[IC] Sir Shane's Story (Legend in the Mist)

[third eye]

After arriving in the Dales, and asking around in Underbough and Fairpoint, Sir Shane learned the main source of the talks about weird things awakening. As far as the folks of the riverside villages could tell, it all came from the west, where Barleytown lied. Some of them specifically mentioned the inn there, where people congregate after the monthly market, the Goatbeard.

Barleytown was well-known for its good yield of its namesake, and the beer made from it. The locals were very proud of it, making it a point with every visitor to taste it, always offering a free mug for fresh arrivals. The mysterious Dolmen Knolls could be found north of town, providing an infinite source for spooky and cautionary tales for the towners. 'You'll go to the dolmens!' was a phrase scary enough for most children to become obedient. The Craggen Highlands, however, were less mysterious but more directly dangerous, as the wild hillfolk usually hunted all intruders to set an example.

All in all, Barleytown was itself peaceful, with exciting things around it, to keep the folk gossiping and guessing whenever they got bored.

[rush99999]

The ride from Fairpoint to Barleytown had been a lengthy yet peaceful journey. One that had done well to prepare Sir Shane the Shy for the next challenge he would face. Though not nearly as large as Stormhelm, Barleytown was still the largest settlement that appeared on the map of the Dales. That meant a lot more people he'd have to pass by. Which in turn meant a higher likelihood that the sight of a knight from north of the Bridge would make someone curious enough to come strike up a conversation. Something he rarely enjoyed all that much. Though at least it wasn't anything like what he would have had to endure if he'd stayed in the city.

Thankfully, though many a curious glance had been cast his way as he rode into town and made for the Goatbeard, no one had actually stopped to chat. When he arrived at the inn, Sir Shane guided his horse to a set of hitching posts set up near the entrance and dismounted as his loyal charger lowered her head and began to drink from one of the water troughs that had been left there for the horses. "You did well today, Flutter." Sir Shane quietly praised his equine companion while gently stroking and patting her neck. "You've more than earned a drink. I'll get you some more carrots next chance I get, too."

Leaving Flutter to her rest, Sir Shane made for the front door of the inn. With any luck, he wouldn't need to stay long or speak with many people before finding what he had come in search of, be it the source of the rumors or another step on the trail to the true source. And so Sir Shane uttered a quiet prayer for luck as he reached the Goatbeard's door, opened it, and made his way inside.

[third eye]

The inn was moderately busy in the early afternoon, but obviously had much more space than the half-dozen patrons took up, mostly eating alone at a table. The gruff man who was serving food to a hunter-like fellow, didn't make small talk, just put the bowl of stew on the table. The hunter nodded at him, and started to eat at leisure. She had a hooded cloak dropped on the back of her chair, sturdy leather boots, and a piercing, clear gaze.

The others were elder people, sipping a mug of beer, or staring out the window.

The man who served the food noticed the knight entering the Goatbeard. He stopped and took a few steps towards Sir Shane. He tried an awkward bow, but stopped midway, and searched for the proper word for a few seconds. Ummm, welcome good lord, to the inn. What do ... would you like to have?

[rush99999]

Sir Shane tensed slightly as the server approached him. Though as the man revealed himself to be just as nervous a Sir Shane was, the knight relaxed, gave a polite nod to the attempted bow, and waited patiently for the server to say his piece. "A bowl of stew and a mug of beer for me, please. And some carrots for my horse if you have any." Sir Shane requested once the server fell silent. "Also, you needn't refer to me as lord. I am but a humble knight. Sir Shane will do just fine."