Pardoner Utigman
The Pardoner wrinkled his nose as the odors of the city ahead began to reach him. He grimaced at the thought of spending more than a few hours there, and wondered once again at how anyone could tolerate making their home in a place like this, let alone enjoy it.
His companion alighted on his shoulder perch with a flutter and a thump. He could tell from the goshawk's weight that her hunt had been successful today, even before seeing the crimson staining her beak and talons as he turned to fasten her tether. Gently tieing her hood in place, he realized that his time in the city was going to be harder for her than it was for him. She was a creature of the forests and clear skies, and he knew this hive of humanity was as far from her comfort zone as anything she had ever encountered.
Yet the Pardoner knew what it was that drew people here, what drew him here even now... behind those bright walls lay boundless opportunity. It was places like this where people came together, where business was done, where reputations were built or destroyed, and where decisions of importance were made. He still wasn't entirely sure what opportunity he was looking for, but he remembered the words his Watcher left him when he set out on his journey. "To find the truth of one's soul, begin with the heart."
So standing here at the heart of the realm, he knew he would find a way to adapt. Just as he had when he was pulled suddenly away from his home and all that he loved, and spirited away into the depths of the forest. Just as he had when he survived the torturous tests of mind and body and accepted the lonely responsibility of the Pardoner. Just as he had when he was abruptly set free to wander the world in search of his destiny. And his loyal companion would trust him, as he trusted her.
The city guards paid him little heed as he passed through the gates, clearly much more interested in the large bird of prey sitting proudly on his shoulder than on an otherwise unremarkable traveller. In the outskirts, the staff and pendant that signified his station would surely have commanded more attention, but here it seemed most people had never even heard of a Pardoner. He knew Lexim would have an entire bureaucracy of magistrates and officials to handle the kinds of disputes he was usually charged with settling, and that suited him just fine at the moment. Instead he focused on the same basic priorities he had when travelling in the wilds - finding food and shelter.
Conveniently there seemed to be plenty of that available just inside the gates, so the Pardoner headed toward the most simple-looking establishment he could see. No need to waste what little coin he had on amenities he would never appreciate. Besides, that interesting dog-riding halfling he'd seen enter the city ahead of him appeared to have chosen it as well. He cocked an eyebrow at the sign above the door, apparently a poorly crafted attempt at a unicorn, as he stepped inside.
The inn seemed surprisingly empty this late in the day, but the Pardoner chalked that up to the competition provided by its better maintained neighbours. No doubt things would get more interesting by sunset, he thought as his hailed the innkeeper. "I'd like a room and a meal, if you please."
Like pretty much everyone else, the innkeeper's eyes locked on the goshawk. He shook his head briefly and replied, "That I can provide, but unfortunately I do not allow animals inside my inn. You will have to leave your bird elsewhere."
The Pardoner rubbed his nose for a moment before nodding toward his companion. "You needn't worry about Ikfaldig, sir. I assure you she is quite well behaved. Certainly at least as well as that dog I saw enter here with a halfling just a few minutes past, and I surely didn't notice that one leaving. She is also quite adept at dispensing with certain pests that have been known to frequent inns like this on occasion."
The innkeeper scowled, then rubbed his chin in consideration. Leaning in close, he said quietly, "I would ordinarily take offense at such comments, but it so happens that the previous tenants of my best room made mention of encountering such... pests, and I could actually use some help in seeing them off. So here's my offer - deal with the problem in that room, and I'll let you stay there for the price of a common room."
Though the Pardoner thought that bargain favored the innkeeper, he decided to accept rather than press his luck. The innkeeper waved over a girl who had just come down the stairs to lead him up to the "grand room". It turned out to be better than he'd hoped. Spacious with a high peaked ceiling, a large window, and two beds. He removed Ikfaldig's perch and fastened it to the back of a heavy chair, attaching a long tether that would give her some freedom to explore her new surroundings. After the girl had returned with a basin of water, the Pardoner removed the bird's hood and quickly washed himself. When she tilted her head to watch him leave with her yellow glare, he knew with confidence that no vermin, of the animal or the human kind, would be troubling this room tonight.
The smell of stew, garlic, and bread wafted up to meet him as he headed back down to the common room. His adaptation to this new environment was off to a good start, he thought with a grin.
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