004

"Master Nial, it seems you are enjoying the harvest."

Nial put down his drink and shook the Censor's hand. "Good evening Censor." The Censor leaned in close to catch all of the innkeepers words. "What news brings you to Merrybrook for the Harvest?"

"Oh, work. Work. Work." Censor Gregor shook his head and sighed. He rubbed his forehead with his fingertips affecting fatigue. He half-turned and scanned the crown of people in the Inn. A large fire burned in at the far side of the eating room. The kitchen was on the other side of the fireplace with rooms above both the main eating room and the kitchen to help heat the Inn during the winter.

The eating room was full of long tables with bench seating and a few small round tables near the windows that could seat two or three. Revelers filled the seats now, with many standing or leaning as they sang with the others.

"Any news Master Nial? I've been on the road so much this moon that I feel cut off from what is happening in this province."

"Oh nothing really." Nial took three mugs of Harvest Ale from Wylam and handed them to the Censor's men. The fourth mug, for the Censor, Nial ported himself. "We've been so busy preparing the the harvest that there really hasn't been much time for gossip."

"Oh?"

"Aye, folks tend not to travel as much this time of year. Things need tending to at home, and those that don't have one a farm to harvest tend to find enough work from those that do. We've been quiet the last moon at least."

The censor nodded as he took a sip from his mug of ale, his men followed shortly thereafter. "Things seem to be picking up though. A fine ale." The censor put his mug of ale back on the bar.