The cheery, if slightly loud interruption that was the little errand girl bursting into the tavern gave Lo’en just the distraction she needed to slip out the door unnoticed. She knew despite her good intentions, her actions would seem suspicious to even the most trusting tavern owner. The half-elf was one foot across the threshold when a shout erupted behind her. Assuming she was the target of the excitement, Lo’en jumped out the doorway of the Rook, slammed the door behind her, and took off down the street with only her feathered cap and bundles of arrows in hand.
“Who’s got the dog!” The portly owner was bellowing down the stair case at the only two customers the tavern had that early in the morning. Heedless of the other still sleeping patrons, he tromped down the wooden stairs with the grace of a raging bull. His squat face was red with anger, and his mitts were tightly clenching all of the bags from the foursome’s room, belying the strength of the stick-thin arms.
“You!” The fat man threw the bags down at Theuse and Gia. “And that homely other wretch you were with! Where is that horse girl? It must have been one of your disgusting, dirty party that brought the dog in here. NO DOGS ALLOWED!” True enough, there was a sign sitting in the front window with the prohibition in small words.
Hiding as meekly as he could behind the fat man, the young boy servant who had helped bring their bags up to the room the day before was trying unsuccessfully to stifle his sneezes and coughing. The poor lad’s face was a splotchy red and puffed up three times its normal, skinny self, tears involuntarily weeping from slits where his eyes were. The saucy red-headed waitress immediately dropped her tray of dirty dishware and grabbed a wet rag. She raced to the anaphylactic kid and knelt by his side, attempting to soothe him with the wet rag. "Poor Tobie," she cooed soothingly, managing to give a hateful glance in Theuse's and Gia's direction at the same time.
“I don’t care where that filthy elf and horse girl ran off to. You two, pay now and get out before I call the Guard.” Perhaps because of his corpulent build, the owner appeared quite unyielding from this course of action.
Just Passing Through
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Jaspenellar
- Citizen
- Posts: 305
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:56 pm
- Name: Loen
- Race: Half-Elven
Re: Just Passing Through
It took all of Gia's human brain power to stop from cringing. 'No dogs allowed' sounded a lot like 'bad dog.' She wasn't a bad dog. You're a wolf, damn you! The wolf told her, but Gia knew the truth. Being a wolf shifter... well, she was half human and half wolf, right? And all dogs were descended from wolves and made by humans... so they were like half human and half wolf.
She didn't wince and whine, although if she'd had her tail it certainly would have gone between her legs. She licked her lips, a sign of wolfy submission, and looked away, stifling a whine in her throat. Gia had scented Lo'en leaving, and something in the back of her mind was raging at her to get her to understand that she needed to follow, but the overpowering 'bad dog' was rendering her weak and useless.
'Get out' was another phrase she recognized and took full advantage of almost instantly. She walked quickly enough to be just short of improperly running, and stumbled out into the early morning sun. She looked back as the door closed, hoping that Theuse was following her. A quick sniff gave her Lo'en's whereabouts and she darted over to the elf, who was walking quickly down the street. Gia didn't say anything, but she followed the girl. Elves shouldn't be as hard to track down as this one was, and Gia wasn't about to let her run off again. That would be being a bad dog.
She didn't wince and whine, although if she'd had her tail it certainly would have gone between her legs. She licked her lips, a sign of wolfy submission, and looked away, stifling a whine in her throat. Gia had scented Lo'en leaving, and something in the back of her mind was raging at her to get her to understand that she needed to follow, but the overpowering 'bad dog' was rendering her weak and useless.
'Get out' was another phrase she recognized and took full advantage of almost instantly. She walked quickly enough to be just short of improperly running, and stumbled out into the early morning sun. She looked back as the door closed, hoping that Theuse was following her. A quick sniff gave her Lo'en's whereabouts and she darted over to the elf, who was walking quickly down the street. Gia didn't say anything, but she followed the girl. Elves shouldn't be as hard to track down as this one was, and Gia wasn't about to let her run off again. That would be being a bad dog.
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Tauremi
- Outsider
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Sat Oct 03, 2009 3:22 pm
- Name: Akros Nym Tauremi
- Race: Human - Faerie [Fawn]
Re: Just Passing Through
Nym's casual daze was broken by the owner's outburst towards two of his guests. She glanced over and grimaced at the poor boy's allergic reaction. Shifting uneasily, she tried to make herself look as unnoticeable as possible, she didn't like it when people yelled, even if it wasn't at her.
Watching the red headed waitress take Tobie into the kitchen, she realized she'd been forgotten in the commotion. Figuring she wouldn't get any answers now, Nym sighed and turned on her heel out the door. The sun warmed her face again and she squinted against the brightness as her eyes readjusted.
"Well what do I do now?"
Reaching into her pocket again, she pulled out the badly scribbled directions once more and looked them over warily. "Ugh, I can't make any of this out!" She leaned back against the door of the Rook and rubbed her temples in dismay.
"What should I do Cheeba?" Nym reached in her tattered shoulder bag and poked the sleeping eleoskey, causing him to twitch slightly. "Lot 'ol help you are, silly thing." She readjusted her small bag and pushed off slowly from the door. "Well guess there's no use dawdling, right Cheeba? There must be someone else I can ask."
Watching the red headed waitress take Tobie into the kitchen, she realized she'd been forgotten in the commotion. Figuring she wouldn't get any answers now, Nym sighed and turned on her heel out the door. The sun warmed her face again and she squinted against the brightness as her eyes readjusted.
"Well what do I do now?"
Reaching into her pocket again, she pulled out the badly scribbled directions once more and looked them over warily. "Ugh, I can't make any of this out!" She leaned back against the door of the Rook and rubbed her temples in dismay.
"What should I do Cheeba?" Nym reached in her tattered shoulder bag and poked the sleeping eleoskey, causing him to twitch slightly. "Lot 'ol help you are, silly thing." She readjusted her small bag and pushed off slowly from the door. "Well guess there's no use dawdling, right Cheeba? There must be someone else I can ask."
Re: Just Passing Through
Theuse watched, stunned, as the inn keeper came roaring down the stairs, yelling about no dogs allowed in his establishment. The poor kid—Tobie?—was not looking well, Theuse felt for him, but he knew that it was none of his party that had brought a dog into the Rook. There would be no means of hiding one, even if they had! He was about to speak, to assure the good innkeeper that while his anger was understandable it was misplaced. He rose out of his seat, prepared to talk calmly and try kind words and a friendly smile. Then Gia let a strangled sound come from her throat.
His first thought was that the young lady was choking back a sob, the fact that she all but ran from the inn was proof enough in his mind. He watched Gia race out of the Rook, passed a nervous looking woman that he barely registered as there, and stared at the now closing door.Theuse had not known her long, but he had always been quick to make friends. As far as the traveler was concerned, those who treated him kindly, swapped stories, and shared a meal with him could call him friend. And Theuse had a very strict code when it came to those who would distress or harm his friends. He spun back to the inn keeper, several long strides bringing him close enough.
“You pompous ass!” he roared, grabbing hold of the scrawny man's apron and reeling him in like a hooked fish. “On what grounds would you level such a claim against me and my companions? See you a dog with any of us? Hiding in your stable or in our room?”
Theuse spoke venom, never letting his eyes waver from the innkeeper's. They smoldered with his ire, and his grip tightened until his knuckles became stark white. Had he been thinking, he might have noted that this was not a man who could be easily pushed around or bullied. The tavern master was every bit as stubborn as Theuse and he had carried all of their bags down the stairs with little trouble which hinted at some level of strength. But Theuse was in no mind for clear thought, and his boiling blood demanded swift retribution.
“We have no dog, none of us, and I will be damned before I let some hair brained city dwelling fool who cannot see past his own profit books treat my friends in such a manner. Especially not one who would charge such a high price on what has been less than perfect service. Who has allowed a young woman to be accosted by a drunken thug!”
His first thought was that the young lady was choking back a sob, the fact that she all but ran from the inn was proof enough in his mind. He watched Gia race out of the Rook, passed a nervous looking woman that he barely registered as there, and stared at the now closing door.Theuse had not known her long, but he had always been quick to make friends. As far as the traveler was concerned, those who treated him kindly, swapped stories, and shared a meal with him could call him friend. And Theuse had a very strict code when it came to those who would distress or harm his friends. He spun back to the inn keeper, several long strides bringing him close enough.
“You pompous ass!” he roared, grabbing hold of the scrawny man's apron and reeling him in like a hooked fish. “On what grounds would you level such a claim against me and my companions? See you a dog with any of us? Hiding in your stable or in our room?”
Theuse spoke venom, never letting his eyes waver from the innkeeper's. They smoldered with his ire, and his grip tightened until his knuckles became stark white. Had he been thinking, he might have noted that this was not a man who could be easily pushed around or bullied. The tavern master was every bit as stubborn as Theuse and he had carried all of their bags down the stairs with little trouble which hinted at some level of strength. But Theuse was in no mind for clear thought, and his boiling blood demanded swift retribution.
“We have no dog, none of us, and I will be damned before I let some hair brained city dwelling fool who cannot see past his own profit books treat my friends in such a manner. Especially not one who would charge such a high price on what has been less than perfect service. Who has allowed a young woman to be accosted by a drunken thug!”
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Jaspenellar
- Citizen
- Posts: 305
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:56 pm
- Name: Loen
- Race: Half-Elven
Re: Just Passing Through
The portly tavern owner was about to chase after the dirty girl who darted out but the male had come at him before he could take a step toward the door. The girl, having escaped, left Theuse as the sole target of the large man’s ire. His outrage was only fueled by the younger man’s audacity to tug at his apron and raise his voice. Drawing up his full height, anger lighting his otherwise docile, subservient eyes, the tavern owner managed to turn his bulk into a fearsome, solid wall and he leaned in closer to Theuse, not once blinking his now hardened, steely eyes.
“’Less than perfect service?’ I could have called the Guard last night when you and your unladylike friend were disturbing the other customers with your crude, unruly behavior. You could have slept out in the street with the other rabble, as you deserve.” He sneered into Theuse’s face, his mass making him appear twice the size of Theuse. His hot, angry breath would have steamed up his face. “Your kind, elfie’s kind, don’t even belong in this kind of establishment with law abiding citizens, but your entire party looked so pitiful last night… Pay up now, and get out of my sight before the Guard gets here.” In the background, the waitress’s high pitched voice carried from the kitchen, probably shouting out a back door or window for the Guard.
Theuse was no small man, but the enraged tavern keeper, who upon closer inspection bore a strong resemblance to Tobie, was clearly not allowing himself to be bullied by the travel-worn man. In retrospect, he would have been a poor tavern owner if he couldn't stand his ground against obstinate customers.
Meanwhile, outside, the half-elf had paused, tilting her head to one side as she waited for the tavern owner to run out after her, feeling somewhat guilty at leaving Theuse and Gia to explain her absence. When he didn’t immediately appear, she shrugged and started down the slowly populating street, eager to make it back to the fletcher’s shop for her morning appointment. Intent on threading her way down the correct streets, unaccustomed to the barren, identical street facades and store fronts and buildings, Lo’en did not notice Gia on her trail or the little errand girl spilling out into the street after.
“’Less than perfect service?’ I could have called the Guard last night when you and your unladylike friend were disturbing the other customers with your crude, unruly behavior. You could have slept out in the street with the other rabble, as you deserve.” He sneered into Theuse’s face, his mass making him appear twice the size of Theuse. His hot, angry breath would have steamed up his face. “Your kind, elfie’s kind, don’t even belong in this kind of establishment with law abiding citizens, but your entire party looked so pitiful last night… Pay up now, and get out of my sight before the Guard gets here.” In the background, the waitress’s high pitched voice carried from the kitchen, probably shouting out a back door or window for the Guard.
Theuse was no small man, but the enraged tavern keeper, who upon closer inspection bore a strong resemblance to Tobie, was clearly not allowing himself to be bullied by the travel-worn man. In retrospect, he would have been a poor tavern owner if he couldn't stand his ground against obstinate customers.
Meanwhile, outside, the half-elf had paused, tilting her head to one side as she waited for the tavern owner to run out after her, feeling somewhat guilty at leaving Theuse and Gia to explain her absence. When he didn’t immediately appear, she shrugged and started down the slowly populating street, eager to make it back to the fletcher’s shop for her morning appointment. Intent on threading her way down the correct streets, unaccustomed to the barren, identical street facades and store fronts and buildings, Lo’en did not notice Gia on her trail or the little errand girl spilling out into the street after.
Re: Just Passing Through
She pulled up suddenly, sounds of faint shouting reaching her ears. Lo'en kept going and Gia hesitated, torn between going back and being defended (which was equivelent to being a good dog) and following the elf (which was obeying orders). she bit her lip as she stood on the street corner, the wolf growling at her to make up her mind.
"Well, I don't see you helping me come to any decision," Gia muttered to herself. A passing street urchin--the poor child even looked like an urchin, and he certainly had a tang of seawater around him... or maybe she was confusing that scent with unwashed street muck--gave her a funny look and she glared at him. She hated it when people looked at her when she was talking to the wolf. The stupid bitch didn't listen to mental comments most of the time, and Gia noticed a roaring silence when it came to the wolf helping her to choose where to go. "Well?" She questioned again.
Don't just stand there like an idiot! Gia sighed and started walking, then stopped again in the shadow of an alley. She leaned against a wall and she could smell Lo'en's scent on the air, drifting along where the half-elf had walked. There was still a faint tang of griffin magic to the smell and she sneezed. Not likely that scent was going to go away any time soon... and it was so tempting to go wait outside the tavern... and she could tell that the shouting had died down... and the wolf stopped raging... and... and... "Ah, hell with it." Gia turned around and walked back, affecting a downtrodden, depressed look. She stuck her head over a street merchant's frying pan full of onions that made her eyes water.
Sighing, she slumped down outside the building and leaned against its walls, watching as a parade of people went by. She saw the girl she had so quickly brushed by before and managed a teary smile, waiting for Theuse to come out.
"Well, I don't see you helping me come to any decision," Gia muttered to herself. A passing street urchin--the poor child even looked like an urchin, and he certainly had a tang of seawater around him... or maybe she was confusing that scent with unwashed street muck--gave her a funny look and she glared at him. She hated it when people looked at her when she was talking to the wolf. The stupid bitch didn't listen to mental comments most of the time, and Gia noticed a roaring silence when it came to the wolf helping her to choose where to go. "Well?" She questioned again.
Don't just stand there like an idiot! Gia sighed and started walking, then stopped again in the shadow of an alley. She leaned against a wall and she could smell Lo'en's scent on the air, drifting along where the half-elf had walked. There was still a faint tang of griffin magic to the smell and she sneezed. Not likely that scent was going to go away any time soon... and it was so tempting to go wait outside the tavern... and she could tell that the shouting had died down... and the wolf stopped raging... and... and... "Ah, hell with it." Gia turned around and walked back, affecting a downtrodden, depressed look. She stuck her head over a street merchant's frying pan full of onions that made her eyes water.
Sighing, she slumped down outside the building and leaned against its walls, watching as a parade of people went by. She saw the girl she had so quickly brushed by before and managed a teary smile, waiting for Theuse to come out.
Re: Just Passing Through
Theuse felt his face contort, his anger becoming indignation at the owner of the tavern. “Pah, if you call that minor display 'crude and unruly' then you have no right to wear that apron. You act the housewife, when you should be the tavern master.” Theuse emphasized that last word, as he released the man and dug out a fat purse. It was all he had, barely enough to cover the cost of a night in the Rook. He dropped it onto the table.
“You want this? Take it, though you have done little to prove worthy of the exorbitant prices that you charge. Given time I am sure you will begin to notice a lack of customers, guardsmen will not be seeking their ease at the Rook.”
Theuse held no illusions about the situation as he gathered the things that had been ejected from their room, shouldering bundles and stowing gear quickly with a practiced hand; he would not show the strain of their weight, as though that would prove his might equal to the Tavern Master's. He might have bested the owner of the Rook, though to do so would require the use of his sword and he was sketchy on the conduct of duels in Marn. He might have convinced the city guard of his innocence, that there was no dog with them and that they were innocent of any real wrong doing. But all that went out the door when his companions fled and his anger rose to the fore.
He started toward the door and taking his time about it, more for the weight of the bags than for any arrogance. He was unsure of his parting threat, he had no idea how many caravan guards and traveling sell swords stayed at the Rook, but it was not uncommon for an inn to become black listed. A traveler who had a bad stay would tell his friends, warning them away, and they would tell their friends, who in turn might tell their's. In a small town this could prove the death sentence if the guardsmen had many friends, in a large city it could be just as nasty when there was such fierce competition for customers. And none had more friends than Theuse.
He left the Rook and reentered the city.
“You want this? Take it, though you have done little to prove worthy of the exorbitant prices that you charge. Given time I am sure you will begin to notice a lack of customers, guardsmen will not be seeking their ease at the Rook.”
Theuse held no illusions about the situation as he gathered the things that had been ejected from their room, shouldering bundles and stowing gear quickly with a practiced hand; he would not show the strain of their weight, as though that would prove his might equal to the Tavern Master's. He might have bested the owner of the Rook, though to do so would require the use of his sword and he was sketchy on the conduct of duels in Marn. He might have convinced the city guard of his innocence, that there was no dog with them and that they were innocent of any real wrong doing. But all that went out the door when his companions fled and his anger rose to the fore.
He started toward the door and taking his time about it, more for the weight of the bags than for any arrogance. He was unsure of his parting threat, he had no idea how many caravan guards and traveling sell swords stayed at the Rook, but it was not uncommon for an inn to become black listed. A traveler who had a bad stay would tell his friends, warning them away, and they would tell their friends, who in turn might tell their's. In a small town this could prove the death sentence if the guardsmen had many friends, in a large city it could be just as nasty when there was such fierce competition for customers. And none had more friends than Theuse.
He left the Rook and reentered the city.
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Tauremi
- Outsider
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Sat Oct 03, 2009 3:22 pm
- Name: Akros Nym Tauremi
- Race: Human - Faerie [Fawn]
Re: Just Passing Through
Nym stood outside the Rook and sighed dejectedly. At this rate, I wont make it back by in time. She absently patted Cheeba as the Rook door swung open and a disgruntled looking woman rushed out. A spark of recognition flashed across Nym's mind: that woman had been with the other lady who'd left carrying a bunch of arrows. The other lady had left right when the commotion had started but surely her friend would know where the fletchery was. Nym smiled at her own cleverness. She reached a hand out towards the woman as she paused slightly, but then Nym caught sight of the concentrated look on the woman's face and thought better of disturbing her.
The woman seemed to have decided upon something and took off after her friend. Nym had prepared to follow her, I'll just tag behind them till they're in a better mood, when another outburst from the inn startled her. She jumped as the Rook door swung open once more, revealing a large man with several bags. His tanned skin and a scar across his face caused Nym to openly gawk for a moment and take a step back, but as he paused outside the doorway and the sun caught him, she realized he'd also been part of the woman's group.
"Errr, umm, well, that is, pardon me sir," Nym stuttered, trying to raise herself taller to grab the man's attention before he hurried after his companions. "You're with that woman who was carrying a lot of arrows right? Well, you see I'm looking for the fletchery, could you give me directions?" The words had tumbled out of her mouth faster than she intended, embarrassed, her face flooded with color. She awkwardly hugged her bag towards her chest and felt Cheeba's protested movement from inside. "Sorry," was all she could mutter out as she looked to the ground, she couldn't even be sure he'd heard her.
The woman seemed to have decided upon something and took off after her friend. Nym had prepared to follow her, I'll just tag behind them till they're in a better mood, when another outburst from the inn startled her. She jumped as the Rook door swung open once more, revealing a large man with several bags. His tanned skin and a scar across his face caused Nym to openly gawk for a moment and take a step back, but as he paused outside the doorway and the sun caught him, she realized he'd also been part of the woman's group.
"Errr, umm, well, that is, pardon me sir," Nym stuttered, trying to raise herself taller to grab the man's attention before he hurried after his companions. "You're with that woman who was carrying a lot of arrows right? Well, you see I'm looking for the fletchery, could you give me directions?" The words had tumbled out of her mouth faster than she intended, embarrassed, her face flooded with color. She awkwardly hugged her bag towards her chest and felt Cheeba's protested movement from inside. "Sorry," was all she could mutter out as she looked to the ground, she couldn't even be sure he'd heard her.
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Jaspenellar
- Citizen
- Posts: 305
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:56 pm
- Name: Loen
- Race: Half-Elven
Re: Just Passing Through
Her hangover was easing into the recesses of her brain as she made her way through the city. Having to concentrate on finding the right roads back to the fletcher's shop aided in pushing away the nausea. Her lengthy strides also assisted in stretching out her stiff body, though she rued at the thought of spending the night as uncomfortably as she had. Well, regardless of the number of beds in the room, she was not so prim as to not share a decent sized bed with another body, and this night she was going to insist on finally having a soft mattress beneath her. If the tavern owner hadn't mistaken her departure for stiffing him on payment that is...
Lo'en finally came to the small Bowyer/Fletcher shop and pushed the door open, prepared to sell her bundles for bishani she would not be needing for the Rook.
Lo'en finally came to the small Bowyer/Fletcher shop and pushed the door open, prepared to sell her bundles for bishani she would not be needing for the Rook.
Re: Just Passing Through
If she could have perked her ears, they would have been perked as Theuse emerged from the inn. A second later, she realized that she was acting ridiculous in following him rather than Lo'en, and that Master Tuc would be mad if he found out, but who said her lord had to know? She grinned at that, knowing that this master was far more perceptive and certainly possessed a better sense of smell than any other she'd served. He'd know, but she hoped he wouldn't care. It wasn't entirely her fault, anyway.
She watched him as he looked around, and then blinked to clear her vision as she saw a girl who looked vaguely familiar. They conversed and she waited for an opening in the conversation before reappearing. Gia knew she would have to stifle the wolf, because she would be apt to try and lick him under the chin or do something as equally stupid that meant thankfulness in her society. She shouldn't have come back, she knew that, but it had been... was... so tempting to have someone defend her. The wolf was alternately sickened and flattered, which was causing Gia's moods to go haywire as well.
Gia's nose twitched. That girl smelled like something edible. She had a pet, Gia could smell it, and it smelled small, slightly fearful and annoyed, which was good for a hunting wolf. She could do with a snack... She shook her head vigorously, causing her small gold charm to clink with the chain. It reminded her of having a collar, which was like being owned, and Master Belatucadrus wouldn't be happy if she killed something she didn't need to or caused a panic in the city.
That, more than anything, was enough to calm her down. She stepped out into the street and up to the two of them slowly, her eyes downcast. There were a few tear tracks still on her face that she wiped with the sleeve of her dress, and she looked up at Theuse with a wavering smile on her lips. "Thank you," she said quietly, pretending like she didn't know she was interrupting. She stepped back then, and waited for them to speak again.
She watched him as he looked around, and then blinked to clear her vision as she saw a girl who looked vaguely familiar. They conversed and she waited for an opening in the conversation before reappearing. Gia knew she would have to stifle the wolf, because she would be apt to try and lick him under the chin or do something as equally stupid that meant thankfulness in her society. She shouldn't have come back, she knew that, but it had been... was... so tempting to have someone defend her. The wolf was alternately sickened and flattered, which was causing Gia's moods to go haywire as well.
Gia's nose twitched. That girl smelled like something edible. She had a pet, Gia could smell it, and it smelled small, slightly fearful and annoyed, which was good for a hunting wolf. She could do with a snack... She shook her head vigorously, causing her small gold charm to clink with the chain. It reminded her of having a collar, which was like being owned, and Master Belatucadrus wouldn't be happy if she killed something she didn't need to or caused a panic in the city.
That, more than anything, was enough to calm her down. She stepped out into the street and up to the two of them slowly, her eyes downcast. There were a few tear tracks still on her face that she wiped with the sleeve of her dress, and she looked up at Theuse with a wavering smile on her lips. "Thank you," she said quietly, pretending like she didn't know she was interrupting. She stepped back then, and waited for them to speak again.
Re: Just Passing Through
Theuse growled to himself, angry at not showing the inn keeper some manners. The pompous fool could do to learn to control his temper and to treat his guests with some respect! Of course, that was a bit hypocritical considering the perpetual wanderer was having such a time controlling his own flaring mood. Instead of dropping his burden and storming back into the inn, as he so dearly wished, Theuse took a calming breath and held it a moment and then two. As he let it all go, a smile crept back onto his face. What did he care for that old fool? It wasn't even that nice of an inn, what with the poor ale and the cold food. A timid voice, barely audible above the noise of the street, caught his ear as he rationalized his departure.
The woman who had come to the inn, the one he had seen as Gia left in such a hurry, was speaking to him. He paused, looking her up and down as she finished her query; she seemed embarrassed, maybe even a little afraid, to approach him. Theuse feared she had seen his foul mood a moment ago and that he might have upset the innocent bystander. She had done nothing wrong, just entered the inn at the worst possible moment. Trying to smile just a little more, he nodded. “I am traveling with Lo'en, in fact I need to find her so that she can take some of these!” Theuse lifted the bags in his hands with a chuckle.
He had bumped into Lo'en, quite literally, just yesterday outside the fletcher's shop and he had a rough idea of where it lay. It really wouldn't be that much trouble to have her tag along while he searched for the place and, as he opened his mouth to tell her as much, Gia appeared. Theuse immediately noticed the faint red of her face, the drying tear trails on her face, and his smile slipped. “It really was not trouble, Gia. That ass in the inn should not have treated us that way.” He spoke in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. “I don't suppose you know which way Lo'en went? We need to find the Fletcher's place and give her her bags.” At that he looked back to the other young woman, including her in the 'we' with a nod.
The woman who had come to the inn, the one he had seen as Gia left in such a hurry, was speaking to him. He paused, looking her up and down as she finished her query; she seemed embarrassed, maybe even a little afraid, to approach him. Theuse feared she had seen his foul mood a moment ago and that he might have upset the innocent bystander. She had done nothing wrong, just entered the inn at the worst possible moment. Trying to smile just a little more, he nodded. “I am traveling with Lo'en, in fact I need to find her so that she can take some of these!” Theuse lifted the bags in his hands with a chuckle.
He had bumped into Lo'en, quite literally, just yesterday outside the fletcher's shop and he had a rough idea of where it lay. It really wouldn't be that much trouble to have her tag along while he searched for the place and, as he opened his mouth to tell her as much, Gia appeared. Theuse immediately noticed the faint red of her face, the drying tear trails on her face, and his smile slipped. “It really was not trouble, Gia. That ass in the inn should not have treated us that way.” He spoke in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. “I don't suppose you know which way Lo'en went? We need to find the Fletcher's place and give her her bags.” At that he looked back to the other young woman, including her in the 'we' with a nod.
Re: Just Passing Through
Her moment of soppy gratitude past her, Gia dimmed her smile and ran a hand through her hair. She knew it'd probably get less so if she shifted to wolf form, licked down her fur and then shifted back, but she was certainly not able to do that in magic-fearing Marn. Back home, it had been fine, although considered respectful and polite to change shapes in privacy (no one really cared about polite in a city full of shifters, but respectful was always appreciated) or behind a bush or something.
Resigning herself to mussed hair, she bit her lip and nodded. She could follow Lo'en's trail easily now, the silvery-green with a tint of bronzy-gold visual scent laid out firmly in her mind. She closed her eyes for a mere second and she could see it down the pathways of color provided by the city's various scents and people. Opening her eyes she decided not to share that exact knowledge with her companions and instead simply nodded. "I saw which way she went. I know the way to the fletcher's too--that's probably where she's headed."
Gia took the lead and led the trio through the streets, still wondering about the snack she smelled around the other girl's body. No. No snack. She ran a finger along the chain at her throat, reminding herself yet again that she had a collar and her master would be displeased if she annoyed someone by eating their pet. She focused instead on following Lo'en's scent... not that it was hard. Now that she had it in her head, Gia doubted she'd be able to forget the mixture of elf-human-griffin all wrapped up into one. Carefully she stored the scent away in her memory for further use and then came to a halt in front of the fletcher's shop.
Waiting, she managed to see Lo'en through a window and pointed gratefully. "There," she commented softly. "I guess we'll just wait for her to come out."
Resigning herself to mussed hair, she bit her lip and nodded. She could follow Lo'en's trail easily now, the silvery-green with a tint of bronzy-gold visual scent laid out firmly in her mind. She closed her eyes for a mere second and she could see it down the pathways of color provided by the city's various scents and people. Opening her eyes she decided not to share that exact knowledge with her companions and instead simply nodded. "I saw which way she went. I know the way to the fletcher's too--that's probably where she's headed."
Gia took the lead and led the trio through the streets, still wondering about the snack she smelled around the other girl's body. No. No snack. She ran a finger along the chain at her throat, reminding herself yet again that she had a collar and her master would be displeased if she annoyed someone by eating their pet. She focused instead on following Lo'en's scent... not that it was hard. Now that she had it in her head, Gia doubted she'd be able to forget the mixture of elf-human-griffin all wrapped up into one. Carefully she stored the scent away in her memory for further use and then came to a halt in front of the fletcher's shop.
Waiting, she managed to see Lo'en through a window and pointed gratefully. "There," she commented softly. "I guess we'll just wait for her to come out."
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Jaspenellar
- Citizen
- Posts: 305
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:56 pm
- Name: Loen
- Race: Half-Elven
Re: Just Passing Through
Lo'en waited impatiently for the dwarf-man shopkeeper to make his way to the front of the store. He seemed to be unnecessarily huffing and shuffling through the too-narrow doorway and gave a disapproving sniff of the air as he settled behind the low countertop.
"You better not have let that alcohol mar your products, girlie," the old man harrumphed self-righteously.
The half-elf narrowed her grey eyes to prevent them from rolling sardonically. Without a retort, she firmly placed her five bundles on the counter. She took a step back with her arms crossed as the bowyer spot checked the arrows. After exaggeratedly inspecting more than 5 per bundle, he finally grunted his satisfaction and moved toward his lockbox.
Feeling the tingle of being watched, Lo'en glanced out the window of the shop, and to her surprise, saw Theuse, Gia, and a slim, almost scrawny girl with them. She turned back to the shopkeeper who was counting out her bishani as if doling out each green piece was like losing a finger. She only had to correct his counting once, though, and soon she was hefting a full pouch happily out of the fletchery. Her grin lasted only as long as the door clicking closed behind her, however, when she realized the three were there with all of their bags.
"What...?" Lo'en didn't have the heart to finish her sentence as she quickly drew the conclusion that they had been ousted from their temporary residence and she did not have a warm, soft bed waiting for her.
"You better not have let that alcohol mar your products, girlie," the old man harrumphed self-righteously.
The half-elf narrowed her grey eyes to prevent them from rolling sardonically. Without a retort, she firmly placed her five bundles on the counter. She took a step back with her arms crossed as the bowyer spot checked the arrows. After exaggeratedly inspecting more than 5 per bundle, he finally grunted his satisfaction and moved toward his lockbox.
Feeling the tingle of being watched, Lo'en glanced out the window of the shop, and to her surprise, saw Theuse, Gia, and a slim, almost scrawny girl with them. She turned back to the shopkeeper who was counting out her bishani as if doling out each green piece was like losing a finger. She only had to correct his counting once, though, and soon she was hefting a full pouch happily out of the fletchery. Her grin lasted only as long as the door clicking closed behind her, however, when she realized the three were there with all of their bags.
"What...?" Lo'en didn't have the heart to finish her sentence as she quickly drew the conclusion that they had been ousted from their temporary residence and she did not have a warm, soft bed waiting for her.
Re: Just Passing Through
“Lead the way.” Theuse smiled, following Gia into the streets and making sure that Nym stayed close once they moved into the crowd. The twists and turns of the streets were a bit confusing, even for someone who had seen as many cities as he had, and that Gia could navigate so well made Theuse very thankful to have her along. As they moved through the streets he chatted a little with Nym and Gia, nothing more than small talk but something to keep their minds off of just walking.
Even with the pleasant conversation it was hard not to look around the city and take it all it; Theuse had seen dozens, but he barely remembered Marn. He tried to fill in the missing pieces in his memory with each step. A shop that seemed familiar, or a particular bend in the street. There was always something tugging at his mind, like an old acquaintance that was outraged to have been forgotten when they remembered you so well. The traveler redoubled his efforts at conversation to drive the feeling off.
At one point Theuse meant to ask about the chain that Gia wore, it was an interesting bit of decoration, but they arrived at the Fletcher's before he had the chance. Instead he set some of the luggage down against the shop, grateful for a reprieve from the heavy lifting. They did not have to wait long before Lo'en appeared, all smiles with a fat purse in her grasp; to see that simple happiness die was a small stab for Theuse. “Apparently there was some trouble with a dog getting into the inn.” He said wryly, filling Lo'en in on the events at the Rook.
Even with the pleasant conversation it was hard not to look around the city and take it all it; Theuse had seen dozens, but he barely remembered Marn. He tried to fill in the missing pieces in his memory with each step. A shop that seemed familiar, or a particular bend in the street. There was always something tugging at his mind, like an old acquaintance that was outraged to have been forgotten when they remembered you so well. The traveler redoubled his efforts at conversation to drive the feeling off.
At one point Theuse meant to ask about the chain that Gia wore, it was an interesting bit of decoration, but they arrived at the Fletcher's before he had the chance. Instead he set some of the luggage down against the shop, grateful for a reprieve from the heavy lifting. They did not have to wait long before Lo'en appeared, all smiles with a fat purse in her grasp; to see that simple happiness die was a small stab for Theuse. “Apparently there was some trouble with a dog getting into the inn.” He said wryly, filling Lo'en in on the events at the Rook.
Re: Just Passing Through
Gia stood outside the fletcher's shop and bided her time by cleaning her nails. Due to the nature of her shifting forms, she always managed to shed the majority of dirt and gunk when she changed into either wolf or human. That being said, there wasn't much to clean but it gave her the appearance of doing something besides just standing around like an idiot.
When Lo'en reemerged from the shop and began her question, Gia held her peace and let Theuse answer. He was, after all, the one who had faced the brunt of the innkeepers' anger. Gia, on the other hand, had run away like the bad dog that she was. Granted, it made it easier for her to follow Lo'en's trail later, but then again, her nose would have pointed the way quickly enough. Instead of speaking, she simply nodded along with his words and managed to look believably confused.
The dark-haired girl looked around then, at the town slowly coming back to life. If it could be called that, anyway. Zhaltev had been full of people at all hours and they'd been in all shapes too. It made a little town like Marn (small city really, but compared to the other places she'd been it was a little town) seem strangely dead... except when the guards were after you. She glanced back at her companions and shrugged. "What now?"
Eventually, Gia knew that she would have to bring at least Lo'en to Kaledin Manor and to face her lord. Master Tuc wouldn't be pleased if she waited too long, but she didn't want to appear overeager. Maybe tonight she could say that she 'had heard of a place' that was a good one for those looking for a place for the night.
When Lo'en reemerged from the shop and began her question, Gia held her peace and let Theuse answer. He was, after all, the one who had faced the brunt of the innkeepers' anger. Gia, on the other hand, had run away like the bad dog that she was. Granted, it made it easier for her to follow Lo'en's trail later, but then again, her nose would have pointed the way quickly enough. Instead of speaking, she simply nodded along with his words and managed to look believably confused.
The dark-haired girl looked around then, at the town slowly coming back to life. If it could be called that, anyway. Zhaltev had been full of people at all hours and they'd been in all shapes too. It made a little town like Marn (small city really, but compared to the other places she'd been it was a little town) seem strangely dead... except when the guards were after you. She glanced back at her companions and shrugged. "What now?"
Eventually, Gia knew that she would have to bring at least Lo'en to Kaledin Manor and to face her lord. Master Tuc wouldn't be pleased if she waited too long, but she didn't want to appear overeager. Maybe tonight she could say that she 'had heard of a place' that was a good one for those looking for a place for the night.