"Well, if it's any comfort, the Widow's girls are pretty good with horses, and she's not going to let a chance to get herself in good go to waste. I imagine that horse will be pretty depressed to have to go out and work again by the time they're done..."<br/><br/>The halfling chuckles, though you do get a sense from her tone that she's at least somewhat serious... though as she kisses your cheek and excuses herself, it quickly becomes apparent that you'll just have to wait and see.<br/><br/><hr/><br/>The rest of your morning preparations pass in a blur. You find out that your horse has actually put on a pound or two at the Merry Widow's stable, and manage to wrap up all your goodbyes and departure tasks fairly quickly... and as the big clock near the gate strikes one in the afternoon, when you are enjoying a quiet meal with the old orcish priest who'd housed you the past couple of days, you are approached by an young page of the council, all done up in his livery and looking like he'd rather be anywhere but working on a day like today.<br/><br/>"Um... Mr. Valen Elf? Captain Sharille told me to guide you to the council meeting... please, follow me." His tone is professional, but at least a little morose as he turns on his heel and strides off, leaving you to fall into step behind him or be left behind. Not a patient child, either, it seems...<br/><br/>Problems of youth aside, the kid does a good job as an escort- he's quick, avoids the worst of traffic, and has you at the town hall's steps faster than you ever could have found it yourself. "They're waiting for you inside, sir."<br/><br/>And waiting they are... when you walk into the ornately-decorated council room, you find yourself surrounded on three sides by representatives of every form of business and community group you could find in this town- including a representative from the Merry Widow and your "friend," the overweight shop-keeper with whom you signed your sales contract.<br/><br/>"Ah... I take it you are the Pathfinder Representative that the Captain was telling us so much about, Master...?"