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Post by Ekaterina on Apr 22, 2012 7:31:24 GMT -5
-The door opened and a light dust cloud floated from the dry dirt and ash from his arm. As the man entered clumps of drying mud and red flakes fell toward the floor. What could be seen was clothing which looked at one time use to be nice, but looked decayed and worn. The armor was also in bad repair unworthy of war as if it saw it's last days many years ago the rest of the figure was concealed under a strange cape and a round flat hat or some type made of old straw falling apart with shredded bloodied rope that had worn and snapped apart. -
"What I intend to carry on to Porthos is not overly larger than other packages on my person," Randell revealed, letting the innuendo die there. "As for the pieces, each time I visit, there seems to be another to fit into place... a good puzzle takes time, and should be savored..." He listened while taking another draw from his mug, wiping his mouth clean on the back of his hand before replying with a twitch of his lips. "I don't doubt your speed, but is it truly out of a desire for escape, or simply to make the chase that much more interesting?" The question was poised as gray eyes fell to half-lids and a knowing smirk caught his lips, but both died away into neutrality as a newcomer entered into the commons.
Icy shards of crystalline blue would befall upon the man who entered and dirtied their clean floors. A brow to rise as the appearance was taken in. She knew Radulfr was going to throw a fit having to clean up after this one. Up nod of greeting offered the man as her mug was set aside in preparation to serve him once he reached the bar. But that allowed time for attention to return upon Randell, and to his first comment, those icy shards would drift from his face downwards to where the bar hindered further view of his person, and she'd just .. smirk. No comment made, although a thought did shoot through her head. Eyes then rose to meet those grays. "Yes, for something simple holds no value of fun." Stepping closer to the bar, here she'd lean towards him slightly as her voice lowered so the words spoken met his ears alone. "Isn't the idea of a chase more appealing than knowing it can be easily caught?" Brow to rise slightly before she'd push back and step a few paces down the bar, attention to now rest upon the newcomer. It was evident where she stood, that she was tending tonight.
They fall in line, one at a time, ready to play. Nope, nothing to see here. What she wasn't, could have filled volumes. The half-elf did wear leather, loose on her slender frame, and dark brown in color. Comfortable, easy to move in, and rather bland looking, to be honest. The half-elf, denoted by the slightly pointed ears, if not the lithe build, was unremarkable save for the flame red hair, loose and short, falling barely to her chin where it had any direction at all. It was easy to know she was armed, but had at least the tact not to show them. Crystalline blue eyes and a winning smile, and all she did was smile when she noted Randell here. It would be a wonder if he recalled her. Eyes flickered to the woman conversing with him, and her face fell blank. Luck just shunned her. Stroll? Saunter? Nah. She just walked to the bar and waited for a moment.
-The figures upper body canted forward in return to the greeting as more clumps fell. He finally got to the bar both hands covered in mud and dried blood slipped from the badly aged and worn straw cape to scrawny and shaken hands from the trembling body reached out to grip the counter and support his body before lowering down into one of the seats his legs visibly wobbling like the legs of an elderly man and calming down once he had been seated. Nothing could be seen of the short figures face from the hood of worn straw, which was unraveling from the strange textile. It was obvious the straw piece served another purpose other then a cape and hood.
His own brow climbed at the smoky look she paid him, that blatant downward flick and the provocative commentary she whispered for him alone. "Easy never interested me, I've always sought the challenge." As she slipped away to greet her other customers, it gave Randell a moment to study the others - an extremely dirty fellow and the half-elf woman. He took another measured sip of his ale before starting in on the still steaming meal of his. "I expected you two days prior at the pass," he said softly once the redhead settled by the bar. "What caused the delay?"
If the man was seeking a place of compassion, he stumbled into the wrong Inne (Pun intended). She provided services that were rendered after payment given. Icy blues fixed upon the man, then drifted to the fem that entered shortly after. An up nod was offered to her in greeting, just as she had the man. Who ever spoke first would gain the service provided, be it drink, food, or both acquired. "Name your poison." To be offered once to the two, icy shards to drift between them. Randells comment gained him a side-long glance and grin. "Any challenge is interesting." Focus then turned upon the woman when his comment was made. Didn't take a Rocket Scientist to figure out this was the one he spoke of earlier. She now awaiting their order so she could return to her own drink and relaxing lean.
Randell had spoken of her? That was nothing but trouble and probably slander against her. She really didn't deserve it. Instead, the half-elf spoke quickly, "Juice." And she looked directly at Randell, speaking easily, "Don't ask a question you don't really want the answer to." What she did was her own business. Or rather, it was the knowledge of that business she tended to sell and barter.
"Large Quantity of food.. if it's available at this hour....and something warm to drink" - He spoke toward the female who asked if he and the other woman who entered not long after he did their requests for the evening. The straw hood was pulled free and that helmet revealing a dirtied young man's face. His hair looked as if it hadn't seen a brush or a wash in a while ,pulled back, but shaved at the top like a monk wore there's had a monastery.
Finishing the last bite of his venison, Randell wiped his hands clean in a kerchief before reaching toward his belt. "I tend not to ask questions I seek no answers to, so I expect something of a response tomorrow..." there was no argument to be brokered with that tone - as cold as ice and strong as steel, yet still spoken in a near-whisper. A gold crown rolled from his fingertips to clatter before the blue-eyed proprietress, his features softening beneath the smile he offered her. "I'll be requiring some rooms, perhaps for a day or two, for myself and... I disagreeociate..." that frown returned, thoughtful and calculated. Those gray eyes addressing the half-elf as if she were more a petulant child than a woman grown. "I'll pay for whatever her needs may be, so long as she doesn't get carried away..." and there was a hint of warning in that tone for the redhead.
A brow did rise. "Juice?" That had her to simply smirk as she turned to collect a mug, a colored bottle then collected to fill the vessel. This would be set before the woman. It was a juice of sorts, it was made from grapes at least, even if they had fermented over time. This wasn't some city cafe, her clientele were those who took their drinking seriously, and her stock reflected that. An acknowledging nod towards the man. "It'll be three silver." Spoken to Dragon lord and no more had that been said, the large barbarian that worked behind the bar with her would disappear back into the kitchen after offloading a keg. Attention then turned to Randell. "So you'll be extending the stay of your room, and hers? Shall it be the same as your other traveling companion, or in the same manner as yours?" Attention then to the man as she awaited payment for his order. No coin, no food. Granted, there were many a men that fell to their knees in prayer here after filling their bellies with drink and spewing it after out onto the floor. But that didn't make her place a church that offered charity.
Those clear blue eyes flashed. Ice met fire, and she didn't falter in her words, both even and easy, "If you're opening up for charity, save it for the orphans." Wine, juice, she wasn't about to complain in a new place, not when she was the stranger, and Randell obviously the regular, or at least, known. Answering the question for Randell that had been posed by the woman. "Separate rooms. I'll only be staying the night. Some of us have business to attend to, and need to be about it." It was a certain ease that she dodged the question, and then smirked, "But if he's picking up the tab, I'd like a bottle, and a meal if you would. Otherwise, just the wine is more than adequate for me." Randell, you're playing with fire. Those blue eyes flashed just once more, and certain coldness lurked.
-He reached into the old and aged layers he wore pulling out an old pouch and dumped out three silvers, and several gold coins as well.- The gold will be for a room.. If I may speak with the owner of the Inne tomorrow that would be kind of you. I would tonight but I am worn and my mind is just as tired.”
"Whatever she wishes, just make sure it's the farthest from mine," Randell answered as he rose to his feet. So much for a pleasant evening of teasing wordplay with a blue-eyed beauty. He'd have to settle for getting back to work. Randell had reserved a special smirk for when the half-elf made it clear they were to have separate rooms, muttering something about 'easy' and 'challenges' under his breath. "Till we find the next piece," Randell said in farewell to the proprietress. The half-elf was simply favored with a sharp look. "We will speak tomorrow, or there will be consequences." A simple statement of truth. Straightening his coat, he bowed his head to the rest and retreated upstairs.
"Radulfr, another setting for the woman." Yelled back towards the kitchen. They were Norse, manners weren't their strong suit, at least in this setting. The bottle used to fill the fems mug would be set before her. She collected the coins from the bar and slipped them into a pocket. Attention turned upon Randell as he made his departure. "Till then." A moment as she watched the man depart, attention then upon the woman and man just as Radulfr exited the kitchen with a large tray laden with food. The same meal as Randell had, the breaded venison steaks and mashed potatoes smothered in a milk gravy, candied carrots, black bread, and a thick slice of sweet cream cake covered with honey. As for a warm drink, a tankard of ale was set before Dragon Lord, it was room temperature, thus considered warm by the Norse. It would be the mans request to speak to the owner that had a brow to rise. "And just what do you need to speak to the owner about?" Asked as she turned to procure two more keys, since Randell still had his own. She would put the Elf’s and the disheveled male at the opposite end of the building from the merchant, in rooms that shared the public bath. The keys would be set before each, the room number etched upon the metal so they'd know which was theirs. Icy blues then turned to fix upon the male as she awaited his response.
" Temporary work services until I can find a new lord.. I will work for roof and food instead of pay."- He said and accepted the key then started to devour the food like one who hadn't eaten in years. He had forgotten his manners due to his hunger and was picking the food up and stuffing it into his mouth chugging it down with the ale-
The Elvin woman made short work of her meal and the Norse glanced her way as she watched the Elf’s disappear up the stairs towards her room. Attention then upon the male with a quirk of a brow. "And what sort of services can you provide? Especially looking like that?"
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Post by Ekaterina on Apr 22, 2012 7:31:43 GMT -5
It's a long story, though I must ask your forgiveness I can barley remember what occurred , but I wasn't dirty and torn apart before it happened.. I have the skills of a valet. Cleaning, cooking, mending, tending to things I am use to.
A brow rose as she openly regarded the man while lifting the tankard to drink from. For a long moment silence hung in the air as she simply watched him and thought. When the tankard lowered it would be set aside. "I don't provide clothing or transportation, unless it's for the Inne. Room and board and you help Radulfr with the daily chores outside. Unless you have better attire, I don't want you in the kitchen or behind the bar. People won't take kindly to having dirt fall into their food." Did he now realize he was speaking to the very one in which he requested the presence of?
it's old but it has well kept them preserved and un touch I brought it with me I will be decent and presentable to the customers .. all I require will be water to wash my body - he canted his head forward in respect to her. -
She'd retract the key she gave him, and exchange it for another. It was at the same end of the hall as the room of the woman’s. "Your room has a private bath, there's a barrel near the hearth you keep filled to use for it. There are the necessary items in which to clean with in there now, if you need to replace them, you'll learn soon enough where the supply room is to find it." Tankard then reclaimed and she'd look at him. "And I demand prior notice to your departure. I don't want things left half done, because you decided to run off after some Lord." Figuring the man was seeking a Master, or perhaps a partner for himself. She's seen it before, but she wasn't going to let it get in the way of business.
" I swear you will be informed of my departure when I find a new master to offer my full services as a Valet and must move on- He canted his head forward again.-" I swear to you I will not disappoint the Inn’s Madame."- He kept his head lowered.- this Inne will be given he same respect and honored treatment as I gave my Late lord.
"I'm not a Madame, and never address me as such. Call me Kat or Ekaterina, and nothing other." Huffed into the tankard as it was lifted to drink from, then lowered. At least she now viewed him on the level as a slave, at least if he pissed her off, she'd send him to the slavers pens to be dealt with, and a hefty purse for herself. "And those who frequent this place don't like those who cower, if you deal with the public, do it like you have a set of balls. If you have problems, then address me with them, or let Radulfr know in my absence."
-He nodded while his head remained respectfully lowered.- As you say Kat, it will not be a problem if there is trouble or a problem I can not handle I swear to you or Radulfr shall be informed.
She watched him for a moment more and a slight shake of her head at his lowered gaze. She had little use for slaves, or those who were meek; for she seen them as weak and problematic. But, she wouldn't turn down someone to help Radulfr. As the seasons changed, so did the amount of traffic, which in turn meant more business. This would at least offer the man a break from having to deal with it all on his own during her times away. "Then we have a deal." Stated before taking another drink of her mead.
- He looked up at her starring directly into her eyes and nodded - Aye We have a deal Kat.. Just one question... if there is trouble and neither of you are around shall I behead the trouble maker or throw him out whole or in pieces
Now that made her chuckle, she couldn't help it. Amused glance in his direction and she'd just smirk. "Depends on what type of trouble they cause. I'll leave that to your discretion."
if necessary?- Respectful yes, but not too meek looking. hearing the chuckle there was chuckle in return.- If there was a mess of crimson as clean like it was before the blood or other ruined it.
"And do think twice before you raise a hand or blade. The people who come here pay for services, the very services that will provide you a meal and room. So don't kill too many of them." Slight forward tip of her head as she gazed up at him, then turned to refill her tankard from the cask of mead.
a dead customer will only be one who means to harm another customer or employee through violence or worse. I don't think a blade is worth staining a drunk that wont leave or the crazy flirtatious idiot trying to ruin a ladies evening.
Nods in understanding. "Good to know. You can start tomorrow, I'm not going to bother Radulfr after he's put in a long day’s work, to begin training."
- He nods - Thank you Kat, I shall keep my promise and be decent and ready to work.
She'd just look at him and nod, she'd then return to the bars end to lean against it. Tankard held between her hands as it was lifted to sip from.
- He looked right back at her unblinking as stiff as a statue. He wasn't much of a talker that was for sure. He would pick up his on glass occasionally to take a sip of the Ale and several more bites of what was left of the food that had been served to him. -
The Nordic woman wasn't one for idle chit chat either. More the fly on the wall that watched and listened than a ring master of conversation. She'd be lost in thought unless something drew her from them as she sipped her mead.
" Anything else I need to know for tomorrow events ?"- He finally spoke taking another drink of his Ale while watching her. -
Glancing over at him. "We serve breakfast right after the sun rises, so be up before to assist in the kitchen. Other than that, clean yourself up and get some rest .. you'll need it. Radulfr was a slave driver in his former life." Meant in a joking manner, however the truth was the man was a working machine.
He chuckled- A servant I am but I am never a slave- he smiled and stood- Rest sounds like a good idea.. I shall get started the moment I wake.- he canted his head- I shall head to bed now.. Rest well Kat.
"Oh, and if you molest the female patrons, at least put a hand over their mouth. Courtesy of the others sleeping." Brow to rise as she smirked and amusement glinted in cold blues before attention was upon the mug as it lifted. "Night." A drink then taken.
Another chuckle- That's not really my thing but I will let those who are into that know should I see or meet one.- he jested and then headed up the stairs to him room.
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Post by Ekaterina on Aug 18, 2012 23:33:56 GMT -5
The Norse and the Pirate Captain Many think the heat of the day hits the mid-point around noon, which was far from the truth. It was now that the day’s heat would reach its zenith, and the cause of many to retreat into places that offered shade and something cool to drink. Not that she'd complain, it was good for business, and this time of year the roads were more traveled than most. Radulfr was in the kitchen tending to her latest kill, the kind that walked on four legs that is. It was a good morning hunt, three stags and a bore to fill their meat locker with. While he worked on processing the carcasses, she took to tending to the bar. Not traditional wear for a server or tender, adorned in a thin covering of deer skin, tanned and dyed a midnight hue. The top more like a vest that laced up the front, exposing arms and midriff in its short cover. Pants clung to form like a second skin, and upon her left hip rested a long bladed dagger. Long flaxen mane adorned in the tiny braids of heritage. At the moment she was busy tending to the cleaning of the bars surface, a tankard of mead within easy reach when she needed a drink. Icy shards of blue however, would keep vigil upon the room and the front door of those coming and going, as well as those who remained. It wasn't just the beautiful, and formidable, proprietress that soon came to glance at the door; it burst open in a rush, and sauntering across the threshold came a man that hit the eye like a battering ram. His clothing wasn't too flamboyant, though there was an air of finery to it, with bold streaks of crimson and white lacing the primary black and brown. A long coat that brushed to the back of his knees, thick buttons unlatched to reveal a silken shirt and leather breeches with boots coming up to his knees. Atop his head was a long-brimmed hat, feathered and all, a gemstone of emerald glistening at its crown. No, what caught the attention of most patrons was an almost tangible air of excitement which followed him past the threshold and sounded like a trumpet blast, though no more was uttered than a soft clink of metal and the rhythmic murmur of his long stride. "Too hot by half, it is..." the man grunted, hanging up his coat, revealing a thick-bladed dagger resting low on one hip while a rapier caressed the other - both weapons of ornate and... gaudy design. Ignoring the stares, and upraised brows of those around him, the man went Straight to the bar, taking to a lean as he threw a few coins on the counters. "Ale," was the flippant request, glancing only briefly in her direction. However, there was an obvious double-take, then his full focus soon became the 'tender' herself, eyes narrowing a hair, while the smile he gifted her wouldn't have been out of place on a fox's maw. "My... and here I thought the sun was bright today, but nothing could outshine your Beauty, miss...?" the words tailed away, leaving her to fill in the gap of his silence. When the flourish of activity hit the door, her hand would pause in motion of rag wiping down the surface of the bar. It was then set aside, her tankard taken in hand and raised to take a drink. Said vessel was then placed upon the back counter. In turn, another tankard snagged as she moved to one of the several tapped kegs to fill it from. As she moved, there was almost a pantheric grace of motion in her steps that carried her to and fro. Soon she would stand before him, those icy shards of blue to meet his gaze. “Heat and light are created in many ways. Some say they see a light when they Get hit over the head with a full mug." Hinted smirk as she set the tankard before him. "Though I can't say for sure, since I'm the one usually doing the wielding." Hinted amusement in her tone. Coins collected as she gave the man the head to toe inspection, taking in not only his state of dress, but weapons adorned. It wasn't unusual for dandies or peathingys to frequent the Inne, but she doubted this man was either; illusions are not always created with magic. "If you hunger, we have venison steaks or stew to choose from this afternoon." Eyes had slowly rose to meet his again full on. Dark eyes met pale shard, but only a further grin was produced through the conflict of color. Tilting his head to one side, he studied her for a moment before taking up that mug and lifting it in toast. "Well, I'd best drain this cup, less you have to clean it, my blood... and probably a bit of my drool off your floor. As much as I enjoy imagining a woman like you on your knees, it wouldn't be for the reason of wiping up a mess." Chuckling, he took a sip before returning it to the counter. "So, not one to freely hand out your name, aye?" Drumming a set of calloused fingers across the bar's edge, he thought for a moment, eyes narrowing further, and then opened wide, feigning a discovery. "Well, I guess we're off to the pursuit of a nickname, then... let's see..." leaning on an elbow, he rested his chin upon a fist, studying her shrewdly. "Well, you are beautiful, but I'm sure many courtiers had fancied themselves a poet, thinking to impress you with idle Observations. No, that won't do at all..." He was a handsome man, no doubt, and obviously possessed of a great confidence - or ego... it all depended upon the rate of his Success. "Oh, but the way you move invokes an image of a jungle cat, lean of muscle and light of step... provocative creatures, they are, how they swing their hips just so as they move... pity you have no tail." Tapping his chin, he continued his open observation, holding no reservation of speaking his thoughts aloud. "Yet, no matter how smoothly you move, that gaze of yours can freeze a man cold. I, of course, am immune... I've fire Enough for both of us." He winked, and then frowned, as if finally coming to a conclusion. "Perhaps... Ah yes... my little ice kitten?" She openly watched him, a glint of amusement to momentarily show within those icy shards and a hint of a smirk to form upon her lips as she listened to his rambling. Slow side to side motion of her head as she turned to collect her tankard in hand. "My name is Kat ... not kitten, nor girl thingy. I do not answer to here kitty kitty ... “Said in a cool, and even tone.”... Nor do I answer to here girl thingy girl thingy. Either call me Kat, or Miss, Or hey you. Otherwise ..." Turning to look at him. ".. I'll put out that fire of yours!" Slowly that smirk formed into a grin and she'd turn to top off her tankard with the honey mead. "I'm not one to fall for a silvery tongue or flowery words. I find it more of an irritation than flattery." Turning to look at him directly. "Nor will you see me upon my knees before you, cleaning or otherwise." He wasn't the only one who was bold with his words. Pale hues to meet those of darkness. "Men like you come and go; only to be replaced by another who thinks they're wittier than the first. Save such things for the rented women of the docks, or that fawn over dandies like yourself in the alleys of the Warehouse district." It was then she'd move to rest her back against the counter behind her, tankard on the rise to take a sip of the contents as she watched him over its rim. "How about a combination of the two - maybe a 'here, girl thingy kitty,' perhaps?" At her glare, he merely lifted both hands in surrender, chuckling softly. "Very well, Kat it is..." Another sip, and another slow once over, and a distinctly approving nod. Apparently the rogue approved of her attire. "As for my fire, I'm sorry my dear... er... Kat, but only one thing might come close to quenching it, and that's a kiss from you. Though, there is a small chance that it might further fuel the fire, but... come now, you're a frigid one, have a little faith in your icy allure." Shrugging, he listened to her reply, dark eyes flashing with mirth. "I wouldn't rule out anything, yet... I can be rather charming when I wish it..." His gaze lowered again, but instead of continuing the ravishment of her visual form, His focus had diverted to the dagger at her hip. A considering look, which was a great deal more sobered than any other expression he wore thus far. She could almost read his thoughts. Just how far to push... "Oh, I do come and go as I please, but that's simply my restless nature. And I will be the first to admit, I'm hardly the wittiest man in the world, but I am exceptional in the category of being me. And only I could have survived this long, as free as I am with my tongue, by being... me." Perhaps it was a rather dizzying loop of logic, but the man hardly seemed to care. His dark eyes were meeting hers once more. "And, I'm sure we both know... something won is far more sweeter than something bought. Is something... or in your case... someone is worth doing, they're worth doing right..." And with that, he drained the rest of his mug, slapped it on the counter, and gestured toward it with a flourish. "There you are my lady, your weapon of choice, empty and awaiting an unworthy skull." Tankard slowly lowered as a brow rose and then came a light chuckle. "I didn't say anything about quenching it mister ..." Indicating he had yet to give his name either, it was then she'd grin as she gave him the once over again. ".... and what to call you, hmm?" Head tilted slightly. ".. Colorful and you do chirp away heartily, should I call you Peathingy, or perhaps a Parrot?" Setting her tankard off to the side, she'd slowly cross The distance to now stand directly before him. "I'd not ask you to be anyone but yourself ... just letting you know if you have any fancy ideas in your head of staking a claim upon my flesh, you're wasting your breath." Collecting his empty vessel. "I'm not the one chosen, I'm the one who choses!" Turning with his tankard in hand. "Consider this your lucky day, I have no want to ruin a tankard upon a head ..." Glance over her shoulder. "... Yet!" Turning back she'd refill the tankard with more ale, and this would be carried back to be set before him. "And you're quite correct, if something comes easy, it's not enjoyed as much as something that involves a risk or challenge." His tankard released and she'd step back to collect hers in hand once more. She could almost feel his gaze upon her ass as she slipped away, like a cupping hand getting a good squeeze. Naturally, when she turned back, they made the slow climb back to her face. "Well, Peathingy would be an insult to what the gods blessed me with 'twixt my legs. Large-thingy would do, but quite a mouthful... or so you'll find out, if you're lucky." Kat could see for herself that this man, while holding to a foppish look, held the lean figure of a fighter. His shoulders weren't too broad, but their breadth was wide enough to suggest an underlying strength, while the way he moved was almost as telling as her own stride. It was so casual many would've dismissed it, but to her trained eye it was all but screaming for her notice. A fluid grace, with a posed balance and a measure of tempered control, all veiled within his rather outrageous demeanor. Like his blades, their hilts might shine with gold and gemstones in bold display, but beneath oiled leather there was a very sharp blade. "You may call me Rin..." he said at last, taking the hat from his head in a flourishing bow. "I'm a captain of a trading vessel that has recently Come into port." Starting in on his second cup, he listened again as Kat continued to try and build a wall around her, but all Rin saw was her handing him the keys to unlock its gate. "So, it's not impossible to get into those pants of yours... tight as they seem to be... you just have to be the one to choose, 'eh? I'm not a man to force myself upon a woman, so... regardless; it was always to be your choice." She pegged him from his entry, an illusion of appearance to hide what laid beneath. A man of strength in ways that went beyond a toned muscular build. "As for the size of one’s thingy ..." Softly tsk tsks. "... It's like the length of a blade. It matters not the size, but how skilled one is in controlling it. Small ones can be just as deadly as those that are long, if one uses it properly." It was then she grinned. "Much in the same way of giving pleasure, or simply pleasing oneself." A hand lifted and fingers wiggled. "Sometimes alternatives can be more pleasurable than what a man has to offer, Rin." Tankard then rose to sip from as she listened to him, and then lowered. "Impossible?" Slowly shakes her head. "Nothing is impossible, if done in the right way. Just like approaching a wolf in the wild. There's several things that can happen. One, they'll turn and run away. Two, they'll attack. Or three, they'll be curious and approach in a calm manner." A wink directed his way. "I never run!" "One man might defeat another armed with a stick instead of a sword, but give a talented swordsman a true weapon to wield, and the combination is truly breath taking..." With a twirl of his hand, Rin produced a silver penny from what seemed like thin air. With a deft motion, he rolled the coin across his knuckles, and back again before tossing it in her direction. "I'll be needing rooms," he said, that smile still firmly fixed in place, as if that display were enough to prove how skillful his fingers could be. It might've been impressive, if Kat hadn't seen another man do the same thing, with perhaps a bit more skill, too. And a great deal more subtle than this peathingy of a ship captain. "And trying to convince one's self that a solo performance is better than a duet is either the talk of a very arrogant or lonely person..." With an arched brow, they continued their verbal spar, Back and forth as quick as glinting blades. "No, you don't run, but neither have you attacked... yet. So, what must I do, then, if I wished to stroke the majestic creature's fur?" Cat like reflexes as the coin was caught in midair without moving from that casual lean. "You only strengthen my words, Rin." Stated as her eyes met his once more. "How many rooms?" Since he pluralized the word, or perhaps it was a misstatement. Tankard set aside, she'd then cross to where the box of keys were kept. His comment had her chuckling. "Arrogant?" Slow shrug. "Perhaps. Lonely?" shakes her head. "I'm never lonely Rin, nor did I say that a solo performance was better than a duet. I simply stated that sometimes that gives more pleasure than what others can." Box opened as she awaited his response to how many rooms he might need. He was a captain of the sea; perhaps he was renting rooms for his men as well. Blues would meet his dark eyes. "Close your eyes and dream." Her response to what he needed to do. "Two," Rin replied without hesitation. "My first mate will be along shortly. Large fellow, bit of a tusk jutting from the edge of his mouth. Can't miss 'em. He'll ask after the captain of the Howling Harlot, which being me... that way you know to give him the key. However, I cannot be certain if he'll make it or not. If he doesn't, you'll make a tidy profit without any effort." Rolling his shoulders in a shrug, he adjusted his lean, Sighing softly. "Is that all?" he asked, closing his eyes, chin lifting as if he could see through his lids to the ceiling beyond. "Oh my... quite the dirty one, you are... and look, you did get on your knees! So delightful..." he opened his eyes, arching a brow. "Ah, but still... nothing like the real thing, I'm sure." To his dream comment she slowly shook her head and rolled her eyes. "In Odin’s name." Quietly stated and a key would be removed from the box and tossed upon the counter near his tankard. The box was then closed and placed back under the counter. "Your room is up the stairs ...” Indicating an area off to the side that was somewhat hidden from view of the common room. "Take the hall to the left; it's the third door on your right." The door was numbered, as was the key, he should be able to find it as long as he could focus. "Hmm, something you'll have to ponder over for quite some time Rin. For you'll not be learning if your dream is true for quite some time to come." Moving back to where her tankard awaited her, it was taken in hand as she turned to face him. "Besides, I'm sure you sowed your oats at the docks like so many do upon arrival." It was then she smirked. "Mayhap if you travel this way again within a few months, you'll find the one that sated your needs fattened by the aftermath of your seed." Playful wink. "It's one of the ways Those women like to use to find themselves a benefactor to remove them from their present position."
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Post by Ekaterina on Aug 20, 2012 19:05:12 GMT -5
All of a sudden a ruckus could be heard outside as hollering and shouting was had. The next moment a sudden burst of glass erupted from one of the front windows. Two heads collided with it, and both flew through the door near the same moment. The man on the bottom did an excellent job in providing a cushion to thwart the majority of the fall once they were through the window. Unfortunately a table and some chairs were destroyed to add further noise within the establishment as they broke, shattered and caused a creaking of several lengths of wood splintering off in various directions. A profuse growling erupted from the throat of Corothius as his head snapped backwards to lead his upper body with the advantage of the situation. His long lengths of hair that were tied off in several smaller lengths by leather cords pursued his heads movement to slash against the bare planes of muscles along his back. Another moment his fist was driven through the air, the whites of the knuckles and abiding flesh leading to each bony structure began pounding away at the features of the man on the bottom. Blood was already present, and more began splattering the wood this way and the other. A swarm of people seemed to erupt at the now open-paned window to gawk and hoot one or the other on
Taking the key upon the tip of his finger, Rin spun it idly while crossing the room again to fetch his coat. "Oh, I'm all for quality over quantity, Kat..." he said with a lazy grin, dark eyes glinting once more with mirth. An expression that died the second the commotion began. A slender brow arched in surprise, though the rest of his features remained calm; he watched the brawl for a few seconds before turning to Kat with a shrug. "Speaking of untamed beasts, I think your dinner crowd has arrived. Don't have too much fun without me..." Taking the long way around the fighting pair, or rather, one fighting, the other bruising, Rin disappeared up the stairs.
The yelling captured her attention first, then the breaking of glass. "nuts!" A low growl as she set her tankard off to the side. Where amusement was the mask adorned when speaking with Rin, it was immediately replaced by a one of displeasure. Any other time she may have found Rin's comment humorous, but not when someone was busting her place up and covering her floors with blood; and it wasn't her doing it. With that pantheric grace of ease, she'd move from behind the bar, skirting around the tables to come to the blind side of the one beating the other man to a pulp. A foot rose and she'd literally kick the man’s shoulder to force him to totter and thus get his attention for a moment; as she knew her action would. "Unless you intend on cleaning up this mess, I suggest you end it now!" Not that she was taking sides by any means, but they brought the mess into her house so to speak. "I care little what the man did to you, but I do care about my furniture. Of which you both will pay." Now she knew the man probably wasn't really paying attention to her words, it was meant to detour his attentions from the beating the man further. Radulfr came rushing out of the kitchen when the commotion started. Adorning a bloody apron from where he tended to prepare the days hunt for the meat locker. A butcher knife gripped tightly in hand, the large ox of a man was steadily stalking towards the two men as well.
The sounds of skull cracking, and bone shattering beneath the next few smashing’s of fist to face left him with growing wet warmth on his hand that distorted the spur of numbness that was also starting up. Groaning and cries of agony were being pleaded through smashed lips and wailings for his mommy even was heard to cause laughter in the not so distant crowd beyond the window. Hell, even a few came inside to get a better view, innocently taking up a few tables and readying for their "evening meal". Then that boot was felt at his back, not hard enough to be a man’s foot, but strong enough to get his attention. Besides, his peripherals had caught sight of her approach, which she was left undecided until now when he'd snap his head around to cast a gaze at her from his perched position over the man. A smug twist of his mouth adhered to her words with a nod. Perhaps another flicker of unreal attention sent towards the addition of the ox in the kitchens doorway. The next moment Corothius gripped the man beneath him by collar and waist and made a strong enough maneuver that would lift the man from the floor and slam him directly into the wall that would open into the window just above. Air was heard rushing out of him, the last bit of it. Then Corothius would make a quick short-stepped vault over the man whose stomach was now ensuring that any broken glass on the bottom of the. Window pane would be jutting through his gut and not slice Corothius up at all. Thus he used the man’s back to leap through the not so welcomed new entryway. Once he landed outside with a twist of well-versed abdominals and pursuing legs he'd rip the wounded man from the windowsill and begin hauling him off down the street the street by the long longs of perhaps Viking breed hair. The crowd dispersing enough to let him onwards
She watched as he moved the injured and dying man. No man would survive long after such a beating and plus his guts impaled by glass. A mutter of curses under her breath as the man moved and dragged the other away. "You owe me for damages." She called out through the broken window towards the back of the departing man, dragging the other. Just what she needed, a bloody mess ... literally, and the dinner crowd starting to fall into place; most spectators of the recent fight. Looking back to Radulfr, she could see he was just as displeased as she. "Get Brunhild to come clean up this mess ..." Referring to the little slave he kept in the kitchen that was his. "Remove the glass from the window so no others get injured. I'll see to serving drinks and meals until you both are done." Her words were curt, but the man knew it wasn't anger directed at him. At that moment she wanted to do to Corothius what he had done to the man, because he messed her place up; and left without even an attempt to make matters right. A few of the men made comments her way about interceding in their entertainment. Icy shards of blue would turn upon them, the look upon her face was enough to have them silence and either study the table top, or their nails; as long as they weren't looking at her. It was then she returned to the bar, now having to do double duty while her help cleaned up the mess that was made. "d**n men!" Grumbled.
Katrina’s words reached him before he got out of earshot. He'd stop in his tracks as she'd turn around to tend to more urgent matters. Then a moment or three was taken to thwart the victim’s belt till he found a thing or two he was looking for. The first was a coin pouch that was ripped off of the mans' belt. With a strong arm unhindered by fabric of a shirt or tunic the leather satchel was thrown with ease through the window, to pop Kat directly in the shoulder. Perhaps it would remain tied together, perhaps the impact would cause the coins to burst free and spill everywhere... Corothius would pick up his trophy of the night again, and in the process, spotted something else, a chain necklace that shimmered some in the streets light, enough so that it was ripped free as well and flung through the window as well, perhaps catching onto a broken piece of the window or the like in the process before he'd continue onwards.
The coin pouch and chain would be tended to by Radulfr, since the pouch did seem to explode when it hit the floor. A glance back out the window in the direction of the man, his face would be set to memory. They'd meet again, she was sure of that, and when they did, she would have a thing or two to say. It was then she'd disappear through the kitchen door to put final touches to the evening meal that was to be served.
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Post by Ekaterina on Aug 20, 2012 20:21:55 GMT -5
Return old friends and awakening old memories... :: Winter was startled when he heard one of the women at the table speak. Perhaps a good conversation would ease his worries and the wait for Airen would be much more bearable. He got off of his stool, pushed it in held his drink in one hand and in another he drug a chair to the table where the two women were sitting.: "Well you caught me. I have never been good at being subtle." ::He said this as a smirk came to his lips, which briefly hid his rather nervous nature, for only but a few seconds.:: The pipe between her teeth was drawn upon, and then removed from her teeth as the elven female invited the stranger over.. but that was not where her attention was focused. It was upon the single gold piece that had been offered her. She picked it up between her thumb and forefinger and lifted it before her eyes, turning it this way and that. A single gold? It was so funny as to strike her amazed. She.. making a single gold piece. Oh yes, she could hear the Gods laughing. She responded not however.. just shaking her head as the gold piece disappeared in her fingers and clamping her teeth firmly around her pipe once more. Truly, times had changed. She considered how long she would remain here in wait for Ekaterina. She thingyed her head.. Tapping a finger on the side of her mug. Eyes on the blue skinned fellow as he sat.. "Why do you look like a rabbit in a room full of wolves? If I you don't mind extinguishing my curiosity." She felt the warmth of the ale in her belly, and it made her feel more energized than she had in the last three days without. Of course that was the main reason she was hunting her own thief. Once she got what belonged to her back, she'd never have to go without again. It would seem the little Rogue wouldn't have much longer to wait. Having just returned from her recent hunting trip, she made way as per usual through the kitchen entrance. A few items placed upon the counter for Radulfr to tend to when he found the time, and it was then she stepped through the door and entered into the common room. Adorned in the creation of thin tanned deer hide that had been dyed a midnight black, vest like top and pants tucked into heel-less boots. Upon her left hip rested a single long bladed dagger. Long thick flaxen mane fashioned in the tiny braids of her heritage fell freely about shoulders. Icy shards of blue took in her surroundings, but would pause upon a single face. How long had it been? The pause was only momentary before she was behind the bar to seek out her tankard and fill it from the keg of honey mead. "Been a long time." Stated loud enough for the familiar fem to hear her. Once her task was completed, it was only then she'd turn to face in the woman’s direction. The other two were noted, but focus was upon only one. "I am pretty sure I am safe here. That is not bothering me. It is just that I am waiting for a friend here, and that too much time has been wasted. I am trying to catch this wizard Zarak, but yesterday, well he delayed me further so I am hoping I have not lost him." ::He just wanted this to be done, over and done. Finished. None the less he would have to be more patient. As he was absorbed in his own thoughts, for a moment he looked to the woman who entered and then to the other one who was checking her gold piece. Authenticating a gold coin? His sister did that a lot he remembered, but he knew he would never see her again.:: Sharp black eyes were on the owner of the tavern as soon as she appeared, and a nod of agreement was given her address. "Aye...but absence makes the heart grow fonder, nau?" She quipped, the joke not really funny at all, but she was still feeling the amusement of the gold piece. She tapped her pipe on the edge of the table, and it too disappeared into her cloak as she stood up, moving toward the bar as she left the two elfish folk to their talk. "Thee have some interesting patrons here." A slow thoughtful nod given.. "Wizards are a crafty lot." A glance at the one who was clearly a friend to the lady, just enough to take in her appearance, and then returned to the young fellow. "So why is it you're looking for this wizard specifically? Did he skip out on a job?" Because she'd seen that happen plenty before. Turning once more, another tankard was collected and this would be filled with the richness of the golden ale. Once completed, it would be set upon the bar before Cricket and a hint of a smirk to touch her lips. "Ja, we tend to get all sorts in here. Not as rural as we use to be, the way things are growing around us." Once the released the tankard of ale, that of mead was taken into hand. "It's not like it was in days long past, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. What brings you back?" Icy shards of blue openly regarded Cricket. "You're looking well." "They are." ::When she asked the question he was not sure whether he should answer her but, he was never a good liar and he knew he had to be a bit more open and straight forward.: "Nothing like that, much more simpler than that........he killed my father."::With that Winter took a swig of his ale and placed it on the table rather aggressively. Though he was not close, or he simply did not know his father, it still angered him none the less. For many many reasons to say the least.:: A half an ear on the conversation of wizards, she met the bar with a casual lean, and drew the tankard toward with a single hooking finger. Dark eyes glittered with appreciation and the nod was in empathy for the obstacles of running any business. She flashed Ekaterina a grin for the compliment, there and gone in a heart breaking second. "Thee too are as beautiful as I remember. Age has been kind to us both I warrant." A low chuckle, but no disregard to the inquiry. "I’ve a bit of business to talk over with thee.. something I thought thee might be interested in. Tis a bit costly, but we both know thee can afford it." Again that grin, and the glitter far back in her black eyes of good humor. Her brows lifted at that, and she leaned back in her chair.. Considering. "And you feel you're ready to face down a wizard on your own?" Not showing that she doubted his abilities. Only curious about if he'd really thought this through. Revenge tended to lack logic. That had her out right chuckling softly. "Ja, cost is no question for me..." She's done quite well for herself over the years, and it helped that some were foolish and only added to it. "So pray tell, what is this business you speak of?" Tone was kept low as she leaned upon the bar to move a bit closer to the woman. This to enable their conversation to be spoken in low key, so the other ears, unless they had special hearing, couldn't eavesdrop, that is if it was something the Elven Fem wanted to keep from being heard. "It is not that simple. See my father was the king of the Winter Court, a powerful realm of Faes. When the wizard killed my father or supposedly as I have my doubts, the court has descended into Civil War. My father had no heirs.... except for me. And even then there is problem considering I am half human. So many may not accept me. None the less, I have to stop Zarak according to my father’s Advisor in order to win the trust of the court, and stop the court from imploding. Either by taking the throne or deciding on a new king with my birth right. But I have to prove myself in order to claim my birth right." ::He looked to the woman as he spoke. This was not what he wanted, he just wanted to be home, but he kept that to himself. No point in whining.....:: Her head too leaned in, her voice kept low in privacy. Her own ears were only very human, but the other two had that elfish sensitivity she was sure. If overheard, the world would not crumble down. "Two little baubles.. possessions of an eccentric old collector. ..They are quite valuable in that they possess certain.. properties. ...they might even be worth quite more than what I ask,.. to the original owner." She studied Ekaterina as she spoke.. for she had never been certain the Nordic woman would be interested. Her index finger tapped slowly against the curled handle of her tankard.. the scent of the ale rising to her nose and she gently pushed it aside for the moment. She studied him with a critical eye. Her hands flexed around the mug, considering. "Tell me more about this wizard. What are his strengths? Most wizards do not fight with brute force. The prefer to use their magic, or a golem, sometimes an enchanted servant. How do you plan to fight him?" She wasn't asking any longer for curiosity. But more because she felt this half-blood noble needed help if he had half a chance. Two things she hated fighting were Wizards and Dragons. Neither fought in predictable patterns, it was always tricky business "Hmm..." Listening closely to her words, the tankard on the rise to sip of the mead it contained. A glance towards her other two patrons, then focus was back upon Cricket. "Just what are these items and what price is being asked?" Hands to wrap around her tankard in a casual hold. "And do I know this original owner?" Curious, since it would seem that would be the individual whom might be interested in claiming their items back, and perhaps she'd gain even more in the deal. It wasn't always an exchange of coins for her, sometimes it was a favor, or a possession, whatever floated her fancy at the time or benefited her most. ::He looked back and he focused on what to say to her. He had several encounters with Zarak, but his magicks did not seem that powerful, or at least he assumed they were not. None the less: "Well, yesterday I had him cornered most of his spells were weaker. But he was able to open a rift to the Shadow Plane, and I was trapped in there until I met a Shadow creature by the name of Airen. He got me out of the Shadow plane, but we had since lost the trail. As for other encounters basically magicks that were used to distract me. He never actually tried to kill me, he would use a fire ball to block my path, or smoke spells. He would normally flee which is why I doubt that he may have killed my father, but he is my only lead." Cricket shrugged a shoulder to Ekaterina’s question of familiarity with the collector.. she truly did not know. "Perhaps thee do, perhaps thee do not. He was introduced to me by the name of Mr. A.. though I doubt much tis his true one." She leaned a bit closer, nearly speaking in Ekaterina’s ear in a low, smooth tone. "one item will take thee wherever thee wish to go.. though there is more to tell of it. The other.. I know only one power it holds.. though I am certain it holds others. It is what is called a soul changer.. to exchange one’s mind and heart with another body. As for price.. I ask only 300 platinum for both, a good horse and of course an exchange of favor between us both for the foreseeable future." Always precise. She thingyed her head and drew back a bit.. curious to whether or not Ekaterina Did know the collector. Klissa listened thoughtfully staring into her waning drink. Not much left of the dwarf’s ale, she's stretched it out and savored it longest she could. With a bit of regret and cherish she drained what remained, placing it now empty on the side table. "Well my friend. I suggest you do not attack the wizard who has not attacked you. Instead, find an emissary, perhaps this Airen person. Send him with a list of questions and promise of payment. A wizard is far more valuable live than dead. Mayhap, he did kill your father. In which case it's a risk. If he didn't, you might ask yourself why they want you to think he did. And what sending you away from the Winter Court will benefit your enemy. Perhaps the Wizard is drawing you out? I gather you weren't raised among the Fae. Dangers ones who can lie while speaking only the truth." Now the Norse had little love for magicks, or those who wielded them. However, the idea of an item that would take her where she wanted, now that did interest her; for many, many reasons. Head tilted slightly as she listened to whispered words, and a brow did rise as the asking price. "Hmm, quite costly indeed." Quietly murmured. The name she rummaged through her mind, it didn't ring familiar, but then it was vague at best. Drawing back as Cricket did, her tankard on the rise to sip from as she considered what was said. "Give me a moment." The tankard was then lowered to the bars surface, she'd then turn and disappear into the kitchen. Radulfr was busy chopping up the meat from her hunt the day before. "Rad .. I need to you to go to the manor, you know where I keep my stash." She needed not say more on that, for he understood her meaning. "Bring me back 300 platinum in a sturdy pouch, and one of my best mares from the stables, fully tacked. Bring them back here to the Inne, and leave your slave to tend to the meat." Rad gave her a strange look, but knew better than to question her. A nod of his head and he would clean up and leave by the back door. It was then she'd return to the common room, behind the bar and back to her previous spot. "Your request will be here within an hour. What you request, I don't keep here." Statement would clearly be she was in agreement with the price. The reason she didn't balk? The first item could be quite valuable to her in many ways, and the cost could be recovered tenfold. "You may be right. Though I would rather speak to Zarak. I have no intention on killing him until I found out his story. And I never thought of that, either. Zarak does not want to speak, he just flees. So I wish to encounter him myself. And you are right I was not raised by the Fae. I was raised in an Inn much like this one...." Cricket nodded and took a stool as Ekaterina left the room, patient until the woman returned. A smile came to her lips as the deal was sealed and as they waited, she withdrew a small bag from her cloak, gently easing it to the bar top. From it, she removed a smaller pouch of deep red velvet and what was left in the larger bag was obviously small and round. This, she pushed to Ekaterina, who would find the orb within to appear to be solid gold. "It was told to me in this way. ..It is called a Golden Traveler. They can go wherever you command it and they do a quick job of it. It seems with every trip, however, one person is left behind. For this reason, I would not use it alone." She gestured to the orb, to show Ekaterina the two points on which to apply pressure, and this had the small gold ball splitting in half and revealing thinking, ticking, quiet guts. "It’s limitation, is that thee can only use it once, for once used, it will return to a glass bowl that resides in the collection of Mr. A." From the other small pouch, she poured out what looked to be a necklace of silver strands upon which were strung beads on either side of a pendant. She spread this out with a single finger. "This.. is the soul changer. One person holds one end, another the opposite. The pendant is slid from one to the other. The other beads do other things, though I was not informed of what those are. Supposedly Mr. A did not know either." This explained, she returned her explanation to the golden orb. "it has deviations.. alterations.. moods if thee will. I have traveled three times with them.. I must say the experience is not pleasant." She flashed him a warm smile. It was a good start, he had more to think about. "Good. There is always another secret. Remember that. Judge people by motives, and you might survive to old age." Even her own motives could and should be questioned. Not that she had any intention of spilling her own secrets. It could even be asked if their meeting here was really a thing of happenstance, or something more. -continued ...
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