"Certh, could you please pass the deviled whipped potatoes?" Cudberct busies himself scooping a side of snap beans seasoned in pork tidbits. 'Snaps 'n bits' has been a comfort food and one of the few dishes he could easily whip up. But his wife figured out the recipe while watching him ages ago. Now both know she's better at it, though the original has less garlic and spice. He won't openly admit it as it's the harmless little games that keeps their love fresh.

Certh on the other hand is a man who definitely knows his way around a kitchen. It's a tragedy he's had to restart his life from scratch. The man needs his own oven again. (Here we can't make the same large roasts like one can in a baker's oven, let alone help the local farms with their crocks and tureens.) With greater time and fuel loss, it's been a community hardship overall. (We still need a trained potter, not just for oven quality glazed tiles but on kiln and oven repair!)

Sadly his time here at the inn might have given him the adventuring fever, too. (The least I can do is get the man back on his feet, but that requires me to keep him alive first. And while at his wages it will take forever to raise enough money a month at a time, doesn't he know the community will gladly eat the cost? Soon after we find those Hucrele boys we better send out for a master potter.)

Thinking about the Hucrele rescue mission brings Cudberct back. Accepting the deviled whipped potatoes he then asks, "Well, it's an aired topic and eating in peace won't happen until we talk about it: what should we know about this rescue of the Hucrele kids, Haddon?" Dollops potatoes on his plate continuing, "Two weeks is long enough to wait, but we might as well discuss plans all night before we rush in."

Glances at the door, (Where the hell are those two, Nacre & Llewellyn?), passes the potatoes to Haddon, and starts eating.

Winthrop listens with mild curiousity to any conversation at the table, but does not chime in much.  He's more interested in the adventure than in the planning details.  He finishes the delicious repast, focusing primarily on the pastries, pies, and other baked goods.  Rising to his feet and stretching, he collects his haversack and axe belt.

"Well, I'm not sure if the Sergeant will be making an appearance tonight, I wonder what's keeping him.  No matter.  There's still a bit of dusk left, I may have time to catch a brace of quail for the road.  Could you tell your lady that I will meet await her at the south gate at dawn?"

He smiles and nods at Cudberct and his wife.  "Good to see you again, old friend.  Are you certain we can't convince you to join us?"

To Ms. Scroppings, Gileus, and Haddon, he makes a low bow.  "And well met, new friends.  I look forward to our adventure.  See that the old bore doesn't keep you up all night talking stategy."

He turns towards the door.

OOC: I'm assuming that a frontier-town's inn would be using wooden cutlery instead of something pricy like metal.

@Cudberct: After the long ride and several delays in obtaining a meal, Haddon allows himself to eat well. It's not as though filling his belly will noticeably alter the level of the dishes.

Happy to have a topic presented, he gives the question its due gravity. "It would be difficult, after that time, to find or follow their path directly. I have obtained scent traces of both children and Ashur will be keeping a wary nose, but we shall most likely need to find where the group first went in order to pick up their trail. This means, most likely, diplomatic contact with the ravine goblins. There I fear our skills will be of little help."

He hesitates briefly, and then continues quietly. "In addition, the Lady Hucrele has offered a great reward, 5 pounds of gold, for each of her children returned alive to each person who follows me. I confess, I am uncertain how to figure it since I am instead joining an expedition lead by another. I do not think Lady Hucrele would begrudge payment on such a happy occasion, but all the same I would not wish to have her generosity abused..."

@Winthrop: "Not to worry sir, Ashur never fails to tell me when bed-time has fallen. We shall be able to discuss more while traveling, with the addition of your counsel." A quick glance confirms that despite Winthrop's peculiar tale, his stride is quite steady. "To tomorrow, then."

Striding into the common room, Llewellyn briefly takes in the room, noting the assembled peoples ready to venture forth to discover the secrets behind the Sunless Citadel.  Hopefully, the price of learning would not be too high.

"Greetings, all!  My apologies for the lateness of my arrival, there was a small incident at Tercen Jondra's farm that required my attention..."  Signalling the barkeep for the usual pint of ale, he makes his way to the hearth to take some of the chill off.

Mug of ale in hand, and back to the fireplace, Sgt Ghorat Llewellyn takes the measure of each volunteer in turn.  "Tell me of the plans you have laid, that we may settle matters and be off at first light."

Winthrope's stories are often a bit unusual, but this one barely had a passing association with logic. Still, Hasor enjoyed listening to it. The sudden and late arrival of Sgt. Llewellyn causes a small stir through the common room. Hasor is the most visibly glad to see him; with his authority now behind the venture, Hasor is no just doubt showing what everyone else is feeling.

Having just missed Llewellyn's arrival, Winthrop stops to gather Barnaby from the inn's stable.  Barnaby, a dappled, crotchety warhorse with no discernible colour and a grumpy temperament, whinnies his annoyance at being woken by Winthrop, until he is placated by an apple pulled from Winthrop's haversack.

Winthrop doesn't bother properly saddling Barnaby; since they aren't going far, a jog would be nice to clear his head from all the rich food. He heads to the south gate, Barnaby begrudgingly trotting along beside him.

As he runs, he muses on the sudden adventure.  While a part of him cannot wait to be back on the trail, stalwart companions at his side, another part of him also remembers those companions that didn't return. And the citadel - there was something about that place that made him uncomfortable.  He did not relish the idea of charging in there blind.

Reaching the south of town, he begins to set up a small camp, pulling bedroll, cooking pot and feed from his improbably small backpack.  The night looks clear enough, so he does not bother with the tent.  He knows that Cudberct would have been happy to give him a room in the inn, but the man had given enough charity for one night, and Winthrop's coin purse was a little light for such luxuries.  Besides, there were few places where he was more comfortable than under the open sky.

Camp set and Barnaby appropriately settled, Winthrop set off to hunt.  So near the town, the chances of bandits were slim, and Barnaby barely tolerated Winthrop - he would tear apart any would-be horse thieves.  Heading into the gathering dusk, Winthrop hoped to find something tasty to speed the party on their way in the morning.

Ermengilda waves Cudberct to remain seated as she breaks from preparing Ashur's meal to get Sgt. Llewellyn his ale. "May everything be well with the Jondras now. Nothing serious I hope. You must have had a long day." Pouring a draught with a good head, Ermengilda pushes the ale to Llewellyn across the bar, "Maybe Tercen had you over for dinner afterwards, but if you still hunger just let me know. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."

Cudberct smiles as the sergeant goes about his routine somewhat oblivious and speaking blithely. The familiarity brings a welcome contrast to the evening's earlier events. Well, there's no time like the present to bring him up to speed...

Speaking of previous events, the inn owner brings up the latest ravine related events. The summary ends with three prime different motivations: raid the goblins so they scatter away, find the Hucrele kids from Sir Braford's party, and explore the ravine and citadel for curiosity and profit.

"Obviously finding the Hucrele kin is first priority as it is the most time sensitive. They've been gone for two weeks, and while I've been out for longer than that in hostile territory, I usually was with a company and supply lines. It's a priority to Haddon as he's tasked by the Hucrele family directly, and, as a responsibility to my maids, also a priority of mine."

"Oh by the way, you must have noticed Haddon's companion near your feet, Ashur, if even perhaps you missed our rare visitor friend here at my table." Cudberct nods towards the large wolf sharing the fireplace. "It's been too long, I'm sure."

Ermengilda exits with the steaming pile of mejunje smelling far too good for mere scraps. Bringing the casserole dish to Haddon she asks, "I hope your friend enjoys this as I added a touch of home. It's usually spicier, but I toned it down just in case. Ashur doesn't know me, so excuse me as I leave you to offer this." Leaving towards the bar, "It goes best with small beer (light 2% beer). I get another bowl, it is no trouble."

"Maybe Tercen had you over for dinner afterwards, but if you still hunger just let me know. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."

"Aye, had I accepted his offer, I would still be there!  They put out a feast every night, it's amazing any of them can still move about!" Llewellyn chuckles as he takes up the ale and leaves a few silver on the bar.  "I could only excuse myself after enjoying a small plate, or I would have been here in time to meet this fellowship as they arrived.  If you can, a plate of cold roast boar would settle me for the night."

Speaking of previous events, the inn owner brings up the latest ravine related events. The summary ends with three prime different motivations: raid the goblins so they scatter away, find the Hucrele kids from Sir Braford's party, and explore the ravine and citadel for curiosity and profit.

"Obviously finding the Hucrele kin is first priority as it is the most time sensitive. They've been gone for two weeks, and while I've been out for longer than that in hostile territory, I usually was with a company and supply lines. It's a priority to Haddon as he's tasked by the Hucrele family directly, and, as a responsibility to my maids, also a priority of mine."

"I fear two weeks has perhaps sealed the fate of those poor children, but we will find them nonetheless and bring justice to any who brought ill upon them."  Llewellyn thinks about the previous week, piecing together any information he has gathered about their whereabouts [Insert additional DM supplied information here ]

"Oh by the way, you must have noticed Haddon's companion near your feet, Ashur, if even perhaps you missed our rare visitor friend here at my table." Cudberct nods towards the large wolf sharing the fireplace. "It's been too long, I'm sure."

"Too long, indeed!  I hope the weather has not put our old friend in a less than pleasant mood..."

Distracted a moment from his thoughts, Llewellyn stoops to scratch between Ashur's ears and resumes his place by the fire.

"Are we all present, then?  I would lay plans and assure our supplies are laid in as well before the morrow.  We must leave by first light so we do not arrive too late at the ravine to begin preliminary investigations.  We will need to assign watch and determine the best order for us to ride to assure greatest safety for the party."  Thoughtfully taking a draught from his ale, Llewellyn sets the mug back down to await his meal.  While not often affected by ale, this is not the night to test his mettle against the alcohol.  "The village has some stores I can provide for official business such as this, if anyone has last minute needs, and Uleth can be rousted for any general provisions before we set out."

@Ermengilda: "Many thanks my lady, it smells like quite the best meal he has had for many weeks on the road." Haddon only struggles somewhat with the full-sized dish, mostly due to a slight numbness in his feet from sitting on them. Ashur, for his part, stays put only by long-drilled practice on how to behave among company. The instant the mejunje is put before him he begins eating enthusiastically.

<>

Ashur doesn't dignify that with a response, but does slow his pace fractionally.

@Llewellyn: "It is good to see you again, as well. We have traveled hard, but it is difficult to be ill-natured when in such fine comfort and company."

Haddon starts when the Sergeant reaches to pet Ashur, but the wolf is too engrossed in his meal to even react, much less stare or growl. He is more genial even than he was three months ago. At this rate, I shall have to worry more about him losing his wild spirit than causing problems with other people.

"There are others who intend to travel with us, as I recall. A lady strange to me, who retired not long ago, and a local woodsman whose name esc– no, it was Winthrop I believe. Enough, I hope, that the ravine goblins will be inclined to talk rather than play at silence. How has the situation been these past years? Have they kept mostly to their own land since we dispersed their camp?"

Aminda, who had been so still she was half-forgotten, stirs and arises from the seat she found near the fire. You can't tell if it is the chair that is creaking or her old bones. She makes her way to the table with the others...

"Good eve. It appears m'lady will have many riding out with her on the morn. Knowing m'lady finding the Hucrele boys will be of greatest import. In that vein where can I purchase some yards of canvas for a stretcher? It may be needed if the boys are hurt." She sits herself down, looks to Cudberct and says "You appear to know the area we'll be heading to. Is there sapling or wood there that can easily be crafted into poles or should I be looking to purchase some of those as well?"

"I'll be needing enough rations for myself and my two companion for the journey and enough extra for the boys' group when we find them." She looks at each of those assembled and wags her finger "And I'll be checking before we leave that the rest of you have enough rations too."

"Will you have enough here at the inn Master Cudberct or should I make my way to another shop before sunrise?" she jabs Cudberct in the ribs with a bony finger "And will you be joining us? I have a feeling your experience will be needed."

"Right. Now then. Tell me more of the troubles these Hucrele boys might have run into..."

"Well Doña Aminda, my dear husband is prone to caution, so don't be surprised about him bringing a cart and donkey to carry any wounded. If it's like previous times he'll like to bring a few extra people to maintain a safe camp, too," Ermengilda addresses the elder lady while dining. "And no Eadric, you may not go with them this time!" she turns seriously to the errand boy.

"Besides, you're needed here to help Johannes defend the maids and I in this inn," Ermengilda nods with a smile, while conscientiously serving Dern Nacre's place setting with food. Looking up, speaking to the ceiling, she adds, "And the light is much better by the fire if you plan to do any needlework." Ysmeina rushes head down embarrassed toward the fire with her embroidery gear. "A good brave man looks to care for those around them first before galavanting about," she scoops some last bits upon the plate, then leans in to Eadric and whispers,"and the maids could use a strong shoulder now."

Turning to Aminda and handing her the recently laden plate of food, "Since you sound like you are familiar with tending the wounded and maintaining a bivouac," grasping Aminda's arm with affection and gesturing with the other to eat, "I would be indebted to you if you could keep a safe camp by the ravine with others." Rises to the bar to refill her mulled wine glass and returns with a second for Aminda, "If and when the healer Doña Nacre comes we can talk with her to determine arrangements. Otherwise I have a healing stash of my own and together we can work on bivouac essentials."

"With Haddon and Aminda, I feel good with just Certh and Hasor assisting," Cudberct says. "Knowing you'll want some field experience naturally I won't expect you all to linger alone by camp. I'd like to leave at least one veteran with you during any major forays, though." Cudberct then suggests, "If we are all heavily invested in one delve though, it might be best to hire a few extra people to populate our camp to at least secure the horses and supplies."

"Why do you want to bring so many people this time when you and your war buddies went out with less?" blurts in Eadric, the evening's plans leaving him almost vibrating with excitement. A mere lad of 16 he's already above average in size for his age; farm food and regular labor has been good to him recently. But a few lean years on his home farm led to his current live-in arrangement. Several of his other siblings still work the farm, but being older were more likely to survive those years of hardship.

"Well, part of it has to with just plain ol' life experience, as we're all veterans of far less pleasant times in Garland Emerald," Cudberct starts, "But it also as to do with our familiarity with each other as a group." "When you already know the strengths and weaknesses of your companions, and where you fit in to complement those strengths and weaknesses," Cudberct polishes off a last bite from his plate, "you can begin to take more risks in preparation."

"However it's a bad habit that has cost more than a few lives. Legends and lore provide imperfect knowledge at best. And having backup is rarely a bad idea, even if it seems costly at first." Cudberct takes a mouth cleaning swig of ale and continues, "Now with a new crew, especially newly acquainted and of unknown capabilities, it's downright foolhardy to not take every advantage you can with coin." Laughing, "It's not like resurrection is cheap and easy, and available for you! That's stuff for those legends and lore that so many thoughtlessly trust their lives to!"

Gileus has been sitting quietly, still somewhat bewildered that their expedition has suddenly increased three fold.  Still, he would be a fool to not welcome his new companions, especially as some seem well acquainted with their destination.

"It seems this is not the first journey into the ravine for some of you.  Can you tell me what me other difficulties we might find there, or in the strange citadel?"

"Alas, I have been neither past nor below the ruins of the Old Road bridge over the ravine. I too would like to know what we must expect. In particular, I do hope there is a path down that does not require descending sheer cliffs."

Quote from: StormBringer;601850"I fear two weeks has perhaps sealed the fate of those poor children, but we will find them nonetheless and bring justice to any who brought ill upon them."  Llewellyn thinks about the previous week, piecing together any information he has gathered about their whereabouts [Insert additional DM supplied information here ]

OOC: I've tossed some additional information in the OOC character thread. For the kids: You're familiar with basically the same information as Kerowyn. A little over two weeks ago, the goblins stole the seedlings that had been planted from the magic apple.

Shortly thereafter, a knight named Sir Braford rode into town with another fellow named Karakas. Braford had a glowing sword and was in the common room almost every night telling tales. Karakas only put in the rare appearance.

Braford and Karakas recruited Talgren and Sharwyn and headed off down the Old Road to "find the goblins". Really no question about where they were going, but nobody has head from them since.