Dorje had walked for nearly a week with neither food nor water eastward before coming to the town of Vaele. He mused as he walked past the gates, feeling the lingering gaze of the watchtower guards, [i]Must not get many of the order here[/i]. He'd noticed that the days were growing darker, as if he were approaching the evil upon the land, either that or it was growing stronger; both possibilities were frightening. He walked through the streets, not quite sure where he was going, but eventually the winding streets led to the inn he sought, it's chimney puffing quietly. Hearthstone, such an odd name; were not all hearths made of stone? He opened a thick wooden door, feeling the heat of the fire warm his skin. The music was pleasant, but not loud. His eyes soon adjusted to the light, and he saw that the bar had four patrons, six counting the two strange women, one in full plate armor, and the other in some sort of robe-ish thing. If anyone was to join him on the quest, it would probably be them. As he approached the table and nearly collapsed in his chair, a girl approached them.

"You need anything?" She had the sweet tone of a person who genuinely enjoyed seeing contented looks on patron's faces, and didn't have to make herself smile. 

"Mead, and cheese and bread, please," He said, leaning back and relaxing against the back of his chair.

She sauntered away, and as she did, Dorje commented to the girl next to him, who had just finished gnawing on her mutton. 

"She's quite pretty, yes?"