Tauster gave Torro and Azrun the message for Weismar the innkeeper and warned them away from the mutton pies. The tavern itself, like much of the rest of the village, had seen better days. The bachelor innkeeper was surly. The help was attractive in a saucy way. One of them swayed up to the two men as they entered, "I'm Anth, what can I get for you two handsome fellas tonight?" Another of the barmaids watched out of the corner of her eye as Anth found a reason to lean over and give them a wonderful view of her ample cleavage. The second one sauntered over, "Anth, behave yourself. These men are strangers in these parts. We don't want to give them the wrong idea about us." She winked at Azrun.
Azrun smiled, "No problem at all, miss. I'd have been more offended if there was nothing to see." He kissed the young lady's hand, "Me and my friend will need dinner and lodging for the night, if possible. Master Tauster has arranged to pay for our night here."
"Our specialty here is mutton pie," the woman smiled at him lewdly, "well, one of our specialties, at least. Anth, go take care of that," she told the other waitress. Anth smiled at Torro before swishing away. The other barmaid seemed more interested in staying and talking. The inn wasn't crowded so no one seemed to mind that she wasn't working, "So, what do you have to do with crazy ol' Tauster?"
At the word of mutton pie Azrun spoke up, "I'm really not a big fan of mutton. I had some bad experiences with it when I was a child. Perhaps, if you have some fresh fruit, bread and a little wine maybe." As the girl asked about Tauster, "We helped deliver some supplies to him today. The rest of our group headed back to Milborne, but we needed some rest."
"Oh, you split with your friends? Be careful. Bad things happen to strangers in these parts if they don't know where to stay away from," she smiled at him again, "and I'd hate to think of anything bad happening to such a man as yourself."
Azrun smiled, "Thank you. I'm sure we'll be fine."
Anth returned soon after with a few bruised apples, a loaf of bread with a few chunks cut oddly from its crust, and wine that tasted suspiciously like watery ale. She kicked the chair of the girl sitting at the table, "Gloris, get off your butt and work some." She turned her attention to Azrun and Torro, "Weismar needs to know if you'll be wanting to stay in the same room. All the rooms got two beds, but if you want separate ones," she glanced at Gloris, "that's fine too."
Azrun smiled at Anth," Tell Master Weismwar that we would like two rooms. I like to have have privacy when I write." He turned to Torro, "No offense intended, good friend."
Gloris and Anth exchanged glances when Azrun asked for a room by himself. "You write?" Gloris asked. "Are you a scribe or something? I wouldn't have figured you for that." She waited for his answer then followed Anth back to the kitchen.
Azrun smiled, "Yes, I write and no I'm not a scribe. I like to write about the places I have been and the people I meet. It's more of something to pass the time with and to pass down to my children, if I ever have any."
After they leave, Azrun turns to Torro, "Well my friend, I guess we should leave at first light in the morning. I suggest getting a good night's rest. If you decide to entertain one of the young ladies, I would hide your purse." He winked at Torro and headed for his room.
