part 11 of the China Pearl Inn

[DarkWarrioress]

Jack puts the mix in the blender and doesn't take it out, but he takes off the lid, falls into a comfortable chair, and nods to his host.

I won't be doing much this weekend, but I hope to do some work this week on several projects, first and foremost, my work with Cait. We're getting to a critical juncture in the story.

Sips on the cold, tasty drink.

Feeling better about writing have to stay organized.

Awww, JH. No rush, as you well know.

 

[cgraven]

So beef, chicken, or bone broth with your noodles Cait. Or I could do some Po bò beef noodle the dish is a bit spicey.

 

[cgraven]

Beef, chicken, with yourPo bò beef noodle

 

[DarkWarrioress]

So beef, chicken, or bone broth with your noodles Cait. Or I could do some Po bò beef noodle the dish is a bit spicey.

Oooo. No spicy, CG. I'm a big wuss. I think bone broth would be best. Thank you so much.

 

[JackHemingway]

Jack is sitting on the couch with his dessert in a blender, looking up.

Could I get a large bowl of chicken with the noodles please?

 

[cgraven]

One bone broth and noodles for Cait and one large bowl of chicken with the noodles.
I set the blows down then pour myself a stiff drink.

I trust allis well for both of you.

 

[JackHemingway]

Well, as can be expected. Lately, life has been about waiting and trying to be good with things despite uneasiness.

He begins eating out of the fresh bowl of hot soup.

 

[JackHemingway]

Jack sighs, finds his key, and enters the kitchen. He turns on the lights, and the rest of the place comes to life with the hum of the central air system. He grabs an apron, fills the bucket with hot water and soap, grabs a dustpan and broom, and heads out to the main room. He starts the coffee machine and the monstrous cappuccino machine and turns on the grill. He cracks a few eggs once it's hot enough, throws on some butter and cheese, and makes it up as two large slices of rye toast nearby. He puts it all on a plate, adds hot sauce, and sits with coffee. He thanks the pagan gods and begins to eat.


After finishing eating and drinking, he puts it all in the large sink and then gets to work cleaning the main room.

 

[MandyHall]

adjusts her pack and pushes her way into the China Pearl Inn, the travel dust billowing off her strange garb which set her apart as an outsider. Seeing a quiet booth Mandy slides into the padded seat setting down her worn staff beside her...

 

[JackHemingway]

Jack, not sure what to do, takes a menu and a glass of water to Mandy's booth and sets them down.

 

[MandyHall]

"Are you the innkeep?" Mandy said in a hushed voice not wanting to draw too much attention from the other patrons. "I only have three coppers, and a spool of thread. What have you on that card there?"

 

[JackHemingway]

"Not exactly, miss. I help out, but I'm sure the owner, who should be by any time, will be happy to extend credit." Jack wasn't sure at all what the specials were, as the chef did that himself, so he turned around, took the board down, and brought it over by the table.

"I'm sorry, I mostly clean, but I can make a drink and cook a few staples."

 

[MandyHall]

Mandy sighed holding up the three bent coppers, "what kind of drink will these get me?" She looked at him with eyes that pierced his very soul...

 

[cgraven]

Young lady I am the sometimes barman and I run the Inn. You look like you have had a long journey. The first drink is on the house, what will you have?

My name is C G Raven but most simply call me C G. So, what do folks call you?

Our chef Poo Ming does excellent Dim Sum and Pho. He can whip out some western dishes if you want.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

One bone broth and noodles for Cait and one large bowl of chicken with the noodles.
I set the blows down then pour myself a stiff drink.

I trust allis well for both of you.

"I am doing much, much better, CG. Thank you."

The door to Inn opened, letting in a breeze that was slightly chilled. It certainly made her head turn in that direction to see who had entered. The Inn admitted a young lady who looked slightly travel worn. Her eyes ran over the newcomer briefly before her eyes went back to her own bowl of soup. CG and Jack had things well in hand. It wasn't unusual for travelers to stop by the Inn for a meal or to get out of the weather. In the past few years the number of travelers stopping by had gotten fewer and fewer but, they still came. She finished up her soup, got up with her bowl and took it to the doorway of the kitchen. She handed it off to Poo Ming and kindly declined his offer to step inside the kitchen. With a quick thank you and a slight bow, she quickly winked up to her rafter and pulled out her computer, settling down to try and get some writing done for JH.

 

[cgraven]

Cait you know that the trade wars have changed the routs and have left the old China Pearl Inn in the back waters. yet you, and Jack are great supporters of the Inn. Some others stop by from time to time. And I am always pleased like the young traveler who just walked in.

I watch as Cait winks up to her pearch in the Inns Rafters. I do love looking up and seeing her statuesque legs swing in the air. It go to tend to the ravish young traveler's need.

 

[JackHemingway]

Jack nods to everyone and puts some items into the mailbox to go out before he returns to his cleaning duties, giving the newcomer plenty of room to get around.

 

[MandyHall]

pulls her weary head from the table, thinks... did I fall asleep here? How embarrassing! I'm lucky they didn't throw me out on the street. Mandy sleepily looks around the inn, then checks that her few belongings are still in place. The pocket where her spellbook normally rests, she knows painfully has been empty for weeks. Hawksbane pass had claimed the volume and her chaperone.

 

[cgraven]

I watch as the new arrival lifts her head from the table. It appears that she has been done in.

Are you alright Miss? Can I get you a coffee, tea, or perhaps something stronger?

You look like you could use a room and some sleep.

I get a room key from behind the bar then offer it to the young traveler.

 

[MandyHall]

I watch as the new arrival lifts her head from the table. It appears that she has been done in.

Are you alright Miss? Can I get you a coffee, tea, or perhaps something stronger?

You look like you could use a room and some sleep.

I get a room key from behind the bar then offer it to the young traveler.

Thank you kind sir a coffee and a room would be most welcome.....

 

[cgraven]

One coffee coming right up........ I pause to let the young Miss to give her name if she chooses. I notice her staff and the strange carving a staff that could belong to one who practices the magical arts.

I pour the young traveler a steaming mug of coffee and place cream and sugar on the table, if she desires them. Then place the room key on the table.

So, what brings you to our little part of China?
The room is at the top of the stairs. Is there anything else we can do for you.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

She began to studiously type on her laptop. The characters in her stories were nudging, nay, shoving at her to let them out.

"Can you guys give me a chance to eat something first?" She muttered softly, "Since when did they become bullies?"

A quick snap of her fingers and a cup of steaming coffee, just the way she liked it, and a grilled cheese appeared next to her on the rafter. She took an absent-minded bite of her sandwich and started typing again.

 

[cgraven]

Cait are your muse getting a bit pushy?

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Cait are your muse getting a bit pushy?

They were so I shut them up. Effectively.

 

[cgraven]

Good for you. Keep those pesky Mues in hand.