<strong>Waterdeep</strong>-<em>Trade's Ward (The Viscount's Respite)</em><br/><span class="bbc_u">Uktar 20</span><br/><br/><em>Winter's rakish claws have dug in early; while the great western walls of the city and the towers of Waterhavien nobles divert most of the freezing winds from the sea, the air has remained crisp enough to leave the snowy ice from last week's winter storm upon the walls and walkways. Like dried up arteries of the structures themselves, frozen rose vines continue to remain clutched to buttresses and lattices throughout the ice locked garden of the inn's courtyard that remains locked in a frozen grip. In the less visited eves, icicles still hang long: the miniature Aurilite javelins pointed downward in a promise of death to those of more diminutive proportions that might pass underneath.<br/><br/>There would be no business today. Again.<br/><br/>The Trade Ward existed by the purchase coins of noble adventurers and wealthy merchant lord sons bent on adventure instead of trade. Merchant commerce would not commence again until after the melting, at least not in notable activity. The extended wintertide placed travel in a stranglehold: even simple commutes such as that from ward to ward in the very city itself. The Guild of Streetcleaners arose every morn by the fourth bell to throw out salt, but when the sea grew rocky the call to cease came down as the prices of salt rose quickly. A merchant's wealth was brought about by demand...or the anticipation of such before a shortfall even took place.<br/><br/>This is where we begin: after almost a ride of waiting in the Frostmaiden's grip. Tension seems to hang in the air, birthed of boredom or worry. The inn itself seems isolated to its patrons; the warmth and silence of the rented rooms broken from their stagnant spells by a brief excursion or the polite knock of food being brought by servants.<br/><br/>This morn has started different. Laid alongside the silver bell covering your breakfast is the unmistakable  cylinder of a scroll. Lace-white parchment bound by a simple band of black silk and wax-pressed button: the heraldry is complex but features elements such the flame of knowledge and a raven's feather.</em>