[Penned by Brooks Banks]

A non-descript gnome of modest build and dress walks into the common room of the Laughing Mermaid, and up to the innkeeper, a rather portly well-dressed man fast approaching middle age. Those close enough overhear "The Don would like to reserve the entire top floor for the next ten days, at a minimum. He instructed me to give you this bag as payment to cover the rooms, meals, and any incidentals." A bag heavy with coin passes from the gnome to the innkeeper, and the gnome turns and leaves, never even going up to inspect the rooms.

About an hour later, several individuals can be seen coming down the stairs. Leading the procession is a Flan man of average height, dressed in black cotton breeches, sandals, and a black tabard. At his waste are two kama, but no other weapons are evident. He moves with the grace of a hunting cat stalking it's prey, and scans the room looking for any evidence of trouble. Next comes a red-headed beauty of a woman in a flowing emerald-colored gown. She carries herself with the grace of a dancer, but her eyes show flashes of mischief. Next comes a gnome with olive skin and jet black hair, perfectly combed, wearing a royal blue robe with the sigil of a hand upraised with a red flame above it. His eyes also scan the common area, apparently looking for something. Bringing up the rear of the procession are two other gnomes, one an elderly female dressed all in black, what appears to be attire of mourning. She carries herself with a noticeable dignity and still retains much of her youthful beauty. Escorting her is another gnome with olive skin and jet black hair, slicked back and cut short at the neck, with just a hint of gray showing on the sides, as well as in his mustache and goatee. He is wearing a ankle length black leather overcoat, under which you can see the hint of silvery chain mail and what can only be described as a gaudy array of gold chains around his neck. It is easy to see a family resemblance between the gnomes. He appears to be speaking to the elderly female gnome as they reach the common area, and then turns to the innkeeper.

"Caridus, it is good to see you again. I trust you don't mind the late notice of my arrival. We'll be having dinner at six, and I expect the possibility of several additional guests. Please make sure there is sufficient seating at my table for about a half dozen guests, not including ourselves. Please allow me to introduce my travelling companions", pointing to the human male and the gnome in blue robes, "Barian and Luigi I'm sure you remember from my last visit."

Turning and gesturing to the red-headed human female "This is Colette Fontaine, a business associate of mine, and a very close personal friend."

Finally gesturing to the elderly female gnome "And, this is my mother, Caramina Canalloni."

"As I'm sure Percival told you, we shall be staying for at least ten days, possibly longer, depending on business. If he gave you the bag he was told to, that should cover the lodgings as well as any incidentals that might accrue. Should either Colette or Mama need anything during their stay, please see to it. And, please let me know if the incidentals should need additional funds to cover. "

The Don then turns to Luigi and Barian. "Please make sure that our intent is known to those who might need to do business during this crisis. Also, let any ... interested parties... know that you speak on my behalf. Should they wish to meet with me, they are welcome to join me for dinner this evening. Also check with the Teamsters and the Merchant's guilds with regards to any duties or import taxes. It is most disrespectful to ... set up shop.. so to speak, without talking to the current power-brokers in Gradsul."

The Don then turns to Colette and Mama, "Colette, I promised you some shopping, since two of your best gowns were ruined taking care of a small problem for me, and Gradsul is still one of the finer cities in the Sheldomar for such things. Mama, I'm sure we'll also find several shops you'd be interested in. After dinner, the proprietor of the Museum of Antiquities has graciously granted us a private tour, in return for a small favor I did for him some time back. I'm sure you'll both enjoy it. It's one of the best in the Flaeness, to be sure."

With that, the group heads out of the Laughing Mermaid...