Rasmus holds up the strange paper and gives it to the librarian.
"If you wouldn't mind, miss, I'd 'preciate some help translatin' this scribble, if ye can."
He looks around at the books and scrolls lining the shelves and sighs, as if remembering the days when he used to pore over the old family tomes in the manor.
"The last time I was here," Neighbor Effilip Sargy says, "I blessed five infants. I wonder how many have been born in the last thirteen months? If you want more practice of the language, and to hear different accents, I'm sure you'll find many people to practice with. Someone could probably teach you a song or two if you desire. Would you want to perform for the local halfling community? Though none of the taverns are exclusively halfling, so humans would hear you too."
The halfling walks leisurely to Lawgiver's Hall, waving at familiar faces and introducing Narisco to some of the local citizens.
"Excellent idea Effilip! Or Neighbor Effilip? Or would it be Neighbor Sargy? I don't want to say anything that might offend...."
"But I do know a couple of songs in the halfling language. If there are any musicians that know others I'd love to learn. Which tavern do you prefer? The Three Bells? Or the Dancing Bear? I wonder if either allows musicians not under contract to perform? I wouldn't want issues with guilds!"
The halfling smiles. "Neighbor Effilip is used more. Either one is fine." He watches the townfolk to judge their general disposition while they walk to the Lawgiver's Hall.
"The Dancing Bear is a good tavern. Fairly orderly since Dulwich's guardsmen drink there before heading home," Effilip says. "The guild...hmmm. There might be a small fee to join their ranks temporarily. I'm not sure how it works."
Narciso looks over the Lawgiver's Hall as they approach. It was impressive, but he wondered about such a grand cathedral in a town this size. He shrugs though, not really understanding a great deal about religions.
"So we check in here? I'm sure one of the folk here would know about any guild fees. If they want too much I'll just pass on working here. It's not like I'm some super-star musician that might expect to get whatever was charged back by drawing a huge crowd of paying fans...."
"I like greeting the clerics here when I arrive in town," Effilip says, "They usually give me the latest information about the community. I try to help them with any problems if I can."
The halfling shrugs and chuckles. "I'm afraid I've never paid attention to how passing musicians make money. Is there some sort of profit-sharing with the establishment and the local musician guilds?"