INSIDE THE 'TWIN SHEPHERD'
As the 'Raven' exiles departed the village, the remaining party members relinquished their prime weapons into the armory receiving an inventory bone in exchange. Gresmo explained that these told the exact location of each weapon within the housing and he swore they were all in good standing with the Township Of Tolx.
Gresmo led the octet a mile northeast upon a dirt road until they came upon a well-established beerhouse. True to his word, Gresmo pointed to the 'Twin Shepherd' sign as it swung high above in the gusty winds.
As the party entered and walked to a large cedar table, the foreman grinned at the female bartender Salimen strutted up to the bartender and got her to announce onto the rest of the patrons that a bard's tale was to be told on the last few days of a hero's group travels.
Gresmo grew quiet; articulating the events in his mind and nodding at the narration as it swung upon the evidence of the wagontrain. None of the customers spoke unless it be amongst themselves and then, only in hushed whispers.
When the relation ended, Gresmo laughed and asked for his fourth beer " So you came from Bethlun to help us?" He swilled the barley drink around his glass mug " They must know 'bout growing troubles then? Maybe yer party can go and see what's going on in Rokasia. Many of 'dose strangers came from there, I reckon, and we rid them when they got too suspicious."
The patrons looked upon the group as if they had been dropped out of the sky that evening and none spoke too loud about their thoughts. The sorcerer appeared uncomfortable as he scanned the divided party
Gresmo smiled within himself " I think et would be fair ta say we get along, but we have our own opinions on how we view tha swamps." The foreman looked at his men who gathered around slowly " We are the nurturers of the Morgesic Fens an' much we know about its' habits. We have learned much about what it holds and of these 'monsters' you talk about {indicating Salimen's words}. We know how to keep a certain amount a 'dem under control. Rokasia has more pretension 'specially with thee desert. As of late, Rokasia 'as grown ominous and seems to forbode ill news, especially politically." Gresmo stared at the monk with frank, drunken eyes
" Lassy, two rounds on the house for each and keep'em coming fer me!" He laughed as two dozen workers swallowed brew within their own social circles.
At first, a meager response was shown as only three characters strolled within earshot.
Salimen then relayed a flurried tale on the exploits of 'Raven's' trials; the big fight at the watchfire and the skulking swampmonster few dared to witness. As the bard's tale unfolded, more people drew up, actually sliding their chairs along to hear the results. Aramil and Oktavianus drank their beer with much enthusiasm as the story was embellished.
The foreman looked at Splendor " Who is the leader of 'dis group? Is 'ere one? It seemed easily divisible in such a harsh area, no?"
" Acting on our own free will has worked to our benefit thus far, it would seem." Glade took a sip of his brew " But I hope that we can help you out more efficiently once we converge again. What say you about the matters of Rokasia? Has it a friendship with Tolx?"
" A bad breeze blows in the air."