Closed [Shooting Star Inn] Meeting the Locals

[Gawain]

oocDear God this got crowded. Closing the thread to keep it from getting more confusing than it already is.
12th of Summer, 513 AV

Breathing a sigh of relief as he finally arrived at the Shooting Star Inn, Gawain - painfully - slid off his Leopardbred, raising a puff of dust as he landed in the packed dirt of the inn's courtyard. A host of aches and pains plagued him, particularly in his legs and hips. Twenty leagues of hard riding had certainly taken their toll on his body, and he was tired. Tired, sore, and hungry.

Affectionately rubbing his hand over the Leopardbred's muzzle, Gawain spared a glance and an appreciative sniff in the inn's direction. The air smelled of a hearty stew, and Gawain could already begin to feel his mouth salivating. Adding to the sensations whirling around Gawain, his stomach also gave an appreciative rumble.

"You hungry too, Cressie? I'll be sure to get you some hay, and a nice, warm stall..." He muttered, patting his horse's very hot flank. The mare was still breathing heavily from the climb up to the Amaranthine Gates, and Gawain had no doubt that she was even more tired than he was after the day's exertions. "Almost done now." He added, untying his sword and shield from the horse's saddle, and pulling his pack and coin purse out of the Leopardbred's saddlebags.

Turning to a stablehand who was milling nearby - clearly waiting for Gawain to quarter his horse - Gawain pressed a few copper kinas into the boy's outstretched palm. "Take good care of her, and you'll get a silver when I leave." He muttered, leaning close to the boy's ear. Then, smiling, Gawain released the stable worker's hand and rested his hand on the pommel of his bastard sword, before assuming a non-threatening posture and walking through the door of the inn.

It was noisier than he'd expected, and full of patrons. Like many inns, it seemed to double as a tavern, as evidenced by the tankards of ale that could be seen strewn liberally across tables. Although the smell of hops enticed Gawain, he didn't plan on muddying his senses that night, in a new and strange town.

Picking his way through the people, Gawain eventually made it to where the innkeeper was holding court, and sat down on one of the stools that was arrayed before the man's counter. Glancing at the man, Gawain placed a few coins on the bar. "I'll need a room to stay, food for my horse, and a meal for me. No alcohol, please." He said quietly, before turning around in his stool and leaning into where two walls met. Now, it was time to people-watch, and to glean what information he could from the denizens of the inn.

[Xylona Redwater]

Gentle music shifted through the room, fighting for space amongst the crowded inn. People shuffled one way and another, making Xylona glad she had a place to sit rather than be pushed around. When the young bard stopped and bowed, even his applause was lost in the ruckus. Xylona shifted herself in her seat and clapped absent-mindedly for the poor boy. Even as she did so, her feet tapped and danced under the table, trying to ward off the boredom.

She tried so hard to conceal her need for action, but today, nothing seemed to be working. She had come to the Shooting Star in the hopes that the music and friendly air might take her mind off things, but discontent edged in anyway. Barely suppressing a sigh, Xylona rose from her seat and forced her way to the counter. Now seemed the perfect time for a drink.

Before she had even reached the counter, she barked over the din, "Can I get a pint over here?"

However, by the time she reached the counter, it was clear the man the bartender was busy with another patron. She couldn't help but listen in on his request. No alchohol? Who does he think he 's fooling? Still, his order was long and bound to take awhile, so Xylona let herself fall onto the nearest stool. As she swiveled her head to glare, her eyes caught on the man, causing her to take a chime and stare. His head was turned towards the crowd, happily observing the people as though he had no greater care in the world. His features were outlined in profile- a very humbling pose.

Something inside her wanted to talk to this man, to know his story, for everyone had one. She didn't really know what it was that had her curious, but it could have been any number of things. Maybe it was his short, slightly wind-blown hair that told her he had been travelling, or his eyes, open and trusting. It could have been the fact that he spoke softly, even amongst the throngs of noisy people, yet somehow it was still easy to hear his voice. She liked that he had a smiling face and a confident feel about him, with his shoulders thrown back and his head held high. The mood was a bit contagious. Xylona herself felt a little braver in his presence. Brave enough, in fact, to smile when she asked, "You come here often?"

[Gawain]

Gawain had learned more than he'd thought he would in the short time he'd spent observing the goings-on in the cramped inn. A young human a few meters in front of Gawain was a klutz, if the way the boy handled his mug was any proof of his dexterity. He'd nearly knocked it over a few times. A few men who had a table to themselves appeared to be "regulars," considering the deference that the waitstaff showed to them. And, the tavern was not a hot spot for bards. The boy who was playing now wasn't especially skilled, and was probably only there because all the "good" places to play in town were all taken. Gawain resolved to give him a miza when he blew out of town, if the bard was still around.

Allowing himself a small smile, Gawain rested his sword's sheath across his thighs, and played his fingers along the leatherwork, his eyes flitting across the room and drinking in the ambiance.

A mellifluous voice broke his reverie, and he sat upright, turning his gaze to the speaker. A human woman, as far as he could tell, and she was addressing him. Guess I'm more noticeable than I thought. He thought wryly, before answering the woman with a quick grin, amplifying his voice more than he usually did to be heard over the din. "'Fraid not. Second night in the city." After pausing for a moment, Gawain tacked on an addition. "Though I imagine I will be around 'more often,' considering I'm spending a good few weeks here."

"Not that I've seen you around here. Are you a regular?" He asked, while swiveling to his food, which the innkeeper was kindly placing in front of him. While he waited for a response, Gawain briefly examined his conversational partner. She wasn't big by any stretch of the imagination, but he got the sense that she could pack a wallop if she really got into a fight. Fairly pretty, too, though Gawain expected he'd get slapped if he dared to tell her so. She seemed a bit on edge.

Before his examination took so long as to be deemed improper, Gawain returned his attention to the food in front of him, starting to eat while he waited for a response.

[Ai Shou]

The din of the interior was a cacophony of music, reverie and drunken men being drunken men. Ai found herself guided into the throngs of people as she came down the stairs in a soft, pink dress of satin and silk. Her hair was done up and a pair of straight sticks were poked into the bun to hold it there, her sharp Vanthan features elegant and mystifying. Her eyes were a deep blue pool of curiosity that searched about the room as she was tossed around. The masses of men and drinkers alike pushed her about, guiding her off the path she wished and more towards the bar nearby. A mug of ale was sloshed about, luckily missing Ai as she ducked beneath and slid to a stop in a chair two seats down from Gawain and the woman. She had to stop and catch her breath before she spoke to the bartender. Her soft words were lost to the wind in the mix of noise, celebration and whatnot, so she raised her voice, which was unusual for her. "Excuse me!" She yelled, waving the barkeep over and offering him a smile. Her eyes seemed to change from that luscious blue to a deep hue of pink as she smile, "I need a drink, please! I'm in room twelve upstairs and I need a meal delivered to my room in an hour after I take a bath."She said to the man, who nodded and took note, saying something that was lost to prying ears amidst the noisy background. Ai smiled and nodded again, turning to leave when she realized that a very... attractive looking man was sitting nearby. He had the look of an honest man to him, not like Fraint or Kenept had about them. His presence seemed to make Ai feel safer and more confident, her eye color changing from the pink to a lavender color, a mix of curiosity and interest gracing her delicate Vanthan features. She straightened her dress slightly and slid down two seats until she was in the seat next to Gawain and on the opposite side of the woman that sat nearby. She tried to prevent herself from looking at the man, but she couldn't help it. And every time she did, a bright redness seemed to crop up on her cheeks.

[Xylona Redwater]

Xylona listened carefully to his words, soaking in each detail. He was indeed a traveler, this being only his second night in the city. She felt a little better when she noted that he seemed interested in her too. Her only evidence was the way he spoke; he said nothing directly to prove her right. He innocently inquired about her own visits to the tavern and then paid great attention to his own food, barely glancing at her again. Was he...afraid? She tried to interpret his expression, but he gave nothing away. Sighing, she resolved herself to answer his questions.

"I suppose you could say I'm a regular. I've lived in Lhavit all my life but I only like to come here as a treat on account of the prices, you know?" She waited a moment before adding, "I'm Xylona, by the way. If you ever need any help around town, don't hesitate to ask."

Before he could share his own name, the bartender scurried over and handed her the pint of beer she had ordered. Xylona placed two Kina on the counter and slid them to him, nodding politely before he rushed off to serve the woman on her new acquaintance's other side.

This newcomer looked far too interested in the traveler man to have innocent intentions. The thought forced a creeping suspicion up inside her. The fact that the suspicion was there at all unsettled her even further. Could she be so attached already? He had said himself, he would be leaving soon. With a slight frown, she nudged the man and gestured subtly to the sweet, purple eyed woman, leaning in close so she could whisper.

"Sir, do you...know her?"

[Samantha Grenth]

Samantha didn't pause before interning the inn. She hadn't been in Lhavit in a little over two years and she already felt at home. The people that recognized her would wave and smile while others would give her a look of sympathy. Instantly the smell of meed, sweat, and horse filled her sensitive nose. Unconsciously it twitched as she walked to the bar.

There were only a couple seats left and a group of three... people sat close together. So Samantha took the seat a couple down from them. Waving to the Inn keeper as he passed. Terence gave her a quick look and a small nod before shuffling off. Samantha turned to the barkeeper and gave a nod. She was returned one and given a finger to wait.

Samantha gave a nod and turned in the stool. Terence walked by again and this time stopped by her, "Up to no good I see." Samantha gave a smile, "Always one for words I hear." He smiled back and patted her shoulder, "Good to have you back Sammy." Samantha cringed at the name but gave a nod, "It's... interesting to be back. Any thing good?" Terence explained to her a quick explanation of the events over her two year absence before he had to leave. "I'll be seeing you around won't I?"

"Maybe." Samantha shrugged and turned back to the three people. The barkeeper seemed more interested in the events over there than Samantha. So Samantha got up and moved over closer to the three and waved at the keeper, "Time's haven't changed have they." Samantha gave a smirk and the keeper shrunk down a little, "Don't fret man! I would like some simple beer... only a pint though." The keeper gave her a look and then moved to get her drink.

Samantha tuned her feline ears into the group.

[Gawain]

Gawain nodded politely as she shared her name, looking up from his partially-demolished plate. Hungry, he'd taken advantage of her speaking to shovel as much of the food down his gullet as possible, barely taking time to register the taste and texture of it. It felt good in his stomach, though, and that was all that mattered. Smiling, Gawain prepared to divulge his own name, but as soon as he opened his mouth to speak the bartender thrust his hand between the two of them, offering Xylona her drink.

Briefly flustered, Gawain closed his mouth, and shrugged, starting to offer his name again. Unfortunately for him, though, he was interrupted. Again. This time by his conversational partner, who was nudging him and asking him about the woman sitting to his other side, and asking Gawain if he knew her.

Before he turned to look, Gawain paused, and said with a quick smile, "Before someone else cuts me off, my name's Gawain Andreikos. Pleasure to meet you." His speech held no trace of anger, retaining the good-natured quality that Gawain liked to cultivate and shroud himself in. Hopefully Xylona wouldn't think he was being bitter or sarcastic. And with that, Gawain planted his hands on the bar and wheeled himself around, so he could see both of the women flanking him.

Not-Xylona did appear to be inordinately interested in him, considering the evident coloration of her cheeks, though Gawain hadn't the faintest idea why. Perhaps she'd met him somewhere and he didn't remember. "Can't say I do know her," he said, turning his head to Xylona, "But I may as well introduce myself, since she seems to know me."

Turning his head again to face the lavender-eyed woman, Gawain smiled politely, and introduced himself. "Name's Gawain. Have we met before?" He asked, proffering his hand and leaning back against the bar.

[Ai Shou]

Ai's cheeks went red again when Gawain turned towards her and introduced himself. She felt her heart flutter slightly when he said his name. Gawain. So -that- was his name. She'd seen him when he first came to town, and then a few times after that when she was on the rooftops. She'd always seemed to have a certain like for men like him, but she couldn't ever bring herself to approach them until now. She smiled broadly, revealing a row of pearly white teeth,"Yes... I know you. I've seen you around town, but I'm not surprised that you do not know me." It wasn't unusual for men to ignore Ai. She was as quiet as a mouse and as seemingly afraid as a cat in a bathtub. She always held a timid air about her, but with Gawain beside her, that air was gone with the wind. She felt braver and more inclined to looking at the man before her. Her eyes changed color again into a neon-pink, like a freshly budding rose. She shyly smiled and turned away from him, cupping her face in her hands. He looked at me... he seems so nice... she said, redness now plainly coloring her features. It wasn't until then that she noticed another woman approach. There's so many women around him... I doubt he'll care too much if I left... she said, looking at Samantha expectantly. All the while, she did not even notice that she had forgotten to give out her name to Gawain.

[Xylona Redwater]

Xylona felt her fingers drum with irritation on the side of her drink as she watched the exchange with the other woman. She appeared flushed and timid, although being around such an easy-going person as Gawain didn't allow that to go on for long. By the time she had finished speaking, her rosy eyes were sparkling brightly and her smile was full-blown. I wish I had such charm, Xylona thought ruefully. She followed the ever-changing eyes as they flitted to yet another woman hovering nearby.

Xylona horribly wanted to shoo this new woman, who- while sitting plenty far away- was clearly eavesdropping. Of course, the barkeep was quite interested in their conversation as well, but something about her made Xylona feel invaded. Where Gawain's admirer was soft and sweet like a school-girl, their newest member was just the opposite. Her eyes were mysterious and the way she moved was predatory, to say the least. Her smile stretched in the way a crocodile's might before it devoured its helpless meal while her voice purred like a cat's when she spoke to the bartender.

Trying desperately to keep herself in check, Xylona simply washed down a swig of her own beer. She hated proud people. It was difficult to keep in check around such a person, but she was loath to start a fight now. Instead, she kept her face turned straight forward towards Gawain and his admirer. Just ignore her. Perhaps she'll go away on her own.

As a distraction, Xylona addressed the rosy-eyed girl. She surprised even herself with the kind tone in her voice.

"So darling, I assume you live around here?"

[Samantha Grenth]

Samantha slid over the mizas she owed and slid a hand to her drink. Just before she closed her claws over the handle she stopped. Feeling the familiar feeling of heated eyes on her Samantha slightly turned her head.

Catching the eyes of the woman opposite of the ignorant guy Samantha gave a smile, wink, and then took a drink of her beer. If the woman wanted to be angry or jealous over the fear of Samantha getting the man [i]she[i] she loosing then by all means let her. Samantha was itching for a fight and this witch would do just fine to cletch her thirst.

Samantha turned her attention to the others before deciding to play a little. Taking one last drink of her beer she nodded at the bartender to the group, gave a smile, and stood. Samantha stalked past the small woman closest to her and made she to give a smal growl. Stopping infront of the man Samantha depended attentionwith her presence . Samantha couldn't put but a chuffle was close enough it worked.

Samantha took a clawed finger and dew his face to hers she leened in kissing distance and showed her pearly fangs before sh kissed his cheek and leaned back. "I'm in town if you ever want to.... Get rough." Samantha winked and then turned herattentiin to the other woman, "But there's room for you in my bed." The man didn't interest her t this woman could prove to be interesting... though Samantha wasn't loking for bed mates right now. It the woman did t know hat and the look she was to ing the woman said she wouldn't mind taking this girl here and now. Samantha loved playing with prey.