The game starts here

[Breila]

Yolanda looks at Eloise. "You seem pretty young to have experience" she says. "And if you were so popular with the patrons at the White Crest, I am suprised you did not spend any of the money they gave you on clothes."
After a moment of thinking, she adds. "I could use some help. When the stew is ready, you can help me serve it, then we'll see."

[Jenara]

"My money was spent elsewhere." The young girl responds, "I can help." She says cheerfully, "If I help, would it cover a room and a bath? We are used to sharing."

[Breila]

Yolanda thinks for a moment. "It would cover a small room, yes. As for the bath, you could pour yourself one tomorrow afternoon. We do not have the luxury of bathrooms here. Those who want a bath can use the washing kitchen in the afternoons when the day's washing is done."

She then passes over into the back of the room, talking quietly with the patrons there (which are not visible from where Saul, Eloise, Thelma or Dale are). A short while later, she comes back and disappears into the kitchen. After a moment, she comes back.

"Eloise?" she calls out. "Come help me with the stew."

Jolanda is standing in the doorway and hands a bowl of stew to Eloise. "Give this to the friar over there" she points to Saul.

[Jenara]

"Of course. Do you have an apron?" She asks with a big smile, regardless she delivers the food with a curtsey, "Would Madam like any food?" She asks Dale and Thelma with a chuckle.

[Breila]

Yolanda nods and disappears into the kitchen. When she comes back, she carries not only an apron, but a ribbon as well. Gesturing to Eloise to stand with her in the space between the counter and the main door, she says: "We need to get your hair out of the way, too. There's no time to brush and braid it, but this will do." She ties Eloises#s hair back in a ponytail with the ribbon she brought. "Come" she says when she's done, and gives Eloise a large tray with six bowls of stew. "Bring those in the rear area, people will tell you who ordered it" she says.

The rear part of the Red Oxen is larger than expected, because it is not only the space beyond the counter that is set with tables and chairs, but an extension of the room that is even larger than that part. The tables there seat four to six people. Three of these are occupied. The patrons look mostly like farmers, male and female, who have come in for a drink and some food after the day's work. Only two men are a little better dressed, they share a table in the very last corner. From their likeness and the age difference, they could be father and son. Behind the younger man, two crutches lean against the wall.

Eloise can give out three stews at the first table and one at the second, the remining two go to the father and son. The patrons discuss local matters and barely look up when their meal arrives. Only father and son look up and nod their thanks. "You're new here, aren't you?" the son asks. His voice is soft, hardly audible over the conversation. It has a distinctively sad tone to it, matching the look in his eyes.

[Jenara]

"Thank you, I was thinking of that, I usually tie my hair back." She says to Yolanda, "Thank you for the chance."

"New? Oh yes I am, I'm just helping out." Passing them the bowls with care and glances around. "Is this place always so quiet?"

[Stik]

Christopher walks from the chapel, past his horses, reins tied to a tree outside the inn, and check to see that his spear is still where he left it, propped against the eaves, before venturing into the open door of the inn.
Once through the door, he looks the room over, taking it all in, then proceeds to the bench where the friar sits.
“Nobody in the chapel. Perhaps the priest is at supper. Is there food?” he asks, placing his sachel gently on the floor and stretching his back.

[Breila]

"Well, it's harvest time, lass" the father replies to Eloise's question. "People are tired, and have to get up early tomorrow."

Yolanda had just come out of the kitchen when John entered, she moved from behind her counter to greet him, but stopped in her tracks when she saw the young gentleman went to sit next to the mendicant.

[Ismaels-Legacy]

"Aye, the stew is good. The hostess is quite accommodating as well!" He looks at the approaching innkeeper with a brief nod in her direction.

[Jenara]

"Oh silly me!" She says in mock surprise, "Of course it is." Giving her best smile she winks. "If you need anything just ask." Turning she is about to approach the newcomer when she spies Yolanda walking that way. "Shall I serve them?" She suggests, adjusting her tunic so it sits a little lower.

Thelma was being quiet as usual, still she would have something to say about this, still she got them a room...

[Breila]

"Yes please, take their order" Yolanda answers Eloise and goes back behind her counter.

From outside, you can hear the clatter of hooves and some talking. Then a shrivelled old man in priest's robes comes in. He supports himself at the door frame while looking over the newcomers, then he walks to the table where John is sitting and uses this for support. "My lad, if you have a few coppers to spare, one of the village boys will bring your steed to my stables. I charge only for the hay and barley they eat, while Yolanda will charge you five full silver every night." His voice is carrying, obviously, he rather wants Yolanda to overhear him. The inkeeper, however, pretends not to notice.

[Stik]

Christopher stands immediately at the old man's approach. In halting Latin, he addresses the priest: "Be seated, Father, and discuss.
"Need very good care of my large horse. Horse is strong and delicate."

[Jenara]

"Gentlemen, would you like some Stew?" The young girl says with a little motion of her hand, "I can get you some, if you wish." She waits to see if they respond, but doesn't try to interrupt too much, she gives the young man a wink, adjusting her tunic a little more, showing what little cleavage she has... Seeing the disapproving look from Thelma, she pulls it up again.

[Ismaels-Legacy]

Saul finishes a mouthfull of stew while attempting (and failing) to stifle a smirk. He swallows, glances at Christopher, and pats the young girl gently on the shoulder. "Both younger and older women than you have tried, but Christopher here is on a sacred quest. Your advances may be appreciated, but are not likely to be returned." He chuckles a bit to himself and continues eating.

[Jenara]

"Advances? You miss understand me good Sirs, I am here to wait on you. Nothing more." She responds straight faced.