Kora Whistlegap shuffled her old bones into the Empty Grave, suppressing a shiver at the name of the tavern. Her mistress had sent her here with an invitation for an old classmate of hers at Thenalar Academy and two of her friends. She peered around for a moment before spying someone that fit the description Mistress Lavinia had given her. “Excuse me, young miss, young masters, but are you Lily, Leland, and Seamus?”
At their nods, though a sour look did cross the young lady’s face, the Halfling went on, “My Mistress has an invitation for you.” She handed each of them a folded parchment sealed with the Vanderboren signet.
“Lavinia!” Lily exclaimed. “I haven’t spoken to her since I left Thenalar. Of course I’ll come.” The one Kora believed was Leland seemed ready to say no, but Lily added, “and he will, too.” Leland gave a tired sigh and agreed, as did Seamus.
Kora smiled slightly and bade them farewell, moving to deliver the other two invitations. At the Pearl and the Parrot, in the Noble District, Kora found the other two for whom she had invitations. A paladin of Heironeous named Desmond and his minstrel friend Rodric. “Sure we’ll go,” Rodric said before Desmond even finished reading. Thoughts of possible riches and adventure jumping through Rodric’s head. As well as a good excuse of escaping from his “night shift on the watch that Desmond had a habit of volunteering both of them for.”
Desmond turned and looked at Rodric, “Can you give me one second to finish?” After a moment Desmond turned to the halfling, “We would be honored, ma’am, to accept your Lady’s invitation,” and Kora went home to begin preparations for the next night’s dinner.