Fantasy as we wander

[albin0fox]

This fiend disrupted my pub along with


upset our most valuable patron, and my best friend. " I sneer, my own, somewhat darker green eyes burning furriously at the audacity of this bitch, the one who started the whole fight to begin with. "I understand that you both have business with a certain newcommer in town," I lower my voice to a harsh whisper. "But so long as hes a guest in my tavern you can consider him untouchable." I tilt my head, doing a complete 180 in attitude, suddenly the perfect hostess. "Of course you're always welcome to come in and enjoy yourself, and continue your man hunt tomorrow. "


I knew I would regret this sudden weight on my conscience concerning lineal. But after such a short interaction, I found myself curious about him, and feeling a lot less urgent about how soon I got the bounty for his head.


Who knows. A new toy might be fun. 
With that in mind, I make my way back into the now splintery pub and slide behind the counter in front of argo. "Thank you for taking out the trash, my freind. " I give him an appreciative smile. "How about a double of honey mead for my knight in shining armor?"


I give lineal a direct look, silently assuring him all will be explained.

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

b

 

[Beaurmont]

Kalth is unconscious and is at the mercy of a certain elf woman.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Argo turns toward Grey, putting his arms behind his back and bowing slightly. "Aw, I done did it again. Sorry. He-He just ruined the fun o' the Tavern. I got slightly cross." He said apologetically. Who knew this giant man would act like a child in trouble. He looked out the front door to see Eva coming back in, now slightly angry? "Thank you for taking out the trash, my freind. " She gave Argo an appreciative smile. "How about a double of honey mead for my knight in shining armor?" Argo could jump with joy, well if it wouldn't cause a small quake across the tavern. He wouldn't want to break the floor like last time. It took 40 men and a horse to pull him out..."Thanks lass, I could use a good drink right about now! I sobered up a bit." He exclaimed.

 

[albin0fox]

"Haha. Well we cant have that now can we?" I quickly fill two foaming mugs of mead and present them to argo with a friendly kiss on the cheek. "Mind watching out for rats while I get into 'proper attire'?" I ask. "My shift officially starts in about ten minutes and the boss would throw a fit if I began serving in a pair of trousers."

 

[MrMopp]

"Thanks lass, I could use a good drink right about now! I sobered up a bit." He exclaimed.


Gray rolled his eyes. "Heven forbid THAT ever happen 
"Now" said Gray, "you and you're beau were hiding frome someone. Was it Ayrenn?"

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

A wicked idea popped into the assassin's head as the elvish woman invited her to stay in the tavern for the night. Sheathing her weapon, the assassin stood up and grinned after the woman as she vanished into the tavern.


A guest, hmm? How long does this woman plan on protecting that poor prince? I hope she realizes that the moment he steps a single foot outside of town, his neck will be snapped like a twig.


The deadly thought brought a sickening smile to Ayrenn's lips, and she couldn't help let out a few snickers. Pushing the thought away, she found her leaf green eyes flicking back to the assassin unconscious in front of her. Crouching down low next to Kalth, she sighed in irritation as she realized she would be the one carrying him inside. Slipping her hands underneath him, she lifted him up effortlessly. Taking slow steps into the tavern, Ayrenn flashed Eva a wicked smirk before trailing up the stairs and towards one of the rooms. She stopped at the edge of a plush, white bed, and gently set Kalth down onto the soft surface.


Glancing at him for a few seconds, the assassin walked back down the stairs with an unknown emotion in her green gaze. The elf emptied out a few silver coins into her empty palm, and slammed them down onto the counter of the bar. She turned her back to Eva and Argo before they had time to see the blank expression on her face.


"It's for Kalth's room. The rest of the change is for the food and drinks when he wakes up. This is between you and me. If he asks who payed for this, don't tell him anything, you got that?" The assassin's voice became stern as she whipped around and flashed Eva a very stern glare. When she figured Eva had understood, she turned back around, and vanished through the tavern doors without another word.


The elvish assassin heard the soft murmur of her name being spoken behind her, and the voice saying it sounded very familiar to her. It was Gray, the old kitsune she had met a few times earlier in her life.


Grinning wickedly, Ayrenn continued to walk out into the open street, glancing around for a place to stay for the night.

 

[MrMopp]

I can't imagine those two and 'friend' being in the same sentence 
Dang it! Out of comment 
Abigail came out of the kitchen with a plate of food. "Gray, your breakfast is gett'n-" she looked around at the floating patrons, the hole in the celling, the blood and debris on the floor, and put on a look like 'well that's typical'. She was pretty glad she worked in the back.

 

[Beaurmont]

*Kalth still kinda unconscious. I'll bring him back shortly.*


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Argo pounds his metallic chest with his fist, causing a loud reverberation throughout the tavern. "Don'tcha worry about a thing Eva, I'll protect tha tavern with ma life." If you could see his face through the helmet you'd see a huge grin on his face. That woman came back in yet again, carrying that other trouble-maker Kalth along with her. Did I throw em far enough to reach her? I only threw him with one arm though...She went right up the stairs, up with Kalth in her arms. Argo got the wrong impression immediately, and began laughing heartily yet again. They must've been a couple eh? Hopefully they won't make too much noise when they use the bed fe- Almost as quickly as she entered she came down the stairs and walked up to the counter. "It's for Kalth's room. The rest of the change is for the food and drinks when he wakes up. This is between you and me. If he asks who payed for this, don't tell him anything, you got that?" She said, looking away from both Argo and Eva. With that, she left once again. Just then Abigail came out from the kitchen, witnessing the current...condition of the tavern. She seemed indifferent about it. Argo looked around the tavern itself, noticing the obvious damages. Ohh...

 

[albin0fox]

I narrow my eyes at the elvish bint, not trusting her for a moment as i make my way to my room upstairs. The man upstairs, "kalth", would need a talking to the moment he awoke. Otherwise i have no doubt we would all be one more tavern short.


Which brought me back to the issue of lineal. The young prince has a record setting bounty on his head. That much gold had drawn me in like the rest of the hunters. But first and formost, I am a theif. I enjoy a difficult challenge as much as the next, but I value my anonymity above all else. And this is quickly risking all that.


So the question is, do I continue to pursue the boy, abandon him, or assist him? He would be easy enough to seduce. One of my nicknames in Khitai had been the black widow, for my favorite technique. Give them thier last moment of extacy, and kill them the moment its over, while they're helpless. Though they never saw my face, thanks to their veiling customes.


That would ultimately be the most simple way about killing the boy, and the most ...benificial. I always loved a young boy. So energetic and willing to learn. Call it a twisted sense of mothetly instinct.


But this...this was simply too high a risk. No. This bounty was not to be mine. So, that leaves my other two options. But I cant exactly abandon the boy. Im still civilized, if not minutely.


I change quickly into my outfit (cause no decent person could possibly call this damn thing a dress) and adjust myself in the mirror, looking less than pleased. My damned lecher of a boss, bless his eighty year old heart, had no idea the hell I would bring down on him the moment I was ready to leave town.


So...that leaves me one option...


Ive got to figure out how to help the lad. Which means...kalth needs a pep talk.


With one last futile effort to pull the neckline up to a slightly more decent level, I turn on my heel and walk into kalths rented room and perch myself on the stool beside the bed.


"Wake up, you great lummox." I nudge him with my boot and absently play with one of my twin daggars. "No ammount of beauty sleep will do you any good."

 

[MrMopp]

@Lost_in_Paradise


Gray caught a wif of Ayrenn, turned around and saw her. 'Oh so I DID see her earlyer' he thought. 'Certainly has been growing her hair out.'


Anyway this was the loose end he needed to tie up before he could enjoy break fast. Couldn't leave that killer unchecked. Of course, there was Evah, but at least she had a conscience. Were as Ayrenn, well, he wasn't sure.


Gray followed her out the door. "Ayrenn!" He called. Standing at a safe distance (she was a loose cannon, that one).

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

Her distant eyes closed for a moment as she let out a frustrated sigh. It seemed all the inns had been closed, and the only reason she could think of, was because they caught word of her being in town.


Damned them all. Was all she thought, causing a wide, almost evil grin to spread across her petal pink lips. Pivoting her foot behind her, she walked steadily towards the entrance of the gate. She put two fingers in her mouth, preparing to call her wolves, wherever they were hiding. But a familiar voice made her stop dead in her tracks.


"Ayrenn!"





The pointed ears on her head flicked back and forth slightly, as she turned around and faced the Kitsune behind her. The wicked grin was still plastered on her face.


"Why, if it isn't Gray the Kitsune... I'm surprised to see you in this bloody excuse for a town. What brings you here, hmm?" The elf took a few steps towards him, closing the gap only slightly between them.

 

[MrMopp]

"I happen to live in this "bloody excuse for a town" from time to time now a days" he explained, "and as such, I am it's guardian. That being said, I have a few rules to lay down." 
Your turn, by the way

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

The Elven assassin simply smirked at the kitsune. Subconsciously, she felt one of her hands rest on the hilt of the deadly sword attached to her belt. As if the feeling of the weapon was comforting to her, her smirk subsided to a serious expression.


"Continue, fox. I'm listening." Ayrenn said, slipping out a dagger and twirling it in her hand. She almost looked bored, as if this conversation didn't appeal to her. The wind began to blow, picking up a few dead leaves in its grasp. It sent the leaves flying upwards, carrying them away into the darkened sky. A few raindrops dropped down from the blackened clouds, landing in Gray's fur and around where Ayrenn stood. The elf looked up towards the sky, a flicker of emotion running through her gaze as it steadily began to pour.


Shaking her head, the elf turned her attention back to the kitsune as her hair dripped with water.

 

[Htiaf]

Rakela watched with amusement as all the people chatted, and the elven lady brought the man upstairs....


"Well, you learn something new every day, don't ya."


She laughed lightly and nudged Lineal with her elbow- carful not to knock him over.


She grinned wickedly. "I don't mean to be intrusive, but what's up with you and the half elf? I saw you eyeing her- aww, don't give me that look!"


She leaned back against the counter, only to be snapped at by the bar keeper to get out from behind the counter.


She saluted. "Yessir."


Rakela offered Lineal a hand as she stood up.

 

[MrMopp]

Gray looked up at the clouds for a moment. He could have have a chat with the clouds but he the rain doesn't bother a creature with fur like it does a humanoid with bare skin. Besides, he actually found it soothing.


"Firstly," he began "if you want to address me formally, than it's GrayCoat the Kitsune. Secondly, I know that you have no respect for authority or the sanctity of life, but I must insist you keep your sociopathic tendencies to your self. Normally, the universe arranges its own punishment, but since I can't afford to have you stabbing people left and right during your learning experience, know that if you kill anyone in this town then I will remove your capacity for harm. Permanently."

 

[Beaurmont]

Kalth tossed in his sleep, he felt darkness surround him, stifling his breathing. His breath became a bit labored, it was painful. Wherever Kalth was felt like it was swirling, an annoying ring kept replaying in his ear. A voice suddenly appeared, it was faint and rather scrambled."Wake up, y*u gr*** lummox" He felt pressure on his body. "No am*** of b***ty s**** will d* you *** **od." Kalth couldn't understand what the person was saying to him, he had a huge headache, like someone threw him at a rock. Threw him at a rock. He jumped up from his sleeping position, startled and panicked. Where was he? What's going on? These thoughts rushed into his head. He sat still for a moment, felt the softness of a bed under him. His panic slightly diminished as he looked around the room, getting a sense of his surroundings. He looked to his side, the red-head from before sitting there starring at him with a bit of interest and distaste in her eyes.


Kalth immediately reached For his blade quickly, only to realize his weapons have been removed, even his bow. He was going to attempt and fist fight when a great pain in his side stopped him short.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Argo is downstairs being jolly. :3

 

[albin0fox]

"Hurts doesnt it?" I flash kalth a smirk and slip a hand into my herb sack, fishing around for a moment before drawing forth a small vial of flourescent goo. "Serves you right for trying to shoot me in my own damn pub." I hold the vial before your eyes, letting you inspect it. "Glow worm fodder. Gross as it is, it will heal you up, something quick." I lift an eyebrow. "So long as you're a good little assasin and agree to a few minor rules, yeah?"

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

A smile broke out on her face, the rain splattering against the ground in large droplets. In seconds, the light colored dirt was tainted to a darker shade as the water soaked into the soil. Ayrenn stood there. Her lime green eyes stared at the kitsune with no emotion in her gaze. Her hand removed itself from the handle of the sword, and fell limply by her side.


"I wasn't planning on stabbing anyone, you bastard. But I can see that you believe that's the obvious assumption for a person like me," The assassin snarled, anger flooding into her voice. Her hair dripped down in front of her face, concealing the deadly expression she now wore. Her fists clenched at her side, the sound of the rain ringing in her ears like a siren.


"If anything, the only harm I would ever commit in this town is taking my bounty, and since that stupid barmaid is protecting the prince, I'm just gonna have to sit back and watch, aren't I?" Ayrenn spat her words like they were venom, taking a few heavy steps towards Gray until her stunning eyes met his.


"I can promise you I will keep my distance, and I can promise you that no harm will be done to these people. But mark my words Gray, that prince's head will be mine." The assassin stopped until she was directly in front of him. Whipping around, she turned her back to the kitsune and stared at the city's grand gates.


"You keep your town safe, and I will do my job. You know of the assassin in that tavern, yes?" She asked, not waiting for a response from Gray as she flashed him a side glance.


"No one touches him either. And I mean NO ONE, Gray. Don't think I won't be around to witness anything. I will be."

 

[Beaurmont]

(how I imagine this moment.)

 

[MrMopp]

Gray cocked his head. " Prince??"

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

"Prince??"


The kitsune's words stunned Ayrenn to stop in her rambling. Turning completely towards him now, she felt her mouth gape open at him, looking a bit confused herself. But the confusion quickly subsided, and she closed her eyes and let out a small Hmph under her breath. The rain continued to pitter patter onto the soil, creating small pools of water onto the street.


"Oh, you didn't know? That barmaid is hiding an exiled prince known as Lineal Schwartz. I'm sure you've heard of him. He's got quite a bounty on his head, that one." The assassin grinned at Gray, arching an eyebrow and crossing her arms over her chest.


Than she suddenly burst out laughing.


"What? You actually thought that all these bounty hunters showing up here was for no reason?" The elven woman stopped her mocking laughter, and smirked at Gray.

 

[MrMopp]

Gray, head pulled back, eyes looking left and right as if he had been asked if the sky was blue, Said, "It's a TAVERN."

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

"Not in the tavern, idiot. I mean in this town. Bounty hunters from all over are here to collect their reward for that kid's head. Including me." The assassin rolled her eyes at the kitsune's childish behavior. She found herself staring towards the tavern, her conscious screaming at her to run through the doors and kill the prince right than and there. However, she planned her assassination of the prince to be a little bit more... Gruesome. It would just have to wait for now. Ayrenn grinned at Gray, leaning against a building that stood behind her.


"You seem to be avoiding my words. That tavern you stay in is harboring a FUGITIVE, Gray. Why don't you be a dear and turn him into me, hmm? Maybe I'll be nice enough to split my reward with you," A sickening gleam flickered in the assassin's eyes at that very moment, and she stared at Gray as if he were a piece of delicious meat.


____________________________________________


Meanwhile, in town....





Two pairs of eyes illuminated the darkness of the alleyway, their silhouettes hidden as they watched the kitsune silently. Faren and Lupus crouched low into the shadows. The tips of their blackened claws tore up the dirt, their instincts blaring as they stared hungrily at the kitsune. But they were smarter than that. And they waited patiently...

 

[Ian Temero]

Rakela watched with amusement as all the people chatted, and the elven lady brought the man upstairs....
"Well, you learn something new every day, don't ya."


She laughed lightly and nudged Lineal with her elbow- carful not to knock him over.


She grinned wickedly. "I don't mean to be intrusive, but what's up with you and the half elf? I saw you eyeing her- aww, don't give me that look!"


She leaned back against the counter, only to be snapped at by the bar keeper to get out from behind the counter.


She saluted. "Yessir."


Rakela offered Lineal a hand as she stood up.

Lineal raised an eyebrow at Rakela. "The half elf just stopped an arrow with her bare hands. Of course I'm going to be 'eyeing her'." He stated a little defensively. "Why would a barmaid be able to do that?"


Glancing outside Lineal noticed the beginnings of rain. Well, there went his shopping trip. A lot of the stuff that he need couldn't be wet before he packed them and from the looks of it the rain would let up until much later. As much as he disliked it, it looked like he would be staying the night. Reaching into his coin purse he pulled out several silver coins and placed them on the counter. "I'll be reserving a room and a stall in the stables." He told Lucian. "I'll also be leaving out the back door, if you don't mind." He added, pulling a cloak from his pack. Throwing it over his shoulders, Lineal slipped into the kitchen and out the backdoor.


While most of his trip was canceled, a horse was not one of those items that couldn't get wet...

 

[MrMopp]

Prince...huh. Interesting "I have little interest in money." He explained. "And I am capable of judging him myself. Stiiiiill..." He cocked his head as he thought. "Now that I know that he's the disgraced prince, that make him VERRY interesting to me. And since you BROUGHT me this fine specimen..." He put on the kind of smile that a business man makes when he's about to make an exceptional offer, "Perhaps *I* could reward you."