Chapter 4: A Long Way from Home

[Hayabusa]

"Looks as good as any place to start," Xun-Wen shrugs. "At least it does not sound hostile," he adds wondering if this is a place where fights break out if one drunken seaman says something false. "And laughter is a good sign as well."

[Shurijo]

Anming shrugs along with Xun-Wen and nods in agreement. The monk who's curiosity seems to keep him distracted most of the time, focuses on the surroundings of the place.

[Muskrat]

Mei-Li steps into the inn, looks around the place and almost immediately she suddenly feels totally out at sea. She realizes that, while she's read about them in stories, she's never been into an inn for commoners. When they traveled, her family had always had access to nicer quarters. She pauses a moment, collecting her wits, then walks up to the bar and says, "Hello," awkwardly to the bartender. If she is out at sea here, the Xun-Wen and Anming surely are even more so, for they have had even more sheltered lives than Mei-Li.

[TetNak]

The common room has about a dozen people inside, and besides the serving girl, they are all men, and probably sailors. They give Mei-Li a great deal of attention as she walks in, one even cat calls from afar. Laughter breaks out as the innkeeper yells out something about 'manners' and smiles to the trio as they approach. "Hello yourself," he says. The innkeeper is bone thin man with a few wisps of hair and a thing mustache.

[Muskrat]

Mei-Li blushes at the catcalls, but otherwise studiously ignores them, walking stiffly up to the bar. To the bartender, she says, "We'll have some ... well what do you have here?" She supposes beer of some sort--there seems little chance of having wine. But perhaps they have something decent to eat. "Also, we're looking for a fisherman who might be willing to take us on an expedition down the coast, in return for payment. Can you suggest anyone here who might be good to ask?" This is what the heroes do in stories, so this is what Mei-Li tries now. She glances back at Xun-Wen and Anming for moral support.

[TetNak]

"Ale, and several dishes with fish." He looks ashamed, "I am sorry, we do not have very much finery here." To Mei-Li's question, he perks up, "I believe I could recommend someone. He makes trips up and down the coast several times a month. Brings back spotted tail flounder and crab. Both of which, mind you, we serve."

[Muskrat]

Mei-Li smiles at the man. "We're not looking for finery here. Just honest people and decent food. Let us try some of your tail flounder and crabs. And when the man you speak of comes in, we'd appreciate if you point us out to him."

[TetNak]

"I do not believe he is here, currently," the innkeeper says, looking over the crowd of dockmen and sailors. "No, he isn't, but he should be here tonight. He always comes here before setting sail. I believe he plans on leaving within the next few days."

[Muskrat]

"Great," says Mei-Li. "Thank you for your help. In the mean time, we will have a table and some food."

[TetNak]

OOC

Anyone else playing this game? I'm happy to shut er down

The innkeeper nods and says, "I will bring you the house's best." He disappears into the kitchen.