As of 5/23/99
The only inn in Babble Vale is run by the Goatleaf family, consisting of the middle-aged couple
Drubo and Budo, and there adolescent daughter Fridda. Drubo is a jolly, fat fellow, normally seen
wearing a crisp white apron and clasping a cleaning rag in his pudgy hand. With a twinkle in his eye
and a funny quip always on the tip of his tongue, he is very popular with locals and visitors alike (not
a bad quality for an inn owner!). He is balding on top, and the few strands of hair remaining are
carefully combed across his shiny dome in a poor attempt at grasping his youth. His main duties
are running the bar, dealing with guests (organizing accommodation and financial matters), taking the
food orders and keeping the common room clean and tidy (which he does very well).
Married to Drubo is Budo, a small, thin lady. She has a fairly plain, homely appearance, but dresses
in bright colors (she likes lacy things) which makes her seem more attractive. She is fairly shy with
strangers, but is a bit of a gossip with those she knows. Generally she stays in her domain, the
kitchen, where she directs her daughter and the kitchen hand, keeping everything running smoothly.
She is a great cook (a necessity for an inn to survive amongst a Havanathe community, where well-
satisfied stomachs are considered most important!). She has a talent for charcoal sketches and has a
few parchments on display in the inn. A particularly good scene of the Larch with the bridge and mill
in it is hung over the hearth in the common room.
There daughter Fridda has inherited the plain looks and thin figure of her mother, but is still
something of an attraction to the young males around the village, due mostly to her vivacious
disposition and youthful appearance. She is a trifle spoilt by her parents, and they don't expect her to spend
too much time helping at the inn. Just a few chores in the morning (buying the fresh bread and food),
and occasionally helping out in the common room on the busier evenings.
The Goatleaf family live in a smallish burrow just a bit down-hill from the inn. Hidden from the main
road by the large structure of the inn, this cozy home has a great view out over the valley and a large
garden running down to the water's edge. A short tunnel, with a stout door, connects the back of
their home to The Trilling Willow Jay.
There are three employees at the Inn. They all depart nightly at closing time to there respective clans
in Babble Vale.
Bodo Tharrowfill is an old Havanathe widower who has the job of maintaining the stables and caring
for guest's mounts. His bent over form and laconic speech tends to hide his dry wit from those that
don't know him. He does everything in a slow and methodical manner. His quiet calm demeanor is
appreciated by the animals placed in his care, and often he amazes people with his skill at calming
flighty animals. Since there often isn't any beasts to be cared for, he spends much of his time sitting at
the bar in companionable silence as Drubo goes about his chores, or out in the garden, either by
himself or helping Budo with the vegetable plots. He does many of the odd-jobs around the inn. One
of the strangest sights is to catch his him trimming the sod roof. He has provided a good chuckle for
many a passerby seeing his dignified frame hunched over as he precariously balances on the steep
roof, diligently cutting the shaggy grass. He has lunch at the inn every day, and washes it down with a mug
of Larching Stout, a favorite ale throughout Babble Vale and the surrounding area. On dusk he returns home to his grown-up children and grandchildren. His three
children and there spouses run the local dress maker/tailor shop. Bodo's family thinks he should retire,
sit back and enjoy the fruits of his life-long labor. He isn't too keen on this and reckons he would
probably just fade away from boredom (and drive his family mad in the process!) He has been
employed at the inn for most of his life, working for the previous owner - Budo's father - until his
death, and then staying on with Budo and Drubo.
The young brothers Frido and Bagrin Longtrotter both work at the inn. The elder brother Frido works in
the kitchen from high-sun to closing and Bagrin serves meals to the guests from early afternoon until
sun-down.
Bagrin has a small build for his age, a pale complexion (as does his brother), and blondish hair that he
has to keep flicking out of his face. He is a hard worker, but is known as a dreamer. He loves to
hang around adventurer types when they visit the inn, hoping to hear stories of dragons or buried
treasures. He dreams of going adventuring and rescuing young Havanathe damsels in distress. When
there are strangers at the inn, Mister Goatleaf has to keep an eye on Bagrin, shooing him away as he
tries to hover unobtrusively near the interesting visitors. Bagrin loves to talk, chattering incessantly if
given half a chance. He normally wears a simple blue shirt, pants and short apron. He helps washing
dishes on busy evenings. Frido is under Misses Goatleaf's jurisdiction, helping create the delicious meals
that originate in the kitchen. He looks somewhat like his brother, but is a bit taller, and has a
serious face. He has a more somber attitude toward life, and takes most things seriously; his younger
brother's lack of common sense, his mother�s and sister�s welfare, and his own future. He is probably a
bit in love with Fridda and would like to settle down with her, eventually running the inn and having a family
(Fridda probably doesn't know about his feelings or plans!). His attitude is probably due to his father
dying a few years back, leaving him feeling responsible for the family�s welfare. He is always very
polite to adults and respects his elders. He is an above average cook, and Budo has a soft spot for
him.
Situated on the edge of the main road in Babble Vale, on a gentle incline that leads down to the larch
is The Trilling Willow Jay - the main hearth for public gatherings under-roof. The building is of
conventional human design consisting of a low, fairly compact, single story building. The stout stone
walls are ivy clad and are shaded at the front and rear of the building where generous turf-clad eaves
reach down towards the ground. Hanging from a post out the front of the inn, swaying gently in the
breeze, is a white wooden board displaying the symbol of the inn - a swallow's silhouette, carved and
painted in red. Outside the inn there is also a huge oak tree whose branches hang over the road and
inn alike, providing pleasant dappled shade in the warmer Early and Late Summer months. Facing onto the road, the
front of the building bears one large, perfectly round, dark red door - normally invitingly thrown open
and latched back against the wall (depending on the weather, of course). Two pairs of cheery round windows
adorn the wall, flanking the entrance on either side. Hinged semi-circle shutters frame the red
trimmed sills of these windows. A number of low benches, worn with age and beckoning with
comfortable backs, are positioned under the branches of the old oak and against the inn wall
(affording protection from the rain, when needed) - for a relaxing ale outside on one of the many mild
evenings. On the colder evenings the front door is closed, windows are shuttered, and curtains drawn on
sundown, allowing only a glimmer of light to escape; warmer nights will see the place open to the
balmy evening air until closing time, allowing the raucous sound of the chirping of crickets to penetrate
right throughout the building.
Inside the building the straw ceilings are low (roughly 6 � feet), and supported by thick soot stained oak
beams that reduce the height even more (about 6 feet), though this is considered a towering height by
Havanathe standards! Floors are scrubbed wood, dyed a honey brown in the common room by
many years of spilt ale. Internal walls are paneled in a light-brown wood, and adorned in many
places with Misses Goatleaf's framed sketches. The entrance hall heads straight in from the front door
with many pegs for coats and hats on the right hand wall opposite a door (normally open unless
the weather is cold and windy) that leads into the large common room. A small delicate barrel sits in the
corner of the hall, waiting to receive walking canes. Further in there is a door on the left leading from
the entrance hall into a private parlor, which can be reserved for secluded gatherings, or just a quiet
chat. The hall terminates at a corridor running the length of the building. Down the right passage there
are three doors, one on the right wall, which leads into a "big" guest room - fitted out with furniture for
two or three human sized guests, beside the parlor. Two doors on the right hand wall, one leading
into another "big room" and the other into a room fitted to accommodate two to three Havanathe
guests. At the end of this passage is a largish round window which provides enough illumination of the
corridor to show the lack of dust. Looking down the left corridor there are two doors nearby on the
right which lead into a couple more Havanathe guest rooms. Down the end the passage turns
abruptly to the right. At this juncture there is another window mirroring the one down the other end of
the passage and a door to the left leading into the common room, beside the bar. After the sharp turn
the passage terminates in the kitchen, with a back door leading to the garden and out-house and
stairs descending to a small cellar and the underground passage to the Goatleaf home.
All the guest rooms are comfortably furnished with single beds, with down-filled mattresses (a luxury not seen in many of the inns in Langington) and
quilts. A small table for writing or dining is situated under a small round window ( sporting curtains
and shutters). A couple of neat chairs, a candle stand, back to back fire-place with spare wood, a
floor rug and wash stand complete the furnishings of these very pleasant rooms. The "small" guest
rooms also include a round, deep, ceramic dish on the floor beside the wash stand. This wash dish is
provided for the traveling Havanathe guest to bathe their tired little feet, soaking away the dust and
grime after a long day�s travel. Small bunches of fragrant herbs are set out beside the wash stand
along with hard and soft bristled foot brushes.
The parlor is also well appointed with a large hearth, four low comfortable arm chairs with plump
cushioning, a couple of stools, a dark polished table, woolen rug, richly colored wall hangings and
candle stand. This room can also double as sleeping quarters if needed. Up to four humans or eight
Havanathe can be housed in here if needed. Fires are lit in these rooms in the evenings if they are
occupied, with chips of scented wood added to sweeten the atmosphere. Ceramic pitchers of hot
and cold washing water are placed outside the doors of occupied guest rooms early every morning
for the refreshment of the visitors.
The common room is quite large and has about eight tables scattered throughout. One table is
situated at each window and one is near the large hearth, which is normally blazing merrily. Clustered
around the old scared wooden tables are an assortment of low chairs, stools and benches (there are
a few higher seats available for the longer-legged patrons). Many of the chairs are comfortably
upholstered in old leather. Torches held in sconces with silver backings are attached to the walls,
supplementing the blazing fire in the evenings. A small bar is situated near the kitchen door. From here
Drubo serves the drinks and keeps an eye out for patrons needing service. High stools are lined
along the bar. Behind the bar is a small array of bottles containing various beverages (not all
alcoholic), most of which have been imported from the merchants at Vollmer. A good supply of local
beer can also be found - Larching Stout is always kept on hand, plus some of the other brews produced in the region.
Smaller quantities of beer and wine from Vollmer are also stocked. The local fireweed is also
available, with a decent stash kept in a wooden box under the counter. On the wall behind the
counter there is arrayed a vertical set of small, simple, flat wooden carvings representing the various
standard items for sale at the inn. Beside each carving is stuck a line of coins, displaying the price of
the item. Some of the wooden carvings displayed are; a large tankard, a small tankard, a wine glass,
a bowl, plate of food, loaf, cheese, etc. The room tends to become rather smoky on the evenings
when the common room fills with patrons. There is a low stage tucked away in the corner beside the
great fire, used for entertainment, poetry reading, riddle telling competitions and the like.
Over the hearth hangs a picture of the bridge which spans the Larch, sketched by Budo. Other
charcoal sketches adorn the walls of the common room, and a few hang in the halls and guest rooms.
A dart board hangs in the common room, mostly used for the weekly competition. The locals are
very good at this game (as they are with most games requiring dexterity and coordination), much to
the regret of many unsuspecting travelers who challenge for a game. Small friendly bets are often
placed on these dart games.
The guest's mounts and are housed in the stables; a separate low building just to the east of the inn.
Clean bedding and feed is available for pigs and horses. Across the main road there is a small corral
that is used to hold livestock or larger numbers of beasts of burden. (Map Location # 12)
Food and lodging are reasonably priced by kingdom standards. Locals often have an account which
they pay off by barter (the most common form of exchange in Babble Vale). Generally pricing is as
follows: lodging costs 5 silver sords per night or 3 gold crons for the week, per person.
Discounts are available if sharing a room. Common beverages are priced: ale at 2 sords per gallon,
common wine at 2 sords per pitcher, small beer at 5 copper dagars per gallon. Simple individual food
items cost: loaf of bread at 5 dagars, a round of cheese at 4 sords, an egg or veggies at 1 dagar, small pot of
honey at 5 sords, meat at 1 sord. Main lunch meal costs 5 sords, hearty soup cost 5 dagar. A hearty breakfast
consisting of all the patron can eat of porridge with milk/cream/honey, grilled fish, fried eggs and
bacon, and freshly cooked warm bread and scones with jam/honey/butter, tea and fruit is available
for 2 sords. Dinner is generally a lighter evening meal consisting of a soup or broth with bread, and
fruit, costing 1 sord. Smaller snacks (normally eaten between breakfast/lunch and lunch/dinner, but
available at any time) are available and consist of various breads/cheeses/biscuits (sweet and
savory)/sausages/spreads/smoked meat seed cakes, mince-pies, pork-pies, cold chicken, pickles
and fat pickled frogs. These meals generally range in price depending on what is ordered. For guests
staying more than one night, the three major meals are available at a discounted price of 6 sords (not
including snacks). The main midday meal normally consists of some kind of tasty roasted meat (trout,
rabbit, pheasant, lamb, pork, duck, chicken or other game bird) with vegetables, soup, bread, fruits
and whatever else takes the cooks fancy.
"The best cornish game hen you've ever had. A sweet honey glaze with bits of orange and dragonberry,
stuffed with rye bread crumbs and sweetherbs, served with fresh rolls smothered in melting
butter, and the best damned Dervatear ale this side of Tsan."
Generally the wearing of weapons indoors is considered to be in bad manners in Havanathe society, and
The Trilling Willow Jay is no exception. Sheathed knives are tolerated, but shields and other larger
weapons are frowned upon. Any patron wandering around in the common room displaying arms will
be promptly, but politely, told by Drubo that, "There is no call for that get-up in this respectable
establishment, and I won't stand for decent honest folk being scared off by armed strangers!" They
will be asked to leave the offending items in their rooms, or if only visiting for a drink, Drubo will offer
to mind their arms behind the bar.
There is often at least one or two traveling merchants or farmers staying at the inn. Especially those
who don't wish to spend the night on the Vollmer road and are prepared to travel the extra hour to
enjoy the Havanathe hospitality of The Trilling Willow Jay.
Other locals that will be often found frequenting the inn (the "regulars")are:
- Bodo Tharrowfill, the stable hand, is always here for lunch and a stout. He often returns for a
chat and a quiet drink with some of his friends later in the evening.
- Old Mister Bom Burrfoot often comes in for a drink. He is an old adventurer who is willing to chat with
strangers and loves to tell tails about his adventuring days. He has lost his right leg below the hip due
an adventuring disaster that abruptly ended his travels. He walks supported by a wooden crutch and
still gets a bit wistful when reminiscing about his exciting youth. Bagrin is one of his most ardent
listeners. Bom is considered a bit irresponsible and eccentric by the more conservative members of
the community.
- Smudgetill Fazzelthorp, the retired illusionist, comes in every evening for a meal and a quiet ale. He
sticks to himself, eating and sipping from his tankard in a quiet corner. The locals generally don't
exchange much more than pleasantries with him, respecting his privacy. He is a fairly old man with
wrinkles and an untidy beard. He enjoys living in Babble Vale, and despite his quiet ways he actually
thinks the local Havanathe are quite delightful.
A few of the local farm lads and lasses often drop in for a quick drop before heading back home to
their families for dinner. Sudo Birch Bottom often drops in for a chat about the day�s activities (and to check that her Stout
hasn't gone off since her last visit!). Perim Toddlebrock visits the inn a couple of night a week with his group of young friends consisting
of lads and lasses from many of the other clans in the village.
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