Yulya feels relieved the situation somehow diffused and follows Elmina into her house. Shes surprised by the splendor of Elminas mansion.
Pardon me for intruding! What a wonderful home! Are you not worried about thieves and bandits?
Elmina gives Yulya a sour look but remains silent.Inside the mine I was subjected to magic that temporarily increased the size of my body - ,but unfortunately my clothes did not grow with me. My precious clerics vestments are ruined to my undergarments and I cannot show up at Master Edermaths party like this. Would you happen to have a full set of fine clothes for me? Including undergarments and shoes. There is also a more difficult issue - we also need an appropriate outfit for Cat - our Barbarian. She really is not fond of fancy clothes but it should at least be something more appropriate. I was hoping to have a little more time to prepare but Master Edermaths invitation came unexpected!
Elmina has to keep herself from laughing, but feels glad these are Yulya's most pressing troubles."Oh dear, If it is nothing else, this I can help with. Well, partly... Excuse me for a minute!"
Elmina disappears upstairs and returns with a stash of clothes."I am sure I have fine clothes that fit your size, perfect for Edermaths little party. But regarding your cleric's vestmens, you should also turn to Linene. She's not only a capable warsmith but also an expert tailor. I am certain she can fix your clothes or make you new ones. These fine clothes are probably not the right outfit for adventuring."
"As for your Barbarian, no chance with her size and body shape! Linene might be able to improvise something with those fabrics. But you should hurry if you want her to be finished in time! Go see her immediately when you are done here!"
Elmina presents a roll of red silk fabric, more than enough for a dress for Cat. For Yulya, she offers 3 sets of Fine Clothes in purple, dark green or dark blue. Before Yulya can protest, Elmina takes off her vestments, helps her doff her armor, strips her naked and then and dresses her up in front of a large mirror."You can use life magic? You are exceptionally clean for an adventurer, even a noble! Your skin is smooth, your hair is great too! And this straight out of a mine? What cosmetics do you use? I smell no perfume..."
Yulya is clad in exquisite lace lingerie, stockings and an evening dress with matching shoes."Yes, yes, this outfit suits you perfectly!"
Elmina claps her hands and appears to enjoy this sort of dress-up game as a welcome distraction. The prospect of earning a good amount of money adds to the excitement. When finished, she leads Yulya into the store to the others.[Yulya needs to choose the color of her dress]Meanwhile at the store...Have you ever seen bandits inside the village? Do you think someone here could be working for them? I agree they were likely after the mine, but maybe not after the ore. Yulya said it - we're here to help you, but everyone in this town is making it a bit hard! I still feel we were sent to this mine to get rid of us!
Hobby winces as if in pain and tries to wriggle himself out of the question as Elmina enters the store with Yulya in tow, overhearing the conversation.She stares down Alice, though barely larger than her."You are correct, there really is something afoul in this town. If you are as strong as you claim, I am willing to place my bet on you. Something has to be done. But understand this is a considerable risk for my business - and myself."
Hobby's eyes widen in shock."Elmina, you..."
Elmina closes the door tightly behind herself, sits own at the counter with a sigh and signals everyone to come closer."You see, the only really strong people in this town are Daran and Daylene. And as you rightfully said..."
She stares at Alice again, still unsure who or what she is"...they don't really care about our troubles. If anything, the situation brings them a bit of excitement. No bandit or monster would mess with them, but they don't raise a finger subdue them either as long as it doesn't directly concern them. So when the pressure on this town increased - some people took matters into their own hand."
Elmina looks around and out of the windows as if she was searching for potential eavesdroppers."Specifically the Redbrands. They run a place called the Sleeping Giant. It used to be an inn like Stonehill's, less refined, but nowadays it's a gathering place of - the underworld, if you could call it such in this town. Their leader - Glasstaff Redbrand was a former mercenary, and with his sons he managed to get things under control when monsters started to appear around Phandalin. They're ruffians but at first we were glad someone dealt with the danger. But that is only when the real problems began. Shortly after, they started to charge us for their 'services'. Not many people were willing to pay, but those who didn't soon got a visit by bandits. Linene for example. She's one of the few left who refuse the Redbrands services, despite being looted repeatedly. We of course - have no choice but to pay."
Elmina stares at the floor."I have no proof the Redbrands are in cahoots with those Cloaked Wolves bandits. They have fought and even killed all those who attacked the town, be it monster or human. They've also never showed interest in the mine. They are all about fighting and collecting money. There are rumors they have taken over the ruins of Tresendar manor east of Phandalin and are rebuilding it as their stronghold. Nobody knows what they're doing here. And certainly nobody dares to ask. But all the money they collect appears to go there. They look and live like commoners, if not beggars. That's all I can say. Maybe Linene can tell you more. But be careful! These people have their eyes and ears everywhere! Now hurry if you want Linene to finish your clothes in time! In case she says she can't make it in time, I'll take the fabric back!
After a short pause, Elmina adds, almost shyIn turn for my generosity, I also have a favor to ask. I'd like to meet up with you and Su- Miss Summer at Stonehill Inn for dinner. There is still a lot to talk about! Would you be able to arrange this for me?
SELL:
OliveSoap 4 40
WildDogPelt 4 24
WildDogPeltPatched 1 2.5
Waterskin 5 8
Flint 1 10---------------------------------------
Total: 84.5 spBUY:
Fine clothes 150
Fabric for Cat's clothes 100
Spices 10
Mason's Tools 80----------------------
Total: 340 spAmount to be paid: 255.5 spHobby thanks you for your patronage and Elmina ushers you out."Careful not to dirty your Fine Clothes until you make it to Edermath's Miss Yulya! No adventuring for today!"
[Time: Monday, Spring 31, 08:30, 0C, light wind, sunshine]
Please proceed to Linene Greywind at Lionshield Coster ASAP to have Cat's clothes tailored. Of course until now she has no idea about this assault on her and you'll likely have to convince her. If impossible, Elmina will take the fabric back for the full price.
Yulya is wearing the Fine Clothes, her old clothes and armor are in her pack.
You are to meet up with Summer at 9:00 at Stonehill Inn which is in 30 min. This is not a realistic time, at least for your entire party.
You should also visit Harbin soon.
Remember to be at Edermath's orchard by 14:00.