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	[u]Weather[/u]: The rain has kicked into high gear. While the temperature remains around 50[sup]o[/sup]F (10[sup]o[/sup]C), the humidity is a steady factor.

	[u]Time[/u]: It is very early afternoon, though if one turns their eyes to the sky to get a better idea they would be sorely disappointed with the lack of reference points. If one stares at the sky for too long with their mouth open, drowning is a possibility.

	[u]Ambience[/u]: The sounds of rain roared against the roof of the Public House. Hammering white noise filled the ears and made casual discussion difficult without raising one's voice a little. Considering that the few others in this place were also speaking in raised voices and it was difficult to make out what they were saying, it seemed everyone was having a little difficulty. Luckily, thunder was not a thing with which one had to contend to be heard, just the seemingly omnipresent downpour.	
[center][color=darkgray][h2]*****[/h2][/color][/center]
[center][hider=Neil & Bob's Public House][img]https://i.ibb.co/5vK80t3/N-B-ip.jpg[/img][/hider][/center]
	Of the three tables sparsely occupied by locals and other guests, one group of three stood and readied to leave. A modest but acceptable gratuity was left on the table, the last of drinks were drained, and coats were pulled over heads before a mad dash out into the weather. Apparently, they had somewhere to be. Lea, the barmaid, wasted no time in tending to their table and picking up her tip. This left two tables (aside from the party's) remaining. They seem not to be interested in any business but their own. 

	Robert remained behind the bar for the meantime, giving studious expressions to the occupied tables remaining. He poured himself a tall mug of ale and leaned forward to rub his temples briefly, but otherwise did nothing of consequence. Once the vacated table was cleared, Lea made her approach to the group's table (or whichever table the majority of the group had gravitated toward) and gave a friendly, well-meaning smile. A slightly more personal greeting went to Marita, who helped her with her work the previous evening, in the form of a quick wave. Lea then entered into a variation of one of her usual professional queries. [color=darkgray]"Hi! It's great to see you all back. What can I get for you? I'll let you in on something,"[/color] She spoke the last sentence as if to reveal a quaint secret, continuing with, [color=darkgray]"The bread is very fresh, the fruit is really good today and... I think Daisy is just finishing up a batch of her butternut squash soup. It's [i]sooo[/i] yummy."[/color] 

	Behind her, Robert had taken the opportunity to walk to one of the tables near the bar that still had patrons. There was a quick discussion followed by the shaking of hands and this table's occupants also getting up to leave. As Lea took orders or fielded questions, Robert had a similar conversation with the final table. It was more than a sentence or two between them, and the sound of coins hitting the floor could be heard, hastily scooped up by Robert and placed back on the table. They too made their preparations to exit. 

	The named proprietor finally made his way over to the party. He lay a hand on Lea's shoulder and spoke in a softer voice than any of you recall hearing from him before, saying, [color=darkgray][b]"Their meal is on us. We're losing money today, anyhow. No sense letting fresh food go to waste."[/b][/color] He quickly added, [color=darkgray][b]"Drinks are still full price,"[/b][/color] raising a brow at Kathryn. He paused, giving what appeared to to considered thought and waiting until the last person from the last table exited the building before offering, [color=darkgray][b]"As a matter of fact, I have an errand I would be willing to pay you to handle for me, if you would."[/b][/color] Robert reached into apron and pulled out a small moneypurse. From this he withdrew five gold coins and stacked them neatly on the edge of the table. [color=darkgray][b]"I am in no great hurry. But if you can, Mr. Mallard has a special order for me. I would appreciate if you would collect it and bring it back after the rain lets up some."[/b][/color]

	The main room of Neil & Bob's Public House was empty except for the party, Bob, and Lea. The ever present rain seemed to enhance what was an otherwise notable quiet. It is broken by Robert, [color=darkgray][b]"Dry off for a while. Let Lea know if you want anything. Excuse me."[/b][/color] The proprietor; the Bob on the shingle of the business, tapped the gold coins on the table and finished with, [color=darkgray][b]"Let me know if you don't know want easy money, I'll come by to take it back,"[/b][/color] and moved to return to his spot behind the bar.