The Prancing Pony

[LongshanksSierra]

He ghosted into the room as much as was possible. The Inn was already populated by a fair assortment of patrons, most of them wary of everyone else. The rest were merely observing everyone else that no trouble should start. There was already the hint of tension in the air that always accompanied too many strangers gathered together with too many bits of steel seperating them. But of course, that was the way things were done.

His clear eyes swept across the room, resting on nothing but seeing everything. The table he would have chosen was already taken. As was the second and third choices. He settled for the fourth, it didn't give him a clear view of every door, but at least his back would not be exposed. When he saw the drow he resisted the urge as his hand flexed towards the longsword at his belt. His past with the dark elves had never been pleasant, but this one seemed unfamiliar enough. A few patrons were talking over a dagger stuck into one of the tables, but no bloodshed seemed immeadiately forthcoming.

His tall frame glided down into the seat easily, the grace of a seasoned fighter. His tall, slender frame would have been easily mistaken for an elf's had the scruffy stubble of a few day's beard not been around his chin. The alert blue eyes, balanced gait, and lean physique at least hinted at eleven heritage somewhere back among the bloodlines. He ran a hand through his short-cropped light brown hair and swept the room once more with his gaze.

He didn't see anyone matching his contact's description, although this was the appointed time and place. His mind glanced back to the message promising a rewarding oppurtunity should he have the courage to chance a little risk. It was how he earned a living, hiring out his 'talents' to anyone who had need of someone with a little cunning, a little daring, and with little regard to personal danger. As always, oppurtunity would present itself at the right time. The warrior let his coiled muscles loosen slightly as he settled down to wait.

 

[Zarai]

Kita

My eyes fell upon the tall man who had come in alone. Watching him tense slightly as he saw the drow, I laughed out loud, unable to stop myself. Seemed everyone had the same reaction at first glance. The man was handsome and well at ease with himself... he reminded me of... I pushed the thought from my mind.

Glancing at the minstrel who let out a soft snore, I glanced across the room where I'd left my bow. It was propped against the wall near the couple with the dagger. Deciding it would be prudent to retrieve it, I stood and carried my ale with me, gliding through the room, my feet making no noise at all.

Passing the table the couple was at, I let my eyes fall upon the dagger briefly, and they widened slightly as I took in it's details. Surely it wasn't...

Stepping past them, I put my hand on my bow and leaned over to pick up my pack, meaning simply to make my way to another table since this one was taken now...

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tyra

Tyra nodded respectfully and assured her new clients that she would set about preparing their meal and bring their drinks immediately. She moved away quickly. There was something in the woman's manner she did not like and as for the man, he had simply watched her and not said a word.

With a nod of acknowledgement to the newcomer, Tyra moved to prepare and serve the drinks requested, moved around to top up the tankards of ale that were wanting and finally brought the meal to the two who were still seated around the dagger.

"Please let me know if this establishment can afford you with any further provision ... "

The words were soft, the irony well hidden. It was unlike Tyra to become rattled by the behaviour of any of her customers and realising that somehow the woman had gotten to her, she softened her words with a sweet smile and turned to attend to the new customer and make sure that everyone else was provided for.

 

[DreamGrrl]

Trysteae & Mescal

(OOC: Just to let everyone know, Mescal is currently out of a working computer and so until he returns I will just temporarily nudge his character along. Hopefully it won’t last past Tuesday so we should be ok! )

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Trysteae remained leaning across the table, her darkly glittering gaze and blinding smile locked upon Mescal’s scowling figure. He had, typically, remained silent during her entirely all too endearing exchange with the lovely server. She could tell by the glitter of his gaze and tightly drawn expression that mayhap – just mayhap, he was a wee bit upset. A pity, that was.

She remained still, her expression frozen even as the tingle running along her spine alerted her to the eyes that watched them – even without word. Yet, through passing moments and what would almost seem like an eternity to the observer, she remained completely and totally still. Statuesque, some might suggest.

The door slipped open and another figure slipped into the slowly crowding common room. Trysteae moved not at all, but still took note of the all too graceful and lithe figure as he made his way in, took his assessment, and settled not to far down the wall from she and her table partner.

The serving girl slipped back with their drinks and placed them quietly and quickly upon the table before gracefully slipping away again.

Still unmoved and unblinking, Trysteae sensed the figure creeping up behind her. She watched Mescal’s perturbing eyes flick over her shoulder and continued to grin. Mescal’s brows lowered but he remained silent and only rearranged himself in the small chair. The female paused behind her – Trysteae could smell a series of various and extremely telling scents from her – and seemed to pause, hesitant as to what to do with herself. She could feel the woman’s eyes as they slid over her back and then across the dagger.

Trysteae abruptly leaned back, an almost painfully large grin splitting her face as the pieces fell into place.

”Ah ha. So I see.”

She lifted one hand negligently and gestured at the woman hesitating behind her and gestured her to an empty chair nearby.

“’Tis obvious we won’t be remaining alone in this conversation tonight. So please, lady, feel free to seat yourself and indulge.” She said in a low, conversational tone that barely reached the figure’s ears.

Trysteae’s fingers were tracing the ornate handle of the dagger in an action that appeared almost careless or offhand when the serving girl returned and settled a large and well-filled trencher before Mescal. Trysteae’s other hand suddenly appeared from within the shadowed confines of her cloak as she placed a handful of gold crowns upon the table.

“Please let me know if this establishment can afford you with any further provision,” the girl said under her breath, the words not denting Trysteae’s grin. Damn but the girl had spunk, thought Trysteae. The thought pushed a barking laugh from her throat and still grinning lips even as the girl slipped away.

Her fingers stilled upon the dagger and moved to curl around the simple horn cup her wine had been served in. Her crimson nails glittered in the firelight as she brought the cup up to her grinning ruby lips and sipped with slow and obvious relish.

“Ah … but this is a fine vintage. My compliments to the owner,” she said, loud enough to carry in the buzzing taproom.

 

[Nightsworn]

Ulah

What was this? The ranger was walking towards their table. Would she try to kill one of them? Ulah watched in anticipation, hands moving up to the throwing knifes in his bandelero. He pulled one from its sheath, quickly and deftly as he had done hundreds of times before. The knife made its way under the table. Its tip in between his thumb and forefinger. He would hate to have to kill anyone for free. It was bad business.
But he knew no one was leaving here tonight with that dagger unless it was him. He still had the orc contention to deal with but at this moment he could give two schillings care of them.
He watched, his eyes focused on the conversation. The ranger was now in front of them as the girl with the dagger begun speaking to them. At least, Tyra had walked away so there would be no fear of her getting hurt. The minstrels snores made some of the conversation hard to hear, mayhaps that was a decoy. People kept entering the inn, maybe some of them were working together. Ulah was uncertain of what his next action might be, but alas he was prepared for anything.

 

[Zarai]

Kita

I stopped where I stood, half bent to grab my pack, one hand on my bow, as the words floated to my ears. Wincing I straightened slowly and looked to the table... trying to decide. Perhaps I should take my things and leave. My eyes drifted to the dagger that had been the cause of my near downfall several weeks ago, and I couldn't let the opportunity slip by.. no matter what kind of folk had it now.

Sliding into a chair, my bow propped behind me on the chair, I tried to relax. Something about the couple just didn't seem quite right. Running my hand nervously through my hair, I frowned to myself, forcing myself to stop. Taking a drink of the ale I had carried with me, I nodded to the dagger.

"An interesting trinket you have there."

 

[LongshanksSierra]

The sell-sword beckoned with one hand at the seving girl after she finished with the couple and the dagger. Before she could arrived a small, furitive figure darted in the door and made it's way towards the tall man.

"Gelnik," the tall swell-sword said as the small man seated himself at the table, "What're you doing here? Where's the contact?"

The small man was wrapped up in a dark cloak and had nervous eyes the flickered about the room. "One and the same question my lord," the man named Grelnik said. "The contact is dead."

"Dead?" the merc echoed. No time for a euology. "So no contract?" It was a rhetorical question. This was just perfect, and the luck was about right too. The sell-sword thought for a moment. "Who was the contact? Is there anyway we can still make some money off this?"

"He was a half-orc. Some crime lord hereabouts."

"Orcs?" he said with a bit of exasperation in his voice. "Grelnik you know I hate working with orcs. Even half-orcs, they never pay as much as they promise," he grumbled. "And they stink."

"I thought you could make an exception this time my lord," Grelnik replied. "I don't know what exactly he wanted you for. All I could find out was it was about obtaining some trinket that was in the area. I don't know more than that."

The merc stewed on that a moment. "Fine, see if you can find something else. I'll be around, trying the same."

"As you wish my lord," Grelnik said bobbing his head before he stood and left.

What was it these days? Generally Lady Fortune loved him. She would sit on his lap, nuzzle his neck, and nip his ear. However, lately things had been decidely cold between them. It was not the first time he wondered what he had done to offend her.

He looked around to notice that another lady had joined the nearby table with the dagger in it. That place sure was getting popular, not that the dagger was much to look at. It was nice and all, but hardly worth all the attention. The handful of gold coins that dropped on the table shortly after were of much more interest. He tried to keep his eyes from lingering too often, trying to pass off any noticed looks as those of appreciation of the two beautiful women seated at the table.

The wheels in his head began to turn...

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tyra

Tyra moved behind the bar, wiping surfaces, putting in another portion of the famous potatoes and filling up her pitcher of ale in preparation for the calls for tankards to be topped up as the evening progressed. Although seemingly preoccupied, Tyra kept an observant eye on the goings on of the Tavern. The tension had dissipated around the table, she noted with relief. The Minstrel slept, or so it seemed, the empty harness still secured to his hand. The attention now seemed to be upon the table she last served, the strange couple who entered separately but it seemed were ... acquainted ... and then the dagger. Most carried weapons, they would be foolish not to, but to display the object so brazenly ... Something just didn't feel right ... Tyra had an instinct for such things, although she could give no reason for her concern.

A nod acknowledged the summons she received from a new customer. He had recently arrived and seemed to have been glancing around, assessing his companions as if unsure if he would indeed patronise the place.
Running a hand through the cascade of curls and adjusting her bodice, Tyra slid out from behind the counter and made her way towards the man, noting curiously that a strange looking individual who had been in conversation with him left hastily upon her approach.
She wondered fleetingly what that short interview had been about, but knew better than to concern herself with other people's business.

"Good evening ... "

Her soft greeting and smile drew his attention to her.
She had noticed his admiration of the two ladies at the far side of the room, but of course gave no indication as he dragged his eyes upwards with slow reluctance.
Subtly Tyra admired his muscular physique, a stature that seemed strangely at odds with his unkempt appearance.

"What can I get for you ... ? "

She offered smoothly concealing her interest.

"This is just the place for nourishing food, good drink and ... "

She glanced across at where his gaze had been.

"...entertaining company ..."

Her eyes danced as she teased, her mouth upturned into a saucy smile.

"Food and drink ... I can provide ... as for the third ... I think you'll have to take provision on your own ... "

 

[LongshanksSierra]

He slowly let his eyes travel up the server as she stood beofre his table, and was glad for the trip. All the right bits in all the right places topped with generous lips, bright eyes, and a dangerous amount of curls flowing down to her bare shoulders.

"Food and drink ... I can provide ... as for the third ... I think you'll have to take provision on your own ..."

She stood there with a smirk on her full lips a twist to her hips and a slight tilt to her head. He had to force down a twicth at the corner of his mouth that still managed to work it's way into a half smile. She was either genuinely interested, or knew that flirting was an easy way to double her tips. The low-cut bodice wasn't a bad way to start off either.

He didn't really have the time to be playing around. Time was money, and he was running short on both, but then again...

"Well then I'll take a little of the first ... a lot of the second ... and the third we can come to an understanding on later ..."

He gave the girl one of his best and roguish half-smiles, they always seemed to have good effect before.

"After all ... the night is still so young ..."

 

[intriguess]

Healer

She hated being a healer some days, her violet eyes marked her as having THE GIFT of course the gift was as varied as those who had it, but so many simple wanted control over THE GIFT and or were jealous of those who had it that she was now hunted and lucky that she did not yet wear the brand of someone marked as a possession. She kept her cloak well over her head concealing her eyes wondering what kind of people lay inside the bar. At least none of the hostility seemed aimed at her kind. She took a deep breath and entered, trying to appear as average as possible. She ordered a drink and the house speciality and glanced around taking a quick read of the emotions of those present.

THE GIFT for her was an ability to sense emotions, intentions, desires, and this had helped her avoid those who would harm her or wished to use her GIFT for evil. She also had the gift of healing but she used it sparingly, healing made her extremely hungry and horny. Which unfortunately was why she was here, she had just assisted in a very complicated birth and she was famished and hot as all get out. Both of which added up to making the inn the perfect spot to recharge as it were. She scarfed down her food and ordered another plate and drink.

 

[Nightsworn]

Ulah

Ulah was a bit uneasy now. There were a few too many people in the tavern for his liking. His back was against the wall and he was at a booth with dim lights. He had already blown out the candle.
A girl entered. He could feel there was something different about her. She looked tired. She worked through her dinner in nothing flat. Mayhaps, she was one of those healers that he had encountered in Thibbes those many years ago.
He shifted his eyes back to the dagger. It was still there. He yelled out for Tyra to fill his glass again. The weak alcohol, compared to dark elf brews, had a nice taste to it. He could probably drink the whole keg and remain just as accurate with his knifes. He waited for Tyra to come and refill his drink.

 

[DreamGrrl]

*BUMP*

(OOC: I am unable to post for the a day or two, my apologies. Mescal should be back within 24 hours hopefully. until I get on to make a post, my apologies, and a *BUMP*)

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tyra

"Well then I'll take a little of the first ... a lot of the second ... and the third we can come to an understanding on later ..."

Tyra blushed, not just in response to the words, but due to the way his eyes moved over her body as if he were assessing just how attractive the proposition was.

"After all ... the night is still so young ..."

Annoyed at herself, Tyra regained her composure rapidly.

"Indeed it is ... and I fear it will be a busy one ..."

So saying she excused herself and returned to procure a portion of the famed potatoes. Balancing a plateful of food, a tankard and a jug of ale, Tyra returned to her customer, placing the food infront of him and topping the tankard.

"Enjoy ..."

She told him, just as Ulah shouted for service.
A smile on her face, Tyra moved away jug in hand and topped up the tankard he held up to her.

"Shouting like that may attract my attention .."

She dimpled him a smile.

"But it may well awaken our friend here ..."

She completed, gesturing to the sleeping Minstrel.

 

[Nightsworn]

"Well at the moment your attention is needed and maybe for a moment more." he smiled roguishly. " I am not sure the minstrel is at all well. Does he still breathe?"

Ulah was a man who usually took what he wanted. However, the nights program was still running and he was not sure where his part would fit in, and he was sure he was to play a part before the evening was over. One way or another. For some reason, he thought he must also be there to protect Tyra if something sinister broke out.

 

[intriguess]

Healer

She finally scanned the room seeking out one who was intoxicated enough to be pliable but not so drunk that he couldn't perform. Her eyes were surprised by the mix within the bar and noticed that the bar maids had done much to stir up the passion that simmered just below the surface in many of the male patrons.

Something else was simmering in the air, like a smell one can not identify and she munched on a piece of bread and debated her options.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tyra

"Well at the moment your attention is needed and maybe for a moment more."

Tyra giggled happy to loiter with the man she had often seen in the tavern over the years.

" I am not sure the minstrel is at all well. Does he still breathe?"

Tyra glanced over at the Minstrel who was breathing deeply and steadily.

"Of course he stil breathes ... as you well know Ulah..."

She pushed him playfully and giggled.

"Seems quite a crowd this evening ... "

She commented.

"Talik would do well to be pleased with the rate of business..."

She flashed him a grin.

"Seems Sheila and he have ... other interests ... to tend to ... "

She raised an eyebrow meaningfully and made no further comment.

"But it suits me to keep busy ... "

At the age of 21, Tyra had worked the Tavern for years now.
It were as if it was the work she was destined to do.
Having started helping collect plates and tankards, Tyra had learned how to prepare the food and gradually taken over more and more of the work related to keeping a Tavern running successfully.
Although a "barmaid", a pretty face and a friendly smile, which usually soothed egos and kept the place relatively trouble free, Tyra was more the "manager", though the image of barmaid suited her needs much more.

"And you Ulah ... what do you have planned for the evening .."

She eyed him curiously as if seeing him for the first time.
He very rarely had a ... companion ... and seemed more of a loner.
Somewhat nervy ... unpredictable ... but always friendly and not a trouble maker ...

She blushed as she noticed he has become aware of her scrutiny.

 

[patrick1]

ish the minstrel

Stay alert. They mention your name. It feels too soon to hope for another free drink. Doesn't it, slave?

The imaginary slave, who is rarely as quiet as this, says nothing.

Ish opens a quarter of an eye for a glimpse of the comely serving wench. Shuts it quickly. Time for a pattern of snores. Let's have thirteen, for luck. 'Mnnnnn....mnnnn...'

On the thirteenth he seems to adjust his position in his sleep. Give it an hour and sing 'em another song. No, no, not about Tyra, desire 'er...they'll want one about daggers and orcs this time...honestly, who'd ever try and rhyme with 'orcs'? Dorks?

'Mnnnn...'

 

[Nightsworn]

"I had planned rest and relaxation and perhaps a nice conversation with you, my fair maiden." He lifted part of her skirt to his nose and inhaled the perfume she wore, " Yes indeed, that was my plans." He thought that the tavern might be a good place to rest and regain his strength.

He whispered to her then, "However, Somehow I feel I must watch the actions of a specific table tonight and the trinket that holds them spellbound. For that dagger has a rich and illustruos history and the worth of it, however somewhat common looking despite the gilding on it, is priceless." He gave her a wry smile. "It seems my timing is somewhat off for any plans I might have had with you my dear." He smiled at her again and bowed his head towards her, all the while keeping an eye on the dagger.

 

[intriguess]

Healer

the minstrel was more alert than he pretended and she decided that she would grace his bed tonight. It was not difficult to convince the inn keeper to send him to her room. it meant that he would not have to keep a room open for the minstrel, who by the look of him lacked one cent, much less two to rub togehter.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tyra

"I had planned rest and relaxation and perhaps a nice conversation with you, my fair maiden."

Tyra smiled then giggled as he drew the fabric of her skirt towards himself and inhaled deeply.

" Yes indeed, that was my plans."

Tyra eyed him interestedly, yet unsure of the seriousness of his words.

"However, Somehow I feel I must watch the actions of a specific table tonight and the trinket that holds them spellbound. For that dagger has a rich and illustruos history and the worth of it, however somewhat common looking despite the gilding on it, is priceless."

Tyra's eyes followed his gaze. The dagger still lay openly upon the rough hewn wooden table.

"It seems my timing is somewhat off for any plans I might have had with you my dear."

His eyes told her that his words were not false.

"Interesting timing indeed ... after so many years ... "

She topped up his tankard and glanced over at the dagger once more.

"And only time will tell what will be .... and what will not ... "

So saying she moved away and continued with her duties.

 

[patrick1]

ish the minstrel

How can you feel eyes gazing at the back of your neck even when you're half-asleep?

He wakes and turns, to see the woman staring. She's a bold one, though; she doesn't look away.

Not a candidate for your slave harness, Ish.

Well, you never know: sometimes the most unlikely ones...

Such eyes she has. Can she see into the darkness of his heart? Or merely the priapism of his desires?

He tears his gaze away. He picks up his dulcimer. 'Why am I thinking of that melody, slave?'

Bah: what good's an imaginary slave if she never answers when you ask her something? He clears his throat, winks to the serving maid - yes, says his smile, my voice would be all the better with a goblet of something - and sings:

I don't know where I've come from
It's lost in the mists of the recent past
My life's so intermittent
Even my memories don't last
But there's one thing that stays with me
and will do till I die
When my shadow stares at another's shadow
Be she happy or be she sad, no
Force of reason's gonna stop my fandango
I know that by and by
Her and me we're gonna see eye to eye...

I to I
eye to eye
body to body
who knows why
by and by
we're gonna see I to I

He pauses. It's one of his made-up-on-the-spur-of-the-moment songs, but he plucks and strums as if there are more verses to come. He licks his lips: perhaps something to wet his whistle? While he tries to find a rhyme for 'future' for the next verse, a rhyme that isn't 'suture'?

 

[intriguess]

Healer

For one night she did not want to feel hunted, and he would suit her well enough for one night. In the long term she undoubtedly needed someone who could guard her with his life...not that it would happen, as a healer she had saved her share of guards that travelled with her before.

Then again that was not important now, she got another drink and somethign sweet for dessert and watched the room for a while longer.

 

[Zarai]

Kita

I sat at the table, my eyes flicking from one of them to the other and back to the dagger. An uncomfortable feeling surrounded me and I couldn't seem to shake it off, no matter what I tried to think of. Finishing the last of my ale, I watched as the newest woman in the tavern perused the room before heading upstairs.

I had noticed her eyes when she entered and understood something of what that meant. I chuckled as I watched her eat, having heard stories of different ways their powers drained them. I wondered what else she craved. Her eyes fell more then once on the minstrel and my eyebrow arched slightly. An interesting choice... though perhaps not... as there was obviously more to him then met the eye.

I listened as he awoke and began to sing another song. I grinned as I listened, the uncomfortable heavy feeling leaving me for a brief moment. I looked back to my new tablemates, and awaited their response. I purposely kept my eyes away from the drow, who it seemed had not taken his eyes off the knife since it appeared.

Thinking back, I recalled the last time I had seen it. It had been in the hands of a man. A man who was now dead. A man who had spun his lies as he died, trapping me in them... nearly causing my own death.

 

[intriguess]

Healer

(one last edit, my head hurts......*L*)

I noticed the young woman who stared at me a little too intently and I felt her scrutiny. I had a feeling she was different and with a soft fluttering thought I wondered if she had......I licked my lips, well I had never considered a woman, but it provided an interesting avenue.

I smiled and headed upstairs, I found one of the bathrooms and started a bath. There were however plenty of men downstairs and I knew one of them would undoubtedly snatch her up.

I slipped into the tub and enjoyed the sensual heat as my body grew hotter and hotter.

 

[DreamGrrl]

Trysteae & Mescal

Trysteae's gaze is skimming around the room, her expression clearly all too disinterested.

Mescal's huge form leans across the table, his eyes meeting Trysteae's unflinchingly. A myriad of movements tug at his face, but finally he bites his lower lip and whispers hoarsely,

"The Lost City of Atbar"

He then sits back in his chair and turns to the steaming trencher of food in front of him.

Trysteae lifts one eyebrow, sipping at her cup of wine. She lets the words hang in the air over the table for a moment and then repeats them in a soft, scoffing tone of voice.

"The Lost City of Atbar??! Do I look like some kind of child to you, that you can spin such tales of fantasy and fiction and expect me to trip all over myself to follow them?" Trysteae's words were soft but scornful, a sneer tugging at her lips. She gestured at herself with her free hand, indicating her richly made clothes and the large leather purse dangling against one hip. "I didn't get all this by listening to the likes of that unlikely story..." she sneers.


Mescal disregards Trysteae's words and flamboyant actions, finally growling around a mouthful of food,

"Take a look at the seal on the hilt!"

Trysteae remains still and silent, her entire body frozen as thoughts churn almost obviously within her head. Her nimble fingers pluck the dagger from the table, despite the depth to which she had sunk it. She adroitly flips it across her knuckles and palm to inspect the handle much more closely. Her brow is still furrowed over it, her expression thoughtful when Mescal next speaks.

"I know where it is," he mumbles.

The hulking man finally pushes away the now-empty trencher. Mescal leans back in his chair, grinning as he eyes Trysteae.

"It will cost you - more than last time."

His grin spreads wide across his face as he winks.