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	[u]Weather[/u]: It remains cold; a chill suitable to this time of the year. Fat, puffy snowflakes descend slowly among quieting winds, giving a rather idyllic winter evening scene a across the whole of Avonshire.    
     
	[u]Time[/u]: While hammering down a specific time is difficult, persay, all parties will agree that it is most assuredly nighttime. Earlier rather then later, but it's dark and shows no signs of un-darkening any time soon.  

	[u]Ambience[/u]: In the intervening time, not much has changed outside. The evening outside progresses with its picturesque majesty, accented by the lanterns set up by the Rose River staff along the primary thoroughfares of the Vineyard. Likewise, the interior of the tasting room has gone through zero significant changes, with the possible exception of there being marginally less refreshments out due to the gradual consumption of wine and munchable palate cleansers consisting primarily of breads, cheeses, and winter available fruits. 

	The feel of social friction coming from various sources within the room is obvious, but that doesn't seem to bother a number of the guests. In fact, the Halfing farmers (or just the one, anyway) take the mild drama as part of a suppertime show, to go along with their refreshment. A sort of a party atmosphere persists then, despite the friction. Maybe even because of it, with the addition of yummy, late harvest wine.  
	
[center][color=darkgray][h2]*****[/h2][/color][/center] 
[img][/img]
	
	The question of their missing guest, as put to Master Rens by Baronfjord, was met initially with a shrug. The portly Human did come around in a moment with the explanation of, [color=darkgray]"I don't know. He's not one to pass on free wine. On the other hand, the only thing he's ever really reliable on is work. Trust the man to lead a good shift, but that's about it."[/color] 

	Cecily took to the Dragonborn's asking permission to search the grounds with confusion at first, followed by a resigned intonation of, [color=darkgray][i]"I'm sure I won't be offended if you feel the need to look around. There should be light up, which Toombes would be able to see clearly if he's about."[/i][/color] 

	Rens piped up, [color=darkgray]"There's a receiving spot along the main road, right near the boundary of the vineyard grounds. That was where we were supposed to meet before coming up this way, but he didn't show."[/color] Anyone who traveled the main path into the Rose River Vineyard would have seen this spot; it was a circular area lined with stacked, white stones with benches, overlooking the vineyard below. [color=darkgray]"But Toombes, even if he was made late by some emergency - he'd know where to come."[/color] 

	Meanwhile, Lizbeth responded to Victoria's insistence on getting a tour of the Tasting Room first as the others went more into production areas with a little uncertainty. The fact that the Bard might have kept her from getting into bigger trouble with her aunt wasn't lost on her, but at the same time, skepticism bubbled up. [color=darkgray]"Um, yeah. Sure, Mademoiselle Belmont, I can do that."[/color] She glanced around nervously, looking at casks and bottles on display, and eventually, to the locked door. Her smile was not the most genuine ever. 

	Kathryn's salutation to the Mosswaters was met with a cheerful return. Tarace was ultimately more forthcoming with manners, rising from his seat and extending a hand to the tall warrior, [color=darkgray][i]"Thank you again for all of your help with the Ankheg incident. We all might have been in trouble with that one."[/i][/color] His smile was warm and open. Barbal was less demonstrative of cheer and etiquette; nevertheless he did wave a greeting and sip from his wine thoughtfully. he then slapped his knee and exclaimed, [color=darkgray][b]"I owe you and yours an apology. Really do. This here's plumb my fault. I was supposed to some back with enough ankheg to do up a seasonal roasting with you all. Traditional Halfling food of Avonshire, or so I was planning. One tiny setback led to another. Hmm. As an apology, I do still have a good portion of hard smoked Ankheg sausage I can dip back with on the morrow, if you like. Oh, and about half of the shells I claimed left, too, if you're interested. I got what I need from them, was just going to sell 'em off (probably to Cecily's fellow, Urmdrus). Just let me know, alright? Anyways, I think I'll join Madame Cecily for that tour. Excuse me..."[/b][/color]

	The exchange between Laurent and Kathryn was more of a one-sided event, as he merely waited until she was done speaking, nodded slightly, and responded with, [color=darkgray]"Yes. Quite. Pardon me, I believe I shall be with Master Rens while he shows us around."[/color] He then made his way over to Rens and Annick, nearer to the door. 

	As Kosara seemed to be the only other person raring to go with the tour, Lizbeth took her desire to be part of her group with stumbling appreciation, as if she was getting into a situation a little over her head. She responded with, [color=darkgray]"Um okay, sure! Let's wait for the others to vacate and I can get to yours and Mademoiselle Belmont's questions with less interruptions, okay? Oh, but I can tell you that, including the brandy that was just discovered, the oldest stuff would be..."[/color] She looked around until her eyes met a stand toward the corner, [color=darkgray]"That stuff over there. It's one of the blends we don't really do anymore, since adapting the grapes better, I think - it's our original Ziegelrote, and I think they had to fortify it for longevity. Very rare in this part of the world, now."[/color] She looked as if reciting something for a classroom, and showed a bit of pride when finished with the explanation. 

	Cecily suddenly spoke over the conversations in the Tasting Room, announcing, [color=darkgray][i]"Very good! Now everyone find their guide who hasn't and we will get started. Anyone who wishes to go looking to Toombes, go ahead and we can catch you up when you get back, if you find him quick enough. Thank you, everyone - and perhaps we might have a little music,"[/i][/color] She smiled in Victoria's direction as to silently make the request of her, as she went to the trouble of bringing her violin and all, [color=darkgray][i]"to continue the evening after?"[/i][/color] Satisfied with her declaration and following request, she emphasized, [color=darkgray][i]"So, Monsieur Laurent and whom else is with me?"[/i][/color]