You approach the inn and casually open the front door. Dark oaken tables, chairs and benches fill this comfortable, L-shaped common room, and the faint odors of tobacco and ale permeate the air. Narrow windows with panes of smoked glass along the north and south walls allow some light into this welcoming space.
An old matronly woman clad in peasant clothing and an apron sits at the centermost table of this room. Her voluminous white hair is piled atop her head and secured in a conservative bun. She wears a red scarf about her neck and a wry smile on her face. She greets you warmly, and says, "Welcome to the Gray Revelation! I trust you come seeking lodging for the evening? What brings you fine travelers to Razmiran?"
The woman seems to accept your story. "I hope our humble establishment can meet your needs." She calls for her sisters to come from the kitchen, who report that they are canning fruit and making jam, and also have a nice beef stew cooking on the fire if their guests are hungry.
Responding to Ashara, the woman says, "Oh, probably not. I am just a simple innkeeper... and even my own business has been slow of late. The shepherds and farmers who normally frequent this place went to Xer for a market day."
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Ashara smiles and waves her hand:"Well, farmers mean wool and cattle. We could start from those. As long as the Razmirran authorities allow us, anyway. Actually I'm surprised none is present here. I was told they are... let's say "pervasive" in their presence on the land. I expected to have to explain who we were and what our business was as we did back in Xer. But if one wants to do business here in Xer I suppose that's part of the bargain, eh?"
Then the oracle gets nearer to the innkeeper and asks:"Tell me, good woman, what kind of lodgings do you offer? We've been travelling a long time and the prospect of a bed on solid land is certainly welcome!"
The innkeeper responds, "Well, we aren't very religious folk. All are welcome here, for, as they say, “Hospitality is our creed, though we honor the Living God as our overlord. As we are not very busy, you have many rooms to choose from and as welcome guests you have free reign of all the common areas as well. I hope that you will find our lodgings acceptable for merchants such as yourself. Of course, payment is required in advance.”
You are sure that the woman is lying about not being religious.
The woman shows you what quarters are available. Private rooms are 2 gp per person, common lodging is 5 sp per person.
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"Well, I've got a little coin handy. Here, we'll take two rooms, please. It wouldn't do for us men to share with our fine lady here"
Darius punctuates this with a wide grin and a sly wink towards Ashara.
"I think we're about ready to turn in - if you kind ladies would direct us to our rooms, we'd be grateful. No need to go to any undue trouble at this late hour."
This cozy room is dominated by a large fireplace. A few tables and upholstered chairs provide repose for guests of the inn, and assorted rugs of Qadiran manufacture cover the floor. The innkeeper says this is where overnight guests without private rooms sleep. (E5)
She also shows you two of the simple private rooms available. Each room has a comfortable feather bed suitable for a single occupant. (E6)
The fine guest rooms have a double bed and could sleep 2 or 3 people. (E7)
She then show the more lavish lodgings, with silk sheets, a thick comforter and a large bed. This room actually has a window (E9).
"So, what lodgings would you prefer? Simple private rooms are 5 sp a night, fine rooms are 3 gp a night, and our luxury room is 5 gp a night. Access to the baths is included for all overnight guests." Baths are E10.
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Ashara places an hand on her chin as if intent considering which kind of lodgings would suit her best. After a while she speaks:"I think it will be one of those fine rooms for me, and for my colleagues. And our guards will stay in the simple rooms, of course. Now, if you don't mind I'd like to walk around a little, some small exercise will help me a lot..."
After handing the innkeeper the gold fo her stay and Ched's, Ashara starts walking out of the tavern
The profusion of flowers planted around this lovely courtyard fills the air with an enchanting fragrance. An oaken door to the north is the obvious entrance to the inn, while south are the broad doors of a stable. Wooden gates allow egress to west and east, and a roofed well lies at the east end of the main court.
There are very few guests. Hawk ends up speaking with a bitter old man, who fills his ears with rumors about how one of his neighbors is trying to slowly poison him. He seems to just be a paranoid old farmer.
Ashara paces around the yard as a young man comes out of the stable, dressed in simple, dirty clothing. He waves sheepishly at Ashara and begins to walk towards the common room.
The boy stops when Ashara calls out to him. He shrugs his shoulders, and waves back again without speaking. He seems a little slow...
The boy waves, but doesn't say anything. He leads Ashara back to the common room and brings him to the innkeeper. "Oh thank you, Rosh, but this lady has already paid for her lodging." The innkeeper turns back to Ashara. "Sorry about that, Rosh is a bit slow on the up-take and sadly entirely mute. He's a competent stable boy and helps with smithing from time to time, though, so he is still useful to us."
After a few hours the inn quiets down. It seems everyone has retired for the evening.
-Posted with Wayfinder