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The group follow the directions and soon find themselves approaching a large building, more like a castle keep house than a inn, complete with four square towers on the corners, crenelations and arrow slits. The large black iron bound front doors, inset within a large gate-house, with murder holes and spiked portcullis hovering above, make the entire place look rather depressing and if anything unwelcome. Carved into the stone above the gate house however is the name "Baldiver" - so this must definitely be the place. In the dark of the gatehouse - or glorified porch as Yvandel mutters, it is nigh on impossible to see the chain that the guardsman mentioned, though Dorn's keen darkvision picks it out.

Pulling it, there is the muffled sound of a distant gong, and after only a short wait, a small shutter is pulled open in the ceiling, and bright light spills out onto the group, making them blink. After a few more moments, there is the sound of bolts being pulled back and a bar being lifted. When the door finally opens, a wide stone hallway can be seen leading off and in the distance, there is an open door where warm firelight spills and the distant sound of laughter and conversation can be heard - a homely sound.

"It's late" states the livered man who opens the door. "But I'm guessing from the look of you that you're looking for somewhere to stay rather than simply a nightcap. I am the concierge, do come in."

Opening the door wide, he ushers them in. Spotting that Lucretia has a horse he grimaces then moves to a small desk off to one side, where he picks up a small hand bell and rings it. Twice. A minute or two later, a small somewhat dishevelled lad appears, rubbing his eyes and yawning. "The gentlemen has a horse that need seeing to" commands the concierge. In the meantime, the man opens a ledger and pulls out a quill, asking the group for their names, "for the records".

10 minutes later, having been assigned individual (or double as appropriate) rooms and been given their keys, the group are finally welcomed into the warm and friendly atmosphere of a common room. Unlike most inns or taverns, that have trestles or hard wooden chairs, this has comfy padded leather chairs and sofas arranged in groups, usually close to or around the numerous fireplaces that line the walls of this large odd-shaped room. The walls are decorated in ancient shields, helmets and strange looking weapons, all secured to the walls with wire. There are only a few patrons still around, and none of them are eating, though the concierge had already given instructions for a chef to "rustle something up for them at this late hour".

Each person had also received their own room key, been shown to their room and had any luggage carried up there for them.

"I think we can all use it to freshen up before dinner," she looks at the other as they came to the seating area, "and some of us need to change clothes after last night's attack." Cleo then goes to the concierge, "Mister Conseeurge can we get a bucket of hot water and some towels in our rooms."

"But of course Madam. Though I should add that unfortunately, it may take a little longer than usual for the water to heat as the boiler fires will have died down by now and will need stoking." He bows his head briefly and departs to deal with the various requests.

Blondung offers some leadership

At that moment, the Concierge pokes his head into the map room, announcing that the kitchen had managed to rustle something up, and that it was now ready. Returning to the common room, the group are met with a warming meat stew and chunks of bread, with cheeses and apples for desert. "First apples this year from Jalanthar" says the Concierge. "Came in on a shipment earlier today, er, I mean yesterday" he corrects, checking the large water-clock (made in Neverwinter of course!) sitting on a mantelpiece nearby.

"Take as long as you like sirs, ladies, the barman will close the bar when you wish to retire."

Turning to those who had requested hot water for baths. "Water is still being prepared for your baths - it will probably take another half hour I'm afraid."

Ceely looks at the Concierge and nods to him in thanks. Her stomach growling. Of course she would rather have fish stew then meat stew, but it was warm and delicious. "We have to get some apples for the trip, maybe we will have time to cut them in rings and dry some by the fire before we travel." she said with a smile, taking in a mouthful of bread and wondering where Milo was. "Usually food brings my priest back" she said chuckling.

The group eat their fill of the warming stew, and continue idle chit chat. Around them, the last of the stragglers disappear, leaving them alone with the sole bar tender, who waits patiently for them to finish. After about a further half hour or so, the Concierge re-appears to announce that hot water was now ready for those who wished to bathe.

Ceely glances towards the uneaten bowl for Milo, starting to feel concern for his absence. Milo has been absent for nearly an hour now.

Ceely grows increasingly concerned at Milo's absence. "Where has that priest gone? He must have fallen asleep or something" She said trying to convince herself that nothing is wrong. She stands, her hand wresting on her sword for reassurance. " Thanks Luc, I appreciate that" She looks at Yv and bites her lower lip. She heads towards the stairs taking them two at a time as she walks down the hallway looking for the right room, finally stopping at her door.

Ceely, and any others who happen to go with her, can see that the door to their room is locked. Ceely unlocks it with her key (she and Milo got one each), and can immediately see that everything is just as they had left it when they first put their packs and travelling gear there. It looks like Milo never came back to the room.

Cleo makes a silent curse as she thinks longingly of the hot bath and bed waiting for her.

"Ceely, what did he say to you when he left?"