Thread: Darkness and light (LeatrixSage and Silver Star)

The Crossroads Inn was always a busy place. Everyone that traveled passed that way eventually, and one could find every shape, size, race, and faith within its walls. Dwarves and men where the most numerous, but elves frequented occasionally, and Liora had not been the first Drow to be a guest, either. Normally, the Inn saw traveling minstrels and merchants as the common occupant, unless some great house was holding a tournament, and then small lords, knights, and mercenaries would pass through on their way to whatever coin purse they were chasing. Rarer still was the honest traveler that was off to visit friends or family and the Inn rest between them. Thankfully for both of them, it seemed the Inn was busy, but not fit to bursting. When they ran out of rooms, people were like to pitch tents around the building as a place to fall after they ate and drank their fill. There was even room in their small stable for their horses, which meant the chances of their horses being stolen was greatly reduced. Liora was busying herself with collecting a few things to keep her mind from spending too much time considering the priest and his awe. He wanted to be useful, she sneered at the thought alone, imagining the man trying to swing a sword. Whatever abilities and knowledge he claimed to have, she couldnt see how any of it could actually make him useful in a way that counted when it was life and death. He was supposed to be a healer of some kind, but she doubted that meant much. Shed known human healers before. They were like to bleed you with leaches when what you needed was clean water and rest, killing you faster in their efforts to heal. She had little confidence that he was any different. It is an Inn, Liora finally spoke again when he asked if they should just go inside. Yes, we just go in. The blanket that contained her swords was slung over her shoulder as she left the stable, the priest left to chase her as she made her way into the Inn. It was as dark and crowded inside as she remembered. The large, open room that was the lower floor was filled with tables and benches. One the far-right wall was a massive hearth that burned with only a small fire for cooking. It was far too warm to need the fire to heat the Inn, and whatever was boiling away in the large kettle filled the room with a savory, herb-laden scent. In the back, beyond the tables, was a set of doors that led to a kitchen, and then the modest rooms of the Inn Keeper and his family. To the left was a set of stairs that led to the upper floors and the tiny rooms they rented out by the day. Keep, Liora called out and waved to a young man that had greyed early in life when he looked up from serving drinks to a rowdy table. His eyes narrowed as they landed on her, and Liora wiggled her fingers at the man before flashing a couple of gold pieces. A broad smile creased his face at the sight, and Liora tucked them back away as he came over. Didnt spect ta see you again, Drow, he drawled in the bawdy voice as she stopped a good five feet away from her. The man was as broad as he was tall, with a fist nearly the size of Lioras head, but he still kept a respectful distance from the woman, and he watched her like a dangerous insect that might bite him if it touched him. I need a room for the night, food, drink, and well be gone by first light. Sooner, if you provide an early breakfast. She was haggling, but only gently. He was a unique humor, allowing all kinds under his roof that had the coin to pay for it. But, if you disturbed the peace, the whole damn place would toss you out on your heard. Shed been astounded when shed seen it happen, but it was evidently part of the culture of the Crossroads. If yer sepctin me ta be up ofor dawn, yer goin ta need more then two odose coins, Drow, he was grinning, but his eyes werent so friendly. Liora considered hashing him out, but decided against it. Two beds? she asked as she held up three gold coins. It was ten times what anyone else paid, but that was simply the way of things. One bed, she tucked one of those coins away again and his hands came up in supplication as he shrugged. They are all taken, already. I aint goin ta throw a payin customer out for you. No, I expect that would be too much to ask, she muttered, and then sighed dramatically as she handed the man three pieces of Kings gold for two meals and one good nights sleep. I expect food to be delivered before dawn. Not left overs, either. Fresh bread, cheese, and meat. Real meat, yeah? The man laughed and nodded as he pocketed the coins. Fresh food, Drow, on my honor. As he left them, Liora peaked over her shoulder at the Priest with a little grin. Seems were going to have to share a bed, but food, she gestured toward an empty table by the hearth, is right over there. Grab a bowl and get what you want from the hearth. You can eat your fill, they just add more to it. Liora explained the custom as she led him to the hearth to get a bowl, which she filled and then handed to him before filling one for herself. It look like it was mostly rice and grain today, with a collection of herbs from the garden outside, maybe a potato or two, and some carrot in a brown gravy. Whatever meat had been used to make that gravy seemed to be long gone. Have a seat and eat, she directed as she took a place at the empty table. There were eyes on them, many in fact, but Liora paid them no mind. The stares were expected, and in a way, appreciated. Whether they were looking because she was Drow or because she looked damn good in her armor didnt really matter. What did was that they were looking. Liora was as conceited as a woman could be without being loathsome about it, and her ego needed a boost after fouling up what should have been an easy assassination. Her first bowl went quickly, and she set it aside to let the first round settle while she appraised the priest yet again. Normally, she believed she was a decent judge of character, but she was having trouble pinning the man down. Mostly because she couldnt wrap her head around how distastefully good he seemed to be. She wanted to believe it was an act, but thus far, he had been infallible in his performance if it was an act. May I ask you something, Iblith, she asked slowly, unaware of the man that turned red faced somewhere behind her when he heard her addressed the priest as excrement, what else does your god ask you to sacrifice in his name? I mean, the mission of yours asks you to give up your soul, yes? What else does he demand you give up in life?