TOPIC: Meet at the Inn

From a table in a darkened corner I stand up and walk toward the bar. Rich armor glitters in the light of the fire beneath my cloak.

"Who's for a song in this dreary place? I find music drives away weariness on dark days."

bpsymington wrote: "Delmar, you recognize this stranger as the messenger who started us on this journey?"

"I can't be completely sure because I didn't get a long look at anything but his back at the Inn but the voice sounds the same. Also his attitude and bearing lead me to believe this is the same man. What I can say for sure is something other than coincidence brings us together. Then again, I have been known to be wrong before "

I pull a finely made lute from beneath my cloak and begin to tune the strings.

"Widseth, you are a sight most unexpected, but most welcome! A song would do much to brighten this gloomy place, but first, what brought you here? I don't believe coincidence would explain coming across one of the most famous bards of the land in a tavern such as this!"

Breon, his face bearing a rare smile, strides over to Widseth, his hand extended.

Ahhh Breon, so good to see you. This one is for you.

(I begin to strum my lute)

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale
of a township dark and drear,
Where undead walk and fill the night with emptiness and fear.

A few brave souls have bucked the trend
of cowering in their homes,
They search for help far and wide and in the dusty tomes.

As darkness grows and fills the land
They seek companions brave--
A paladin and ranger too, wizards, and a rogue
A barbarian and holy men to battle brave and true
To battle brave and true.


The lute continues to play the tune as I turn to Breon.

"I left Greyhawk a year ago and was interrupted with that little dragon affair. Then I had a strange dream. If you remember I kissed that lich in her realm under the sea. Although we slew her, the undead have filled my mind. It was like a map. I could not resist my impulse to follow the map in my mind. It led me to this place."

"And you what brings you here to this cheerful den?"

cdsmith wrote:

bpsymington wrote: "Delmar, you recognize this stranger as the messenger who started us on this journey?"

"I can't be completely sure because I didn't get a long look at anything but his back at the Inn but the voice sounds the same. Also his attitude and bearing lead me to believe this is the same man. What I can say for sure is something other than coincidence brings us together. Then again, I have been known to be wrong before "

"I am Ismark Barovian son of the Burgomaster," the man from the corner says stepping into the light palms raised to show himself unarmed.

"And though we have not met I fear I may be indirectly to blame for your current predicament but please let us retreat to my table and discus such matter away from prying eyes." He says glancing towards the three gypsies sitting by the door.

"Master Widseth, was it? " he continues tossing the bard a gold coin. "Would you be good enough to grace our table with a song, something loud enough to ensure privacy and as you say drive back the gloom."

I take the coin and study it carefully. I return it to Ismark. My songs are free of charge.

"I followed my dream map, but in my travels a letter came to me."

I withdraw a folded letter from a pouch. As I open it, anyone can see a broken red wax seal.

"I've waited to meet a certain Madam Eva. They call her the gypsy queen."

I repeat the song louder and on command the lute increases volume.

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale
of a township dark and drear,
Where undead walk and fill the night with emptiness and fear.

A few brave souls have bucked the trend
of cowering in their homes,
They search for help far and wide and in the dusty tomes.

As darkness grows and fills the land
They seek companions brave--
A paladin and ranger too, wizards, and a rogue
A barbarian and holy men to battle brave and true
To battle brave and true, amid the mists of doom.

"As I live and breath the famous Widseth! Although we have not met before I am honored to make your acquaintance. Your presence and song lighten the heart in such a dark and dismal place."

Turning with my best smile towards Ismark , "Good sir, if you could please explain how you might be linked to our predicament I am sure our group would be most grateful. My apologies for mistaking you for a messenger. These old eyes are not what they used to be I am afraid."

I glance quickly at Barkley and give him a questioning look. I slightly nod towards the chairs positioned around the table as if to ask, should we be seated or not?

"Greetings, Widseth. Master Barovian, please, share what you are able." Kryndal takes a seat at the table.

Having slipped my daggers back into their sheaths, I place my back against the stretch of wall behind the table that offers the best view of the windows.

"So, Ismark Barovian, would Kolyan Indirovich be your father or perhaps a more distant ancestor?" I ask quietly.

Barkley nods grimly to Delmar. "This is indeed a tale I'd like to hear." He casts about for a seat where he can see both Ismark and the door.