The Old China Pearl Inn

[cgraven]

Wrong? Um, nothing. I just... it's very quiet in here all of a sudden.

Pouring cup of tea with a shaky hand, I spill some onto the wooden counter.

I'm so sorry! Do you have a cloth or something? I'm not usually this clumsy, honestly.

There is a note of fear that shines in Essie's soft eyes even as she denies that there is anything amiss and a detectable trimmer in her voice.

Pas problem Miss Essie it is just some split tea.

Morning Yeishia.

I greet the shy Miss of the shadows as I wipe the spilled tea from the counter top.

A busy Monday for me I fear and soon the RW will claim me. And for You Miss?

 

[Essie1]

Thank you. You are kind.

I think I should just like to sit here for a little while, if that's all right, gather my thoughts. I won't be any trouble.

 

[cgraven]

Your more than welcome to just set and relax, to shelter from the storm for as long as you need Essie.

I will be popping in and out as I have a few things to attend to in the RW myself.

 

[Essie1]

Spying a large worn-in leather armchair and ottoman by the roaring fire, I carefully pick up the teapot and my cup and walk over.

 

[cravon4884]

I step heavily into the Inn, eyes still drooping with the weight of hastily cast off sleep. My eyes swivel about the room, noting a new presence near the fire. Offering a friendly nod in greeting to the shawl covered woman, I then offer a hello to anyone else that might be about as I head over to the coffee pot to take in my morning fix of caffeine.

 

[Essie1]

Startled from my reverie by the Inn door bursting open, I let out a little nervous squeak and hastily raise my cup to my lips to cover it up.

 

[cravon4884]

I grin sheepishly as Essie lets out that squeak. I had not meant to startle anyone. My friendly nod was accompanied by a muttered apology.

Now that I have a nice cup of coffee, I settle into my familiar chair in the back of the Inn. It is near the hearth, but far enough away that I won't make the newcomer uncomfortable.

 

[Essie1]

Peering round the side of the armchair

Hello. Sorry, I didn't mean to squeak. I do that when I'm nervous. Or startled. Or both.

 

[cravon4884]

He grins in response to her apology but is quick to wave it off. It was not so long ago that he was the shy one in the room.

"Please, no need to apologize... I don't believe I've seen you around here before. I'm Cravon... not to be confused with crayon.. Anything you need, please feel free to let me know."

He sips at his coffee and tries to be as unintimidating as possible.

 

[Essie1]

Would you like to join me? It's just that it's quite nice here by the fire and there's another chair.

 

[cravon4884]

With a smile, I take up my coffee cup, refill it and make my way to a large leather chair next to Essie.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Essie. These rainstorms can be such a pain, but they are beautiful to watch from inside."

I lean back and kick my feet up as I regard the fire quietly for a moment.

"I assume that you've met CG..." He indicates the tea near Essie. "He's a gracious host."

 

[Essie1]

"I love the rain, just not when I get caught in it," I say, smiling ruefully. "There's something so magical about huddling up, listening to the rain on the roof or watching it hit a window, with a cup of something warming."

Nodding towards the fire, I whisper softly, "This just adds to the magic. Wish I could stay here forever, in a way. Just... being."

 

[cravon4884]

The hint of a smile plays at the corner of my lips as I listen to Essie's words.

"You are a poet.. That was beautifully worded."

He lays his head back on the chair and sighs contentedly, his eyes settling on the flickering flame of the fire before them.

"Just being... I can count on one hand the number of times I've actually done that. It's a wondrous feeling. And here I am opening the door and startling you out of your moment. You have my apologies."

 

[Essie1]

"Oh goodness, no! Please don't apologise. I'm absolutely exhausted. I've been awake for nearly 48 hours. I have no idea why, I have no idea what I'm going to do, I don't know anyone."

 

[cravon4884]

He leans forward as Essie tells her tale. His face is a play of emotion as her words spill forth. As her hand drops to her lap and her other hand covers her eyes, he leans forward and takes her tea cup from her hand. He sets it on the table and shakes his head.

"So, you have nothing, nowhere to go, and you don't know anyone around here? I'm so sorry to hear that, Essie."

He pauses, thinking for a few moments. He cannot leave Essie in this situation, he'd never be able to live with himself and so makes a quick decision.

"Listen, Essie. I don't have a lot. But I'm willing to share what I have. If you want a place to stay until you get things figured out, you are welcome to stay with me for a bit."

 

[Essie1]

"I... I... I couldn't ask you to do that, Cravon. Do... do you think CG would mind awfully if I slept in this chair for a few hours? I'm so tired."

 

[cravon4884]

Her words have me nodding along with her assumption of the situation. He is not one to push anything, he just couldn't live with himself if he did nothing in this situation.

"Of course, I understand. I'm sure CG wouldn't mind a bit. You should get some sleep while it's nice and warm. And as for my offer... It is a standing offer. Just to be clear, it's a room at my tavern that I'm offering, not a bedroom next to mine. No strings attached. But you should rest and think on it. I'll make sure that the fire stays lit and no one disturbs you..."

 

[Essie1]

My eyes flutter as I sink back once more into the chair, unfolding my shawl so it covers me better, my fingers peeping over the edge as I pull it up to my chest.

 

[cgraven]

Well if you need a place to stay and recoup before continuing your travels Essie you are more than welcome to stay here at the Inn. After all we are not called the China Pearl Inn without do cause. Granted the rooms are not much as they are tucked in under the eves of the roof, and the piter-patter of the rain has been known whisper to you from time to time, and they are a bit rustic, but all in all quite comfortable Essie.

 

[cravon4884]

I lift my mug in greeting to CG.

"Hey there, CG. She just wanted to crash for a bit. I didn't think you'd mind. If you have a room for her here, I'm sure she'd appreciate it. Sounds like she doesn't have much and no money. But she seems like a sweet woman."

 

[cgraven]

Pas problem Cravon for I have been up on the beach a time or two without a berth or a snug harbor to call my own or for that matter two coppers to rub together. The Old China Pearl Inn I'm sure can extend Miss Essie a bit of hospitality until she can get on her feet once more.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

*chuckles*

My, my ... the Inn is suddenly full of good Samaritans...

*heads to fetch herself a glass of ice water*

Evening all ..

 

[cravon4884]

*turns at the sound of the familiar voice*

Mari! It's so good to see you. How are you doing, love?

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

*turns at the sound of the familiar voice*

Mari! It's so good to see you. How are you doing, love?

Hi cravon ... been better ... how's you?

 

[cravon4884]

Oh, I'm doing okay. I'm sorry that you are not having a great day. *hugs*