An unexpected surprise outside Neverwinter.

I was able to hitch a ride with the adventurers I had met on the road. We soon came to the gates of Neverwinter when suddenly, the ranks of guards part, with their movements precise and respectful, as a figure emerged from within the city. Flanking him closely was a small halfling, his own armour not quite as grand as the crimson and white regalia of the man but still impeccably neat. The halfling’s quick, purposeful steps easily kept pace with the taller man, glancing about with a cheerful yet calculating demeanour. His stern face suggested both a competence but also maybe a hint of mischief.

The guards straightened further as the pair passed, some even offering subtle nods of respect. It was clear they know of this man and his friend. The crimson-cloaked man raised a hand in greeting as he approached the small hill near our wagon.

“Well met my dearest of traveler's,” he called out, his tone deep and resonant yet inviting. His bright eyes settle upon us but his expression softens. “Sildar Hallwinter has spoken of you. It appears he is on errand further in the city but he sent me forward to welcome you. I am Klaus Frostmantle and this is my steward Crispin. We are on our way south and we were tasked by Sildar to gift you with some of our fine wares in our likely passing you on the High Road.” This was quite interesting and I decided to later ask who this Sildar was and what they had done to earn such gifts. Both of them now eyed the wagon we were in he says with a smirk, “I see ol’ Sildar spared no expense to help you get here. Clearly you have done something worthy of his grace. I assure you, that is not something that comes lightly.”

Turning to Crispin, Klaus produced some nicely wrapped gifts from a normal sized bag that the halfling clearly had some trouble carrying. Looking at each of us carefully, he attentively hands each of us a gift as though trying to make sure he gives everyone the correct one. “I’m sorry but my not knowing you means I simply have to rely on the descriptions Sildar provided. Unfortunately, I didn't hear anything of a bard with the group but I think Crispin might be able to find something for your friend as well" he said.

"I owed Sildar a favour so these gifts come from me with my highest regard for the services you have surely bestowed upon my good friend. Unfortunately, while I would love to visit with you longer, there are many others we need to visit this fine day. May the blessings of the heavens be upon you even as you make your way into the city. There are some dark murmurings going on these days and I’d say my departing isn’t too soon”.
 
Klaus kneeled down a bit to Crispin and whispered something to him. Crispin quickly ran off to the grassy area west of the gate clearly responding to directions from Klaus. “I do hope all of you enjoy these gifts! Maybe we will meet again and I will tell you the stories of how I got them!” With a bit of laughter and with haste, he rushed over to Crispin who pulled up in a large wagon pulled by eight horses who are fit enough they almost appeared like they could fly. Klaus climbed on board and as they began to head south, he waves to us, “May much blessing come to you this day! May we meet again in due time to break bread and share a mug together!” I now have many questions that will need some answering. When I opened my package inside were gloves of thievery I was taken aback at the quality but thinking back on it now I wonder if there is some underlying message to it.