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[center][hider=The Infamous Pear, 1F][img]https://i.ibb.co/qsxwrkh/Infamous-Pear-1-F.jpg[/img][/hider][/center]
	 
	The red haired lady in guard's colors listened to the additional issues and inquiries toward compensation stoically, taking it in. Mental notes were taken. One of those notes was that there were members of this group of outsiders who showed an abundance of optimism the likes of which didn't seem to improve her own mood; point of fact, a wry face was made, partly in surprise of the positivity so early in the morning. An wary eyebrow raise also materialized at the Bard's remark. This was quickly righted, both expressions buried under a veneer of principled duty. She kept her answers polite but terse. [color=darkgray]"Yes, pleasure to meet you as well. My name is Lynette."[/color] It was the first semi-casual thing she had said, and it looked like it itched a little. 

	Past this, the influx of questions was taken in stride, if "stride" meant she looked like a ship hull getting swelled upon by waves. [color=darkgray]"Rough locations..? I'm not sure what to tell you. The Township is a hub for farmers and hunters. So far as a [i]map[/i], we have one - [i]one[/i] - in the Fort, same as most major settlements. I do not have liberty to give it to you. Nor can I give illumination about patterns. I am not an investigator. Sheriff Arbalest was under the impression that [i]you were[/i]. Now speaking to 'additional potential rewards', the Sheriff told me he would 'entertain special requests', and that was only because [i]that one[/i],"[/color] she paused just long enough to motion at Victoria, [color=darkgray]"silver-tongued the man knowing full well he was in a difficult position."[/color] The minor tirade came out rougher than intended, as the cracks in her exterior serenity widened. 

	Lynette gave a short, huffing sigh. [color=darkgray]"Apologies. Things have been hectic here. The constabulary seems always short of hands, the Harvestide is upon the region in addition to our regular duties, and a carnival is scheduled to arrive for the end of the festivities. Merchant traffic is up with folk trying to move through before winter sets in. The frosts have come early. This brings other concerns. Now this [i]side project[/i] of Gregor... sorry, the Sheriff's, that you all are part of. He wants it handled (if there's anything in the first place) but cannot put any manpower to it, apparently including himself. He has his reasons. Suffice it to say, we are quite stressed."[/color]

	Looking directly at Hugh, Lynette summarized, [color=darkgray]"Your special request looks comparable to the others. I will recommend favorably when the Sheriff returns."[/color]

	The Halfling, Guido, made a quick appearance to hand off a large mug of something steaming to Lynette, which she took with muted surprise. [color=darkgray]"Oh, um, thank you,"[/color] she said quietly, accepting the vessel and letting it more fully warm her hands. A little less volatile, she looked to the group, [color=darkgray]"Look, I'm going to be here in The Infamous Pear for the next couple of hours. Shops will begin opening in a few more minutes. If you need to purchase anything before you go, I can recommend good places for you. When the sun is high in the sky, I am taking the wagon and the beast attached to it and returning to Fort Darenby, if it remains there."[/color] 

	The interior of the Inn had become fairly quiet, owing now to the lack of people within it. With the exception of the party, Lynette, and the staff, there was only one older man sitting in the corner, minding his own business and carving on a what looked to be a piece of bone. Every so often he would appraise the lines he had worked into it, blow off any powdery remains, and keep going. 

	As the morning meal concluded, there remained a respectable amount on the table, which Owen was happy to clear away. [color=darkgray]"Oh, take just as much as you want with you!"[/color] he chortled mirthfully, giving the group an opportunity to claim some of the more travel-friendly items. [color=darkgray]"We shall simply repurpose the untouched and unclaimed otherwise. Bread and honey will make a fine pudding. Fine pudding, you see! Mayhap that you should come back by sometime in your ...worldly and noteworthy travels... for a good, squishy slice or two! Now I know, I know - bread pudding is a peasant dish. But how many of us in this place [i]aren't[/i] peasants, yes? Yes! Truly scrumptious, this."[/color] He prattled on a while as he gathered and cleared, making small talk but not really giving opportunity for meaningful dialogue; merely filling empty space with words as he went about his work. Owen was a personable sort, if a bit flawed. Toward the end, he did lean in to whisper, [color=darkgray]"Oh, don't mind Miss Lynette. She has her own weights to bear and some days are better than others. Forthright and canny in a pinch, though! Yes. I might have married my son off to her, you know, if I had a son. Ah, well! You go along now, and do you very important, very hush-hush work. I shan't tell a soul that doesn't already know."[/color] He lay a finger to the side of his nose and winked in a knowing, conspiratorial manner, and quickly scuttled off.