4 On to Phandalin

Sildar, Ammos and Gundran have taken up a table in the common room and order themselves some food, as well as sipping on the drinks that Trakomak bought them. They are close enough to you, Trakomak, that you can hear their conversation and when Amos sees you still standing at the bar he waves you over to sit with them.

Raven nudged Rudy who was drifting a bit to the left into the center of the street as he considered Tatiana's question.

"Seems good in a fight, definitely helped us against the goblins when he certainly did not have to help. He could have just kept on going. I agree he should get Surge's pay. Beyond that, I'm not sure what's next after we make this delivery."

Raven felt a little sad, he had been enjoying working with the oxen and would miss them once the job was completed.

"My brother has entered a service agreement with Master Rockseeker," asys Tatiana. "The delivery of these supplies was only part of the arrangement, and I am sure there is more work to be done."

She looks for the signpost marking Barthen's Provisions. "You are, of course, free to depart for your own pursuits once this task has been completed. If you have not yet made a decision, perhaps wait for Master Rockseeker to recover."

"Big lug swings heavy. Could be a real asset if that additional business turns out like this business. Give 'im the pay, might convince him to stay around," Decklan says in agreement.

Tatiana makes a quick adjustment of her weathered travel gear, and enters through the front door.

Decklan will hop out of the cart, and lean on it -- facing away from the shop.

Gundran, get well soon! Trakomak toasts and drinks his second ale in one go. He say thanks to Ammos for inviting, but he feel like he is class lower to the party and then leaves Tavern decided to goes for a walk through the town looking forward to find Town Master's house an other other site-seeing places of the town.

Trakomak as you turn to go to boy, on human one a haling enter and loitering in the doorway block the way out as they scan the room. They say a few quick words to each other before puffing out their tiny chests and walking over to you.

The human boy with dark hair is the one that speaks up at you, his eyes are wide, "I don’t know you. Did you help Raven get to town?"

---

Tatiana as you right yourself and enter the shop you see three people inside. A half elf is winding cords of rope in the far corner from the door. A Red haired halfling woman is inspecting the items on a shelf to your right, and an older human man with a bushy gray beard and a round belly leans against the font counter. When the older man sees you he stands up straight, smiles, and calls out, "Welcome to Barthen’s Provisions. What can I do for you, mill?"

Tatiana takes a moment to process the contextual meaning of mill and deduces it's shorthand for m'lady. "I am Tatiana Grifstone," she announces with a curtsy to the older man, "here on behalf of Master Gundren Rockseeker. My associates and I have arrived to complete delivery of your contracted supplies."

She indicates any of her companions that have entered the store with her as part of her introduction, then says, "The wagon is just outside, if you wish to inspect your delivery."

Ha, Raven need no help. On the way here though we had some fun fighting goblin together. Why ask? Did he get into trouble? Trakomak talks a bit smoother than usually - now after two ales and asks also. And how you not afraid of half orc? Brave young man ?

"...just our fuckin' luck t'have this load stolen from the front yard o' th' damned client..." Decklan grumbles as he watches for signs of trouble.

Raven stood with the oxen, kind of keeping an eye on the wagon, but mostly just speaking softly to the oxen, thanking them for all their help and doing such a good job along the way.

"Oh yes, yes. Gundren was due back I forgot. Still haven’t seen his brothers come in from their claim yet." Barthen’s smile is bright and he mumbles the last part mostly to himself. "How many hands he hire out there in Neverwinter, Miss?"

---

Out in the yard the oxen are happy for Raven’s attentions. Decklan no one approaches the yard but you do notice that out on the street a group of three rather ruff looking men are walking past and other townspeople are quick to get out of their way.

---

Trakomak you notice the boy puff up a little more, "I’m not afraid of talking to people, plus we’re on a mission from the blonde lady. You have to be brave on missions." The halfling boy next to him nods seriously in agreement, "She sent me to investigate something and you and those two over with Gundren are the only new people I see." He gives a little nod like things are now in order. "Who’s you favorite person you were traveling with?" Both boys await your answer with bated breath.

BARTHEN'S PROVISIONS

---

"There are six of us, sir," answers Tatiana. She waits professionally for Elmar to take possession of the supplies, and her eyes scan the shelves for a brief inspection of the merchandise.

Mission , wow! Trakomak looks at boy with a respect (if a bit played). OK. It is second question. And favorite is ... how you say - secret, right ? How about you tell me your secret and I tell you mine? And don't say such brave smart boy don't have secret

Tatiana Barthen gives you 60 gold and a serious look, "Now, Miss Grifstone, I will be checking in with Gundren on all points, I’ll let him know you collected this payment for all involved." He then turns to the halfelf coiling rope and calls, "Thistle, collect the wagon and you and Ander see it unloaded before sundown." The half elf is quick to head outside and take the lead of the oxen from Raven and Decklan, and lead them around back.

Within Barthen’s Tatiana scans the shelves. Barthen's is the biggest trading post in Phandalin. Its shelves stock most ordinary goods and supplies, including backpacks, bedrolls, rope, and rations. The place is open from sunup to sundown. Barthen's does not stock weapons or armor.

---

Trakomak the boys talk in whispers for a moment before the young human urges the red haired halfling forward. "I’ll tell you the secret if you don’t tell my mum." The boy says, his freckles disappearing as his face flushes an embarrassed red at being the center of attention.

Tatiana hands over Alex's share, then pockets the remaining coins into her purse. "Of course, Master Barthen," she says with confidence. "You may find Master Rockseeker at the Stonehill Inn."

She briefly glances out the window to gauge how much sunlight remains, and decides that now is as good a time as any. "If there is nothing else to settle with our business arrangement, I should like to browse your wares. Others in my company may wish to, as well."

Tatiana indicates her interest in a hooded lantern and a bundle of rations. While she waits for the items to be retrieved, she gives a demonstrative scan of her head across the shelves and says, "I note that while you have an impressive selection, delicate items like jewelry appear absent. Are there other merchants in town that might carry such stock?"

Raven says goodbye to the two hard working oxen. He seems a little lost without them as the move away behind the building.

As Tatiana give him his payment, he simply says "Thank you." carefully pocketing the coins.

Since she is shopping, he glances around the wares, but does not seem to really need anything at the moment.

"Thanks, Princess," Decklan says as the entire handful of coin is dumped into a pouch. "By the by, th' town has a couple o' toughs wandering around. Locals scurried like rats to get outta th' way."

He stands silently without looking at Tatianna, eyes watching the believed troublemakers. "I may go start a fight. It's a maybe, because if they're just goons I don't want their boss to drop the hammer on the town after we leave. Still..." His voice trails off as he seems to be considering making bad things happen.