The Black Wyrm of Brandonsford

"We all do what we do, Nessa. You tell stories, Uncle Sable has a knack for finding coin, and the Marchguard protects the borderlands." He takes a deep breath before continuing, more serious than his usual affect. "Except, we're sworn to it. I have to do this, you see?" He looks for some understanding, but sees he's not being very clear.

"You stop telling stories, you end up poor. I don't help these people, maybe I leave or I just get a job at the tavern? That makes me a deserter, and the 'Guard always finds their own. That's not an option for me." Gann shakes his head, as if trying to knock the thoughts out and recenter himself. He comes back with a smirk and a lighter tone, both clearly forced.

"So I'm gonna help. Only choice is whether to face down the thing what ate all the hunters, or else go after the lost holy man." Gann turns and enters the Egg proper, looking for Quinn and asking Nessa a question over his shoulder. "Can't blame me for feeling a bit pious, can you storyteller?"

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The Golden Egg

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The Golden Egg is quiet as a tomb as Nessa and Gann enter. Earlier in the evening there were a few patrons, people either staying at the inn or the few who preferred its atmosphere to that of the Clumsy Fox. Not so now. So when Quinn suddenly speaks up, from a corner of the room where he stands with a broom, it almost makes the duo jump.

"Well I've been wondering where you all were!" he says as he approaches. "It's not often I fill so many beds and then don't see anyone for hours!"

His eyes dart a little, and the man's fingers shift on his broom handle. "So... so where are the others? Are they coming back? They're coming back, yes?"

Before either can respond, the man curses lightly. "Rat droppings! I knew we'd watered the beer and wine too much! I've no choice! It's that or no beer and wine at all! Blast that man! Blast his eyes for what he's done!"

Nessa mulls over what Gann had said for a long moment. Then she smiles.

"I appreciate your honesty. For a moment I feared you'd tell me you are doing this out of pure altruism. If you did that, I don't think I would have been able to trust you any more."

Sable gratefully takes the stein with both hands.

"Very kind, miss. Clearly your family's business acumen is what keeps the Clumsy Fox so successful in comparison. I hope our dragon hunting helps you both. Have a good night."

He is clearly very close or has overstayed his welcome. He nods to Wren and Rowan, whistles for Kittridge, and sets off to give George his beer.

Wren shrugs at Rosie's surprise and says, "He insists someone is stealing his booze, so he is watering it down, I think. And he believes it's you all, since you're competitors. He's loud about it, too, accusing you to anyone who will listen. I'm surprised he hasn't gone to the guard about it yet. He's so insistent I'm beginning to think someone actually *is* stealing his booze! But I can clearly see that you wouldn't bother; you have a very successful place here already. No need to stoop that low." She smiles and looks around, noticing that most of her traveling companions have gone. She looks back to Rosie and explains, "So, the food and drink, music, and company here is all superior. But I already paid for a room at the Egg. Mistake, I know! But hey, a bed is a bed, after all, so I guess I'll be going shortly. "

She smiles and finishes her ale, but lingers, hesitant to leave. Instead, she sees if Gwen will sing one more song.

As Sable walks back to George, he recalls what he saw when he looked about the Clumsy Fox. The most interesting note to him was Eloise from the kitchen listening in. Though she may have been watching to protect her daughters, maybe she knows a bit more about the situation and how they brew their special Fox Tail beer.

He looks down at Kittridge for a moment.

"Should we? But maybe we shouldn't. It won't be comfortable. But perhaps we should sleep in Quinn's wine cellar tonight?"

He frowns deeply as he would rather have a nice soft bed to sleep in tonight, but a job is a job. Perhaps Quinn would refund some of his money if he wasn't sleeping in the room. Doubtful though considering the man's lack of customers.