Robert did his best to hold in a sharp retort to the snide demeanor of this highwayman posing as a shopkeeper, and bit his lip, which was at least blessedly hidden behind his heavy beard and mustache, while he collected, inspected, then set into order his new purchase.

His efforts at composure however, had their limits.

"I shall surely remember your shop the next time I make a delivery in town." he responded with every iota of false cheeriness as his extortionate counterpart, with a smile to match-- then headed out the door.

Well, at least he had his merchandise.

He trundled off towards the iron worker's shop next. Hopefully, this cut-throat mercantilism was conserved to JUST the general goods owner.

Hopefully.

With this much "new money" in town, it was hard to say for sure. Sadly, the smith was not one of his customers, and instead used coal for his work. Charcoal would have worked too, of course, but it was far too inefficient compared to coal, and needed special care to reach the same temperatures. Such was the nature of things, he supposed.

Politely, he knocked on the door before entering.

Ludwig still definitely overpaid, much to his embarrassment, and at this point he didn't have the heart to ask for his change back. Just look at how enthusiastic the barkeep is.
Small-town prices are evidently a wonder to him. Whatever, just think of it as a good deed and move on, he thought to himself.
He had been meaning to eavesdrop but he can't quite make out what the two redheads are talking about in a busy tavern. He'll have to find things out another way.

Within a glimpse, half of his meal is gone before he pauses, distracted by the silver-haired girl beside her. Gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe her, and yet it doesn't overshadow the hints of anxiety abound her. Like scratches on a pristine mirror.

What a coincidence. Ludwig takes his smoking pipe, wipes the tip of it with his sleeve and gestures it towards the silver-haired girl.

"It has a calming effect. Try it. It's not tobacco." _{@Soldat Elf}

Ludwig still definitely overpaid, much to his embarrassment, and at this point he didn't have the heart to ask for his change back. Just look at how enthusiastic the barkeep is.
Small-town prices are evidently a wonder to him. Whatever, just think of it as a good deed and move on, he thought to himself.
He had been meaning to eavesdrop but he can't quite make out what the two redheads are talking about in a busy tavern. He'll have to find things out another way.

Within a glimpse, half of his meal is gone before he pauses, distracted by the silver-haired girl beside her. Gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe her, and yet it doesn't overshadow the hints of anxiety abound her. Like scratches on a pristine mirror.

What a coincidence. Ludwig takes his smoking pipe, wipes the tip of it with his sleeve and gestures it towards the silver-haired girl.

"It has a calming effect. Try it. It's not tobacco." _{@Soldat Elf}

Engie saw Ludwig coming toward her. She kept eating her bread roll and mushroom soup. Given the uneasy sensation from the people staring at her, Ludwig offered her a smoking pipe, suggesting that it would help her unwind while she ate. Her face was sweet and innocent as she looked at him. Despite feeling a connection, Engie turned down his offer. She shook her head politely and declined.

"Suit yourself."

Ludwig's entire meal gone, he huffs his pipe on one side of his mouth and blows out smoke on the other side. Just emitting a faint white smoke on both sides of his face. He thinks it adds to his cool slash scary factor. Completely negated by the ensuing yawn.
He pushes his plate forward and asks the barkeep for a room, assuming he's practically already paid for one. He then turns to the silver-haired girl, lowering his voice.

"You may join me later if you want. Just know that I don't harbor any attachments.
And neither should you."

A highly suggestive invitation, yet devoid of any romance. As if making out is just another form of stress relief.
He leaves the counter, climbs the stairs to the inn floor and is fully out of sight.

"Guess we'll just have to make the best of it."

"Well, let us hope they wouldn't take us for fools. We are two good samaritans after all!" Sonia winked. "Though, I am not sure if it sounds right to do a charity for a noble."

Both women smiled, for they knew the statement was to highlight the strangeness of their situation now. Gulping her mead, Sonia let out a low whistle. Her bowl had been empty, and her drink was halfway depleted. Suddenly, she smelled something that made her nose wrinkle.

It was coming from a man sitting two stools away from her.

Ah yes, this was a bar, alright, and people smoke. Still, she could never stand the smoke, and although she wasn't nurturing a habit of chastising smokers, she would reposition herself to another corner, a gesture often taken as a discourtesy, sadly.

The man was talking to that awkward silver-blondie girl, and at that moment, Sonia saw, or rather heard him whispering something to her ears. What was it? It was not her business. Then again, the man had excused himself and went upstairs, talking about good timing.

Her attention was again on the girl named Engie. And particularly her briefcase. She eyed the inkeep, recalling if the girl had informed him about her unstable luggage.

@wierdw in response to Robert

A slightly shriveled up, bald man with entirely too many wrinkles around his face and eyes waved at Robert as he walked in. He was standing behind a short wooden counter, with most of the shop's space given over entirely to pots, pans, cauldrons, chains, shears, axe heads and a whole host of other tools. The man peeked at Robert as he approached but was otherwise fidgeting in place, knocking a small mallet held in one hand with some assorted bits of metal in the other.

Once the strange man left the room, she settled back into her meal. She maintained her grace and poise, refusing to eat in a rough or messy manner. Her focus remained on enjoying her food without compromising her elegance. After finishing her plate, she decided to tackle the large mug of ale in front of her. With determination, she lifted the heavy vessel and drank it all in one swift motion. When she finished, she placed the mug back on the table with a satisfied sigh, a sign of her accomplishment. Wiping her mouth with her hand, she felt a sense of contentment.

The gray-haired young woman waved to the bar-keeper, a friendly gesture that caught his attention. "Anozer round, bleaze," she called out, her voice clear and confident. "Und pring tvo more peers for mein friends, Kaelara und Zonia. I'll coffer zee tab." She gestured toward her companions.

"Und pring tvo more peers for mein friends, Kaelara und Zonia. I'll coffer zee tab."

"You don't have to. Really," said Sonia, shaking her head in disapproval. "We will start our work tomorrow; getting there with an addled mind is unwise. I am sure someone else would appreciate a free beer. Master Jean, maybe? You've been very quiet all this time."

After saying that, Sonia stood up from her chair. "Chat up for a bit will ya? I have some errands to tend to. See you around folks!"

@wierdw in response to Robert

A slightly shriveled up, bald man with entirely too many wrinkles around his face and eyes waved at Robert as he walked in. He was standing behind a short wooden counter, with most of the shop's space given over entirely to pots, pans, cauldrons, chains, shears, axe heads and a whole host of other tools. The man peeked at Robert as he approached but was otherwise fidgeting in place, knocking a small mallet held in one hand with some assorted bits of metal in the other.

"Good evening sir," he ventured, making a polite nod of the head before straightening again. "Do you have any large animal traps for sale? I was planning a trip to survey the local woods, and it's not wise to go without some night-time protection."

Kaelara watched Sonia leave with a thoughtful expression, her eyes lingering on the demoness's retreating form. She turned back to the grey haired girl, who had just ordered another round, and raised an eyebrow at the generous offer.

"Thanks for the drink" Kaelara said, her voice a little softer than before. "But Sonia's right - we should keep our wits about us for tomorrow." She glanced at her briefcase, her curiosity piqued. "What's with the... unusual luggage?"

<Snipped quote by Frank>

"Good evening sir," he ventured, making a polite nod of the head before straightening again. "Do you have any large animal traps for sale? I was planning a trip to survey the local woods, and it's not wise to go without some night-time protection."

@wierdw in response to Robert

The bald man nods vigorously several times and moves towards the back of the shop beckoning Robert as he trudged away. A small collection of traps are secured and lined on the floor here. The man rubs his chin a bit and inquires "We got large ones here. Smalls ones. We don' usually got wolves this close to the village but if yer goin' out..." he falls silent for a moment for seemingly no reason, then separates some of the larger traps. "This is the largest one, if yer weary of bears. Be about 60 coppers. Or yer can take these for wolves. 50 coppers."

---

Jean sat at the bar not in any real hurry to do anything. He did listen in as the others talked about the upcoming rescue. He was worried that such talk might make the locals nervous, like perhaps there was some kind of threat just living in their backyard, but no one reacted negatively. If anything, they were more disturbed by the sudden influx of outsiders than anything that might already be living close to town. They brought up some interesting points, such as how the noblewoman only came to town and visited the ruins with only the one knight. Something the Captain already confirmed, but it felt different coming from the barkeep. Maybe because he had witnessed the lady first hand and knew for sure just how little an entourage she had. Given her status and how remote the town was, if any ne’er-do-well was prepared enough, holding the lady hostage would not be that unthinkable a task.

Jean shook his head mildly. If something of that nature actually happened, a ransom note or at least some evidence of nature of the lady’s disappearance. But the other point of the Duke’s whereabouts, well, Jean couldn’t understand the responsibilities of a duke. He’s met fathers who would risk their own lives to save their families. He has also met others who would do what they can, but not that far. There are all sorts, some kind, others practical, and few malicious. When the conversations started dying down, Jean jolted as his name was called.

“Oh, uh. If she wouldn’t mind the company.” said Jean to Sonia as the horned woman quickly turned to leave the tavern. Jean raised his hand, and waved her off before he stood from his seat and took the one Sonia was just occupying. “Hey, I’m Jean, and I also plan on joining the rescue attempt. I hope you don’t mind that I was listening to you talk. I’ve got your back no matter what happens.” Jean’s eyes wandered to Engie whom he met before with Sonia. Kaelara asked about the silver haired girl’s luggage reminded Jean of the payload she so nonchalantly declared. So far nothing blew up, so it seemed Engie’s care with explosives was not as explosive as her language when talking about them.

<Snipped quote by wierdw>

@wierdw in response to Robert

The bald man nods vigorously several times and moves towards the back of the shop beckoning Robert as he trudged away. A small collection of traps are secured and lined on the floor here. The man rubs his chin a bit and inquires "We got large ones here. Smalls ones. We don' usually got wolves this close to the village but if yer goin' out..." he falls silent for a moment for seemingly no reason, then separates some of the larger traps. "This is the largest one, if yer weary of bears. Be about 60 coppers. Or yer can take these for wolves. 50 coppers."

Robert frowned.

His dad WAS going to kill him. Maybe take the book-keeping away from him, for how much he was spending today. At best, he could justify these expenses as 'business use', as so far, every one of them could, (and quite likely, eventually WOULD) end up in that role eventually.. But these prices...

Granted, these WERE quality ironware. Properly cared for, they could last practically forever. Durability like that commands a hefty price...

He bit his lower lip again, then dug in his purse. The previous "shop keeper" had practically cleaned him out of coppers. He'd have to dip into this runs' PAY, and drop a silver, to get what he wanted...

"I'll take one large one, and two small ones." he managed, feeling the blood go out of his face, and his hands tingle as they started shaking.

The coins practically rattled on the counter as he laid them out: 1 silver coin, 60 copper ones.

"Forgive me, but this is quickly becoming a very expensive outing for me. Your associate up the way bled me for 41 copper already."

His mind was reeling. He'd have to charge AT LEAST 2 silver coins for the completed survey book, JUST to recoup the expenses.

...There had better be some damn good trees out near those ruins...

<Snipped quote by Frank>

———

"I'll take one large one, and two small ones." he managed, feeling the blood go out of his face, and his hands tingle as they started shaking.

The coins practically rattled on the counter as he laid them out: 1 silver coin, 60 copper ones.

"Forgive me, but this is quickly becoming a very expensive outing for me. Your associate up the way bled me for 41 copper already."

———

@wierdw in response to Robert

The bald man swept a gloved hand over the coins and promptly pocketed them. "Say I think I've seen yer before lad. Over inna next town? Lotsa strangers in town recently. The royal lady or some such came and gone disappear inna woods they say. And the soldiers, heh."

He paused to spit over to his side and carefully hauled the selected traps to the front of the store.

"We tryna get what coin we can if there's rich folks in strange garments come walkin' in, I'm sure yer can understand bein' a working man as mineself. But I gyar-and-tee these be solid traps. I stake my livin' on em."

Seeing panic spread on Robert's face (exorbitantly priced traps being the likely cause) made the bald man feel a twinge of guilt, even as he attempted not to show it.

"Say ya need anything else I'd be happy ta give ya one, I think yer coin should just about cover it."

He waved over to a selection of other tools, some proudly stacked on shelves on display, others dispersed on the floor in disorganized fashion.

"Mind, I think it fool's business to be going inna woods right now... but I won't meddle if yer really want to be going there."

The light-headedness was spreading, and he could feel his pulse racing. He'd need to find a spot to sit down, and that thought irritated him to no end.

Bad timing. He was trying to buy essential gear, at a time when there were lots of rubes walking around, potentially doing the same thing. (If they were smart.)

The smith's offer of a consolation was a relief though. He closed his eyes and heaved a slow, even breath.

"Thank you sir. I'll have a look."

He started to feel a little better, knowing at least this selection would be free of charge, but all the same, courtesy demanded he not take advantage of the man. He too, was just trying to make the most of an opportunity, which rarely, if ever, came knocking. Good relations were essential for people that had to live with each other's continued business, and that is what this gesture was really about. He would NOT take advantage of this man.

Taking a few minutes to peruse the wares, he eventually decided upon a new boot knife. Well made, unadorned, and unassuming, but of good quality with a keen edge. It was both practical and useful. Like all the best things in life.

"I'll take this then." he said, showing it to the balding man.

@wierdw in response to Robert

"Aye, sure thing. Yer take care out there, and yer can always bring the traps back if they need repairing or such."

The bald man shuffles behind the counter and starts tinkering again.

The gray-haired young woman waved to the bar-keeper, a friendly gesture that caught his attention. "Anozer round, bleaze," she called out, her voice clear and confident. "Und pring tvo more peers for mein friends, Kaelara und Zonia. I'll coffer zee tab." She gestured toward her companions.

"Certainly!" the bartender chirped. After refilling Engi's mug to a foaming fullness, he reached toward the others'. However, both Sonia and Kaelara seemed hesitant to indulge further, with Sonia diverting the drink to Jean before standing up to leave. And so, a fresh mug was poured for Jean. The young man had been rather quiet up to now, and the bartender wondered where he was from and the places he may have traveled to. Jean didn't seem entirely dissimilar to himself, after all.

All of the travelers seemed to hail from different places, and seeing them with their foreign customs and conducts roused the wanderlust that had been latently brewing inside the young barman. He'd always been curious about living a life similar to his uncle's – roaming the lands freely, making his home wherever his feet happened to be planted. His father would most certainly disapprove though. He knew about the disagreements his father and uncle often had about lifestyle choices and preferences. Wistfully, he sighed, listening to the strangers discuss their upcoming mission.

Again. With a triumphant sigh, Engie drained the tall mug of alcohol. "Pooses are like vader to us pack home," she said with a sly smile at the other two passengers. "I vill pe zee packline und bick up targets. Mein gun can hit zee target up to more zan ein zouzand yards. Atdached vith ein telescobic zight, zee hit rate vould pe ein eaze," she said.

Lady Kaelara and Mister Jean were examining her bags. Engie sighed. "Acdually, zere are nein pombs in mein lugkage. Zoze are contained vith mein sbare ammo, mein razions und necezidies, und zome berzonal sduff. I made zis condainer myzelf. Fery duraple und eazy to carry as zee veel vill make it ein eaze." she continued.

Aside from the odd bag. Additionally, she has been carrying another one on her shoulder. Many ordinary people thought it was a bag container the size of a musket. That being said, it is actually a rifle.

Kaelara raised an eyebrow at Engie's boastful claims about her gun's capabilities. "Impressive," she said dryly, though her tone suggested she remained skeptical. "But let's hope it doesn't come to relying on your marksmanship skills alone. We don't know what we're up against yet." She leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving Engie's face. "I'm not doubting your skills, but I've found that it's often better to underestimate one's abilities rather than overestimate them. Complacency can be a deadly trap." Her gaze flicked to the bag on her shoulder, her interest pique"A custom-made rifle, I presume? You're a skilled craftswoman, I'll give you that."

She turned her attention to Jean, who had introduced himself and offered to watch their backs. "Kaelara Ashwyn," she repeated, her voice low. "Nice to meet you Jean, appreciate the sentiment" Kaelara said, her expression softening slightly. "We'll likely need all the help we can get." As she spoke, Kaelara's gaze flicked back to Engie's unusual luggage, her curiosity still piqued. She wasn't convinced that the contents were as harmless as Engie claimed. Kaelara's eyes lingered on Engie's luggage for a moment before she leaned in, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "We'll need to be sharp tomorrow. We don't know what we're walking into." the atmosphere in the tavern grew more subdued, the patrons beginning to disperse as the night wore on. The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows on the walls

"I think we've all got our skills and gear in order. We should get some rest and prepare for tomorrow." She nodded at Engie's luggage. "I'm sure that... contraption of yours will come in handy." With that, she downed the last of her ale, took a final glance around the tavern and stood up, her movements fluid and deliberate. "I'm turning in. See you all at dawn." She nodded one last time to Engie and Jean, and headed upstairs to her room.

The rattling of a lock as Ludwig struggles to open the door to his room. His hair slightly dewy, and he wore but a white long-sleeved camisa and brown pants, a small towel and a bean slingbag on his arm.

Slippery hands. The key is flung away, dropping near the approaching Kaelara's footsteps as she's close to climbing all of the stairs.

"Shit... Oh. Hey, you- you're one of them. Going to find that missing princess, aren't you? You look like the type."

Something's clicking. The sound of something actively clicking. A second passes, and his resolve is in question.

"Say, would you indulge me in a hypothetical? Say you have a package to be delivered strictly only to the recipient who turns up missing... You've already been paid for going to deliver it, and there turns out to be an additional, unrelated bag of coins for finding the recipient who at this point is most likely, well, dead... Would you still try to deliver it?"