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	[u]Weather[/u]: Not magic and [i]probably[/i] not the act of a deity, but the rain seems to finally be lessening. The thunder, already sparse and irregular, has not sounded for some time. The temperature remained roughly the same as ever, cool but damp, promising an evening that could possibly drop to freezing. Rain still falls, just not at the level of a downpour.   

	[u]Time[/u]: It is still the afternoon. Who's to say at this point whether it's early afternoon or late; time has a way of obscuring its passage in certain circumstances. 

	[u]Ambience[/u]: The meal nears and/or finds its way to completion as meals are wont to do, giving Lea an excuse to keep herself busy removing unwanted bits of flatware and dishes. The firelight maintains its flickering vigil over the interior of Neil & Bob's Public House, providing adequate range of vision and creating a very homey atmosphere. The noise of the rain suddenly lessened as if a switch was turned to a lower setting. Conversation suddenly became easier, if nothing else.   
	
[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] 	
	
	The abrupt decline in the noise pounding on the roof prompted Daisy, the resident Halfling cook, to scuttle over to the nearest window and peer through the crack between the shutters. [color=darkgray]"Hmm,"[/color] was all she saw fit to comment, wiping her hands on her apron. Seemingly satisfied, she made her way back into the kitchen. This was not done in a dismissive manner; rather she seemed just fine with not being party to the conversation at hand. Lea's efforts at keeping a tidy taproom also bore fruit, the irony being that she left the actual bowl of fruit on the table as she was only going for the empty dishes. 

	It should be noted that both Lea and Daisy indicated nonverbally that they did not speak language of Goblins, and when Kathryn further inquired if they knew anyone who did it was met by a head shake and shrug, respectively. Robert was more vocal, his words flowing a little easier now that the topic was off of certain matters. [color=darkgray][b]"It's a general rule, what goes on inside these walls stays here,"[/b][/color] He continued, speaking now primarily to Kathryn and Victoria, [color=darkgray][b]"Now about Goblin-talk, I got no idea. Nobody I know speaks it either. Same about Gnomish, but it wouldn't be outside of possible that a few of the elder Halflings might know a thing or two on that."[/b][/color] As the rest of the conversation seemed to turn away from asking him direct questions, a thing for which he was thankful, Robert moved himself to his usual spot on the other side of the bar. The sound of paper fluttering and a pen scratching upon it could be heard now that the rain wasn't roaring. 

	Around the same time that the present discussion around the table took to a pause, Robert returned with the paper. He lay it upon the table and began to speak, again choosing his words with care. [color=darkgray][b]"Mr. Mallard has become jumpy lately. Paranoid, might say. If he figures you for fast talk, he won't want to do business. Just how he is lately."[/b][/color]

	The note itself was written with a bold hand, in flowing script. It read: [center][color=darkgray][i]"Jacques - These people are here for my commission. [u]They're okay[/u]. - [b]R[/b]"[/i][/color][/center]

	Robert sighed and nodded his head. [color=darkgray][b]"Best I don't know where you're staying in town. You all want to come here for a meal or a few drinks, fine. Ask for a bed, I'll turn you all down and put out you as trouble, full public. Understand?"[/b][/color]