The Subtle Knife

Thank you very much. I'll be on my way now.

Sid continues on his journey with plans to head past the in and straight towards Bartopia. After gaining some distance, he decides that it may be best to go unnoticed from here on out.

Spoiler:

Sid easily becomes hidden as no one appears to be watching. The road is quite well maintained across the bridge. After a short time an inn can be spotted just off the road. The place is actually somewhat large and seems much more ornate and probably more expensive then the inn the guard has spoken of. But looking to the side a much poorer looking wing can be seen. This place probably serves guests of wealth and those without wealth alike. One guard can be seen sitting at the entrance of the path to the inn. His eyes are easy to escape by slipping off the road on the far side. Though he carries a short sword he does not seem to be the warrior type. Probably just a local man hired by the inn. Perhaps more guards patrol the grounds, but the lack of a large fence and the demeanor of this one man would seem to indicate this is not a crime laden area. Keeping just off the road Sid calmly sneaks on past towards the South. Barely any distance past, Sid slides deeper into the brush to avoid the approaching of torches. Three men dressed in the same way as the guards at the bridge wander by. Every once in awhile a small rough trail can be seen heading from the road into the woods. These are probably just paths made from hunters as wagons would be hard pressed to squeeze down such a trail. Once more upon seeing torches up the road, Sid moved silently farther off the path into the deeper brush. Another patrol dressed in the same cloaks as before, but one creature appears to be an elf and is carrying a very large bow. Continuing on the trees thin slightly. Small wooden cabins can be seen sparingly into the woods. Bartopia is obviously near. Crossing a road leading to the east, Sid decides to move into the brush and plan his next move. The moon has fallen and looking to the East, cracks of light have began sneaking up the sky. The sun will soon be up.

On approach to the large building you notice the lone sentry has stepped away from his post. Probably just a quick walk to help him stay awake in the early hours. A quick look and listen around ensured that he is at least not lumbering very close by. You approach the large wooden door which is inscribed with an eagle. Nothing can detected through the large wooden door so you push against it. The large, well balanced door slowly swings open into a well lit entry hall. Directly in front, Sid catches eyes with a well dressed man sitting behind a counter about 50 feet in front of him. He immediately begins to stand up, probably to greet the new guest. There are small open door ways on both the left and the right about 15 feet away. This hall is well decorated and no doubt has hosted an assortment of guests.

Hello and welcome! How far? Um, just a few miles or so. What is your name? Would you like to hear about all the services we offer? Looking around you see a well lit entry hall. This place seems more the destinations of nobles than your typical traveler. There are no other obvious people around.

Hmmm...Well I suppose I'll take an economy room
He hands over 4sp
It has been a long trip for me and I do look forward to some rest. I think I'll go outside and have a smoke before I retire to bed though.
Sid takes a small cherry colored wooden pipe and waits to receive his room key

The man walks over behind the counter and places the silver into a drawer. He then rings a bell. A younger girls comes out of one of the side rooms near the entrance. Please show our guest to his room the man commands as he hands her a small piece of paper. She is young and very pretty. Her long dark hair flows to the bottom of her back. "This way sir" she speaks softly as she heads out towards the door you entered in. She leads you around to the side to less ornate building. The building opens into a large open area with tables and chairs. She heads to the right through a doorway and into a hallway. To the right you see a staircase, as she leads you to the left. Past three doors and finally stopping. Here is your room sir, I hope you enjoy. She bows.

Glancing into the room you see is far from luxury. A single wooden chair next to a small wooden table is the only furniture, save the straw mattress on the floor. The walls are bare and have a few specks of dirt. No blood or other bodily fluids are visible around the room, so it is probably safe. Though the rooms has definitely been used frequently, it is surprisingly lacking in any pungent odors.

Walking into the room, Sid takes out a small pouch of tobacco and packs a wad down into his pipe. He grabs a candle off of the table and lights his pipe and takes a seat and begins to think to himself....."If I am going to find this little shack housing the trousers outfit, I need to get some information about the area.... maybe an ale and some rumors might help..." He puffs on his pipe and lets out a smoke ring and decides to head back down to the main hall to seek out both: an ale and a rumor. He walks back to the main counter.
Hello again. I was wondering if you have a bar here in this fine establishment?

The man behind the counter once again summons the lovely dark haired girl. She leads you back into your building, through a door directly back from the entrance, past the dining area, and down a few stairs into a somewhat rough looking room. A tall man stands behind the bar wiping down a few glasses. Two men sit at a nearby table with more than a few empty glasses on their table. An elf sits alone at the bar. He is not the picture of the glorious elves you have heard in the stories. His hair is unkempt, and his clothes are worn. The girl once again bows and asks if there is anything else she can do for you?

No miss, that will be all.
After dismissing the girl Sid makes his way to the bar still smoking his pipe. He reaches into his pocket and takes out a few silver pieces and lays them on the table.
I'll have an ale please
He then takes a seat and waits for his ale to arrive.
Say you wouldn't happen to know where I might be able to procure a map would you?

The Barkeep hands an ail to Sid. Where are you looking for friend? I may be able to find you a map around here somewhere.