The Inn of the Fallen Unicorn (PbP)

[Macabrevity]

The Inn of the Fallen Unicorn consists of a large lobby, split into multiple rooms. There are three seperate bars, and a number of gaming rooms as well. Upstairs are 3 floors providing cheap accomodations for guests.

The walls reek of dampness and mildew, and the wooden floors creak under every step.

The proprietor is a dark skinned man named Rugius Furl. He is a young and charismatic man, who takes an active interest in his patrons. Although he employs a number of bartenders, it is not uncommon for him to get behind one of the busier bars, and begin mixing drinks himself.

[Macabrevity]

Melisendra sits at the bar nursing a cup of hot tea (her throat is a bit sore, and she thinks she might have come down with a cold....the rain was really pouring when they arrived.)

The other two bars are currently closed, as there aren't enough patrons in the place to warrant their use, but the rooms that are open are full of people and quite lively.

Its clear that the Unicorn has a wide variety of customers, and she isn't too shocked when what is likely a full blood orc sits down at the stool next to her and orders a drink.

She can hear the sound of money being won and lost on games of chance from the adjacent room, despite the din coming from the tables in the main hall.

[Macabrevity]

The bartender is a woman, who has the look of someone not unfamiliar with hardship. She approaches and offers Melisendra a bit more hot water for her tea.

As she pours the water, the orc barks out a comment in his guttural native tongue, and she gives him a glare. He simply smiles and says in common "Well then, you can't blame me for trying. At least you can give me another ale."

Sitting across from her (the bar takes an L shape) is a well dressed man with a thin moustache. He has been grinning at Melisendra and now raises a finger to get the bartenders attention. "Barkeep, another of whatever the lady's drinking..... my treat."

[KEP]

Melisendra takes three gold pieces from her pouch and slides ithem to the woman behind the counter. "I need two rooms with meals and baths for the night. Keep the rest for yourself." She smiles warmly to the lady, feeling a bit sorry for her.

Melisendra carries her tea over to the gentleman's table and has a seat. Having been traveling for as far as she can remember, when offered a drink it was usually a request to join the individual(s) at their table. Smiling to the man "Thank you for the refill of tea. I'll try not to give you whatever I'm coming down with. It was a bit of a soggy ride here, and I'm afraid I've caught a cold. Do you hail from around here? I'm a traveler myself, guard for a merchant." She nods to the door, 'He's probably looking for goods in the market now. It was a rather quiet journey here, roads were free from bandits and other undesirables. It's good to see order maintained, don't you agree?" She smiles and sips at her tea giving the man time to respond.

[Macabrevity]

"Enchante' M'lady.....allow me to introduce myself. I am Mishael, and at your service of course......."

He is a handsome man, but his charm is that of a snake, and his breath, though unoffensive, holds a palpable danger in it. He continues on, with conversation both interesting and entertaining, and in such an unfriendly place as Toreala, it helps to pass the lonely hours at the bar.

Suddenly a hand slaps down on Mishael's shoulder, and a cool even-tempered voice whispers into his ear, "Get lost....." The man behind him wears old worn out leather garb. His face is weathered, and his hair grey, but his stance and physique are that of a seasoned warrior.

Mishael stands from his barstool, his hand drops to his belt, where hangs a slim rapier......"Your name good sir, before I drop you!"

"Marek" The old wolf responds....

[KEP]

Melisendra sighs and rubs at her temples a moment, Marek has lousy timing. She was not intending to ask after him until tomorrow, a hot bath and good nights sleep in a real bed being more immediate priorities. Now she was stuck having to sort out a mess of male ego… preferably before any more than an insult or two occurred.

Feeling no true loyalty to either man, she signals the bar keep silently hoping the woman can get a bouncer or two over to help separate them. Still, Marek holds interesting prospects for her. Looking to Mishael she breaks into a smile as she shakes her head, "There is really no need for this, I was actually waiting for this man. We have business to discuss. He is not as well mannered or charming as you,” her level gaze shifting to Marek, “but I'm sure you could forgive him his savage ways, being a civilized man and all, yes?"

[Macabrevity]

Mishael (standing ever so straight) nods to her, "My apologies, m'lady" and with that he takes a step back. Looking sternly into Marek's eyes he issues a warning "Another time then good sir...." and backs away.

Marek sits down in Mishael's vacated seat.

"That guy is no good, trust me on this one. Youy're better off without him, in the meantime, I should let you know; every new stranger that comes into town generates a buzz, and that friend of yours that you were travelling with is really turning some heads...if he's going to go 'fishing' he should learn to keep a lower profile. You two have only just arrived, and if I've already heard about you, then so have other less desirables I'm afraid."

Marek looks at her expression, and sees she isn't really clear just what he's talking about.

"Look, my job is to help you connect with our new associates in town. I know you don't have any reason to trust us, and you're welcome not to...but your life is in danger, and there are other lives hanging in the balance as well. I know you're not going to like this, but at some point you're going to have to part ways with that merchant friend of yours. He's going to get you into trouble. He's been asking about 'hard to get' merchandise which has raised the interest of some guilds that you really don't want to mess with. Its really unrelated to your problem, but while you'e here in Toreala, its best to lay low and not draw attention to yourself."

[KEP]

Shaking her head "I am well aware of his intentions, I was just passing time and hoping to get a little information on the area from him. As for Lubja, he is a hopeless man. I have lectured him repeatedly on his tastes in less than honorable trading. He is the only person I know, but he is not my friend.

Can you suggest another place to stay? Lubja will be able to find a more agreeable guard I am sure, and I have all of my stuff here and can be away as quickly as needed. Sometimes one has to take a leap of faith, and it would seem I am at that proverbial chasm now. You have given me many questions that I am sure you have answers to..." Her tone shifts to one that indicates the questions are currently rhetorical and do not require immediate answers, "Why is my life in danger, as I am but a mere sword for hire? Why do you hold interest in me? What is in it for you if I live? I am willing hear you out, as I do not wish to cause harm to others, but..." Her tone shifting to a question she dearly wishes answered, "Perhaps after a warm bath and a hot meal?"

[Macabrevity]

"Yeah, looks like you're a bit tired from the trip. We don't want you collapsing from natural causes...my employer would definitely frown on that (hehe) as for choosing another place to stay; we might eventually have to move, but for the time being, the Unicorn is as good as any other place."

By this time the bartender has given Melisendra the keys "we'll just keep a tab going as long as you need." She smiles, and then gives Marek a guarded glance.

"If you like I can arrange to have food brought to your rooms." She says, and then turns to help another customer.

Marek sits quietly staring at an empty mug.

[Macabrevity]

You find your room to be very comfortable, and after your meal and a warm bath, you soon fall fast asleep, forgetting Marek, and Lubja, and all this haunting business. You dream of a class room, and a kindly man with a beard and a monocle, who teaches you art and history, and patiently answers your every question. There are no other students in the room.