maikochan
User #69
- Joined
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This is where the logs of the session will be posted.
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First Session, Woo! Edited out OOC comments, rolling and so on. Also, it's too long for one post.
Maiko: Rockside was a pretty small village. Less than a hundred people called it home. During the demon invasion, it was surprisingly overlooked by the attacking army, probably because of its small size. The Westerners, however, didn't leave it quite so alone. Since the village sat on the road to the gold-rich mountains to the south, it quickly started to see a great number of travelers. Most passed through, but a few decided to stay. Some inns and taverns were built for the travelers, but there seemed to be something about the town that made most people want to move on, rather than settle down.
Maiko: The most prominant building in the town was Fumei's tea house, an old relic of previous times. Even with the western-style taverns and inns, the tea house still seemed to be the most popular venue for travelers looking for a place to relax after a long trip on the road. Although the tea house's main fare was, of course, tea, Fumei made sure to keep some sake available, and had recently started to serve western drinks as well. Still, those looking to get smashed would be advised to drink at one of the western taverns, as Fumei makes sure that any disruption is quickly ejected from the building.
Maiko: The winter had closed the trading routes for the most part, though there were still travelers seen passing through the small village at least weekly. The western-run inns and taverns had closed up due to the decreased traffic, but Fumei's stayed open.
Maiko: Currently there were a couple of western trappers, an eastern man who looked like a miner, a well dressed western man with an attractive eastern woman, and a figure in a black cloak at the tea house that night. The two trappers, one male, one female, were talking about where they'd most likely be able to find some game at this time of year. The miner looked tired, staring down at the table. The well dressed man had his female partner in his lap. She was wearing a simple, though slightly decorative collar and was smiling as she served him his drinks. The black cloaked figure looked like he had found the darkest corner of the tea house to sit in. Occasionally, when the figure turned, a black beak could be seen, marking him as one of the tengu.
Maiko: Fumei, accompanied by two young eastern girls, seemed to be the only staff at the time, bringing more tea or other drinks to the guests as requested.
Maiko: With snow falling softly outside in the fading twilight, several more figures started to arrive at the tea house.
You whisper to MAF: Nyktan had recieved an invitation a few weeks ago to perform at Fumei's tea house if he were ever in the area. After coming into some conflicts with various parties at his current haunt, he figured the time was right for a change of scenery.
You whisper to Zurui: Robern and Zurui had been traveling along the road, having heard that Fumei was currently looking for some sellswords to solve a few problems of his. If nothing else, the stopover would give them some time to relax from the cold of the road.
You whisper to Tassadar: Robern and Zurui had been traveling along the road, having heard that Fumei was currently looking for some sellswords to solve a few problems of his. If nothing else, the stopover would give them some time to relax from the cold of the road.
You whisper to Lang Fu: Fu Fu had heard that the owner of a tea house along the road north was looking for some skilled individuals to solve a few of his problems, with compensation available of course. Although traveling through the winter hadn't been the most pleasant experience, Fu's natural resistance to the cold mean he hadn't needed to bundle up that much.
Maiko: In what order you arrive at the tea house is up to you. Feel free to post a bit about what you've been doing on the travel to Rockside, or not, as you wish. The current date is about mid-February. It's lightly snowing with some snow cover on the ground, though not enough to hinder movement. It's currently about 7pm. The sun has already set, though it hasn't gone completely dark yet.
Robern (Tass): Robern walked into Fumei's teahouse after shaking the snow from his armored form, a grumpy look on his face as he beckoned Zurui in after him. It was one of those times in which he was particularly annoyed by the necessities of slave treatment in this culture, as the kitsune slave simply didn't have his constitution where winter's bite was concerned, not even in her fox form as she was then. His gaze swept across the teahouse before he picked out an isolated table and swept off toward it, largely ignoring the others present inside for the moment.
Zurui (Shrike): Zurui follows in closely. Even with all her fur, she still walked with her arms wrapped around herself, her tail coiled around her waist for the extra warmth, her silk robes doing little to keep out the cold. She kept her head bowed as she stayed behind him, noting the other people around as she went. Taking the seat beside his at the table, she leaned in close for a short while, warming up now that they were out of the cold. She ordered tea for the both of them when Fumei or one of the girls came around, then shifted into her human form, no longer needing the fur in the warm building.
Nyktan (MAF): Nyktan was third to follow, after Robern and Zurui. Winter was truly one of the more stressful times of the year, because fashion was limited to wearing as much as possible to remain warm. He kept a simple fur hat on to warm his ears, and a nice coat with long pants and snow shoes. He walked into the tea house, a bit thankful that his services were called for instead of him having to find someone to offer them to. It was even more of a hassle when his reputation of a naughty feline came before his actual work as a bard. With a deep breath, Nyktan walked into the warmth of the tea house, and looked all around at the patrons, immediately examining his audience to he could learn what best to pla-oh, Robern was there with Zurui. It was quite hard to get too far from that fox, he'd notice. He passed it off as her being his guardian angel and left it at that, with a smile. He'd first seek out Fumei. Robern and Zurui wasn't the reason he came here, after all.
Lang Fu (Spider): A tall, lanky man quietly enters the teahouse clad in woollen clothes, his face mostly covered by the hood of his dark blue cloak with a staff on his hand. Having spent the day traveling, he heads straight to the bar to get some tea before seeking a seat as far from lights as he could.
Rissiki (Tiff): Winter sucked. It always had in these parts, near the mountains, but it was worse when out and about traveling. Rissiki had been able to tell that the snow was coming for a bit beforehand, and had headed towards Rockside a little earlier than she normally did in her circuit. As she trudged through the snow towards the tea house she had visited a time or two before she made a mental note to invest in shoes one of these days, the cloth bits she wrapped her footpaws in doing little to protect her from the cold, her fur more or less the only protection she had considering how tattered were her simple gray clothes... She breathed a sigh of relief as she entered into the warm room, shaking the snow off her shoulders and feet, making her way quickly towards the fireplace and huddling close. She saw some familiar faces here amongst the guests, two in fact, but she wasn't concerned with that just yet. She needed warmth and tea, in that order, and everything else could wait. Just behind her a cat slunk into the tea house and shook itself, its fur black as pitch to contrast with the snow outside, and it padded over silently to the shadows as if to hide.
Story Telling: One of the girls came over to Robern and Zurui's table, the later having drawn a few glances as she shifted into human form, and took their order. The other welcomed Fu and took his order, taking it to his table after he had sat down. Fumei had been watching the area where the guests were, his hands folded into his long sleeves. He gave a short bow in greeting to Nyktan. "Welcome. I hope the road wasn't too hard." The old man said to the bard. After a moment, one of the girls came over to Rssiki and asked what she would like to drink.
Nyktan (MAF): "Thank you for the invitation, Master Fumei." Nyktan bowed to the elderly man courteously. "The roads were a little rough, but it only made your tea house feel that much more welcoming~" he said with flattery on his tongue.
Zurui (Shrike): "Apologies if I caused a disturbance, the Ser prefers this form, it is simply too chill to remain in it outside." THe kitsune told the serving girl with a dip of her head. "He will have a rooibos with some honey, perhaps a spoon or so, and I woulk like some green tea." She told her in a pleasant tone, her eyes drifting over to the other arrivals. "Familiar faces." She said to Robern, eyebrows raised in surprise.
Rissiki (Tiff): Rissiki took a moment to reply to the girl, holding her cloth-wrapped hands close to the fire as her tail curled down around one furry leg. Finally she turned to the girl and smiled, replying "tea, please" in a nasal voice. "Just a cup for now."
Robern (Tass): "Aye," Robern replied once the serving girl had gone. He didn't sound particularly excited about it, but he also hadn't apparently recognized Rissiki as yet, as his gaze had settled with a muted frown upon Nyktan.
Lang Fu (Spider): Taking his cup of herbal tea to a nearby table, Fu sits down and pushes back the hood of his cloak, revealing a silvery hair and green eyes set in a young face. Observing the old man who was apparently behind the job offer, he takes a sip from his cup.
Story Telling: "I'm glad to hear that." Fumei replied, giving a mirthful smile. "I trust your abilities wouldn't have been hindered because of the cold. As you can see, we have quite a full house." The later was obviously a joke as he motioned to the mostly empty tea house. "I think it's just that most people haven't seen a kitsune do that before." The girl replied to Zurui with a friendly smile. "I'll be right back with your tea." She hurried off to the kitchen, returning a few minutes after with their drinks. Placing them on the table, she gave a bow and turned to attend to some of the other guests. The girl that was by Rissiki nodded and also returned to the kitchen, then back with a cup of green tea. "Would you like a table?" She asked, after Rissiki had taken the drink.
Rissiki (Tiff): "No thank you" Rissiki replied, taking the tea and holding it in her hands for a moment to warm them, "I'm just fine without one." The nezumi took a sip of her tea, eyes drifting over to the kitsune and westerner she had met along the road not long ago, wondering what they were doing here. After all, there were places more befitting of a westerner in this little town than this tea house...
Zurui (Shrike): Zurui nodded, giving the girl a smile and a seated bow when she returned with the teas. "Thank you." She said, setting Robern's tea in front of him. It was sweet from teh honey with a fruity undertaste, peaches or perhaps the small oranges that grew around here. considering he knew the one she drank tasted like fieldgrass, it wasn't all that bad. The kitsune nodded back at Rissiki, giving the ratfolk a friendly smile.
Nyktan (MAF): "I'm not feeling too bothered. I can perform as well as I always do." Nyktan said with a smile. "This audience doesn't seem to need a song for the eyes, so I won't have to find a private area to change." he announced, pulling out his lute. "I think a more calm and relaxing tune is fit here, do you agree, Master Fumei?"
Robern (Tass): Robern looked questioningly at the small person as they drifted closer, and took a long moment to realize that he recognized them. "Oh! It's you.... Hello," he said as the ratfolk drifted over, surprised to see her and making no effort to hide the fact. He took a sip of the tea that Zurui had ordered for him, a pleasantly sweet drink, and gave her a grateful nod before glancing back at the ratfolk questioningly.
Story Telling: "Indeed. I was thinking the same." Fumei replied. "Perhaps we can talk again once you have finished. There's another job I'd like to ask of you." He frowned and looked past Nyktan to the fanicily dressed westerner. The others would have seen the man, with one hand groping his slave's breast, and with the other having slapped one of the serving girls on the bottom. He had clearly been drinking alcohal, as his face was flushed. The serving girl had swatted his hand away and moved away.
Rissiki (Tiff): Rissiki chuckled slightly at the way Robern expressed his surprise at her presence, her tail curling up a bit and swishing behind her. "Hello to the two of you as well. What brings you here?" she asked before turning specifically to Zurui. "I trust you've been feeling better, that the medicine worked?"
You whisper to Zurui: She's giggling a bit, seeming to enjoy the groping, not looking drunk though. She either didn't notice, or didn't care about the slap to the serving girl.
Zurui (Shrike): "It did, very well. Thank you again." Zurui answered, bowing her head to teh ratfolk. Her eyes kept flicking back to teh other westerner in the room though. The man's slave seemed to be enjoying herself, giggling along, but the looks she saw from the rest of the place showed her that the man was starting to disturb the feel of the room. She expected the old man would ask him to leave, soon.
Robern (Tass): "Just a convenient place to stop in our travels," Robern replied noncommitally. He had heard of the teamaster's request for aid, but hadn't thought much on it at the time. A scowl crossed his face at the audible smack that occurred when the drunken man smacked the serving girl on the ass, and continued to watch him carefully for the moment, thus letting Zurui speak to Rissiki for the moment.
Nyktan (MAF): Nyktan hummed at the sight of the man. The feline had more often than not been in that man's position. It usually didn't end well when you had someone frowning at you as the old man was. Still, it wasn't Nyktan's concern as of yet. He took to an area where all could see him, before making a bow to the crowd. "Sorry to disturb you all, but I hope you will enjoy my music." Nyktan said in a soft voice, before leaning against whatever was available, and playing a tune.
Lang Fu (Spider): Fu's eyes fall on the disruptive westerner as Fumei talks with the odd group, making a mental note of the mention of a job. He had always found slavery somewhat distasteful, and drunks even more so. Casually taking a sip of his tea, Fu flexes his fingers and turns his attention to the other westerner who seems less out of place, taking a note of his mannerisms.
Rissiki (Tiff): Rissiki was somewhat jarred by the sound of the bit of trouble, turning to look over her shoulder nervously as her tail curled downward again. She got a feeling, not the best one, out of the atmosphere. The other westerner in the room was drunk, which presented a problem; drunks were a dangerous bunch often enough in her experience, some of the few who ever caused her trouble. "Oh... well, that's good to hear, miss. I try to do good work whenever I can" she replied after a pause, turning back to look at the kitsune in disguise. Another sip of tea as she scooted almost imperceptibly towards the shadow, as if to melt into the background as not to be seen.
Story Telling: For the moment, Fumei seemed content to simply keep his eye on the disruptive man, as though giving him a silent warning. At the sound of Nyktan's music, however, even the westerner seemed to calm down. Given the new atmosphere, the old man took a look around the room before heading into the kitchen.
Zurui (Shrike): Zurui nodded in agreement. "Indeed, we were lucky to have stumbled upon you when we did. What brings you here, Rissiki? It's quite a ways from where we met you last." She glanced over to Robern every so often as she conversed, noting his frowning expression and laying her hand on his thigh to soothe him some.
Rissiki (Tiff): "Oh, I could feel the snow coming on" the nezumi replied, "and this is as nice a place as there is in the area I travel. Rockside is a nice, peaceful little town, and the tea here is good." For the first time Rissiki's eyes scanned the room more closely, giving the tengu in the corner and the blue-cloaked man a good glance before her eyes wandered to the bard playing a tune. She was still ever so slightly paranoid as she gauged the atmosphere, but things seemed somewhat calmer since the music had begun to play.
Robern (Tass): "So it seems," Robern said as he glanced reassuringly at Zurui, though he spoke to Sofia rather than to his slave. "The cat is at least good at his trade... When he opts to keep his mouth shut. Things should remain quiet here so long as he keeps his sense," Robern said as he noticed the ratgirl glancing Nyktan's way.
Rissiki (Tiff): "So you know him? The bard, that is" Rissiki asked curiously. It seemed an odd connection for someone like Robern, what little she knew of him.
Zurui (Shrike): The kitsune smiled up at the larger man, sipping from her tea. "We've met him before, in another tavern closer to home. I had met him before that as well, under similar circumstances." She explained, leaving out the details of how rowdy Nyktan had been the last time they had met.
Rissiki (Tiff): "Ahhhh, I see. Nice enough fellow?" the nezumi asked, taking a hefty drink of tea. It made more sense that the kitsune would be the one who had known him, at least.
Zurui (Shrike): "Pleasant enough. Lacking in... dignity, would be the best way to put it, I think." She answered, glancing up at teh barbarian again, expecting him to add a comment himself.
Story Telling: While Rissiki, Zurui and Robern were talking, one of the serving girls, the one that had had the run-in with the drunken man, walked over to Fu's table. "Would you like more tea?" She asked, smiling, seeming as though nothing had happened earlier.
Robern (Tass): "Sense," Robern grunted, "Nyktan would be lacking in sense most of all."
Lang Fu (Spider): The fetchling smiles warmly at the serving girl. "My cup is still quite full, thank you very much." he replies, nodding towards the aforementioned dish.
Story Telling: The woman returned the smile and bowed. "Very well." She replied and turned away, checking on the cloaked tengu while the other girl attended to the trappers.
Rissiki (Tiff): Rissiki nodded silently as she watched the nekugami play, wondering just what that meant. Lacking in sense and dignity? An odd thing to say. It seemed that Robern at least was none too fond of the one whose name was apparently Nyktan. Finally she slid her heavy backpack off her shoulders and laid it gently on the floor beside her, sighing with relief to have the weight off her.
Story Telling: As the night went on, there were no more disruptions, perhaps because of the calming music from the bard. The two trappers paid for their drinks and left together while, at some point during the night, the tengu seemed to have disappeared. The miner also left after paying, having been otherwise forgotten until now. The drunken westerner seemed to be wobbling a bit as his slave helped him to his feet. They headed towards the staircase leading to the second floor, where the rooms that Fumei rented out were located. As the serving girls cleaned up, they spoke to each of the remaining people, asking them to stay for a moment, if they wouldn't mind, that Fumei had something he wanted to ask of them.
After the westerner left the main room, Fumei returned. "If you would all be so kind as to come here; save an old man his voice, I have something I'd like to ask of you." He motioned to a table near the fireplace.
Robern (Tass): "Very well," Robern said to the serving girls, and then again to Fumei. The barbarian rose ponderously and offered both Zurui and Sofia a hand up if they hadn't risen before him, out of courtesy if nothing else, and then strode over to where the old teamaster had indicated.
Nyktan (MAF): What a wonderful thing, a break. Nyktan was happy to accept the request as he finished his song and came closer, taking a seat near Fumei. "How may a humble feline aid you, Master Fumei?" he asked with a friendly smile.
Lang Fu (Spider): Fu sets aside his staff and backpack and stands up, confidently walking to the table and taking a seat opposite of the fire. "This is about the job posting master Fumei, I presume?"
Zurui (Shrike): Zurui took his hand silently, giving it a light squeeze before letting it go, taking he rplace behind him once they reached the table. In this large of a group, it was better to let someone else have the seats.
Rissiki (Tiff): The evening passed quietly and without incident, Rissiki sipping down a cup more of tea before settling down by the fire. At some point the cat emerged from the shadows to sit beside her regally, almost as if demanding attention, as cats sometimes did... She scritched behind its ears quietly as many of the others left, eyes on the dancing flames... Later on one of the serving girls asked her and the others who remained to stay, which struck her as a little odd... she had intended to rent a room, of course, so it was no trouble. When old man Fumei asked them to approach she got up and did so, taking Robern's hand when offered and following behind the others. The cat stayed beside the fire, tail swishing behind it in a way that was difficult to read.
Story Telling: Fumei remained standing at the table, letting those that wished to sit. "It is." He replied to Fu, nodding. "You see, during this season, it's rather common for rats and mice and other problematic creatures to seek shelter from the cold. No offense, intended, I am referring to the animals, not the people." He bowed slightly to Rissiki, making sure he wasn't misunderstood. "I know it may seem trivial, to persons such as yourselves, but the rats that have infested my cellars are simply too much for an old man to handle on his own. Even though it's a simple task, you would be paid, if you'd choose to assist me."
Rissiki (Tiff): Rissiki's ears perked up a bit when the old man mentioned rats in his cellar, quickly offering "none taken" when he mentioned that he meant no offense. They could cause a problem for a place such as this in large numbers, that was sure, and maybe she could help out. "I may be able to lead them out of your tea house, provided their attitude is right" she said, nodding quietly. "I have a way with... rats, after all"
Zurui (Shrike): The Kitsune stood quietly, listening to Fumei's plea for help. She didn't see why they couldn't lend a hand, but it was more up to Robern than herself. Sidling in a little closer, she'd give the man a small nod if he turned to look at her, remaining silent.
Lang Fu (Spider): "A simple task," Fu says as if tasting the words. "I for one am not too proud to deny an old man such aid."
Nyktan (MAF): "My... Rats you say..." Nyktan didn't look too pleased. "May I ask that part of my payment goes towards a bath afterwards? Just the mention has me wanting to cleanse myself."
Robern (Tass): Though he obviously didn't find the idea particularly appealing, Robern glanced at Zurui and nodded back. Turning to Fumei, he said; "Very well."
Story Telling: Fumei nodded to Nyktan. "Of course, I'm willing to offer you free rooms for this service, including use of the bath, in addition to monetary compensation."
Story Telling: He turned to Sophia. "And however you wish remove them is acceptable."
Rissiki (Tiff): A bath, that sounded nice. Rissiki ignored the vague insult Nyktan had just made, likely unintentional on his part. She was used to that sort of thinking by now. She was a little grimy herself in any case, and hadn't gotten a bath in a decent while. She spent most of her nights outside, and it was fairly rare for her to stay too long in any one place.
Robern (Tass): "Well, where's the cellar? Lets have done with it," Robern stated gruffly.
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First Session, Woo! Edited out OOC comments, rolling and so on. Also, it's too long for one post.
Maiko: Rockside was a pretty small village. Less than a hundred people called it home. During the demon invasion, it was surprisingly overlooked by the attacking army, probably because of its small size. The Westerners, however, didn't leave it quite so alone. Since the village sat on the road to the gold-rich mountains to the south, it quickly started to see a great number of travelers. Most passed through, but a few decided to stay. Some inns and taverns were built for the travelers, but there seemed to be something about the town that made most people want to move on, rather than settle down.
Maiko: The most prominant building in the town was Fumei's tea house, an old relic of previous times. Even with the western-style taverns and inns, the tea house still seemed to be the most popular venue for travelers looking for a place to relax after a long trip on the road. Although the tea house's main fare was, of course, tea, Fumei made sure to keep some sake available, and had recently started to serve western drinks as well. Still, those looking to get smashed would be advised to drink at one of the western taverns, as Fumei makes sure that any disruption is quickly ejected from the building.
Maiko: The winter had closed the trading routes for the most part, though there were still travelers seen passing through the small village at least weekly. The western-run inns and taverns had closed up due to the decreased traffic, but Fumei's stayed open.
Maiko: Currently there were a couple of western trappers, an eastern man who looked like a miner, a well dressed western man with an attractive eastern woman, and a figure in a black cloak at the tea house that night. The two trappers, one male, one female, were talking about where they'd most likely be able to find some game at this time of year. The miner looked tired, staring down at the table. The well dressed man had his female partner in his lap. She was wearing a simple, though slightly decorative collar and was smiling as she served him his drinks. The black cloaked figure looked like he had found the darkest corner of the tea house to sit in. Occasionally, when the figure turned, a black beak could be seen, marking him as one of the tengu.
Maiko: Fumei, accompanied by two young eastern girls, seemed to be the only staff at the time, bringing more tea or other drinks to the guests as requested.
Maiko: With snow falling softly outside in the fading twilight, several more figures started to arrive at the tea house.
You whisper to MAF: Nyktan had recieved an invitation a few weeks ago to perform at Fumei's tea house if he were ever in the area. After coming into some conflicts with various parties at his current haunt, he figured the time was right for a change of scenery.
You whisper to Zurui: Robern and Zurui had been traveling along the road, having heard that Fumei was currently looking for some sellswords to solve a few problems of his. If nothing else, the stopover would give them some time to relax from the cold of the road.
You whisper to Tassadar: Robern and Zurui had been traveling along the road, having heard that Fumei was currently looking for some sellswords to solve a few problems of his. If nothing else, the stopover would give them some time to relax from the cold of the road.
You whisper to Lang Fu: Fu Fu had heard that the owner of a tea house along the road north was looking for some skilled individuals to solve a few of his problems, with compensation available of course. Although traveling through the winter hadn't been the most pleasant experience, Fu's natural resistance to the cold mean he hadn't needed to bundle up that much.
Maiko: In what order you arrive at the tea house is up to you. Feel free to post a bit about what you've been doing on the travel to Rockside, or not, as you wish. The current date is about mid-February. It's lightly snowing with some snow cover on the ground, though not enough to hinder movement. It's currently about 7pm. The sun has already set, though it hasn't gone completely dark yet.
Robern (Tass): Robern walked into Fumei's teahouse after shaking the snow from his armored form, a grumpy look on his face as he beckoned Zurui in after him. It was one of those times in which he was particularly annoyed by the necessities of slave treatment in this culture, as the kitsune slave simply didn't have his constitution where winter's bite was concerned, not even in her fox form as she was then. His gaze swept across the teahouse before he picked out an isolated table and swept off toward it, largely ignoring the others present inside for the moment.
Zurui (Shrike): Zurui follows in closely. Even with all her fur, she still walked with her arms wrapped around herself, her tail coiled around her waist for the extra warmth, her silk robes doing little to keep out the cold. She kept her head bowed as she stayed behind him, noting the other people around as she went. Taking the seat beside his at the table, she leaned in close for a short while, warming up now that they were out of the cold. She ordered tea for the both of them when Fumei or one of the girls came around, then shifted into her human form, no longer needing the fur in the warm building.
Nyktan (MAF): Nyktan was third to follow, after Robern and Zurui. Winter was truly one of the more stressful times of the year, because fashion was limited to wearing as much as possible to remain warm. He kept a simple fur hat on to warm his ears, and a nice coat with long pants and snow shoes. He walked into the tea house, a bit thankful that his services were called for instead of him having to find someone to offer them to. It was even more of a hassle when his reputation of a naughty feline came before his actual work as a bard. With a deep breath, Nyktan walked into the warmth of the tea house, and looked all around at the patrons, immediately examining his audience to he could learn what best to pla-oh, Robern was there with Zurui. It was quite hard to get too far from that fox, he'd notice. He passed it off as her being his guardian angel and left it at that, with a smile. He'd first seek out Fumei. Robern and Zurui wasn't the reason he came here, after all.
Lang Fu (Spider): A tall, lanky man quietly enters the teahouse clad in woollen clothes, his face mostly covered by the hood of his dark blue cloak with a staff on his hand. Having spent the day traveling, he heads straight to the bar to get some tea before seeking a seat as far from lights as he could.
Rissiki (Tiff): Winter sucked. It always had in these parts, near the mountains, but it was worse when out and about traveling. Rissiki had been able to tell that the snow was coming for a bit beforehand, and had headed towards Rockside a little earlier than she normally did in her circuit. As she trudged through the snow towards the tea house she had visited a time or two before she made a mental note to invest in shoes one of these days, the cloth bits she wrapped her footpaws in doing little to protect her from the cold, her fur more or less the only protection she had considering how tattered were her simple gray clothes... She breathed a sigh of relief as she entered into the warm room, shaking the snow off her shoulders and feet, making her way quickly towards the fireplace and huddling close. She saw some familiar faces here amongst the guests, two in fact, but she wasn't concerned with that just yet. She needed warmth and tea, in that order, and everything else could wait. Just behind her a cat slunk into the tea house and shook itself, its fur black as pitch to contrast with the snow outside, and it padded over silently to the shadows as if to hide.
Story Telling: One of the girls came over to Robern and Zurui's table, the later having drawn a few glances as she shifted into human form, and took their order. The other welcomed Fu and took his order, taking it to his table after he had sat down. Fumei had been watching the area where the guests were, his hands folded into his long sleeves. He gave a short bow in greeting to Nyktan. "Welcome. I hope the road wasn't too hard." The old man said to the bard. After a moment, one of the girls came over to Rssiki and asked what she would like to drink.
Nyktan (MAF): "Thank you for the invitation, Master Fumei." Nyktan bowed to the elderly man courteously. "The roads were a little rough, but it only made your tea house feel that much more welcoming~" he said with flattery on his tongue.
Zurui (Shrike): "Apologies if I caused a disturbance, the Ser prefers this form, it is simply too chill to remain in it outside." THe kitsune told the serving girl with a dip of her head. "He will have a rooibos with some honey, perhaps a spoon or so, and I woulk like some green tea." She told her in a pleasant tone, her eyes drifting over to the other arrivals. "Familiar faces." She said to Robern, eyebrows raised in surprise.
Rissiki (Tiff): Rissiki took a moment to reply to the girl, holding her cloth-wrapped hands close to the fire as her tail curled down around one furry leg. Finally she turned to the girl and smiled, replying "tea, please" in a nasal voice. "Just a cup for now."
Robern (Tass): "Aye," Robern replied once the serving girl had gone. He didn't sound particularly excited about it, but he also hadn't apparently recognized Rissiki as yet, as his gaze had settled with a muted frown upon Nyktan.
Lang Fu (Spider): Taking his cup of herbal tea to a nearby table, Fu sits down and pushes back the hood of his cloak, revealing a silvery hair and green eyes set in a young face. Observing the old man who was apparently behind the job offer, he takes a sip from his cup.
Story Telling: "I'm glad to hear that." Fumei replied, giving a mirthful smile. "I trust your abilities wouldn't have been hindered because of the cold. As you can see, we have quite a full house." The later was obviously a joke as he motioned to the mostly empty tea house. "I think it's just that most people haven't seen a kitsune do that before." The girl replied to Zurui with a friendly smile. "I'll be right back with your tea." She hurried off to the kitchen, returning a few minutes after with their drinks. Placing them on the table, she gave a bow and turned to attend to some of the other guests. The girl that was by Rissiki nodded and also returned to the kitchen, then back with a cup of green tea. "Would you like a table?" She asked, after Rissiki had taken the drink.
Rissiki (Tiff): "No thank you" Rissiki replied, taking the tea and holding it in her hands for a moment to warm them, "I'm just fine without one." The nezumi took a sip of her tea, eyes drifting over to the kitsune and westerner she had met along the road not long ago, wondering what they were doing here. After all, there were places more befitting of a westerner in this little town than this tea house...
Zurui (Shrike): Zurui nodded, giving the girl a smile and a seated bow when she returned with the teas. "Thank you." She said, setting Robern's tea in front of him. It was sweet from teh honey with a fruity undertaste, peaches or perhaps the small oranges that grew around here. considering he knew the one she drank tasted like fieldgrass, it wasn't all that bad. The kitsune nodded back at Rissiki, giving the ratfolk a friendly smile.
Nyktan (MAF): "I'm not feeling too bothered. I can perform as well as I always do." Nyktan said with a smile. "This audience doesn't seem to need a song for the eyes, so I won't have to find a private area to change." he announced, pulling out his lute. "I think a more calm and relaxing tune is fit here, do you agree, Master Fumei?"
Robern (Tass): Robern looked questioningly at the small person as they drifted closer, and took a long moment to realize that he recognized them. "Oh! It's you.... Hello," he said as the ratfolk drifted over, surprised to see her and making no effort to hide the fact. He took a sip of the tea that Zurui had ordered for him, a pleasantly sweet drink, and gave her a grateful nod before glancing back at the ratfolk questioningly.
Story Telling: "Indeed. I was thinking the same." Fumei replied. "Perhaps we can talk again once you have finished. There's another job I'd like to ask of you." He frowned and looked past Nyktan to the fanicily dressed westerner. The others would have seen the man, with one hand groping his slave's breast, and with the other having slapped one of the serving girls on the bottom. He had clearly been drinking alcohal, as his face was flushed. The serving girl had swatted his hand away and moved away.
Rissiki (Tiff): Rissiki chuckled slightly at the way Robern expressed his surprise at her presence, her tail curling up a bit and swishing behind her. "Hello to the two of you as well. What brings you here?" she asked before turning specifically to Zurui. "I trust you've been feeling better, that the medicine worked?"
You whisper to Zurui: She's giggling a bit, seeming to enjoy the groping, not looking drunk though. She either didn't notice, or didn't care about the slap to the serving girl.
Zurui (Shrike): "It did, very well. Thank you again." Zurui answered, bowing her head to teh ratfolk. Her eyes kept flicking back to teh other westerner in the room though. The man's slave seemed to be enjoying herself, giggling along, but the looks she saw from the rest of the place showed her that the man was starting to disturb the feel of the room. She expected the old man would ask him to leave, soon.
Robern (Tass): "Just a convenient place to stop in our travels," Robern replied noncommitally. He had heard of the teamaster's request for aid, but hadn't thought much on it at the time. A scowl crossed his face at the audible smack that occurred when the drunken man smacked the serving girl on the ass, and continued to watch him carefully for the moment, thus letting Zurui speak to Rissiki for the moment.
Nyktan (MAF): Nyktan hummed at the sight of the man. The feline had more often than not been in that man's position. It usually didn't end well when you had someone frowning at you as the old man was. Still, it wasn't Nyktan's concern as of yet. He took to an area where all could see him, before making a bow to the crowd. "Sorry to disturb you all, but I hope you will enjoy my music." Nyktan said in a soft voice, before leaning against whatever was available, and playing a tune.
Lang Fu (Spider): Fu's eyes fall on the disruptive westerner as Fumei talks with the odd group, making a mental note of the mention of a job. He had always found slavery somewhat distasteful, and drunks even more so. Casually taking a sip of his tea, Fu flexes his fingers and turns his attention to the other westerner who seems less out of place, taking a note of his mannerisms.
Rissiki (Tiff): Rissiki was somewhat jarred by the sound of the bit of trouble, turning to look over her shoulder nervously as her tail curled downward again. She got a feeling, not the best one, out of the atmosphere. The other westerner in the room was drunk, which presented a problem; drunks were a dangerous bunch often enough in her experience, some of the few who ever caused her trouble. "Oh... well, that's good to hear, miss. I try to do good work whenever I can" she replied after a pause, turning back to look at the kitsune in disguise. Another sip of tea as she scooted almost imperceptibly towards the shadow, as if to melt into the background as not to be seen.
Story Telling: For the moment, Fumei seemed content to simply keep his eye on the disruptive man, as though giving him a silent warning. At the sound of Nyktan's music, however, even the westerner seemed to calm down. Given the new atmosphere, the old man took a look around the room before heading into the kitchen.
Zurui (Shrike): Zurui nodded in agreement. "Indeed, we were lucky to have stumbled upon you when we did. What brings you here, Rissiki? It's quite a ways from where we met you last." She glanced over to Robern every so often as she conversed, noting his frowning expression and laying her hand on his thigh to soothe him some.
Rissiki (Tiff): "Oh, I could feel the snow coming on" the nezumi replied, "and this is as nice a place as there is in the area I travel. Rockside is a nice, peaceful little town, and the tea here is good." For the first time Rissiki's eyes scanned the room more closely, giving the tengu in the corner and the blue-cloaked man a good glance before her eyes wandered to the bard playing a tune. She was still ever so slightly paranoid as she gauged the atmosphere, but things seemed somewhat calmer since the music had begun to play.
Robern (Tass): "So it seems," Robern said as he glanced reassuringly at Zurui, though he spoke to Sofia rather than to his slave. "The cat is at least good at his trade... When he opts to keep his mouth shut. Things should remain quiet here so long as he keeps his sense," Robern said as he noticed the ratgirl glancing Nyktan's way.
Rissiki (Tiff): "So you know him? The bard, that is" Rissiki asked curiously. It seemed an odd connection for someone like Robern, what little she knew of him.
Zurui (Shrike): The kitsune smiled up at the larger man, sipping from her tea. "We've met him before, in another tavern closer to home. I had met him before that as well, under similar circumstances." She explained, leaving out the details of how rowdy Nyktan had been the last time they had met.
Rissiki (Tiff): "Ahhhh, I see. Nice enough fellow?" the nezumi asked, taking a hefty drink of tea. It made more sense that the kitsune would be the one who had known him, at least.
Zurui (Shrike): "Pleasant enough. Lacking in... dignity, would be the best way to put it, I think." She answered, glancing up at teh barbarian again, expecting him to add a comment himself.
Story Telling: While Rissiki, Zurui and Robern were talking, one of the serving girls, the one that had had the run-in with the drunken man, walked over to Fu's table. "Would you like more tea?" She asked, smiling, seeming as though nothing had happened earlier.
Robern (Tass): "Sense," Robern grunted, "Nyktan would be lacking in sense most of all."
Lang Fu (Spider): The fetchling smiles warmly at the serving girl. "My cup is still quite full, thank you very much." he replies, nodding towards the aforementioned dish.
Story Telling: The woman returned the smile and bowed. "Very well." She replied and turned away, checking on the cloaked tengu while the other girl attended to the trappers.
Rissiki (Tiff): Rissiki nodded silently as she watched the nekugami play, wondering just what that meant. Lacking in sense and dignity? An odd thing to say. It seemed that Robern at least was none too fond of the one whose name was apparently Nyktan. Finally she slid her heavy backpack off her shoulders and laid it gently on the floor beside her, sighing with relief to have the weight off her.
Story Telling: As the night went on, there were no more disruptions, perhaps because of the calming music from the bard. The two trappers paid for their drinks and left together while, at some point during the night, the tengu seemed to have disappeared. The miner also left after paying, having been otherwise forgotten until now. The drunken westerner seemed to be wobbling a bit as his slave helped him to his feet. They headed towards the staircase leading to the second floor, where the rooms that Fumei rented out were located. As the serving girls cleaned up, they spoke to each of the remaining people, asking them to stay for a moment, if they wouldn't mind, that Fumei had something he wanted to ask of them.
After the westerner left the main room, Fumei returned. "If you would all be so kind as to come here; save an old man his voice, I have something I'd like to ask of you." He motioned to a table near the fireplace.
Robern (Tass): "Very well," Robern said to the serving girls, and then again to Fumei. The barbarian rose ponderously and offered both Zurui and Sofia a hand up if they hadn't risen before him, out of courtesy if nothing else, and then strode over to where the old teamaster had indicated.
Nyktan (MAF): What a wonderful thing, a break. Nyktan was happy to accept the request as he finished his song and came closer, taking a seat near Fumei. "How may a humble feline aid you, Master Fumei?" he asked with a friendly smile.
Lang Fu (Spider): Fu sets aside his staff and backpack and stands up, confidently walking to the table and taking a seat opposite of the fire. "This is about the job posting master Fumei, I presume?"
Zurui (Shrike): Zurui took his hand silently, giving it a light squeeze before letting it go, taking he rplace behind him once they reached the table. In this large of a group, it was better to let someone else have the seats.
Rissiki (Tiff): The evening passed quietly and without incident, Rissiki sipping down a cup more of tea before settling down by the fire. At some point the cat emerged from the shadows to sit beside her regally, almost as if demanding attention, as cats sometimes did... She scritched behind its ears quietly as many of the others left, eyes on the dancing flames... Later on one of the serving girls asked her and the others who remained to stay, which struck her as a little odd... she had intended to rent a room, of course, so it was no trouble. When old man Fumei asked them to approach she got up and did so, taking Robern's hand when offered and following behind the others. The cat stayed beside the fire, tail swishing behind it in a way that was difficult to read.
Story Telling: Fumei remained standing at the table, letting those that wished to sit. "It is." He replied to Fu, nodding. "You see, during this season, it's rather common for rats and mice and other problematic creatures to seek shelter from the cold. No offense, intended, I am referring to the animals, not the people." He bowed slightly to Rissiki, making sure he wasn't misunderstood. "I know it may seem trivial, to persons such as yourselves, but the rats that have infested my cellars are simply too much for an old man to handle on his own. Even though it's a simple task, you would be paid, if you'd choose to assist me."
Rissiki (Tiff): Rissiki's ears perked up a bit when the old man mentioned rats in his cellar, quickly offering "none taken" when he mentioned that he meant no offense. They could cause a problem for a place such as this in large numbers, that was sure, and maybe she could help out. "I may be able to lead them out of your tea house, provided their attitude is right" she said, nodding quietly. "I have a way with... rats, after all"
Zurui (Shrike): The Kitsune stood quietly, listening to Fumei's plea for help. She didn't see why they couldn't lend a hand, but it was more up to Robern than herself. Sidling in a little closer, she'd give the man a small nod if he turned to look at her, remaining silent.
Lang Fu (Spider): "A simple task," Fu says as if tasting the words. "I for one am not too proud to deny an old man such aid."
Nyktan (MAF): "My... Rats you say..." Nyktan didn't look too pleased. "May I ask that part of my payment goes towards a bath afterwards? Just the mention has me wanting to cleanse myself."
Robern (Tass): Though he obviously didn't find the idea particularly appealing, Robern glanced at Zurui and nodded back. Turning to Fumei, he said; "Very well."
Story Telling: Fumei nodded to Nyktan. "Of course, I'm willing to offer you free rooms for this service, including use of the bath, in addition to monetary compensation."
Story Telling: He turned to Sophia. "And however you wish remove them is acceptable."
Rissiki (Tiff): A bath, that sounded nice. Rissiki ignored the vague insult Nyktan had just made, likely unintentional on his part. She was used to that sort of thinking by now. She was a little grimy herself in any case, and hadn't gotten a bath in a decent while. She spent most of her nights outside, and it was fairly rare for her to stay too long in any one place.
Robern (Tass): "Well, where's the cellar? Lets have done with it," Robern stated gruffly.
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