"So, what are the lastest going-ons around here?" you try to get a conversation going.

"Hey, don't look at me. I don't know much about rumors and these things; too much of a hassle. If it be news yer looking for, then Flender over there amongst those chatting people will be the man yer wanting to see."

You wheel about to look at the man he's pointing at. This Flender was a short and stout man, but from his rugged looks, you know that he has seen and experienced much. Surely he would know much.

After expressing thanks to the bartender, you...

ask for a glass of milk
ask for a mug of ale
return to the main area of the tavern