4 On to Phandalin

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Raven smiles at the question from the two boys, "No - it is not mine - I wish, a good pair of oxen are Rudy and Steve here. I'm working with a crew - they stopped at the inn and I'm heading back to the provisioner up the street."

He glances at the dog, "I like your dog."

As he chats, he keeps his attention on the oxen making the turn and making sure the cart does not hit anyone or anything.

Despite his near-death experience in the cave, Alex cannot resist the lure of the stage; the sometimes fatal attraction of an audience. Running his hands through his all too grimy curly locks, Alex bows to the innkeeper. Greetings, Master Toblen. I hight Alexander Simonnet Natalis de Bertier du Puy, of the du Puys of Amphail and environs. It is a distinct pleasure to make the acquaintance of both mine host and his hostelry, especially after barely surviving the depredations of a near score of goblinoids. Not just the pesky—but deadly—little green ones, but the fearsome bugbear and its warg companion as well. Twas a battle, long and thick, and more than once we saw our life’s blood stream out from us like the headwaters of the mighty Mirar itself. I’d not known that hearts blood was so beautiful. However, through the grace of Lady Tymora, and the puissance of masters Decklan and Trakomak, the cunning of young Raven, and the wizardly might of Lady Tatiana and her twin brother Amos, and perhaps a small contribution by yours truly, we survived. Nay, we persevered, and affected the rescue of our, and here Alex turns to Sildar and Gundren, most gracious employers, and made it to Phandalin otherwise physically unscathed and able to revel in your undoubtedly legendary hospitality.

Trakomak pays 4 copper and drinks the mug in a few seconds. I'm still alive. he says nodding to himself and orders another round of ale. Will be drinking it slowly looking around.

Decklan across the green where the children play you see what seems to be a shrine. As the cart passes a little closer to turn around you see carved into the shrine some sort of coin. There are no other temples or religious places in sight. You also notice that a large building to the south of the green has a sign with a shield with a blue lion on it. You also see to the east what has to be the Town Hall or whatever passes for such in Phandalin.

Raven - The boys smile at you grows very wide. "Oh, that’s my Papa’s Inn! I’m Pip. This is my best mate Carp, his dog’s Ash." Pip puts a lot of emphasis on the his when naming the dog. "What’s your name then?" The boys continue to follow you back up the street.

In the Inn - Toblen watches Alex’s speech with slightly widening eyes and rapt attention. "Well, my… goblins." He takes everyone in again. "I’m glad you all made it to town. Let’s… let’s get you settled, how many in your party? Rooms or just food and ale?" He leads you to a large table by the fire. Motioning at a nearby bar maid then to Trakomak. "Two ale’s for our Gundren’s large friend."

As you look around Trakomak you see many locals, miners, farmers, and the like. Many give you, specifically but also your party, curious looks. As people in small towns are apt to do when strangers come to town.

"We would love to stay at your fine establishment, thank you," says Tatiana. "If you would be so kind as to arrange a room for myself and my brother? We also have four others that might share a space, or separately if there's something available. As well, we have Master Hallwinter and Master Rockseeker."

Should the overnight accommodations be settled, Tatiana says, "I will return to partake in your menu. I must see to business at Barthen's Provisions, and find someone have a look at Master Rockseeker's condition. May I be directed to both?"

Tatiana pays for herself and Ammos to occupy one double. As to the question of Gundren, she answers, "We will have Master Rockseeker diagnosed for the best possible treatment. Is there a temple that we may visit to inquire?"

"Pleasure to meet you Pip, Carp, and noble Ash. My name is Raven and these are my hard working friends Rudy and Steve. I am very much looking forward to staying at your papa's inn, once I finish with my work. First we have to get this wagon delivered up the street."

He continued to guide the oxen.

Bed in the bunk rooms works for me Soldier is used to bunk rooms, besides Trakomak hope to find anyone to play dice game with through the night.
He looks at Sildar, surprised the he would buy everyone a drink for saving his life. Looks at Tatiana, Ammos, Alex... huh these nobles hardly know how how to drink.

Toblen. You know. I am lucky. Still alive after facing half doze goblins and ... he decides not to tell locals about the dragon - need no stress around. Trakomak buy an ale to every patron.

Alex looks morosely at the paltry state of his coin pouch, and gives a long, loud, expressive sigh, replete with overtones of angst and despair. A bunk in the common room it is, mine host, he says as he hands over four coppers, causing them to dance across his knuckles first. Looking to Tatiana, Alex asks, M'lady, are you certain that we can properly remunerate any healer for their time?

Tatiana answers, "It will depend on the diagnosis."

I see. I think I’m suffering from the simultaneous scourges of emptiness of both wallet and gullet. The latter I may be able to address here; the former seems more difficult. Alex shakes his head morosely. So we need a healer and then perhaps we can get paid? he asks of the dragon twins.

"Nothing says that either must be done sequentially," says Tatiana. "Ammos, see to Gundren and Sildar, and inquire about a temple. I will go with Raven to take the supplies to Barthen's."

Turning to Alex, she says, "If you wish to remain here for an early lunch, do let us know the quality of fare." Tatiana proceeds to head back outside under the assumption that Raven is waiting there.

No, no, Lady Tatiana. An enchantress such as yourself requires an escort, exaggeratingly looking around, Alex continues, and I seem to be the only one here. Unless, of course, you choose to go with the redoubtable Ammos and I do my best to see to the ills of our erstwhile? current? future employers? Nothing like leeches and lancets for the curing of all ills, I say Alex takes out one of his razor-sharp daggers as he says the last and sends it spinning and tumbling from hand-to-hand over and under.

Tatiana does not pause on her way out of the inn. If Alex chooses to accompany her of his own volition, he is welcome to do so as she has clearly not voiced her objection.

Snooty is as snooty does, but she did save my life back there. Her and Raven. I shall be back to sample your glorious provender, mine host, but the ways of women are mysterious, and she needs to be escorted, Alex tells the inkeeper. He then hurries out after Lady Tatiana's sweeping exit, quickly ensuring that his half-dozen or more weapons are properly stowed.

Raven guiding the oxen and the cart back up the street waves to Tatiana and Alex as the exit the tavern. He was glad to have the more vocal members along, not being that confident with dealing with whomever they were delivering the supplies.