Chapter I: The Noble Varim
The taproom in which they find themselves is large and homely. A fire roars in a hearth on the far wall, and men sit at tables all around, laughing and chatting merrily. An elderly human bard stands on a small stage in the corner, playing a slightly out of tune flute. A few patrons cast him dark glances, but the rest seem content to ignore him.
The bartender, a well rounded and good natured looking man hurries through the tables with a tray of mugs, laughing and chatting to patrons as he goes. Marabir and the guard captain find themselves on the receiving end of numerous glances and stares, ranging from apprehension to awe. For a moment the tavern goes quiet, then the conversations resume. The whispers and glances at the pair do not diminish as they make their way into the room.
Glancing about, Marabir notes the room to be mostly full of farmers, with the odd merchant or tradesman. A pair of human men, well armed, sit at a table by the hearth, and appear to be conversing with an attractive young noblewoman. Marabir's gaze lingers on the woman, before he recovers himself and heads after the captain toward a table in the corner at which the varim in question is seated.