Previously, the heroes were confronted by several custodians who wanted to arrest Neamhan in charges of heresy after she had expressed herself indelicately about the gods. Emrys managed to convince the custodians that conflict could be avoided and that Neamhan would turn herself in at the Tomb of St. Catherine.
First Day, Second Ride, Autumn Twilight, 1262
(Silvermoon is in high sanction, Bloodmoon is waning, Darkmoon is waning)
After the near-violent standoff with the custodians, rest returned to the Careless Wanderer. It was just past fourth bell, and dusk was falling outside. The afternoon would soon be over, and Neamhan was keen on finding the powdered diamond she needed to attempt to lift the curse that Quentin was under which caused him to forget his betrothed.
Quentin and Luca accompanied her to see Eustace, a gnarled jeweller who was working out of a small, cramped workshop in the Southside ward of Kingsport. The jeweller had once taken possession of a lyrium crystal and had promised to find out what kind of crystal it was. This had been just before the heroes travelled to Pinefall and disappeared to Old Llygad. They had only returned months later and at that point the jeweller had sold the crystal to the Circle of Magi, unaware of its value.
Emrys, Astrid and Falka remained in the Careless Wanderer, having no interest in venturing out into the cold. Shortly after the others departed, an older gentleman stepped in the door of the Careless Wanderer, asking after Emrys. He was dressed in fine clothing, complete with a top hat and a walking cane. He approached the table Emrys and the others were sitting at and introduced himself.
Bernhard Brenninkmeyer was a Daerlan crafter of instruments and accessories operating out of a shop in Sevenoaks. He had been commissioned on the Fourth Day, First Ride, Autumn Twilight, 1262 by the Lady of Evenshade Hall to create a beautiful lute case for Emrys. It was made of black leather stretched over a case of steel and wood, with gleaming clasps that held the lid of the case against a gasket, making it waterproof. The inside was inlaid in firm padding lined with burgundy velvet, capable of accommodating many different types of lutes.
After presenting Emrys with the gift, master Brenninkmeyer departed, leaving Emrys to marvel at the craftsmanship.