Boudeccai Boru pushes sweaty red-gold hair up off her neck, fanning herself with her hand. The cobwebs and dust in the tavern have been swept away, and the wood tables, chairs, and counter gleam with a new coat of polish and the kind of elbow grease only a Cimmerian woman can apply. She grins a lop-sided smile as she surveys her handiwork, unaware that this small and cozy place has been home to Saga for countless generations in a multitude of other places, and thinking only how lucky she was to have stumbled across this place that feels so much like home.
Strolling behind the bar she runs her hand gently over the great oak kegs that line the back wall, thinking of her husband, Bahladar, and how happy he will be to find them here. A ray of sunshine pours in the window, sending dust motes dancing and Boudeccai sighs with contentment, enjoying these last moments of quiet before her friends arrive.
A wooden sign, its letters burned into its surface, lies on the counter and Boudeccai takes it and hangs it on the door.
WELCOME!
The door flies open, landing with a resounding crash against the wall. A short, slim ranger strides in, a smile playing about her lips at the booming noise. Green eyes widen as Lyrima stops short, head swiveling.
"Coooor! Who cleaned up the joint?"
Noticing movement behind the bar, Lyrima leaps the counter and lands nimbly on her feet. A moment later she is standing rigidly at attention, her eyes staring blankly over Bou's left shoulder.
"Reporting for Duty Sir! MA'AM !!"
An audible swallow follows her exclamation.
Hala slips though the door quietly, carrying one pack bursting with torn pieces of papyrus, scrolls, and books and another with various treasures, teeth, weapons, and clothing. Moving as swiftly as she can under the weight she finds the nearest table and gently lays each pack against a wall. Sliding into a well padded chair she pulls off her boots and let's out a contented sigh touches her hand to her forehead and greeting both Lyrima and Bou
This place smells of good things and warm thoughts, thank you for leading me here, I would not suppose there is any wine to be had, and mayhap some olives and almonds?
Boudeccai waves at Hala and rolls her eyes at Lyrima.
"Wa's with tha sirrin' and standin' an' all, lass?" She pats Lyrima on the back of her shoulder, gently for her but with enough force to knock the other girl off her stance. "Wine fer yeh, ye say?" Boudeccai goes to pour a glass and set out a plate for Hala. "An' wha fer yeh, Lyri?"
*stumbles forward, steps back again*
Uh...
*considers*
*clears her throat*
Bahl 'round?
*peers about*
If he ain't here, then I'll have the usual. If he is...
*slides into the chair next to Hala*
Uh. Nuthin.
*stares longingly at the bottles of amber liquid on the shelves behind the bar*
follows the young archers gaze to the liqours behind the bar
You look like a dog waiting for a treat Lyrima, what exactly is your usual?
That.
*points to a tall clear bottle filled with amber liquid*
In a small glass 'n a tall glass of ice water on the side.
*crans her neck each way*
Sure Bahl ain't here?
*pulls down a bottle of whiskey and a rather large glass, filling it with the amber colored liquor* He be aroud shortly, I reckon. Yeh want water? Yeh takin' a bath? *shrugs and finds a very large tumbler, filling it with cold clear water and setting the two glasses before Lyrima* Ah! Do tha be his footstep I hear now?
Um....
*eyes the 'rather large' glass sitting in front of her*
Uh...
*glances around*
huh.
*gingerly reaches for the whiskey*
Mmmmmm...
*whips around, tipping over full glass, then drops it*
ACK!
*dives under the table staring with wide eyes at the door*
Bahl??
*notices the calm drip drip drip of the spilled whiskey leaking through the table and upon her head*
*promptly tilts her head back, mouth open*
Mmmmmmm!
Aukai slips silently into the tavern, sure that if spotted he will be forcibly removed due to his age. Finding a place in a far corner filled with cobwebs and such that had yet to be cleaned out. Behind him he notices some creaky looking stairs.
Bahladar slowly opens the door and looks around. Seeing Boudeccai busy with the patrons and spotting Lyrima, he approaches slowly. Hearing a clang of his sword hitting his armor he stops ducking behind a table making sure nobody does not see him. He approaches Lyrima, holding back a chuckle, and jumps out and yells, "Greetin's there Lyrima!" Laughing he says, "I loves sneakin up on a Ranja! harharharhar!"
Seeing Boudeccai become red in the face, he lowers his head and says, "Sorra M'love. I just playin with er!"
Bahladar walks to a corner table and sits down, slowly pulling out the bottle of Ale he snagged during the ruckus. He waits until Boudeccai turns and starts to sip it, chuckling at his deviousness in drinking infront of her. He mumbles, "Me belly fat, Bah! I show er how I nay drink!"
*Anaris walks in, pauses at the door, strikes a pose, and waits.......and waits..........and sighs at the fact that no one's noticed her standing there*
Greetings fellow Sagaites! 'Tis been quite some time! Surely you've missed me dearly!
*waltzes over to Lyrima and Bou and curtsies*
Darlings!
My, my! I can't believe this tavern has survived for so long while in my absence! And it's rather clean, too! I mean, not that clean, but for Dwarves and Barbarians inhabiting it, it surely is reasonable...
*pulls Lyrima by the arm and tries to fix Lyrima's hair*
Darling! I've traveled the worlds over trying to find the perfect natural ingredients for my latest spa line! I've gone to Telon, scavenged in Azeroth, and even went as far as excavating shards of Luclin for the best mineral products to give me a luminous complexion! I mean, not that it needs to be any more luminous, but it's lovely to have an extra boost every now and then, darling...
Oh, but enough about ME! Even though I know you're all dying to hear more... Tell me about the latest gossip in Norrath....or Hyboria....or whatever realm it is you inhabit these days....
*glances at Aukai and arches a brow*
....and you? Who are you, pray tell? I've never seen you before........ I am Lady Anaris Astyrhim, premier Illusionist of Saga! But you may call me Lady Anaris, or Lady Ana, whichever one you can pronounce the best given that you're no High Elf presumably...
*bats her eyelashes and extends her hand to be kissed*
*eyes widen and glances at Boudeccai and Bahladar nervously*
Hullo *coughs* Hello lady Anaris Astyrhim.
*shuffles his feet nervously*
I am Aukai.
*shrugging more comfortably into his feathered cloak, bare legs and shoulder peek through before he quickly pulls the cloak tight*
Umm.
*stares at the hand for a moment then leans forward and licks her palm like a puppy*
Boudeccai turns and gives Bahladar an exasperated smile. With practiced expertise she whisks the ale from under his nose, just as he is ready to take a drink, sliding a tall mug of onion kalish in its place. "Here love, yeh know yeh dinna drink ale!" She gives the warrior a quick kiss on the cheek to lessen the sting of the kalish and returns the ale to the bar counter.
"Greetings, Lady Anaris! 'Course tha place be clean, we ain't animals, afta all!" Boudeccai whisks the dainty high elf into a rough hug, dragging her hand from Aukai's "kiss" and unaware of effect of her embrace on Anaris' gown. "It do be good ta see yeh, Lady. Welcome home!"
Bahladar grumbles loudly at Boudeccai and pushes away the Onion Kalish giving her a good show. As Boudeccai turns away, he slips out the second bottle of Ale he hid and slowly opens it, smiling. He whispers, "She think she so smart" and chuckles. Taking a drink...watching Boudeccai carefully, and giving a show of disgust of the Kalish when Boo checks over her shoulder.
He slips the bottle under the table and turns towards Anaris. "Greetin's there! Long time since we seen ye in these parts! Well, It been a long time since we been in these parts as well! HAHARHAR! Good ta see ye again and aye, Flann has kept tha place in good operatin order whiles we been travelin. I see ye met tha bug." Bahladar points at Njorn with his free arm. "He nay be causin too much problems so we let em in. Good ta have ye back!"
Seeing Boudeccai smile and knowing she thinks he is behaving, he slips the bottle out from under the table and takes a few more sips and smiles. He mumbles to himself, "A guardian tha can nay drink..Bah!"
I'mnotabug!!!! Ihavewingsofcoursebutthathardlymeans~
*pauses, slowing down*
Ima bug does it? I mean Aukai isn't a naked savage just 'cause he's naked and savage is he?
*looks at Aukai who slinks off outside and begins howling, the sounds getting further away as he runs through the forest*
Well..Imanotabug! I am Fae! Fae! Proud owner of an lovely three room acorn in Kelethin.
*turns to Anaris*
You'll come visit won't you?
*flutters closer to the elf*
I have a beautiful place.
*darts around behind her while still talking rapid fire and making nonsensical observations*
I have a party pretty soon.
You have pointy ears.
Like me.
You don't have wings.
I do.
*flutters to the floor*
Gust doesn't either but he taught me about flying better.
*points to empty space from which a slight breeze can be felt*
Do you like the elements?
I do.
I think.
Fire is hard to understand.
And water doesn't like to go where I tell it usually.
*becomes a blob of water*
Bluubb bi blam bloowd alb blingblung waber.
*resolves back into a Fae*
Aren't I?
*looks keenly at Anaris*
*Anaris spins a bit confused and out of breath after Bou's powerful hug and Njorn fluttering about*
Oh my, on dear! It's....quite dizzying in here! Bou and Bahl! Always a pleasure! It is lovely to see the two of you again!
*arches an eyebrow at the Fae*
And you? Who.....what are you? Aren't you the pretty Fae I once had in a cage? Oh no, nevermind, that was Anya the Fae. In any case, I think I lost that Fae... I'll have to get a new one, it is a matter of status.
*eyes Njorn up and down and inspects his wings*
Hmmmm... .You'll do, I suppose. Although your wings aren't as shiny, we shall have to work on that.... As for my ears, could we not....talk about them? *blinks*
*touches her ears subconsciously*
Now, now, Bou! Do tell me about the lastest happenings in Qeynos and beyond! I am dying for some jumjumlicious gossip! Lady Kiaria isn't around to supply me with much needed news, so you must update me, Bou darling!
*grins eagerly*
<meanwhile somewhere in a closet in Anaris' rooms behind three rows of hanging dresses and twelve chests of shoes sits a small cage where a gasping fae coughs weakly>
"Mistress Ana...water...please..."
*shows pointy teeth and screaches while zooming around the rafters*
Not a pet! Notapetnotapet!
Foul Fae murderer!
*points accusingly at Anaris*
Fae-freaky-frumpled-dotty-evil-slug-of-putridness!!!!
Free Fae! Free Fae!
*continues zooming around, upseting chandeliers, setting dust to flying, and everyonce in a while sprouting odd appendages of water and fire. The latter, thankfully, extinguish themselves.*
*looks up at the fiery Fae in awe*
Now, by Marr's sensibility, what in the name of the gods have you been feeding this thing?!
*ducks for cover*
*pauses and beams intensely at Anaris*
I cook!
What do you do?
*eyes Njorn with apprehension*
Me? Well, I don't need to do anything at all! My very presence anywhere is enough, I assure you! But if I must do something, well, I make people pretty! I own a spa in the Hamlet. And I also bake candies and pies and cookies! I am on a strict sugartarian diet, hence why I'm so sweet!
*bats her eyelashes at Njorn*
I also don't trust anything anyone else makes because I can only eat sweets made of the finest ingredients. That is not to say that your cooking isn't done with the finest ingredients, but Fae aren't exactly known for being knowledgeable about the finer things in life...
*arches a brow and sizes Njorn up and down*
*tosses a dark globule of chocolate at Anaris*
Sweet huh!? I like bittersweet personally!
*grins cheekily*
- a light tanned ayr dal lady with deep brown eyes and red blond hair in a thick pony tail wearing a blue robe and a frosty crown above her head walks in and looking around the tavern -
Hmm..
Boudeccai stops her chuckling at Njorn's antics upon the arrival of the newcomer.
"Greetin's friend, an' well met! Be there aught we can do fer yeh?"
- the ayr dal turns her head to the women that talks- ah greetings my apologizes for stepping in ..aye perhaps .. i am wondering if you have seen some friends of mine..
*pauses, stolen spa items in hand, as he hears Boudeccai greet someone*
Who is she? *pokes Anaris and points at Ellene*
Zerzal sits in a far corner, enjoying her strong herbal tea.
She has one of her silent, dark moods again, not registering all the people who enter and leave.
One voice catches her attention though. Immediately she tilts her head and turns towards the door.
"Ellene??? Ellene!"
Zerzal's jumps up and rushes to the door.
"Ellene, old friend! How is you!? Come on in and warm yourself at the fire place!"
Without waiting for an answer, she drags Ellene through the room to the fire place and sits down.
"Good to see you, by the way!"
Boudeccai watches Zerzal drag the newcomer with some concern. Although the paladin is one of their company, she cannot have patrons being dragged through the tavern. But hearing the friendly greeting, she waits before intervening, to see if the woman raises any objection.
- laughs while she is being pulled away and have her self a seat- I recieved the letters so no need to send me more - grins while looking around the tavern with a curiosity in her eyes- so this is the place ..have to admit i was unsure for awhile - removes the gloves - I hope it was fine i .. placed prudence outside i could not find a stable close by
I could not see any flowers within range
So how are yeh ? sorry for not being able to answer your letters been busy moving down to a smaller house
*outside an Ogre stands, looking confused, holding the reins of a horse, looking from it to the door, and back.....and scratching himself*
Oww! Quit poking me and getting my dress dirty Njorn! *bonks Njorn over the head*
Hmmmmm....looks like a friend of Zerzal's....
*peers curiously at the newcomer*
*whispers to Njorn* Come on Njorn, let's go eavesdrop on their conversation by pretending we are cold and need to warm our hands by the fire.... Let's find out who she is! *grins*
*walks over toward the fireplace*
My oh my! It is indeed chilly in here!! *throws a side glance at Zerzal and her friend*
Oh! My apologies! Am I interrupting something? *bats her eyelashes and smiles*
Lady Anaris! Lady Boudeccai! Sire Njorn! Lord Bahladar! Everyone!... May I introduce you to Ellene? She's an old friend, and in some ways a Refugee of yore!
<Leans over to Ellene, explaining>
Refugees... that's how we, former members of the Legacy call ourselfs since we left nearly simultaniously and joined Saga in just a few days of delay.
Boudeccai gives a wide gap-toothed grin. "Greetin's an' welcome! If yeh be a friend o' Zerzal here, then I be sure yeh be a good sorta gel." Boudeccai turns to the bar and booms, not so much in a shout as in a voice meant to carry far over frozen tundra, "Tender! An ale! An whatever tha lady be drinkin'!"
*smiles brightly*
Welcome, Ellene! I am Lady Anaris Astyrhim, Saga's premier illusionist! Well met!
*curtsies*
Oh, and I adore the color of your robe! It's very becoming on you!
*flutters her lashes and smiles*
*rolls his eyes at Anaris, having no white as a Fae no one notices, Njorn flutters to the rafter*
Hey Anaris! Look up!
*holds a slushy snowball, icy water dripping to those below.*
Catch!
*waves to Ellene while winding up his pitch*
Nice to meet you!
*pauses before throwing*
You might want to duck.
-laughs- well i was just creating a path .. im glad to see my friends has found a place to stay - she turns her head boudeccai- surely would not be so bad with some honey tea if there is any otherwise tea is just fine - smiles warmly while glances at njorn- do not fear sir you toss that snowball - grins while looking up at the lady by the fireplace- but why thank you lady anaris surely we all ends up in a festive mood when frostfell are in town besides the gi set surely is not the thing to wear while the snow is falling down - perks up as she jumps up quickly and smooth and opens the door as a large size rhino in pink armor come running like it had in mind to frame the door but stops and huffs ellene in the face- now what..- lifts her head and looking at the ogre- Greetings to you sir
- takes notice of the long silence -
- come prudence... -leads the rhino back outside and walks in again as she grabs her cloak and place some coins on the desk-
- for the kindness..it was a pleasure meeting you all , i am sorry for bumping in like this
- I am glad you found a place to stay zerzal
Best wishes to you and the rest..and hope frostfell will be blessed with warmth
- puts on her cloak and pulls the hood over her head and walks out-
Njorn looks around, sad to see Ellene go, "Where is she headed?" With a small sigh he picks up a slushly snowball and tosses it in Anaris's direction.
*handing over the reins of the rhino, Oozag looks....longing?*
Now dat wuld be da right ting far an Ogre ta ride...ya....gotta wrassle me wunna dem.
Were yu find dems?
-sits up- can mail you some names... but the Qyenos stable master has the best contacts .. so ask him
Im most sure he will help you find a creature that suits you
Ill speak with him if you wish.. anyways should get my self back on the road.. sorry for bumping in like this but ill drop a word for you
I am ellene
well have a nice evening - pats the rhino on the neck as she starts walking as they both vanish in the evening mist-
*dusts off flakes of snow from her robe*
Njorn! Why must you insist on torturing me!? First you steal hair dye from my spa, then you hurl blobs of chocolate, and now you cover me in snow flakes?!! Ugh!
*looks as Ellene fades off into the mist*
Waiiiiit!
*sighs*
Drat! She left without me being able to ask her where she got that pretty dress...
*pouts and turns to Zerzal*
Your friend, will she be coming back? I absolutely MUST know who her tailor is!
*smiles brightly*
"Uh...Anaris?! Your, err, salon may be slightly out of place. You see I had to dye my hair again and my wings and I may have accidently given my wings a nice downward stroke before they were completely dry!" Njorn heaves a breath as he gts all that out. "I promise it won't happen again today!"
*faints*
Njorn tries to wake up Anaris, "Uh Anaris?! Anaris!"
Looking around the room the Fae spots some scissors. "Oooo!!!! A haircut!"