The following morning is considerably cooler with a light rain dampening everything.
The serving girls are bringing breakfast to the tables. In the main it consists of fried eggs, thick bacon and hot fresh bread. People are mainly drinking beer as an accompnaiment although others are drink a weird drink made from dried leaves soaked in boiling water.

You all meet at a table in the bar room to discuss the plan for the day.

"All right, so what is our direction?" asks Sarkalor to his now found companions while enjoying his breakfast.

In reply to Sarkalor (msg # 2):

"So we need to head east to Flint Hill but it's not a great rush. We need to be there at sunrise so we know the path to follow but it also needs to be a clear day so we can see Yelm. Get your stuff together and we can set out in an hour or two." Jepper says.

A tired looking young man arrives and takes a free seat while looking around somewhat apprehensively. He is thin, slightly above average height, of average looks and wearing slightly ill fitting stained and patched linen tunic and leggings. The tunic has no markings on it indicating armour has been worn over it. His Dark hair and beard are trimmed shorter than normal and he has no obvious tattoos. As he sits he rubs his face, clearly tired and absently scratches at the collar of his  tunic irritated.
 His pack -which seems very heavy is the frame and leather type commonly used by the occupying forces. As it thuds to the ground there is the clink of heavy metal jostled inside. A Kopis in a worn leather sheath is strapped atop the pack, its scabbard looks to have once been ornately adorned but the stitching has been picked out leaving an pattern of pinholes down its length.

 He looks to the server and in measured Tradetalk with a Tarsh accent he says "Whatever food is fresh today", and as an aside - "Is there any work around here - guards, caravan escort or similar work?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Tue 21 Feb 2023.

A big meaty hand claps Nicomeus on the shoulder. It is Votlung and by his expression he knows the boy. "Good morning deserter!" he says with a twinkle in his eye. He sits backwards on the bench beside Nicomeus and a dog comes and sits at his feet.

"That lot are going into the wilderness," he says, nodding at the assembled group, "I expect they'll get lost and get eaten by giants."

In reply to Votlung Stands Tall (msg # 5):

Nico Glares at Votlung.

"This place is worse than you described it. Hardly a mighty outpost. A run down trading post at best. I cant see why they bother with a garrison. Its hardly Pavis. And theres barely any trade, its not even en route to anywhere worth going." 

Looks around, "quiet though." looks pointedly at Votlung "unlike some".
To the servers - "A drink for my friend and something to fill his belly" , and quieter grumbles "and to keep his mouth occupied"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Tue 21 Feb 2023.

From the other table Petronax says dourly in his odd Tarshite-Pelorian accent "I'd give the beer a miss, there's something wrong with it. It's made everyone feel sick" He shoots the innkeeper a venomous glance.

Shifting his glance over to Voltung he adds "So . . . , are you a guide?"

Sarkalor frowns at the newcomer, but hearing Votlung use the word 'deserter', he raises an eyebrow and says nothing. While continuing eating, he waits for the answer of the self-declared guide.

Petronax appears to have missed the remark.

"Well I'm a hunter and a local," Votlung replies, "so I could at least help you live off the land, maybe act as a scout."

"That sounds good to me. I certainly don't want to willingly go into an inescapable trap!" reacts Sarkalor. "Is the wilderness that bad in these parts?"

"As you have another volunteer to guide you I will go about my business. I can't really go AWOL anyway and am due on duty this afternoon. Good luck with finding the tomb." Jepper interjects. He gathers his belongings and with a cheery wave leaves the inn. "Don't forget that old rhyme though."

"Anywhere is dangerous if you don't know what you are doing," Votlung replies, rather unhelpfully.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:58, Thu 23 Feb 2023.

"And doubly so for those who travel alone"