Kerim concludes his trading and starts to pack the trade
goods away, as Zona carries Flower's newly acquired chain
mail back to the ship, and the farmers carry away their
goods.

Elsbeth and Herloch arrive at the inn, arm in arm, just a
few moments before Rolf and Madelyn get back to the cup and
order their ale.  

They are just starting to sip their ale when there is a
commotion from outside and Smilo burst into the cup,
breathless from running.  Candy, whose bodice is still
unbuttoned, and then three Halfling lads waving sticks,
closely follow him.  It doesn't take long for you, ably
supported by the village elders, to calm the situation down
and then the elders take Candy and the lads outside to hear
their story.

By this time more and more villagers are gathering out side,
and you can hear the lads saying "Taking advantage of our
Candy …" - "You know what these outsiders are like …"-
"Teach him a lesson.."- while candy repairs her dress
and keeps sobbing, you can hear her saying "… Always
spoil it…"- "…Little boys …" - "… just jealous…".  .

After a while Candy's parents appear and drag her off and
start remonstrating with her, the youths are sent away, and
the elders encourage the villagers back to their fields and
chores.  

Just as all the others are dispersing Candy's friend from
the Cup arrives and seeing her friend's distress goes to
give her a hug, but is intercepted by the angry parents. 
You hear the start of the tirade, as the two girls are lead
away -  "Ever since you have been here, you have been
leading Candy astray - she used to be such a good girl, but
since she has been friends with you……

The vilage  Elders take  you  back inside The Cup  and buy
you all a beer.  " Did you say  you were moving on soon?
Tomorrow  might  be  an appropriate  time for you to
continue you journey, let  the lads  calm down  a 
bit...."

It seems quieter than it has been in The Cup that evening,
and the mood is more subdued than before. Every so often you
notice a strained look pass over the faces of one or another
of the patrons as they look your way …  and then the door
flings  open and you see Candy's friend  march in followed
by a slightly older female Halfling  " I have  had enough
of this place, I always get  the blame and I'm going  with
them …  at  which  point  she winds down and comes to a
halt in front of Rolf.  At which point the older woman turns
to Rolf and fixing him with astern look says ... "You
will look after her wont you?"

Way to go, Smilo!

By Joe
who plays Herloch

Herloch is impressed with Smilo. Not in the sense of combat prowess, since he is a Hobbit after all, but in his attitude. Obviously he's not one to play it safe, and loves to live dangerously. Those are good qualities for a follower of Thor. Hmm… Would he make a good recruit, even if he's a Hobbit? he thinks to himself.

While the group is outside hearing the stories of Candy and the three jealous youths, Herloch nudges Smilo and gives him a knowing smile and nod, the expression on his face showing approval of Smilo's behavior while at the same time insulting the three other Hobbit boys.

When one of the lads says, "… Taking advantage of our Candy," Herloch scoffs quietly saying, "She makes her own choices…"

Finally, when Candy's friend states she's coming with the group, Herloch listens with interest to what Rolf will say next, arms folded across his chest as usual.

Tart!

By malc
who plays Callum

Callum, too, nudges Smilo and sniggers. Then, as events unfold, he watches Rolf for a reaction

A pairing for Smilo?

By Brad
who plays Rolf

In response to the elders, Rolf says, "We were pretty much ready to move on, though I like not leaving with that beast on the prowl. But we can hardly sit around for a month on the hopes it might reappear. We wish not to return your kindness with the problems we seem to be causing. We will move on in the morning. If we can learn ought of the beast, we'll either return or send word if we can."

When the halflings charge in and the older one asks, "You will look after her wont you?", Rolf looks over the halfling girl. "If she were to travel with us, I would be willing to look after her as long as she swears to do as she's told. But we travel into danger and it's not for the tame. Can she prove more of a boon than a drawback?"

[Assuming some sort of positive answer....]

Rolf looks to the younger halfling, "I am Rolf Liefsen, Warden of Earl Galinia. These others have been tasked with aiding me in taming the lands here abouts. Would you share this task?"

[Similar assumption....]

Rolf smiles at the little one, "Than what is your name, miss?"

OK

By Ian
who plays Peter

Peter hands over the the coins for the shield without haggling, and the farmers with him look slightly perplexed by his naivity. Every one knows you always haggle with a Midani trader - dont they? He might know a lot about agriculture but there were obviously things about life he still needed to learn.

Later he can be seen back in the fields with the farmers and indeed even in The Cup that evening he can still be heard talking to the farmers. "Now remember what I said about rotating the crops, and you will get better yields from the terrace. And in the fallow year, let the beasts graze there - they will churn their own dung in ... and remember mushrooms will grow better if you keep them in the dark."

"Kerim", he asks in a slightly quizzical manner, "That chain mail you sold to Flower? What happens to the money for that? Did the mail become your trade goods when you picked it up and packed it?"

He sits nursing a cup of rice wine as he watches the girl acost Rolf ....

Do as she is told?

By JohnB

The older Halfling throws Rolf a dirty look, "Swear to do as she is told? She might, but if she could keep that type of promise there wouldn't be a problem would there? But I think she will be leaving soon what ever happens and she will be safer with you than with many others ..."

Then turning to the younger one " Now you heard the man - you have to do as you are told, - don't do anything silly now will you .... But come - on I have a leather coat for you as a present and I have got our old back pack all nice again ..."

The concern is written clearly on her face, and you get the feeling she is going to burst into tears the minute she leaves the cup.

Leavetaking

By fleagrrl
who plays Flea

Flea scowls at her sister when she comments on Flea's obedience skills. But she listens to her sister and accepts the backpack and coat from her, understanding her concern.

Flea turns to Rolf and says "I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, I won't be a hinderance. I would like to help you with the taming of these lands.. it is well overdue in my opinion and certainly would be a better occupation than being stuck in this place. And I am known as Flea."

She turns back to her sister and hugs her in farewell, thanking her for her care and support and for putting up with her 'stupid pranks' over the years.

Events... and a newcomer

By lechrist
who plays Elsbeth

Elsbeth sits for the offered beers of the evening. She is well aware that her group are perhaps not as warmly welcomed as before. She would expect that, especially with the tracks and dead livestock. And there is also for her that new fellow- Herloch- she can see he tries to be civil, yet he is what he is.

As is she.

She watches the interaction between Madelyn and Rolf carefully. Even as she watches herself. She wonders why she does.

She merely watches with the others with the arrival of Smilo and the arguments. She smiles. She wonders when she became so old as to smile at the frolics of youth. Or is it jealousy?

When the young halfling is presented, she comes forward with interest. Here is one that reminds her of herself- young, impetuous, ready to change things. And proud. And probably scared. And excited. Elsbeth holds out her hand to the newcomer, smiling. "Welcome, Flea," she tells her. "I'm glad you're coming with us."

Is this hazing?

By Brad
who plays Rolf

In response to the older Halflings comments, Rolf shrugs. "We're going into danger and any foolishness might get her and us killed. I will see to her as best I may. More than that, I can't rightly promise."

Hearing the young ladies comments, Rolf nods down to her. "Flea? Hardly a complimentary name. But, tell me of yourself so that when the time comes, I know what to expect."

Flea's story

By fleagrrl
who plays Flea

Flea turns to Elspeth and says "thanks - Its good to meet you too." and shakes her hand.

"And as for my name, it's the one I acquired in my travels, from some sailors that had a certain appreciation for my skill with the cards." She grinned while saying this comment to Rolf.

"and my story, well, I come from the Huboyr area originally. I moved on with my sister after the Orc invasions had killed both my parents. We have moved around a lot and seen a fair amount of trouble along the way. " she continues, shaking her head, " I have had to learn a few skills to survive along the way. As I said I can take care of myself, I am pretty useful with my daggers and my slingshot. Plus I have some skill with the bow. I am experienced with healing as well, so I will do my best to contribute what I can of my skills to the party."

Well

By Jim
who plays Smilo Hairfoot

Smilo reddens at the ribbing, a silly grin locked on his face. He's much relieved when the girl and her da leaves.

"Pleased to make yer aquointanced, miss," he said to Flea "M'name's Smilo. Smilo Hairfoot. Of the oldworld Hairfoot's."

He realizes his broad brimmed hat is still on his head and he yanks it off. He holds his hat before him in both hands, smiling shyly.

More greetings

By fleagrrl
who plays Flea

Flea turns to Smilo "Likewise," smiles and inclines her head.

"You needn't worry about whats just happened, her parents are used to this sort of thing. Except they don't realise that she doesn't need any encouragement from me." she says, shugging her shoulders, "I am glad I am leaving, it will be good to not have to take the blame for everything she does."