The Celestial Tavern

"Welcome to The Celestial Tavern." they hear as the push the heavy wood door open and walk inside the tavern. 

The interior of the Celestial Tavern is richly appointed, with polished wooden tables and benches, soft flickering candles casting a a warm glow across the entire room. The fireplace on the far side casts a cheery glow as it crackles and burns. The scent of roasting meat and freshly brewed ale fills the air. A gentle hum of conversation and merriment fills the space. 

The four girls, Ellie, Clare, Hannah and Rachel, along with Belial, find an empty table and take a seat ordering drinks and food for them to eat.

Looking around the room they look to see if the person they have been searching for is present. At one table, a group of armored warriors laugh loudly as they raise mugs of ale to their lips. Nearby a trio of robed figures engage in hushed conversation, their voices low and intense as they gesture emphatically with their hands. A pair of elves, one dressed in flowing green silks, the other in leather, studded with glittering gemstones, sit quietly together at a small table, lost in their own world. Standing at the bar were a few patrons enjoying their mugs of ale.

The elf in green silk seems to be regaling his companion with some fantastic tale, gesturing wildly with his slender hands as he speaks. The other elf listens intently, their face alight with wonder and admiration. As they converse they occasionally toss back shots of a golden liquid that sparkles on their tongues.

Unsure what it is, the girls ask Belial about the golden liquid the elves are drinking.

"It is a rare elven spirit, distilled from the essence of the forest itself. It is said to imbue those who drink it with heightened senses and enhanced agility." he explained. 

The armored warriors are clearly enjoying themselves as they laugh and drink. They seem to be a rough and rowdy bunch, but there is a camaraderie among them that suggests they have fought many battles together. One of them, a large man with a bushy beard, catches Rachel's eye and gives her a friendly wave. Remembering the previous inn fight they had experienced, they continued to watch the men closely until they were confident there would not be a repeat of the last incident.

The three robed figures are deep in discussion, their voices low and urgent. They seem to be arguing about something intensely, gesturing frequently and glancing around nervously to ensure they are not overheard. One of them pulls a scroll from his robes and unfurls it, poring over its contents with furrowed brow.

As they casually observe the group, Clare whispers a magic word to allow them to hear what is being said. As she does this, to her ears the rest of the room falls silent, allowing her to hear the murmers of the three robed figures. As she strains to listen, she realizes they are debating the best way to acquire a powerful artifact that is rumored to be held in a nearby temple. They seem determined to get their hand on it, whatever the cost.

Clare looks toward Belial and whispers, "It's those three, they are looking for the artifact in the temple." Belial nods as he considers his next steps.

Clare continues to listen for more details. One of the figures suggests attacking the temple during the night while the priests are asleep, but another counters that it would be too risky. Instead, they decide to infiltrate the temple after dark and steal the artifact while disguised as priesthood members. Their plan is to be in position by the next nightfall.

Clare explains the plan and that the temple is known as the Temple of Light. The priests who tend its sacred flame are highly respected throughout the land for their piety and devotion. What Belial knew, that these would-be thieves did not know, however, was that the artifact they seek has been watched over and protected by the temple's guardians for centuries.

"They will fail," Belial stated, "but their failure will allow us to succeed."

As the group sits at their table, a serving girl approaches with a tray of steaming food, setting it before them with a smile. The aroma is rich and savory, and their stomach's rumble in anticipation. The dish consists of roasted meats, tender and juicy, served alongside a heaping mound of fresh vegetables and a crusty loaf of bread. It is delicious, filling and satisfying, leaving them feeling refreshed and ready for whatever lies ahead.

Rachel decides to have another drink, she decides to make her way to the bar to pick it up. The bar runs along one wall of the tavern, and behind it stands the bartender, a stout man with a jovial grin and a gleaming mug of ale in his hand. Shelves behind him are stocked with every manner of spirits, from crystal flasks of elven wine to casks of dark dwarven ale. The scent of hops and fermentation fills the air, and a few patrons stand at the bar, clinking mugs and trading stories.

Rachel thanks the bartender as she picks up the mug and walks past the table with the robed figures seemingly headed to the window. As she passes by she observes the scroll on the table. After looking out the window for a few moments she makes her way back to their table. 

She leans forward to share what she saw, "The scroll is made of parchment, its surface is covered in intricate runes and symbols. It is the detailed plans for the Temple of Light, including schematics of its defenses and layout." It is clear these would-be thieves mean business - and they have done their homework.

Hearing the description Belial gives a small chuckle. "Do they truly believe that the Temple masters would allow their defenses to be shared so easily. Those are the ones they want everyone to know about. Strong enough to deter all but the most hardy of thieves."

Hannah looked over at Belial, "so are we hear to steal the artifact as well?"

"No little one," Belial replied, "as powerful as the artifact may be, it is not what I seek. We are here for the blood of one of the guardians." The table fell silent as they girls eyes all shifted to look at Belial.

We will wait for them to make their move before will will do so. That means we will be staying in this village at least for tonight and possibly another.

There were several rooms available for rent upstairs, each with a comfortable bed, a small writing desk and a window that looks out onto the street below. The rooms are sparsely furnished but clean and well-appointed, with thick curtains that can be drawn for privacy. A sign outside each door indicates their availability.

Belial informs them that they will be staying here tonight, the girls will share two rooms and he will have his own. He has already paid for the rooms and they are free to retire at anytime.

Hannah and Ellie decide they will share a room and also decide that they will be the first to retire for the evening. Saying goodnight, they head to their room.

As they settle into the room Ellie looks over to Hannah, "Why do you think Belial wants to collect the blood? Do you think it's magical?"

Hannah just shakes her head, I've learned not to even try to guess what he has up his sleeve, I'm sure, whatever it is, it is going to mean danger for us in the end.

"Your probably right, good night," with that they crawled into bed.