Gwendolyn will almost let out a giddy happy note, but manages to collect herself since her place of business is still open.
My oh my…that was very fortunate for me and you nice folks. A deal is a deal, and if you ever need my help let me know as she goes to retrieve a small coin pouch filled with 20 gold pieces.
Before you head out, please take a small loaf of bread to share amongst yourselves. You’ve saved me the hassle of telling a client their order wouldn’t be ready on time…and my reputation of being punctual AND affordable is decks to none. May your shop be prosperous as she hands you a small sourdough loaf for the road.
You get the other wagon repaired and are headed back towards Absalom. It’s a 2 day drive back and you encounter the other wagon part way through
You manage to make it back to Absalom, without further hindrance or issue. You arrive at the bakery where Gwendolyn is inside tending to a customer. Once done she heads over,
So…back so soon. Does that mean my supplies weren’t recoverable? her tone somber and expecting the worst.
Well I know the caravan usually has the one directing it as well as 2-3 others acting as guards depending on if they are carrying extra supplies for a different client. They could’ve had wheel trouble or some other issue I suppose… as she goes to finish cleaning a counter. If a wild animal is hungry enough, I presume nothing short of death would stop them from trying to get their meal. I don’t know about what type of bandits, as I’m not a well versed adventure such like yourselves I apologize
Mara searches her mind as Gwendolyn speaks about the route and crew. She doesn’t recall much about the geographical features other then it’s a fairly well traveled road. As far as the history of the route, it’s been used for about 20 years or so. There are multiple off the road spots to rest and should the weather take a turn for the worse, take appropriate shelter. Bandits are of course a potential threat, as well as hungry wolves and other natural predators should their hunger take priority.
Ah, sorry bout the mess…it’s been hectic trying to clean up after the past couple days as she lets you in the shop you see flour and other basic baking goods throughout the shop. You see a pair of shelves with dry ingredients strewn about. She takes a few minutes to tidy up as you meander.
So, here is the map I’ve promised you. Not very detailed, but it should do the trick. You seem more likely to have luck traversing the wilderness then I as she lets out a giggle.
I do wish you the best, and be careful out there. Is there anything else you need from me? I’ve made a little goodie bag to say thank you for even trying to help me out
Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you. As I’ve told these nice folks I own and run my confectionary shop in the middle of the Coins. My name is Gwendolyn. It’s nice to see so many young folks taking good care of Bartleby’s old shop
Oh my…I don’t want to be a bother to you nice folks. Are you sure you don’t mind helping? as she looks astonished at your offer. She was lamenting her goods, and is truly taken aback by your generous offer.
As you each nod in agreement of the sincere offer, she blushes a bit, it seems chivalry isn’t quite dead yet after all she muses. Well, the goods are 5 pounds flour and sugar, 1 jar of honey, as well as two bags of lilacs and 2 bags of hibiscus leaves. The flour, sugar, and honey I’m not too terribly worried over. The fresh flowers however cost me some coin to import from Sothis. The caravan is usually arrived by now as myself and the flower farmer I am contracted with have a standing order once a month. I can draw you the route they take, as that’s the most reliable information I have…but unfortunately from there it’s all about finding a needle in a haystack almost. she takes a deep breath and lets out a small sigh. I guess the good news is that I was simply stocking up, as there are no outstanding orders involving the lilacs or hibiscus that I’m aware of. The bad news…my confections shop is known for unique and interesting ingredients. The least amount of time of me turning away potential customers the better is all. The gold piece value for the whole caravan is around 20 gold pieces, and I’d be willing to exchange finding out any information of my goods for an equal amount as well as my own voice in the community
20 gold piece + choice of 1 Labor/Good/Influence without GP cost
Oh, Bartleby’s was scooped up pretty quick. You did a smart thing by keeping the name. While people’s opinions will be split on their view of the man, I myself had no issue with him. He would often fix my equipment for a fair price and I would return the favor by bringing by sweet treats. I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you make the shop a success. I would bring you some sweet confections as a ‘welcoming gift’ but my caravan carrying my dry goods supplies and other needs has run late, and I worry something had happened to them…but that’s an issue for me and not you I apologize. The table over there has some sweets I brought for Lucy’s birthday. Some lavender shortbread cookies and sponge cake rounds topped with a fresh berry. Please, try some as she gives you a smile and heads back to ensure her niece is having a good time.
You seem to be hitting it off with the kids. Aren’t you a doll entertaining them. My name is Gwendolyn and I own Gwen’s Confections in the Coins District. How do you know Peter and Lucy?
(Uwe)
You listen in on some light conversation. You can overhear Peter talking with another man, most of it is about incoming product and base goods like threads/clothes/etc as you can surmise it’s probably his tailor’s business partner. You overhear a dwarf talking with a different human about when the next shipment of lumber will be in, and how they need to get working on the Ratchford project as the individual has been complaining about the upcoming deadline.
(Mara)
The people, are quite receptive to name Bartleby and shocked that someone took the building so quick. One gentleman says that by keeping the name, you’ve done a smart business tactic. The shop was well known, and the previous owner did right by customers and he hopes you continue that good-hearted business practice. A different woman, says that she is the owner of Betty’s Baubles, and that Bartleby was a womanizer and all around jerk. It seems the general consensus of the former owner is slit down the middle of good guy versus jerk.
I am sure they would kill me, but you lot seem to be bigger threats than me. Besides, I can't exactly contribute since I cannot seem to rest well and my hands are manacled together.
Gwen spits in Wulfgar's face, and doesn't show a moment of remorse or fear.
Hmph, I may be a prisoner now. Hell, you can even kill me, but I will have the last laugh from beyond the grave. My employers will send others to find you. You will not stop our mission!
She goes silent after her last words. She closes her eyes, and sits quietly.
Because you will have to answer to me. And I assure you don't want that, no both of you sit down and have a shot on the house, she responds with a smile.
Bartholomew, turns around, in time to see the barkeep staring daggers through him and deep into his soul and psyche. He isn't able to get any words out before she speaks again.
YOU WILL PAY FOR THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO MY PROPERTY, YOU HEAR!!
After the acid rain subsides, she walks over to him, You owe me 20 gold, you damage some chairs and damaged my BAR. This is a one time warning, if you do it do it outside. Next time I WILL NOT be so lenient
The barkeep, beautiful in her own right looks to the two adventurers whom just walked in. She smiles as they approach and one demands game while the other demands whiskey.
If it is fame you be wantin lass, be careful what ya wish for love. The employers who hire out from this area, don't have no easy tasks, they're all special in sone fashion or another. As far as yer whiskey request there handsome, let me ask Brutus and get back to ya
She returns a few moments later, shot glass in hand with a bottle from the back.
Here you go sugar, hopes this meets your standards. She pours a shot from a dark glass jug. On the front appears to be a dwarf, but the dwarf's head is split open.
Ugh, shower lately...droopy eye. Fine I guess I shall get to the point. You have a sphere. Hand it over and I shall spare your lives. How does that sound?
The woman pulls her cloak hood back. You see a stunningly beautiful woman, red hair pulled back behind her ears. A tattoo graces her left neck area, eyes are a bold blue, clear and focused on your group.
Well that depends on you fine folks. And how you handle yourselves really
