"Hello. I am Okaasan. Welcome to La Casa. If you have just come from the Cleft, believe me you are in good company. A lot of explorers have passed through here in the last few weeks. Of course we are all very sad to have the Cavern closed -- even if it is just for maintainance."
"I suppose this could be a major financial crisis for a bed and breakfast," you comment.

"Not at all," Okaasan laughs. "The endowment that supports La Casa is very sound. No, it is just sad to see so many disappointed young people." She pauses, then adds, "I suppose the loss of business is hard on the local people who have come to depend on the Cavern traffic."

"I have met, Jim Nakai and Marie Nez," you reply.

"Marie won't mind at all -- not one for outsiders, " Okaasan says, "but Jim was doing very well transporting explorers from airports and bus stations to the Cleft, and had a lot of work getting folks on their way when the DRC turned off the power. He will just have to manage as he did in the past."

You notice the guestbook on the table next to Okaasan.

"Please," she says, "sign our guest book. It does not commit you to stay here if you would rather keep going, but should you wish to stay, let Elpis know. She is in the office along the corridor to my left. Also, a little further down the corridor is our library. We have books here that are available nowhere else."

"Thank you. That's very kind of you."

"If you would like to explore the grounds there is still some daylight left. If you would rather rest just take any of the unlocked rooms upstairs. Also, you may like to try one of our herbal preparations that induce visionary dreams. Some have found the experience -- inspirational."