4 On to Phandalin

Alex takes Decklan’s dismissal with aplomb. Leaning in to Raven he whispers in this case, more often than not, dour-faced Decklan is right.

Raven listened carefully and was mostly able to understand, well about half of it anyway.

After Alex's quiet comment, he smiled slightly "Well, bullshit I am very familiar with."

"Yes, I consider you a friend Alex. That is how you get so many names then.

My name is easy, when you find a lost boy wandering the streets of the village with coal black hair talking to ravens, I guess you name him Raven. Although some claim the witch turned me from a raven to a boy, but I don't believe that."

Yes, sir. I want to settle in your town. Woukd you have any free house. Or where could I build one for me? And. Do everyone know about dragon?

Well, whether you are a boy-turned-raven or raven-turned-boy, you’re good in my book! Alex says with a smile.

As Decklan takes point in the march back to the Stonehill Inn, Tatiana shortens her gait until Sister Garaele passes her or, at least, is in step. She looks over the elf in an attempt to gauge the tense demeanor; does Sister Garaele know Gundren more than by name? Is the Sister's apparent concern due to an uncertainty in what she'll find, or is it something else?

Trakomak Harbin shrugs, "Well I suppose that wizards place isn’t going to much use of late. He only lived there a few weeks before he disappeared. I suppose I could sell you that house. It would be 500 gold."

---

Tatiana as you look over Sister Garaele you see that she knows Gundren more than just by name, but it’s a small town and Gundren is a friendly and boisterous fellow. You don’t get the sense that they are more than friends.

Wizards place? You had real wizard here in town? Wow. Which house would that be?
Trakomak is intrigued but soon realize he is very far from having 500 gp and while he hope situation with house availability and price will soon change due to dragon, he certainly need to earn some money
Talking about money, you promise money for fighting Orcs, right? Could you tell any details? I don't think I have all to 500 gold just yet

"Physically, he seems fine," Tatiana says to Sister Garaele as they walk, attempting to provide as much information as she can. "He appears to be alert and in possession of his faculties, aside from the aforementioned loss of sight."

Conveniently with Decklan in the lead, the door to the Stonehill Inn can be opened without Tatiana's need to do so herself. As it should be.

Alex walks alongside Raven, following Lady Tatiana and the Luckbringer into the inn. As they enter, Alex asks Sister Garaele, Luckbringer, are there any customs of the Mistress of Good Fortune specific to this area of which I should be aware? I know her custom varies across the land as much as do the rules of the games of chance which honor her.

Trakomak the town master waves a hand in slight disinterest, "It’s the house with the blue door across from the Alderleaf farm. As I said the wizard showed up, saying he was sent to help the town flourish, then a few weeks later just… poof. Gives up or something." Harbin eyes you critically, "As for the orc problem… I’m not sure even a… warrior such as yourself could handle it alone." Then the man shrugs, "But if you want the posting is on the job board out front."

---

Tatiana the sister listens to your explination of Gundren’s condition with serious intent.

To Alex Garaele smiles, "We’re not very demanding here. She asks only that we recognize that both good and bad luck are part of the Lady's ways. Don't fear misfortune, as it can be a stepping stone to greater fortunes. Accept both good and bad fortune with a sense of courage." Here the sister smiles more, "Share your good luck when you can. You’ll be honoring Our Lady."

Decklan you are the fist to reach the door to Stonehill Inn, the others all following close behind.

Opening the door, Decklan scans for the others and announces their arrival. "Gundren," he calls in his usual growl, "We brought the cleric. Hopefully she can get you taken care of."

He will scan the other patrons, body language making it clear this isn't the time to make small talk or pester Garaele... whom he turns to as the others enter. "Tell us what you need. Once you know, o'course."

Tatiana proceeds into the common room and makes a beeline to the booth that Ammos and Sildar have secured. As she approaches, she speaks directly to Ammos. "This is Sister Garaele, of Tymora."

Not alone and I understand, my orc heritage makes you suspicious. Trakomak don't hide his disappointment Harbin is not interested to discuss Orc problem in details. Maybe he isn't really interested in solving orc problem having a dragon in the skies.
Thank you for your time, see you. But just before leaving Trakomak casually ask what was the wizard's name?

Upon entering the Inn, Gundren, Sildar, and Ammos are indeed easy to spot. Decklan all eyes turn to you, unease crossing a few of the eyes.

Tatiana, to excited and young to be bothered by Decklan the two young boys from earlier rush over to you from you companions table. "I know!" Pip cries as they both smile up at you. "Somehow the... dragon is your brother!"

---

Trakomak Harbin shakes his head at you, "No, no, lad. It's not because you're a half orc, it is because reports say there are more than a few orc in the mix, and I'm not one to send you alone to your death. If you get some help... then like I said, full listing is posted out front." Harbin nods his head like that's all sorted out well. "As for the wizard... name was... Ino? No that's not right."

After a pause Harbin shakes his head, "I've got it written down here somewhere if you really want to know. I remember he was a member of the Lord's Alliance. Those guys are supposed to reliable, but he was kind of a flake if you ask me..."

"Interesting," says Tatiana, her expression demonstrating a studious interest in such a wild conclusion; something she was all too familiar with from her tutors. She steps away from Gundren's area and guides the two boys away from Sister Garaele's work.

After reaching the bar, she asks of Pip, "State your case. I will confirm or deny after learning of what you've discovered."

Wizard reliably? That's funny. Well. If you can't remember name. I can't also. I guess. Trakomak don't insist on name reading. He also agree with the man
And you are right, the party I met struggled with goblins, they are not ready for Orcs.
Totally. Forgot. Need ask about red bandanas man. Don't want to live of a rumor. Are they kind of local security?

Sister Garaele rushes straight over to Gundren, Sildar suggests they go up to his room for the examination rather than the crowded common room. The three, and Ammos start upstairs.

Tatiana, Pip and Carp exchange excited smiles then Pip starts a over eager rambling explanation. "Fist we asked big Tra, asked who was his favorite. He said… you and the dragon, cus you’re reasonable." Pip says ‘reasonable’ like it’s a boring word. Then we asked Gundren’s friends who they liked most. The old guy said it’s not nice to have favorites." Carp rolls his eyes, and mumbles, "Maybe he’s your dad." Then giggles at his own joke. Pip gives his friend a nod, then continues, "The dragon though said you were his favorite right away! And siblings should be your favorite, right away." They both nod excitedly.

---

Trakomak when you mention ‘red bandana men’ Harben’s face falls and pales. "W-we have no local security." He stammers. "Now if we’re done, I’m very busy." He starts across the room to a door at the back, "Shut the door, on your way out." He ducks into the far room and shuts the door.

Raven followed quietly behind the others, glad they had found a possible healer for Gundren. He really hoped that she would be able to do something. Raven would have to wait and hear the news. Decklan had offered to find whatever the cleric needed, which Raven thought was a good idea and he was very good at finding herbs.

Raven was getting pretty hungry, with the smells of he inn assaulting him, but he loitered around with the others to see what everyone was doing next.

Raven as you loiter you can smell bread and stew coming from the Inn kitchen and it smells very good to your rumbling stomach. In fact the delectable scents of food remind all of you in the Inn that it’s past midday and you’ve only eaten breakfast when you broke camp.

Tatiana stares at Pip, wordlessly processing the young boy's deductive reasoning. Finally, she lifts her hand to her mouth and covers her laughter, thoroughly amused by the seemingly-inevitable conclusion. "Well done!" she declares, then lowers her voice mischievously. "Indeed, I am sister to the dragon. You've both shown remarkable skill in solving this puzzle, and as promised you will be rewarded."

Here, she produces two copper coins and holds one out to each child. "I admit, I thought it would take you all of a tenday to figure it out, but your speed and ingenuity deserves a bonus. I may have use for resourceful individuals such as yourselves, later."

As Gundren is taken upstairs, Tatiana remains behind. She studies Raven's apparent distraction and realizes that it matches her own. "Master Stonehill," she says, should she find Toblen at the counter, "what fare do you have for us today? Something light, perhaps, before I pay a visit to the Lionshield Coster."