Life at the Stumble Inne

[Ekaterina]

The items were examined, though she made no move to touch them. Listening to the explanation of how they worked, and then informed about the glass bowl, a glance up at Cricket then. "Hmm, seems I need to find out about this Mr. A." More because now she was curious about this glass bowl. "Any information you can give me on him would be helpful." Though she'd not fully explain her reasoning, but even if it was to hold his items for barter, or hostage, he seemed to be a point of interest at this moment.


"Yes, basically as you can tell, I was forced into this and this was not my calling. Thank you for listening to my story though. My name is Winter.... makes sense my mother choose that name."::He offered his hand to her in friendly gesture, for her to shake. He had been meeting people lately that were willing to listen to him and not shun him. Of course he was a little bit too trust worthy to say the least. This young woman was very helpful to say the least, and her advice rang true.::


Anyone else she would have charged more for the information, but she respected this Nordic woman and had no love for the collector. She did chuckle a bit as she thought back. "The men that work for him wear brown cloaks.. and he has a little bookworm of a scribe that has some odd ties to him. Lyall British is his name. ..but use caution, Lady. ..Mr. A is not what he
appears to be. He is a trickster of the worst kind. Tis my warning to thee." With this said, the string of beads was tucked back into its pouch, and that back into the bag containing the golden traveler. "I was told if I did not return the beads to him, he would kill me." Here she met Ekaterina’s eye and
flashed a wicked grin, both disarming and dangerous. "and here I am, still alive" She chuckled, black eyes twinkling.

He was green. It was shameful that his family had neglected teaching him how to really fend for himself. Too open. Getting hurt was the fastest cure for that. Betrayal, the surest. "I am Klissa." She reached out with her own calloused and scarred hand shaking his in a firm grip. "Where do you think your wizard is now, any ideas?"

She listened to the warnings, and took in the information the woman shared. Icy blues rose to meet the rogues eyes and she'd smirk. "How many times has your life been threatened Cricket!?" More a rhetorical question than one needing an answer. "If you had a coin for each time, I'm sure you'd have a hoard a dragon would envy." Smirking as that tankard of hers was lifted to sip from. When it lowered a glance would be spared the other patrons, then attention was back upon Cricket. "A trickster you say, I've dealt with his kind in the past. I have a few things up my own sleeves."

::He received noticing her hands were scarred but said nothing. None the less, he had forgotten about Airen, but no matter Airen would be here soon he hoped.:: "Somewhere in the Dunelands, south of here. I had encountered him near the fallen statues of some dragon God.....and that is when he sent me to the shadow plane. When Airen found me and got me out of the shadow plane, we were back in the desert but not near the statues.... so we came back to civilization. I assume he is still in the desert... maybe hiding out back at those ruins."


Cricket laughed at the question, laughed full and from the belly. It was enough that she had long lost count, if ever she had kept it. Her laughter tapering off to chuckles, she nodded at having to deal with tricksters. "Aye, I’ve no doubt thee can handle such as he. His greed is easily his weakest spot. .. and by the way.. there are two more of those golden travelers. If one had the bowl.." she let that trail off, a little brow waggle given the Nordic woman.

The desert. She made a face at that. The sun was harsh for her, thought traveling at night suited her more favorably. Not that she had plans to go into the desert. "Stop trusting people with your plans.. If someone offers help, or information. Question why they would help. What telling you this gains them." Why was she bothering? The elf hadn't decided yet.

Seems the little elf was reading her mind, and it caused her to smirk more in the process. "Aren't all men greedy my friend? They all have their weaknesses and that's where individuals like you and I come in." The thief and the assassin, what a world they lived in. A world that made them richer because of other men’s greed and weakness. "Will you be leaving once you're paid, or be sticking around for a day or two?" The two of them had a history that expanded back through time. The original owner of the Stumble Inne the reason they even came to know each other to begin with. But
since his disappearance, and that of his wife, Kat remained behind running things till she claimed it for her own and then made it more so through the years of remodeling and setting it up to fit her needs.


"I am pretty sure telling you will not harm me by any means. I can tell though you are the opposite of me. Maybe I am too trusting, but maybe you are not trusting enough either. See you probably right, and you have an advantage over me as I know next to nothing about you other than your name. But while I may not have been out in the field as long as you, I did learn a thing or two about people....by watching them. Talking to them though is a different story"

Indeed it was a dangerous world for them all, but what was life without a little spice. Cricket considered the request, glancing from the other patrons, to the room itself. She nodded to herself as if in consideration and then turned the same nod to Ekaterina. "I’ll say for a bit.. though
I’ll be in and out. Perhaps we can exchange a few tales over a bottle aye?" She herself had some information on Aloysius if not Nicodemus.

"Not maybe, you are too trusting. And you should not trust me." She felt tired, and though sleeping in a soft bed, one of which a place such as this promised sounded appealing. She still had a contact to meet. “You need someone to rap you on the head when you start spilling your guts. A few good raps, and maybe you'd learn." Though he seemed hardheaded as her friend Gray. Who also trusted the whole word. Gray, who took communing with nature to sickeningly sweet levels.

To that she'd nod. "Then a room on the house, for old times’ sake." So long it had been since she seen Aloysius, she figured he had himself killed over his woes of missing Indigo. He had been slowly drinking himself while mourning, and taking risks in hopes of dying since he wouldn't take his own life. As for Nick, she missed the haunting sounds of his violin, which was left behind and she kept on display at her manor. She gave up years ago on ever seeing the two of them, mourned their loss as she figured they were long since dead and buried. "Radulfr, he's a pretty good cook. He's been with me since Alex passed away almost a year ago now." Not sure if Cricket remembered the old warrior that had helped about the place, a man who was like a father to her and greatly missed.

"Maybe, and you might be right....but I believe it can be both ways. I probably need someone to hit me in the head, I am sure Airen would be the one to do that. And as for you? What makes you so bad?" ::he looked at her with a hard look. She was right, he just did not want to admit it that she was.::


"Thee have my thanks" she nodded in acceptance of the room, a glance toward the back room where apparently Radulfr resided, then again to Ekaterina, a slight frown passing over her brow like a thundercloud. She had not known Alex had passed. "I remember him." The words the best she could say that showed the passing of the man some respect. Then she shifted from grief to humor, dragging Kat along with her. "Pretty good cook my arse..." and here she lifted her voice, yelling into where the old tender was hiding "do thee hear that, thee blasted Nordic bastard.. I knew thee could cook better!" and this in reference to the breakfast he had served her this morning of tough
ham and runny eggs. She smirked and looked back to the woman "I’ve been here two days.. I’ve nae killed him yet." a chuckle in finish, and a shake of her head as the old Viking yelled back that she got what she paid for.

Her flash of a smile was enigmatic, and she stood with a stretch. Then reached out and patted his cheek. "Exactly.. What you don't know, can hurt you." She'd pick up her empty mug to tote back to the bar, and to retrieve the wineskin, hopefully full now. "Try not to get yourself killed between now and next time." Then she'd saunter over to get the wineskin. Another silver for the tender for his troubles.

Tsuyosa, it was a name that hadn't been heard in quite some time. Some would say he had vanished off the face of the world. Others claimed he served a much larger purpose. While neither could truly be disputed what was evident now was the chill that began to emerge. It came natural with his presence and slow, calculating steps was leading him toward the doors of the Stumble Inn. Leather composed of a reaper's hues and a katana that's frostbitten blade skated across the dirt leading forward. His weathered features were concealed for the most part in due thanks to a heavy hooded cloak. Typical of whom he was. The blade itself was lifted and latched onto his back. Odd for anyone considering he may have been of Oriental descent. Truly, he wasn't. It was just a guise for the chameleon. His walk was more Westernized but his progression confidence as a gloved hand wrapped around the entrance. A moment of hesitation but he managed to go through with it. Inward, he came. Whiskey coated gaze drifting along those within being cautious of other eyes. Respect, by a light nod given to those he acknowledged. A step to the right cleared him the door and it was there he remained while he gathered his bearings.

Now that had her out right laughing, a hand slapping the bars surface. "Ahhh now, now. Don't you know, you shouldn't bite the hand which feeds ya." Teasingly stated. Hearing the roar from the kitchen only spurned more laughter. "Now your biscuits will be dry for sure, and your meats like leather." Adding more to the tease. A glance towards the woman who approached the bar and collected the wineskin that Radulfr evidently tended for her earlier. The coin would be collected and set aside for him to collect later. As this was done, a key would be procured for Cricket and walked back to her and handed over. "Your room will be on the third floor, it used to be the living quarters before I moved up on the cliffs." Icy shards of blue would shift when another entered through the door. The individual rang of familiarity, but couldn't be placed at the moment. A nod of her head directed his way before attention was back upon the rogue. "Your horse will be in the stables, the pouch you'll find delivered to your room." And a heavy one at that.


::He was intrigued by her, not sure if he would meet her again.... none the less he goes outside and wait.::


There was a slight stiffening of her as she slid off her stool, accepting the key passed her way with a nod of gratitude for the larger space. A cast of her eyes down and to the side the only sign of her notice of the chilly new patron. An instant later, her hood was flipped up and over the spill of her dark hair and casting its shadows across her features. The pouch was pushed across to Ekaterina, having no doubt the woman would deliver her end. "well done and well had. I look forward to the time here.. always assuming thee does not get me drawn and quartered. " She chuckled and turned for the stairs.


She took the wineskin and strapped it crossways over frame, beneath the cloak. Then tugged up the hood as she turned, it was time to go, and out she went.

-continued ...

[Ekaterina]

Shadows elongated as the sun sank behind the rise of the mountains, blanketing the area in darkness. Though the moon wasn't full, its brightness did bask the area in a dim bluish illumination of light. Windows were left partly opened even though a fire did blaze within the massive hearth. A few patrons lingered, savoring their drinks, mainly those that had procured a room for the night. Radulfr was busy hauling in wood through a door that rested at the Inn’s side, whilst his slave tended to the kitchen in his absence. Behind the bar she had taken up vigil, though took this time of quiet to work on some paperwork that was needed to be finished. A tankard of mead in hand as she read the top parchment which rested upon a small pile of others. Adorned not this night was she in traditional leathers, but the simplicity of a plain cotton gown of forest green coloration. No braids of heritage adorned in hair that was left to fall freely over shoulders, cascading in a fall of flaxen waves to frame features with its forward drift due to bend of head.


"Well," spoke a familiar voice, calm, yet spiced with a faint accent she couldn't quite place. A northerner perhaps, but one that struck a chord of recognition. "There's a change I wasn't expecting." A pair of hands settled upon the counter in front of her, and when Kat glanced up it was to find a keen set of gray eyes studying her through a lens of appreciation. "And not an unpleasant one, either..." he amended with an apologetic smile, as if just now catching the potential insult of his words. Randell Daviun hadn't seemed to change a bit since last she saw the erstwhile merchant, who purchased rooms for himself and the scarred half-elf he had introduced as a guardsman. Tonight he was dressed warmly in a long black cloak, with a burgundy vest of silk overlapping a coal-hued shirt. Upon his breast was the rose-pin he favored, three petals of pristine ruby glimmering with life, yet a single onyx tear represented one wilted petal. "No braids or leathers, yet something tells me you're never without steel..." he suggested with a raised brow and a slight smile, doing a brief search with a glance before returning to her eyes.

Head lifted and slowly icy shards of blue rose to meet the familiar gaze of the merchant and she'd offer him a bit of a smirk. "It's always good to keep people guessing, just when they think they have something figured out." The papers would be set into a leather folder, which would be closed and slipped to a shelf under the bar. "Ale?" Inquired as she turned to collect a tankard and moved to the kegs where she'd now pause and glance back at him. A light chuckle to follow. "This may be an Inne, but we do get the occasional unruly soul. I would be a fool to be unarmed." It was then she grinned. "Although a stool and chair does make a wonderful bludgeon weapon in a time of need."

"It is never safe to assume," Randell agreed, settling on to one of Kat's vaunted bludgeoning weapons as he shook his head. "I'd prefer some brandy, and perhaps a bit of bread and cheese if you have any." The coins rang out in a brief chime against the counter. It was enough to comfortably settle the price of room and board for the evening. While hardly frugal with his purse, Randell didn't show off his wealth, just enough to pay for the necessities, and finery, too, with a little left over in a tip that often earned him a thankful smile. Not that he expected anything of the kind from Kat. No, she was in a league all of her own, and Randell enjoyed their word games more than any subtle mannerism of thanks she could muster. "You might be seeing a lot more of me, soon, along with a far bit of business. I'm moving a good deal of my holdings to the port, and arranging purchase of lodgings suitable to my tastes, but until that's accomplished, I'll be taking rooms here." He paused for a moment, considering something before adding. "With your leave, of course, and a fair bit of my coin."



A nod as the tankard would be returned to be replaced by a snifter. A bottle of rye brandy then retrieved and set upon the bar before him. Cork pulled free and she'd fill the glass before sliding it before him. "Same room as before?" Inquired as she gazed upon him. A slight rise of brow with the announcement of his move. "Really? Have you found a warehouse befitting your tastes? I know there are some with comfortable lodging in their lofts." She should know, she owned them. "There are also a few houses that have recently become vacant ..." With this tid-bit of information she almost fully smirked, one that held a cold nature which reflected within those baby blues. There and gone within the beat of a heart. "They rest upon the cliff that overlooks the entire port. You can see all homesteads, farms, ranches, and the sea beyond from their placement." She'd then turn to move to the kitchen door, pushing it open slightly and called to someone within. "A plate of cheese, bread, and slice a fresh apple and put upon it." Once she heard acknowledgment of the order placed, she'd move back inside and make her way to stand across the bar from him.


"I prefer to distance myself from where I choose to work," Randell replied with a casual air, holding up his snifter to the light before taking a cultured sip. "So, yes... I'll be looking into some of the homes lining the ridge, as there are few things I appreciate more than a stunning view." His words were perfectly calm, without a hint of pretense or innuendo, yet the way those gray eyes studied her might've caused the woman to think twice. "And yes, those rooms will be fitting until I find a more permanent residence." Scratching the line of his jaw, Randell took a moment to survey the other patrons for a moment before continuing in a quieter voice. "Though, I must admit, I've heard several... disturbing rumors of late, about violence and disappearances around the port." Staring into his snifter, swirling the contents, he finally lifted his gaze once more to pit her with a knowing look. "Have you heard anything about this?"


"Then perhaps we'll be neighbors." Stated with the hint of a smile, motion captured from the corner of her eye as Lilly, Radulfr slave entered with a plate in hand. This would be taken from her and the girl dismissed before moving to set the plate before him. Pale eyes rose to settle upon him. "Ja, that's common enough news about the dock and warehouse district. Some claim its slavers, others an assassins guild. Some blame it on black magic. It all depends on what rumor that captures your hearing." A hand motioned to the interior of the dining room and bar. "Here, I hear them all, and some I can no longer remember." It was then she'd turn to collect her tankard in hand before turning back to gaze upon him. "Kiel is a land of superstition, Randell. Believe only some of what you see, half of what you hear, and none of what you read around here." Offered as friendly advice.


"Oh, I'm certain you're right... I guess it'll take some time to grow accustom to my new environs." He wore a faint smile, taking periodic sips from his brandy while amusing himself with studying the inn's small crowd. There was something in his tone which might've caught the proprietress' ear, a flat note which belied the ease of his words. She knew the merchant already appeared to have a fine handle on things, never appearing too surprised over events or rumors, and even adding his own information into the pot now and again. Then what could be the purpose of that lilting hint? There could only be on real answer. Respect. They played a game, certain as snow was gold, but some moves might've been so openly obvious it could be seen as insulting. Randell put a balm on that sting. "You know the surrounding area better than I do," he continued, folding a slice of apple into a bit of bread and taking a small bite. "Is there anyone who might be threatened with a merchant moving his holdings here, or perhaps an unsavory sort that might expect me to pay for certain protection over a warehouse of mine?"



Back to lean against the counter behind her, tankard grasped between both hands. Icy blues to openly regard the merchant that rested ahead of her. Head tilted slightly as he spoke. "It may be more those here growing accustom to you, more correctly." A teasing lilt to that tone. Tankard then on the rise as a sip was taken. Pale eyes made a glance about the common room to take note of the patrons so see if her services were needed. Seeing no indication of such, attention would return upon him as he spoke. Tankard lowered and held about waist height between hands. "Oh, there's always those who have a competitive edge. There will also be those who will attempt to rob you blind, or try to muscle you out." Offered in sincerity. The market was a competitor’s playground, where one tried to outdo the other. Just the name of the game when it came to those types. "As for paying for protection, I better never catch wind of such actions taking place." Tone at that point held a slight razor edge. "I provide the only protection that's necessary and pay well for it." At least she hadn't gotten wind of anyone trying to muscle those to whom she was the Landlord of, nor wasn’t interference with any of her own businesses and warehouses; that didn’t mean it going on. Just that she wasn't privy to the information that it was.


Randell took it all in stride, slicing off several pieces of crumbling goat cheese and eating it off the flat of the knife. "So everything I've come to expect of any city with a notable population and established market." He seemed quite pleased with that, though why of it didn't seem easily concluded. Setting down his utensil and snifter, he glanced suddenly out the window and frowned. Something caused the man's brow to crease, and a shadow fell across his handsomely carved features, like dark, polished wood shimmering in the half-light of the common room. "Can you possibly have that little slave girl wrap this up and send it to my rooms? I need a moment of reflection... there's a missive I need to write, before the hour grows too much later." He excused himself with a cordial smile, heading toward the stairs when she handed him a key. He was gone soon after.



"Especially a port city, where all walks of life sail into the harbor, and travel the lands to and from the same." Head tilted slightly as she openly regarded him. "You didn't strike me as one who would be concerned with such matters." Just a statement, nothing that required a response. When he looked towards the windows, her own gaze would follow then return back upon him when he spoke. A nod of her head in agreement. "Ja, I'll have her tend to the matter." Stated just prior to his rise, she'd then move to retrieve his key to his room and hand it to him. Pale eyes watched as he ascended the stairs, she'd then turn to call the girl forth and give the instructions. Soon his food along with the bottle of brandy and glass, would be delivered to his room.