The trouble with Fey Relations

The big man looks Aizashi over and gives a low rumbling chuckle. I only teach apprentices and that contract is for 6 years, 4 as an apprentice, two as a journeyman. But if you want to learn to hit metal to metal I could always use a hand at the bellows. But what about your friend? and he nods towards Gorman and raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Scratching his beard he ponders before replying I can always use fresh meat. The local hunter that usually frequent the area haven't been coming to this valley for a while. Something about people antagonizing the wildlife and shrugs So we either have to trade with other villages or get it from our own herds, whitch ain't that large mind you.

He stops working and turns to look you both over more closely. Mind you we don't get many travelers out here and the last one through caused some sort of ruckas so if you mean to do any business mind your manners. We like the peace and quiet but are not to be taken for weakling that cant tend to our own.

Don't know about any information but if you need work done or something crafted I can help. Or I can give you Con or help you secure supplies and he shrugs If you want news best head over to the inn. Everyone goes there to talk. To body and hot here he says with a chuckle as he lifts a hammer in one hand and works the bellows with his other. Bring me fresh meat if you get any, remember I asked first and the man begins to work the piece of heated stock pulled from the furnace

Aizashi proves correct. While there are some small animals in the area, the spread out nature of the settlements throughout the valley makes Gorman feel like he would be hunting in someones yard. On your treck in you noticed that most places in the valley can see at lease one house, hear the locals working their fields, or see a trickle of smoke from a nearby homestead.

You make your way to the inn and the smith set to on his hot and noisy work. The place looks relatively new or it has had work done on it. The sides are painted and every other window has glass. At this time all the windows are open and the smell of good cooking wafts out as you approach.

Stepping inside you see a neat L shaped room with a fireplace in the corner of the L, small private tables in the short side, and the long bar with benches and long tables on the long side of the room. A woman steps out from the kitchens behind the bar and greets you

Welcome strangers. A hunter and beastkin, we do not get many of those around these parts. Best make sure the local children dont't try and get their daddies to "tame" you as a bed time companion.. she teases. Aizashi has heard of the fettish young humans have for soft furred toys at bedtime. This is why he pitties their kind bereft of fur or feather.

The woman, whom you lear is Adabra, is a pleasent conversationist and expounds the vitues of the "quiet village life away from big cities, kings, and nations" Wh is considerate and curious but you fel her questions are a bit pinted and prying. "where are you form? How long will you stay? What bring you here?"

The woman shakes her head at Aizashi's comment Ain't much to learn. One village is much the same as the others. Then a twinkle enters her eye. But entertainment is scarce. If you are willing to play along I can give you lunch and dinner on the house. You see we have the children gather at the church after lunch to get as much learning as we have and can cram into their heads. I have a mind to have you sit in the corner not moving, act dead and stuffed, then when they are all present we will signal to you and you can greet them. she finishes with a smile. If you and your friend can tell them, and those of the village that have to time, about your homelands and travels for an hour or two that should more than cover the meals and a place to sleep the night.

Turning to Gorman she replies Well the valley itself has little wildlife. We discourage the predators and the boys learn to hunt on the smaller local wildlife. But ours is a small valley. Just make you way to the surrounding hills or other nearby valleys, ones without villages mind you, and you should be good. There are local hunters that claim the areas to the east, both north and south, so if you head west or west-north or west-south you should be good. Strait west is your best bet for larger animals but that goes for predators too.
As for carpentry, well . . . The local tinker is a bit late but we have a few handymen and most farmers take their hands to almost any kind of task to save the coin. You understand how it is. Anyway I can pass the word and if you are back by an hour after noon the parents will have dropped their kids off and we can see if there is any interest. That gives you at least the morning ,if you plan to help with the schooling, to try your hand at hunting.

Well the children start arriving about an hour after noon so if you were to be here before then, come to the back door, we can get you into the church where they hold class before it starts.
We don't want them frightened of you, but a little surprise is good. I leave the details to you but please remember they are children and this is a quiet area so it will not take much to bring some excitement to their day. Just sitting still then moving after they think you won't and have made their assumptions.