SteelBrow sits in the inn sipping cider.

* The maid, still speaking with Norry, replies, "Well, the apple pie and the cobbler are one silver a slice. They're big slices, though," she adds, either by way of apology, or justification of the price.

Akia weighs her hunger and thirst against her tiredness and comfort sitting down.

Norry says, "Oh. Well... I'll just have to try both."

* The maid smiles knowingly, gives Norry a nod, and wanders off to accommodate his request.

Akia sighs, not wanting to give up her seat, then gets up and wanders over to the bar.

Norry nods to Akia. "How're you feeling?"

* After a short interval, Ian Turbrand wanders in from the doorway the other serving maid left through shortly after your arrival here in the inn. He makes his way over to your area with clear interest, which shifts into concern as he sees how battered some of you seem to be. "...Are you all right?" he asks the party at large, upon arriving.

SteelBrow wanders over to the bar, "what's handy for eats?"

Akia says, "Tired... and a bit hungry."

Akia grimaces a little at the timing of her statement, but shrugs. It's still the truth.

SteelBrow says, "beaten, bruised, but so far triumphant."

* The barkeep that was filling in for Ian starts to address Steelbrow, but pauses when Ian appears, staying nearby just in case.

Ian smiles a bit at Akia's earlier comment, and offers, "If you would be so kind as to share what you have found so far, I will offer you a reasonable meal here in exchange," he finishes with an almost-unnoticed glance at Norry.

Akia asks, "Well... where to start?"

SteelBrow says, "a foul den of undead."

Akia says, "That'll do."

Akia says, "And an old statue? Of a king."

Norry raises both eyebrows, one after the other. "Abominations!"

Akia says, "And... a bear that likes berries."

SteelBrow asks, "Me thinks we haven't seen the last of that foul brood. There a place around we could get some holy water?", and more quietly, "and some healing potions?"

Akia says, "Oh, and a really scary dog with glowing runes on it... that was MEAN."

Sebrinia nods and looks up at the innkeeper with a sad expression. "The guards had been killed by what looked like Wargs. We dispatched a few of the beasts."

Akia says, "Didn't we have to fight some werewolf or something? I forget. It's been a long ... two days."

Ian gestures to the barkeep to bring the party what they ask for, and raises a brow a bit as the serving maid returns with two large slices of pie, who delivers them to Norry. He gives his head a quick shake, then listens intently. What he hears disturbs him, except for the bit about the statue, and he shakes his head at the knowledge of the demise of the guards. "I have hope there are more to be rescued in there, but... it is a slim hope, indeed. Still, there have been no further disappearances since you've started investigating - I think Kingsholm will be fine once this situation is resolved."

SteelBrow says, "2 wolfs and a warg."

Akia turns to the Maid, "Any stew available? And some bread and cheese and something mild to drink."

SteelBrow says, "The cider here is Good.", and takes another sip.

- "If you don't mind my asking," asks Norrelberry, "Who is the king? The statue I mean, of course."

Norry digs in to his pie as he listens.

Akia nods, "Cider, then."

SteelBrow says, "Some stew and bread would be good."

* The maid nods to Akia and Steelbrow, and wanders off again to fetch their orders. The barkeep quickly fills a pint mug with cider, and gives it to Akia, while Ian continues addressing your questions.

Akia eyes some of her wounds and sighs, "Yeah, I could use some rest. That bear got me good."

Akia smiles to the maid, "Thanks."

Ian answers Norry with a slight sigh, as though he's been asked this more than a few times, "No one knows whom the statue represents. The oldest residents of the town maintain that the statue, and the entire graveyard, predate the town. We don't even know why it's there. It has never proven dangerous to us, but you'll still find few here in town that will wander into the hills to investigate it."

Akia huhs, between bites and sips.

SteelBrow says, "eye, we found some pretty ancient dwarven tunnels down there."

Norry's eyes take on a distant quality, and he murmurs around a mouthful of pie, "A forgotten king, and all his kingdom lost and ruined in the woods. Now _that_ sounds like a tale."

Ian finally addresses Steelbrow, and Akia by extenion. "There is a cleric here in town that I can call upon, and may also be able to provide you with the holy water you request. Not as good as Sertha," he says with a more wistful sigh, "But Pelor reclaimed her after a long life about a year ago."

Akia tries to remember, "Was it a dwarven king?"

Norry squeaks, "Well he was a LOT taller than me!"

Akia ohyeahs, "We never did look in that one door, did we?"

Akia says, "I sealed it off with ice... but who knows how long that will last."

Akia says, "There was... something. Behind that door, I mean."

SteelBrow says, "eye, we need to finish the cleaning down there, and around."

SteelBrow says, "we know 2 ways into a section that may well have been forgotton. thare may be others."

Ian looks intrigued by the mention of the tunnels. "Dwarven, you say," he muses. "There are Dwarves that live here in town, but it's principally human, and the nearest Dwarven town is some distance away. Still, in ancient times, who knows how those tunnels came to be built. The statue is human, so far as we have been able to make out." He chuckles deeply at Norry's comment. "Indeed, very tall for a Dwarf. Or anyone else save a giant, I suppose."

SteelBrow recounts, "a door hidden behind an illusion, an engraving on the door that's the key to a puzzle beyond..."

SteelBrow says, "a passage down exposed after solving the puzzle, a few chambers, and a shaft to the surface near the statue."

Ian listens, clearly fascinated, but has little to offer by way of advice in the areas you are now exploring. "No one has been beyond the third chamber in the mausoleum," he admits, hesitates, then adds, "...No, that's not exactly true. A couple overly-inquisitive townsfolk found their way into the fourth room some time ago, but never solved whatever riddle resides there. After a few... unfortunate experiences - nothing fatal, thank the Gods - we concluded it was best not to explore."

SteelBrow says, "Yaaaaaaaaahhhhh, we found the traps."

Norry exclaims, "And sholved," and swallows. Norrelberry then resumes, "And solved them!"

Akia munches some bread and cheese, sopping it in her stew.

* For those that are curious, it is a thick mutton stew, with chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions.

SteelBrow eats unhurriedly.

Ian nods to Norry with a smile, and says, "I thought you seemed to be a capable group. I'm confident you'll find your way to the bottom of whatever has taken root in our town." He stands back up, preparing to get back to his other duties, then inquires, "Would you like me to summon Hergon, then?"

SteelBrow says, "eye."

Norry says, "Yes, that's probably best."

Akia grimaces and nods.

Ian nods, wishes you well on your quest, and leaves the table, instructing one of his assistants to fetch the town cleric, and wanders out of the common room again for the time being.

* After fifteen minutes or so, another halfling enters the inn, lead by one of the serving maids, and is escorted to your area. "I'm Hergon," he introduces himself. "Ian told me you needed some assistance," and after a moment of looking over Akia, he whistles slightly thorough his teeth. "And I'd say he was right."

Akia smirks, "Yeah, help would be appreciated."

Norry says, "Good evening. Norrelberry Whitfoot at your service," in his very best business voice.

SteelBrow nods, "evening"

Sebrinia smiles at Hergon and says, "Its nice to meet you."

Norry talks some shop. "I've already done what I can (today). Some Cure Light and Minor wounds, you know."

Norry says, "But," and he yawns, "I'm just about tapped out for the day."

SteelBrow says, "this little guy here saved our backside twice out there."

Game stopped early on account of the GM's brother visiting unexpectedly. No experience was awarded.