A fresh start

[The_Muffin_Man]

Searos mulls the whole thing over while drinking some water from a mug. "So... you want us to do your constabulary work and yet you want us to pay half price for the inn? That seems like a pretty small stipend. If you want the smuggling ring gone, it stands to reason that we are going to need a base of operations. This room in the inn would do nicely, but it hardly makes sense that we should pay for the privilege of getting rid of your smugglers. Especially when you seem either incapable or unwilling to get rid of them yourself."

[Jenara]

"I am sure I would be, however I will stay with Vee, if she chooses to stay here with me." Brax bows honestly to Linton. "No offense, of course."

[Breila]

"You have not proven yourselves all too capable yet, have you?" Daos Soulstaff's words are icy as he looks at Searos.

Linton looks at Brax, still smiling. "But surely you will accept an invitation for dinner? Tonight, for instance?"

[The_Muffin_Man]

"More capable than you..." Searos sips his water again.

[Breila]

If looks alone could kill, Searos would be in grave danger right now. However, the mage chooses not to say anything for the time being.

[The_Muffin_Man]

Searos flashes Daos a smile and pops a piece of fruit into his mouth. "So, given that you need us more than we need you at the moment, I say you should comp the inn for us in its entirety. If it makes you feel better, I suspect the two local kids will probably sleep at home rather than slum it with us."

[Jenara]

"We made mistakes, yes." Brax admits, agreeing with Daos, "However as you have said, despite the fact we needed aid, we did enter the house, more than most."

She turns to Linton, smiling sweetly. "I would be honored." She bows

[Robbo]

Gunter leans back in his chair, the headache slowly subsiding. Taking a cue from Searos he chimes in, "Well besides room and board what do we get if we bring down this smuggling ring? I can't very easily send a half-price room at this inn back to my family, can I?"

[Breila]

"Oh, you have family?" the woman in clerical robes turns to Gunter. "Tell me about them." She smiles at him broadly.

[Robbo]

Gunter shifts uncomfortably for a second.

"My sister and my Ma. They're back in Narwell. What's it to you?"

[Breila]

"Oh, I thought you had a wife and children. But for your mother and sister, you're probably the main breadwinner as well, or aren't you?" Ara continues to smile at Robbo. "And as a cleric, I am interested in the welfare of those around me, whoever they are."

[HorizonsDream]

Echo glances at Searos for a moment, hoping that perhaps Daos would just strike him down where he sat. Sadly, it doesn't happen, so all she can do is sigh. "Yeah, I'll help out," she says.

[The_Muffin_Man]

Searos catches the look from Echo and gives you a little wink. "So its settled then! We get free room and board. You get a dismantled smuggling ring. Let us drink to celebrate our newfound agreement!"

Searos looks around for a serving girl or someone to order drinks from. "You there!" He points at the guardswoman. "Fetch us some ale if you would be so kind!"

(ooc: its like 11am in game time right?)

[Robbo]

Gunter sips on his water for a second, eyeing up the grinning priest.

"Well, as someone who cares, yes. But i can't really go back there for awhile so I need to get it to them some other way. Hopefully that's where smuggler stopping comes in..."

[Breila]

"I beg your pardon?" an indignant Geraldine glares at Searos. "I am no waitress. And even if I was, I would have a name and not be »you there«. If you want ale, go get it yourself. But do not be so sure I'll let you back in."

"Our terms are what they are" Bryce Cousland steps in. "Saltmarsh is not a rich town. And so far, all you have done for us is pointing out that there is a problem. You can use this room for your meetings. And as has been said before, you're welcome to stay with one of our citizens if you prefer free room and board. And from what I have heard about the goings-on last night in the common room here, you, Master Searos, should have no problems paying for the services here.

If you manage to dismantle the smuggling ring, three quarters of the treasure found there will be yours. Geraldine here has volunteered to join you, as has Thomas, one of our most proficient sailors. He will come here when he has finished his fishing for the day and set up the boat for tomorrow. This should settle the question of »what can I send home« as well, if you succeed."


The council now prepares to leave the room. Linton stands next to Brax for a moment. "I'll see you at 8 pm then. My house is the one with the bay windows overlooking the market place" he says.

Geraldine opens the door for them, and the council leaves the room in the same order as they entered, except that Linton didn't offer his arm to Ara, which she doesn't seem to mind at all.