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Post by Retrograde on Sept 20, 2017 23:00:07 GMT
Falconrest was not exactly the most prestigious of establishments, that was sure. Far from Falconrest, it sat amongst the less seemly elements of the city. But that also afforded it privacy, and more than that, space. Other establishments could fill up with travelers, but the inn made sure to keep the word out that they were not the place for posh merchants to set up and talk to each other without spending a time. No, the inn was proud of its griminess. It made sure the right sort of people set up shop there.
The interior of the pub smelled strongly of ale and dust and it didn't look much better. The lighting was poor and the floors needed to be redone. It wasn't close to falling apart but one could be forgiven for thinking that it was. A small cat, the mascot of the place, ran around chasing mice and depositing them in a little box the owner had trained it to use. Occasionally, people would feed it scraps or let it sit in their lap for some pettings.
Rolf sat in the corner. He had founded Falconrest after a long career as a merchant sailor, and now was content to grow old, grumpy and exceptionally fat. He leaned back on his chair, his gut rising and falling with slow breaths. His feet rested on a stack of empty crates, the sole of his boots slowly peeling from the rest of the leather and leaving his toes exposed. He rubbed greasy fingers on his long grey tunic, a half-eaten chicken leg resting in his other hand. His bald pate shone in the dim light of the tavern, slick with sweat. He twitched his bulbous nose, and went to take a drink from his tankard, only to find it empty.
"Hilde!" He cried. "Hilde! I need more beer!"
His grand-daughter emerged from the back, a cask of ale on her strong shoulders. She was pretty, like her mother was, with sunkissed skin and dirty-blonde hair. Her green eyes shone like a cat's, and she had a way about her that keep much of the clientèle coming back. It helped she wore a dress specifically cut to show off her 'assets'. Though she was only 18, Rolf did wonder at when she was going to get married. He had run out of granddaughters and now his daughters were too old. That meant he was going to have to hire a tavern-wench to replace them, and that meant he was going to have to pay more than he would if they were family. Perhaps he could somehow convince whoever ended up marrying Hilde to partner up with him. He was old now and it would be good to keep the business in the family. Let the poor bastard deal with the repair problems after Rolf died.
Hilde frowned, setting down the cask. "You know, it's hard to make a profit when you're the one drinking all the beer."
Rolf tutted. "I didn't order more lip, I ordered more beer."
She sighed and trudged over, filling his tankard up to the top. Then, she turned her focus upon the newest arrival. "Sorry about that," she said. She made sure to get out one of the steins for the dust-beaten traveler. She noted the two swords on him. "Here, have a stein," she said. She leaned over the counter to get a better look at him. "Can I get you anything to eat? We have chicken today..." she looked at her grandfather. "Unless he's eaten them all."
Rolf grumbled. "Mmmbrgh. Still plenty. Damned ungrateful... Rrgh..." He belched.
The rest of the people within the inn seemed disinterested in the goings on, instead focused on their beer and conversation. Sailors and mercenaries chattered while heavily painted women sat on laps and made promises for only a few coins. Such was common in Falconrest.
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Post by Fyremage on Sept 21, 2017 3:32:34 GMT
With a thankful nod, Emil accepted the stein of ale and took a hearty draw from its contents before setting it back down onto the bartop. At the mention of chicken, his stomach grumbled in response and his mouth began to fill with saliva. The grizzled veteran nodded gratefully to the barmaid, not paying much mind to the obviously drunk man lounging by some boxes. "That would be much obliged. Thank you." A reluctant smile appeared on his lips as he stared at the woman with a slight sense of longing, yet it was not overt and not something Emil was unable to cover with a passable degree of subtlety.
The mercenary looked at the man, and in an attempt to pass the time, thought it a good idea to make conversation. "How long have you owned this inn?"
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Post by Lord Newbury on Sept 21, 2017 10:23:21 GMT
Darren Blackblade
If there was every any constant in the Cities and Towns of Trevast, it was the prevalence each nation placed on its Bars and Alehouses. Darren knew this from personal experience, of which he had a considerable wealth, having used many such venues to lay low, meet new clients and much much more. This particular haunt was one he had not visited for several years - having been run out of the venue by the owner, after finding Darren 'enjoying dinner' with his daughter. Hopefully its changed hands this past year? he mused, walking in all the same, and taking a seat at the bar. He was not well dressed, looking more like a weary traveller than the personal hitman for the King of Luska - his leather armour and travellers robe adorned with a collection of throwing knives, dual Kukhuri Blades and a Repeating Crossbow.
He tapped his knuckle duster on the bar to call for service - spotting that the Barman was still the same since his last visit. Subconsciously touching his rib - which had been broken in his last visit, he couldn't help himself. ''Just the usual.... he began ''Drinks that is, I'll save the rest for later.''
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Post by Retrograde on Sept 21, 2017 17:58:12 GMT
Rolf stared at Emil for a moment, drank his beer slowly, and then leaned his head back.
Hilde grinned. "Grampa's not much for conversation," she said with a gesture to the man in the corner. "Has for about 25 years now though. Used to be a... Uhm, I think it was a fishmonger originally. Lots of remodeling had to be done, but I think it looks alright."
Then, a strange man entered the tavern, one who seemed to have some familiarity with Rolf. Hilde wondered at the man, not recognizing him in the slightest. The incident with her aunt had been kept hush-hush, if only to keep the woman from being unmarriageable. Hilde was completely innocent to the goings on between her grandfather and this man. Still, Hilde poured the strange man a beer and hoped he wouldn't cause too much trouble.
His grown daughter having moved on long ago, Dolf did not remember the Blackblade at all. The man had left Dolf's memory, perhaps aided by the copious amounts of alcohol he had abused over the years and there was no force in the universe powerful enough to get him to remember. He merely groaned at the man, shaking his chicken bone at him. "Bluh, I dunno you." Even if he did remember, Rolf was done with caring these days. Let his daughters screw around with whoever they wanted, he didn't care anymore. They were all ungrateful. Even Hilde gave him too much lip - the best benefit to him she could provide was marrying in and getting someone to partner with him.
Then, Hilde worked on preparing some chicken for Emil, smiling back at him. "I can tell by your accent you're not from here, where do you come from if you don't mind me asking?"
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Post by Fyremage on Sept 21, 2017 18:38:43 GMT
Emil stared into the flames licking at the logs placed within the massive hearth nearby, as if lost in thought. It was apparent the old man was content to ignore him, which Emil didn't really take too personally. He was an old man, he could do whatever the hell he wanted. Emil shuffled slightly in his armor, as if doing so to get a bit more comfortable as he sat on the bar stool. He caught the gaze of the young woman who issued him a smile, to which he replied with one of his own, although a bit reluctantly.
The entrance of the mysterious figure didn't do much to put Emil at ease either, with his left hand instinctively reaching for the sword sheathed at his side, which was obscured by his right arm resting over the bar. To the unwary or otherwise innocent it'd appear Emil was merely leaning further onto the bar to rest. It was after this second's pause that Emil answered the woman. "Luska, although I was born in Routaille."
He had said a variant of that answer many times, to the point where he had nearly forgotten the truth of it all at this point. Many people were from Routaille. And yes, he had lived in Luska for the past few years. It wasn't much of a lie really, even if the truth was he was a trueborn knight in bygone days. But that wasn't a tale for today, nor for this audience. Especially the hooded man. Emil gave the man a nod before he started addressing the young woman again.
"I take it you are originally from here?"
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Post by Grim on Sept 23, 2017 5:01:51 GMT
Elise had been roaming around the city for sometime since she had gotten her room and board at a more upscale inn. She had learned on her voyages that cleanliness was key to staying healthy. A dirty would led to a lost limb or worse, though while she liked to keep herself clean she didn't like her taverns to be so. While she did like to see where the money was at when it came to trading she found most of the merchants to be extremely boring and the nobles just as bad if not worse. Usually in a city like this she would be in her more proper armor but in the dark back streets nothing good would come of it. So she wore the armor she usually wore while abroad. Black boiled leather over plate. At her side was her long sword and a dagger.
As she approached the corner she could make out a more run down then actually standing building. She could make out the faded sign, Falcon Crest. She strode into the inn, walking not as the proper lady, but as a master of the sea. She mixed a bit of swagger into a sultry walk. Her white hair reflecting the dim light, that same light seemed to make her amber eyes stand out more then usual. She eyed the patrons as she took those long strides towards a chair and table in the back that would allow her to have the wall against her back. She made notes of the various patrons. Most wear sailors, not the deep water kind but experienced. The whores were clearly at the best two-bit, far too much makeup for her tastes. Of all the ports around the world she had found the best were the ones that needed little makeup but knew how to use some to make themselves stand out. She noticed the waitress of the establishment, a very pleasant to look at and she showed she clearly had standards. The barkeeper looked to be nearly as drunk as some of his patrons.
She noticed the man in leather armor, seemed to be armed to the teeth, merc maybe but more likely a cutthroat. The cutthroat didn't seem to be interested in anything other then the food. The other man that stood out was a man who looked like he had seen more than his fair share of blood and death. She had seen many like him on her adventures, a sellsword no doubt. He seemed relatively clean, but that is not what made him seem to be an experienced sell sword it was the way he sat, it told volumes. It would be hard to explain, but the old ones all sat similarly, like a snake almost coiled. Relaxed yet alert. Though again it was getting later and it could just be her mind wandering and making stories.
She continued to people watch for now as she let the bumpy ride by carriage roll off her and she decided what she would want to drink and possibly eat. She doubted if anything was too fresh but if it smelt good enough she would probably eat it. Though for now she was content to relax though she was sure sooner rather then later some drunkard would try to use their drunken charm on her. It wouldn't work and she would send them away, but she hoped that they would be smart enough to see she wasn't selling anything.
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Post by TheCalmOne on Sept 25, 2017 22:08:47 GMT
Lena Vulcaan sighed tiredly as she opened the door to the quiet tavern. She had initially come to Carenna in order to partake in the festivities and watch the tourney, but had come a couple days too early. Thus, she had decided to find a cheaper looking tavern in order to spend a couple nights before moving on.
She mused on where she would travel next. She had been in Rjillund for a better part of two years now, so she figured that it was a good time to move on.
Surveying the room as she strolled in, she noted two mean-looking men sitting in different parts of the room; one of whom was brooding quietly while the other chatted what seemed to be the only waitress up. She then noticed a nice-looking woman with fair hair. Shrugging, Lena decided to take the liberty of sitting down in chair closest to the woman in question.
"Hiya," she spoke with a coarse voice from the accidental inhalation of dust and other particles , "Are you here to watch the tournament as well?"
As she spoke, she looked the other woman over. She certainly wasn't like the other patrons. She seemed... cleaner? The woman definitely had an air of confidence about her that made Lena intrigued as to who she was.
Perhaps a minor noble? Or maybe a merchant's wife? If that was the case, then why was she here in this dump of a tavern? Lena herself wouldn't even think of coming here if it were not for her need to save what little money she had left.
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Post by Grim on Sept 26, 2017 0:11:49 GMT
Elise had made up her mind she would get something to eat, not that her mind had much say in it. Her stomach and growled since she sat down. A bit glad that it would be hard to hear in this place. She was just about to order some of that chicken and some rum. If they didn't have rum, she would get some honey mead. Though she stopped as a curious woman entered the inn. She was clearly not a wench or whore, not enough makeup and while her clothes looked traveled they did not show she was from the area. She was not as amply endowed as the bar maid but she was athletic and while not a paragon of comeliness she was far from homely as well. Overall she was pleasant to look at and she had a air of mystery around her, what with the large satchel, vials on her belt and noticeably green eyes.
Though the most uprising was the fact that the young woman just sat in front of her and despite inhaling the various particulates that had settled on entirety of the inn, she spoke first without hesitation. Elise didn't truly know what to think so she crossed her fingers and rested her chin on her thumbs as she stared into the young woman's eyes. Just reading her as best as she could. Finally, cracking a small smile, "Lass, ya best be careful only a divine truly knows what makes up all this dust here." She relaxes her stare and leans back int her chair, "No, 'fraid not. at least not originally. I came to see if I could get hire on a sail-maker. My last one has retired home with his new bride and I hate being underway without a proper sail-maker." She settles back a bit more, keeping an eye on the woman but making sure to watch the door and her company's back. "That all said I might stay to see the tourney and I may even see if I can get into the banquet that is sure to be held."
Elise leaned forward and cocked her head slightly in an inquisitive manner, "How 'bout you lass? You here for the tourney as well?" As she waits for the reply she waves over the barmaid, "Ah an' my manners forgive them lass. Capt'n Elise Chambers at your service, might I inquire as to whom I have the pleasure of chat'n with this lovely eve'n"
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Post by Lord Newbury on Sept 26, 2017 14:07:51 GMT
Darren sat silently, attentive to his surroundings and ensuring that he did not drink too much so as to avoid being unable to react well enough should his employer require his services. He grunted as someone sat next to him, pulling his blade a little closer so as to avoid causing them any discomfort.
OOC - Just going to observe for now I think.
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Post by Retrograde on Sept 27, 2017 2:35:49 GMT
Hilde smiled at Emil. "Yeah, born and raised. Never set a foot outside Carenna, even. Mostly get my news about the outside world from people like you," she said. She wasn't too upset about that fact, although she did sometimes dream of leaving the city's borders. "Every once in a while I think about going off on my own and seeing the world, but not a lot of places for lady adventurers in Trevast." She smiled, and gave a small chuckle.
She placed down the chicken. "Here you go," she said. "My name's Hilde if you need anything more, but I have some other customers to serve."
She wandered over to a table where two women sat, having just entered. She smiled at them. "Hello, can I get you two anything?" she asked the two ladies.
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Post by Fyremage on Sept 27, 2017 17:15:13 GMT
Emil listened quietly as Hilde prepared his dinner and set it before him. He nodded gratefully, his eyes lingering a few spare moments as she left to tend to the other patrons of the tavern, which was progressively growing busier. He returned his attentions to the chicken, his hands reaching for a two-pronged fork and a small carving knife Hilde brought along with his plate. In truth, he hardly needed the knife, as the chicken was surprisingly tender - the fork easily stripping morsels of the hen by itself. Unlike most men of his profession, Emil was not bereft of his table etiquette as he placed his left wrist atop the bar, with his right hand holding the fork and deftly placing the bit of chicken into his mouth. He savored the simple yet pleasant taste of the chicken, with the taste of basil and present atop the skin and a hint of onion and garlic present within the meat itself.
Perhaps it was due to Emil having to feed himself on game in the wild, but at this point in time, this chicken was the best chicken he had eaten in recent past. Of course, he likely had better years ago back on Routaille, as Routaille was known for its cuisine, yet he couldn't remember nor could he be bothered to remember right now. The chicken was served with a sizable piece of bread, from which he tore a piece off and munched on greedily.
As he made it halfway through his dinner, Emil looked about the room yet again to gain insight into his surroundings. A pair of women were sitting at a table behind him on the other side of the room, one of them appearing to be a woman of the sea, while the other had an altogether peculiar appearance. He didn't perceive either of them to be a threat, at least at present, which meant his attention returned squarely to the remainder of his dinner. Eventually, all that was left were the bones left behind from the chicken and a few breadcrumbs. Not being a slovenly brute, Emil produced a small handkerchief from his person and dabbed his lips gingerly before wiping any residual grease from his cheeks. Exhaustion began to settle in his muscles and joints as evening began to creep upon him. He had spent weeks on the road, and he was finally in a position to enjoy a bed.
He nodded over to Hilde. When she walked over, he began: "I would like to rent a room for the night, and another ale if you don't mind." He pulled out a coin purse, and laid down a stack of coins that paid for his food and drink, along with a nice tip. He then set down another set of coins with the next statement: "And a drink for you, when you are finished for the evening."
He gave her a discrete and charming smile as he awaited her response.
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Post by TheCalmOne on Sept 28, 2017 2:51:30 GMT
Lena couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly when the woman replied. Ok, so maybe not a noble. But she mentioned that she could get into the banquet, which implies that she is one... The alchemist was having a hard time getting a grasp on the mysterious person across from her.
As the woman across from her introduced herself as Captain Elise Chambers, Lena quickly responded with a serious face,
"No, you may not."
She held the face for a few moments, before chuckling slightly,
"Just kidding, I should have introduced myself first, Madam Chambers." Lena stuck out her hand as she introduced herself, "Lena Vulcaan, at your service."
"I've been travelling around Rjilland for sometime and when I heard about the tournament, i just had to come and watch." She winked and a hint of sarcasm entered her voice, "Nothing like watching handsome men beat each other into a pulp, am I right?"
As the pretty waitress came to their table, Lena turned away from the conversation for a moment,
"Ah, yes. I would love to have room and board for two nights, if that's alright. Oh, and also some of whatever you're serving the others right now." She smiled in thanks.
After the waitress leaves, Lena would once more turn back to Elise, and inquire,
"So... Captain, eh? Does that mean you're in the military? Or do you own a ship?"
(19e632 - color code, please ignore)
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Post by Grim on Sept 29, 2017 1:34:27 GMT
Elise smiled in return and took Lena's hand, it seemed her companion for dinner was able to charming and had a some wit. Though she did find herself curious as to what this traveler had been up to her travels. Elise had seem some brightly colored contents in her travels but could not place what or where. Despite her best to keep herself composed she found her self offering a slightly sly smile as she released Lena's hand. "Don't worry about it Lena, this might come as a bit 'o surprise but we aren't dinn'n in a lord's hall tonight."
Having been born and raised in Alendron Elise was of course schooled and when at home practiced in the rituals of court, though in all honesty she wished in the court they were are forward and to the point as those in a Inn like this. None of the fake smiles and the even faker words. Though Lena's remarks on the actual tourney did bring out a proper smile on Elises face as she replied a bit more sarcastically, "I mean who wouldn't, its what men are best at after all, playing with their toy swords and beating each other..." adding a wink in return.
As the waitress finally approached up to the table, Elise let Lena order first and then added, "I'll be haven the same and can ya also get two order's of Rum or if you don't have any we'll take two pints of honeyed mead. Also you'd be my cynamome lass if ya put her tab on mine." She gracefully gestured toward Lina as she said her last bit. Letting her eyes linger a bit longer then she probably should have was the waitress walked off.
She returned her gaze back to dinner guest as she inquired about whether she was military or not. Despite herself she let out a polite chuckle, "No, I couldn't do the military life. Alway's bein' told what ya have to do, where ya have to do it, and when you have to do it. Don't be takin' that the wrong way I have the utmost respect for the military types." As she continued her tone turned a bit more dreamy, "Your latter statement has it correct, I am the Captain of the Lucky Siren, one of the finest ships o' the sea if I do say so myself. She's a right beauty. Nothing better then takin the helm of her and laying a course for where ever your heart desires. Letting the spay and wind hit your face as the creaking of the timbers and ropes fill the air." She paused realizing that if she didn't stop now she would probably bore Lena to death, "Though she may be beautiful she hardly compares to this charming individual I just met today." She trailed off for a few moments before continuing.
"If ya don't mind me askin, what does a traveler such as yourself do to keep coin in your purse?" She asked genuinely curious as to what Lena did.
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Post by Retrograde on Oct 3, 2017 20:16:53 GMT
Hilde returned to Emil with a smile. "Well, someone was hungry," she said amiably. She refilled his beer, and looked down in surprise as he offered her one as well. It wasn't uncommon, of course, to be propositioned in such a way by patrons, but rarely did she ever want to reciprocate, as was the case with Emil. She looked to her grandfather, then back to Emil and a sly sort of grin crossed her face. She poured some more drinks and brought them over to the women, before sitting down across from Emil, pulling a stool to support her. "Consider this me taking a break to eat lunch," she said with good humour. "I'll still have to pour beers, of course."
She filled up a tankard for herself. "Don't worry, this isn't the one you paid for, I'll take that out of my own pay, but..." she grinned and shrugged. "Well, I have to say I'm very flattered by your offer, Emil." She brushed her blonde hair out of her face and toyed with it for a second, twirling a bang around her finger before letting it go.
She was interrupted by the arrival of yet another guest. It was rare that Falconrest ever got so many visitors. This one was especially interesting. He walked in with a green cloak thrown over his shoulder, resting on the left side of his body. It was clearly well-used, with the bottom ragged. A breastplate polished to a mirror sheen guarded his chest, clearly of a fine design. His pants and the shirt beneath the breastplate were both baggy and clearly designed to retain warmth over looking good. A large, slightly curved sword sat in a scabbard on his hip, its hilt emblazoned with a family crest depicting a snake wound around a dagger. His features were pleasant. His brown hair was cropped close to his head and longer on the top and he had a beard of travel, not thick enough to hide the lantern jaw or squared cheekbones that lay beneath them. His shoulders were broad, very broad, calling to mind the idea of a barbarian hero when combined with the clear musculature that hid beneath his clothing. His skin was tanned from time out in the sun. His nose had clearly been broken a few times, and sat between a pair of deep-set hazel eyes that seemed to analyze everything they fell upon. He moved and took his seat next to Emil, a man whose height he matched.
"I think I heard you say something about a break, but I have come a long way," he said in a sonorous voice tinted with an accent clearly not of Trevast. "Would I be able to at least get an ale?"
Hilde smiled, and poured him one. He received it with an expression of thanks, and then promptly made to down it in a few seconds. He wiped his mouth, and smiled. "Mm, it has been too long since I have had something good to drink. A man cannot just live on water alone."
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Post by Fyremage on Oct 4, 2017 16:41:56 GMT
Emil gave the woman a quick smile, settling into the bar stool as she did the same across from him. He took a drink from his mug of ale whilst his eyes took in the vision that was the barmaid. She was very attractive, and it was altogether likely that she was the recipient of many man's affections and overtures, which meant he had struck gold considering her body language and shift in tone. His eyes had already begun to mentally undress her as she spoke. He was about to speak in turn until an armored stranger saw fit to interrupt the pair, apparently a wearied traveler seeking rest from the road.
The man was clearly every bit the image of a warrior, with his armor to his square jaw and the glint in his eye. Despite his impressive bearing, Emil merely regarded the man with a silent stare, and eventually a slow nod acknowledging his presence. He didn't quite appreciate the fact the man was sitting right next to him, especially with his attempt at securing the affections of the bar maid for the night. Yet, he was content to ignore the stranger as he directed his attention back at her. "I don't think I got your name." He gave her yet another disarming smile.
"Surely it is as charming as your eyes, which I must say are quite enthralling."
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