4 On to Phandalin

Toblen turns his worried face back to Tatiana. "We don’t have any temples here in Phandalin yet… the only cleric in town is Sister Garaele of Tymora. She has a small shrine set up across from the Townmaster’s Hall." Toblen pauses a moment then adds. "Or maybe Adabra out at Umbrage Hill could have a look at him, she’s an apothecary and midwife."

Sildar nods to Toblen, "Our thanks Toblen," he turns back to the group. "If you all would get the supplies delivered and check in with this cleric I’ll see Gundren settled."

Trakomak you see three patrons in the common room curantly. Toblen takes the coin from you when you offer it.

Gundren turns to where Alex’s voice came from as he and Tatiana head to the door. "Remember upon delivering the supplies to Barthen’s shop he’ll pay you each 10 gold, my lad." A echo of a smile crosses the dwarfs lips at Alex’s continual exuberance.

Following Tatiana’s lead Ammos stays with Sildar and Gundren in the Inn.

---

"We could help you deliver them," the halfling boy says softly to Raven, "w-where are you taking them?"

Tatiana graciously nods at the directions to Sister Garaele and Midwife Adabra, and steps outside.

Standing at the doorstep, she looks around with concern at the absence of the supply wagon and her companions. Tatiana's first thought is to check the stable, so she walks further out towards the side of the inn while scanning her surroundings in case some thief is still absconding with her charge.

10 gold would come in very handy right about now, Alex thought. Lady enchantress, he called as he hurried after the aloof enchantress, as soon as we are done finding a physicker for Master Gundren, perhaps we should complete our charge and deliver the supplies?

"Gundren is safe; he can wait while we finish our business," Tatiana says without turning as she continues her pace towards the stables, hands hidden beneath her travel cloak. "I don't know if you've noticed, but our charge isn't here."

Raven glanced at the young Carp and very nearly told him they needed no help. But then he remembered something about his adopted father. There always seemed to be children around, and even though he could do all the work himself, he accepted their help. He always had a moment for the kids of the village, no matter how tired he was, especially the strange (and troublesome) orphan he would adopt.

"Well my new friend Carp, we are headed to Barthen's Provisions. Might you know where that is?" Raven knew if he looked up the street he would see the sign. "And have you guided a oxen team before?"

Seeing Tatiana looking for them, "Master Pip, there is a fine lady leaving your father's inn. If you could run over and tell her we are turning the team around and heading up to Barthen's Provisions."

Gesturing to Carp, "Walk in front of me... " he handed the lad the light guiding switch he carried to help guide the oxen, although he himself rarely needed it. Raven softly gave Carp suggestions, knowing that this team was well trained and he controlled them mostly with calls and whistles. "Keep them steady..."

Carp and Pip both beamed up at Raven when asked to help. Pip dashing off straight away toward the Inn and Tatiana.

"I know where the shop is," Carp elates and points up the street, "just there. I’ll show you." Carp wore a very serious expression when handed the switch and was meticulous in following Raven’s instructions for leading the oxen.

Tatiana as you look for thieves and or stables a young human boy sprints up to you panting a little from his run. "My lady, my lady." He pats you enthusiastically on the arm. "Raven sent me to say he’s tuning around the wagon and then we’re going to Barthen’s shop." The boy points farther down the road and Raven and the wagon are easy to see slowly making their way back up the street.

Tatiana gives an imperious glare at the child as her arm is touched repeatedly, but retains enough tact to look where Pip is pointing. "Thank you," she says, forcing her charm school sweetness into her tone. It helped that the boy referenced Raven and there does not appear to be any ill will behind his apparent enthusiasm.

She detours her path to join Raven and Decklan. "So kind of you to tell us," she says to the young child. "What is your name?"

When drinks delivered to patrons Trakomak cry cheers really loud rising his mug, but then become ashamed affording that action, sits at the bar and asks Toblen: So how does things go in this town? I know how people are looking at a half-orc. I think I need to do something good for the community to earn some respect. Any monsters or predators to take care of?

The boy stands up taller, full of pride, "I’m Pip Stonehill. That’s my Pa’s Inn." He points back at the Inn. "Raven’s gonna stay there, are you too gonna?" Pip looks between Tatiana and Alex as you walk.

---

Trakomak with free drinks given to them most the patrons in the Inn gave you polite nods, but one older human man near the hearth gave a loud "Cheers," and big smile when you did the same.

"Oh," Toblen looks a bit ashamed at your question, "towns been have’n it a little trouble with orc’s lately, coming down from the mountain’s. They’ll come round to a lad seems nice as you." He hesitates a moment, "If you’re looking for work though, my wife’s been on me to go out to check on her friend, Adabra. I mentioned her to your blonde friend. The Town Master’s been offering 50 gold to check on her too. Though the wife was more worried about a friend than the gold." He winks.

"Yes," says Tatiana with a natural smile at hearing the name. Her pace is measured instead of rushed as their destination is the same. "I have already arranged a room at your father's establishment."

Tatiana recalls her time in court, navigating the perilous waters of snobbish socializing with as much patience and permanent smile. Compared to the peacocks in Waterdeep, this interaction with the children in Phandalin is almost refreshing.

To a point, at least. "No, I am not married," says Tatiana. "Raven and I are business associates, along with Alexander here."

The wizard pauses. "I do have a brother, and he is here in town, inside the inn." Tatiana turns to Pip, bending slightly to eye level. She says, quietly, "A challenge for you, then. A copper coin if you can, without assistance, identify which one of the newcomers is my brother."

Alex watches the interaction between Tatiana and the urchin with amusement, and withholds on injecting any mischief into the conversation. Although it intrigues him to wonder about Lady Snooty's reaction were he to tell the youth that in truth he is married to the enchantress. Nevertheless, with restraint almost unbecoming, he merely grins and follows along.

"Certainly," says Tatiana. "On your honor; no other assistance. Let us witness your powers of observation and deduction."

Pip nods again with enthusiasm, "Come on Carp this nice lady said she’ll give us a copper if we can figure out who her brother is." He waves his friend over.

Carp looks slightly confused but still up for a challenge, "Thank’s for showing me how to drive the cart, Raven." The halfling gives Raven a big grin as he returns the switch. Carp follows along with Pip back toward the Inn. Pip whispering excitedly into his shorter friends ear, presumably coming up with a plan of attack for their investigation. The large shaggy Ash following dutifully behind the boys.

Raven smiles as the village boys run off, wishing he had more time to chat with the dog, but maybe later.

He kept the oxen headed toward the provisioner up the street.

Once the children are gone, Decklan speaks up. "May have found what passes for a cleric in these parts," he says gruffly from his position in the wagon. "There's a shrine. Once this delivery is received, I intend to check it out."

Trakomak laughs. Destiny. he say I lost my job when humans go fight orc. Humans don't trust me to fight orcs. I can prove.

Trakomak continue drinking his ale and share some war stories with Toblen if human or any of the patrons willing to listen, but otherwise just waits for his party members to return. Fighting orcs is not a job fir him alone. The other job should also be tricky if Town Master value it at 50 gp. If something Trakomak learned at army - strength in numbers.

As Tatiana catches up to the wagon, she says in response to Decklan, "Yes, Sister Garaele of Tymora. There's also an apothecary nearby, somewhere called Umbrage Hill."

Just before their arrival at Barthen's, Tatiana relays the availability and cost of lodging at the Stonehill Inn. "I've already informed the proprietor of our numbers, but I did not presume to select the type of room on your behalf. I believe Alex and Trakomak have already decided on the bunkhouse.

"Speaking of Trakomak," she continues, "what do you three think of him? He appears to be a capable warrior; a bit direct in his approach to problems, but skilled nonetheless. He deserves Surge's payment for delivery of these supplies."