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Aubric

Aubric returns with the others, having done what he could to help settle and heal the horses. He had watched Pavel's clever use of Prestidigitation with approval, nodding and commenting, "Well done. No sense letting everything stay soaked when we have the means to deal with it."

As he settles back at the table with the rest of the party, his eyebrows rise markedly at the quoted prices. Unlike the heroes of Phandelver, he is a bit more concious of what he can afford, and while spending a gold piece is justified for a fine bottle of liquor, he isn't quite sure Conundrum is worth the same spoiling. But as nobody seems to be asking him to contribute to the costs, he keeps his mouth shut for now, although he's thinking about other less expensive options to propose in case anyone else suggests the price is too steep.

Looking between Sindar, Arus, and Kriv, Aubric clears his throat meaningfully. "About this hunt you mentioned," he says carefully, his voice pitched just loud enough for his immediate companions to hear. "Given what we learned earlier about the... local hunting traditions in these parts, perhaps we should discuss how long we plan to stay?" His emphasis on certain words and the pointed look in his eyes clearly reference Berris's warnings about the darker aspects of hunting in this region, though he's careful not to speak too explicitly within earshot of their hosts.

Arus

"I have a delivery for Amrath Mulnobar, the castellan of the keep here. It shouldn't take more than an hour but t'will best done first thing in the morning." says the triton.

Though he lounges in his seat relaxing, Arus's eyes are active, scouring the room for signs of danger. He doesn't expect to see obvious signs, no, they'll be subtle.... Given the exorbitant prices who are the inn's other customers? Who has travelled to this dead-end in the High Forest with its dark reputation to fritter gold coins like fishbait?

[Rolled 17 total for Insight.]

Avgar Filroy

He answered the request to say more about the hunt with a simple, "I'm sorry. I had assumed you were here for the hunt. It is a fair assumption as most who venture here do so for that purpose. I have none to do with rich folks play time."

It is Arus who gets a more direct answer, "You can find him at the keep in the morning."

As Arus scans the room and looks at the other patrons he is sure that they are not wealthy. Indeed, they look like locals, folks that came here to dine and drink. They are couples and small groups that are huddled about the tables. Nobody here looks like they would pay such prices.
ooc: I suggest a re-read of this post

Pavel

He took his time and continued his cleaning and drying once he returns to the inn's foyer on their cloaks and footwear. Once the equipment is cleaned and dried he joins the group at the table. He then neatly unloads the floating disc and dispels it. He joins the others at the table as the prices for the stay are revealed. His eyes widening at the cost.

"I brought our gear inside that was recovered from the mudslide. It is with our cloaks and boots.And no we aren't going to have to pay even more for the mud on it. I cleaned it and our other gear."

Jaliera

She smiles as Pavel arrives.

"Oh that's good! How did you do that so quickly?"

<Bern>

He nodded thanks as well when Jalira offered hers.

DM
Filgar realizes, after a bit, that there are no more questions. "Well, there is a hunt tomorrow. You aren't the only rich city folk that are here. It starts two hours before dawn and that other group has retired for the night. Tomorrow is a big day for them."

As he spoke, the waitress comes pushing a small food cart towards the table. When she arrives she starts placing bowls and utensils in front of everyone. Then she places a covered ceramic tureen in the center of the table. She lifts the lid letting steam and the pleasant and enticing aroma drift from it. A basket of hot buns and a bowl of butter is added to the meal.

There seems to be no choice here. You eat what they serve. Glancing about, everyone else is eating similar meals.

"What do you want to drink?" she asks coldly. All the while, Filgar stands there smiling.

Jaliera

That feeling she has intensifies. The hunters are preparing but could they be designated as prey?

She whispers quietly to Davroar.

"Could people here.. us.. become prey for this hunt? Perhaps we shouldn't eat the food. It could be drugged. It may be a huge imposition but leaving might be the best thing to do."

She watches, ready to stop the others eating if anyone starts.

Davroar

He trusts Jaliera when it comes to situations like this, since he is clearly out of his element when dealing with subterfuge. All this expensive food and fancy service seemed quite of the ordinary for such a remote location, yet he was willing to go along with the rest of their group. Now, Jaliera's warning has him on edge as he tries to hide his nervousness.

Whispering back to her, he says in all seriousness, "Let's go then."

Jaliera smiles at the grumpy waitress.

"Could we have a few moments in private please?"

She looks at both the waitress and Filgar. This will be a good first test she thinks.

DM

The waitress doesn't seem to care. She did her job and so she simply steps away from the table and heads towards the same area where the kitchen must be and disappears through the doors. Filgar raises his eyebrows and says, "Not a problem. Shall I get the maids to prepare some rooms for you or shall I wait?"

Zhu

She glances at Jaliera with a raised eyebrow wondering why she is hesitant about ordering.

Aubric

Aubric leans forward, keeping his voice low. "I share your concerns," he says to Jaliera, "but we need to weigh our options carefully. We're all exhausted, some are injured, and our gear has only just been dried. If we leave now, we're back in the rain and mud, in the dark, with no clear destination. That said, I don't suggest we drop our guard entirely. Perhaps we could arrange watches in our rooms, or..." he pauses, considering, "at least ensure we're all housed close together. And while I understand the hesitation about the food, we need to maintain our strength."

He shrugs, appearing sympathetic... yet practial. "Whatever we decide, we should decide as a group. But personally I'd rather face whatever comes after a hot meal and some rest than stumbling through the darkness with far more threats than we may have here."

Jaliera

"I think we should only eat and drink our own rations.. but yes I agree about guards for sleeping. Maybe better to have a bit less but good sleep? And I have potions if people need healing."

Pavel

"I agree. I am not sure I trust the food. Or drink. Of course I have heard it was possible for clerics to test food for poisons. I might be wrong on it but who knows."

<Bern>

He listens. With nothing to add, he just nods, "Sounds reasonable."

Zhu

"I see no reason to suspect the food and drink. But if you do why don't I order and you don't. If something happens to me you'll know. At worst I'd be the only one affected."

Aubric

Aubric sniffs appreciatively at the aroma from the tureen, then addresses Pavel's comment about detecting poison. "While I do know of such magic, I'm afraid I don't have the spell prepared, and it would take several hours of study to ready it." He shrugs apologetically, then grins. "But I've spent enough time in taverns to trust my nose and taste when it comes to food and drink. Besides," he adds, reaching for a bowl, "if someone wanted us dead, they could have let that hill giant finish the job or found easier ways to off us than this."

He pauses, then adds, "And I intend to enjoy some brandy. Something to warm the bones after all that rain. If this is to be my last meal, I intend to make it a good one."

Zindra
"I'm tired and hungry. If something happens to me, heal me."

She takes a bowl and dips the accompanying ladle in the stew and spoons out a large serving into her bowl. She sniffs it first and raises her eyebrows approvingly before tasting it.

"Yummy," she says before eating another spoonful.

"I don't think there's a lot of meal choice here. At least it taste's good."

Zhu

"Rooms, please." She says to Filgar. "What is this hunt you talked about?" She asks curiously.

<Bern>

He gets some of the stew after Zindra 'endorses' it. He takes a 'taste', smiles and then takes a more 'substantial' spoonful' with an "Mmmmmmm".

Jaliera

She whispers to Pavel and Davroar.

"Pretend to eat."

She takes a small portion in a bowl.

Aubric

Aubric takes another spoonful of the stew before speaking, his tone carrying a hint of exasperation. "Our host has already told us he knows nothing of the hunt beyond it being 'rich folks play time,'" he says, gesturing toward Filgar with his spoon. "And while I share everyone's concerns, especially given Berris's warnings about the local hunting traditions, we're going in circles instead of making decisions."

He sets his spoon down deliberately. "Here are the facts: Arus needs to deliver the harnesses to the keep in the morning. The hunt starts two hours before dawn. If we're concerned about becoming unwitting participants," he arches an eyebrow meaningfully, "we should either leave town before then or stay together for safety until after Arus completes his delivery. Personally," he continues, picking his spoon back up, "I plan to enjoy this surprisingly good stew, get some rest, and be ready to move well before any hunting parties assemble."

He takes another bite, then adds, "I'm open to better suggestions, but not going in circles asking the same questions while our food gets cold and delaying our opportunity to rest, as the hunters are already doing."

DM

Having been called over by Zhu, he approaches the table. "I'm glad that you're staying the night. It's not safe outdoors at night," he says without elaborating.

He raises his hand with all 5 fingers flared and another staffer, an elderly lady across the room, nods, understanding. She ambles slowly, but what seems to be her maximum speed, towards the kitchen area.

"Your rooms will be ready soon. If you want to bring some belongings into your rooms now, you may. But please give us some time to fill your tubs the first time. You are a large group and it will take a bit to boil enough water. On that note, we aim for the baths to be hot but not boiling. So under each is a small stove. We'll bring hot coals and some firewood for you so that you may adjust the temperature. If you need it cooler than we provide, we can have a jug of cold water brought in too. Just let me know."

Those who might have been looking at the other patrons might have noticed that several separate groups had finished their dining earlier but lingered with a drink. One group of men who had just had their tables cleared after eating rose from their seats to leave. Curiously, folks at other tables that had finished a bit earlier rose now too. They all head for the vestibule to get ready to exit.

Sindar

He eyes those who have chosen to leave at the same time, or close together. He looks for anything out of the ordinary that could allow him to tell something about the groups. Hidden nicer clothing, better weapons, more local attire, what have you.