Chapter 2: The Night of the Assassin!
-----A few hours later, as the sun sets somewhere behind the clouds, everyone gathers at the Red Leaf Tavern. Not far from the great Sylvan Inn, the short jaunt proves to be a nuisance for some in the party as the rain that started earlier in the day still falls causing pools and puddles to form on the trails. The party rides in on their horses that were brought to them by the kind hands of the inn and the stables.
-----The hunters and warriors formed a guard around Sarah as she rode Marlexana while Mirian rode behind Romney in his saddle. The dancer's demeanor appeared happy though nervous as she glanced around at the darkening village. Romney's expression seemed a bit reluctant but he alertly watched the surroundings.
-----As the adventurers' party enters the tavern, they see it is constructed in the form of a long building. Exposed wooden beams are seen near the ceiling while support columns rise vertically from the floor. The smell of the oiled wood is appealing especially to the hunters who appreciate the rustic look of the place.
-----Many long tables and benches fill the length of the tavern while a large fireplace is situated along one of the longest walls next to the bar. Oil lamps are affixed to the support beams brilliantly lighting the building. The tavern does not appear dingy even though the wood is darkly grained. Rather the walls are adorned with wreaths and vines and wall hangings of animal furs that add to a warm feel here.
-----The man behind the bar looks to be a fairly strong stocky person. His curly hair hints at a youthful age but the lines on his face belie a premature aging. As he gathers drink requests from his patrons, he maintains a jolly manner and is perhaps a bit tipsy himself.
-----As for the patrons, this tavern is lively indeed this night! At least two scores of people are here, mingling, getting drinks from the bar and eating from the large amounts of food that are laid out on large side tables. Of the people seen, most appear to be a combination of humans, elves and those of the mixture of the first two races. A dwarf is seen pushing his way through the crowd with one hand as he steadies a platter of food in the other. Two gnomes walk up to the bar whereupon one immediately climbs on the shoulders of the other to order drinks. A hail of laughter is heard near them when one of them is heard to order two short beers.
-----Mirian's eyes immediately brighten as she takes in the entire tavern full of people. The girl smiles widely at Sarah and tells her, "This place could use some lively entertainment! Care to help me?"
-----"Not a good idea," Romney grumbles as he squints his eyes to scan the establishment.
-----"Ah, now," Garrison chimes in, "a little fun couldn't hurt." The woodsman smiles at Mirian who ignores him while awaiting an answer from the young mage.
-----Just then a man wearing ragged and well-worn clothing approaches Lovan. "Bring'r o' doom!" his voice squeals out of a dirty and haggard face as he points at the Storm Priest. His large eyes stare from beneath slick and greasy dark hair, while a thin beard grace his shallow cheeks.
-----Lovan casts the man a strange amused look. "Follow the wind, fool," Lovan tells him, "With the Rager's Fury, I brought a dragon down this day!"
-----The raggedy man continues to stare slack-jawed at Lovan for a moment and then heads out the door into the elements.
-----Chuckling, Lovan says to Sol, "Perhaps he wants to witness the Rager's Fury first hand."
-----A woodman approaches Raven and bows saying, "I am Roderon, loyal ranger to Lord Howrun. I saw you and your companions help us battle the dragon earlier this day. I am honored to welcome you on Lord Howrun's behalf and bid you to sit, drink, and enjoy our company and our food."
-----Roderon is an average sized human wearing leather breeches and a vest. His long blond hair is accented somewhat by the color of his skin tanned from his time in the wilderness. His expression is stern but friendly.
-----At the far end of the room, the Lord of Silvergard is seen sitting in a huge chair with a large setting of food in front of him. The Lord does not eat; rather he speaks intently with two people seated on each side of him. To his left is a sturdily built man wearing chain armor while to his right sits an elven male wearing very elaborate robes of sylvan colors.
-----"Ah, this place is lively indeed. Alright, we're here to do two things. Keep an eye on our two performers an' t'enjoy ourselves...It is possible t'do both." Sol advises as he takes in the atmosphere of the tavern.
-----To Sarah, Sol nods, "Go ahead, it'd be worth being here fer that alone. Raven, perhaps ye could thank Lord Howrun on our behalf?" The Gorian then leads Lovan away by guiding the priest's elbow, and Sol can be seen keeping an eye on the dwarf's progress as he does so.