Rodrick slides his last gold coin onto the bar.
"I shall stay in the stables none the less and pay for a breakfast in the morning too thank-you." I place my remaining silver coin on the bar and head out of the door, then straight to the stables.
I whistle loudly once in the stables and a small blur quickly descends to my arm, revealing a lean and muscular bird. I stroke it's head softly and whisper to it gently before kissing it on the head and letting it fly where it wants. I then find a corner of the stables that is empty, but with a good line of sight to the door and still hidden enough from view that someone would have to pay special attention to find me. I then pull a large amount of the straw towards me and huddle down for the night, pulling it over me to keep me warm. My bow and arrows are both within arms reach as well. "Wheat straw, she knows how to care for her guests horses ... and me I suppose. I shall have to remember this place for the future. Just you wait Zach, I will find you and when I do you will be sorry!"
Izsha goes to ask Adelaide for a private room.
Very well said Adelaide, smiling, watching as the Noble left through the side door.
Taking Rodrick's single gold coin, she looked at the robed man and then at the Kushan woman making her way forward.
The room you'll be staying in tonight isn't much like I said, but I'll make sure breakfast is included in your stay. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. All of my guests can expect the same amount of hospitality from me.
She then smiled once more; You may be staying in a less satisfactory room, but that shouldn't make your stay any less pleasant.
Turning to Izsha, Adelaide holds two fingers up and says Two gold, please. I'll show both you and this good man in front of me to your rooms.
Making her way back around the bar, she speaks to Lee momentarily and heads towards the front door before locking it.
Announcing loudly, she tells the remaining conscious patrons We're having a lock-in tonight! If you need to leave, you're welcome to make your way through the stables, but I advise you to all stay here for the night. All rooms are 2gp as normal.
Turning to Lee and speaking quietly enough to not arise Kirk's suspicions, she told him That should put your friend at ease, if only for tonight. If you could keep an eye out for me while I show my two guests to their rooms, I'd appreciate it.
Adelaide then gently touches Lee's arm before making her way upstairs with both Rodrick and Izsha in tow.
Upon reaching the top of the stairs, Adelaide leads you a little way along the corridor and gestures towards the third room on the left to Izsha.
This is your room for the night. I hope you find it to your liking. All rooms can be locked from the inside, though I have a master key myself in case of emergency.
She pushes the door open, waits for Izsha to make her way in and then heads back along the corridor with Rodrick. Turning right as the corridor continues, she steps past Jura before pushing open the second to last door on the right inside wall, revealing what looks to be more of a window-less storage room than anything else.
I usually keep my supplies in here, but I'm awaiting traders so I can re-supply. It's not much I'm afraid, but there's a bed and a shelf to store your belongings. If you need light, feel free to use the lantern on your left. Just be sure to put it out before you sleep.
Izsha enters her room, sets down her pack next to her bed carefully, and closes the door, locking it from the inside. As the lock snaps closed, she exhales deeply and drops onto the bed.
Erin slowly makes her way to go sleep close to the fire. The dancing shadows in the inn soothed her for some reason. And it was quite relaxing listening to the crackling of the wood
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Rodrick heads to his own room to turn in for the evening. He leaves the lantern unlit, taking solace in the darkness. He lies down to rest almost immediately, though he knows that it will be some time before the wraiths that plague him allow him to drift away to sleep.
With no complaints from Rodrick, Adelaide turns around and heads back down the corridor, stopping to ask Jura; Is everything ok? seemingly concerned by the fact he's still standing here.
With one last look around Jura nods. "Yes." He says, his hand falling away from the hilt of his sword. Definitely need to get on the road again, been in one place too long. It's far too quiet around here for my liking. He thinks to himself, his heart rate slowing as he turns and pauses for a moment before walking up to the innkeeper. Being a big man he towers over her, yet with a startling tenderness he places his hands on her shoulders. "I'll be leaving tomorrow Adelaide, I'll say goodbye before I go. Thank you for keeping me around." He says with a sad smile. "Home's still calling me out there, sorry if I ever made too much of mess. If I'm ever in the area I'll be sure to drop by."
Adelaide smiles, touching your arm as a dear friend would.
You'll always be welcome here, but do be sure to drop in every so often, even if it's just for a passing chat. It's always lovely to have such caring people around.
She looks down the corridor and towards the stairs.
Well, I've got some tidying to do before I can rest and then it's an early start for me!
Us Innkeepers get little rest, though I don't mind too much. It sure keeps me busy!
Adelaide looks up at Jura's face and smiles once more.
Breakfast's on me tomorrow. I expect the Soldiers will be late as usual. They don't stop by too often and although some, Brenner in particular, are cocky, they're all good guys really. They've had hard lives like most of us, but they mean well. Brenner is highly skilled in fighting with smaller blades, Clyde is their leader and was a leading tactician in the hundred year war. Tomaz and Kirk are still young and pretty new to the group, but Richard is the peacekeeper and Lee? Well, Lee's saved my life a few times now. He's one of the best Archer's I've come to know and one of the kindest, most trustworthy souls I've met. They're a little far from home, but are some of Theresia's most trusted men. They band together and patrol the surrounding areas, but sometimes when there's little for them to do, they venture out further than normal. That's usually when they drop by here.
They're staying in the big room opposite yours and the Kushan's. If you have any business with The Counts old Castle Town and the current Countess Theresia, they're the men to talk to. I believe tonight marked the end of their patrol, so they'll be returning home in the morning.
After having a moment to chat, the noise from downstairs intensified, prompting Adelaide to return to the other guests. Well, duty calls! Goodnight, Jura. she said, as she let the tall man be, making her way downstairs once more.
Stepping down, she made her way over to Lee, thanking him with a short hug, before telling him to take Kirk upstairs for the night, at which point Tomaz followed.
By now, most of the other patrons had gone to bed. The louder ones that drew her attention away had fallen asleep in their chairs, some with drink still in hand. Nudging them, Adelaide prompted them to return to their rooms, helping the ones back up who needed it most, leaving just Richard and Clyde alone with the invisible Elf.
Struggling to sleep, Erin could overhear some of Richard and Clyde's conversation.
Kirk's only been with us for a week. I wonder what's up with him? asked Richard. I couldn't tell ya. Maybe the rumours got to him. Maybe his eyes tricked him into seeing something that wasn't there? It's hard to tell. I'm just so sick of being on patrol. That damn war became my life and now I'm lost. I probably should have died in that war. Clyde said in response.
Don't be stupid said Richard, quick to respond. You're lucky to have survived. You still have your family. They were the lucky ones. Maybe you should consider retiring. You know, I don't mean that out of disrespect. I just don't see much need for our skills anymore, now that the war's over. I'd take to a normal life myself, but I need the coin.
Downing the last gulp of his Ale, Clyde pondered the thought. Maybe I should. before standing and heading for the stairs.
Coming? asked Clyde.
May as well. said Richard, also finishing the last of his drink.
They both met Adelaide on the stairs, Richard saying goodnight and Clyde simply nodding as she let them pass, continuing down the stairs herself.
Cleaning up took the Innkeeper a further hour, but she seemed happy enough. Not wanting to attract unwanted attention, she put out both fires, almost accidentally kicking Erin as she put out the second one, before heading back upstairs and to bed for the night herself.
The night went by mostly in silence. Those who had trouble sleeping mostly heard the cries and mating calls of animals every so often, while those who focused a little more could hear some more, low pitched sounds, seemingly unrecognisable to the human senses. Still, the night passed by without any trouble and Adelaide was up bright and early, down in the kitchen preparing food for the day from 6am.
Looking outside there was a noticeable thick, low-hanging fog, which Sebastian felt the chill of more than most.
I awake shortly before the sun rises and see a cloud of hog and not much else. I go to sit up but notice my feathered friend has fallen asleep on my chest, so I gently stroke her awake and give her a good 15 minutes attention before getting up. Once fully awake and a little sore from a gentle bite on my finger tip, I stand and grab my belongings while Bella goes off to hunt for her breakfast. As I step outside the surrounding area is washed in a soft golden glowing fog and the singing of birds. I knock of the door to the tavern gently and it takes a few moments before the door opens.
I smile pleasantly at Adelaide, "Good morrow my lady, I hope that you were able to sleep satisfactorily and feel refreshed on this day. Would I be too early to sit by your hearth and have a filling meal?" It is clear that I am in a good mood, even more so than last night.
As Adelaide opened the side door, her concentration dropped, giving way for her usual warming smile to shine through.
Good morning, Please come in!
It's very cold out there this morning! I hope you slept okay? she asked, as the cold morning chill ran down her spine.
I slept well enough thanks, but enough about me. Let's get you something to eat! she said, closing the door behind you as she lead you once more into the main room.
I've just this minute started the fire, so it may take a little while to warm up in here. What will you be having this morning? A full Midland Breakfast or a nice hot bowl of porridge oats? To drink I have either hot milk, freshly squeezed Orange juice or Barley Tea.
"The stable bedding kept me more than warm enough, thank you for your concern though. I think a full breakfast is the best way to start a full and hopeful day, with a nice of mug of tea would make it perfect." I go to a chair by the fire and sit there, watching the fire grow and dance in the pit while I wait for my food.
Coming right up said Adelaide, heading off to the kitchen.
Sitting at the two-seater table just behind the one seating the Kushan and Mercenary type the night before, you wait a good ten minutes, staring intensely at the fire, when Brenner comes walking down the stairs behind you, yawning along the way.
Morning he said to you in passing, as he made his way once more to his usual spot at the central table, seating himself and slumping down somewhat.
Returning from the kitchen with food in hand, Adelaide took note of Brenner's arrival, smiling at him as she made her way back over to the Noble.
Morning Brenner, she smiled as she walked past.
Arriving at Sebastian's table, she placed the full breakfast and Barley Tea in front of him; Here you go.
Looking over to Brenner, she said to Sebastian I expect everyone else will be down soon. It looks like you came in at a good time.
Awakening at dawn Jura pulls himself out of the bed, greeting Adelaide as she wakes up to begin preparing food for the other lodgers. Not one for small talk he washes, straps on his armor and heads outside to do his drills for the day as he goes through his morning work out.
Stepping outside into the cold morning mist he smiles and unlimbers his sword, the blade feeling cold and heavy in his grip as the man hefts it above his head. Slowly he begins to preform a series of wide strokes, obviously designed to limber up his shoulders and muscles as he begins to slip into a routine. While it's obvious he's no master swordsman he does appear to be talented.
The mist kicks up around his feet and blade as the heavy sword rips through the vapor. With a burst of energy he unleashes a rapid series of blows, darting forward each time as he uses the momentum of his blade to propel him and fuel the next swing. Eventually he begins to slow, panting heavily as he brings the blade to rest above his head again. With a practiced motion he brings the blade spinning down in an overhand chop that sends a fan of mist cascading into the air, the swordsman letting the tip of the blade fall to the ground before he leans onto it for support, streams of vapor rising off him as great clouds of hot breath spill from his mouth.
Yawning and stretching. She looks about. As she was up early too, she takes time to go find some water to wash herself. Her wings fluttered in excitement as she sees her friend enter and come sit close to where she was resting. She goes and drop his coin onto his lap
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I smile at Adelaide as she brings over the food, "That smells simply delightful, thank you kindly." As the soldier greets me I lower my head in a nod before digging into my meal.
I laugh as the coin drops back into my lap, I pick it up and place it by my plate. "Good morning my friend, we can play once again once I have finished eating. I am unsure if you are able to eat, but if you want some of my bacon or mushrooms, help yourself."
Rodrick takes his breakfast alone. The owners kindness had started to have an effect on him and he felt the slightest pang of guilt. He had opted to take what seemed less labor intensive breakfast and ate in silence, wondering how he could repay the favor.
Perhaps he would help her be rid of the pest that was bothering her patrons?
Not wanting to perform her "witchcraft" in front of the other patrons, Izsha is the last to arrive downstairs. A freshly mixed set of alchemical concoctions in her pack. She greets Adelaide with a bow.
She eagerly drags a small piece of bacon from his plate. Cross legged infront of him, she begins to munch on the food. Warm breakfast. Given. Not just taken. Been quite some time
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Nodding to Sebastian with a smile, she leaves his table, serves Porridge and Tea to Rodrick in a polite enough manner, but leaves him be for the most part, allowing him to eat in peace, then makes her way over to Brenner. I know what you're having she laughed. Some things never change.
Kicking back in his chair again, Brenner grins. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Making her way out to the kitchen, Adelaide could see Jura practicing out back and though she watched a little, she needed to get on with her work, returning to the front of the Inn with a tray full of bread, Porridge, a full Midland breakfast and a jug of freshly juiced Orange.
That should keep you going she laughed, Brenner nodding in response with Ha! You sure know the way to a mans heart, Ad. Sitting up, Brenner took in the sight of his hearty meal, seemingly very eager to eat it. Man, have I been looking forward to this! he said, taking a large bite from the bread, ripping away at it with his teeth as he smiled.
Meanwhile, Izsha made her way down the stairs. Turning to face her with a smile, Adelaide was caught off guard with a bow from the woman. Unused to Kushan customs, she instinctively leant forward slightly, pinching the sides of the lower part of her dress, lifting it an inch or two from the ground, before letting go again.
Good morning! Please sit where you wish. she said, gesturing to the other tables around the room.
Brenner then looked towards Izsha from the corner of his eyes with a single, untrusting raised eyebrow, but carried on eating regardless, turning to face Sebastian quite obviously instead.
You've got an interesting trick there, Vorell. he said in a boisterous, though somewhat blunt and concerned manner, watching as the Nobles food continually moved off his plate and disappeared.
He then turned his head to the right and watched as Richard made his way down the stairs.
Having worked up a sweat Jura strips off the outer layers of his armor and heads inside to quickly wash away the smell of his exertions, giving Adelaide a nod through the back window as he collects his sword.
"Hope you saved one of those for me." He says to the innkeeper as he walks past, giving Brenner's meal an envious look.
Coming right up! she laughed, expecting as much.
She piled it all onto a tray as before and returned to Jura, watching as Richard sat in the same seat he was in the previous night.
I look in fascination as the bacon flies off of my plate and steadily gets smaller and smaller, realising that I may be staring I continue with my own meal. At the soldiers comment I look over to him, "No trick of mine, just making friends with a spirit. Who knew that spirits could eat though?" I let out a small laugh and look back to the flying bacon, "Looks like you are enjoying that, would you like the other piece too?"
She shakes her head. She was quite full. But knowing that it wouldn't actually help. So she simply puts the last tiny bit back on his plate. Maybe that would show him she was content
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I notice the bacon gently placed back on the plate, and continue to eat my meal leaving the piece of bacon until the end. Just in case the spirit decides to eat some more. I ask for a second cup and more a small amount of tea into it and push it forwards slightly. "We may have only known each other for an evening, but it has been enjoyable in your company. A shame that this cannot continue as I head for Theresia today, maybe we can play again if I come back this way?"
Siting down with his food Jura overhears Sebastian talking to himself. He's heading to Theresia? Alone? He thinks, looking over at the addled man. With a sigh he picks up his plate and moves over to sit opposite Sebastian. "You want to visit Thersia?" He says, evaluating the man. "It's a dangerous trip to undertake, you wont make it there traveling alone."
I only notice the gentleman when he sits down opposite me, "I hope he hasn't just sat on my new friend, that would be most uncomfortable for both of them." I look at the man and recognise him as the one speaking with the foreign woman last night, offering to be a guard.
"I came from that surrounding area on my own with very little difficulty, but I am always willing to travel with others on the road. However if you are offering yourself as services, I will have to decline your offer. The last of my money went on this fabulous meal, so would be unable to pay any service fee."
She looks from one to the other as they speak. It was a bit of a sad thing to part ways. But then again. She had not precise place to go. She may as well tag along
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Nodding to Sebastian, thinking he's somewhat crazy, Brenner simply remarks Sure.
Bringing Richard a similar sized helping to Brenner and Jura's meal, Adelaide expressed concern for the youngest member of the Soldiers as she set the food down on the table. Morning Richard, how's Kirk doing today?
Not good. he replied as he poured himself some Tea.
We're taking him back today. Hopefully he can get the help he requires back home. It's really strange, though. He wasn't like this at all before last night and we didn't exactly have any trouble on our travels here.
Brenner turned to Richard with a mouthful of bread. Man, I was hoping he'd be better by now. I'm guessing that's why Lee's not down yet. Usually he's as happy to eat as me.
Richard nodded. Yea, he's still looking out for him. Tomaz has kept quiet this whole time. I guess being away from home for the first time ever is really getting to him.
Clyde doing his usual? asked Brenner.
Sure is. He's so paranoid. That hundred year war really left its mark. He armours up every morning before eating a damn thing. He'd probably sleep in his armour if it wasn't so uncomfortable.
Brenner laughed in response, tapping the table in a somewhat excited manner. Haha! Yea, you're right. At least that old grump has his comedy value!
Something clicks in Rodricks head at yet another mention of the Count goes through the room. He'd been there once, and he'd been unconsciously wandering this way. Maybe he should keep following that path?
Rodrick empties his plate and returns it to Adelaide. With a final nod to the kind woman, he heads for the door.
Avoiding eye contact with Brenner, Izsha walks to an unoccupied table where she can keep a respectful, and safe, distance from other patrons, at least those who haven't proven particularly accepting of her presence and sits down.
Seeing Izsha come down Jura waves her over, gesturing for her to take a seat opposite him.
Seeing her new ally, Izsha follows Jura's beckons. She folds her hands offers him and Sebastian a bow before adressing the nobleman: "I believe you were performing those fascinating tricks last night?"
I look up at the woman who has approached the table and incline my head at her bow. "The tricks were not my doing, my lady. But the amusement of a spirit, or so I have come to believe."
Several minutes pass while Jura, Sebastian and Izsha converse, Clyde now making his way down the stairs, looking even grumpier than usual, while Tomaz, Kirk and Lee follow (in that order).
As they head towards the table, Kirk is noticeably a little more responsive but it's easy to see he keeps drifting off, as if almost in a permanent state of daydreaming.
Lee sits him down before heading over to the Bar.
Morning Ad, could I just grab a large bowl of Porridge for myself please? Clyde will have whatever. I don't think he cares much at this point.
Leaning closely into Lee, Adelaide asks Did Kirk show any signs of improvement? to which Lee replied Not much, but he's better than last night, at least a little. I'm gonna try and get him to eat some Porridge before we set out. Oh and could Tomaz have a full breakfast. He's a little shy talking to women.
Once I have finished eating, I take the coin that was returned to me and begin trying to roll it across my fingers again. "Once I have warmed up and my food has settled, I will have to head out. Hopefully Bella has found an adequate amount of food."
I look up from my coin to Izsha again, "Will you not be breaking your fast this morning? It is a cold morning, so a warm meal will warm you well. As will this fire once it has grown a bit." I look to Jura, "Will you be travelling the same way as myself?"
Seeing the shared moment of affection Jura smirks and returns to his meal. About time He thinks, considering the man's question. "Perhaps, I'm looking to leave this place today. There's not much in the way of work around here with those soldiers so I'm looking to move on. I've no real destination but going your way is no worse than any other direction." He pats a full looking pack at his side. "I'm ready to go anytime you wish, just give the word."
For a moment Jura stops to look at the Kushan opposite him. "You're welcome to join me if you wish, I'll honor our agreement from the night before. That is if you don't have anywhere else to be?"
Like shaken out of a stupor, Izsha's gaze tears loose from Adelaide and Lee, and she responds to Sebastian "I should have a meal, shouldn't I?" she awkwardly signals to Adelaide when she is sparing a glance to have a breakfast.
She then answers to Jura: "My journey so far was more focussed on where I left from than where I was going.", she chuckles nervously "I'd gladly join you."
Noticing Izsha's request, both Lee and Adelaide break conversation. Lee turns away, returning to his seat between both Kirk and Tomaz as he awaits his meal, while Adelaide nods at Izsha before heading out back.
About a minute passes before Adelaide's return. Standing with a smaller tray in hand, she leans over and places before you a relatively large bowl of Porridge and a decently sized jug of Barley Tea, on the same table as Jura and Sebastian.
I'm not too sure of your eating habits or the Kushan customs, so I've prepared this for now, but if you'd like anything else, don't hesitate to ask!
In the background, you can hear Brenner sigh, seemingly in response to Adelaide's respectful comments to your culture, before shaking his head.
Adelaide ignores him, but then grabs a chair from one of the unoccupied tables behind Jura and slides it next to you, adjacent to Sebastian and Jura's table.
Enjoy! she said, walking towards the door and around the back of Kirk, Lee and Tomaz to not disturb you.
Richard doesn't seem to have a problem being directly behind you and sitting sideways in his chair, simply nods as you sit down, with a friendly, subtle, yet humble smile across his face. Clyde on the other hand is keeping himself to himself and stuffing his face.
"Thank you. I can't say I don't miss the spices of home." she nods her head "I will let you know."
I nod at both the man and woman at my table, "You're company would be welcome, as you mentioned travelling in groups is safer too. I intend to leave once everyone has finished eating." I take the coin I am trying to roll and place it on the table softly and slide it forwards to where the bacon was disappearing before whispering, "A gift should not be returned my friend, may it remind you of our fun here."
With effort, she lifts the coin onto its edgeand begins to spin it slowly. Careful not to let it fall
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I watch the coin slow begin to spin, it seemed different this time than last time. More careful and a lot slower, "Must be thinking about what game to play as our last." I smile softly as I continue to watch the coin, while getting warm by the growing fire in the hearth.
With a resolute look Jura quickly finishes the meal before him, straps his pack up and walks out the door to wait by the roadside, resting on a tree stump. As he looks off into the distance, down the long road into the morning mists he smiles. The familiar feeling of wanderlust creeps into his boots and he seems almost glad to be going. If anyone approaches him the notice he seems to be talking to himself.
"We wanderers, ever seeking the lonelier way,
begin no day where we have ended
another day; and no sunrise finds us where
sunset left us.
Even while the earth sleeps we travel.
We are the seeds of the tenacious plant,
and it is in our ripeness and our fullness of
heart that we are given to the wind and are
scattered."