The Black Wyrm of Brandonsford

---

The Herbalist's Shop

---

Ingrid is looking out her window, at something across the street when Wren barges in and startles the woman.

"A-Ahoy!" she says beck before Gann steps up to engage with the woman. She blinks nervously at the mention of the witch and the Marchguard (these things often do not go well together, witches and soldiers), and she still hasn't formed a full sentence when Wren cuts in again. Finally, the slender woman wrings her hands and responds.

"I--well. Yes. And hello. I'm Ingrid. There's a dragon marauding in these woods, it's true! A most... ferocious one. What else do you want to know about the surrounding area? Vivian isn't... a witch, at least as you would think. She's a wise woman who knows much about the spirit world. She--she might be the one to ask about the dragon!"

Ingrid is socially awkward, that much is clear. But she is also distracted by something outside, and almost as an afterthought she gestures to the shelves that contain her wards.

"F-forgive me. Might I interest you in... essence of Wolfsbane? Witch powder... or mandrake root tea?"

Picking up a piece of what looks like amber from her counter, the shop-owner shakes it, causing it to glow beautifully. Underground, it would light a tunnel with east. "Or something a bit more... magical? Ancient elfin spellweaves light this firelight citrine..."

Wren nods and says, "Thank you, Ingrid. How much for the, uh, glowing citrine?" As she speaks, she casually moves around next to Ingrid to see what she's looking at or distracted by.

"Hmm, looks like you've been getting good business? A lot of dragon hunters passing through here lately? Or are the empty shelves due to the missing caravan Quinn has told us about?"

If he is allowed, Sable takes a quick look at the map to see if it seems to be accurate from what they have seen of the area so far.

"Three gold seems like a lot when Quinn charged us only 8 silvers for a room and meal. What makes this map so special?"

Gann happily lets Wren take the lead with the conversation, seeing the discomfort Ingrid had when approached by two people at once. He idly browses near the entrance, trying to work out who or what she’s preoccupied with.

"That is a rather princely sum you offer, it will certainly keep everyone motivated." Nessa remarks. She does not really care for the gold, but humors Eric none the less.
"I assume you can't offer much advice on how to actually slay the creature, or you would have taken care of it already. Have you at least seen it for yourself though? It is a bit difficult to get a reliable account of it and while I enjoy spinning a good tale, something more concrete would be appreciated when dealing with a dragon."

---

The Herbalist's Shop

---

"So this Vivian," Gann begins, "if we were to go visit her, she wouldn't be dangerous? Anything we could do to let her know we're friendly? If she's living outside the walls with everything's been going on, I'm sure she'd have some tales to tell."

Nessa nods along: "Right, the old huntsman, we have already spoken to him. A dire state that one ended up in. I guess we are on our own from this point onward then?"

Sable narrows his eyes, but relinquishes the two gold. There were some interesting spots on the map he wanted to check out.

"All right, it's a deal if we end up encountering that dragon. Do you recommend we take anything on our trek out then?"

Hearing the amount Ingrid has in mind for the gem, Wren looks surprised. "Oh, dear, no. If I had that kind of money, I wouldn't be ferrying strange men up and down the river to survive..." She looks out the window at the blacksmith and smiles, commenting, "My, you have such lovely scenery here... I bet he knows how to get a forge hot..."

Gann hears Wren cut him off part way through his direct line of questioning, and realises the woman is much better than he is at this. He chooses to shut up for real this time, looking at the goods in the shop and trying not to smile at her comment on the "scenery".