Fenlys and Gyre
You begin to make your way across the open fields, finding that the earth is a bit softer the further you move off the road, though not overly difficult. The stench of the marsh, however, is another matter, as the fetid mud and constant barrage of gnats, dragon flies and other insects, even in the cooler air of the coming evening, serve to annoy you during your side trek walk.
Eventually the earth again begins to harden, and you come to the gates of a small town. A wooden board stuck upon a post next to the road leading into town has the words Nine Oaks scrawled onto it. At the gate, you are stopped and questioned by the guards before being allowed inside the walls.
Guards patrol the inner wall, always ion the lookout for swap creatures that might want to test the town defenses, and inside the markets are in the process of closing up. There remains perhaps an hour or so of sunlight, should you want to do anything before securing lodging, though there appears to be only one structure large enough to be considered an inn, and it lies in the central square.
The road runs right through town and out the far side, where a second gate stands. That leg of the road disappears quickly into the mists of the Hool Marshes. The inn, or tavern perhaps, is a two-story structure, heavy stone forming its lower floor and wood its upper. Several small chimneys stream blackish-grey smoke and it is obvious the central location of the structure makes it a gathering place for locals.
The doors leading inside the place swing back and forth, as patrons enter and exit with regularity.
