So you finally found it. The directions you were given could have been a little more... specific. They could have also come with a danger warning. Would this have truly been worth it?
Nestled between the trees deep within the Rivervale forest is a large hill that is most definitely the one marked on your map, though surely it must be wrong. The hill is so inconspicuous, in fact, you find yourself walking around it slowly, half expecting a corrupted dryad to come screaming over the hill. Instead, the sweet smell of Jumjum pie fills your nose and the sound of sizzling fish brushes your ears. The aroma is tantalizing, and even if this is the wrong place, perhaps you could play the starving adventurer part well.
Dug into the side of the hill is one of the Rivervale shanties that used to dot this land. A rounded door is big enough for anyone to fit, though small enough that a Barbarian or Sarnak could find themselves in a bit of a squeeze. As you reach to knock on the door, you're confronted by an Antonican wolf, slowly approaching and snarling at you, barring its teeth as it growls. You reach for your weapon but hesitate; is it the wonderful smell of the food causing you to lose focus?
The wolf giggles and transforms into a chubby little halfling, her white hair carefully braided into a loop behind her head. "Oh forgive me! Hungry?" She doesn't give you time to answer as she opens the door and steps in, assuming you will follow her, "You can understand, I hope, I'm apprehensive about guests!"
The home is striking, and has obviously been redone since the explosion of Veeshan. Everything is perfectly co-ordinated down to wood grain, texture and colour stain. The craftsmanship is intensely detailed and precise. The stitching in the lush red fabric that lines her couches and pillows is perfectly straight and consistent and the fabric is of the highest quality. Her walls are adorned with carefully painted canvas' and collections of some of the most famous works in all of Norrath and the home is littered with prizes and rewards from many dangerous quests.
A large mushroom sparkles in the living room and you find yourself standing under it, reaching to carefully slide your fingers across the flesh. The halfling pops her head out from the kitchen and giggles again, "I found that little guy under a fae-drake that attacked me in Lesser Faydark." Little...? You could party under that fungus, "Well it's grown of course," she quickly corrects herself. "Pie?" She extends a freshly baked Jumjum pie, likely the one you were smelling. "Oh of course not! You'll ruin your appetite. Sit. Sit!" You sit on one of the couches, still looking around.
She leaves to the kitchen and comes back with a plate of steaming hot Antonican Barracuda, carefully cooked Baubleshire cabbage, and a side of murdunk orange casserole. "Eat." The plate is placed on the coffee table along with a hot cup of coffee. She watches you intently, a large smile on her face as you take the first bite. It barely hits your tongue before she blurts out, "How is it!" You motion for her to wait a moment so you can answer and she frowns, "Too much spice? I went to Maj'Dul and got a new batch of spices and they did smell a little strong."
"No, it's great," you assure her.
She lights right back up and starts rambling about where she caught the fish, and found the oranges, "and man did that fish put up a fight! Did you know..." The conversation was pretty much a blur, the food was so exquisite that you knew she was talking but, not to be rude, you just weren't listening. "So, what can I do for you?" You start to answer her but she interrupts you, "Oh silly me. If you had come for food you wouldn't be eating it now! When you're done eating, we'll head back to your place."
Not sure if she had ever stopped talking as she washed your dish and utensils, you prepare yourself for the long travel back to your home. "So, where are we off to?" She puts a hand up and looks you over, smelling your scent, checking what kind of weapons and assortments you carry, "Got it." With a flourish of her hands and a soft prayer to Tunare, a druid portal forms before you, "Well, get in!"
Hey... you didn't get any pie...
