Hour 1 (II)

[Angela]

   "And what is that thing doing in my inn!" said an elderly woman, pointing at the intruding wolf.
 
   Dead silence and unrest filled the tavern. The clouds high above covered the silver moon, casting an eerie shadow in the room. The wind blew stronger and the tavern moaned its age. The door bursts open as the cold wind forced its way in, giving little light to the darkened room.

   The wolf howled, calling for its pack. It gave a growl at the brownies in front of it. It took one step closer, lowering its head to prepare for an attack. Saliva was dripping out of its mouth, through the small spaces of its tightly clenched teeth. It gave another growl, followed by a bark, spraying saliva towards the guests.

    As the tavern became more troubled, out from the kitchen came a gigantic figure. 'No worry, Haz got it controlled,' the figure said, giving clues to the level of his intelligence, or the lack of it. The wolf turned to the figure and an uncertain growl came from its throat. The wolf took one step back as Haz walked around the bar to confront the wolf. The wolf barked again and took another step backwards. Haz came closer, avoiding the brownies along the way. As he edged closer to the wolf, the wolf ran outside the tavern.
 
   'Wolf go away now.' Haz spoke again, and turned towards the door to close it. The clouds that were covering the moon passed away and soft silver light illuminated the inn. The moonlight revealed Haz's appearance. He was a gigantic man wearing a blood-stained tunic that ended just above his knees. He wore worn out trousers that was secured by a string around his waist. A fresh cut is present on his cheek, which still oozes blood that trickles on his jaw line. He wiped it off with his hand while slowly walking towards Amelia. Side by side, Haz dwarfs Amelia.
   

     

[Rookie Brownbark]

Suddenly the door blew open, slamming against its hinges.  The Brownie jumped slightly, but didn't loose her firm grip on her weapon.  The movement only served to highlight the fact that the door had not in fact been open beforehand.  How had the wolf got in then?  Perhaps the door had simply been stuck shut before and the passage of the wolf's body, unnoticed by them, had pushed it open.  But why hadn't they heard the movement?  And did wolves even understand about doors?  The blast of freezing, rain-filled air dislodged Ekre's feathers and the animal screeched in alarm and annoyance, fluttering ungracefully up towards the balcony where she would no longer be disturbed.

Rookie's eye was drawn by the saliva pooling at the side of the wolf's mouth as the beast moved towards the tiny two. It didn't seem quite, well, wolf-like to her, too confident in a room filled with humans.  It growled for the second time, a low, deep rumble which seemed to come up through the feet rather than from the ears.  Rookie was just aiming the long wooden tube into the dark centre of the beast's right eye, when footsteps thudded into the room, breaking the tense silence and bringing the scent of fresh blood with them.  Still the wolf hadn't sprung.  The figure who had entered said something and headed straight for the threat, but the little Brownie did not understand him at all.  What had he covered?  Was he going to through a blanket over the wolf?  She had heard that could work, but you'd need a pretty big blanket to cover that monstrous creature.  Plus he wasn't carrying anything.

However, to Rookie's utmost surprise the bear-like man managed to drive the wolf back out the way it had come.  The source of the blood smell was revealed as the man stepped into the moonlight too; his cloak and face was covered in it.  A small gasp escaped her lips and she turned to the Brownie beside her.  Where in all the vales and mountains have we ended up!  That was no wild wolf now was it?  And how did that man get covered in blood?  Maybe you and I should sleep in shifts tonight.

[Maue]

Maue looked at the man who had just chased off the wolf.  "Well here is an interesting fellow." She thought and adjusted her hold on Cal as one of the brownies mounts flew into the rafters. Maue turned from the newcomer to the old woman who had called out earlier. "Ma'am nod sat ye friend Haz has deald wid dee wolf would ye be able ta see if ye have rooms we would be able ta stay in? Id is a bad nighd and I am sure we all wish ta dry off and sleep. I am sorry for inderupdin ye sleep on dis sdorm nighd." Maue stepped foreward and looked up at the old woman. She was not nervous for speaking for the other visitors to this inn. When she traveled as a guide she always spoke for her group.

Maue looked around to the others in the room. True the place was not a fine inn, but it would at least keep them out of the storm. Maue continued to walk across the room until she was even with the woman at the bar who had originally spoken to the old woman. The woman was a traveler like Maue. Of course anyone who would brave a night like tonight would have to be used to traveling in bad conditions. "May I ask ma'am whad ye are doin oud in dis sdorm?" It appeared that this night would be a long one, if the strange happinings of the evining were any warning. It would be best if Maue could descover who else was planning on staying in the inn.

[Seh'nara Celebrindal]

The hair on Seh'nara's neck prickled. Her muscles tensed up when the wrinkled woman yelled about a wolf. A hand shot out to restrain Silver, for the wolf had already begun growling. Seh'nara opened her mouth to speak, but then, she noticed a curious thing about Silver's behaviour. He wasn't growling at the woman, he was growling at a black wolf that was behind her!

Immediately, a hand flew to her Scourge, her other, currently buried in Silver's fur, grasped harder. She would not have Silver attacking the other wolf; she knew what a large scene that would make. Silver's growls started becoming louder, and more menacing.

Out of the blue, a hoarse voice came from the depths of the rickety inn. Haz, or so he claimed to be, lumbered out and proceeded to chase the hostile canine away. Seh'nara gaped at the ease that Haz rushed the blacked furred wolf away. This was not normal; the wolf alone didn't seem natural. She had no time to ponder on this, however. One of the travellers had spoken to the lady in the shadows, and requested for places to sleep in this storm.

Seh'nara switched her attention to the balcony and lady, forgetting about the man for awhile.

*******

Amelia grimaced at the band of stragglers in her inn. She hated that they had come tonight... why tonight of all nights? And there was this accursed storm... the gods were pitted against her, surely! One woman even addressed her about rooms! And that insolent brat even turned away after ordering her rooms. What was she, that brat's servant?

Pushing her annoyance away, she turned to Haz, and spoke in a low voice. "Get them rooms. The sooner morning comes, the sooner they are gone, and we shall be in peace once more." Haz nodded slowly, as if trying hard to decipher the sharp words from Amelia, before nodding once more firmly and heading to the back rooms.

"Very well, rooms shall be assigned to each of you. I must warn you, do not make any disturbances in the night. Th- I, wish for a fitful rest, not one filled with noises and interruptions. Haz will give you your keys. Sleep well... if you can." The old lady gave a malicious grin, before disappearing into the shadows behind.

Amelia's thoughts swirled around as she treaded the worn hallway. The travellers couldn't be gone by tonight, but perhaps they would be unharmed. Perhaps they could escape them.

[Eric Kattaisson]

Menora:

Menora watched in silence as a gargantuan man shooed the wolf out of the inn as though it were a pet dog.  He seemed to be covered in blood, and Menora guessed that he had been butchering animals or chopping meat in the kitchen before he had entered the bar.

After the brief excitement, an elven lady asked for a room and then turned to Menora, "May I ask ma'am whad ye are doin oud in dis sdorm?"

"Same as yourself, I guess," Menora replied, not wanting to reveal too much about herself.  "I originally planned on staying in Cleops, but since nowhere has any rooms available, then I ended up here."

Once again, the old lady's voice came cutting through the conversation.  She seemed annoyed, and the way she spoke didn't do much to make Menora feel at ease.

"Well, at least we can get a bed for the night," she said with a slight smile to the elfess standing next to her.  "My name's Menora.  And how about you?  What brought you out on such a miserable night?"

[Maue]

Maue listened as the woman answered her questions. The elf looked down to the , now angry, corbie in her arms. Cal was tierd of being held. He had started squirming before Maue entered the inn. Now that he had her atention he squawked. Maue absent mindedly rubed his feathers between her fingers, always making sure he could not escape.

"I be Maue and this wed mass of feaders be Cal. We were headin home, or ta as much of a home as we god back in Volder. My horse Witz is dis inn's excuse for a sdable." Maue looked around the room once more. "I wasn'd acdually plannin on sdayin in an inn. I like ta be in dee wild, closer ta Arvins."

Maue realized now what it was that had made her hair stand on end. The old woman's tone. She had sounded mad when she had agreed to give them rooms. "Why would you run an inn if you didn't like to have people rent rooms?" She asked herself. Without thinking Maue reached up and moved a lock of her hair behind her ear. Cal quickly took this chance to escape. With a loud screech he flew to the rafters and glared down at Maue. "Fine den, ye can sday wed." She mumbled. Maue turned back to the woman she had been talking to, "Have ye any idea why dee owner sounds so upsed?"

[Roosje Greenfields]

Roosje deliberately steadied her hand (which for some reason had decided to start shaking) and drew back the string, aiming for the beast's eye - the same spot that Rookie was aiming for, though she didn't know that. By the spirits... this was the kind of situation where she normally jumped onto Inuya and made a quick escape, but there weren't many places to escape to right this moment - plus she didn't feel like she could really abandon her fellow brownie, now that they'd just met.

Just before she released her arrow though, they were interrupted by a deep voice. A Big Person, even bigger than usual, appeared from somewhere in the tavern and somehow chased off the wolf thing, if it was indeed a wolf. Roosje wasn't at all certain of that. With the beast away, she thought that her heart might stop racing, but it didn't. The man, Haz, was about as disquieting as the animal, in her opinion. She'd feel a lot better if he'd get out of her sight, though she knew she couldn't tell him so.

Rookie seemed to be having the same thoughts, as Roosje noticed when the brownbark started talking. She slowly shook her head. "It was like no wolf I'd ever seen." She answered. "And sleeping in shifts sounds like a very, very good idea..." She'd lost interest in the conversation that was going on between the Big Folks, and suddenly the shaking that she'd repressed came back in full force. That animal had scared her more than she'd have cared to admit. If any more of these unforeseen circumstances arose, she wasn't sure if she would survive - her heart just wasn't up to it. With a shudder, she repeated. "Yes, a very good idea."

[Vincent Varkatzas]

What a brute Vincent thought to himself when the large man came in and begun ushering the wolf out of the building. Vincent studied him momentarily, taking in the blood on his tunic and the fresh cut on his cheek. How did he do that? Vincent wondered. He kept all puzzlement from showing on his face, especially when the wolf turned and fled. Strange he thought Very strange.

The old lady began talking again. She said that they could all stay there for the night and not to disturb anything. I wonder why? there must me more to it than just her wanting a restful nights sleep. However Vincent decided to keep his thoughts to himself and not ask her. The edge on the old lady's voice when she had told them they could stay was none to friendly and he wasn't risking being booted from the inn on a night like this.

Vincent stood up and moved over to the group who had originally been in the inn when he had arrived. When he reached them he said quietly so he wouldn't be overheard by any of the other patrons, "Is it just me or do you get the feeling we are not that welcome here?"

[Mannix]

A figure walked through the night.  The wind and rain whipped at his cloak.  A gust blew into his face and his hood came down.  His beauty became apparent.  He scowled bitterly at the wind and pulled his hood back up.  In his arms he held a bundle.  And from this bundle came a whimper soon drowned by the wind.  The light of the moon shone onto the bundle and a head poked out, the head of a ferret.  This was soon covered by shadow as Mannix bent over against the wind.

Ahead a swinging sign, barely visible in the light of a lantern, depicting a rabbit.  As Mannix got closer he saw the sign read ‘The Ulvur’s Cry’ in fading writing.  Must be an inn.  Mannix turned to the door and grabbed the handle.  He pulled but it did not open.  He pushed and the wind caught hold of it and it swung open with a crash.  Mannix stepped into the chilly and ill kept inn, but not out of the rain.  The wind blew in a torrent of rain through the open door.  Mannix struggled to close it with one hand, holding the bundle in the other, but could not.  He set down the bundle and yanked the door from the wall with both hands.  He managed to stem the gush of rain and the surging wind with the door.  He looked down at the floor and it was soaked.  They won’t be happy with me.  Then he looked at his bundle.  And it was empty.  Oh, no, where are you Fenyx?  He looked around the room and saw the ferret scampering away from the cold, wet floor.

Mannix pulled off his drenched cloak and hung it by the door. Lets hope somebody else doesn’t make the same entrance.  He turned back to the room and looked for Fenyx.  He was gone again.  Mannix was worried.  Who knows what trouble he’ll get into.  Mannix stepped away from the door and started his search.  He checked around some of the tables, but no Fenyx was found.  Then it struck him.  He moved towards the bar and the subtle aroma of food delighted his nostrils, and he realised his hunger.  He looked around the other side of the bar, without a glance at the barkeep, and there he was.  Fenyx lay with a tiny piece of food nibbling on it, savouring its taste because he knew he was safe.  Aye, where else would he be.  And then he saw Mannix, and with one bite he swallowed the food.  But while Fenyx ate Mannix had the chance to grab him.

Mannix stood up and met the barkeep’s Xazure eyes.  “Aye, well met my young barkeep, would you recommend a drink for me, and a meal for me and my ferret here.  Oh, and how impolite of me to not ask you name first.”  Then Mannix saw the blood.  “What's been happening here then?”

[Eric Kattaisson]

Menora:

Menora's eyes narrowed a little as the elfess introduced her bird.  She wondered if maybe the gods were trying to tell her something.  A corbie bird?  In a tavern?  This was surely a bad omen.  Still, as long as Maue kept it under control, then maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

The raucous screech made Menora's heart sink a little deeper.  The ominous bird was now loose somewhere in the rafters.  This really didn't bode well.  But what choice did she have but to stay here?

"Have ye any idea why dee owner sounds so upsed?"

Menora's lips twisted into a slight smile, though it could have been mistaken for a grimace.  Why, indeed, she thought to herself.  Of course, she knew some terrible reasons why.  Reasons that were probably left unmentioned.  Well, for now, at least.

"I guess she doesn't like to be disturbed so late," Menora said, simply.  "But I see that our friend Haz has returned.  And I don't know about, you, but I'm ravenous!  Would you like something to eat?  Or at least a drink?"

[Angela]

     Amelia has now left, leaving the guests and Haz in the room. The incident about the wolf made the tavern restless and the guests troubled. But all seems to be settling now. The guests were starting to chat and calm down.

     Haz just stood on the other side of the bar, staring into the window that gave the view of the grey sky. He was like a statue, not moving, not speaking, and not paying attention to the noise of the inn. The wind blew harder and the inn was creaking as if saying that it is ready to fall.

    The door creaked on its hinges as it was opened by a traveller. Haz looked at the young-looking man, cloaked in leather, as he approached the bar.

     “Aye, well met my young barkeep, would you recommend a drink for me, and a meal for me and my ferret here.  Oh, and how impolite of me to not ask you name first.”  Then the young man stared and said, “What's been happening here then?”

     Haz paused and he gave no response to the young man. Then, he parted his lips, ready to speak but closed them again. He instead turned around and went to the kitchen. Strange sounds were piercing the wooden walls of the kitchen. It sounded like bones being broken and knife being used with force. Haz appeared again from the kitchen. He faced the young man and said, "Inn got water, cold tea, old ale. Bread, we have meat too..., " His voice became soft and sad, and then started to trailed off. What man want? Got fruits for bird."

[Seh'nara Celebrindal]

The growling of Seh'nara's wolf subsided a little as she knelt down, stroking his fur, soothing him with murmured words. As he became calmer under her caresses, Seh'nara couldn't help but envy him for a brief moment; after that nerve-wrecking encounter with that creepy innkeeper, she wished for someone to comfort her, telling her that everything would be okay.

A deep voice from above spoke, echoing the exact same thoughts she had in her mind then. Seh'nara glanced up, before pushing herself off her haunches and standing straight. It was the male Kar'ii that had addressed her. Outwardly, he seemed calm and stoic, everything she wasn't right now. However, as she looked into his chocolate brown eyes, she could see a hint of apprehension. As is the norm here, I suppose, she thought dryly.

"It isn't you. Truly. It's only been less than an hour, and already I wish that I was some place else." Seh'nara attempted a wan smile, a small endeavour to be friendly. Her hazel eyes glittered in the sparse flashes of lightning as her orbs swept the room, before alighting at the bar. I need a drink. A very strong one.

Glancing at the Kar'ii, she decided to be friendly. Judging by his moonblades, he was a fighter, and in such a setting, safety in numbers seemed the best way to go. "Want some ale? I'm gonna get some." The elfess started off to the bar, flashing a grin back at the Kar'ii. "I'm Seh'nara, by the way. Coming?" 

[Maue]

The woman Maue was talking to seemed upset by the fact that Cal had escaped. Whell she was mad too. He had hit her in the face with his wet wings. She shook her face and removed a wet feather that had fallen from his wing.

Maue dropped the feather and listened to the woman's explanation of their host's behavior. It made sense. no one would apreciate being woken up late. However, in most inns that she stopped in there was at least someone whose job it was to stay up for the late arivals. Oh well.

Now that Menora mentioned the idea of food and drink Maue realised that she was hungry. "Now dad ye mondion id some food and some drink would be nice. Dad bread and dea sound nice. I mighd ask for some mead for Cal." Maue smiled a crooked smile. Yes food would be nice. She doubted if Cal would take any meat even if she ordered it. She turned to the bartender hoping to get his attention. "Sir when ye can we have an order."

Cal shifted in his pearch. He flapped his wings trying to dry himself. He glanced back and noticed that many of his feathers were in disaray. He reached back with his head and started to rearange them. it was with this movement that he noticed the other bird in the room. He screached what for him was a greating calling the bird to join him away from all of the gounded ones.

[Angela]

     The harsh weather was getting worst and the wet climate was getting into the tavern. The air was moist, heavy and wet. Haz was still waiting for the young man to take his order. But there were no signs in his face, may it be boredom or irritation. His eyes were fixed looking at the landscape through the window across the room.

     "Sir when ye can we have an order?" It was young maiden asking for an ale. Haz looked at her for a moment or two and then said, "Haz got nothing to do. Order food. Inn got water, cold tea, old ale. Bread, we have meat too. What you want? Got fruits for bird." His voice was not really welcoming or warm."
 
     Haz shifted his view to the other man. "Man, whats order? Girl wants to order next."

[Mannix]

Mannix looked at the barkeep and saw that he spoke the truth.  “Aye, that be a tough choice” Mannix jested.  “I’ll have your finest water and meat then.  The barkeep looked impatient.  Mannix doubted that he would speak of much more and so, as he placed some sans on the counter and turned on his heel, he called, “I’ll be at me table then.”

When he sat the table he looked around the tavern properly for the first time.  “This be a cheery place, aye Fenyx.”  The air felt damp and heavy; the storm had managed to get in.  At this time of night the air was icy.  He realised that no fire burnt in the tavern, it didn’t even have a hearth.  How unusual, a tavern without a fire.  Pulling his cloak tighter around him, Mannix breathed deeply and it misted in front of him.  Then he saw the wolf.  It stood by a woman, who knelt down and stroked its fur.  This place just gets stranger.

Mannix looked down at Fenyx, and his gleaming black eyes stared back.  “Oh I do hope this meat is warm, Fenyx.”  Fenyx scurried around the table and nearly fell off the edge as it wobbled.  In fact the while tavern seemed worn and in desperate need of repair.  Finding a relatively comfortable spot, Fenyx lay down and closed his eyes.  The ferret was not the only tired one.  Mannix leant back in his chair and shut his eyes, waiting for his meal.

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