At the gatehouse, Argin, the Toll Mistress, requested the party declare any goods for taxation. They said they had none, and she gestured for a guard to confirm. He did. She explained that only one Inn, the Jofford's Rest, was operational, as the Clapping Bull had burned recently. She explained that there were two market areas, the east market on the other side of the keep, and the west market on the other side of the commons. The west market is where the temples are, along with a house of entertainment. Hjalgrimm noted that there is a cemetery east of the gates.
The party pulled in to Jofford's Rest and had the horses and wagon tended to. They entered and met Christopher and Christina Jofford. They obtained lodging, 2 beds per room, and food and drink. The inn is quite posh, with an open balcony for part of the second floor overlooking the stage. There are many paintings in the common area. Most are of a strikingly beautiful human woman with dark hair and dark eyes, spanning ages from her 20s to her 50s. They are magical images that seem to turn and follow the viewer as they walk. The prices are double what they've been used to.
As they are seated at a large oval table they notice that there is a Human man seated at a smaller table near the fireplace in the corner. There is food and drink on the table, but most of the table is covered with books, scrolls, quills and ink wells. The man looks to be in his late 40s or early 50s, tall and broad, with close-cropped brown hair that is greying at the temples. Most notably, there is a blue tattoo of a hexagon outlining his left eye. Hjalgrimm and Rook immediately recognize that this marks the man as a Priest of the Church of Save K'Nor.
The party takes seats around the large table while Rhyna and Weyliri announce that they will secure the rooms upstairs. There is a balcony above the dining room, but no obvious way to get up there. Christina explains that the stairs to the second and third floors are outside, and that is the only way to the balcony seating.
After a few moments the Save K'Noran priest rises and approaches the party. He announces that he is Tenktovie Pravda, and please to meet them. He turns to Askelon, and in practiced Sindarin, greets him as "Your Majesty." Askelon corrects him that he is a "Highness," and returns the greeting. Tenktovie then turns to Hjalgrimm, and in practiced Khuzdul, greets him as "Honored Sir." Hjalgrimm returns the greeting. He turns to Faelon and inquires if he has travelled from Diramoa or Shoju? Shoju by the looks of his beautiful swords. Faelon agrees succinctly, "Hai, Shoju." Tenktovie turns to Rook and says "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir." He addresses the group, "May I join you?" The members of the party glance at each other, worried that they are less covert every day. "I was sent to meet you and help you travel to Tashal." The party asks him to join them, he excuses himself to collect his papers, and joins them at the table.
The group sets to eating and drinking, and Tenktovie launches into a lecture about the history of notes and letters being sealed, and the history of seals and signet rings. During that time many people enter the inn and take seats for food and drink. Among them are three women who are strikingly beautiful. Two look like twins, with exotic olive skin, thick wavy dark hair, and very little covering their ample curves. The third woman is quite different in appearance - thin, with powdered white skin and black and red highlights on her face. Her hair is silky black and long, with part of it tied into an elaborate bun held in place by two dark and shiny sticks. She wears pink and white silk clothing with blossom patterns. She moved like she is hovering. She immediately notices Faelon and approaches. She makes a small curtsey and addresses him as "Dai Domo." The two have a brief conversation, during which she seems to flirt demurely. After a few minutes of conversation, Faelon excuses himself and leads her out of the dining room.
The two exotic women, who seem to be courtesans, flirt about the table a bit, then decide to take the stage. One plays a tambourine while the other plays a black curvy reed pipe. They play, sing, and dance with energy. Their performance is enhanced with little bells on their wrists, ankles, and belts. After a few songs, Rook pulls out his ocarina and gestures to ask if he can join. They practically drag him up. He plays with confidence and abandon, and does so quite well!
A short while later, a teenage boy entered from the bar area and seems to be looking for someone. He then approaches Hjalgrimm and hands him a folded parchment with a black seal. "Master Dwarf, I was instructed to deliver this to you." The boy bowed, then left quickly. Hjalgrimm notices that the seal has an Ormauk symbol for "friend." He broke the seal and read the note. Askelon and Hjalgrimm leave the table and exit Jofford's Rest.
About half a minute later Rook steps from the stage and exits the inn to follow the Elf and Dwarf, leaving a confused Tenktovie to wonder what has just transpired.