Thread: The Murderer's Key (Traveler & jaceyboo)

Amelia hastily walked through the street, throwing occasional glances behind her to make sure she wasn't being followed. Her hands gripped her dress, holding it up so that the hem didn't drag across the dirty ground. Not that it honestly mattered. As far as she could tell, there was no one behind her. Not her father, nor any of his men. Allowing her pace to slow, she turned down a small side street, not giving it so much as a second though as she walked into one of the city's tiny taverns. It was sort of a hole in the wall type place, one that didn't attract many visitors. There were a few regulars that hung around, and by then, they had seemed to be used to the girl's sporadic visits. The girl seemed out of place as she took a seat at the bar, her off white dress being much nicer than anything anyone would normally wear to such a place. Even then, it wasn't as nice as most of the dresses she was forced to get dolled up in every day. Her blonde hair was let down, something that her mother hated. Pushing a strand of it behind her ear, she let out a rather loud sigh. She earned a few glances from those around her, but they all seemed to know her story well enough not to say anything to her. Its only been three days since your last visit, whats goin' on with ya? came the voice of the old man behind the bar. He smiled his toothless grin as he handed Amelia a cup of dark coffee. This isn't what I wanted. Amelia chided, eyeing the cup of coffee. The owner of the tavern had stopped giving her alcohol after her father had caught her in the tavern a few weeks back, knowing better than to anger a man with such power. The old man laughed, shaking his head. If you leave here drunk, it'll be off with my head. he told her with wide eyes, making a slicing motion against his neck with his fingers. Now whats your story, I know you got one. he pressed, leaning forward on the bar. The old man was the only person who spoke to Amelia normally, leaving out the silly titles. As strange as it sounded, she considered him to be a friend, someone she could talk to. My father's brought in another suitor today. she finally told him. Ahh, repeat or new one. he asked her as he poured a pitcher of ale for a man perched at the other end of the bar. Repeat.. Amelia answered in a somewhat disgusted tone. Normally, she was able to shock them enough that they didn't come back. Truthfully, she should have already been married, but she had seemed to master scaring off her suitors, even despite how good it would be for any man to be tied to her family. How's that one makin' you feel miss? the old man pressed, noting her discomfort. For a moment, she was silent, taking a sip of her coffee as she tried to think of an answer. Concerned.. she said slowly, though she tried not to look too bothered by it. Well, we both know what'll happen, dear. he told her, pausing for a moment to greet someone who had entered the tavern. Welcome! he called out, raising up a hand before turning back to Amelia. You'll scare em off. she told her with a wink, turning his attention from her back to whomever had stepped inside, preparing to offer the man a drink.