Rat killing had been uneventful.

The tavern keeper, Derek, had taken the group down to the basement where he brewed beer, and from there to an old door that led to a long narrow room filled with broken barrels, smashed tables, and chairs missing their legs.

It looked like generations of tavern keepers had put things down here with the idea they'd get around to fixing things eventually.

Derek explained there were a lot of cracks in the walls.

It was old construction the current tavern had been built on top of.

Rats kept coming in through the cracks from somewhere to get at his malt and grain.

The quest he offered them gave a smidgeon of experience, a few coins, and a flagon of ale and a meat pie each.

And of course, his appreciation for a job well done.

They took the quest and were finished a half hour later.

Coming up from the basement, Joseph hoisted up the brace of rodents by their tails and Timmy yelled out "Your rat problems are over, Derek, where shall we dispose of the evil vermin?" A couple of farmers were having a cold ale at a table.

They barely looked up.

Derek didn't seem to be around, but who was behind the bar got Timmy's interest immediately.

The girl was striking! The town of Sedgewick suddenly became much more interesting!She came around the bar and looked at the rats intently.

"My, my, but those do look fierce.

Usually, I prefer flowers, but a bouquet of dead rodents is so sweet of you!" She smiled at Joseph who stood frozen, staring at her.

"Oh my, the quiet type.

Well, don't worry, we'll do some small talk when you come back in.

Just take those rats out back and toss them over the fence into the pig trough.

Those porkers eat anything." Joseph just nodded and headed out the door.

Timmy took a step forward and bowed.

"Greetings fair damsel.

I am Sir Timothy of Aetheldurst.

I am a fledgling Paladin, seeking to do good in the land with the aid of my squire Joseph and my trusty men-at-arms, David, Hugh, and Louis.

If you have need of me, please simply ask.

I am at your service." Timmy had yet to meet the girl that shiny armor and a high CHA couldn't sway.

This one certainly swayed, but in a way that made Timmy forget what his next line was.

She stepped close and allowed him to kiss her hand.

"So polite and generous.

I'm sure I have a service I need you to help me with." She batted her eyes at him, and then looked demurely at the floor.

"It's a very strenuous service though, you'll need all your stamina.

Are you sure you aren't tired after your heroic battle?"David rolled his eyes, knowing where this was going.

He grabbed Louis and Hugh and headed for the bar, joined by Joseph as he returned.

The barmaid smiled at Timmy.

"Glad to hear that; I'm anxious to get started, if you know what I mean.

How about I get your friends their beer and then we go spend some time downstairs?" She turned and hurried to the taps, pouring each man a large mug of dark ale and yelling for meat pies from the kitchen for them.

She looked over at Timmy and he was surprised to get a quest message.

Tavern quest part 2 of 3: Suzette the lonely Barmaid is in need of help only you can give her.

Rewards are increased favor with Suzette along with other rewards based on performance of the 'services'.

Accept Y/N?