, or, should I say more accurately, I have never partaken of such beverages in my father's household. I suppose it would not hurt if we were seen among the townsfolk. I will join you once I have set my bags upstairs, but I will not drink." Ileana smiled at the doctor and the gesture was markedly strange as her eyes did not light with the expression as one would expect. She waited patiently for Kendra Lorrimor to show her to her room.
Kith nods. The day had been long and he had a strange urge to get back to the library but what the Doctor said made sense. Alright then, the Laughing Demon it is. Let me just put my bag anywhere. I don't mind sharing if need be. It'd be like being back in a dorm!
Kendra smiles acknowledging Ileana's request. I would be happy to help you get settled and please call me Kendra we will be living together in the same house for the next several weeks that should be enough of an excuse to bend propriety a little and be on a first name basis.
Speaking to the group at large Kendra sounds resolute as she addresses you all. I have been in morning for the last 2 weeks it is time for me to start living again. Going out and introducing you to the town sounds like a good start. Allow me to treat you all to dinner. They should offer something a little bit better then scones at the Laughing Demon.
"Well, that sounds lovely! I'd be delighted!"
"Thank you...Kendra". Ileana smiled and there was a warmth there for the grieving woman's kindness. Not many people had been kind to her in her young life.
"And, it would be nice of you to accompany us to dinner and make introductions."
Ileana walked to the hallway where her gear and bag waited and picking them up, she was ready to follow Kendra to her room.
Turning her eyes back into the room where the wild girl stood, the young oracle politely instructed, "Come along, Drusilla."
Drusilla had stood still for much of the conversation, mere passing her gaze back and forth as each person spoke. She thought of watching birds playing in the forest, darting through the air and spiraling through the sky chirping out their songs to each other.
She had little idea of the customs of city folk, little other than the snippets she had sussed out from the book that the Professor had gifted to her. She was curious about the town, but as the Sheriff had mentioned, people would be wary, and Drusilla was unsure of how to deal with such people.
She had found herself out of her element yet again, and a look of frustration crossed across her normally emotionless face.
But just as she was about to mentally berate herself for not listening more closely, the other girl had spoken up. She had been invited...ordered, she was not sure, and strangely, did not mind, to share a room with Ileana.
She nodded at the other girl, trying to force a smile, it felt odd as her cheeks moved up and warmed slightly. She was unused to it, for there was little joy where she had come from. At best there had been contentment. Again, though, she was feeling more comfortable, more at home.
"I will follow." she said simply, shifting the strap of her travelling bag.
As Kendra helps the two young woman with what gear they have she takes a moment to pull Drusilla to the side before they make it to the room. Drusilla you are new to the town and I am certain things feel strange to you. My father helped with your reading and I wish to help you with it as well but I also would like to help you interact with the towns folk, help to make a good impression with them. Would you trust me to give you a hand in getting ready? A simple magic to clean the road dust off you and maybe find one of my dresses that might fit and I could brush out your hair if you want. Kendra's face reflects a kind of motherly tenderness to it as she makes the offer.
Ileana observed Kendra drawing Drusilla aside for a private conversation. She watched them for a moment, one blue eye and one brown eye attempting to understand the reason for their whispered conference. However, she decided it was none of her concern and Ileana entered the assigned room. She chose the cot on the left side of the room, set her bag and gear upon it, claiming it for her own. She pulled a brush from her pack and moving to the mirror on the dresser, brushed out her long black hair with long, sure strokes. The Other had become a ceaseless hum now that Drusilla was not as close and Ileana shook her head as if to move the sound from her ears -- knowing full well that would not accomplish anything. In her mind, she demanded it to "Stop!" but soon enough she found herself humming to the vexing sound as the hairbrush crackled through her long, wavy hair.
Kendra expected them to make a good impression over dinner and Ileana would ensure her appearance was immaculate and not disappoint the kind woman. Her eyes would draw attention for the wrong reasons, but not her attire and countenance, she would make certain of it. And your manners, Ileana. Remember those social proprieties Grandmother often lectured on. The young oracle checked her face and it was clean. She tied a ribbon around her long hair - pulling it away from her face. Her clothes were not as fresh as in the morning but they appeared neat and proper for dinner. Restoring the brush to the bag, she placed her bag, morningstar, light crossbow and quiver by the side of the cot, only taking her daggers (discreetly hidden on her person) in case of trouble. She had other means of protecting herself, but it would not be wise to travel in a foreign city without a small weapon or two. Professor Lorrimor had enemies and now those enemies would be their own.
Drusilla watched Ileana walk away, and nearly reached out to take her hand, but caught herself before the act began.
The woman, Kendra was kind...offering her clothes to change into and a bit of clean from her travels. She wondered if she were to meet this woman in other circumstances, would she still be kind? The look on the woman's face, genuine emotion, as shaken as she was by her father's death, seemed apparent. Drusilla was no expert at reading people's motives, far from it. Perhaps it was the presence of these new folk, in a new situation, and feeling so at home in Ileana's presence...but she felt Kendra's intentions were good.
She nodded at the woman, and again attempted a smile.
"That would be...most welcomed."
As the women walk upstairs, the doctor turns toward Kith. "Well, it would appear that we're to be roommates. I have to admit that it's been a while since I've shared a room. I've been told that I don't snore." The doctor picks up his suitcase and heads to the room his hostess had indicated, picking one of the beds seemingly at random.
Kendra transfers her burdens to one hand before taking Drusilla under her other arm and gives her a light one handed hug. Excellent if you have any questions or unsure of something please don't be afraid to ask. She stops just at the door to let Drusilla through first before following after.
Kendra Sets down the items carried looking everything over. So lets get these things cleaned off and put away and get ourselves cleaned up and ready. She begins to speak a slow quiet chant as she passes her hands over the pile of items with each pass the dirt and grim disappears. Within several passes all the gear is clean as if from a good scrubbing. I would offer a warm bath but it is already so late, maybe tomorrow though until then if you would allow me a moment to clean the road dust off the both of you. I want to see if the gentleman need anything and check on that dress for you Drusilla.
Kith takes the other. I haven't had my own room in years. Don't mind not having one now. he drops his travelling pack and humble belongings onto his new bed. Truth be told I haven't given much thought to what I should be doing now that I'm no longer studying. I suppose some time in Ustalav would be good for me to get my bearings straight
From her side of the room, Ileana watched the Professor's daughter perform cleaning magic on the wild girl's gear. Ileana did not speak as Kendra did not acknowledge her presence in the sleeping chamber during the course of the task. When the woman excused herself to check on the men and bring a dress for the girl, Ileana tilted her head, partially listening to the men on the landing and partially hearing the insistent growl in her mind.
"It must be nice to receive a new dress, Drusilla." The statement held no malice and was spoken softly. The young oracle passed a hand over her own garb - the quality was fine enough and she held no complaint. She would have liked to have a bath - perhaps in the morning as Kendra had offered Drusilla. The inner growl grew louder until it blocked all other sound for a moment or two.
"Stop." This time Ileana said the word out aloud, having momentarily forgotten to keep it inside. The Other was instantly silent, which surprised her.
Her mismatch eyes looked across at the silent, standing Drusilla.
"That wasn't intended for you", is all she said in explanation.
"You do not talk much, do you? I like to talk, aloud, some times." Ileana sat at the edge of her cot, having no idea where she should go at present and waited for Kendra to return with Drusilla's dress. Maybe then, the woman would address both and they would leave for town and dinner.
Drusilla nodded as Kendra explained her intentions, trying to be...polite. She was still unused to people acting thus around her. There was so much about the city that seemed...impractical. The niceties and flowery words caused her a bit of confusion, but she could feel that they were well intentioned, and she was learning that was just how things were in the city.
Kendra went off to retrieve some things, and as Ileana had addressed her,Drusilla spoke up.
"I've not spoken to so many people. But I think...I should like to."
she paused, looking into the other girl eyes, who were a mirror of her own.
"I've never worn a dress before. I don't want to look..wrong. Will you...help me?: a slight blush came to her cheeks, and she suddenly felt a very passing bit of dizziness. She steadied herself quickly, and pretended for a moment she was meeting the charge of a wild pig. But again, she was on unfamiliar ground. This was not the forest, and she was going to have to stop pretending it was.
"I should like to do...be...right, please."
Hearing the forest girl's response surprised the young oracle.
"Oh yes, I will help you. I come from a merchant family and we know much about fashion."
Ileana stood up from the cot and painstakingly scanned her eyes over Drusilla's form, accessing her features and posture.
"Well, right is all in the eye of the beholder, Drusilla. I will endeavour to make you presentable, so the Ravengro townsfolk do not run us out of town. They seem afraid of their own shadows, here." Ileana gave a little husky laugh, but soon sobered as they waited on Kendra and the dress.
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Kendra pass by the open door to the gentleman's room her head peeks back around the corner a second later. Dr Stefan, Kith I am off to grab some dinner cloths for Drusilla. I offered to magically clean the road dust from the ladies and would be happy to do the same for the both of you. When I am done helping them.
Without pause Kendra changes topics. Tomorrow I will see about having a proper bath run and have the pantry stocked did either of you have a favorite food or a certain creature comfort you might enjoy. Let me know before I go out shopping tomorrow. Be back in a moment. Kendra seems to be enjoying herself and appears to be in her element as she flits around the house.
It seems only a minute possibly two before Kendra again passes the entry way of the gentleman's bedroom with several dresses and a pair of shoes held in hand as well as other feminine products. With the items in hand Kendra enters the girls room and body checks the door closed before laying out the dresses. I brought what I felt where the best that could fit. They are all too small for me to wear now but they should work with only a little nip and tuck. I also brought the brush I promised.
Looking between Drusilla and Ileana Kendra remarks on the similarities. You seem to be nearly the same height and build. Would you like to change as well Ileana your outfit is certainly fine, but it is made more to survive travel right.
At Kendra's remark that she, too, should change into one of the lovely dresses for dinner, Ileana stopped and inspected the garments and picked up a suitable dress in emerald green.
"I think I will wear this one, Kendra. Thank you for the dress." Ileana smiled as she stroked the smooth fabric with her fingers.
She moved to her cot on the left side of the room and began to undress, with her back turned to the other two females.
Seeing Ileana pick up the dress and move to the other side of the room, Drusilla looked down at the remaining garment. Nice to be sure, but what did she know about fashion. It was long and cumbersome, a grey color, like dark clouds, with a small amount of silver embroidery. She cocked her head to the side, curious as to how she was to get into it.
I guess first I must get out of these she thought to herself, and pulled her clothes off, piling them in a corner of the room.
Looking over to Ileana, she noticed the scars on the other girls back. She looked at her own, on her legs and arms mostly, some animal bites, a few places where she had been unlucky climbing or scraped herself on a rock.
"Were you taken by suprise? Did a beast find you drinking at the stream?she aked, not really understanding what the scars really meant.
Ileana lifted the dress over her head and was straightening it in place when she heard Drusilla's voice.
She turned to face the girl as she smoothed out the emerald coloured cloth, her head titled at the inquiry.
"I am not certain I understand the meaning of your question, Drusilla. Is it in reference to the scars upon my back, perchance? If it is, those came from no beast or surprise. I was often beaten by my grandmother. She seemed to relish the prospect of inflicting pain upon me, especially when I was a young child. So, perhaps, she is a beast afterall."
Ileana brushed her hair anew and retied the ribbon around the full, long, dark locks.
"Want me to show you how to put on the dress now, Drusilla?" And not waiting for an answer, the young oracle walked over to the forest girl and showed her how to get into the garment and then set to buttoning the dress and smoothing it in place. When Drusilla squirmed beneath her ministrations, Ileana tugged at her arm until the other Changeling girl settled.
"There, now. You are almost presentable. We must brush your hair." Ileana picked up one of the long-bristled brushes Kendra had brought in for Drusilla and started to pull it through her hair to work through the knots and tangles.
As Kendra turns back from the other dresses she catches sight of Ileana's back several emotions cross her features as horror, anger and concern struggle for dominance with concern winning out in the end. Ileana had donned her dress and was beginning to brush Drusilla's hair by the time Kendra recovered. While Kendra had planned to ask Ileana about them when they where alone Drusilla's frankness made it seem unnecessary. Oh you poor dear. I know you have committed to staying for a month. I could put you up until you found other arrangements the house is too big for just me any way, the money my father is offering should provide enough for you to get away from your situation at least. You don't need to answer just know that you have options. My offer extends to you as well Drusilla. With the last bit said Kendra offers a reassuring hand on both woman before helping with the preparations until both are looking there best You seem to have everything else well in hand I don't wish to be under foot. I will go check on the gentleman and see if they need anything.
A light knocking on the frame of the gentleman's door announces Kendra. The ladies seem to be doing well is there anything I can help you with gentleman?
Kith brushes down his simple traveling outfit and runs his hands through his naturally curly hair to make it somewhat presentable.
He opens the door Thank you for asking Kendra, I believe I just need to wash up and I will be good. He smiles Honestly I wasn't expecting this to be a long trip. Hopefully we'll make a few friends at the tavern and I'll get some leads on some local odd jobs I can help with. This might actually be fun!
Looking up from Drusilla's matted hair and halting her brush mid stroke, Ileana cocked her head at Kendra's sympathy and gracious offer.
"The scars are old wounds. My grandmother has not beaten me for many years. At the very worst of it, your late father was visiting and stopped my grandmother from killing me, as she threatened. Her growing fear of me and the Professor's words finally stilled her hand. I was glad."
She began drawing the brush through Drusilla's hair again - long and sure were her movements.
"Depending on how we go here in Ravengro, I cannot give you answer until I know more and we have fulfilled the Professor's wishes contained in his will. But, thank you, Kendra."
And when Kendra drew closer and helped with their dressing, Ileana smiled. She had never had a mother to do such things for her and Stepmama had never liked her. It felt strange but nice and the woman's gesture had silenced the Other.
When kendra tunred to leave for the room where the Doctor and Kith were situated, Ileana called out, "Drusilla and I will meet you all down in the parlour."
Tugging at Drusilla's arm again, she instructed, "Come along, Drusilla. It's time for us to leave for dinner", then walked out to the landing and down the stairs.
In the guest room, Stefan removes his frock coat and shakes the dust off of it. He then removes his shirt to change. Taking out a phial, he dabs a drop of cologne in his hands and rubs it on the back of his neck and on his chest. He then removes an almost-identical white shirt from his valise and puts it on. He ties a scarlet cravat around his neck in an elaborate knot, and then tucks his top hat under his arm.
"I think that should do for now," he mutters, half to himself.
Turning to Kith, "What do you make of Petros' most recent journal entries? He was gravely concerned that the Whispering Way had interests in the ruins of Harrowstone, and the implication that the entire town was endangered. I fear that we should have a look at the place, too. From his journal entry, I am quite convinced that our late friend was murdered!"
He pauses, then continues, "Of course, there's not much to be done about it now. I'm heading back downstairs to wait for our hostess and the other ladies."
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With everyone finished with their grooming for the outing Kendra joins the group in the parlor in preparation for the trip. I plan to offer free drinks to the patrons of the Laughing Demon to toast my father on his journey to the after life. That should provide at least some good will and may provide opportunities for you to cultivate a rapport with some of the towns folk.
As Kendra continues to talk she leads the group towards the laughing demon. Zokar Elkarid is the owner of the tavern. He and his family bought the business from Council woman Straelock some time ago and have made it there own. They offer a kind of gallows humor to patrons with the names of there specials and the tall tales they spin about them. His family are good folk but there energy is focused on keeping The Laughing Demon running and profitable. Being mindful of that will be helpful if you want to gain his acceptance. He comes in contact with a lot of people and a good word from him could go a long way towards the rest of the town accepting you.
It doesn't take long for your group to make its way to the Tavern. It seems to have a warm and friendly atmosphere the sounds of laughing coupled with the lyrics of a salty drinking song can be heard well before you make it to the inside of the establishment. A lamp lights the outer street near the door and provides a clear steady light indicative of magic as its source. Below the lamp a chalk board set into the wall to the right of the entrance Reads "Special of the day Corpse Chowder and Ghoul Head Lager 8 copper".
Reading the board and the macabre food names made Ileana smile beneath the magical lamp light. These proprietors certainly have a fine wit. She wondered if Councilwoman Straelock had one, too; the owner before them. Ileana recollected that Kendra had described the woman as down-to-earth, approachable and well-liked. Good, good, the young oracle mused privately.
Walking through the doors and into the clamorous tavern, Ileana pasted a cordial smile upon her face, hoping to impress any local patron who may take note of her/their presence.