The Newcomer In Town }{ (Open for all)

[Aithne Breagh]

The silence of the room was welcoming. Creamy jade colored eyes slid closed for a moment as she reveled in the darkness surrounding her. It was a welcoming change to what she'd been through only earlier that day. Meetings and merry-making, bar wenches and slobbering drunks. The thought of it all brought a smirk to otherwise non-emotional lips. Slowly a breath was drawn in and let out as Aithne opened her eyes and made her way toward her bed. The heavy pack that she had brought with her was lowered down...thankfully...to rest upon the floor. A fluttering glance moved about the room as she took in what the small inn had to offer. It wasn't the best in town, perhaps, but at least it was clean. And it didn't smell.

In the furthest corner was an old desk with a rickety chair. On the other side was a small wash basin and a mirror that was lacking of a clear reflection. It was cheap, she knew, but it would suit her. She wasn't one to dote upon her appearance anyway. Aithne lifted a slender hand, deft fingers worked at the brooch that had been holding her cloak securely closed. After a moment of fumbling she had it free and she draped the material over the back of the ancient looking chair. Her light footsteps carried her over to the basin, and she used the small pitcher of fresh water to fill it half full. The trip had been a long one, and she could use a bit of freshening up. Hands dipped down into the liquid as she leaned over, then were used to splash the coolness over her flushed cheeks. Once again she did this, allowing the soothing sensations that it instilled to fill her once more with a sense of calm. A towel was used to soak up the droplets as they caressed themselves in straight pathways over her cheeks.

With a turn she headed back over toward the bed and sat down upon its blanketed surface. Some rummaging through her pack awarded her with a brush. Aithne used it to straighten her loose mane of hair, pulling the stiff bristles through the curls until they were free of any tangles. It was about this point that her tummy rumbled in silent protest. Yes, supper would have to come next...and then bed. The idea of sleep lingered for a moment, threatening to overtake her desire to eat. With a mild murmur of protest Aithne rose to her feet. She knew that if she didn't eat now, she would pay for it around midnight when she would awaken famished. It wouldn't take too long to have a bowl of stew, and a mug of hot tea would help to prepare her for a decent night's sleep.

Rising up from her seat, she used her foot to push her pack down under the bed. With this done she then headed for the door that would take her back downstairs. Aithne quietly shut the door behind her and made her way to the commons room of the inn. She glanced around at the assortment of patrons that occupied the area before choosing an empty table near the bar. This will be sufficient, she thought to herself. With a quiet sigh she waited for a bar wench to come take her order.

[ennui]

ooc: hope you don't mind me joining!

She really had no idea how long she'd been on the road, only aware of the passing of seasons. If she had to really count, Katherine'd reckon she'd been traveling for nearly a year. After skirting the Ularian Ridge, she'd changed her direction west. Tonight she had finally reached the infamous village of Tamasha. Katherine noted with relief that the gates were not guarded, and she shrugged her pack higher on her shoulder before padded quietly through the entrance.

It was late, the stars twinkled merrily overhead. The moon was nowhere to be seen. There was, however, plenty of light from the nearby hanging lanterns. Katherine smiled, listening to racuous calls of the inebriated. They were some distance away, and she followed the sound at once. If her instincts were right, she'd be led directly to the nearest pub or inn, and she could really use a glass of restorative ale.

The inn came into view, small but welcoming. It looked clean enough, and Katherine sighed as she passed the slack-eyed stares of the men gathered by their steeds. Wanderers like her, no doubt. Better equipped as well, she thought to herself as she stared enviously at the nearest horse. She was sure she could steal one, butsome sense of morality prevented her from doing so. Sighing again, Katherine entered the room.

Shocked to see that the inn boasted a small bar, Katherine immediately made a beeline for it. The room was busy tonight, and she was jostled uncomfortably before reaching her destination. After ordering a drink and paying with a few scrappy coins, Katherine turned to look for a seat. There wasn't anywhere really to sit, but a table nearby was occupied by a single woman. She seemed harmless enough, and shrugging, Katherine made to sit next to her.

"Hello," her expression slightly apologetic. "Do you mind?"

[Aithne Breagh]

(Not at all, I'm glad you did! )



Like other patrons of the quaint inn, Aithne had taken notice of the woman that had just entered. It was only a passing interest, she didn't want to seem rude by gawking. After all, hadn't she been in the woman's place just a little earlier that evening? Aithne went back to awaiting the barmaid, taking note that a group of weathered adventurers had her enthralled by the story they were telling.

Hmphf, that figures, she thought quietly to herself. She'd been just about to get up and make her way to the tender when the woman who had entered asked if she might join her at the table. That was a refreshing change....to have a fellow female seek some amiable company rather than some bumbling drunk looking to impress. Aithne's lips curled into a grateful smile and she lifted an elegant hand to indicate that a chair at her table was definitely free.

"Please, by all means."

She waited for her peer to take a seat and then turned her full attentions to the guest. Her voice was soft and light, though easily heard despite the banter of the party in the far corner.

"I'm grateful for the company. Thank you."

A glance from the barmaid was all it took for Aithne to motion her over. The woman seemed saddened that she would have to leave the bunch she'd taken to, but she held to her position and made her way over to where the women were seated. Pale jade eyes raised to meet with the buxom wench's face before she placed an order for a bowl of stew, some bread and cheese that she and her guest might share, and a simple cup of hot tea. With that the maid turned to see if there was anything else that the other woman might want. Aithne settled back in her chair to get more comfortable, waiting for the server to finish her task before turning her attentions back to the newcomer.

[Ariana]

As night was falling on the town, the main street was flooded with people trying to get from one location to another. Whether it be work, play, or home...they sure wanted to get their fast. All around, people were pushing and shoving their way past each other. Yelling, shouting, and cursing was the main conversation going on tonight, and with good reason. Every five seconds, some unsuspecting commuter would be pushed to the ground by someone else who apparently couldn't wait another five seconds to get to where they needed to go.

Where do they need to go that so important as to push each other like this? Sitting on a stone ledge that gutted out from one of the nearby shops, a young girl watched as these angry men made their way. Of course, there would be no way of knowing what this girl looked like, or even if she was a girl or not, because she was covered in a large, brown cloak. She had make extra precautions in buying one that was much too large for her. This made sure that the hood covered her entire face, and it went far beyond her feet. Not a single part of her body was showing. Of course, she wasn't sure if this precaution was even required. She was sitting so silently, no one seemed to take notice of her. Still, one could never be too careful.

I guess they don't teach manners here, the girl thought to herself as another man feel to the pavement with blood gushing out of his nose. A wave of remorse and sympathy came over her. She could easily heal any of these victims without a problem. But, that would blow her cover- and she wanted to stay as invisible as possible. So, she just sat there and watched them all as they continued to get bruised and beaten.

Oh, I suppose they'll be alright. The people of Valear are strong. After this thought, the girl couldn't help but smirk. Ever since she came here, she had been speaking more and more Common and less and less of her own language. She was even starting to think it. Of course, she was taught Common all her life. She just never needed it. She thought it wouldn't be important until her father died.

Quickly catching herself in mid-thought. The girl closed her thumb, middle and index finger together. She then made a gesture to her left hip, followed by her right shoulder, then her left shoulder, and finally her right hip. After doing this, she circled the X shaped area she made out of the air and kissed the three fingers.

Arumeho denicana Gelmir retechano lianso- May Gelmir, my father, live forever. She quickly finished her silent prayer. She was to never even think of her father's death. May the Gods always protect him. Once her prayer was over, she looked back up at the crowd.

It was if time froze while she was blessing her father and was now picking up where it left off. People were still pushing and shoving everyone else to get from Point A to Point B. Smirking and rolling her eyes, she stood up. She had enough people watching for one night. Besides, it was growing cold.

As she watched the busy street, she wondering how she was ever going to cross. The inn was just across the way, and there was only one way there. However, was there a way across without getting killed? Looking left and right, she realized there wasn't. So, slinging her bow over her shoulder, readjusting her belt which held her quiver, and tightly grabbing her rucksack, she ventured through.

It certainly was a difficult task. In every direction, someone was trying to get her out of their way. Most of the time...they were. Finally, with only a few hairs out of place (which she quickly placed back under her hood), she was across the street. Smirking in self-satisfaction, she made her way inside.

As soon as she steeped in, the thought of that horrible street suddenly seemed like paradise. In every direction, drunks were singing at the top of their lungs strange hymns in many languages and slurred voices, thugs were beating each other up without mercy, and some of the men were flirting with the bar maids and random lady guests.

I hate to admit it, but I'll blend in more if I take off the hood. That way, I won't look like I'm trying to hide. So, reluctant she may be, she slipped off the hood of her cloak. Her long, blond hair instantly came out of the messy bob she had it in and flowed naturally to her stomach area. Her blue eyes stared down the tavern with a cold determination. Her fair, elvish skin seemed to glow in the light. And her long, pointed ears, finally allowed to be free of the hood, placed themselves to the sides of her head. However, the rest of her was still covered the cloak. The last thing she needed was for anyone to see anymore of her...especially her hands.

" 'Ey, babe', wattua say we 'ead out and 'ave some fun?" The girl turned to find a drunk man about four years older than her smiling a wicked and drunk smile. He smelled strongly of ale. These were the kind of people this girl hated most. Her father taught her how to deal with these types, don't look at them...just walk away. At first, he tried to follow her, but then his eyes caught a young bar maid cleaning some mugs. In a second, he had forgotten all about her. Perfect.

She wasn't that thirsty, but she could use something hot to eat. So, she made her way over to some of the tables. All of them seemed to be full. But, just then, her eyes found a table with two girls. Seeing no other options, she made her way over.

"Excuse me," She asked, using the best manners she could muster, bringing back everything her tutors had taught her. "Terribly sorry to bother you. However, it seems that there are no other tables available. Is there any way I can join you two?"

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang had been traveling for several weeks. He had just returned from a very dangerous mission on the outskirts of the Dermun Desert and he was exhausted. He had stopped by his house and slept for an entire day before getting up and heading towards the rest of the town.

It was sad how things had changed in the last year. He had been gone, but he had expected the town to stay roughly the same. Instead, new houses had gone up and new neighbors were eyeing him with suspicion. Several of his old business haunts were gone, which forced him to go to the major part of town. He was not keen to do such things...he knew it was dangerous for him wherever he was. And a public place was even less safe for him.

However, he needed to be out and socialize some...even if that meant just BEING with other people. He had been alone too much recently and he was realizing that the solitary life had advantages, but that company had its advantages too. He came to a combination bar/inn and headed inside.

The interior was dingy, but the place seemed to bustle with excitement and patrons. Guang made it to the counter and an old man asked him for his order. Guang asked for a jug of ale and a glass and waited patiently. The man returned and apologized that there were not other places to sit. Guang told him not to worry and poured himself a hefty measure of drink. Recapping the jug, Guang spun on his stool and surveyed the bar.

Several patrons were in one section enchanting one of the employees of the place. He noticed her attention diverted and turned to see that she was headed towards a table with two ladies seated and one standing in questioning politeness. Knocking back his drink, Guang watched the scene unfold before him.

[Aithne Breagh]

Aithne had just settled more comfortably in her chair with the arrival of the first woman, when another stopped before them to ask politely to join. Company hadn't been the first thing on her mind when she'd come down to get a drink, but it was definitely welcoming with the atmosphere around them. Again she lifted a hand to indicate that one of the few empty chairs were available, then smiled as she watched the lady take a place. With a smile Aithne realized that she felt more secure now than she had when she'd first come down. Creamy jade colored eyes moved over the remaining patrons rather quickly before settling upon Guang. He seemed to be the only one in the place that did not have a "partner" or three. With a start she realized that he had turned his attentions upon their table and a soft blush spread across her cheeks as she thought to herself that he might think she was rudely staring. Aithne's fingers curled into the handle of her mug of tea, and she lifted it to take a drink and swallow the lump that had began to form in her throat. Her attentiveness returned to the other two women at her table.

"My name's Aithne."

It was a small start in hopes of sparking up a conversation. It would never do to have all three of them sitting there in uncomfortable silence. Of course, it never crossed her mind to think that the other two might not be looking for amiable company, or that they might not wish to divulge their identities. Instead Aithne's thoughts moved on to an open-ended question that she hoped would give them the ability to jump right in.

"Do either of you live here in Tamasha?"

Again her cup was lifted and she took a sip of her mildly brewed tea. Occasionally her attentions would wander to the lone stranger sitting at the bar, and she found herself wondering if he might like to join them. Some might have considered it risky business to invite a stranger of the opposite sex to the table. Aithne relied heavily upon her instincts, allowing them to guide her through life's little adventures. He didn't seem harmful, or at least, in her eyes he seemed far more civilized than many of the tavern's other patrons. Still, there were the other two women to consider. They had obviously felt comfortable enough to join her at her table....but a man? She wasn't sure.

Well, she certainly didn't want to appear rude to either the man or her new table mates, so she went back to hoping that the other two ladies would feel free to engage in idle chit chat. Hopefully if the man wished to join them, he would come over and ask to share their peaceful space in an otherwise chaotic setting.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang watched the table of ladies seem to bask in idle conversation as they nursed their drinks. The barmaid had hastily returned to her retinue of drunken workmen and began collecting their coins again. She did know what she was doing, Guang could see. He smiled and shook his head, not begrudging her the work. He had his own successful business and sometimes it paid to have other talens that few people knew.

He finished his glass and poured another draught. Behind him, the door opened and another person walked in. Guang saw the reflection in the mirror and hurriedly hid his face. It looked to be one of the Garash Guards. Guang knew that there was only one reason for them to be here: Him.

Thinking quickly, Guang watched the reflection in the mirror from the corner of his eye as he tried to blend in with the patrons. However, something must not have worked quite right and the guardsman walked right up beside him and sat down on the stool to his left. The barman took his order and wandered off down the counter to attend to another patron.

"As I live and breathe," the guardsman muttered softly. Guang continued to breathe easy, knowing that to tense up would give away his true identity. "You must be Guang. You are a hard fellow to find."

Guang's heart sank. They had found him at last...and there was an even money bet that this guardsman was not alone. Slowly, Guang took a drink and then set his glass back down. "I am afraid I don't know what you mean, "Guang replied innocently. Unfortunately that didn't seem to appease the guardsman.

Suddenly, Guang was hauled around by his shirt collar as three more guardsmen leapt up from neighboring tables and stools. "I think you do," the guardsman holding Guang rasped in his face. "And I think it is time you came with us." A knife at Guang's throat made him understand the alternative to compliance. Guang gulped and stood.

"After you?" Guang asked courteously. He was shoved roughly forward for an answer. Guang's eyes went to the table of women he had studied earlier. He was thinking fast...hoping that he could get the men in position. But would the women help?

[Elizabeth]

K i l i k
Death's at your door

Yes, this Drow had been sitting in a shadowed corner all the while. Watching intently. A smirk was slapped 'pon his kissers. Why this was mere fun for him to watch. It was almost as if it were all planned out. A deep chuckle was released from his oral cavity as he stepped out of the shadows.

A slight shake of his skull as he watched the drake being taken down. Aww poor thing lyrics mocked. This is what he lived for, every moment, to watch others be torchered if he wasn't doing it himself. He edged closer to the brawl going on. Watching towards the femme's out of the corner of his void. Come ladies, I dare you A swift turn and he was headed towards them. Nothing easier then going after them, right?

Gaze flickered from one to the other. My, my what have we here? lryics hissed out towards the femmes. Heading over to save the bloak who obvisouly brought it on himself lryics snapped. Voids watched for their expression and movement. Paw rested on the hilt of one of his swords. He dared them to move. Why must his work be all to easy.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang was not quite sure what he was going to do. Most people in the tavern were watching him...and that seemed to make his entourage more cautious. His eyes met those of the lady at the table who had seemed curious about him and suddenly he was past her and out the door of the tavern. He had failed to act for the first time in his life...and it would probably be the last.

The tavern and its patrons fell farther behind and Guang was marched steadily on...a knife in his back and two drawn swords to the side...just slightly back. There was nowhere to run and too many ways to die...and Guang was a fighter. He would find a way to fight and live...or die.

They marched him through town and out into the surrounding woods. They took his small knife and tied him to a tree. One of them stood guard while the other two slept. Guang slept too, knowing he would need his sleep.

[Aithne Breagh]

Aithne had watched the procession of men as they marched the stranger through the tavern toward the door. More than once she'd thought to intervene, yet she knew that it would have only spelled disaster......for the fighter as well as herself. She wasn't an overly powerful sort, at least not yet. Only once had she allowed her gaze to meet with that of Guang. Was it pity that could be found within those enchanting depths.....or more? The situation seemed dire, an illusion that only deepened when Aithne spotted the drow moving toward them. The vile creature seemed bent on putting the fear into her and her table mates. Eyes narrowed threateningly as slender fingers drummed with impatience upon the table's roughened top. With a derisive curl of her lip, Aithne began to speak quietly in a language that was far more ancient than even the drow could boast.

"Nuin mor Brethil, Sereg mereth glinen van, Elen eruanna Nîn beh hith."

Upon the last syllable of her word, a mist sprang forth from where Aithne sat to engulf the entire tavern. All chaos seemed to break loose as patrons scrambled and screamed. Perhaps even her table mates were a little confused as to what had happened, but the mage did not dwell on that. Instead, she took the concealing cover of her Obscuring Mist spell and put it to good use. None would see her as she slipped unnoticed out of the main door.

With the surrounding quiet of Tamasha about her, Aithne moved down the street that would carry her out of the gates of the town. She was almost certain that this would have been the direction that they had taken the man from the tavern. Though she was far from skilled at tracking, the mage knew that the group could not have gotten far. Another flourish of words flowed from her mouth, and from out of seemingly nowhere a horse appeared. Aithne mounted the beast and spurred it into a light canter that would carry her over the terrain with quick ease. She traveled for several minutes before the telltale signs of a camp fire alerted her to the presence of her quarry. Aithne dismounted a scant second before the horse disappeared.

Moving in quietly to the surrounding brush and foliage, Aithne peered through the leaves to see what was going on inside of the camp. To her relief they had not yet dispatched of the man. In silence she made her way toward where he was bound, using the forest around her for some much needed cover. Once she positioned herself behind Guang, she waited to make certain that her presence was undetected. Then, and only then would she make a move to see the captive freed.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang awoke...his arms chafing the ropes binding his hands and his neck aching from leaning against a tree. By the trail of the moon, he had slept roughly ten minutes. He chuckled to himself and looked around the campsite.

The two gnomes were still asleep...one on either side of him, but far enough away that he could not do anything to them without waking them. The third guard was nowhere in sight. Guang closed his eyes and listened closely. A brush of a leaf on a tree to his right opened his eyes quickly.

A small shadow was hunkered there, facing town. Guang could just see the outline of the gnome, holding a bow and arrow. He was too far away for Guang to ambush too. Guang let his head tip back against the tree and he sighed.

All of those years he had managed to run and managed to hide. Now, it looked like this one band of armed gnomes would take him in and get to claim victory over him before the entire gnome nation. Guang gritted his teeth at that thought, but at the moment, he was powerless to stop it.

He was preparing to bed down again when he heard the breathing...it was coming from behind him somewhere...and it was NOT a gnome. Guang straightened up and turned to look over his shoulder. He could see nothing, but he grinned and nodded his head. He was ready.

[Aithne Breagh]

Aithne had been aware of every movement, yet had it not been for Guang's sideways glance to the gnome with the bow she might have missed him. Gently she rubbed the fingers of her right hand together, not surprised in the least to find them cold and clammy. If things did not go as planned, it was possible that the captor would suffer. She definitely didn't want anyone's death on her conscience, so she replayed everything in her thoughts before making any moves. Once she was satisfied, she reached into a small pouch at her side and withdrew a pinch of some blackened, gritty material. Her other hand relinquished the dagger she kept from the sheath secured to her waist. Drawing in a deep breath, Aithne's voice came in a quick whisper a scant second before she threw the sooty sand near a sleeping gnome.

"Lhach Fëa anna, Úr anga gûl...."

Instantly there was a brilliant flash that sparked where the black component fell. Everything happened with such quickness that Aithne hardly had time to finish her next spell....even as she was cutting free the rope that kept Guang tied.

"Beleg Lhûg galad, ross alata laer."

From Aithne's outstretched fingertip sprang a single, glowing burst of light that flew with unerring accuracy to strike the gnome who had held the bow and arrow. With an almost comical blast, creature and weapon toppled backward into a heap. The solitary magic missile would not be enough to kill the guard, but it would certainly keep him down long enough for her to finish her mission. The ropes that had held Guang bound fell easily beneath the blade of her dagger, and within mere seconds he was free. Aithne tucked her weapon back into its sheath as she jumped to her feet.

"Run!"

She wouldn't be too far behind him, either.

[HoudiniDerek]

It felt like an eternity to Guang, waiting to see what was going to happen with the person in the bushes...if anything. A slight sensation caused him to look up and see a fine black powder falling like snow around them. Guang heard a murmur behind him and suddenly everything went white....and BRIGHT!

Guang gagged and felt the ropes around him loosening as they were cut. The two sleeping gnomes had opened their eyes and the residue of the flash stunned them. A bright glowing light shot from the side and hit the gnome with the bow and arrow who had was trying to see through the bright clearning.

"Run!" Guang heard called out. He stood and tried to run, but lights were swimming before his eyes and he collided with one of the other gnomes and they ended up in a scuffle. He could hear the remaining gnome in a tussle with someone else.

Guang grappled for the knife and wrenched it out of the hands of his opponent. Unfortunately, Guang lost his grip and it went spiraling away into the brush. The gnome on top of Guang punched him and beat his head on the ground to beat him into submission. Guang's eyes were swimming again, but suddenly, the gnome fell unconscious across him. He was pulled to his feet and pushed forward. Blindly, he ran...desperately trying to clear his eyes so he could see what was happening around him. He prayed that the news was not worse.Sorry it took so long to get back here. I hope you don't mind that I had your character do a couple of actions. :) -

[failedops]

(mind if I join?)

The Dark man slowly walked to the entrance of the inn, using his dark staff as a walking stick, his hidden face looking straght forward
He walked to the rickety chair and sat down slowly and pulled out a book of dark magic. He had come a long way from the graveyard at which he trains his skills, rising dead corpses to kill helpless creatures for food. His presence was not of a normal man. He slowly read each page carefully of his book that had symbols and demonic pictures on each page. His dead looking down on the book.



He looks for an empty table and sees one at the corner of the bar, he coses his book with a thud and walks with his staff to sit in the table, he sits down and awaits his waiter/waitress to take his order.

[silimaure]

Alvena had spent days wandering, but unlike the years that she had spent looking for someone in particular, she had a specific destination this time: Tamasha Village. She needed a place to rest, most of all. She didn't want to spen another night sleeping on the ground, even though it was something that she didn't particularly mind now. But a bed would certainly not be a bad thing.

Even though she had been on the road for quite some time, she had never been to Tamasha. And as she wandered among them, fiddling with the simple brooch that held her traveling cloak around her. The people around her were acting like savages in her opinion, shoving each other about.

But as she continued to walk she couldn't help but get the feeling that she was becoming one of them. She had been living by herself on the run for a very, very long time. She was a fugitive from her own country, and since she was never to return, she ran. And it seemed as though all she could do would be to keep running.

She came upon a small inn at that percise moment, not noticing the fact that there was someone a ways from the town bound to a tree, despite the fact that if she bothered to look she probably could see it.

When she opened the door to the dimly lit tavern, she couldn't help but feel a little bit at ease. She sat down at a table, and waited for her order to be taken.