[hider=Characters Addressed]
[@Mae] - Dwarven Stranger
[@Necroes] - Einkel
[/hider]

In a quiet corner of Swampmuck, two men respectfully made their way around the graves that made up the town cemetery. One of them was a tall and impressively burly human with a black curly mustache and short black hair. His name was Bartholomew Strongheart and the man he was walking with was his adopted aasimar uncle, Gabriel Strongheart. Gabriel was average in height by the standard of his race, but standing next to Bartholomew and no one else made him look shorter than he truly was. He was clean shaven and had long white hair. And though he was reaching the time of his life that people knew as the middle age, he showed few notable signs of it.

Bartholomew and Gabriel eventually came to a stop on front of a grave surrounded by small offerings and bowed their heads respectfully to it before laying down offerings of their own. The name Horatio Strongheart was carved into the headstone, marking the final resting place of Bartholomew's father, Gabriel's adoptive brother, and the previous innkeeper of the Adamant Tankard. The two men stood there for some time. Even though it had been 5 years since the night Horatio died, many people who knew him, his family especially, still felt the pain of his loss. He had been a dear friend to everyone who lived in Swampmuck. And a loving father, husband, brother, and uncle to his family. Even if they were only family by adoption.

"I wonder what he'd say to us all if he were still around" Bartholomew finally broke the silence.
"He'd probably tell me that I need to come visit more often, as he always did when I came by for my yearly visit" Gabriel said "I should probably consider taking that advice".
"Definitely" Bartholomew agreed "We don't see you nearly as much as we'd like to. Should you ever find the time to visit us, we'll always have a place ready for you at the Tankard".
"Don't deny anyone else a room because you're keeping one for me though" Gabriel said "I'd feel bad if I knew someone couldn't get a room because of me".
"Don't worry, I wont" Bartholomew promised.
"I think we've bothered Horatio enough for one day" Gabriel said "Let's go enjoy the festival"
"Indeed" Bartholomew said as they began making their way out of the cemetery "I believe you be spending much of the day with my sister and cousin".
"Yes, Matilda and Sophie were very insistent on hearing about my latest adventures" Gabriel confirmed.
"I wish you luck with them" Bartholomew laughed.
"I'll do by best" Gabriel said.

Bartholomew and Gabriel parted ways at the Tankard. Now alone, Bartholomew wandered around the festival, looking about for something to do. His attention was soon caught by the booming laughter Metor Strongman and his challenge to the 'Wee wussy folk' of Swampmuck. "He still thinks that does he?" Bartholomew said to himself "Even though the running total between us is 5 all? I'll have to change that". Bartholomew began to walk in the direction of Metor's booming laughter but stopped when he noticed an unfamiliar face in the crowd, along with his intriguing sign, and the two familiar faces speaking with the unfamiliar one. "Metor can wait" Bartholomew said to himself "There's a new friend to be made, and maybe even an adventure to be had".

Bartholomew made his way over to where Einkel, Jhank, and the dwarven stranger were standing. "Ho there stranger!" Bartholomew called out to the dwarf "I apologise for interrupting you, but you're about to spill your drink". Not wanting to interrupt any further, Bartholomew turned to Einkel. "Might I have a cup of that as well?" Bartholomew asked.