-----Adding the cross room conversations, Sol then answers the peasant, "What sort o' news would ye have? Well, fer starters, Hearthorn estate was having it's own problems about a month ago, with some bastards trying t'spoil both th' economy and causing some havoc around th' countryside. It was rough fer a while, though from th' sounds o' things, not as severe as Redmarsh's problems. Hearthorn's problems were dealt with, and th' estate has managed to recover. Oakwood is now only just beginning t'recover from much th' same problems. With any luck, Redmarsh will see th' same treatment."
-----The peasant farmer takes in every word that Sol tells him. The expression on his face is one of intense interest. At the end of Sol's words, he sits quietly while his inward thoughts play about his face. For a moment, a look of hope appears there soon to be replaced by glum disbelief.
-----Raven looks over at the man with the axe. Raven steps away from the wall so Rinda is behind him. Raven nods at the man, "I agree with you, these people haven't seen them."
-----Raven looks down at the man's battleaxe, "Good weapon you have there. Looks like it has served you well."
-----The man with the light brown hair acknowledges Raven with a slight nod. He reaches down and picks up his battleaxe and stands. He looks down at his own weapon and his manner is relaxed. "Aye," he answers the hunter, "it has served me well. Kept me out o' some trouble when I thought I was over my head."
-----Raven pauses and moves closer to the man, "Have you seen these vermin we hunt?" Raven's stance is relaxed, but balanced and ready to move if the need comes.
-----He then looks at Raven and shakes his head with a bit of reluctance. "I have seen lots o' vermin 'round the area, but I don' think I've run across those I've heard yer friend describe." He nods toward Sarah sitting with the gnomes.
-----"Do you always hide behind riddles?" Sarah asks the hooded gnome harshly. "Do you have something relevant to say or did you just feel the need to open your mouth?" She glances at the other gnomes, as if saying that goes for you too.
-----At Sarah's sharp words, the gnomes all look at each other and giggle and make an 'ooing' sound apparently not taking the young mage seriously. Although it sounds funny in their higher pitched voices, there is something also unsettling in it.
-----"Dammit!" Sarah says, pounding her fist on the table wishing she was scarier looking. 'But I didn't remember that spell today' she thinks. Her eyes shoot daggers at the gnome, but she does nothing.
-----As the man's in the corner words are spoken, Sol's head snaps around to regard the man for a moment. The warrior's view then swivels back to the peasant and Sol's expression softens at the farmer's sour disposition. In an attempt to bolster the fellow's moral Sol says, "Friend, I'm sure Redmarsh's plight will draw th' necessary attention. Aid will come, I'm sure of it."
-----"Aye," the peasant responds to Sol with a bit of reservation, "though it is as he said." The peasant points at the barkeep. "Perhaps tis better for us to throw allegiance to Ravenhold."
-----Sol once more eyes the man in the corner, who now has Raven speaking to him. Glad that someone actually seems to be talking to the party about the thieves, Sol smiles slightly then asks the farmer, "Hey, can I get ye a drink or something?"
-----The man with the battleaxe nods toward Sol and says, "Nay, but my thanks just the same." He then turns his attention back to the annoying gnomes.
-----"As I was saying, MiLady," he begins halfway speaking to Sarah and Raven as he concentrates on the gnomes, "I have seen many vermin in the area. When you speak of thieves, it is hard to find honorable people in Redmarsh to speak on this with. I wouldn't waste my breath with such worms."
-----The man now stands practically over the gnomes who have suddenly stopped laughing and are now staring up quietly at the man and his large axe. With two words he utters, he sends a start through the pesky demi-humans causing their demeanor to turn to one of fear. The two words he shouts are, "WOULD YOU?"
-----The gnomes, after jumping, seem to shrink in their seats and one of them meekly answers, "Why, . . . no, not at all."
-----Sarah smiles gratefully up at the man and gives the gnomes a withering look.
-----The man looks at the four adventurers and the four guards from Oakwood. Nodding, he says quietly, "I wouldn't waste my time on such people at all." He then begins to stride for the door.
-----Sol stands up and says to the peasant in parting agreement, "Ye have t'do what ye think is best." The Gorian then quickly follows the angry axe wielding man out.