One of the Barkeep's daughters.

Hal is interrupted by a pretty girl with auburn hair, a warm, welcoming smile on her face. She wears a simple green tunic, which brings out her inquisitive eyes, and an apron tied around her waist with a rope girdle. Her hair is long, but remains tied back with a strip of green ribbon.

"Can I get you anything? We have food, drink and rooms. We also have a few whores" She asks, her hands resting on her hips as she waits for a response. She adds the last part with the slightest blush.

The young Ranger thinks for a moment before answering. "A mug of ale and a bowl of the stew. And how much for a room?"

"Three silver pieces for the ale and stew, and six for a shared room. If you want a room of your own, it's a gold piece"

Hal nods, handing her three silver pieces from the pouch on his leather belt. "I'll book a room later, then. I'm far too hungry to think about anything else. I'm Hal, by the way"

She chuckles at his joke "I'm Helena. I'll be right back with your order." With that, she leaves him alone once again.

He smiles to himself, before reaching into his satchel and pulling out a letter, which he places on the table in front of him. He stares at the wax seal, before pulling a dagger from his boot and cutting it. Finally, he can read the letter given to him by his master so long ago.

'Hal,

It is a Ranger tradition for a Master to write his Apprentice a letter shortly after they first begin their training, to be opened when that Apprentice becomes a Yeoman. I do not know how long you have carried this letter, but the fact that you are reading it means you're finally on a path of your own. I'm proud of you, lad. I never had sons of my own, but if I did, I would want them to be like you. I have far too much advice for you to write it all in a letter, so I must hope I've taught it you by the time you're reading this. Instead, I'll give you one piece of advice, one I've lived by all my life, given to me by my own Master, and to him by his. Live by honour, do what is right, and fight well. The rest will depend on how well I trained you.

May the Gods watch over you on your path, and be your guiding light in the darkness.

Your Master,

Woden'

__

Hal smiles sadly, folding the letter and placing it back in his satchel. "Thank you, Woden. I hope I see you again some day"

"Did you say something?" Helena asks, a small pewter tray in her hands, with a bowl of stew and mug of ale resting atop it. She places the tray on his table, handing him his food and drink.

"Nothing. Would you stay a moment? I had a few questions"

She nods, taking a seat across from him. "What do you want to know?"

"Firstly, is there anywhere around here with contracts? Mercenary work, monster hunting, things like that."

She thinks carefully "I don't know about monster hunting, but my father always has a few tasks he's willing to pay folks to do. Escorting deliveries, that sort of thing. I can let him know if you're interested"

Hal grins "That would be perfect. When shall I start?"

"I'll find out for you, though I expect he'll send you out in the morning. While you wait, shall I book your room?" She asks, standing up and picking up the pewter tray.

Hal nods, reaching into his coin purse.

Helena stops for a moment "Do you want a shared room or one to yourself?"