"Ugh!" With a wry smile, Adri pushes open the tavern doors. The aches will teach me to spend so much time in the saddle.

"Anyone around?" A quick glance doesn't reveal anyone offhand, but Adri knew sometimes appearances are deceiving. She slipped behind the bar, and grabbed a mug and a bottle of wine. Dusting them both off on the hem of her shirt, she made herself comfortable by the fire.

"That's ok, I can wait a while."

Stumbles down the stairs and falls into a stool beside Adri.

I feel as though I have been sleeping for a year. Where's the barmaids?

Looking around, she jumps up.

Oh. That would be me.

Going around the bar she tries to pour a couple mugs of ale, only to find that the keg is dry.

Yuallica hurried in through the tavern doors.

"I thought I saw someone come in here! It's been a while hasn't it?"

She deposited a pie on the bar, "I haven't done a lot of cooking just lately... found I prefer the hunting of food to the actual cooking of it... but I made this pie when I saw Adri coming in here and brought it over to see if we could tempt anyone else to come back!"

Trying to hide a grin, Adri watched the flustered cook and barmaid trying to get organized.

Inhaling deeply, she said, "The pie smells excellent. What kind is it? And I found a bottle of wine, Thradia, which should tide us over until someone is able to go after more ale. What happened to the dwarf that was always lazing about? Perhaps we can convince him, or one of the other men, to go get a fresh keg."

Refreshing her own mug, she offered the bottle of wine to the others.

Yuallica accepted the wine cheerfully and replied, "It's a steak pie, Adri. I had a few more unusual meats to make a pie out of, but I wasn't sure if anyone around here liked ogre pie... it's a bit of an aquired taste.

"You're right about needing a fresh keg though, we'd better get someone to bring us one. I would, but I doubt I could carry it and that door isn't wide enough to roll a keg though, I don't think... hopefully some people will start turning up soon and we can send some of them off to get it!"

*shrugs off fur rug covering feathered cloak.... stretches in the darkish corner near the rekindled fire.* What day is it? I feel as if I have slept a week. *Reaches for a mug and plate to fill.* ... and I have an appetite to match! Where's everyone been?

*Hands Lady Snowy the fresh baked cookie tray*

Well m'dear tis' been to long since we had a chance to meet.
Our lives have been changed with the knowledge that those scoundrels who refuse to have any sense of scruples are being brought to justice and we anxiously await the arrival of more scrutiny upon such foul characters.

In the meantime, we are enjoying the pleasures of seeing another newcomer born into Britannia, which is always a blessed event. His destiny is of Paladin descent, which of course will be challenged by those who desire to bring hin into the darkside, but we stand vigilant in guarding his well being.

Please m'dear, tell us what paths have you encountered since we last breathed good wishes upon each other?

Ahhh Good Lady, our paths have not crossed in some time now. I must own that my travels have not brought me near here in nearly a full moon. Indeed, my time has not been my own, and to compound the nuisance, circumstances have prevented me from even sending out pigeons to let my friends know I still exist.

Even tonight, I 'steal' these moments to greet you and enjoy your wonderful cookies. I have heard of the troubles which have beset our good friends and neighbors. Scoundrels are always ready to take advantage of lowered guard. I have not been home in well over a week and fear for my household retainers well-being. The tasks of 'mothering and defending' never end.

I can only hope that the communication problems will soon be settled and the scoundrels put firmly in their place so that we may sit back and enjoy the good company of friends, such as we have here.

In my travels about two moons ago, I happened upon your shop South of Britain. I was able to purchase much needed supplies at a very reasonable price. I am very thankful to have found the goods and blessed in that it was your shop as well. Alas, that was many roads ago, and with all the 'troubles' about, I fear it will be even longer until I pass through your neighborhood again. I do hope you have been well. Please, speak on it.