Through the Hornwood

"Gold ya say!?" the man says, gulping down more of the offered ale. "Truth, you say? Caves o' gold I haen't heard about, ser, but if 'tis true, I've no doubt the beats roamin' those peaks would be first t' claim them for sure!"

With an loud, extended belch, the man wipes his thick, soggy beard and then licks the moisture from his fingers. In a lower voice, he whispers to Hraefn

Ilwyn and Caedwyn
You depart the Diamond Spider and weave your way down the main road towards the center of town. The night air has brought with it a slight chill, and most people you pass are those staggering back from their favorite tavern. A few businesses show the glow of lamp light from within, but none are still open for business. Two blocks down, however, you see the warm glow coming from a large, two-story structure. As you approach, you see a large hanging sign painted with a ghostly minstrel, the name 'The Grey Minstrel' written along its bottom.

Stepping into the interior is vastly different from the one you just left. The entry is more of a large foyer, with a reception desk along the back wall. A pair of swinging doors open to the right, leading into what looks to be a tavern or eating area. A young woman, perhaps in her mid twenties stands behind the desk, and smiles as you enter. She is human, conservatively dressed with a neck-high white blouse and a long, flowing, blue skirt tied at the waist with a white sash. Her hair is similarly styled, with blue and white ribbons interleaved with her hair to hold it up and out of her face.

"Welcome sir, lady, to the Grey Minstrel. My name is Olivia. Are you needing a room for the night? The kitchen is closed, but I think we might be able to get them to put something together for you, should you wish. Of course, the tavern area is open a few more hours yet."

The night moves slowly along, with more battles waging on the main floor, while a bard begins to strum a drinking song as he weaves his way through the crowd. An hour later, and several close calls, Thoros is crowned champion of Twezeliewop, earning a small brass chalice and a purse of 20 gold coins.

As the crowd returns its attention to themselves, you all find yourselves at your table, tankards empty.

Merriweather
Exiting the tavern, you see a long, low building set back about 50 feet from the tavern. There are 10 doors lining the front, each having a large number painted on it. There are a few stragglers moving around, most looking like they are drunk, or, at least, feeling good. Most disappear into town, though a couple of people enter into the door numbered '3'.

Looking at your key, you see the little placard attached to it has the number '8'. Moving to the door, you slip the key into the lock and hear the latch release.

Merriweather
Sticking to the shadows, avoiding any of the late-night revelers, you manage to open the door and slip inside. The interior is dark, as there are no apparent windows or other exits from the room. Without the aid of some form of light source, you cannot see anything at all.

Merriweather
Within the room itself, you sense nothing. It is quiet. You can hear people moving and bumping about in rooms adjacent to yours, as well as some noises from outside, but nothing troubling.

Ilwyn and Caedwyn
"Two single rooms it is, m' lady and sir." Olivia replies, taking a gold coin from each of you. She turns and retrieves a pair of room keys, each with a small leather strip attached. Each is etched with a number, 8 and 9.

"If you go outside and left, there is a stair outside leading to the upper floor. Or, you can go into the tavern area there" she says, pointing through the interior double-doors. "To the back and left again you will see the hallway leading out of the dining room. At the end you will see a stair going up as well. Your room numbers are on the key there. Breakfast begins one hour before sun up, if you are so inclined. Two silvers is the normal price, unless you wish a custom meal, then it is the chef's price."

Bram
You follow behind Ilwyn and Caedwyn, occasionally looking back to check on your companions. They enter into a large, two-story building and by the sign you note that it is the other inn your guide spoke of, The Grey Minstrel. Your two companions are inside, just paying, apparently, for their rooms. A young girl stands behind the reception desk and is telling them something. As you step in, she pauses, looking at you with a questioning look, almost as if your arrival has interrupted or given her pause.

Pausing a second, she continues in a low whisper.
"If you see... you know... him... pay no mind. He hasn't ever really hurt anyone, just caused a bit of mischief."