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."

Hergon seems rather less than professional as far as his manner goes, but he nonetheless seems to know what he's doing. He gives Norry a nod of understanding, and replies, "Like most here, I have to make a living of my own, but because of what you're doing for our town, I'll help you as much as my usual skills allow." He nods to the tiger-girl, and says, "You seem to be the most hurt. How are the rest of your faring?"

SteelBrow says, "It'd take me several days to heal left to myself."

Akia grimaces, "Likewise."

Akia says, "And it'd probably leave a nasty scar."

Norry asks, "As a fellow cleric, have you seen anything noteworthy about this business?"

Hergon nods to Akia and Steelbrow, and tends to them first. All of Steelbrow's wounds heal with a single casting; Akia's take two. Pausing to consider Norry's question, he replies after a short pause, "Ian has probably told you that I'm still fairly new to Kingsholm. That said, that there are undead within the deeper recesses of a mausoleum is not too surprising, but that still leaves the question of who is raising them, or how long they have been there. But as far as around town, no, nothing unusual until the initial disappearances." He glances at Sebrinia and Norry, and inquires, "Are either of you also in need of my services?"

Norry says, "Oh, no. I'm tip-top," and pats his expansive belly. "I keep in shape, I do."

SteelBrow nods, "thank ye."

Akia sorta curtsies in her seat to the halfling, "Thank you." She relaxes a little and sighs happily.

Sebrinia has reconnected.

Sebrinia is now In-Character. (IC)

Sebrinia shakes her head. "Nothing a good night's sleep wont cure for me."

Sebrinia has dropped a connection.

Hergon smiles at Norry in complete understanding, and bows slightly to Akia and Steelbrow. "You are both welcome." He also nods with a smile to Sebrinia. "If you need healing during your investigations of the mausoleum, feel free to come to my humble temple in town. If you wish other supplies, I'm afraid I will have to charge you. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."

SteelBrow says, "again, thank ye."

Norry nibbles the last bits of pie crust, and hops down off his bar stool. "Well, I think I'll turn in. Nice to meet you Hergon. Sleep well, all of you." And with a wave, he heads for the stairs.

SteelBrow lingers to finish his dinner before also finding his room.

Akia slowly works on her food, tiredly. She waves as you each head off.

Hergon helps himself out of the inn, heading out the front door. The barkeep is still there if you have any other requests, but you're currently not being pestered by any of the patrons. It is very likely that the most curious ones already overheard your conversation with Ian earlier, after all.

Sebrinia gets up and heads to her room, lost in thought.

Akia sips the last of her cider, then heads upstairs for sleep.

* The rooms are fairly simple, but the beds are comfortable enough. You are undisturbed during the night.

SteelBrow snores loudly.

* Fortunately, the walls are also fairly thick.

Akia gets up a little before daybreak, and heads downstairs.

SteelBrow sleeps in until woken by sunlight in his face, gets dressed and waddles downstairs for breakfast.

* That early in the morning, the common room is nearly deserted, although the gentleman that was working as a barkeep yesterday is currently hanging around, evidently doing some cleaning.

Sebrinia, having only needed a short amount of rest, heads downstairs at dawn.

Akia is sitting at a chair by the window, watching the street.

Sebrinia goes to the server and requests, "Plate of eggs and bread please!"

Norry sits up suddenly in bed.

* The server nods to Sebrinia, and informs her that it'll be two silver, then wanders into the kitchen.

Sebrinia sits across from Akia after ordering and says, "Good morning."

- A few minutes later, Norrelberry Whitfoot comes tottering down the stairs to the common room, a spring in his step and the curly hair on his toes fairly quivering. "Good morning everybody!

Akia smiles, "Good morning. Wonder if they have any fruit."

Akia asks, "Slept well, I take it?"

Sebrinia smiles and says, "As can be expected."

Norry says, "Oh, I did. This place is not bad, not bad at all."

SteelBrow waddles in and plops in a seat at the bar, "cider. and what's handy for breakfast?"

Akia waits for the server to return so she can order something.

* The server returns a few minutes later, and delivers a plate of eggs and bread to Akia, and holds out a hand for payment. As all of you start showing up, he also reminds you that it's one gold piece a night per room, during your stay.

Akia hehs, and scoots the plate to Sebrinia, "I would like some fruit and biscuits if you have them. And some sausage and cider?"

Sebrinia takes the plate and frowns at the server's lack of memory for who order.

Akia hands the server a gold piece, however.

Norry hops up onto a barstool, slaps his hand on the counter and says, "The usual please!"

Sebrinia hands the server 2 gold pieces, and waits expectantly for the change.

SteelBrow mumbels, "cider."

* The server looks embarrassed at his mistake, and apologizes, "Sorry about that. I guess I'm still waking up, this morning." Of course, Akia *is* a particularly noteworthy person in this inn, not to mention this town. He nods to Akia's request, answering, "We can do that."

Akia says, "It's alright."

The server takes the three gold pieces, and hands over the change after two rooms and two meals - six silver - to Sebrinia, then goes to attend to the other orders.

Akia huhs, "Did... they charge you for my order? Or your order last night?"

Sebrinia pockets the silver and proceeds to eat her eggs with gusto.

SteelBrow sits waiting for his drink, and to order some food.

Sebrinia says, "I didn't order anything last night," and flags down the server.

* After a slightly longer delay, the assistant-barkeep server returns, this time assisted by one of the serving maids, and they start attending to the rest of your orders more promptly. The maid stops by Akia's table first, though, handing over a plate of biscuits topped with what seem to be some sort of apple preserves, a side of sausage, and a mug of cider.

Sebrinia asks the server, "I'm sorry, but did you charge me for his meal also? Our meals were supposed to be separate." nodding towards Akia.

SteelBrow's head drifts forward towards the counter.

Akia slides two silver across the table to Sebrinia, "no worries."

Akia yums at the biscuits and takes a bite.

The server stops at Sebrinia's comment, and apologizes again. It is perhaps no small wonder that he's only the assistant barkeep. "You are all together, so I assumed... my apologies." He starts to make change for Sebrinia, but stops when Akia resolves the situation.

Sebrinia takes the offered silver with a smile and says, "No problem."

SteelBrow's head reaches the counter, and he begins to snore.

Akia looks up at the dwarf and grimaces.

Norry blinks at Steelbrow. "He didn't stay up all night, did he?"

Akia takes her annoyance out on a handy bit of sausage. Grrrr. yum.

* The assistant barkeep finally makes it to the bar where Norry and Steelbrow are, having been delayed a bit by the change problem at Akia and Sebrinia's table. "The... usual?" he asks uncertainly.

SteelBrow startles awake, "cider."

SteelBrow says, "oh, um, and some fried sausages and eggs please."

Norry chuckles. "Ah, yes well I've been here a few times now, so I thought maybe... well, so far I've had to make do with 'whatever you have on hand,' not that it hasn't been excellent, and, you know, I figured 'the usual' would just mean 'whatever you have on hand,' the same as whatever else I ask for. Not to be a bother..."

The server starts filling a mug of cider, and gestures the maid over to fetch the eggs and sausage, charging Steelbrow the same rate of two silver, and reminding him and Norry that they both owe for the room. He struggles to follow the hobbit's rambling order, and says cautiously, "So you... want... what, exactly? A bit of everything that we have prepared? I mean, we have eggs, sausage, biscuits... your tiger-friend there asked for fruit with hers... and I think there's some porridge."

Akia's ears perk at her mention, then relax as she continues nibbling her food.

Norry exclaims, "Why that sounds wonderful!"

Norry digs into his pouch. "One gold for the room, yes? And for breakfast...?"

SteelBrow chuckles and shakes his head.

The server just barely refrains from rolling his eyes and muttering something about halflings, although the effort probably takes off a few months of his life. So while the gesture goes unmade, Norry might just notice that there was a slight, but perceptable, delay in the server's response. "That's... two meals' worth, honestly. So that'll be four silver."

Norry says with exaggerated pleasantness as he deliberately plunks down one gold and 4 silver, "And well worth it."

* The maid shortly returns with Steelbrow's meal of eggs and sausage, and goes back to get Norry's order.

SteelBrow drops 12 silver on the counter, and proceeds to eat.

* It takes a minute or so for the first plate of Norry's order to be delivered, and the second is followed up with after another couple minutes. True to the barkeep's word, between the two plates is everything he listed, as well as a final third boll of porridge.

Norry digs in with relishy gusto.

Sebrinia savors her hot meal, finishing it with a tinge of regret and asks, "So we go back again today to explore the rest of it?"

SteelBrow eats leisurely, savoring his breakfast.

Akia nods, "Yes, I think that would be wise."

Akia says, "During daylight hors."

Akia says, "Hours"

SteelBrow swallows before replying, "eye, that nest of undead needs a cleaning. As well as whoever raised them."

Norry waves a sausage to punctuate, "I agree."

Sebrinia asks, "So did we get everything we need? Didn't you say something about holy water?"

* As all of you tend to your breakfasts, a few other patrons enter the inn, or come down from the rooms upstairs, and the barkeep and serving maid start attending to them.

Akia asks, "What's the holy water for?"

Sebrinia shrugs.

SteelBrow says, "ah, I did ask about that. good stuff against unnatural beasts."

Norry nods. "That it is. I can make some if you need it. I will be with you though, and probably more useful in person than stuck in a water bottle."

SteelBrow asks, "ok, front or back door going back in?"

Akia asks, "This place has a back door?"

Sebrinia asks, "You mean the hole we climbed out of?"

SteelBrow says, "yeah, the one we left through."

Akia says, "Ah. The shortcut... if one doesn't mind tromping through wilderness."

Sebrinia makes an icky facial expression and says, "Either way isn't pleasant. Interminable steps down a ladder, or back across that bridge that collapsed."

Akia says, "Ah right. The collapsed bridge."

Norry asks, "Do you have tracking skills, Akia? Or anyone else I suppose?"

SteelBrow says, "I sure could use some tracking, but alas it is not among my skills."

Norry says, "I've just been thinking is all, I don't think we can exactly trust our enemies to only be in rooms we haven't looked in yet."

SteelBrow says, "eye, beasties do move about."

Akia says, "I can do some limited tracking if needed."

Norry says, "Well somewhere in there or around here somewhere is the person who is, you know, responsible."

Akia asks, "Then, through the front door again?"

SteelBrow says, "front door. I don'na like the idea of climbing back down that shaft."

Norry says, "And we don't want to climb down to find ourselves surrounded."

SteelBrow says, "a moment."

SteelBrow heads back to his room for his axe and the remainder of his armor.

Akia finishes off her repast and sips down the last bit of cider.

SteelBrow returns to the dining room, "anything else, or shall we proceed?"

Sebrinia nods and goes to grab her things.

Norry finishes off, and daintily dabs at his mouth with a napkin.

Akia shoulders her backpack as she stands, "I'm ready."

Sebrinia returns with her pack shouldered, ready for the road.

SteelBrow walks out the door, rather resembling a turtle in a steel shell.

Sebrinia walks out behind Steelbrow with a determined expression.

Norry shoulders his pack and follows along.

* All of you leave town without incident, heading towards the trail that leads up the hillside to the cemetary. As you reach the gates, it is fairly obvious that the gate is still closed and locked.

Akia hrmphs, "Climb it?"

SteelBrow says, "eh, these aren't climbing clothes I be wearing."

SteelBrow recalls the keys collected earlier, and tries them at the gate.

Akia says, "Well I won't be tossing you over to be sure."

SteelBrow says, "I think not."

Sebrinia grins at the mental image of Akia trying to 'toss' Steelbrow over anything.

* It takes a few attempts, but Steelbrow finds the right key, and the lock mechanism smoothly retracts. It's clearly well-maintained.

SteelBrow says, "You'd do well to even lift me."

SteelBrow opens the gate and motions for the rest to enter.

Akia says, "Ah, keys. That's a much better plan."

Sebrinia stifles a giggle.

SteelBrow waits for the group to pass before closing and locking the gate.

* You make it through the rest of the initial mausoleum without incident - locking the exterior gate behind you - reaching the puzzle room fairly quickly. The doors are in the same positions as you remember them, and nothing else looks disturbed in the rooms you pass through. However, in the room beyond the beholder-carved door, the passage you went down earlier doesn't seem to be there at the moment.

SteelBrow says, "someone been here."

Akia grimaces, alert.

SteelBrow glances around at the tiles, looking for any that may have been moved.

Sebrinia looks around, wary/

SteelBrow walks over to the tile near the now closed passage, "seems a bit displaced here."

SteelBrow is hesitant to touch it, recalling last time.

Akia says, "So how does this work again? I forget."

SteelBrow says, "The tiles need to match the arrangement on the door."

SteelBrow says, "and this one is not quite in place."

Akia shrugs, "I was hardly in this room, honestly."

SteelBrow uses the shaft of his axed to nudge the displaced tile into position.