>>5093
>>5094
>>5095

[10:30 Clear 1C]

>>5101
>Don't you think we should tell that gnome and others who know Gundren that he was dragged off by goblins? We might get reinforcements. But hmm, might look suspicious again to have people disappear around us.

>>5102
>Ashley shakes her head, "gimme a chance to get there, let's get this stuff sorted out first then I'll ask."

>>5107
>Ashley you handle telling them about Sir Gundrens fate the way you see fit. But try to keep 'alternative facts' to a minimum we are already more than suspicious. Arriving with Sir Gundrens cart but without Sir Gundren will raise questions we need to answer.

Ashley leans into Yulya, "Listen, I told him it was Gundren's cart and Gundren's stuff other than the stuff we're selling separately, what other questions would it raise? Besides that, why is it so flipping cold?"

[See sales receipt. Possible Interaction #1]

Hobby steps into the attached dwelling to deposit some items and you hear Hobby getting yelled at inside as you count your coin.
Cat hears, "...40% are you mad?! Who can afford that round here? Lest not till the mine is sorted."

The door opens soon after and a younger Gnome woman comes storming out to see the happenings.
"A little late for travel in'it? Elmina Barthen, owner of this here establishment, now who's the master negotiator who's tricked my old man into 40 over market?"

Ashley steps forward, "Deal's already done."
She takes a offensive stance, "Yeah, and we'll be apologizing for our prices for weeks to come thanks to you. Taking advantage of us is outright highway robbery. First the Redbrands, now you." She continues to lecture. "I thought he was a tough negotiator, looks like he was taken down by a pretty face, that old coot. Well congratulations, spend that coin well, and I'll have Gundren's ear as well, when's he expected?"

Ashley doesn't back down, "You're done? Good. I have to ask you about that. You see, our pal ole Gundran and his guard were taken by Goblins and we're about to go out there to save him. Any leads on anyone here that can help us do that?"

Her tone and stance shift from aggressive to concerned, "Gundren's in trouble? Well why didn't you say so in the first place, of course we'll help any way we can, oh drat it all, that guy's always up to one scheme after another, probably wanted to trade with those beasts, well, shoot. His brothers are camping down by the mine. Don't know why, it's been frost every morning for a week now, don't know when this cold snap will ever end but those boys are likely freezing their toes off about now. You could also ask Daran at Edermath Orchard, he's retired now but capable. Bah, you girls better take care of yourselves, and don't get into it too deep, I want to see your four happy cherub faces back here safe and sound with Gundren and Sildar soon, don't hesitate to ask for more help if you need it. I'd say those Redbrands could handle a goblin or two but they're not worth the trouble, more ruffians than protectors in my opinion. So stay away from the Sleeping Giant's Tap House of you don't want additional trouble. Stonehill Inn's got everything you need." She began pacing and fretting, Hobby came out and sheepishly and she filled him in, completely forgetting about his transgression.

[Possible Interaction #2]

She steps at you and shoos you away, "Go on, go get some food in your belly and some rest, and then go get our Gundren! Tell 'em Hobby and Elmina say it's on them. We'll take care of Gundren's cart and horses in the meantime, don't worry a lick."

You walk on down the street to the Inn.

[Possible Interaction #3 Please signal at least that you're ready for the next scene at the inn.]

>>5122
>Now what do you think?
>We must at least inform Sir Gundrens brothers but it cannot hurt to pay this Daran a visit as well. Any help is welcome.

"It wouldn't hurt to ask in the morning."

>>5124
>I gotta eat and warm up or I'll pass out!

"I might need to get a parka if this keeps up, we're not really set up for this."

>>5125
"Nya!"

[21:00] You're finally done unloading and even before you're shooed away, some townfolk have come and have already started bartering for some of the items. 40% more or not, there was a high demand in this town. They're sold by the crate and men have taken them ahead of you. There's a scent of burnt wood, the hearths are working overtime tonight.

You make it to the inn, practically shivering, it's not hard to find and townfolk have congregated. As you enter, you're greeted by chilled denizens of this small hopeful mining town, drinking ale and a strong elixir that smells of cherries and is thick as maple syrup. "Now that the Rockseeker brothers have opened the mine, there's a chance at the good life, finally, and with it good times and good drink." A man says to his companions as you pass. The mood is good if not downright jovial.

[Possible interaction #1]

"Toblen Stonehill's the name, what can I do ya for?" Says the man behind the bar. His smile is wide and his breath smells strongly of that cherry liquor. He holds up a bottle, "Drawven Mountain Cherry Brandy, no one makes it better than the Dwarves. Thank the gods that those Rockseekers finally came though!"

The dining room/bar is a converted living quarter of what might have been a large home. The Bar looks quickly tacked on, the selection is sparse, Neverwinter this is not. The walls are decorated with sea shells and old fish nets. A large marlin is the centerpiece of the ambiance. The lamps are old, the wood is roughly hewn, this town has been built by those who are not craftsmen, but it is functional.

[Possible interaction #2]

You recognize the label is the same as one on a crate from your cart.

"Ladies, what a sight for sore eyes!"

Ashley steps up, "hey, Ashley, Alice, Cat and Yulya, we were sent here from Barthen's Provisions and we need a room and food, It's free according to Hobby and what's her name... Elma... Elmina, so 4 servings of the works and something warm to drink."

"This'll warm you up," he says and pours her a snifter of this strong smelling liquid.
"Uh, I'll pass, if you don't have anything non-alcoholic, then tea or warm water will do," Ashley says and pushes the glass away.

Locals are crowding the group, some looking a little too interested in the bevvy of beauties who just waltzed in.

[Possible interaction #3]

Even Ashley is itching to get to a private, less crowded room. "Uh, just send it up, we'll take the first empty room we find."

He waves Ashley on and bows, "as you wish, m'lady, don't mind us, we might be a bit noisy tonight."

[Possible interaction #4]

Ashley pulls a near catatonic Yulya amid the roar of a growing crowd of humans, elves, halflings and gnomes who just don't understand personal space. Up the stairs you go and find a room with an open door. It's large room with two double beds. A dormer juts out giving a nearly panoramic view of the town, from East through South to West out over the lights of the town. Ashley wastes no time lighting the hearth and getting the room warmed up.

"You three can have that bed and go nuts with the cleaning or whatever you do all night, I'll take this bed." Ashley kicks off her boots and jumps under the fur lined covers, she's bundled and staring at the growing fire, looking forward to whatever food might be sent up, but also resigned to just going to sleep if her mind should drift."

[22:00]
The food does eventually come with a knock at the door. By then Ashley is asleep.

[Settle whatever you like the next scene will be morning.]