Gnobility

Cousin, we have made it to Qorin. I have avoided the typical inns and homes of our acquaintances, as I did not want to explain my presence within the town at this time. I stayed at the home of one of my new companions who calls Qorin home. Her name is Never and she also Engraben! The common folk are so kind and so gracious, often sharing whatever they have even if it is all they have. Our family has much to learn from them I think. I also met her adopted family, who were kind a gracious and run a tavern! Well, more of a taproom really. I learned of a ghastly creation called neverending stew. It is a horrid concoction, where each person just adds something they brought with them to the pot rather than offering payment. Although it did not taste nearly as ghastly as it sounds, and the heat makes it safe enough for consumption I suppose. Lily, the matron of the family had these wonderful tattoos across the sides of her head where her hair was missing. An unfortunate incident that happened around the time of Never's departure. She mysteriously woke up with a portion of her hair missing. It is something of an epidemic, I fear, as it has happened to a young elven noble only last night as well. Some are saying faeries are to blame. Come to think of it we have been traveling with a faerie...
 
I have been able secure the implements, tools and ingredients to embark upon my endeavors in the culinary arts... They are not the best made products, but sturdy and serviceable and will serve me well up on my travels. I hope to be able to not depend so much on the hospitality of others so much in the future and may even be able to repay some of the kindness with a hearty meal as payment for boarding when appropriate. I hope to collect recipes and ingredients from the locales we visit and may be even encourage diplomacy and trade through via gastrological interests! I do so miss Mistress Euphegenia's honey buns and sweet cakes with syrup. And a decent cider. Everything here is all ale and mead. With the occasional fantastic bottle of wine. I am still not sure where Lily was able to find such a vintage.
 
On to items of import. We have met a gnome of some repute in Effeldiesen. The family name escapes me and spelling gnomish monikers has always been an exasperating task, so I will spare you the pronunciation. He has asked us to secure his family estate from one of his ancestors. Because she is haunting it! Can you imagine? Uncle Theodosius not wanting to leave Stonebriar so badly that he stuck around frightening the younger cousins and rattling the sconces and blowing out your reading candle?! Grandfather would stand for none of that. Eternal Flame grant us Light! Still, I feel called to put this poor soul to rest so she may join the Flame and burn brightly for eternity and know peace. My calling grows in my heart and I feel that I am starting to find my way and do some good for the many people of the Upperlands. I do hope to make you and Father proud.
 
Can you imagine, cousin? Gnomish nobility... or Gnobility rather! Sometimes I can be quite clever.
 
 
PS my unusual silent companion may have stumbled on a quite capable tailor in Effeldiesen, perhaps you could pay him a visit when next you are in Qorin. The name escapes me, or rather has been unspoken. As the man(woman?)...as they do not speak. I will investigate further.