"Something to remind you of home, then?" She nods to your armor, and you become keenly aware of how much you stand out against the backdrop of simple villagers and hardened adventurers. Though not the most well-armored in the room, the craftsmanship of your plate is a cut above even the next-richest you can see. It is clear to everyone around that you're of noble blood, or at least wealthy enough to look the part.

Uneasy now, you give the halfling an affirmative nod, and she disappears into the crowd. You tap your fingers in a nonchalant display, and allow your eyes to drift around the room. You catch many patrons looking at you, but their eyes dart away as soon as your own meet them. With the atmosphere of merriment, it is impossible to tell whether they are merely glancing at the fresh-faced lordling in their midst or whether they are sizing up a potential target for robbery and ransom. A tap on a flagon, a particular combination of playing cards, gestures thrown up in apparent drunkenness-- simple, everyday interactions, or coded calls to action? You could drive yourself mad trying to determine which.

Penny's golden hair appears at your elbow. "Here you are, dear!" She deposits a glass of deep red wine on the table.

"Actually, I'd like to take it in my room," you mutter.

"Are you sure? The fun's all out here!"

A triumphant cry rings out as the drinking game that had been happening beside you finally ends. The victor stands, but his legs buckle. He reaches out to your table for stability, but only succeeds in making it spin around. You catch your wine and stand as he falls on his backside.
"I'm sure."

You follow Penny to your room, feeling a tavern-full of eyes boring into the back of your skull until you round a corner. There, in a long hallway, the halfling opens a door for you.

"Here, you are, handsome. If you need anything-- anything at all-- come see me and I'll set you right." She pats your arm as she turns to leave, giving you another mystery to mull over.

The room is largely bare, furnished only with a bed and a wash basin. After making sure the lock and bar are secured, you drop your items and remove your armor. You take a seat upon the bed and sip the wine. It is not what you are used to, but it carries a rustic sweetness that warms your soul to match the summer air. When you are finished, you set the glass beside the door.

The day's journey wears on you. Without even removing your clothes, you lie atop the straw mattress and let the wine send you off to sleep.