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	[u]Weather[/u]: Cold, but not freezing. 

	[u]Time[/u]: Early! And it's about time, too.   

	[u]Ambience[/u]: The fog is beginning to lift. It is still quite foggy, but this can be more readily seen through because of the cold, grey light of the early dawn. This weak light has enough illumination to highlight the sheen of frost that covers the cobblestone of the street and most other surfaces. The frost did not touch the inside of the hayloft, nor did it penetrate the sanctity of Neil & Bob's (though one can see the telltale frosted windowpanes were they to push a curtain back). 

	It is as comfortable as one might expect within the Public House, owing to the more insulated structure but not amazingly comfortable bedding. Comparatively, the Hayloft is more snug than one might have given it credit, particularly on its upper level. In short, all individuals are comfortable enough to have gotten the benefits of a long rest.  

	There isn't much movement in the Township right now. Perhaps in the outlying farms; not much closer in. For the most part, people are sticking to their homes. Lots to drink the night before thanks to the festival, and the fact that most of the businesses are catering to these people, means that things are slow to start this frosty morning. The fires in kitchens (including in the Public House) are being stoked by their caretakers, establishment employees, and the like. 

	[hr]Outside of Neil & Bob's Public House, on the other hand, a conversation is taking place:

	[color=darkgray]"No, [url=https://i.ibb.co/Y3WW5hS/Cavendish.jpg]Constable[/url]. Wasn't no more ruckus that happens usually, this time of year."[/color] 

		[color=darkgray][b]"Don't lie to me, [url=https://i.ibb.co/WVkr1vc/Bob.jpg]Robert[/url]. I received a report that you had some trouble here. Outsiders."[/b][/color] The Constable rested his hand on the head of his very fine warhammer, which seemed to give off the faintest glow in the dim light of the morning. 

	[color=darkgray]"Yeah there was. And it wasn't anything more than what happens usually, this time of year. [i]Like I just said, Cavendish[/i]."[/color]

		[color=darkgray][b]"Watch that tone, Barkeep. I can drag you off for harboring criminals. Doesn't matter to me if my stuck-up cousin sent them. Now you're going to tell me what you found out about them, or, well... you know what happens next."[/b][/color] 

	A spark of defiance never left Robert's speech as he replied, albeit just a hair deflated, [color=darkgray]"The womenfolk from out of town mostly just drank wine and asked customers about Goblins. One of them got approached by the door and embarrassed the man. Another one got in a scuffle. Nothing I'd draw attention to. Man didn't like being showed up by girls, his buddies lied for him. The others were fine with spending good silver, and I was fine with talking it."[/color]

		[color=darkgray][b]"Mmm hmm. And they got beds here last night, right?"[/b][/color] The Constable seemed very eager to get into the building in that moment.

	[color=darkgray]"Back off, Cavendish. They aren't here. I don't know where they are. Or the L'Roses. But my actual guests are stirring."[/color]

		This seemed to satisfy Cavendish, who nodded his head thoughtfully and asked directly, [color=darkgray][b]"How much you know about what's going on?[/b][/color] The question was highly vague and out of place, to the point of being a non sequitur.

	[color=darkgray]"Not a damn thing."[/color]

		[color=darkgray][b]"Keep it that way,"[/b][/color] Cavendish responded with a condescending smile. [color=darkgray][b]"Unless I tell you otherwise."[/b][/color] The man turned and walked back up the road from which he came.[hr]


[center][hider=Neil & Bob's Public House][img]https://i.ibb.co/5vK80t3/N-B-ip.jpg[/img][/hider][/center]
	 
	The locals and temporary lodgers of the Public House are beginning to stir. A couple of them, anyway. The shuffling about of feet on the floor and coverings rustling quietly, altogether, make notable noise in the relative quiet of the very early morning. One might have a good idea as to the severity of alcohol's aftereffects based upon other quiet noises made in dismay, from those who were aware of their surroundings enough to do so. 

	Many of the gathered bodies in the common sleeping area let out more noticeable groans of displeasure as a loud thunk could be heard elsewhere in the building, as if a heavy weight had unintentionally landed on the floor. This was followed by what was probably swearing, based upon the abrupt nature of the vocal utterance, but this was a difficult fact to verify on account of the walls intervening. Those who could stayed exactly where they were in their early morning repose, while two sat on the edge of their straw beds, hoping their heads would clear a little more before rising and greeting the day was necessary.