Mitchell rolls his eyes at Talliree's protest of room choice.
"Of course, of course. Everyone gets input. I simply stated my preference for that room. If you want it I'm not going to put up a fight".
He then notices that she is rummaging through his pack. He strides towards her, and reaches for his pack, slapping her hands away.
"What't this now. Do you have no concept of ownership and privacy. If I have anything that you need, you only need to ask me for it, not sift through my belongings as if they were yours".
Mitchell pull forth the sheaf of paper he had been sketching the house dimensions on, and hands a sheet to Talliree along with a piece of charcoal to sketch with.
He watches her carefully to see if she even knows her letters when he is interrupted by company at the door.
He is just about to introduce himself, when Talliree takes the honor from him. He grins, and mutters under his breath at her exuberance.
When he finally finds a gap in the conversation to slip in edgewise, he points at the wooden sign. "To what purpose is that"?
"Oh, Tal!", Himo cheekily adds.
He turns to the newcomer.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Fala. Yes, we look forward to bringing the Trollskull Manor back to glory!"
Fala smiles at both Himo and Talliree at the news that you're going to fix up the place and stay.
Her gaze turns to Mitchell as he approaches, holding up the sign at his question, her smile turning to a frown, "Ah..this. That paper pusher,Rishaal's been making his scrolls out of Duskwood! Did you know that a tenth of Duskwood trees are chopped down each year? Soon there'll be none left! I stand outside the Book Wyrm each day during the busiest time, to let people know!"
You hadn't had the time to notice until now, Fala is definitely a wood-elf.
As you chat with Fala, Ellena makes her way around the room, stopping occasionally, strumming her lute and singing a few bars of music. She then moves on. You see , once, that the was preoccupied and almost tripped over a chair, but it moved aside just in time for her to pass by unscathed.
She finished her circuit and comments, "Good sound in this room.."
Talliree flinches back from the slap and looks at Mitchell with a look one might expect on a puppy who didn't know what it had done wrong. She rubs her wrist, though it didn't really hurt, as her bottom lip quivers.
"S-s-sorry, Mitchell. I was just tryin' to help," she apologizes. She looks about ready to tear up, but she perks up a little when the paladin hands her a sheet of paper and a charcoal pencil that she holds up to where she thinks Lif is.
"How fast do duskwood trees grow," Talliree asks as she waits for Lif to take the writing implements from her. About a moment latter she sees Ellena nearly trip over a chair only for it move at the last moment. Realizing that Lif is over there, she starts to follow Ellena around as she plays, watching for more moving furniture. When the bard stops and comments on the sound, Talliree grins and asks, "is it good enough to make gnomish rap-yodeling opera tolerable?"
"They should plant new trees, more saplings than the trees they are cutting down. Sustainable book production... and furniture and other things. If we don't manage our trees correctly we can't have nice things... though I've heard in certain parts of the Underdark they use certain species of large fungus for similar purposes to wood."
Hob pauses for a moment "I wonder if forrestries could learn from the rhubard industry, I heard that when you prepare rhubarb growth right and are very quiet you can hear it growing. Imagine hearing trees growing!"
"If they are cutting down that many trees it's definitely an industry we could look into, sustainable profits for us and sustainable trees for Duskwood... we can build deluxe accommodations amongst the roots. Now if we had a druid we could really get things going!" Hobs eyes sparkle at the notion of infinite lumber to sustain his book lust.
"Very slowly" Fala responds to Talliree, then she turns to Hob and listens with rising horror his plans to industrialize the harvest of Duskwood trees.
Shaking her head, she says "It was nice to meet you all." she manages, leaving with her sign, giving Hob a dirty look on the way out.
Ellena crosses her arms and declares, "Definitely...it'll be fun playing here, that's for sure." she pulls Talliree close, arm around her shoulder.
Lif does not pick up the writing implements.
"Bye Fala! It was nice meeting you," Talliree calls out after the apothecary before getting roped into a hug by Ellena.
"That's great! Though I think Hob'll have to hide if we invite Fala over. She seemed a little, uh, unhappy at his idea," Talliree replies as she returns the hug.
"Also, I think Lif's a pen snob," she says, sotto voce, in Ellena's ear. She flinches at an indignant squeak from Mr. Whiskers and quickly adds, "Sorry! I meant pen connoisseur!"
It all seemed perfectly logical to Hob, maybe Fala had misunderstood what he was proposing. "But more trees, isn't that better than what's going on now? Or maybe she didn't like the sound of the giant mushrooms. Perhaps I should write up a proposal and then she can sit down with me and identify the objectionable part."
Mitchell doesn't even notice Talliree's hurt feelings as he listens to Hob describe how money could be made off trees. He rubs his chin evaluating the halfling.
"Say Hob what do you know of Waukeen? With your business head, and forward thinking, you could become a valuable member of the church. Perhaps later we can discuss this"?
Then he glances at the elf blooded Himo as he chimes in.
"And perhaps you could join us in the conversation young Himo"?
"I was just about to, Mitchell. I'd rate your plans, Hob. We should definitely look into how much this Duskwood could bring in if we do it well."
"She did say they take a long time to grow, though, maybe we should find something that grows faster and use that instead," Talliree chimes in as she brings Mitchell his paper and pencil back.
"I know a respectable amount about most of the deities common to this region. Nature is a wealth of resources but it has to be managed in a sustainable manner even the most greedy businessman knows that. I mean what kind of fool would destroy an environmental system for short term gains."
"Diversifying species of trees could be beneficial, quicker growing cheaper varieties of trees would be useful for lumber and offset the cost of planting the duskwood trees, there are probably a host of local flaura and fauna that would suffer without their presence. It probably has characteristics that would be beneficial in particular roles but after a few decades some sustainable small scale harvesting would be potentially possible, I'll have to look into it."
Talliree leans towards Himo and stage whispers, "Did you understand any of that?"
"Plant different kinds of trees that grow quickly to make up the costs of planting Duskwood. That's the key bit.", Himo whispers back.
"Sounds good, Hob! Does anyone know who we talk to about getting trees to plant?"
"One thing at a time, we should focus on this delightful building. Land is expensive even outside the city, especially in such large quantities. We might be able to secure funds doing some mercenary work as needed."
"Okay, is there something quick we could do today and still have time to get some comfy beds for our rooms," Talliree asks.
"We can ask around but for today I'd suggest we focus on assessing damage and maybe performing what basic repairs we can do."
"Fair. We'll need to get to know the neighbours soon enough too."
"Sounds good. Let's get to work... and let's try to make friends of our neighbors, and not overwhelm them".
"Maybe I should go make friends with the neighbors. I don't really know how to fix things," Talliree suggests.
"Mention we'll invite them over once things are a bit more presentable. It'll be nice to have neighbours."
"Oh yeah, we'll have a bash to remember!"
"Okay! I'll do that," Talliree says before telling everyone bye and giving Ellena and Tania a hug. She practically skips to end of the street leading up to Trollskull manor and tries to get the first shopkeeper's attention.
It's been a few hours since you signed the deed and inspected your new home, and debated the virtues of aboreal cultivation and all of your stomachs are grumbling. Thoughts turn to where to sleep for the night and catch the next meal...
Renaer returns briefly, "I've arranged a meeting with Mirt for the morning. He's quite excited to meet you! Can you be there for 9th bell?" he asks, giving directions to Mirt's home.
Assuming you agree, he continues, looking about the place once more, "Once you've got Mirt's money, you can really start in on the place! Careful with the Guilds though, they'll know about the transfer of the deed already and you can be sure representatives will be by tomorrow. Don't go thinking you can do most of the work yourselves...they won't stand for it! Let's see , " he says, ticking them off on his fingers, " Repairs to the walls and the roof require the approval and oversight of the Carpenters', Roofers', and Plaisterers' Guild. The Cellarers' and Plumbers' Guild is best equipped to handle the refurbishing of the base-ment and plumbing. Clean bedsheets are provided by the Launderers' Guild. The streets around the establishment are kept up by the Dungsweepers' Guild and the Loyal Order of Street Laborers. Meat must come from the Guild of Butchers; ale and wine from the Vintners', Distillers', and Brewers' Guild: and bread and pastries from the Bakers' Guild. The list goes on..."
He smiles, "Don't worry they're very well regulated by the Lords, they won't swindle you, you'll pay your fees and they'll do the work and everyone will be happy. Volo and I factored all of this into our estimate." he says, thinking again, then nodding, "Yes... some 1000 dragons for the work, and another 250 dragons for the various Guild fees....the price of doing business in the greatest city in the World!"
He then asks, "Are you going to stay the night? If not , just down the street past the Alley is the Golden Griffon....good food, nice room, reasonable rates. I can fetch you there in the morning and take you to Mirt's"
The smiling, he watches as Talliree hugs her friends, then leaves with her and any others going to visit the neighbors...
Talliree pauses out in front of the door to the taproom for a moment, not quite hungry but getting there. She looks up and down the street with a finger tapping her pursed lips as she tries to figure out where to go. After a moment, she spins about and heads for the Tiger's Eye. She walks right up to the door decorated with orange cat eyes and pauses as she's not sure if she should just walk in or knock. Deciding that it was only polite to knock anyway, she gives a quick, three-knock tattoo on the door before opening it and letting herself in.
Mitchells eyes light up when the necessary bureaucratic specifice takes center stage. "Now there is something I can sink my teeth into. What better way to spend my evenings". He smiles at the others expecting them to share his enthusiasm, only to be greeted by Talliree quickly skipping out the door.
A look of mild panic then crosses his face... Bless her. She means well, but lacks... well... social grace.
"I guess I'd better go with her... to ... you know... keep an eye on her".
Mitchell scurries after her catching up just as she knocks on the strange cat eye door.
"Hope you don't mind a little company"?
"Yeah, that's a good idea Mitchell. I'll be coming along too!"
**********
"Heya. More company!"
Talliree finds that the door is indeed locked.
A few moments after her knock, you hear, through the door the sound of a chair being pushed back.
Then you hear the sound of a number of lock being actioned, and the door swings inward.
The inside is dimly lit with flickering oil lamps and before you stands a tall, thin man in a very sharp suit, "Good afternoon, how may I help you?" he says, his voice soft...but confident.
Hiro and Mitchell catch up just in time to see Talliree smack her face into the door. Her eyes water as she staggers back holding her nose.
"Owie," she groans softly, a little too preoccupied with trying to blink away the tears to acknowledge her companions, at least until she turns and sees them. A nod is about all she can manage for the moment as she returns her attention to her bruised nose and checking for blood.
The man that opens the finds Talliree hunched over and wincing in pain, not paying him any attention at the moment. Mr. Whiskers gets the young half-elf's attention by tickling her ear.
"What is it? I'm a little- oh," she starts to scold but stands up a little straighter and puts on a smile that gives way to a pained wince as she tweaks her nose.
"Sorry," she mutters, "'M Talliree Yndercook. Did you know your door was locked?"
Mitchell points to the bell beside the door, as he helps catch Talliree from her unfortunate encounter with the door.
He gives a small formal bow to the gentleman.
"Well met good sir. I'm Sir Mitchell Cloudkeep, and these are my compatriots Himo and Talliree. We just wanted to come by and introduce ourselves as new neighbors. We've recently acquired Trollskull Manor".
The big man stops for a moment to glance and nod at the manor before continuing.
"There will be quite a bit of activity over there over the next weeks as we rennovate, so we wanted to let you know who we were and what was going on".
Persuasion (To make a good first impression)
Insight (To determine his attitude towards the encounter).
Back at the tavern Hob sets about the real work... he gleefully knocks on every panel and wall in search of cavities and secret compartments. "It's going to cost a bit to get this place running again but it's going to be great. The Golden Griffon will not have my company tonight my ghostly friend, I'm getting settled in."
"We need a good name... maybe 'That's the Spirit!' "
Himo keeps a smile on his face and cheer in his voice.
"We are looking forward to getting the place up to scratch and getting all the neighbours in there!"
The man smiles at Talliree, tactfully ignoring her embarrassment, "I did indeed, Miss Yndercook. I would be concerned had it not been locked."
Turning then to Mitchell and Himo in turn, "I am Vincent Trench, investigator, finder of secrets. I had heard the new owners of the Manor might be by today....welcome to Trollskull Alley, Mitchell, Himo and Miss Yndercook."
Looking past the slim man, you can see a finely appointed sitting room, dimly lit by flickering lamps.
"Ordinarily, I would invite you in for a refreshment, but I am currently conducting an investigation, perhaps in a few days...I could grant you respite from the rigours of your pending reconstruction."
"Oh. Okay, I'll try to remember that," Talliree says when Vincent explains that he would have been worried if the door had been opened.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Trench," she says while holding out a hand with a smile that only falters a little when the mouse on her shoulder gives an indignant squeak. "And this is Mr. Whiskers," she adds quickly, gesturing to the now pleased rodent giving a polite bow to the investigator.
"I guess we shouldn't keep you then, eh? Just 'oller if ya need any help or something," she offers when he says he's in the middle of an investigation and not able to have company.
Mr Trench smiles and takes Talliree's hand, giving it a firm , but gentle shake. He leans in a bit to see Mr Whiskers more clearly, "Ah, forgive me Mr Whiskers, I did not see you there. You too are welcome."
He inclines his head, "I will most assuredly 'oller if need be.." he says, then looks inquiringly at Mitchell and Himo.
"I wonder, Mr. Trench, if there is not some assistance that we could provide to your investigation. For suitable renumeration of course."
Mr Trench considers Himo's offer for a moment, "An interesting suggestion, perhaps when we know each other better. Now, if you'll excuse me, the day grows long and I have much to do. "
He then nods to each of you , and eases the door closed, audibly locking the door behind him.
He speaks true, the Winter days are not so long, and the shadows have begun to lengthen.
Already you see a crew of Lamplighters making their way along the Alley, lighting the few hanging lanterns that dot the Alley.
"Well, we'd better hurry if we want to say hi to everyone," Talliree says before skipping off to the Book Wyrm's Treasure. After the incident at the Tiger's Eye, Talliree carefully tries the door before entering, after knocking, of course.
Talliree slips on in and looks around for anyone that looks like they work there.
"Hi! I'm Talliree Yndercook and this is Mr. Whiskers. These two are Himo and Mitchell (Don't worry, he always looks like that) We just got Trollskull Manor and were just wantin' to make everyone's acquaintance! How are you? What kinds of things do you sell here? Do you have any mouse-sized books?"
On the way across the courtyard to the Book Wyrm's Treasure, the group spies Fala on her way home to her own shop, she smiles and waves her sign on the way by.
The door to the Book Wyrm's Treasure is much more inviting..namely, unlocked.
Opening it a gust of warm air, redolent with the wonderful scent of old books, strikes Talliree's and the other's noses.
Inside, you see bookshelves, all in beautiful hardwood, all filled with books and tomes.
Down a gap between bookshelves Talliree sees a short dragonborn, his scales glowing gold in the soft lantern light.
He turns at her greeting, lifting a hand in greeting, "Welcome! Welcome! I am Rishaal, welcome to my shop. As you can see, I sell books and tomes and scrolls, magical and otherwise..." then he frowns, "As for mouse-sized books..hmm... that could be arranged. " then he stops, considering, "But that may be moot, I may have to close shop... If only that elf would stop bothering my customers..."
With a sigh, he turns back to the re-binding work you interrupted, "Please, browse, see if there's anything of interest..."
"Oh, is this about the whole tree thing," Talliree asks. "She seemed to get real mad about it."
Rishall nods, "Indeed she is. I understand her concerns about Duskwood, but I don't have other options. It's the only paper I can get that is of high enough quality. My customers expect no less from me. Meanwhile, Fala's ruining my business."
He then blinks a few times, "You said you 'got' The Manor?? Ah, you'd be the adventurers that saved Renaer's friend. How resourceful..." he says, then thinks for a few moments, "You seem to be the type to solve problems...if you can help , either by talking to Fala, or even finding me another source of paper, I'll let each of you pick out a book or scroll for half price! I'll even throw in a mouse-sized one for free!"
There are some other quality alternatives to Duskwood. However, suppliers are few and far between -- only a wizard would be likely to know one.
"I might know of some other things you could use. The problem is we'll be dealing with wizards and they don't like to give up their secrets. Still, I think we'd have better luck than talking to Fala," Talliree says as she rubs the back of her neck. She perks up as she remembers something. "Oh! I almost forgot why we came! Would you like to come over when we have the place fixed up? And is it going to be, y'know, awkward if we invite Fala too?"
"Hello, Rishall. We are keen to find alternatives to Duskwood."
Rishall smiles toothily, "Ah, that would be excellent. Fala and I are friends, but this has most certainly strained our relationship. If you can come up with a solution, I'm sure we can reconcile. Thank you for the invitation, I will attend. "
"Great! It is nice meeting you. I hope to see you again soon," Talliree beams as she gives a smile of her own, then skips out the door and on to Fewn's Brews. She knocks on the door to the shop, then tries the latch.
"Hello! I'm Talliree Yndercook and this is Mr. Whiskers," she introduces herself when she finds someone that appears to work there or owns the place. "The handsome one is Himo and the frowny one is Mitchell. We just got Trollskull Manor and are gonna be fixing the place up! So, do you do potions, or do you do other stuff that makes you feel tingly?"
The door's to Fewn's Brews is open, but the interior is not particularly inviting.
Dim and dusty, Emmek Fewn's tavern does not seem to be faring well. Only two surly customers sit at ramshackle tables. The floor is dirty and the bar does not seem to be stocked very well.
The man himself, stands behind the bar , 'cleaning' some glasses with a soiled cloth.
He looks up at Talliree's entrance, his hope for paying customers, erased by her revelation that the trio were the new owners of the Manor.
Scowling , he snarls "Come to rub my face in it, then? You tell Volo he 'stole' that deed from me, probably some friend of his with the city...cheated me out of it! I don't have anything for the likes of you! Get out! "
..... Only two surly customers sit at ramshackle tables....