Lanfried looks up at the councilor. I am no stranger here. I may not be a town dweller but I live not 2 hours walk from here
I am no stranger. Grawlic and I live on the other side of the woods. I come to town regularly to sell furs. As for why i am interested, the balance of nature has been upset. I would do what little i can to right it, but first i must know the source and that is where my interestsnand those of these people allign.
He scratches his snow white beard and looks down at Grawlic who stands to Lanfried's right.
Is that reason enough to convince you to help us?
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Newmark pipes in, Yes indeed councilor, I've been sent by Acadamae Arcana of Korsovo, at the behest of the Stone of Seers in Magnimar. These are both schools of magic. The Stone Seers are gifted in divination magic and foretold of unusually weather events. One of the places they spot lighted was southern Taldor. They contacted my order in Korsovo, because a few of the Stone Seers tutored me many years ago. They also knew that I had studied at the Irriseni Bloodstone Conservatory. One of the few Non-Jadwigga ever to do so. They felt my experience in the cold lands of the white witches might help shed some light on the mystery that is your weather. Alas, I just arrived a couple days ago my investigation is just beginning. Truth be told, the mercenary and the rumors of the missing noble woman have nothing to do with why I'm here. However, if it pleases the town that, I should help investigate the mystery, I'd be more than happy too help, in exchange for the co-operation of the local townfolk, regarding my investigation to the unusual weather. Newmark lets out a breathe; uncomfortable at speaking at such length.
Ionnia Teppen visibly relaxes as each person explains their presence. She seems to dismiss Hassan's silence with a nonchalant air and presses forward. Well, it is fortune that brought you all here at this troublesome time. I for one am not one to spit in fortune's eye. You have my leave to talk to the injured guardsmen. He is being cared for at the Temple of Erastil. Please inform Elder Safander that, the council gives it's leave for you to speak to the injured man. In the mean time I will call an impromptu council meeting. I would appreciate it if all attended. The council will meet shortly after lunch. I trust you all will attend?
Good, I will see you then. I understand the mercenary was quite injured when he was brought to us by the local Rangers. He hasn't been properly interviewed. Perhaps, you can bring the council a report after you're through speaking with him? Ionnia lifts an eyebrow questionably. Very well then, you'll find the Temple next door to my house. I will go gather the council and see you at half past one. Two of the council members are farmers and are struggling to keep their crops from freezing right now...so please don't be late...these men are needed at their farms.
Thank you councilor. We will go an speak to this man then meet you and the rest of the council after lunch.
Lanfried makes a clicking sound through his teeth and Grawlic's ears prick up. Shall we go to the temple? Together they head to the temple of Erastil.
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Krestimbunt nodded a lot, much of what they were saying going over his head a little bit, but he got the idea. Yes! A meeting, with the gentlemen sounds good to me! We really just are trying to help, strange as we may be. Especially him. he jerks his head towards Hassan. Temple sounds good to me, let's get to that meeting!
You walk up to a well manicured building with double arched doors and a wood carving mounted over the doors. The carving is of a bow apparently made of antlers. Newmark raps on the door and then steps back waiting for others to speak. A moment later, a beautiful woman with a tan complexion, opens the door. Yes? How may the house of Erastil, serve?
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Hassan is taken aback as a countrywoman opens the door.
He give an exaggerated low bow with his palms together in front of his forehead, animated for the first time since you have met him.
The woman looks equally surprised to see Hassan. Her eyes go even wider when she see's Arrac's large frame.
After, speaking something to Hassan in Kellish; the woman, opens the door wide to the temple and gestures for all to come in.
On your way through the door she eyes Arrac and says, Is the injured mercenary a member of the Ulfen guard?....Is this business of the crown? Should I fetch my husband?
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Hassan listens to the question and responds to the woman in the native tongue.
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Elven? I dunno, they didn't say a voice came from behind her. While they were talking, Krestimbunt had already entered the building and was looking around-though with her focusing on looking up at Arrac,she undoubtedly would've missed him enter as well.
Either way, we spoke to Teppen, who told us to tell your husband to let us have the injured guy tell us the tale he has to tell if what happened. He paused for a moment, making sure that was right. so if you want to tell him that, I think yes, it makes sense to get him. Right guys?
We are not here on behalf of the crown. We simply are concerned people seeking the root cause of this strangeness of late. We seek to speak to the Ulfen mercenary. He may have information that will help us. We will be brief and he looks pointedly around the group not place the man under any undue stress.
Arrac gives a smile and laughs No Maiden, no. No true Ulfen Warrior would turn and flee a battle while his brothers were dying fighting it.
Arrac looks between the two as they speak a foreign tongue Are you two friends? It is rude to speak a tongue others do not know while conversing together.
He waits a moment, before continuing. We merely want the man to tell us, or, preferably lead us, to the site were he was ambushed. And possibly describe what it was that attacked him.
Are you two friends? It is rude to speak a tongue others do not know while conversing together.
Zaarinda frowns at Arrac and replies (in common),In my country if a holy-man addresses you in our native tongue, it would be considered insulting to answer in the common tongue. Zaarinda turns to Hassan and says.
You all follow Zaarida Safander, in to the sanctuary. One of the first things you notice, as you traverse through the pews is; although the primary alter is dedicated to Old Deadeye, the temple also contains shrines to Abadar, Gozreh, Pharasma, and even a well maintained shrine to Sarenrae. Zaarinda answers Lanfried's and Arrac's question as you move towards the front of the sanctuary. I will leave the decision of the interrogation of the mercenary, up to my husband...ah! Here he is now... Zaarinda, pauses for a moment, to grasp the hands of a bearded man, perhaps in his late forties. He is dressed in a clean simple robe and carries a staff. The Holy symbol of Erastil, hangs on his neck.
I am Elder Natharen Safander a cleric of Erastil. The man announces. I tend to all of the village as one flock. The man pauses takes in your groups appearance and demeanor, his hand then motions toward the alters of other faiths and finally rest on the alter of Erastil. I do this, regardless of each villager's faith, so long as that faith's Patron, is not an enemy of, Old Deadeye.
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Kres bows as the cleric enters the room, smiling up at him. Well met! I am Krestimbunt Gruth, and these are my l-lackey's. We spoke with Ms. Teppen not long ago, and she said if we wanted to sp-speak to an injured mercenary we could, just needed to tell you first. And we do want to talk to him, about what had happened. To him. And his group.
Then the gnome's wide eyes grew a little wider. All religions you say. That's, ah, that-that's good to know Stammering more then normal, he reached into this pocket, thumbing his holy symbol. You seem like a wise fellow, any idea what's going on with the weather-could it be related to deific... stuffs? There was only one god involving snow that he knew of, and really hoped it that wasn't one of the others. They were less pleasant.
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Arrac looks between the two as they speak a foreign tongue Are you two friends? It is rude to speak a tongue others do not know while conversing together.
Hassan turns to the northman, his eyes flashing with anger. "Rude? Interrupting a conversation between countrymen and calling them rude is what then, brute? Polite? Please. Keep your mouth closed if you have nothing to say that is nice, that is a saying in your lands, is it not? Perhaps you should follow it."
Taking a deep breath and trying to release his anger, he tells the others. "The lady Zaarida says the injured man is a northman, like Arrac here. Perhaps, she suspects he is one of the so-called king of Taldor's royal guards. I think that is unlikely unless the "king" is in the area currently. But a northman in this part of the world is ...unusual at best."
He bows again to the Elder as he enters. "The Dawnflower and your Deadeye are allies, as such let us be, mullah. Peace be with you. It is an unusual temple in Taldor that honors my goddess. I am at your service. We would have words with your guest, with your permission, of course, sir."
This gnome and inquisitor are sniping already. Maybe this mission is doomed to fail
I suspect that we will find what answers we seek with this man. Elder, is the man up to speaking to us? Even briefly?
Arrac looks to Hassan. A frown showing for one of the first times. Perhaps you should Watch yourself, friend. I meant only to inform you, as a way of asking to return to a tongue everyone can understand when others are part of the conversation. I care not if you speak it in a private conversation. We are not in your lands. He turns to the Gruth as he starts to speak and Arrac places a hand on the gnomes shoulder.
Sorry, but I am no man's lackey little one. Other than that, though he speaks true. May we speak to him?
Natharen Safander holds his hand up as several of your group seem to be on edge. This is a holy place gentlemen, let us keep our squabbles outside this place of worship. The man you seek is in the back. I've healed him of several superficial wounds but, his frost bite has left him scarred. The snow bank he was found in probably saved him from bleeding out, but he may yet loose a few fingers and toes. He is awake now I'll show you to him.
Elder Safander leads you to a small chamber near the back of the church. There sitting up on a cot is a heavily wounded man of obvious, Ulfen heritage. Wrapped in bandages, the Ulfen mercenary’s nose, fingers, and toes have taken on a black hue from serious frostbite, and he is still heavily wounded.
The man sits up and says in a lurching groan, Elder Safander, what? ...oh you've brought guest?!
Natharen Safander, clears his voice and says, Yes Yuln, these people are here to ask you about the attack on Lady Argentea
Malassene’s caravan. The priest pauses for a moment and looks to the party saying, This is Yuln Oerstag, hired guard of the Lady Argetea. Another pause by the priest and then he awkwardly ask, I'm sorry, I forgot to gather all your names for proper introductions.....?
I am Lanfried, a local hunter and trapper.
When the introductions are done Lanfried asks So, you were found in a snowbank? What can you tell us of how you got there?
Arrac crosses his arms.
Arrac, Arrac Velstromm and Well, it seems you certainly did take a beating. What exactly did you fight? And where?
The Warrior looks at his Ulfen brethren and answers Arrac's question with downcast eyes. “We thought they were just bandits at first—....outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south.”
Yuln seems to gather some courage and ask eagerly, Will you be going after them then? Will you attempt to rescue my charge?
“Would that I could go with you,” he says. “My ancestors would ridicule my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies that even the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, though I think I slew at least one of them before they dragged Lady Argentea away.”
I would like to see this for myself. Where did you say this happened, exactly?
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Hassan raises an eyebrow at the discussion. Bandits in the forest is common enough, but winter-touched? He did not know what his was. In his experience, fey were the allies and pawn of witches, and witchcraft was an abomination in the light of the sun.
"Tell us more about these...winter-touched. What are they?" Hassan inquires when it seems like the dwarf's questions have been answered.
Arrac let out a Harrupmh. Well, yes, we intend to go there. We shall see just how overwhelming these winter touched creatures are, and, if the old legends prove true. This could help greatly. He pats his cold-iron warhammer hanging at his side.
He really only cares about the location. Having been answered he remains silent.
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Newmark quietly ask, Did you see, Where did they take Lady Argentea?
Yuln replies, “Into the forest, back through the ice and snow. Beyond that, I don’t know." The Northmen looks frustrated as he continues. "I followed as far as I could, but the winter-touched were too many and too hard to fend off in the snow alone. I barely escaped, and they found me collapsed from my wounds, on my way to seek help here.”
Yuln replies to all the others as best he can. To Hassan he answers, “ The Winter touched are; Fey creatures who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. Tiny sprites no taller than the length of a man’s forearm."
"But don’t be fooled by their small stature. Legends say they have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter.” Yuln slumps back in his cot.
Elder Safander then ask, Are their any more questions? Yuln grows tired though he won't admit it. Ask a couple more questions if you wish and then allow my patient to rest.
Lanfried is done. He turns toward the door and begins to walk towards it.
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Hassan's dark eyes sparkle as the wounded northman mentions witches. "Aha! I knew it!" he says in his accented Common. "Witches are behind this weather, and behind the coming of the fey, and the attack. Tell me, northman, how do you fight these winter-touched minions of the winter witches in your land of cold and ice?"
Arrac gives a shake of his head, he already had what he wanted. The location.
Hmmm. Farewell then. I go to find glory, or death. He says to the maimed Ulfen and the Elder.
"Witches are behind this weather, and behind the coming of the fey, and the attack. Tell me, northman, how do you fight these winter-touched minions of the winter witches in your land of cold and ice?"
The big warrior looks at Hassan thoughtfully, “With cold iron and burning f lame. Both burn them, and both are weapons they fear.” Yuln grunts as he struggles to reach for something at the foot of his bed; Elder Sanfander, interjects and says, here let me help you... Then hands the big north-man, his scabbard slug over the bed post.
Yuln looks for a moment at the weapon and then sighs. He holds out the blade to Hassan..offering it with both hands, I bought it many years ago with some of me trade earnings, it's a good blade and made of cold iron. If it will help you retrieve lady Argenta, I'd be happy to lend it to ye. Elder Sanfander nods in satisfaction.
After you make your decision regarding the blade Elder Sanfander ushers you out of the room. He says, It seems you are all to be our guest at an impromptu town hall meeting in an hour. I suggest you get some lunch or if you'd rather you may spend some time here in devotion. The middle aged man moves across the sanctuary and says something quietly to his wife. He then bids ,Farewell, I'll see you at the town hall in an hour. Please do not disturb Yuln's recovery any further today. If you wish to stay and worship, my wife will attend to any of your needs. With that, the Priest exits the church.
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Hassan is surprised by the offer of the cold-iron blade. "I accept this blade, which is meant for the destruction of the fey of the north. So it shall be used, if drawn. We will see about the power of these witches and their minions before long." He nods to the wounded warrior, and shuffled out with the others.
"Finding a shrine to Sarenrae is such an unlooked for blessing," says Hassan as the others plan their time before the meeting. "I will stay her and offer her my prayers and oblations, especially if we are to do battle soon. I will rejoin you for this meeting."
The Qadirian man enters the temple sanctuary, and kneels before the altar, praying and rocking slowly in his own tongue, to the Goddess he is dedicated to.
Arrac will go eat, to the lovely barkeeps dismay
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Krestimbunt, despite having been pretty bold with speaking earlier, had noticably fallen silent. At first, he was just a little freaked out when he realized Arrac's hand on his shoulder had been the size of his own head, making him think twice about being snarky. But then, hearing about sprites the length of an arm who were touched by wintry powers, and then to his own abilities... and then the negative reaction about such creatures... it made him uneasy. It wasn't until Lanfried spoke up again that he got his voice back Lunch anyone? Perhaps we could have something sweet before having to deal with the sour meeting Politics meant little to the gnome, though he was definitely hungry and wanted to kill the time till they would set off on their journey.
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After he has made his devotions to Sarenrae and an offering at the temple, Hassan will look for the others, especially the warrior, Arrac.
"I accepted the gift of the cold-iron to save face with the northman, but I am not trained in the use of such a weapon, the weight and length are wrong for me." He indicates his curved scimitar for comparison purposes.
"Is this something you can use? If we do run into the witches' minions there, this iron is supposedly strong against them. What say you?" Hassan holds the blade out to Arrac hilt first, so he can heft and see for himself.
After Elder Safander leaves, Hassan leads worship at the simple yet beautiful alter made to the Dawnflower. He's impressed that all the ritual candles and other implements are arranged in nearly correct order. He says a devote prayer for guidance and then orates a couple catechisms. Afterwords he has a pleasant and polite conversation with Zaarida Safander. As Hassan leaves and puts two golden coins in the tithes box, Zaarinda smiles and nods in appreciation, May the blessings of the dawn follow you wherever your journey leads you Mulla. she does a small curtsy lifting them hem of her robs an inch or two off the ground. Hassan is almost taken aback by this gesture. It is a gesture reserved for nobles and Martyrs in his homeland. Zaarinda turns and quietly walks back in to the church as Hassan walks across the way to the Town Hall.
Arrac, decides to fill his belly at the Silver Stoat. When he arrives, the place is already packed with customers. Kale Garimos sits him down in a corner and places a huge bowl of venison stew and a warm loaf of bread in front of him. After, a moment she returns with a frothing pint of Three Devil Ale. You'll only be receiving the one pint before the meeting so don't be asking for more! Me husband is on the council and he doesn't need to be dealing with an addle brained Ulfen while trying to conduct town business...ya follow? All right then enjoy your meal....You and your friends are already the talk of the town. Well besides the Snow and the killings... Kale trails off, troubled by the last utterance.
Despite the dire troubles in Heldren, the Silver Stoat is hoping with activity. Many of the farmers and craftsmen of the village have gathered at the Stoat and seem to be discussing recent events that have transpired. Arrac overhears more than once, I wonder what the sudden town council meeting is about? Several eyes turn to him when such is spoken. Apparently, word gets around this small hamlet fast. After he finishes the last bite of his meal, Arrac notices a very pretty blonde with several young men surrounding her.
She looks to be queen of the village, holding court with her numerous suitors. Arrac nearly spits out his precious drink when he sees one of the men/boys try to kiss her hand and then receive a viscous and apparently trained uppercut knock him to the floor groaning in surprise and pain. The bar erupts in laughter at the girl's antics and soon she saunters over to Arrac. Hello, my name is Xanthippe. Would you like to dance? she says with a wicked smile.
Newmark announces that he'll return to Willowbark Apothecary to gather his things. He invites anyone that wants to come to come and look at Tessaraea Willowbark's wares and perhaps explore the town a bit before the town council meeting. Newmark mentions, the woman has a surprising amount of alchemist fire in her shop, considering what we might be up against it might be wise to pay her a visit. Newmark murmurs to himself...Must be a story behind that..
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Krestimbunt was tempted to go with Newmark, but at the phrase "Alchemist Fire" the little pale gnome shudders audibly Thanks Mr. Newmark, but I think I'll just grab some lunch. Maybe get into some trouble with Arrac. Right big guy? He turns to see the larger man is already gone. Dangit! Wait up! And he goes sprinting off after him.
By the time he got to the Silver Stoat, he saw The blonde asking Arrac to dance. Whistling loudly to cheer the larger fellow on, the gnome made his way over to one of the chairs at a different table-one with a good view, in case the larger fellow actually tried dancing.
Smiling at Ms. Garimos, he ordered a small helping of soup for himself, as well as some bread to dip into it. Small meal for a small fellow. Good seeing you again, Ms. Garimos. Tell me, who is she? he asked curiously, nodding his head in the direction of the blonde woman. Hearing other people talk about the town meeting, he would lean over to one of them Are town council meetings uncommon?
Lanfried also heads to the tavern to get a bite to eat. He sits and eat his food and drink his pint of stout beer. He passes chunks of meat down to Grawlic who sits on the floor at his feet.
While eating Lanfried makes conversation with those around trying to hear of any new happenings around the town.
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Just a common soldier from a tribal village, Hassan is not used to the courtesy shown him by the Goodman's wife. Typically, he would be required to do her homage, but she is overly polite and extra courteous. He is greatly pleased to speak in his native tongue, and celebrate the worship service with others.
After making his offering, embarrassed because it is not more, Hassan joins the others at the tavern, curious at the goings-on. He asks for more of the delicious bread, but refuses any spirits or ale. "Perhaps a pot of hot tea, given the weather, if not too much trouble." he asks as quietly as he can to keep his accent from being detected. He eyes the others in the room warily, knowing he is a stranger, or even an enemy, among them.
Arrac looks up from his drink at the girl.
Lassie, there's only one dance I know, and its not the kind you would be doing in this room haha! But you are more than welcome to make ya a comfy home right here. He pats his leg.
After all, seems I'm already the talk of this town. I'll even let you touch the hair.
The girl Xanthippe looks shocked at Arrac's comments .
Although Arrac senses the attack coming, the Ale has dimmed his senses a little and the petite girl hauls of with a vicious right cross aimed at the huge man's large chin. Arrac recover's his wits in time to turn his chin before the blow lands. The girl stares daggers at him, So your not as slow and stupid as ya talk you big brute! My father is going to hear about this!
You also learn through tavern gossip: Everyone says the weather is unseasonably cold for midsummer—it even snowed in the Border Wood!
Most suspect magic is involved, and some fear Qadiran agents played a role in it. A few villagers have taken note of Hassan's arrival and hus visibly when he enters the tavern.
The Old Man Dansby, claims that someone keeps stealing from his fields. His farm lies closest to the Border Wood, where half his crops have died from an icy frost and the rest have been carried off. When asked who stole from his fields he spits, If I knew that! There'd already be a reckoning to be sure my Stoat friend! If you ask where his place is located he tells you approximately where. After, some more muttering he pets your cat and waves hello to one of his friends as he excuses himself from your company.
through the ice over Wishbone Creek. The boy said he spotted a white stag in the forest—and heard it talking—then tried to follow it. Zaarida tells you the location of the farmhouse should you want to investigate.
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Krestimbunt nods, taking in the information.
Spotting the blonde woman taking a swing at Arrac, he looked around to make sure no one was looking at him when he did it, and spun his hands, reaching through the planes of existence to cause a healthy amount of water to appear directly above the angry, punchy lass.
Krestimbunt nods, taking in the information. ** spoiler omitted **
Spotting the blonde woman taking a swing at Arrac, he looked around to make sure no one was looking at him when he did it, and spun his hands, reaching through the planes of existence to cause a healthy amount of water to appear directly above the angry, punchy lass.
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Hassan files the information about the sick lad away, in case the others find it interesting. Back at the Stoat, he watches the strange courting ceremony play out between Arrac and the saucy girl.
No woman would make a fool of him that way, assuredly, but he was enjoying the antics at the very least.
The Silver Stoat Quiets down after the girl Xanthippe storms out..Several of the young men suitors come up and clamp Arrac on the back congratulating him with comments like, " bout' time someone showed that snobby Xan..she's too full of her self! another can be over-heard saying, "yeah just cause she's the town beauty and her father is the best blacksmith in two counties..she thinks she's special. lastly you can hear..yep she probably went crying to her Pa' at his shop.. The last part is interrupted by, Kale Garimos interjecting, Her Pa...won't be at his shop...Master Euphram, will be at the town hall meeting with me husband and the other town councilors. Kale begins to wipe off Arrac's table, she raises an eyebrow at the man, Speaking of which, it's almost time for the meeting ..you and your lot should scurry over there...now hurry up! She says while shooing your whole group out of her tavern.
After you walk across the street to the town hall Newmark comes running up to the group. His adventuring gear on and a warm looking cold weather outfit surrounds his frame. Traded some coin and me old duds for this warmer fair...also talked to Tessaraea Willowbark, she has some opinions about the High Sentinels. When Newmark sees the confusion on most of your faces...he elaborates. The High Sentinels are a group of rangers in the Border Wood usually keep bandit activity curbed. Newmark pauses to make sure everyone is following along.
Anyway Tessaraea thinks, they’re doing a poor job if brigands could attack a well-armed caravan and abduct Lady Argentea. Newmark looks to the rest of you and says as the tower clock strikes one..Well it's time shall we? Newmark points to the double doors of the Town Hall.
Arrac merely chuckles as he leans back away from the punch. I believe you were the one that was interested in me dear. Though I do admit, you are quite fiery. And I do like that in a woman. Send your father my regards, he has quite the daughter it would seem. He has to shout as the woman didn't seem intent to stop and listen to him. He shrugs with a sigh before finishing his drink.
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When Kale speaks to him, he responds.
Ah, I had not intended to offend particularly, though perhaps I was too blunt and gruff. I am honestly not sure. However, you are right. I suppose I shall head that way. The food was quite good as well.
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Slurping his soup as quickly as he could before being shooed out of the booth, he waved goodbye to Mrs. Garimos, bread still sticking out his mouth as he dashed out the front door. Walking with Arrac, helooked up to him curiously If she's your kind of woman, why did you drive her c-cracy til she swung at you? He asked as they ran into Newmark Nice outfit, looks quite cozy! should've gone with you, gotta grab some of those m-myself Then the gnome nodded, looking at the doors nervously.
This tavern is never boring, I'll give it that
Lanfried chuckles at the antics of Arrac and the young lady. His meal done and his tankard drained Lanfried moves to the door with Grawlic close at his heels.
As he sits, waiting for his companions to reassemble prior to going to the meeting Lanfried takes some time to play with Grawlic. He points toward the Silver Stoat and commands the cat to Fetch