Dragons of Despair, Chapter 1: The Inn of the Last Home
Location: Solace, Abanasinia
Date: Nuindai, Evening, 23rd Reorxmont 351 AC

Across Ansalon, the Inn of the Last Home is known as a travelers' refuge and center for news.  Built in the largest vallenwood tree in Solace with a huge, convoluted trunk, the Inn rose high above the city's surrounding vallenwood grove.

Lanterns hung from tree limbs, lighting a huge winding stairway from the forest floor to the entrance of the Inn.  The stairs were wide enough for three people, carved from the truck of the tree itself, but with no railing.  Far above, light shone through the colored panes of the Inn's stained-glass windows, glittering brightly, and the sounds of life drifted out through the windows.    It appeared the Inn was doing a roaring trade this evening.

This was the first night of autumn, and a chill was already beginning to settle amidst the vallenwoods.  Memories and the promise of reunited companionship warmed your soul and washed away the aches and sorrows of the road.

As you approached the stairway leading to the Inn's balcony, a squad of four Seeker guards could be seen patrolling through the town's ground level, their faces dour.  The squad spared a glance for you and your companion, but continued on their way without comment.

When the Seekers looked away, Valik glanced Goldmoon, then over to Ayrron. He lowered his voice slightly to speak, "Seekers on patrol? In Solace?" He thought about it for a moment himself before adding, "I know we've been gone for a while in search of truths, but when did the Seekers move in? Have things gotten so bad here?"

"Let's get into the inn and see who else has arrived. Otik's ale will be welcome, and he'll know about what's gone on since we left"

The kender smiled as he walked among his home, but he too noticed the presence of the seekers. When they went past, he smiled as he spoke. "...so good to be back home. First thing i'm going to do is go to Jebsen's bakers and get one of his venison pies - so juicy."

As they went out of view, he lost his smile to become serious, looking back, he nodded to his friend. "I don't know whats going on here, but it's something." He looked at Goldmoon and smiled. "...but after a meal and a rest. You have travelled far, and we are waiting for our friends - it's been so long."

He looked at Valik. "Maybe something we can look into while we are home." He muttered

Having spent the rest of the time on the wagon talking with the dwarf woman and workimg on her song, Vailin being quiet as his usual self, Aelina thanked the farmer as they arrived in Solace. Tuning to Vailin as they were picking their packs, she took a deep breath. "Ahhhh it smells like home! I did miss this place. Lets go find our friends and the Last Home, I need to regain my place over there!"