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You move on to the next building (B) and to your amazement there is someone at the door ready to meet you. A black robed figure of a middle aged man with long beard stands before you with unremarkable expression. In solemn tone he asks of you,
"What have ye to do here in this village that ye go from door to door as though ye be selling bread or begging fer the same?"
"We are looking for someone who can tell us more about the village and the interesting ceremony that will take place… we wish to be part of it."
His tone changes,
"This is no place for tourists. This is a sacred village where only true worshipers come to pay homage and yet ye have come this day in the most intrusive manner to disturb our peace. Begone with thee!"
The door is slammed in your face as you are left somewhat embarrassed.
You move on to the next building. The door is slightly ajar. It seems to be a small haberdashery for the village so no one tries to stop you from entering but neither do they acknowledge you. It looks like a family runs the place and they are attending to a couple of people who are buying items of candles, oil, flint and food.
Thorin agrees with the suggestion and intends to use his etiquette skill to come across as humble and in need of help. He will see what's available for purchase while attempting to get more information about the village and its practices.
Thorin is very poised and tactful and it gets some of the shop owner's attention. You realize that this place is also managed by a middle aged woman and those buying goods are also women. It starts to dawn on you that this Village is mostly made up of women. Are the men off to some place? You do see one or two men but not the same amount as those of the opposite gender. Those males that are found tend to be young, so there are no old men?
These are questions you quickly ask yourself as the woman asks what you will like to buy. In reality her store has nothing you want or need but you ask what is needed for the ceremony. She nods and gets for Thorin a bundle of items with a red robe and for the ladies she gets a similar bundle but with black robes.
Thorin wonders if his vestige is to be taken as 'special' when she says the cost of all as being 3 gold pieces. She puts out her hand to collect.