The Black Wyrm of Brandonsford

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At Ingrid's

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"Maybe you could offer him help with his charms, say you learned a few things in your time as an herbalist? Once you're over there, talking to the man, I'm sure you can work out how to slip in a few words about how they're not needed in the first place. How fae aren't what we should be worried about. You look clever, I'm sure you'd work it out."

Gann watches the woman, pretty sure she's too terrified, even if she's capable. "Tell you what, I could tell him his charms are all crap and that Ingrid told me the cold iron is the key to keeping them away. I'm sure he'd come to you with a few questions and a mind of gratitude after that. What do you say?"

Wren listens to Warwick explain his thinking and looks confused. She says, "You don't know any neighbors who would leave useful herbs and herbal ingredients as gifts? Along with friendly notes? Perhaps... someone who is too shy to just speak to you directly?" She looks at him meaningfully, hoping he figures it out for himself.

If he doesn't, she rolls her eyes, sighs, and says, "Don't be dense, man! These are well-meaning gifts from the herbalist, Ingrid, across the way! If you had read the notes, you'd understand she is simply wishing you well. Don't you see? She is sweet on you, hon, but she is painfully shy. But please, she is a gentle soul; so be kind to her, OK?"

Wren looks at him, then the letter, then back to him. "You... Oh, you can't read it! Well why didn't you say so Yes, this one says, 'May your hearth remain warm, your arms strong, and your dreams peaceful.' Pretty, don't you think?" She smirks and adds, "The words are nice too."

She nudges him on the shoulder and says, "She's in love with you, but she's too shy to say it, so it's up to you to talk to her first. Don't waste this opportunity; you might never get another like it--trust me." She smiles, encouraging him, but there is sadness in her eyes as well.

Sable finally understands what Wren has been up to. He is very glad Wren has made it clear as to what she has been alluding to as Warwick seems to take his time understanding the situation. The fact that he could not read the notes left behind explains quite a lot.

"We'll see about finding you a load of ore while we are out and perhaps we could then negotiate borrowing the armor to fight this so-called dragon. But as our navigator said, communication is key to any relationship and it would be good to see what your neighbor Ingrid has to say about the matter."

"Great, I’m glad you’re open to a chat with the man. We’ll make sure he comes your way, and all you need do is be your friendly self."

Gann smiles reassuringly, waiting a moment in her shop to ensure she’s doing alright. He then makes to leave and rejoin the group.

Nessa observes the unfolding scene with curious bemusement. She does not want to interfere with it too much though, wanting it to play out by itself.

Rowan walks over to a window in Warwick's shop to look at some of the trinkets which have been left behind and catches a glimpse of the Clumsy Fox down the road. He begins thinking about the previous night and the fun he had at the table with Wren and Rosie. Thinking a bit too much of himself, he swears he made a connection with Rosie that night. While investigating trinkets, using possibly inaccurate maps, fighting dragons, and trying to find a lost brother seems exciting, the thought of conversation with Rosie seems more so.

He flicks some dust off the window sill then says, "You know, the past few days have been pretty interesting. We've captured an invisible thief, helped an armless hunter, argued with a grumpy tavern keeper, and are now learning about these mystery trinkets. I think I've had enough excitement for now, honestly. Take luck and Sable, when you come back to town, I'll have some gold to help pay for that map which I hope serves you well." He pats everyone on the back on the way out, then says, "I'm gonna go see a girl about a drink." and walks out the door, making his way to the Fox.

Sable gives a supportive grip to Rowan's shoulder before he leaves. Then he turns as Warwick slams the mysterious sack on his bench.

Sable silently nods and takes the proffered sack. He will inspect it once they leave. He now gives a "chin up" pat to Warwick's back before the blacksmith heads out to speak to Ingrid.

Wren smiles broadly and tells Warwick, "Very good! You can do it."

Then she turns to the others and says, "So what now? We have a few people to visit in the woods now. We have a map. Anything else in town?"

"Supplies might be nice I suppose. Would not do well to end up hungry and cold before we get anything done." Nessa suggests with a casual shrug.

Sable recalls what he saw at Cedric the Merchant's shop.

"I'm ready to go when you lot are. Cedric still has some supplies, but he is almost as empty as Warwick's place is. We can stop by before we head out. The witch is nearby per this map, but I think we should find this Brother first."

As they discuss, he opens the sack to see what Warwick thinks is best for bargaining for ore.

"I don’t mind either way, Vivian should be mostly on the way and may have tips for the path there. But we can just as easily see her on the way back down. In any case I’m ready now, I don’t think I could afford much more time in this town."

Gann looks to Warwick and opens his mouth, intent on planting some idea about Ingrid being able to help him with his wards. But seeing the man glancing across the street, Gann decides to trust in Wren’s work, and closes his mouth without a peep.