[Stranger's Welcome]Bottom's Up! (Lena/Galio)

[Syllke Skyglow]

Fall 10, 511 A.V. It had been an interesting two months, living in the little town. Denval certainly wasn’t big enough to merit classification as a city – yet it was far bigger than a village. The people, both natives and travelers, had been generally pleasantly friendly, and helpful, and Syllke was now quite familiar with the layout of the place, and where things were. The Labyrinth, the Captain’s Hall, the Market, the Chapel – and the Lyceum, of course, where he slept and worked some part of most days. The Vantha had managed to keep up some sort of friendship with his Kelvic shipmate, and he had enjoyed exploring the town and its environs in Galio’s company on many occasions. It was a small place after all. But the two boys had taken somewhat to roaming far afield – or as far as the surrounding, impassable hills of disrupted stone would allow. To date, Galio had not managed to ascertain the whereabouts of his sisters, but he was ever hopeful that one day either or both of them would show up. As fall approached, and the weather began to cool considerably in this northern settlement, the two friends would often wander about until it was dark, and then retreat to a warm and cozy place they had quickly located – the local bar. Called the Stranger’s Welcome, it was well named and well stocked with many sorts of drink from places near and far. Trading vessels still frequented the harbor, and brought beverages both alcoholic and otherwise to keep the patrons of the Stranger happy. Once the winter ice set in, the ships would not be able to come, so the proprietor, Oleg, was making sure he had plenty in his storerooms to last the long winter. Syllke, for his part, enjoyed sampling a different brew each time, and had found a great liking for a dark, almost black, variety of beer made from malted barley, though he was prone to indulging in much lighter and more intoxicating varieties of liquor as well. Tonight, as he pushed open the door to the Stranger - dulling the sound of the autumn ocean smacking against the quay as it closed behind him - he was already contemplating what he wished to imbibe. Galio was due to arrive soon as well, and Syllke did not linger by the entrance but made his way to a bar counter. Leaning against it, he haled a familiar face behind it. “Lena!” He said with his ever present, ready smile. He had struck up an amiable accord with the tall redhead – a girl so unlike the girls in Avanthal. Before he even ordered his drink, he launched right into the question to which he was dying for an answer. “Have you thought it over? Will you pose for me?” The Vantha’s eyes sparkled in the ruddy hues of the firelight in the great hearth and the lanterns hanging from walls and ceiling - not only with the reflection of the flames, but also with their own peculiar glints of gold and crimson and orange. This was a sure sign that he was excited, or feeling exceptionally good about something – in this case the prospect of carving his own interpretation of the striking girl with the odd spatters decorating her fair skin. He grinned broadly. “You can ask Galio when he shows up – it’s not so bad. I won’t make you stay still for so very long. And I’ll even let you keep your clothes on.” Of course, when he had had the Kelvic pose, it had been in his bear form, so technically, he had had no clothes on – but lots and lots of fur. “And I’ll throw in lunch, or dinner. Do you like raw trout or raw salmon better?”

[Galio Keln]

Galio stopped outside the Stranger’s Welcome. He turned looking out towards the water staring at sea. Once the ice set in the ships wouldn’t be able to set sell and dock in Denval, so no more new arrivals would be coming. Since his arrival he had checked the way almost every day to see if his sister was there, and of course he was disappointed each time. Sending away thoughts of his sister he opened the door to the Stranger’s Welcome and glanced around for Syllke. It only took a few seconds to spot him, talking to Lena. As he walked toward the bar counter he overheard Syllke talking to her. He stopped standing on Syllke’s right, he laughed as he realized what the Vantha was talking about. “Salmon, though I wouldn't trust you with raw fish.” He grinned before sitting down in the closest chair and turning towards the two.

[Lena Estelain]

Lena had been working at the Strangers Welcome for a little over a season now. Things where a little rough at first, but nothing she couldn't handle with a tough hand and a quick smile. Since she already knew most of the people in Denval by heart. It made things much easier. She also got the change to become friendly with all the sailors and tradesmen coming to Denval to make a living. A Vantha named Sylike Skyglow. Had been coming into the tavern lately. Trying to charm Lena, and so far it was working. He had an easy going smile and plenty of wit. His eyes were especially captivating. They were always switching between various shades of dark red and greens, purples and light blues. And any other color you could think of. Her freckles were made of dirt, and stones, and his eyes were made of gemstones. “Lena!” Said the Vantha leaning over the counter. Currently his eyes were shimmering gold with flecks of ruby and topaz. “Have you thought it over? Will you pose for me?” He was surprisingly eager to have her pose for his carvings. It was flattering but she never put much weight in art or artists, but carving was a nice idea. Her father often whittled small bits and pieces around the house as a hobby. “You can ask Galio when he shows up – it’s not so bad. I won’t make you stay still for so very long. And I’ll even let you keep your clothes on.” He spoke happily as she knelt by the counter. Rearranging various jars and bottles. She had to scoff at the idea of anyone letting her do anything. Let alone keep her clothes on. She did things as she pleased, but she laughed despite herself. “And I’ll throw in lunch, or dinner. Do you like raw trout or raw salmon better?” She had a funny feeling his true intentions were coming out. If he wanted a date he would only have to ask. He was quite charming and easy on the eyes, but she would probably reject him all the same. It was her dirty pleasure to see the shocked reactions on men's faces when she said no. Before she could say anything, a young brown haired boy a little younger than herself started laughing. She had hardly noticed him come up. “Salmon, though I wouldn't trust you with raw fish.” The young man said. Obviously this was Galio. ”Well dinner does sound very pleasant but you are currently in the only Tavern in Denval. Would you feed me at my own work?” She smiled at the Vantha. ”And giving me the option to keep my small clothes on. Is very noble of you. But I have to decline. You haven't even shown me a piece of your art! How do I know this isn't an elaborate plot to stare at me for hours? And Besides, what would you want with a farmers daughter? Don't let the dress fool you. I'm actually a man, under all this. I have to tie down my manhood to keep it from swinging as I walk, its terrible.” She laughed and pulled out a small piece of parchment and charcoal pencil from her apron. ”Now what are you boys going to be drinking or eating? Oleg doesn't like artists crowding his bar, talking to a pretty face.” Her tone was playfully sarcastic.

[Syllke Skyglow]

“It’s you I wouldn’t trust with raw fish.” Syllke retorted back, thumping Galio lightly in the chest. As Lena gave her own saucy little replies to his earnest entreaty to have her poste for him, he smiled at her. “I can cook! I can catch some eels – make a stew. Come by the Lyceum, and I’ll show you all I have, while you eat.” He smirked. “And you may be right – but I’m not clever enough by far to have thought of such a trick. But I’ll have to remember it for the next pretty girl I meet.” His eyes swept her up and down. “And if you’re a man, what have you got stuffed in that blouse? Some of those sweet melons that Seodai grows out on his uncle’s farm?” He winked at Galio. “What do you say? Shall we ask for a taste?” To Lena , he said, “I’ll have stout again. I believe I’ve taken a fancy to that drink – it’s full bodied, lots of spirit and no nonsense – rich with just the slightest edge to it. Suits me really well.” He turned back to the boy at his side. “How about you? I’m buying this round – name your poison.”

[Galio Keln]

Galio gasped dramatically as Lena and Syllke spoke about her apparent gender. Up until this point he had been lead to believe that she was a girl and being himself he could believe the two of them without doubt. "I never pegged you as a cross dresser Lena, though you're doing quite a good job at it." Though as he heard Syllke offer to pay his ears perked up. He grinned before turning to the Vantha. "If you're buying and really are taking a fancy to stout then I'll have the same. Let's hope I don't get a taste for it, or I'll end up having to drag you to the Lyceum." He laughed once more, though he was a bit unsure about his last comment. He didn't really want to drag Syllke to the Lyceum if he got too drunk.

[Lena Estelain]

She laughed at the man's comments.. How many times had a boy promised her anything she wanted. If she came to his house or have a date with him? It made her blush how eager he was. “And you may be right – but I’m not clever enough by far to have thought of such a trick. But I’ll have to remember it for the next pretty girl I meet.” His hungry lgem like eyes traveled up and down her body. She didn't mind so much, until he opened his mouth a little wider. “And if you’re a man, what have you got stuffed in that blouse? Some of those sweet melons that Seodai grows out on his uncle’s farm?” Lena's eyes narrowed as he winked to his friend. “What do you say? Shall we ask for a taste?” His tone was a little cocky for her taste and his little pink worm was going to get him in a lot of trouble if he began sassing her. "I never pegged you as a cross dresser Lena, though you're doing quite a good job at it." Galio's comment was so outlandish she couldn't help but stare at him for a moment. Was he completely witless? His tone was too sincere to be a joke. He was a little hapless but he seemed sweet enough. Polite if anything. Which went a long ways with Lena. After The two bantered about who was buying drinks and Sylike's order. She smiled at him slyly. ”So you like things full of body and no none sense? With the slightest edge?” Her smile got a little wider. ”That is good. But make sure you don't get Cut.” She leaned on the counter close to the Vantha. ”Talk about tasting my melon's again. And I will Castrate you with my teeth. Like I did my mothers live stock.” She flashed her white teeth and straightened back up. ”I'll be back with your little boy's drink in a moment.” Lena said in a deceptively friendly tone. She then vanished into the Tavern's kitchen. Quietly fuming about What Sylike said. It was bad enough she couldn't wear dresses without the men looking at her. Even when she tied her breasts down. She didn't need it from green boys her age as well.

[Syllke Skyglow]

“Drag me?” Syllke said grinning still. “It’s your job to carry me – if I get too far gone in my cups.” He laughed, though the thought of being transported by a bear was an interesting one, especially in light of his experience with Belgar, a kelvic icewatch bear from Avanthal. He had learned so much from Belgar, he thought wistufully. Poor guy. And poor Seisswyn. Tearing his thoughts away from that melancholic subject, Syllke crowed like a rooster in laughter at Lena’s sharp words. He made no immediate reply, just tried to look contrite, and innocent, failing completely at both. When the bar maid left them, Syllke shook his head as he looked back at Galio. “Women! They want you to look. They want you to like. But, boy, they sure don’t like you to point out how pretty they are – not unless you are whispering it in their ear.” His look was one of puzzlement, not ire. Who could figure a woman out? Certainly not him. Forgetting Lena’s taunts for the moment, he asked Galio, “No news about Luna or Lucy I suppose?” The boy’s sisters were sure taking their sweet time showing back up in Denval. “Hey, tomorrow I’m going to go out and take a look at the road, see how it’s progressing. Want to come with me? There are some caves out that way, the road work has opened them up. I thought it might be fun to go see what’s inside them.”

[Galio Keln]

Contrary to Syllke’s attempts at looking innocent Galio himself had the look of innocence plastered to his face. For Galio the idea of deceit didn’t exist. He didn’t exactly understand the notion of lying and sarcasm. So as he spoke there was a tone sincerity in his voice. He waited for Lena to escape earshot of them before speaking though. He didn’t want to get on her bad side after hearing what she’d do to Syllke. “Wait, why are you talking about women? I thought Lena was a guy now. And why would you whisper something about someone in their ear. That doesn’t make any sense either.” At the mention of his sisters Galio’s face drooped in a look of sadness and longing. He obviously hadn’t had much luck with finding about their whereabouts. “Nothing. None of the ships coming in have had any word on them. And once the ice sets in there won’t be any new ships coming in…” He seemed distraught at first, but perked up when Syllke mentioned exploring caves. If there was one thing he enjoyed beyond anything else it was discovering new things. Especially in a place like Denval were new is amazing. “So there’s a system of unexplored caves. Just sitting there by themselves. Of course we’re going to have a look!”

[Lena Estelain]

When Lena calmed down and worry replaced anger. She started fixing her bandanna and fiddling with her dress. Had she been to harsh on him? It was a cocky little thing to talk about her melon's like that, but he was a costumer? What if she got in trouble? Among the other bottles and jars along the kitchen wall. She found the Stout Sylike wanted and poured it into a wooden pitcher. If she got in trouble for bad mouthing some little punk. Then Oleg can clean his own tables. She just threatened the boy after all. And if she did get fired... She could always kick his bony Vantha arse. Lena looked at the dark brew. Checking for Oleg. She quickly tasted the beer feeling naughty. It was good, but it could of used something. Lena looked around until she found something sweet. Grapes, or nectarines, apples... Finally deciding on Strawberries. She threw 'em in a bowl and headed out. She came back into the bar. Catching a ear full about the boys wanting to go into the “unexplored” caves. You boys should go! I bet you would like it. At least, I did when I was twelve. She giggled and set down the pitcher of beer and strawberries. ”Here is your stout. That you related to me so elegantly. And some strawberries I thought they went well together. But if you too are really interested in the Road. You can always help build it? Denval needs every young strapping man... She gave Sylike a once over. well young man. To help crave out the road. You could get some good gold and plenty of callouses.” She smiled and fetched two cups from under the counter. ”You gonna pay for this now or later Sylike?”

[Syllke Skyglow]

Syllke was still often caught off guard by Galio’s literal interpretation of the world. Despite his friendship with one of the Icewatch bears – one which had changed his perception of all bear kind – he would forget how little sense of the abstract kelvics had. Laughing, he said to Galio, “No, Lena is definitely a girl. She was making a joke. Being silly, you know?” Or maybe there was a better word for what she was being but Syllke thought using that term might confuse Galio even more. “Like I was about her melons?” The baffled look on his friend’s face prompted Syllke to skip over that topic and move to the next. “And you whisper things in girl’s ears when you like them. Like . . . when you are being romantic, and close. You snuggle up together and you say things in a low voice and that . . . “ Well, Syllke had to stop and think about that one. Why exactly did people whisper to be more seductive? He placed his chin in his hand, leaning on the bar, as he thought. “It’s just what people do.” He concluded, very lamely. Moving on quickly from a topic he couldn’t really begin to understand himself, he asked, “What will you do if your sisters don’t show up? Go look for them?” Lena’s reappearance forestalled any more talk of the caves. Her taunting remark got only another smile from Syllke. “If you’ve been, then you should come with us – be our guide. We wouldn’t want to get lost in all that darkness.” He smirked at her. “Or would we . . . ?” He nodded a thanks to her as she slid his glass of beer to him, raising it to his lips and taking a long pull. Setting the glass back down, he added, “I might do just that – help on the road – once the winter sets in. Then I could maybe manipulate the ice that will get in all the works. Might work better than a pick axe.” He looked at Galio. “What about you? Think you’ll stay through the winter?” With a level but slightly challenging look to Lena, he replied, “Oh . . . I have a feeling I’ll be paying for this later. Isn’t that the way it usually goes – even when you think it’s all for fun, you still have to pay in the end.” He chuckled, raising his glass again. “Or did you mean for the beer?” he said quickly, right before taking another long sip.