The Wayfarer's Inn

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith

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Wisteria & Erynneth
February

Eryn and Wist both laughed at the goat story. "That must have been quite funny to watch!" Wist giggled, trying to imagine it. "When me and Eryn first met, she had a baby calf to take care of." She took her hot chocolate and led the way toward a table, smiling at the memory.

Eryn smiled. "And Wist, too." She added in a little aside, to Istriel, though loud enough for Wist to hear.

Wist stopped at an empty table a bit further from other people, and smiled as she put her cup down. "Yes, me too." She admitted with a little laugh. "I'm sure I didn't make it easy for you, or the ranger in charge of us." She said to Eryn, in a tone something between being apologetic, and amused at the same time. "How's this table?"

"Perfect." Eryn motioned for Istriel to choose a seat, and then chose another seat for herself, so they could all talk easily. "We're not at all in a hurry, and you aren't a bother, nor intruding!" She assured her, then added, "And just for the record, what happened there at the bar, was not your fault." She assured Istriel. "That guy was rude, and he should have apologized for pushing you out of the way. There was plenty of room for him further down the counter." She shrugged. "I just don't like people being pushed around." She still remembered the day she had first met Kaylin, when some guy had bumped into Eryn while carrying some wood, and had all but knocked her down without even a hint of apology. Perhaps Kaylin had rubbed off on her a bit since then. But that couldn't be a bad thing, right?

Once they were all seated at the table, Istriel mentioned finding employment and asked for their opinions. "Hmm," Wist thought about that, with a little giggle when she mentioned that ballerina was 'off the list'. "Well... I suppose it depends on what sort of job you're interested in doing." She said with thoughtfulness. "I really wanted one at the Hall of Song, doing anything I could do, just so I'd be close to the dancers and the ballet classes and everything." She explained, with a hint of shyness as she admitted how picky she had been about finding a job. "But, I suppose I could've gotten other jobs, elsewhere. They're more common in the lower levels. But I definitely would not recommend a job at the laundress, up on the sixth." She made a face at that. "That mean old woman's always cheating her employees and I heard rumors that she even had one girl arrested because she tried to take the wages she was owed." She huffed at the audacity of such a thing.

Eryn made a face. "Ugh, Ms Irma. Stay far, far away from her." She warned. "She's enough to ruin anyone's day, even if you only have to endure her for a few seconds." She shuddered at the very thought of it, perhaps a bit too dramatically. But it should be enough to make it clear that this Irma person was someone to avoid at all costs.

Then, she paused to think for a moment. "One other option.. this wouldn't be what I'd call exciting, but my aunt might possibly be willing to hire someone to help out around the farm now that I'm getting busier with other things." She thought she'd mention it, just so the option was out there in case she would be interested. Eryn couldn't guarantee that Aggie would hire her, of course, but she could make the recommendation if Istriel was interested. "Also, I can take you up to the sixth anytime you'd like, and introduce you to the master healer, and the ranger captain." She offered with a little smile, since Istriel had mentioned both possibilities. "Rangering is definitely the more exciting of the two," She added. "But, it also depends on what you like. I mean, being a healer can also lead to other sorts of excitement. Like, maybe you could become a sort of.. traveling healer, or you could become some sort of specialist healer or something. If you feel like helping people to heal might be something that appeals to you, you might consider it." She shrugged, unsure what the other girl was interested in.

"Oh, there's also the guards." Wist mentioned. "I think they're even shorthanded right now, aren't they?" She asked, checking with Eryn.

"Umm, yeah, I think so." Eryn nodded slowly. "Though, I'm not sure who you'd need to talk to, for that." She added. "But, yeah, there's plenty of options for you to choose from."

[Eldrith]

Istriel
February

"There was a ranger in charge of you?"
Istriel had picked up on that tidbit even as she settled down. She shrugged with a tiny motion of her shoulders. Her aunt didn't like fights and the man had just been going to pick up his ale. Men and their ale could sometimes be foolish. She didn't mind moving out of someone's way. She sighed a bit. That.. might not be a good quality in a potential ranger. Wist asked her what she wanted to do and she made a face. She knew a whole lot of things she didn't want to do. That is, not that she HATED doing those things, and she would gladly do them if needed for a while. She didn't mind helping, she didn't mind hard work, but none of them had felt like a thing she wanted to spend her life doing.

"I like helping people? And I have NO desire to do laundry. Well to do laundry for a profession' she added, wrinkling her nose. Especially when you added someone who cheated employees and having someone arrested. "Having someone arrested for taking their earned wages? That's evil!" The indignation was real and immediate. She would like to give the moment a piece of her mind. Realizing this she could feel the gentle scold of her aunt about moderating her temper and her tone, else no decent folk would want to do with you.

"You choose with your heart." She told WIst. "With a passion that you felt within your gut. You already know where you need to be, just not quite yet by which road. But you will get there. I envy you that certainty!" She could almost see you in 50 years when you would teach dance to little girls just like you were now, and tell them of all you had seen and felt on stage when you were the greatest ballerina ever. That was a blessing, wasn't it?

Istriel looked almost apologetic at Eryn. "I have been offered work on a farm. My brother.." this time she didn't correct herself to her cousin, but simply lapsed into what was familiar "would like nothing better. He says I know the work, I'm good at it, it would give his wife more time for the children and me the chance to spoil them." And she liked spoiling them. She'd promised to WRITE letters, not that they could read them yet but their father could.

On one hand, she liked the idea of helping people. So that would point towards healer. But on the other she liked .. excitement. The idea of doing something new and different and being a ranger seemed as far removed from being a farmer or a seamstress as could be.

"Ohh tell me about the guards!"
It was said with the enthusiasm of a new idea, something else that sounded exciting. Then again did guards just.. guard things? Did they just stand around for hours on end shoo-ing away pigeons and gawking children? Or was there.. Action. The word whispered. She liked it when things moved fast, when decisions needed to be made. She thought perhaps that she might have liked being an inn keeper at one time after there had been a very lively evening of singing and dancing and people shouting and all of such at the village pub when she was there for the first time as a child, only to be very disappointed when she realized that that wasn't every night.*

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith

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Wisteria & Erynneth
February

It seemed that Istriel was curious about them having had a ranger in charge of them, so Eryn smiled and offered a slight explanation. "Yes, Ranger Unalmis," She answered with the faintest of blushes on her cheeks, smiling just slightly at the mention of his name. "It was during the war, and we were being evacuated out of the city." She went on to explain. "So, he was assigned to guide the last group of evacuees out to Lossarnach, and Wist and I were both in that group."

"And her cow with its newborn calf!" Wist added. "She was adorable, and I got to help take care of her." She grinned. "I'd never seen a cow up close before then." She added with a little giggle. "I saw lots of livestock up close, before we ended up coming back to the city. It was quite an adventure."


Neither of them could blame Istriel for not wanting to do laundry! Eryn grinned. "Smart, yeah. Mostly the only ones who end up working there, are those desperate enough to take whatever job they can get. But you won't get there." She promised. "You already have plenty of options!"

Wist smiled at the words aimed at her, about her choice in job. "Thanks, but you shouldn't envy me too much," She laughed lightly. "I mean, it isn't easy, and.. well, it sounds like you have a wonderful family to support you and write to you and everything. That must be really nice."

Eryn nodded in understanding when she turned down the offer of a farm job. "Can't blame you," She shrugged, smiling. "I mean, it's not bad, and I don't mind helping my family with chores and whatnot, but it isn't really... what I want to do for the rest of my life, you know?" She shrugged and took a sip of her hot chocolate.

Eryn was a bit surprised by Istriel's sudden enthusiasm about the guards idea. "Hm.. I really don't know much about them." She admitted. "I mostly see them standing at the gates, or patrolling the streets. Stuff like that." She answered, uncertain what more to say about them.

"They also solve crimes," Wist mentioned. "I mean, not that there's a lot of crime around here," She added hastily. "At least, I hope not. I don't hear about any, or, well. I just meant, if there were any crimes, that the guards would take care of it. And they'd investigate it, and catch the criminal and put him in prison, and all that. So, you know. They do investigating stuff sometimes as well as guarding the city." She paused, trying to think if there was anything else. "During the war, they had the guards going around to make sure all the non-fightery people got out of the city before the fighting began." She added. "That's how I ended up in the wagon group with Eryn," She added with a little blushing smile.

[Eldrith]

"Ohh it must have been an adventure, even though I am certain it was a frightening one. And not one I would wish on you or anyone, even if the calf was adorable." Istriel said resolutely. An evacuation, having to leave everything behind, and considering you didn't mention your father or parents and a ranger assigned, it might have meant separation from your parents. She decided to quickly leave the subject behind though she did notice the quick and quiet blush on Eryn's features as she had mentioned that name.

"My aunt would say that nothing in life comes easy and if it does you should distrust it. But yes, I have a wonderful family. And you won't be cleaning the halls forever!" She'd never known her father and her mother had been a person who visited, not someone who raised her. She'd been pretty and strong and interesting, but she always made her aunt nervous. She had died four or five years ago and while she mourned her, it was sort of a different, more abstract grief than perhaps she should feel.

She returned Eryn's nod in that shared understanding. It wasn't bad. I twas a good life and no, she never minded helping. She might even see if whatever job she had could miss her for a few weeks during the height of harvest season to lend some hands but.. it was not what she wanted to do with her OWN life. She made a face at the description of the guards.

"Lots of standing around doesn't seem.. though patrols might be interesting." Crime solving though brought her up short. She was never explicitly told "the family secret' but she knew. Or at least she partially knew. Her mother had been into some unsavory things. SHe had even been arrested at one time. That was probably not something she should share with her new friends. 'Daughter of a criminal' might not be the introduction decent folks wanted to their daughters.

"It sounds like the guards are also an amazing group of people" *She noticed that blush, and the joy you had in the fact that you and Eryn had shared an adventure. No doubt under the watchful eyes of Ranger Unalmis.
"So.. we have laundry, a no. Rangers, possibly. Healers, possibly. Guards... " There was a hesitation. "I don't know about the guards. Any other professions. I am a hard worker. I am strong, I can ride a horse and manage a cart. I like helping people but I guess I want a bit of adventure. No mind that Aunty Bee says that there's enough adventure in seeing if next summer is a rainy one."

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith

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Wisteria & Erynneth
February

Eryn nodded slightly. "It.. was a bit scary," She agreed. "But sort of fun, in a way." She smiled. "Definitely an adventure, like you said. But I made friends out of it," She glanced at Wist. "And everyone I knew came out alright. My father had to go off to Ithilien to fight with Captain Faramir, so I was pretty worried about him, but we found each other after everything was all over." She assured Istriel. Everything had worked out alright in the end. For their family, at least.

Wist smiled at the words quoted from Istriel's aunt. "That sounds about right." She laughed. "I'm glad you have a wonderful family." She said genuinely, smiling with happiness for the other girl, that she had something Wist had always wished for. She was glad for her, rather than envying her. "And yes, with any luck, I'll be done being the cleaning girl before the end of the year, and on my way to being a professional ballerina." She grinned with confidence. She'd always said, ever since she was little, that she'd be a ballerina one day, even though everyone told her that she was dreaming in the clouds.

Back on the topic of a job, Eryn nodded. "Yeah, I kind of think being a guard isn't the right thing for you, from what I've heard." She declared. Even if they were a bit short-staffed at the moment, she didn't think Istriel would like that career. She refrained from mentioning certain things that she knew, since it had been suggested that there was a line between informing people of what happened, and spreading rumors.

"How about, after we finish our hot chocolate, you can get settled into your room, and then we can go up to the sixth level together?" Eryn suggested. "Wist has to go up to the fifth level, anyway, so I was going to walk with her." She might be slightly edgy after things that had happened over the autumn and winter, but she felt better if Wist didn't walk home alone. Even if she had learned a few very basic sword techniques, that wasn't the same as knowing how to fight. Besides, Eryn was sort of eager to see whether Istriel might prefer healing or rangering, so she'd be happy to introduce her to the person in charge of either options.

[Eldrith]

Istriel
February

For your family. Not all families had been that lucky. But she was glad none the less that it had been mostly an adventure for you and one that held little horrors and brought you both together as friends, and perhaps a glimpse of something else as well.

"A family can be a blessing." She said, somehow a bit more cautious. She didn't know to be cautious on your behalf, but she was on her own. She HAD a wonderful family she reminded herself. The fact that they didn't always understand her made it even more special that she had never felt unloved or unwelcome. They wanted to understand, and they wanted to protect and care for her, and they would be happy if she made it a success this time. They might even approve of the idea of being a healer's apprentice and then likely .. very likely they would start a long ten year plan to have her move from the city back to the village eventually to be a healer there. She grinned at that. She liked the idea of being a healer. She also liked the idea of being a ranger.

"When you have your first official performance, even when it's not as prima ballerina, even when it's just in the chorus.. I will come and bring you flowers! " *She offered to Wist, with complete confidence already that that first performance would come and that one day from 'a ballerina' she would be 'the' ballerina. Perhaps the trust was naive, perhaps it simply came from the fact that she didn't know how few people actually made it that far, but she had seen your enthusiasm and from there, she shared your dreamer. Dreaming was something that her aunt HAD worried about.

She nodded seriously at Eryn, somehow already considering her an authority of some sort. "So no to the guards." IF she were to come across someone who gave her a burning reason to join the guards, of course she might think about it a bit deeper, but for now she was rather glad to have a direction, any direction that made it less overwhelming. And besides, it might.. not be a good thing, considering.. well...her aunt would have a fit at the very least. But she nodded at the suggestion.

"That would be lovely. I bet you both know the shortest ways around here. And then you can introduce me." As she added that last, there was a self conscious moment where she smoothed her dress. What kind of a first impression would she make? New to the city and bold as brass going to see about apprenticing as either a ranger or a healer or ... could a ranger be a healer? Did rangers need healers?

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith

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Wisteria & Erynneth
February

Wist smiled broadly at Istriel's promise to attend her first performance. "I'll be sure and let you know!" She promised in return. That made what, four different friends who'd made that promise? Gaer, Linn, Eryn, and now Istriel. She was making a lot of friends lately! Of course, she didn't expect that she'd get to be on stage for the performance this summer, but she had never been this close before, so that was exciting. Maybe in another year, she'd have earned a place with the dancers who performed. Valar willing.

Eryn nodded with enthusiasm. Then, their plan was settled from here. "I can definitely introduce you." She promised. "Assuming she isn't busy, that is. I mean, I wouldn't want to interrupt something important. But if she's available, sure." She grinned. "And, if she is busy, I can also introduce you to the next person in line to talk to." She did happen to know a good deal about the workings of both the healers and the rangers.

"Oh.. that applies to both the houses of healing, and the rangers," Eryn thought to clarify. "The Master Healer there is Pele Alarion," She informed her. "She also happens to be Captain of the Rangers. So, only one introduction for both things." She grinned. "Which I think should make it a bit easier on me when I join the rangers. Because the captain already knows me and knows my level of training for the healing skills. That's something every ranger has to pass, by the way. You never know when you might need to know how to bandage a wound." She added that more seriously, remembering how panicked she'd been back in the spring when Kaylin got hurt while she and Eryn had been alone in the woods. "Skills like that could save someone's life, including your own, you know?"

[Eldrith]

Istriel
February

For Istriel, it was because of the fact that Wist radiated joy when even talking about dance. Some people were like that. Istriel liked to dance well enough. It was fun. But Wist had given her heart to it, and that heart spilled over on her lips. How could you not share in the joy of that, even for someone who they had just met? It wasn't hard to believe in the young girl, because all those hopes, all those dreams, and all that energy and determination must lead to something good, right?

"Of course! Only if she is not busy." Istriel affirmed to Eryn. *She didn't want to interrupt anything important either. She was already feeling warmed by sheer joy and hope that a simple meeting like this was turning out in a way that offered direction. Maybe it was meant to be? Maybe this was a way for her path to be lit before her. Guided to it by others who were willing to help and be kind. Surely such a path could not BE bad?

"Oh, I do know the basics. A little bit. Like not like a true healer, but how to clean and bandage things." There were always little injuries on the farm, plough shears, kicking animals, shovels, carts and scythes.. taming the soil to give up it's fruits was not always an easy or light matter. And her aunt, like most country wives, made her own healing salves and things that could at least sooth or clean.
There was a certain amount of intimidation though, now that she actually stood before the moment to take that step. "How ehm.. that is.. the Captain of the rangers.. and the Master healer, are they .. strict?" She hesitated over the word strict, what she really meant was 'scary' but she didn't feel like she could ask that. What would such an accomplished person think of her, with her dozen and one skills but not real mastery or passion for any of them?

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith

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Wisteria & Erynneth
February

Eryn smiled. "Well, if she is busy, there is always the backup people." She pointed out. "Healer Linaiwe usually has time even if Pele doesn't," She thought for a moment, trying to decide who would be next in line to talk to for the rangers, if Pele wasn't around. Since Arnyn wasn't, either. She'd figure it out. She'd ask Nal or Kaylin if she couldn't find anyone. But she definitely was not going to subject Istriel to a meeting with that other lieutenant. She nearly made a face just at the thought of it.

She nodded in understanding when Istriel mentioned knowing some of the basic healing things. "It's good stuff to know, working on a farm." She agreed, understanding how that was. Even if it wasn't the same kind of farm, they still had the risk of injuries. Mending fences, getting kicked or stepped on by large animals, or even just day-to-day bumps and scrapes that anyone might end up dealing with.

When Istriel asked whether Pele was strict, Eryn paused and considered that with a hint of amusement playing in her eyes. "Strict?" She repeated thoughtfully. "Well... she can be, I suppose." She wasn't going to lie. She'd heard that the captain had put Nal's friend Cadil through a lot. "But she's also very nice, and understanding." She added. "And I've heard she gets a bit silly, and even a little mischievous, at times." She grinned. "I think all of the rangers like her well enough... at least, I've never heard of anyone not liking her. And I like working with her at the houses of healing, too."

Eryn paused. "Oh... but if you do join the rangers, I should warn you. The barracks master is absolutely awful. He is really strict and mean." She wrinkled her nose at that. "I think he's out to get everyone who lives at the barracks. My friend tells me stories all the time, and I had the misfortune of meeting him a couple of times, myself."

"Ohhhhh, is that the guy that Hattie jumped on?" Wist asked, speaking up after having been busying herself with her hot chocolate.

Eryn grinned slightly. "The one and only." She agreed. "My friend's dog," She added, for Istriel's understanding. "She um... is rather excitable. And she'd been digging in the mud.. and.."

"And it sounded like it was well-deserved." Wist added with a little grin.

"Well, I thought so." Eryn shrugged. "He was yelling at Nal and Trastion for no good reason, and Hattie probably didn't like it. I didn't like it, anyway. And then he started yelling at me too, just because I was there! Sooo, then Hattie got away from me, and she ran over jumped on him.. and knocked him flat in the mud." She giggled slightly. "After he'd just been yelling at Trastion for being muddy, because she had done the same thing to him just a few moments before that. She thought it was some sort of game, I think..."

[Eldrith]

Istriel
February

She brought the cup of chocolate milk before her lips to hide a smile at the image of the dog, jumping on a dour, strict and YELLING barracks master. She could imagine it. ANd considering there was indignation in your voice but not more than that, clearly the dog had escaped unscathed and hadn't been whipped or anything of the like. So while she clearly wasn't looking forward to possibly live under a harsh taskmaster with a temper, it didn't make him a truly awful human being, like the laundress who was cheating her employees. Now that, that she would find it hard to work under, especially after she'd had someone arrested simply for taking the fair wages that were owed to them. No. Laundry was out and part of her was grateful for that. What would she have done if you both had warmly recommended the woman as a kind person, a perfect employer who took care of her employees like family? She understood that laundry had to be done. She HAD done her fair share of laundry. She worked hard, she was part of a farming household and her aunt, how could she not?
But you said that the person she would need to talk with about for both the rangers and the healer were the same and that she was a nice person. So that was.. reassuring, right? She took a breath, then a deep gulp of her chocolate milk. And she could feel the nerves rising again. This was how it happened the previous time. She had been all set, all ready to start her new life, all ready to start in the City and then.. the nerves had come and she had chickened out. And then spent another two years feeling as if she didn't fit at home either. Not this time.

"Maybe we should go. As soon as the chocolate milk is finished. Before I become too nervous." She added that last, almost as a confession. Going wouldn't obligate her to anything. She would decide whether or not she liked it, whether she would be suited to it. And then she would either apply or find something else. Something new.

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith

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Wisteria & Erynneth
February

While they talked, Wisteria was sipping on her hot chocolate, smiling at the story about the dog. While she hadn't had the privilege of being there to see it happen, she had heard the tale, and thought it was absolutely great, considering all that she'd heard about this meanie lieutenant guy.

Eryn of course, had been there, and while it was funny, she also remembered the other aspects of the event. How the guys in the South Wing had been punished with a month-long set of daily barracks inspections, and how the lieutenant had scolded Nal. But also how they had run together down through the city circles, and talked on the way to her house. She gave a tiny shake of her head at the reminiscing, and then smiled at Istriel when she asked about going right away. "Sure." She answered, finishing the little bit that was left of her hot chocolate. "We'll swing by the Hall of Song on the way, and see Wist home safely." She smiled at her other friend, who was also finishing her chocolate.

"I'd offer to give you a tour, but it's closed, and probably not a good idea," Wist mentioned with a little grin. "But if you want to come by tomorrow, I can give you a tour then if you like! I'm there all the time, practically." She added with a little shrug as she grabbed her coat from the back of her chair, while Eryn put on her cloak.

"Shall we?" With a sweeping gesture of her arm, Eryn invited Istriel to take the lead in going through the door, but once outside the three could walk together and continue talking all the way up to the upper levels.

(continued here)

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie @Arnyn

Gwestion
In the common room. Afternoon, Dec 26th

"I'm not really sure about much of anything, concerning that situation," Gwestion answered Dom thoughtfully, frowning. "However..." He was interrupted from whatever he had been about to say, when a young lady who was then declared to be Narradir's daughter, demanded his attention. Gwestion sat back and remained quiet, inwardly a little amused, as his newest acquaintance hastened to try and hide the evidence of their prank on Gladhron. Before anyone had ventured to properly explain, the big man was forced to rush from the establishment.

Gwestion couldn't help being slightly impressed by how fast the guy had moved, for such a big guy, and being partially drunk at that. He turned his attention back to the table once Narradir had gone, observing with a faint smile as Dom busied himself with writing on Gladhron's forehead. Casting a glance around, Gwestion caught a glimpse of a reddish-brown tail passing in front of the window, preceeding his owner. Seeing this, Gwestion realized there was a real danger of them all being scolded for their 'childish' prank. "I think it's about time to get him to bed, now," He declared, standing up. He took off his own cloak and spread it over his brother, pulling up the hood to ensure that it covered his head. And not a moment too soon...

---

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Seri, Brooke, & Chewy
Entering the common room. Afternoon, Dec 26th

Moments after the eldest ranger at the table had contributed his own 'graffiti' onto the sleeping Gladhron, and mere seconds after Gwestion had finished covering him with his cloak, a second chilly breeze swept into the room, signifying that the front door had opened yet again. Chewy barged through, tail wagging, a small knitted scarf wrapped carefully around his neck, a small, knitted hat secured on his head, and a little doggy backpack strapped onto his back. In the pockets of the backpack, positioned on either side of him, were two books, totalling a load of four books.

Tongue flopping off to one side of his mouth, he happily trotted inside the warm common room, then stopped and waited while the ladies caught up to him.

Seri had been the one to open the door, her coat buttoned up, with a scarf covering her head. It was a light scarf, for the weather here wasn't as severe as that which they were used to up North, but it was still a little cool for her liking to not have something over her head. She stepped inside and then waited while her niece followed her through, before closing the door to shut out the cold.

Brooke walked in a bit more slowly. She held a fifth book open before her face, reading even as she walked. She, too, was bundled in her winter gear, but she had left her gloves in her pockets so she could still turn the pages. Her fingers were a bit cold as a result, but she'd endured far colder temperatures with far less to keep her warm. She briefly raised her eyes just to take a quick scan of the room before returning them to the story unfolding before her eyes, in black and white. She kept Seri in her peripheral vision, just to the right. And, with Chewy just ahead and slightly to the left, she had no worry about running into anything. When they neared the table where the others were, Brooke stopped and, without tearing here eyes away from her book, she used her free hand to pull out a chair from the empty table next to them, and slowly lowered herself into it. All without losing her place or having to take her eyes away from the page.

Seri was glad when she spotted at least two familiar faces, one being the one she had come to meet. Keeping half an eye on her niece to make sure that she kept up, she smiled broadly while making her way through the maze of tables, to reach Dom and Gwestion. She noticed that they were seated with a red-haired woman, and someone sleeping, whom she could not identify since his entire head was covered.

Chewy reached them first, happily pushing his nose into Gwestion's hand to let him know how very cold his nose had gotten, and wagged his tail happily as he received a few pets from the quiet young man. Then, as if recalling one who gave better scratches, Chwy then moved over to greet Dom, making every attempt at covering his face with licks before he went on sniff at the sleeping man, whom his nose identified as Gladhron. Since he was asleep, Chewy moved on to investigate the unknown woman, lastly. As he did not know her, he took a good, long moment sniffing her before looking up with a wagging tail and hopeful eyes, wondering if she might pet him, or scratch his ears or something.

While Chewy made his rounds, Seri reached the group and smiled as she stopped beside Dom. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting very long. I promised her a brief trip to the library to get a couple more books, after we'd finished at the houses of healing," She explained softly, to Dom, before glancing curiously at the covered person. Next she offered a curious smile at the woman sitting with them, wondering who this might be. As she did, she noticed Chewy sniffing her. Then, Seri hastily spoke up to let her know, "Oh, he's friendly, I promise. Is he bothering you?" She asked, unsure whether she might be uncomfortable with him.

At hearing that, Brooke blinked and looked up as if snapping out of a daze, realizing that her dog might be being a problem. She watched, a little anxiously, to see if the red-haired lady was fine with Chewy, or if she needed to call him over to her, maybe even put his leash on or something. If necessary, she could also take him up to the room, and stay out of everyone's way. Besides, she would need to put these books away, anyway.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Ercassie

Hyandaner Kaylin
December 26th, afternoon

Immensely pleased that the serious-looking Gwestion was now drawing in Gladhron's other side, Kaylin wore an overly pleased grin as she watched the proceedings. She chuckled low when Gwestion clarified, or corrected, some of Gladhron's earlier statements. Well, no. A story was not filled with statements. Kaylin slanted her head, her lips slightly pursed, as she considered these 'corrections'.

"Someone very imaginative must have rigged it all up," she mused, already curious about whoever the person might be. An interesting character to meet, no doubt.

The appearance of a girl made Kaylin turn toward her with just as much interest. Narradir knew her. Ah. His daughter. Kaylin's blue-greye eyes flicked between the pair. And apparently mentioned her grandfather was enough for the huge man to pick up all and any of his things and hurry out of the inn alongside 'Johey'.

"Well," Kaylin drawled, "that was..." She did not finish the sentence verbally, instead offering a shrug. It was a bit of a shame, for she'd found Narradir rather amusing, but obviously his departure wouldn't ruin her day, or even the moment, for her. Instead, she watched Domanol write something on Gladhron's forehead. Kaylin nearly choked on her own saliva when she read it, and held a hand over her mouth while she coughed her airway clear again, trying to do so as quietly as she could as to not wake poor Gladders.

Meanwhile, Gwestion seemed intent on taking Gladhron upstairs. Very intent. Kaylin blinked, unsure why, until who she assumed were the reasons for this sudden change came into the picture. Kaylin waited politely while the woman spoke to Domanol, and when her attention came to rest upon Kaylin, the redhead smoothly rose to her feet. Despite the collection of drinks she'd already thrown back.

"Hello!" she offered, her eyes bright and tone happy. "I don't mind," she said, looking at Chewy. "As long as he doesn't lick my face or anything." It honestly grossed her out when she saw dogs do that to anyone. Or when anyone let a dog do that to them. "'I'm Kaylin,' she introducted herself promptly, holding out a hand to the lady.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen @Arnyn

Domanol Raxëlilta
in the common room. Afternoon, Dec 26th.

Perhaps Domanol ought to have concluded that they should halt their play, when his friend was very nearly caught in the act of his turn. But a more deviant and ingrained instinct had compelled him to, instead, make sure he was able to have his turn before they were all forced to cease. It was the act of Gwestion throwing up his brother’s hood to cover the sleeping Ranger’s face .. which made the elder man glance up, just as the cold eve blew another small group to find shelter in the inn. And brown eyes trailed the slow path of Seri, with a smile at the peeping of her covered curls from under that headscarf. Chewy was forced to thrust his muzzle into the man’s hands to win some attention for himself, whilst Brooke ignored them all, in favour of her book.

“I found means to entertain myself,” he assured the healer, as he slid his now slick with dog spit hands against his legs. And while it was tempting to observe that, at this rate, the young reader would need to go straight back to the library and replace the books she’d read on her way here .. the man let the teasing slide. The girl would not have enjoyed being the centre of attention, with her malady, at the houses of healing. The books, the library, were no doubt both a treat to reward her patience and compliance. "Don't feel like you can't make it up to me though, .. later maybe," he offered to the healer instead, with a friendly wink.


Before he could introduce them properly to Kaylin, the dog made rather impromptu greetings himself, and the women managed accordingly. So Domanol glanced a look toward Gwestion, with a rather belated acknowledgement now, why he’d covered up his brother’s face …

“I’ll give you a hand,” he offered the younger Man, and though he stumbled slightly over one leg of his chair as he got up, a hand was indeed raised, to assure Gwestion that he was capable of assisting the efforts. Of concealing the evidence. Really Gladhron must be very exhausted, to have allowed for more than half of what had happened since they joined him. Bed was the best place for him. “Be right back,” he promised Seri, though she clearly was in good hands. A Ranger, and the dog, … and he did not expect to be long at all. Gwes might have been able to manage on his own, but the managing would have been less respectful of the sleeper and would without doubt take longer. Best they get it sorted together.


As they started toward the stairs, Dom debated asking his friend more about the strange tale .. but recalled that even the chronically sober Gwes had admitted being somewhat confused by it all. Another time perhaps.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie @Arnyn

| | |
Gwestion, Seri, Brooke, & Chewy
In the common room. Afternoon, Dec 26th

Seri smiled as Dom assured her that he had found some entertainment. "I see that." Picking up an errant card which had been overlooked earlier, she started to offer it to him, but observing the dog-slobber on his hands, she changed her mind and placed it on the table, insteaad. She cast him a little smile in acknowledgement of his other words, before watching him take off upstairs with Gwestion and the sleeping person, who she realized must be Gladhron. Either he was asleep, or possibly passed out drunk. She couldn't quite tell.

Brooke peered over the top of her book and watched the guys all hurry off with Gladhron; his head covered up with a cloak. She remembered how he'd been having such trouble staying awake this morning, and that was hours ago. Shaking her head slightly, she resumed reading.

Meanwhile, Gwestion nodded gratefully to Dom, as the two worked together to take his brother, and all evidence of their silliness, away from the common room. "I apologize if his tale was disruptive to your enjoyment," He mentioned as they were going down the hall. "I realize you have plans with Seri now, so I won't delay you, but perhaps, later.." He hesitated as they got his brother up the stairs together. Getting the door to the room he and Gladhron were sharing was far easier with Gwandhyra to hold his brother, than it would have been trying to manage it all on his own. "Well, that matter has puzzled me for some time, and it's something I would like to have answers to, and sometimes a fresh view on it can help." Working together, they brought Gladhron into the room. It wasn't difficult to figure out which half of the room was Gwestion's, and which was Gladhron's. One need only find the messy side to know where Gladhron belonged, and it wasn't long before he was slumbering in his own bed.

Gwestion turned back to Gwandhyra. "But the mystery isn't going anywhere, so it can wait for another time." He concluded. "I would not want to keep you from Seri any more than necessary. Thank you, though, for helping me." He added with a nod to Gladhron.


Down in the common room, Seri turned to Kaylin. "Seri," The healer replied as she reached out to shake the redhead's hand, wearing a friendly smile. There seemed to be something familiar about her, but she couldn't quite place it, and she had a feeling it was going to bug her until she did. "I can't guarantee that he won't try," She warned her.

"C'mere, Chewy." Brooke spoke softly, beckoning to her dog.

"And, this is my niece, Brooke," Seri added with a little gesture to her, while she was calling the dog to her.

Chewy immediately came to Brooke's side and sat looking expectantly at her, as if he thought she was going to give him some treat. She rubbed around his ears and glanced apologetically toward Kaylin. "Sorry, I'll keep him closer." She promised. She took a moment to remove Chewy's hat and scarf, laying them in the chair beside her before returning to her book.

"And, you've just met Chewy." Seri continued, feeling no need to indicate who that would be, as Chewy curled up contentedly by Brooke's feet. "Forgive me if this seems odd, but something about you seems sort of familiar, yet I'm sure I haven't met you." Seri mentioned, looking a little puzzled.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Ercassie

Hyandaner Kaylin
December 26th, afternoon

The more Seri spoke, the more something nudged at Kaylin. As if she was not seeing something that was right in front of her.

It was quite annoying.

And then it clicked.

"Oh, stars," Kaylin laughed. "Lady Blossom! You're Lady Blossom!" Happy at having the irritating feeling now gone, as well as amused at herself for not putting it together right away, Kaylin continued laughing. "This is perfect," she managed, breathing a little more so she could actually talk. "I figured we'd meet again, sooner or later." She got up from her chair and took a step back so she could curtsey. It looked very out of place on her, given her training gear.

"This would be my 'actual' accent,' she revealed, grinning broadly at the woman. "Pleased to meet you, Brooke," she hurled Brooke's way, and Kaylin shrugged when the girl promised to keep her dog closer. "Like I said - as long as he does not try and slobber all over me, we're good." She didn't mind any of the rest of it.

Eyes twinkling, Kaylin focused back on Seri. "What? Don't recognize Miss Butterfly?" she asked more quietly, mimicking her Belfalasian accent from the masquerade, for Seri's benefit.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Domanol Raxëlilta, with Gwestion and Gladhron
Upstairs. Late afternoon now, Dec 26th.

He did not return words to his friend until they had laid that man’s brother on his bed. And then before they returned to the common room, a dirtied and dog slobbered hand was laid upon Gwestion’s shoulder. It did so without shame, for they two had each seen the other in far worse a state. On purpose.

“I think that might just be a tale which would disrupt all and any enjoyment,” brown eyes rose and met the younger man’s earnest gaze. “Though I ought apologise that much sense has been run out of my head this day, that I do not have the right mind enough to make sense of it now. Narradir is as good as a brother to my .. brother,” a slight chortle at the admission betrayed that good humour still dominated the Gondorian even into this hour. “He was kept from any means of entertainment for a count of many years and believes in making up for lost time. But he made good on his word to let me work with his crew, earn coin enough to treat Seri this eve. We were celebrating our efforts.”


The management of wage, of coin, was such a city concept that it had grown rare for Domanol to put thought to earning it. Until he had returned south. In the north, a fresh catch to make meal or a strong fire to stave away fell things were far more valuable. Warm clothes and hardy shelter those were the only type of currency which mattered. For what could a small shiny pouch of coins do against the wild, except make you a target for thieves and bandits ?

His friend knew this, lived this, just as well if not for as long as he had himself. So no explanation was required. Minas Tirith was not the wild. It had dangers of an entirely different breed. And if the King’s efforts in the north bore fruit then perhaps Annuminas would one day stand as tall and proud again as it once had, in Arnor reimagined. With stone streets, and grand homes, and business .. above the sorts of more practical trade which still quietly oiled the markets of Bree. It was no bad thing that Rangers of the Northern land begin to recognise the call of a more ordered living.


“Narry would never turn away the offer of a capable man, willing to earn what he is owed,” Domanol let Gwestion know, saying as much as he knew his friend would need to comprehend. Staying at an inn must be swiftly devouring their visitor’s savings. “And friends are friends, yes ? Same as family.” One finger touched his own nose, before Domanol extended and opened his empty palm in gesture. It would not be until the next day that he considered what other aid friends and family might be able to extend, to one another.

“Tonight I shall show Seri what fine dining the Third Circle may boast,” he outlined the plans the couple had made, and revealed a small pouch that amazingly still hung from his belt. Courtesy of a hard days work. The wage would easily cover their intended evening, especially considering that the man did not have to put cares toward rent or food, not while his brother would put up with him. And if the siblings fell out, he could always go and visit Dessy, or keep Dui company a while. He was due to herd his Northern family out to meet with that other brother soon regardless.


“I shall not keep her out too late,” he vowed, with the sort of smile which suggested he had stretched that promise to its limits in the past. But then, he had worked hard and drunk more heavily than he was accustomed to in the very recent past. Domanol did not expect to long escape a similar somnolence to that which Gladhron was already demonstrating. Although placing himself at Seri’s mercy would likely not lead to drawings on his face ..

“We shall revisit your wonderings again, with better heads to solve the riddle,” he assured the younger man.”Do you first want eyes and ears in tracking down Aislin ?” Dom raised one eyebrow. “Looks like your usual ally will be no good to you for some time yet,” a glance befell the slumbering brother, and the visible recalling of what they had ‘done’ to him raised new mirth in brown eyes. “He is no doubt dreaming of beautiful women .. ” the Gondorian supposed, without letting tell of what he had cottoned on to earlier, before the younger Ranger had found them.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie @Arnyn

| | |
Gwestion, Seri, Brooke, & Chewy
In the common room. Afternoon, Dec 26th

The message that Dom was trying to impart took just a moment for Gwestion to register, whereupon he nodded to show his understanding. "Thank you." He replied, for the information. For their usual method of earning coin was not as easy in a big city like this, as it was in the more isolated villages and towns they were used to frequenting. Hunting for game, to sell both meat and hide, was not as easy when one had to venture so far to find a suitable place to do their hunting. And it was more expensive to have all their meals here in town, rather than to eat what they had caught and foraged, themselves.

He gave a faint smile as Dom promised not to keep Seri out too late. "She is as dear to me as if she were my own aunt," He said, though Dom would already know this. "But she does not need my permission for anything. If she chooses to stay out late, that if her choice." He assured him. "But I hope you two enjoy your dinner."

He was glad to hear that Dom was willing to revisit the riddle matter, later. But when asked about Aislin, Gwestion shook his head. "No, don't worry about that. Go enjoy your plans. I'll find her. She keeps wanting to explore the city, though I've told her she oughtn't go alone," He sighed softly. "Perhaps I will enlist Brooke's aid in locating her sister." He glanced briefly at Gladhron with a faint smile. "I'm sure will be more help than he would, anyway." He added, though he didn't respond to the comment about Gladhron and his dreams. He gestured for Dom to lead the way back to the common room, so they would return together.

---

Seri blinked at the name 'lady Blossom', and tilted her head slightly in curiosity. Clearly, she had met her at the masquerade, but... she still wasn't placing her. The curtsy brought a little laugh of amusement, though her eyes still wore a quizzical look to them as Kaylin spoke to Brooke.

Brooke, of course, had not been at the masquerade. So, looking up from her book at the sound of laughter, she was puzzled about what was so funny. Chewy, of course, looked as if he were laughing along, even though he had no idea what was so funny, either. He wagged his tail and barked excitedly.

It wasn't until Kaylin asked if she recognized 'miss Butterfly' that Seri realized why she seemed familiar. "Oh!" She laughed, shaking her head in wonder. "No, I definitely did not recognize you. Different voice, different hair, different look.." She grinned, trying to imagine Kaylin now, with blond hair, and in a fancy dress. "You certainly did a good job of disguising yourself, for the dance. How is your husband, sir Wolf?" She asked, smiling as she slipped into the chair that Dom had recently abandoned.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Ercassie

Hyandaner Kaylin
December 26th, afternoon

"Why, thank you," Kaylin grinned broadly, upon Seri's compliments regarding her disguise. "Some effort went into it," she admitted, playing it down, but her smile said she was all too aware of what she was doing. When the lady asked about Thûllir, Kaylin's eyes lit while she reclaimed her own seat. "He is still in an exceptional mood," the redhead was quite unashamed to say, although some modesty might have been becoming. "We've played that game before, and it was a good time then - but this time, as you could tell, my disguise was a next-level performance, and he took much longer to find me."

Yes, she'd been quite pleased with herself about that, despite her jealousy toward the lady in Red's behaviour toward her ranger. The night had... delivered. Above and beyond expectation. "Maybe next time he will challenge me to find him," Kaylin mused, even though in her opinion she was better at disguise than Thûllir.

"Have you been enjoying the city?" Kaylin asked eagerly. "Are you staying here? Alf and Hildy are great, aren't they?"

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie @Arnyn

| |
Seri, Brooke, & Chewy
In the common room. Afternoon, Dec 26th

"Clearly, more effort than I put into mine," Seri grinned. "Of course, mine was very last-minute. I didn't even know there was a masquerade, when we came here. We arrived just in time to hear about it, and we barely had a chance to get anything to wear." She smiled. "I'm glad to hear that you two enjoyed the evening." She added, although she didn't mention anything about what she and Dom had done. That was between them, the fountain, and the citadel guards. "And I'm glad for a chance to meet you for real, without the disguise."

While she was surprised to encounter 'lady Butterfly' in such a random encounter, it was a pleasant surprise. "I have been enjoying it well enough, yes." She answered with a nod. "And yes, it is a very nice inn, we've been very comfortable, and the food is quite good."

As she neared the end of her chapter, Brooke felt Chewy tug lightly at her skirt. She waited until she had finished the chapter, then put a bookmark in and looked up. After looking at her dog briefly, she glanced toward Kaylin and Seri, and back at Chewy. She put her book into her bag and quietly changed from sitting at the next table over, to claiming the chair next to Seri. "You have an enormous library here, and more books than I've ever seen before." She mentioned, as an attempt to join the conversation, her voice quiet but enthusiastic.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Ercassie

Hyandaner Kaylin
December 26th, afternoon

"A disguise was pretty unnecessary, in your case," Kaylin shrugged her agreement. "And I have to say, last minute or not - your dress was killer. So, well done. And Gladhron's mask was great."

When the girl, Brooke, complimented the library - of which she seemed rather in awe - Kaylin gave her a softer smile. "Yes,it is pretty huge, isn't it? I remember being pretty taken aback by the sheer size of the place, too, when I first arrived here from Linhir." Eight, almost nine, years ago already... "The great part is - you never run out of books to read, not in your whole lifetime." She slanted her head. "The downside is, you can never aspire to read them all." Kaylin's smile grew a little. "But- upsides and downsides to everything, my father always says. You just have to learn to focus on the positive," she voiced the often-repeated lesson with a little pride in her father's wisdom. Some people might think it was simple wisdom. But Kaylin had learned that most people could not apply the words to their own life.

The Hyandaner let out a little sigh as she looked around the inn. "Well... I guess I best head home," she said, and while she was regretful they hadn't been able to joke around some more, she was also looking forward to spending time with Thûllir. Pro's and cons. "Maybe I'll see you ladies around again, beefore you leave," she expressed the hope, which was not shared merely to be polite. "I'd like to hear a little more about life up North. Did you ever meet Arnyn, up there? Sorry - I mean, Celume? Or whatever name she was using?" She couldn't resist asking Seri that much already, after putting the two names together at the training grounds earlier. An apologetic shrug. "I'm a curious woman," she explained, unnecessarily.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen @Arnyn

Domanol Raxëlilta, returning from upstairs.
December 26th

Somewhere between Seri being referenced as a 'dear aunt', and the wild notion that Gwes thought he was .. asking for permission to keep her out late ? Domanol was not quite sure whether he ought laugh or frown and came to an odd combination of the two at once. Ducking hands into a stand alone wash bowl, he dashed them just as quickly at his face, 'freshening his senses', before dragging a hand down each hip to dry them without much concern about his clothes. With a last glance back over his shoulder, to snort at the sight of an oblivious Gladhron, Dom found the corridor and his friend's helpful gesture to direct him which was the way back toward the stairs.

"The dog may be an asset," he admitted and checked to see if the other man was coming too, or if he was now talking to himself. The discovery of the northerner still beside him raised a smile. "She really oughtn't .. " he began then, with a more suddenly sober expression as Gwestion mildly bemoaned Aislin's adventurous spirit. "Oughtn't .." he then puzzled, deliberately losing the train of thought he did not want to panic his friend with. "Is that a word ?"


After a pause of apparent bewilderment Dom clapped his friend across the shoulder with a wide, disarming grin. "Come on !" he cheered. "Lets not wake your brother !" he whispered, extremely loudly, and managed to descend back down to the common room without missing any of the steps.

Back in the common room again, Domanol found the bar before he found the rest of their little party. And so made enquiries of whether they were all paid up for their drinks, whether as intended or else as an alibi. Before he turned to watch across the room, where the most beautiful of all the women over there sent his eyes into a smile all their own. And as he turned, propped up by both elbows at the counter behind him, his lips recalled the daft song which his addled mind had played on earlier that evening.

"Oh I met a girl in a far off land ..
the finest girl around ..."

The refrain this time around was both more quiet and more slow than the previous rendition. And that was as far as he recounted this time, before propelling himself off his perch and heading over to take that admirable woman out for a time. The motive was not lost in the time it took for him to recall that he'd just left his unclaimed coin upon the bar, and turn back to reclaim it, before trying for a second time.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie @Arnyn

| |
Seri, Brooke, & Chewy
In the common room. Afternoon, Dec 26th

Seri grinned at the compliment to her dress. "Thank you, I was very fortunate to find it. Gladhron was the one who talked me into going for it. In fact, I hadn't even made up my mind whether to go to the masquerade, yet, but he insisted I should go because he said that dress would look great on me." She said with a little smile. "And I'm glad he did, because I found Dom there, to my surprise." She added. At the mention of Gladhron's mask, Seri grinned. "You should've seen how very excited he was to find that," She laughed. "And then, when we were walking in and actually wearing the masks, he couldn't stop complaining about having it on his face," She said with amusement. "Silly boy. Well, not a boy, I suppose," She amended, recalling that he was a grown man and not the teenager he had been when she first met him.

Brooke thought about what Kaylin said about the books, and how you couldn't run out of books to read. "Well, if you were an elf, you might," She pointed out. "Not that I am, of course..." She added.

Seri smiled at the claim that 'you can never aspire to read them all'. "Oh, Brooke has already been trying," She informed Kaylin, amused.

Brooke fidgeted and glanced down to focus on petting Chewy. "Well, I want to read as many as I can while we're here," She mumbled awkwardly. "But if I lived here, I'd certainly give it my best try," She assured them, glancing up shyly. She wasn't sure she ought to say anymore, especially when Kaylin started talking about her father. Brooke's gaze drifted down to her lap as she worked to push down any slight feelings of jealousy that threatened to rise up, because it sounded like Kaylin had a good father. She couldn't help wondering what that would be like, but she said nothing because she didn't want to get into that topic. Especially with someone she didn't really know well.

Seri smiled at Kaylin as she prepared to leave. "I hope we will, and perhaps you'll have a chance to meet my other niece, too." She added. "Perhaps, rather than hoping to run into one another, we could plan to do something, if you like?" She suggested. "Though, I'd have to leave that up to you, since I don't really know much of what there is to do around here." She added. As to whether she'd met Arnyn, or Celume, Seri shook her head. "No, I didn't meet her, but I did loan her and the bo- I mean, Gwestion and Gladhron, the use of my horse and cart. Never met her, however."

"I did." Brooke said softly, glancing up. "She was very nice to me."

---

Gwestion
Returning to the common room. Afternoon, Dec 26th

Gwestion had meant his comment only as a joke, but the lack of reaction from Dom led him to wonder if he had thought he was serious about 'asking permission'. But since he didn't say anything to prompt any sort of clarification from Gwestion, he didn't offer any. Instead, he remained quiet as they started back for the stairs, leaving Gladhron to his slumber.

He was close behind his friend, and nodded as he suggested the dog's usefulness. That was exactly why he had mentioned the fact that Chewy could help. Hearing a portion of his own words quoted back with puzzlement, Gwestion glanced over, and then raised an eyebrow in mild surprise at the question. "Of course not," He answered. "It's a contraction of two words; 'ought' and 'not'." He explained what he assumed Dom would already know. Especially since he had, reportedly, received proper schooling. Here in this very city, in fact. Which he assumed would be more of an education than Gwestion had received from his parents, living out in the mountains, isolated from others.

He was startled out of those reminiscences when Dom's hand clapped around his shoulder. And as they started down the steps together, Gwestion half-wondered if Dom was using his shoulder to keep himself steady, but he didn't comment. But he was slightly puzzled when, upon returning to the common room, Dom made toward the bar, rather than going straight for Seri. But before Gwestion could ask his friend whether he intended to have yet another drink to further addle his mind, he heard the inquiry put to the barkeep, and so it made sense.

He wondered, then, whether Gladhron owed anything, so while Dom wandered back toward the table, Gwestion lingered a moment to make sure that they didn't owe the inn any money. He was starting to think maybe they were going to have to get jobs of some sort, or else move out to a tent in the Pelennor or something. Gladhron was rather more careless with spending money than Gwestion, and he didn't know how long their money would last if he kept having drinks with people, and them having to buy all their meals, then having desserts after... plus making plans to attend things that required nice clothing, like the masquerade... and so on. Maybe he should have Gladhron take a job with Narradir, he thought with a little amusement.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Ercassie

Hyandaner Kaylin
December 26th, afternoon

Kaylin winked easily at Brooke when the latter mentioned an Elf might run out of books to read. It was a bit of a moot point, when only women were involved in the conversation. "Well, you have a very wide selection to choose from, as long as you're here, at least." That must be really cool for a book wurm, like Kaylin now supposed Brooke to be.

In response to Seri's suggestion, Kaylin pursed her lips slightly. "Well... I mean, you're on the second circle. I'd assume the Marketplace no longer holds all that many curiosities? Most of the fun stuff is on the first and second circles, unless you're willing to dish out more money and all," Kaylin mused. "The higher up you go, the fancier - and the more expensive - things get. I prefer the first two circles," she shrugged. "But rather than... 'doing' something specific, I'm more of a fan of just spending time with company. Rather than doing any particular activity. You know. A game, a talk, a drink. Swapping stories. But those are things you could do anywhere," she said with an apologetic smile. "And I suppose you want to make your trip memorable... or something."

"Anyway, I'm around until the fourth of the coming month, I believe," she announced. "I'm sure we can find a time before then."

"The boys?" she finished Seri's cut off word for her, smirking. "Ah, shame," Kaylin muttered when it became clear Seri hadn't met Arnyn back then. But then... apparently, Brooke had. And Arnyn had been very nice to her. Kaylin gave the girl a half smile. "That's good to hear. Does she like dogs? Some of us have a bit of an ongoing debate of whether the Lieutenant is a dog or a cat person," she mused, glancing at Chewy. "Or neither."

After gathering her things, she noted the return of Gwestion and Domanol. "Enjoy," she grinned at Seri, and Kaylin lowered her voice a little to speak to Brooke. "If you get that one to laugh out loud," she said, tilting her head to indicate Gwestion, "I promise I'll buy you a book of your choice." Straightening, she swung some gear over her shoulders and grinned at the ladies. "See you next time." With a congenial wave toward the gents, as well, Kaylin then turned and left the Wayfarers.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie @Arnyn

| |
Seri, Brooke, & Chewy
In the common room. Afternoon, Dec 26th

"Oh, yes, a huge selection!" Brooke answered Kaylin, her eyes wide at the amazing collection of books. "We.. well, we don't really even have a library, back home in Bree. There's just a little bookstore but they can only get new books in when the merchant ships actually get to Lindon, so it can be sort of hard to get new books to read," She sighed sadly at this fact. Pirates so often intercepted those merchant ships and prevented any goods from getting to them, and she knew that books were probably the least of most people's concerns, when more 'important' things were also being kept from them.

Seri's concerns, of course, lay more with the medicine related things that the pirates prevented from reaching their destination. And things like cocoa and spices and things of that sort. But she made no comment about any of that, and focused on the matter of where they could try to meet, later. "Actually, I haven't really spent much time in the marketplace," She answered. "I wouldn't mind checking out some more of the shops. I've only been to a clothing store, where I got the dress and mask." She shrugged, smiling in understanding when the redhead said that she preferred to just spend time with a person. "Perhaps we can simply plan to meet at some point before you have to leave, and we can figure out the rest from there." She suggested, being quite willing to simply sit and chat, if that's all the other woman was interested in doing.

Brooke was slightly surprised by the question about Arnyn and dogs. She rubbed around his ears, thinking back. "Well, she's always seemed to like Chewy," she recalled. "But I don't really know. I... only really met her once, and I spent a few hours with her before we parted ways." She explained, feeling a bit self-conscious to admit how little she actually knew her, since that meeting had been so memorable to her. She shrugged and focused on petting her dog while Kaylin prepared to leave. But then she looked up when she stopped to mutter something to her. She nearly laughed at what she heard her say. Instead, she smiled in amusement and shook her head slightly, thinking she'd have better luck getting him to buy her a book, so that she wouldn't pester him. "I think the best you're going to get is a little smile." She informed Kaylin a little sadly. "Bye."

"Bye, it was really good to properly meet you, Kaylin!" Seri said as Kaylin was leaving. Before turning to smile over at Dom as she saw him approaching from the bar.

[Arnyn]

Kaylin
Early January, in the days before sea training
Open RP

Alf saw it immediately when she came in. Kaylin was in a mood. He could tell by her expression, and by the way her boots clipped upon the floor boards on her way to his bar. And while he loved the girl, he also knew what those moods could lead to. Either great amusement or... trouble.

The innkeeper hoped to see the door opening again behind the red-head, hoped to see her more level-headed husband right behind her. But the door did not open, as of yet. No such luck. Thûllir had a positive influence on Kaylin when she was like this. Just like Kaylin had a positive influence on the lad at different times. The two of them were at their best when they were together, there was no doubt about that.

Nonetheless, Alf offered Kaylin a broad smile when she slid onto one of the bar stools. It was better to try and influence the situation to one of amusement. Rather than the alternative. "Hello, dear. Let me guess - brandy?"

Kaylin pursed her lips, narrowing her eyes in thought. "How did you know?" she probed.

He slid a glass in front of her, the motions quick and smooth. Alf shrugged. "Experience."

A smirk found its way to Kaylin's lips, and she lifted the glass, pleased. "I'm not complaining." After taking a sip, she looked at the contents of the glass and lifted her brows. "This is new?"

Alf laughed quietly. "Yes. New brew. Just got my hands on it a day or two ago."

Kaylin grunted with approval, before turning around to face the rest of the inn's common room. "Anyone up for a drinking game?" she called out to everyone and anyone, swirling the brandy around in her glass with no small amount of promise. "First round is on me!"

[Ercassie]

Dolûzor Solis. January 1st.

His breathing had returned to normal now. His chest betraying no sign of the sudden, desperate burst of running he had been forced to do. The last beads of sweat were wiped from his brow with one hand, as he pushed open the pub door with his other. The blood though was harder to dispel. That same hand which had pushed open the door was swaddled by his çoat sleeve in an unavailing effort to conceal the stain, as he stepped through the door with no other sign of any distress evident about him.

The inn was the first he'd found after losing his pursuit in the crowds of the marketplace. It was quiet here. He could hold up here until the hue and cry died down. With a nod of respect and a well practiced/Gondorian-sounding 'Morning," to those present, the Umbarian made his way as casual as could be managed toward the wash room.


Alf called our a reminder about the facilities being for customers only, so a half hearted "Course. I'll be right back .." was thrown back by the dirty but otherwise nondescript young man.

With luck there'd be a window in the wash room he could climb out through, once he'd tended to his unexpected injury. His knuckles were throbbing, besides the mess. But at least he couldn't deny, he'd come off much better than the generous blood donor who'd coloured the attacker's shirt sleeve.


EDIT - Date made more detailed. As per discussion with Arnyn.

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil
Early January

Cadil felt hungry, very hungry, and Wayfarer's seemed like the nearest possibility to get to food, so he stepped through the door with great determination and headed right for the counter where he could find Alf and his offers of comforting edibles.

"Greetings!" he said to Kaylin as he plopped down on the stool next to her. "What sort of game do you offer? If I heard you right as I came in."

And then he turned to the innkeeper: "Could I have whatever hearty stew you have today, Mr Alf? And a good hunk of bread to go with it, please."

He needed food, but then again it would not be amiss to have some fun with the redheaded Ranger, though if he knew anything he would most certainly be on the losing end.

[Arnyn]

Kaylin
Early January, in the days before sea training
Open RP

Kaylin clocked the stranger before Alf called out to him. Not because the man was loud. He wasn't. But because her eyes were trained to see things. And she noticed the swollen knuckles. The sleeve, hastily hidden. Things that could very well be the result of meeting with another person's face at close range. But Kaylin didn't tense, nor did she reach for any of her hidden weapons. Things like that meant very little by itself. People argued. People fought. The Valar knew she'd left her fair share of taverns with worse.

Still, she watched him go.

The washroom door closed behind the stranger, and Kaylin took a thoughtful sip of her brandy, eyes half-lidded. Not suspicious. Just… aware. The way you were aware of a loose step on a stair, or a storm that might come later. “This outing is getting interesting already,” she murmured to no one in particular. But behind her, Alf grunted.

Then Cadil arrived like a walking counterpoint to her mood. She turned as he plopped down beside her, the expression she’d been wearing easing immediately into something more familiar. A grin, crooked with history. At his question, she laughed and knocked her knuckles against the bar. “A drinking game,” she replied, skipping the greeting altogether, and supplying her answer as if it were the most obvious one in the world.

Leaning closer, she lowered her voice just enough to make it conspiratorial. “Which drinking game depends on how attached you are to your dignity. Or your coin. Or your ability to walk in a straight line. You picked a risky seat today, old friend.”

Her gaze flicked, briefly, back toward the washroom door—not alarmed, not concerned. Just noting that it was still closed. Then she squared her shoulders, lifted her glass, and smiled at Cadil like a challenge, before turning her attention to Alf. "He'll have one of what I'm having, too," she crooned to the innkeeper.

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil
Early January

"You are probably aware that I don't have much of either of those things, Kaylin," the young man responded when Kaylin set out the prerequisites for choosing the type of the drinking game. And just to make sure he would have paid for the ordered stew before he ended up broke this evening he set the required amount of coins on the counter for Alf to collect. "What's the highest stake? I would prefer not ending up with my clothes taken off my back or in a condition where you have to drag me up to the Houses of Healing by my hair. But I'm up for some silliness."

Meanwhile his stew and bread had arrived, and with a word of thanks for the innkeep, Cadil quickly shoveled a few spoonfuls of stew into his mouth and stuffed a good sized chunk of bread right after. He reckoned some food in his stomach would help him last longer in the game than going on empty. Besides, who knew if he would even remember that he wanted to eat after a few drinks...

Washing the bread down with some more stew he turned back towards Kaylin. "So, what game will it be and what are the rules?" he asked, his mouth still half full, and a bit of potato escaping to fall on his lap.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Thûllir Bregedŷr
A New Year - Early January

It was a cold day with a brisk breeze that had tempted Thûllir to cut his time short at the archery range. He had stuck it out until he’d passed his self-emposed goal of one hundred shots on target, and thankfully had only had to search for one stray arrow in the slight skim of snow. Now the Inn, with its warmth and relaxed atmosphere, and most importantly, his wife, called to him as he closed the door and took care to brush the remaining traces of snow off his boots. This place was full of memories, and was always a welcome stop on the way home. He made it a point to stop often, but even more so when Kaylin hinted that she just might find her way down to the Inn for a time later when he left for time at the range. If he was honest with himself, it was a mix of many things that drew him this time.

Lifting his head to glance around the dining and bar area, he caught sight of Kaylin as he pulled off his gloves and felt the slight hitch that still caught at his heart at the sight of her. It sometimes reminded him of the first time he saw her, but better, for now it was everything in combination. The years together with joys and heartaches alike. The expression around his eyes relaxed with the hint of a smile before his gaze moved to Alf and he flashed a grin at his old friend.

Alf lifted the brandy bottle in question to Thûllir after sliding a brimming glass in front of Cadil and topping off Kaylin’s. Thûllir tilted his head in indecision a moment, but then nodded. If Alf was offering it was worth tasting, even if he didn’t indulge as often. His steps were measured as he walked over to the bar and the other side of Kaylin from where Cadil had perched. First things First. His hand found her shoulder as he leaned in for a brief kiss of greeting with a murmured, “Suilad, Meleth.” The heady scent of brandy and spice wafted to him past the scent of the stew, and he was smiling when he straightened.

Shifting as Alf set the glass for him at his place, Thûllir lifted a hand to motion him to wait before he could move away. “I’d also like a mug of your mulled cider and a couple of Hildy’s rolls please, Alf.” That would help the rest of him warm up, not just his throat. Lifting the glass as Alf nodded and moved away, Thûllir leaned against the smooth counter and turned to the others, nodding at Cadil in greeting and giving them both a crooked grin. “To good memories of days gone by and making new ones. Hûl!” He sipped his drink and felt the burn followed by warm notes of spice and honey, and set the drink down again to look at Cadil and Kaylin. He’d take his time with that and enjoy it, but it looked like the two of them might be planning on going a little faster with the drinks. One dark brow arched in question, and he let his gaze rest on Kaylin. What had her seeking the Inn today?

[Arnyn]

Kaylin
Early January, in the days before sea training
Open RP

She had to laugh at his reply. It was impossible not to. Not much dignity, and not much coin. She laughed all the way through his added words, hearing them through her amusement nonetheless. "I've missed you, Cadil," was the first thing Kaylin said, raising her glass to him before taking a drink. "Silliness, it is, then. No crazy money bets. But if you do not have much dignity, then you don't have much to lose in that regard," she pointed out mercilessly. "Which opens up a whole lot of possibilities, really..."

The red-haired ranger watched him as he started stuffing his face with Hildy's stew and with bread. "I wonder," she mused, "if that can be considered cheating?" Snorting as some food fell out of his mouth as he asked which game she would be choosing, Kaylin propped her elbow up on the bar and watched the liquor swirling in her glass, while she considered.

"Now, this one only works if we are both brutally honest," she finally said, turning fully toward Cadil. "Have you played Say Something True before?" A pretty but dangerous grin pulled at her lips as she continued, her grey-blue eyes gleaming. "I say something about you - something about you I think might be true, but which I'm not sure about, or something about you I think is true, but of which I'm not sure whether you think it is true, as well." She gestured with her free hand. "If you think or know it is true, you drink. If you think or know it is not true, you tell me to drink." Kaylin shrugged a shoulder. "It's excellent fun, when those playing are a bit creative. And not cowards," she half-teased. "Since you're getting your butt back in with the armed forces, I'd say you're not much of a coward..."

"Maybe that will be my first go, then," she proclaimed, not even waiting to see if Cadil agreed on the game, or understood it. "You - are not a coward," she declared, before raising her eyebrows slightly as she waited for him to either agree and drink, or to tell her to drink and thus proclaiming himself a craven.

Her mind on the drinking game - and the washroom door, thanks to her pnchant for intrigue - she didn't notice Thûllir's entrance until she heard the all too familiar cadence of his boots upon floorboards, no more than a few yards away. Before she had fully put it together, though, his hand already rested upon her shoulder. It was enough not to startle, anyway, and there was no hesitation or awkwardness on Kaylin's part when he leaned in to kiss her. She'd stopped being prudish about public displays of affection a long time ago. "Well, hello," she grinned at her husband, immensely pleased by his arrival.

Kaylin narrowed her eyes at Alf a little before he moved away to bring Thûllir's order. "I'll pretend I didn't see that little sigh of relief," she muttered about the innkeeper's own reaction to her husband's entrance.

She leaned toward Thûllir. "We had just started a game of Say Something True." Her eyes fell to his glass. "Want to play, as well, Bregedyr?" she challenged with a smile that had been known to convince him before. "Cadil was just about to answer my first claim." Her eyes lingered on Thûllir's for a moment longer than was normal, before expectantly shifting to Cadil. "And so...?" she prompted.

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil
Early January

"Mmm," Cadil murmured and shrugged. He thought he already had damaged his reputation, and dignity by extension, when he dropped out of military and by slacking off like one lazy bum, listening to his parents' constant nagging as he lived off their means for long, wasting their hard-earned money on bar crawl. He really did not have much to lose, or so he thought.

As such, he then shrugged and quickly finished off his food before turning his attention back to Kaylin. Seeing Thûllir behind her, he returned the nod of greeting to him first, and then replied to the accusation of cheating: "What do you mean by cheating, Kaylin? I might lose to you even if I emptied the whole pot of stew that Hildy has made, ey? Give me a bit of a handicap here, won't you?"

"And no, I haven't played..." he did not get far in putting in a request for some explanations before the redhead already threw a statement at him. "Me, not a coward?" he repeated quietly and stared into his glass. Well, some things had not really gone the way he had wanted, and he had escaped from tackling challenges, but did it mean that he was a coward? Cadil wrinkled his brow in thought and then shook his head. He was trying his best again to step back up into the swing of things, though; and he was not rejected by the Rangers.

She shook his head again. "Nah, maybe I'm not that cowardly," he admitted and took a sip of the drink. It burned his throat, and he tried to suppress the cough trying to make it sound as if he was clearing his throat. He was used to drinking a fair amount of ale but had not really gone into the strong stuff, and once again he looked at the drink in his glass. "Wait... you want me to down the whole thing all at once?..." he sought to clarify the rules.

[Arnyn]

Kaylin
Early January, in the days before sea training
Open RP

"Fiiiiiinnnnne," she drawled, rolling her eyes. Fine. She would let him have the advantage of food. "But didn't you pub crawl enough to build up some kind of tolerance?" she couldn't help but ask him curiously. "I've been visiting less. You've been visiting more. That should even things out a little, yeah?" Though, perhaps, if Cadil was more prone to lighter ales, whereas Kaylin preferred the stronger liquors... Then she'd still best him easily enough. She had not skipped any of her meals today, either, after all.

Silent for a while, and shooting Thûllir a quiet, telling smile as Cadil contemplated her claim, the smile grew when Cadil declared he was not cowardly. Of course he was not. She had known. Her question had been whether he himself had realized it. Her smile bloomed as she looked at him, and then laughed at his question. "No, no," she said, shaking her head. "Are you mad? Just a good swallow will do. If we always have to drink the whole thing, we'll be sitting on our asses before we've even properly begun."

Kaylin tilted her head. "Your turn," she told Cadil. "Say Something True about me," she prompted with a wink.

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil
Early January

"That is more hopeful," Cadil murmured and then took a proper gulp of the strong drink, followed by a few coughs. "Else I'd be on my ass - as you say - after one round of game." He waves his other hand towards the drink he had now set firmly on the counter and explained: "I'm not used to these because I usually go for light ales and then not that many all at once. Else I would have been kicked out of home if I turned up drunk as a lord every time I visited a pub. Besides... gotta retain some sort of decorum and not make a total fool of myself."

"Now, let me see what I think I know about you," Cadil scratched his slightly stubbled chin as he looked around the establishment before turning his gaze back to Kaylin. "You are able to find some sort of joy even in the darkest situation, no?" he probed.

[Arnyn]

Kaylin
Early January, in the days before sea training
Open RP

Sh smirked when Cadil said he'd be on his ass after one round if she'd make him drink the whole thing right away. "Now, now," she chided amicably, fake-slapping his arm, "don't underestimate yourself!" She almost sipped her drink then, and debated whether it was really worth holding back, just because of the game, if she just really wanted a sip?

"Don't worry, Thûllir and I can take you where you need to go later," she shrugged, like it was no big deal. "If you want. Right?" she checked with the man on her other side, leaning back a little so Cadil could see him too. Cadil's prelude to what he would claim about her, made her smile. He probably knew more than he thought he did, and --

His claim immediately silenced her thoughts. She might not have thought too much about the question, if he had not included 'in the darkest situation'. Or if he had used a different wording than 'find some joy'. He might have said: "You find the fun in everything", and she might not have thought twice about it, just taking it in stride. But the words... were the words. Kaylin stared at Cadil for a brief moment, just long enough to swallow once.

Then she fitted on a smile . For show.

For it did not sit well with her, that - yes - she did find some sort of deprived fun in even the darkest of situations. Even when she was shedding blood. She found joy in the ending of lives. Even when she was applying certain.. interrogation techniques. She found the fun, in the moment. The guilt... the guilt only came after. And then she took every chance she could to drown it, instead of facing it. At the bottom of a glass, for example. Or in the arms of the man who was listening rather intently to whatever she might now answer.

So Kaylin lifted her glass to her lips. And drank deeply.

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil
Early January

"It all depends on how well you know me and how badly I know you," Cadil shrugged and grinned. "But I might as well end up needing some help. Go figure..."

He then waited to see if he had guessed right - for he did not remember many such moments when Kaylin was not in good mood, or able to access it in a jiffy. He was ready to grab his glass but was glad that there was no need for it when the redhead drank from hers. A good guess then.

"What will you say of me then again?" Cadil asked lightly.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Thûllir Bregedŷr
A New Year - Early January

Thûllir was both impressed and amusedly amazed at the speed with which Cadil consumed his stew. He would do well in chow hall eating competitions for the way it disappeared between one moment and the next. Or perhaps he had just been a bit too caught up in the way Kaylin had returned his accessing gaze after she invited him to join their game before she turned with a smile for Cadil and asked for a response to her first statement. Thûllir tilted his head in a we’ll see gesture and then turned away for a moment to receive the rolls and hot spiced cider from Alf with thanks and careful shifting of the steaming liquid so that it wouldn’t get bumped easily.

The man had done well in thinking over her first statement, and Thûllir nodded with a smile when Cadil chose to drink. He had seen the man have courage in a fight. He frequently questioned his wisdom, but knew that he was earnest and had not run from battle. It was good to see him come to his own realization about that as he quaffed the strong brandy.

Cadil’s statement to Kaylin in turn however, showed that he still saw only the surface of his former battle sister. The face she put on for everyone was often fully genuine, but also covered tough questions she asked herself, and Thûllir found himself taking a slightly deeper breath as Kaylin paused. Ah Cadil, you don’t know what you have asked. He himself didn’t know how she would answer it, and the look in her eye as she eventually lifted the glass with a too bright smile and drank deep in seeming good cheer and agreement did not bring an answering grin from Thûllir. Instead a tilt of his lips in recognition and acknowledgement of her answer followed, and then he took up his brandy for a small sip. She showed her own courage with that answer, even if the other man did not know it.

Cadil had gamely invited another statement about himself with his carefree manner. Thûllir didn’t know an immense amount about him despite his being Kaylin’s comrade in arms when they were just beginning, but figured this was as good a time as any to learn more. He cleared his throat lightly. “You may indeed ask or state another for Cadil, or either of you may say something that I must answer if you don’t mind me joining the game.” The latter was more for Cadil as Kaylin had essentially challenged him to join earlier.

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil
Early January

It seemed that Thûllir was of mind to join the game, and Cadil took to such changes in the circumstances quite happily. The more the merrier, after all. Besides it would not hurt to learn more of this man with whom Kaylin had decided to share her life, after all they would also be comrades if Cadil stuck to his training and did not give up. And no, he did not intend to run away again no matter what.

"It's great that you chose to join in!" he exclaimed rather happily and after a moment's silence added: "Here, from what I've heard it seems that you are not someone who walks around boasting loudly of your exploits. Is that so?"

[Karis Ziranphel]

Thûllir Bregedŷr
A New Year - Early January

Cadil seemed happy enough for him to join, given his enthusiastic response, and it only took a moment for him to come up with a statement about Thûllir. The man seemed to see some things clearly enough, and Thûllir nodded with a slight shrug and a smile. “True enough, aye.”

Lifting the brandy, Thûllir took another sip in payment before reaching for a roll and tearing it in two to take a bite. The game was more for comradeship and less about imbibing, and his time at the range had left him hungry. Holding the piece of bread up in his hand as an example, he started with an easy enough statement back after he had swallowed. “I would say you come here to eat because you enjoy quality food, rather than just eating anything for necessity.” Perhaps he should have started with Kaylin, but it was the first thing that came to mind.

[Arnyn]

Kaylin
Early January, in the days before sea training
Open RP

Thûllir's noncommittal answer was not really a surprise. Kaylin supposed he was still feeling out the room, before he would decide anything. But as it turned out, she did not have to wait long for his decision at all, which was unexpected. As he pointed out that one of them could ask him something, rather than Kaylin asking Cadil again, Kaylin turned a searching gaze upon her favorite ranger. What had prompted him to make such a quick call? Had he realized the depth Cadil's question had held for her? Had hee seen through her little facade? Was he looking to distract and giver her a moment?

She would not deem it beyond him.

Cadil's happy response brought a little smile to her face - a genuine one, now. It grew into an amused smirk at Cadil's claim about Thûllir. True, she thought immediately. It was an easy claim for Thûllir to respond to, and it spoke to Cadil's social skills that he would kick things off with a question that was a compliment about the other man's humble nature. Kaylin watched Thûllir take a sip, and tsk-led lightly. "You're supposed to take a good mouthful," she chided lightly. Not a little sip.

Thûllir's return claim about Cadil, made Kaylin snort loudly before she well and good realized what she'd done. "Sorry," she said quickly. "Go ahead and answer it, Cadil," she said, her voice a little higher with barely contained amusement.

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil
Early January

"Well..." Cadil was about to answer the claim Thûllir made about him and food, but Kaylin managed to get in first. With a snort. So the young man pursed his lips and tilted his head slightly, amusement in his eyes. "Well, I say," he resumed answering. "What if it is partially true?"

His gaze travelled to where his meal had been but now was not since Alf had already removed his empty bowl. "This place was the first in my way, and I was hungry enough that I would have gone elsewhere if that other place was closer. However, good food is always a bonus, and it surely is that here."

Taking a small sip from his glass he then nodded towards Thûllir's. "Suppose, the shared winnings between me and you?"

[Karis Ziranphel]

Thûllir Bregedŷr
A New Year - Early January

He couldn’t help the flash of a grin back at Kaylin when she scolded him for only taking a sip and then snorted in laughter at his question to Cadil. “You didn’t specify. Should I drink my cider instead?” She hadn’t actually said it had to be alcohol, only that one needed to drink. To make his point, he lifted his steaming mug to wrap his hands around the warmth and took as big a slurp as he dared without burning himself.

Meanwhile, Cadil spoke up to deem Thûllir's statement as being partially true. Thûllir lifted an eyebrow at the man's reasoning that although good quality food was a bonus it wasn't a primary consideration when he sought out vittals. “I stand corrected and will pay as you say.” Lifting the brandy that Cadil had indicated, Thûllir took another sip. He was definitely starting to feel the glow from the beverage despite the small amount he had drunk thus far.

[Arnyn]

Kaylin
Early January, in the days before sea training
Open RP

Shee gave Thûllir a downright scowl when he asked if he should drink his cider instead. She didn't specify! He knew all too well what he was supposed to drink! The same freaking drink Cadil and she were having! She almost shoved him right as he took a bigger drink from the warm cider. But, to her credit, she managed to refrain.

Barely.

When her ranger had taken another sip of the liquor, her gaze flickd to the washroom door while she counted in her head. She had asked Cadil. Thûllir had asked Cadil. Two for her friend, then, already. And she and Thûllir only each had one. So she would make a second claim about her husband, then.

Kaylin gave him the sweetest smile. "You have not second guessed marrying me even for a second since we made our vows," she claimed. Confidently? Challengingly? Curiously? Who could tell... Kaylin was employing her very best acting skills, so even Thûllir wouldn't be sure of her underlying sentiment.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Thûllir Bregedŷr
A New Year - Early January

She did not seem at all amused at his teasing, and kept looking over at the washroom door for some reason. It drew his gaze as well before she spoke and immediately wrested his attention back to her and that suspiciously sweet smile. Thûllir let himself search her face for a moment thoughtfully, but he couldn’t figure what had prompted the statement that she more often phrased as a question. It wasn’t a new one for her, although the timing was curious. She had asked it of him many times. After escapades and low moments or times of shared danger the question had come up. To hear her statement of what, by the intent of the game, she believed to be true was heartening.

The creases by his eyes deepened first before a slow smile tilted his lips. “Aye. While I may sometimes wonder at things when we make different choices, I have never regretted marrying you.” She’d been the spark that brought color to his life.

Lifting his brandy, he saluted her with the glass before taking a drink. Setting it down again he spun it slowly around once before making a return statement enabled by the recent masquerade. “You enjoy the thrill of anonymity when you immerse yourself in a disguise.”

[Arnyn]

Kaylin
Early January, in the days before sea training
Open RP

His words were honest, that was easy to tell. His emphasis on the word 'never' made her smile soften. Regardless, it was good for his health that he took more than just a sip, this time. Her hand sneakily made its way to rest upon his leg when he returned his glass to the bar and ventured a return statement.

Kaylin grinned, shrugging as she glanced at Cadil, as if asking him if he could blame her. She set her glass of brandy to her lips and took a good swig of it. "Obviously," she confirmed verbally, afterwards, while the liquor was still warming her throat. "Anything that provides a thrill, I tend to enjoy," she decided to add, and her tone was anything but apologetic.

"Right then," she continued cheerily. "Another for dear Cadil. Sincee Thûllir made me think of the masquerade, I will claim that not only were you there, but you also made at least one new friend," she determined. That seemed like Cadil, anyway.

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil
Early January

He watched the interactions between Kaylin and Thûllir with some amusement, making a note to himself that these two seem to work like a single unit even though they are so different. Better not get on the wrong side of either of them else there might be a threat of double consequences. Well, it was better to make sure to have them as friends.

Cadil's strategic ponderings were interrupted by Kaylin's statement aimed at him. At that he raised his glass and gulped down a mouthful of the strong liquid that seemed to burn its way down his throat and into his stomach. "Aye," he said in a rough voice and then coughed a bit to get back his usual voice. "I might not have discovered too many known friends behind their disguises, but I certainly made at least one new friend there."

He felt the heat touch his cheeks as he thought of one particular new friend, and then also thought of that one dance that had thrown him off his balance. But perhaps the heat was brought on by the strong liquor, not so much the memories of the masquerade. But his gaze dreamily lingered somewhere in the distance for a good long while before he blinked and brought himself back to present. "Yeah," he said.

[Arnyn]

Kaylin
Early January, in the days before sea training
Open RP

Wondering whether to make a claim about Thûllir or Cadil, Kaylin had to restrain herself from sipping her brandy. There wasn't much she didn't say to Thûllir about what she thought or believed, though - whether it was about him or not. Which made Cadil a much more interesting target.

The corners of her lips lifted in a wicked smile as she noticed a blush on his Cadil's cheeks. "I claim this new friend of yours is a lady," she purred. "And you like her." Technically, she was breaking the rules here, by making two claims in one turn... But how could she possibly ignore that reddish colouring along his neck?

Evidently, she couldn't.

[Ercassie]

Dolûzor Solis. January 1st.

The inn was more busy by now, than it had been when the Umbarian had hastened through to hide out in the washroom. As he tried in vain to soak the worst of the blood out of his sleeve, and then resorted to haphazardly tearing the telltale cuff of cloth right off the remainder of his shirt, all the while he had heard each new voice add another threat to his discovery. And yet none seemed to have entered in a pursuit of him. If anyone had witnessed his flight into the establishment, they had therefore not seen what preceded it. The innkeeper had even held off thus far from venturing in to demand that some sort of payment was afforded for the courtesy taken. And yet this privacy did not aid Doluzor's efforts in climbing out of the washroom window. That .. was evidently too small for even so oily a weasel of a man to ooze his way through. All that the attempt had gained him was the loss of one boot which had fallen out of reach now outside.

With as much gusto as he could therefore summon, the man emerged an unmarked amount of time later, taking full advantage of the distracted patrons, to make with no great urgency as though he meant to casually reach the bar. To order the drink which the proprietor would no doubt be expecting of him. Except that the customer proved to be not in fact in search of actual custom.


At the last moment, he swerved away from the promise of liquor, and picked up pace to slip out of the door with his now one bared foot, and a cleanly washed but still damp hand which he flexed repeatedly. As though he could wring out the persisting discomfort. A curse escaped him as that same fist knocked sharply and accidentally against the door frame, as a panicked glance back over one shoulder managed to steal his focus. Quite what, or in fact who might have turned his notice for that passing moment, he did not stall to explain. For, grasping the now greater throbbing hand within his other, the Umbarian vanished into the now ever greater crowd which had similarly swollen and changed mood, since he last had faced it.

A brisk detour down the side of the building's exterior allowed him to retrieve the errant boot from outside the window, and the dishevelled scrap of bloodied sleeve had already been safely stowed in his pocket. No trace then of the stranger was left behind, save for a very faint bloodied mark on the wash basin. And a very fleeting visit which would likely rend no great significance upon anyone who even managed to observe it.


EDIT - Date made more detailed. As per discussion with Arnyn.

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil
Early January

He wondered whether Kaylin was reading his mind when she proceeded to prod him with claims that only made his blush deepen. He stared into his glass intently and paid no heed to the man coming out of the washroom and leaving the establishment. Surely, befriending a nice lady was not a crime, right? Right? Somehow he felt that he had to convince himself of the fact.

Then Cadil realised that he must also acknowledge the claims somehow, so he took a proper drink of the strong beverage and felt it burning its way down his throat.

"Does it mean I have to take two gulps or what?" he asked, lifting his eyes to Kaylin, and offering a sheepish grin to Thûllir behind her as well.

"I figure you must have recognised me at the masquerade and spied on my movements there, Kaylin. No?" he presented a counter-claim of his own.