As the group started to split up, Noami made a mental note that the boys were headed to the 'Cask and Flagon' Waiving to Jalros, she adds. "It sounds like the right spot."
"I do prefer the name over the other one." He states plainly as he nods and takes his leave.
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The group splits up - Naomi, Gubble and Guthlag heading to her grandparents' house, while Hamish, Jalros and Hamish head to The Cask and Flagon.
As you three walk in, it is immediately apparent the inn itself is not in very good condition - it consists of a large common room with a fireplace, adjacent to what seems to be a large kitchen. The large main room has four booths along one wall with curtains that can be drawn for privacy, as well as a few more tables and chairs.
In the middle of the room, you notice four dogs asleep on the floor, and to the side there is a set of railed stairs which allow access to the upper level.
An elderly human man is in the process of cleaning the tables - "Rooms are one gold piece, and meals are one silver" - he speaks loudly as you enter, without ever lifting his head from his work - "Grab a seat and I will be right with ye"
Naomi finds she still remembers the way with ease, even if has been some time since she last visited - the memories she has of Fairhill are vague, but overall happy ones, as they usually are when grandparents are involved.
Images of her grandfather's carpentry workbench come to mind, and how he used to let her play with old scraps of wood, leftovers from small jobs he would carry out for neighbors and friends as a hobby, at symbolic prices; And pictures of her grandmother's evergreen flower garden - her 'green thumb' undeniable and well knows around the village. So much so, that many would come looking for special flowers, on special occasions, or as singular gifts.
After that last bend on the street and further a ways, the familiar house came into view, with its white walls, thatched roof and large windows - the main door is a large one and made of solid wood, as befits a lumberjack and carpenter's house, with the main flower and vegetable garden to one side, and the animal pen to the other, as well as the small barn.
Maybe because of the rain, or the continued gray, overcast weather, but to Naomi the place seemed... Smaller and less impressive than she remembered... The colors less vivid, the animals thin instead of fat and well fed, and the garden flowers not as bright and filled with life. But the smell wafting up from the wet earth, mixed with the smoke from the chimney are unmistakable to the young Oracle. She feels at home.
The group splits up - Naomi, Gubble and Guthlag heading to her grandparents' house, while Hamish, Jalros and Hamish head to The Cask and Flagon.
As you three walk in, it is immediately apparent the inn itself is not in very good condition - it consists of a large common room with a fireplace, adjacent to what seems to be a large kitchen. The large main room has four booths along one wall with curtains that can be drawn for privacy, as well as a few more tables and chairs.
In the middle of the room, you notice four dogs asleep on the floor, and to the side there is a set of railed stairs which allow access to the upper level.
An elderly human man is in the process of cleaning the tables - "Rooms are one gold piece, and meals are one silver" - he speaks loudly as you enter, without ever lifting his head from his work - "Grab a seat and I will be right with ye"
Jalros finds a table away from the dogs, pulls out a chair, and takes a seat. Looking around, "My kind of place." He states plainly, crossing his arms while he awaits the proprietor.
Having spent most of his life in service of his master, Gubble's memory of home life was spotty at best. So he found Naomi's grandparents house delightful. "Lovely" he compliments.
Elgrin loves dogs. Sir Gerald had an old hunting hound that passed away shortly before the knight passed himself. So while a pet dog was inconceivable for a street urchin, Elgrin the Squire grew to love that old hound.
He approaches the dogs ready to take a seat on the floor with them for pets and is disappointed to see that all of the dogs are asleep best to let sleeping dogs lie
He returns to the table with Jalros (and Hamish?) and waits for the inn keeper to return
The dogs seem lanky and relatively weak, but they do approach and sniff Elgrin, seeming particularly interested in his backpack.
The innkeeper comes to the table shortly afterwards, introducing himself as Tamen with a tired voice - he his a thin man, with pale skin and gray hair - "You lads looking for supper? Today we have pork, cabbage and bean stew" - he informs - "That, some bread and some ale?"
"Someone at the door Anna!" - Naomi heard her grandfather's familiar voice from inside.
"Stay put! I will get it!" - the reply came soon enough, in a voice she also clearly recognizes as her grandmother's.
As the door opens wide, you are greeted by a woman well into her fifties - she wears plain gray farmer clothes and a well used but clean work apron over them, which she is currently using to dry her hands. Her skin is lightly tanned by the sun, which contrasts with the sparkling green eyes, and you can see wisps of graying brown hair peeking from under her head scarf. She blinks several times, staring at Naomi.
"Moonflower..?" - she stammered, using the familiar nickname - "What are you doing here..? What..?" - she looked at Gubble and Guthlag, and her eyes went wide when she saw Thistle and Cann - "How did you.." - but then caught herself and stopped with the questions, simply stepping forward and embracing her granddaughter with a strong hug - "It is so good to see you Naomi!" - she exclaimed.
"What?!" - came the shouting from inside again - "Is that Naomi?!"
Hamish follows Jalros and Elgrin into the pub. Nodding his agreement with Jalros, the swordsman slides into a chair putting his feet out toward the warm fire. "Aye, I'll take a pub with a bit of wear and tear and a descent stout over them fancier joints with their pink drinks and overpriced bits of poached fish any day."
When the innkeeper finally approaches, Hamish offers his a wide smile. "Greeting friend. I'll take whatever you're offering as your special today and a pint of your local ale." He says. "I think we'll also be needing rooms, and I for one, could use a hot bath. How much to have a tub readied?"
Elgrin gives each of the lanky dogs their due attention and doesn't have high hopes for the quality of the food. As the skinny dogs are likely a sign of sub-par grub
That stew and Ale sounds great. That and a room as well, after
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Guthlag took a step towards the door. In truth, he liked the cool air outside and the feeling of soft ground underneath his feet. He gave a long, low growling noise, and Cann took off towards the trees. "I am Guthlag, from the mountains." He leaves his scythe and walking stick outside, but carries his pack in.
Once inside, Guthlag is quiet. He is willing to take a little food and water, but his real interest is the garden outside.
The halfling follows after the orc, and with a friendly smile adds "I'm Gubble Penticefall, um, from a tower." he says with all seriousness since it is not everyday he gets introduced to GRANDPARENTS. "It is a pleasure to meet you Anna of the rather nice garden." Gubble is not a garden expert and certainly doesn't have colored memories of perfection.
Hamish follows Jalros and Elgrin into the pub. Nodding his agreement with Jalros, the swordsman slides into a chair putting his feet out toward the warm fire. "Aye, I'll take a pub with a bit of wear and tear and a descent stout over them fancier joints with their pink drinks and overpriced bits of poached fish any day."
Staring hard at the swashbuckler for a moment, Jalros eventually relaxes and nods, saying plainly, "I'll drink to that."
The dogs seem lanky and relatively weak, but they do approach and sniff Elgrin, seeming particularly interested in his backpack.
The innkeeper comes to the table shortly afterwards, introducing himself as Tamen with a tired voice - he his a thin man, with pale skin and gray hair - "You lads looking for supper? Today we have pork, cabbage and bean stew" - he informs - "That, some bread and some ale?"
Completely straight-faced and with a stern tone, he looks directly at the man and says, "I'll have the pork, the cabbage, and the stew. Also, the bread and ale. And if you have the accommodations, a room for each of us which will put us at a cost of three gold and three silver. If you've got the rooms, I'll give you four gold for the lot of it."
"I'll get you the rooms and the food" - the innkeeper nodded - "But we don't have no baths" - he added, moving off into the kitchen, and coming back a short while later with a large jug of ale, and three mugs - "Food is comin'
He leaves you to your drinks, and goes back into the kitchen - the inn is not particularly busy, with but a few patrons to one side, keeping to themselves as they down a couple of ales.
The man emerges from the kitchen again, and plops three large bowls of stew - made of pork, cabbage and beans - in front of each of you. He adds a basket of bread, and a nondescript small cup with something akin to butter, but with a different hue.
"Four gold then?" - he speaks to Jalros.
"He's grown a lot" - your grandmother stares as Thistle sniffs her hand.
The first thing Naomi notices when she enters is the fact her grandfather is sitting down, one of his legs propped up on a bench and bandaged - "Come here Naomi!" - he opens his arms wide - "Give your grandfather a hug!"
Otherwise the farmhouse is much as she remembers it - surprisingly spacious and very well tended for a modest home. The large main room is divided into a sitting area by the fireplace, and a meal area with a large, solid wooden table and several chairs. A door stands open to the kitchen, and another to a corridor leading to the three house rooms. As usual there are at least two jars with flowers, which fill the whole space with a light, fresh scent.
In the meantime, Anna greets Guthlag and Gubble with an outstretched hand - "Well met to you Guthlag, and Mr. Penticefall" - she smiled shyly - "And thank you. The garden has seen better days, but I try my best" - the woman added, just before disappearing into the kitchen - "Please find a seat... I will get us something to eat and drink" - and returning with a jar of milk and a large bowl of cookies - "The water is boiling for the tea. Or coffee if you prefer"
"I'm sure the lads prefer some ale, right?!" - Naomi's grandfather interrupted, staring expectantly at 'the lads'
"No baths. Tykee's grace, that is too bad." Hamish says disappointed. "I was looking forward to washing off some of the recent days events."
Pouring a mug for himself, Jalros and Elgrin, he offers his up in a quick toast. "To good companions and the first leg of our journey complete." He says cheerfully taking a deep drink of the dark ale.
"A bit bitter, but passable enough." He says. Turning to Elgrin. "How did you find the sheriff? He seemed like a descent enough man, but I didn't spend much time with him. His second seemed a bit gruff, but that may have just been from overwork. Sounds like they've had trouble with orcs in recent days."
Suddenly he slaps his hand against the table and then against his own leg.
"Damnation! But I am a slackwitted fool as my sister would say." He says before lowering his voice and leaning in to the table. "I completely forgot to ask Baran about that raven heraldry the bandits were wearing back on the road. I brought it up with one of the guards and they clammed up tight. Seemed like they knew something, but said I needed to talk with the captain. Perhaps, I'll try to track him down after a bit of dinner."
From a tower. Gubble's mind is as meek as his body...yet it towers like a mammoth.
Guthlag has never drank alcohol before. Many of the members of his tribe drank every day, but such pollution was disallowed for shamanic apprentices. Now, he is afraid of anything that will make him slow and stupid. "I prefer tea, with extra leaves." He does not look at the wound, not wanting to imply that he considers the elderly man incapacitated. Instead, he moves to the flowers and brushes them lightly with the tips of his fingers.
"Tea for me as well" Gubble says congenially. Inward he enthused about Wizards and their Teas. Hardly the Hardy with his Earl Grey, Beatrice the Bonkers and her boba, Whispers In the Breeze with her lemon chamomile. All legends in their own right, not to mention their drink choice. Gubble doesn't aspire to their legendary status though, since for him theirs is too solidary.
"Mmmm. My lady, these cookies..." his words fail him to find the proper abjective to express their utter delight. "... Are delightful, Thank you."
"No baths. Tykee's grace, that is too bad." Hamish says disappointed. "I was looking forward to washing off some of the recent days events."
Pouring a mug for himself, Jalros and Elgrin, he offers his up in a quick toast. "To good companions and the first leg of our journey complete." He says cheerfully taking a deep drink of the dark ale.
"A bit bitter, but passable enough." He says. Turning to Elgrin. "How did you find the sheriff? He seemed like a descent enough man, but I didn't spend much time with him. His second seemed a bit gruff, but that may have just been from overwork. Sounds like they've had trouble with orcs in recent days."
Suddenly he slaps his hand against the table and then against his own leg.
"Damnation! But I am a slackwitted fool as my sister would say." He says before lowering his voice and leaning in to the table. "I completely forgot to ask Baran about that raven heraldry the bandits were wearing back on the road. I brought it up with one of the guards and they clammed up tight. Seemed like they knew something, but said I needed to talk with the captain. Perhaps, I'll try to track him down after a bit of dinner."
The Captain seemed a decent man. He took our story seriously. I definitely think telling him about the Raven heraldry is worthwhile. AFTER dinner he says with a laugh
"I'll get you the rooms and the food" - the innkeeper nodded - "But we don't have no baths" - he added, moving off into the kitchen, and coming back a short while later with a large jug of ale, and three mugs - "Food is comin'
He leaves you to your drinks, and goes back into the kitchen - the inn is not particularly busy, with but a few patrons to one side, keeping to themselves as they down a couple of ales.
The man emerges from the kitchen again, and plops three large bowls of stew - made of pork, cabbage and beans - in front of each of you. He adds a basket of bread, and a nondescript small cup with something akin to butter, but with a different hue.
"Four gold then?" - he speaks to Jalros.
Jalros pulls out the agreed upon coin, places them down on the table, and pushes them toward the innkeeper. "Thank you."
"No baths. Tykee's grace, that is too bad." Hamish says disappointed. "I was looking forward to washing off some of the recent days events."
Pouring a mug for himself, Jalros and Elgrin, he offers his up in a quick toast. "To good companions and the first leg of our journey complete." He says cheerfully taking a deep drink of the dark ale.
Jalros partially raises his mug before taking a meager drink. He partakes in the food brought to him, leaving no morsel behind.
"Indeed, I believe it can wait until after dinner." Hamish replies to Elgrin with a smile. "In the meantime, I wonder if our host is like every other innkeeper in the realms and up to date on the local gossip?"
When the man circles back around to grab Jalros' payment, Hamish nods with appreciation at the ale. "A fine brew, sir." He says be way of an opening. "A pleasant way to end a journey through wood and glen. Being a stranger to this area, I was thinking you might be able to offer the latest word of what's happening? I've heard rumors of orcs and bandits. Fought off a few of the latter along the road. Any truth to those tales?"
"So what did you do to the leg?"
Grandmother Ann was already heading back to the kitchen, but paused at Naomi's question, turning a concerned look at her husband, then at Naomi - "Your grandfather thinks he is still a twenty year old" - she shook her head, continuing into the kitchen.
"Bah" - Gerbert replied - "Some bullies jumped us in the woods while we were timber harvesting" - he shrugged - "We fought back"
"Not bullies!!" - Ann shouted from the kitchen - "Orcs!"
When the man circles back around to grab Jalros' payment, Hamish nods with appreciation at the ale. "A fine brew, sir." He says be way of an opening. "A pleasant way to end a journey through wood and glen. Being a stranger to this area, I was thinking you might be able to offer the latest word of what's happening? I've heard rumors of orcs and bandits. Fought off a few of the latter along the road. Any truth to those tales?"
The innkeeper was getting ready to pocket the coins and go, but then paused at Hamish's words - "Yessir... Orc attacks. 'Tis true - almost as we were living next ta that place them adventuring fellows talk about - Rebban Adulk. Ye ever heard about it?" - he shakes his head and shrugs - "Yessir... Some folk just say the Old Road and even the Tradeway is getting too dangerous for travel. What are we supposed to do for trade? Go to Crimmor? I think not!" - he spits.
"Not all Bullies are Orcs, and not all Orcs are Bullies." says without judgement, just expanding labels, all while reaching for another cookie. "What did the orc bullies try and do?"
Hamish listens to the innkeeper, his mood growing more serious as the man speaks of the town being cut off. Not looking to draw to much attention, he once again pulls out the bloody piece of fabric with its crude heraldry.
"You ever see anybody wearing this symbol?" He asks the innkeeper, showing him the cloth. "Does it match or seem similar to any of the orc tribes or bandits harassing folk this side of the forest?"
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Guthlag stiffens a bit and turns away, feeling as though everyone is staring daggers at his back. He feels the petals of a flower gently, wanting to bring them to his mouth. I cannot leave now, I must wait for them to bring me the tea, as is custom. The corner's of the half orc's lips curl downwards in a frown he hopes no one can see.
"Not all Bullies are Orcs, and not all Orcs are Bullies." says without judgement, just expanding labels, all while reaching for another cookie. "What did the orc bullies try and do?"
"Meh! What orcs do! Not sure if they were trying to rob us, or eat us" - Naomi's grandpa continued - "They killed Elmers on the spot... We had to fight back. Right?" - he shrugged - "Otherwise, one of these days we'll just have to pack and leave all for the wild beasts and highway robbers" - he suddenly looks tired, and rubs his wounded leg - "Damn them all"
Not really sure about orc tribal traditions; she asked, trying to sound casual. "did the orcs have any repeating emblems, maybe tribal marks or anything?"
"I wouldn't know dearie" - he smiled at Naomi - "I think some of them had the eyes painted red or something like that?"
"You ever see anybody wearing this symbol?" He asks the innkeeper, showing him the cloth. "Does it match or seem similar to any of the orc tribes or bandits harassing folk this side of the forest?"
The man looks the cloth over - "Hmmmm, can't say that I have" - he shrugs - "I can ask around if you'd like sir"
"No need." Hamish says tucking the cloth back in his pocket. "It's likely nothing, but I'll check with the Captain after I finish eating. T'was the other side of the forest where we met the rascal wearing this, so I doubt the folk of Fairhill need worry too awful much. Besides, this one, won't be troubling anyone ever again." He adds with a knowing nod.
Eyes red? One of Guthlag's own eyes had been painted white. One eye dark, to see the nature of the world. One eye white, to gaze at the moon beyond. "Should you leave, it may be that, in time, your garden will grow far more beautiful than it already is." The half-orc turns his scarred face towards Naomi's elders. "If they came once, they may come again, and others besides. Following in the tracks of those who came before, each raid beckoning another." He folds his arms, impassive. Outside, Cann howls. The sound is close, in the woods nearby. A fresh kill.
Eventually clearing her throat, she asks, "Would it be too great of an imposition if we spend the night?"
"Of course you can stay!" - Anna popped out of the kitchen with a teapot in one hand, and a jug of ale in the other - "Naomi, will you fetch some cups and mugs from the kitchen please?" - she adds - "Though we only have the spare room where you used to sleep... Will your friends be ok in the barn?"
Eyes red? One of Guthlag's own eyes had been painted white. One eye dark, to see the nature of the world. One eye white, to gaze at the moon beyond. "Should you leave, it may be that, in time, your garden will grow far more beautiful than it already is." The half-orc turns his scarred face towards Naomi's elders. "If they came once, they may come again, and others besides. Following in the tracks of those who came before, each raid beckoning another." He folds his arms, impassive. Outside, Cann howls. The sound is close, in the woods nearby. A fresh kill.
Both Anna and Gerbert turn to regard Guthlag for a few moments - "You'll have to speak plainly lad. I am not following you" - Gerbert eventually breaks the silence - "This will help" - he adds, grabbing the jug of ale, and waiting for Naomi to fetch the mugs.
"Thank you mam, but i will join our other companions at the inn. I nice bed after so many nights on the ground is too intoxicating to pass on." he smiles in thanks and gives his good buys and nice to meet you's, respectfully and warmly.
Otherwise the farmhouse is much as she remembers it - surprisingly spacious and very well tended for a modest home. The large main room is divided into a sitting area by the fireplace, and a meal area with a large, solid wooden table and several chairs. A door stands open to the kitchen, and another to a corridor leading to the three house rooms.
Giving the innkeeper a friendly nod of thanks, Hamish returns to his meal and conversation with his companions. All the while, he surreptitiously surveys the group that seemed to capture the man's attention. Using the broad shoulders of Jalros as the perfect duck blind, Hamish is able to get a good long look at the fellows. Perhaps enough for him to get a sense of whether they spelled trouble or were just passing an innocent evening at the local pub.
"Early would be best for the potential of distance." the halfling states in his odd way, thinking distance away from normal folk would be good just in case their luck continues with horrors falling in their path and presence...
...his mind settles on the face of a dead child and he HATES again with such blinding redness that words have to stop...
A minute goes by, then somehow he manages to breathe again. "But, family is worth a delay. In all things." he looks up and smiles at Naomi, hoping she can drink in all things good for just a little bit. "Meaning we'll wait on you, no matter how long you might need." he nods, thanks the grandparents again, and asks "Guthlag, are you going to stay here or come to the inn?" in truth, he imagines there to be a third choice of neither, the woods is better than both, but while Guthlag is and always will be a good friend, Gubble doesn't always understand him.
Both Anna and Gerbert turn to regard Guthlag for a few moments - "You'll have to speak plainly lad. I am not following you" - Gerbert eventually breaks the silence - "This will help" - he adds, grabbing the jug of ale, and waiting for Naomi to fetch the mugs.
"If orcs have come, they will come again. Perhaps you should leave." Guthlag does not understand the importance of a home. Things had gone well for him with Fangor, but it was the druid he had loved, not the place where he had lived.
---
"I will follow with Gubble," Guthlag says as things begin to wrap up. "But first, you must show me your garden."
Gubble pauses at Guthlag'S declaration of desire. He looks, and then nods in agreement, thinking, yes a garden is worth a moment. More than a moment, and if the time comes with it isn't, well... he doesn't know what then, but surely it won't be good. "I grew tomatoes once in the tower's balconies. They worked remarkably well with what soil I could get and the abundance of dreary rainstorms."
"If orcs have come, they will come again. Perhaps you should leave." Guthlag does not understand the importance of a home. Things had gone well for him with Fangor, but it was the druid he had loved, not the place where he had lived.
"Ah I see..." - Gerbert replied, pouring a good serving of the ale into a mug and offering it to Guthlag - "Been through a rough patch, have you lad?"
"I will follow with Gubble," Guthlag says as things begin to wrap up. "But first, you must show me your garden."
"Of course..." - Anna nodded, then looked back at Naomi - "But... You are leaving so soon? And where are you heading off to? There are a lot of dangerous things out there, did you not hear what your grandfather said?" - she added, rubbing her hands nervously - "It is a bad idea to rush out into the wilds like that... Why just a few weeks ago a group came across Fairhill - heading into Stirge Wood they said... Looking for treasure... No one has heard from them since..."
Hamish leans in and quietly whispers to his companions. "I noticed the innkeeper giving those lads in the corner a bit of a look when I showed him the bandit's rag." He says. "I've been watching them for a good bit as we sit here and finish our meal. I could be wrong, but they strike me as a bit weather worn, ragged, and underfed compared to most of the folk we've seen in this village."
"How about I make a bit of a show of going back to see the Captain we'll see if those lads try to follow me or do something about it? What do you both think?"
Sounds like a plan....Maybe even a good one Elgrin says with a grin
We'll stay behind and if they leave to follow you we'll be on their six but remember quietly tailing someone isn't my thing he says pointing at his armor
turning to the big bruiser Sound OK Jalros?
Smiling, "Not to worry grandma, we're not 'Rushing off' and with our other three friends back at the inn, we'll be more dangerous than most of the things in the wildwood." she nods towards Gubble, "As for where we're going Gubbles mentor had an acquaintance who lived in the woods nearby. We are headed to his abode to make sure all is well." Her smile widens, as she puts her finger to her lips, "But don't tell anyone, it's our little secret." She winks conspiratorial at her grandma, letting her know it's not really a secret.
"Moonflower..." - Anna looks seriously at Naomi - "Do you really think that, my beloved granddaughter? That you are more dangerous than most things in the wild?" - she holds the oracle's hands - "The world is big, with many dark places. You need to be careful..."
"And who would this acquaintance be?" - asked Gerbert, looking at Gubble after exchanging concerned looks with his wife - "I have lived here in Fairhill since I was born and... I have heard many stories about the woods all around, but almost never good ones" - he grunted, drinking some of the ale.
Acting as if nothing was said, Jalros nonchalantly looks from Elgrin to Hamish and gives the swashbuckler a quick nod before reaching down, grabbing his tankard, and taking a drink as he cuts a quick glance over at the table of potential bad guys.
Gubble nods back at Naomi then looks at Anna. "Naomi would be much better at telling the story than I would be at the moment, so if you please, I will leave it to her." he says goodbye again then heads at to the inn.
"Been through a rough patch, have you lad?"
"Rough, patch?" Guthlag thinks for a moment. "No, things have been going well for me this year. The half orc looks at his two travelling companions.
"The world is big, with many dark places. You need to be careful..."
Guthlag shudders quietly and looks at the vase of flowers again.
With his companions agreement, he nods back and starts to make a show of getting ready to leave.
"Well, friends." He says, his voice elevated enough to carry over to the table of suspicious lads. Slapping his hat back upon his head, he pushes back from the table. "I had best be off if I wish to catch Captain Baran before he sits down to his own dinner. If anyone has information about any band of scoundrels wearing such an insignia as this around Fairhill, it'll be him for sure. And I suppose if he doesn't know anything, then it'll be good to alert him of the potential trouble. Maybe get him to rustle up a good band to go root out these bandits."
He adds a slight sway to his stance as if he's had just a little bit too much of the strong local ale.
"Don't bother waiting up for me. I'm sure it won't take but a bit to walk there and back again." He adds and then casually strides out of the inn.
The men seem to slightly shift uncomfortably at your words Hamish, either at the content or the loudness, but they make no move to follow you, apparently focused on their meal.