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Trivinia: Triv took extra care in ordering her favorite drink: the Absinthe that the man from the East had been ordering so ferociously. It was regional, like he'd said, made from a special herb (though she didn't remember where it was found anymore). Her people had used it in their harder times, to get rid of fleas and worms, and the plant itself helped their women with their labor pains. Nowadays, they used it simply for its 'trip,' as her brother once referred to it.

It was hard to get in this part of the world, but since the drink was so addictive a trade had quickly been set up. A new shipment was coming in in a day or so, if the caravan was undisturbed and on time. The green liquid would be brought up to the tavern then.


Kirby_8934: Kirby poured the man his drink and slid it down the bar to him. (he loved doing that) "Anything else?", Asked Kirby wiping off the counter staring at the young lady standing in front of the fireplace.


The Kaptain:
He immediatly downs his drink and slams his glass to the bar. "More absinthe please."


[(.._Christ Kitty_..)]: Ashira work late the next morning, something she never did. It was unwise to sleep so deeply out in the world when you were alone with no one to watch your back. Many had died from similar mistakes, and Ashira had sworn she would not make the same mistake, and pay the price of death.
Still, even in a tavern and inn the likes of this it was not always so cunning to sleep like the dead. Many things could happen even in a place like this.
She sat up groggily, her head swimming with a numbness that she couldn't shake off quickly. If she had been fully with it, she would have cursed herself ten fold for this.
Gathering her witts about her, Ashira's emerald gaze scanned the room. Everything seemed as it had been. And she would have known if it were different. She had memorized everything about the room in the time it took the inn to supply her supper. The place was the same. Completely.
She breathed easier with this, and allowed her suspiscions to run their course before dismissing them and getting up and about.
She dressed simply, a pair of dark colored pants in a material that was not quite like anything the folk of this region would have seen before. It was a homespun course material, strong and durable, though not the most comfortable. It held in warmth, and kept your body warm when you were out in the cold. It was a plus. Another advantage was the flexability of the material. She could move easily, and the pants were slightly baggy on her frame. It gave her more space, but they were not baggy enough to trip her up if she were in a tight spot, which there had been many of on her journey.
She tugged a top over her head. It looked the color of mud, was much tighter than the pants. But the shirt would not be seen. She tugged on a black cloack of sorts, one the clipped at her collar bone and covered her down to her feet. The hem of the black cloack brushed the ground as she ran her hands along the smooth material. This was one of her prize possessions, a peice of the past she'd actually kept with her. A bright momento in the shadowy darkness. It kept her sane, and for that she would be always grateful.
Shaking her head, she dislodged the thoughts that threatened to break through. They had been tucked back into the farthest corners of her mind, and were not allowed out. They were enough to take the breath from her lungs and sink the small light that burned inside of her. This much she knew. And so she refused to think of them
Glancing out the window, she realized just how late it was. Cursing under her breath, she left her room and went towards the eating part of the tavern and inn. She'd grab a bite to eat and then check on Maiden. Glassing at the person who was apparently running the place this morn, she spoke. Softly, flatly, without a hint of a smile. "What might you be serving to break the fast?"


kirby_8934: Kirby poured another glass for the man. and slid it down. He welcomed the lady coming down the stairs. "I will ask the cook." Kirby Walked into the kitchen, pushing through the 2 red cloths that hung over the door-frame to obscure it's unsightly view. Kirby came out a minute later and replied, "Omlets, hashbrowns, and bacon. We must first wait for the Lady of the Inn to return. For she is at the market. Want a drink for the while?" Kirby held a glass up and raised an eyebrow.


The Kaptain: Again, he downs his drink with an incredible speed. "What was that? Yes, another drink please" This stuff was ok but he has had better. I mean, come on, he could still see. "Actually, scratch that, what's the strongest stuff you've got? And I mean 'lock-it-up-because-it'll-kill-someone' strong".


[(.._Christ Kitty_..)]: Ashira smiled softly towards the man this time, the corners of her lips barely turning upwards. Her emerald gaze flickered quickly to the fool who spoke. He seemed a bafoon to her, but then most people were. With a slide nodd, she leveled her gaze lightly on the man again. "I shall wait for the Lady of the Inn to return before odering, thank you. Ah, a drink would be nice. Mind you nothing too strong. A drink for morn, kindly. I shall be over at that corner table." She nodded lightly, smiling a little before turning away and heading for the table. It was in a darker corner, and away from everyone else. This was the way of her life. She didn't change.

Trivinia: Triv returned to the inn just as it began to snow again. With a skyward glance, a grin came to her face. It'd been snowing when... She blushed and turned her eyes back to the door, pushing open the solid barrier. She hung her cloak on a pin next to the door and brought the package back to Ashelyn, along with the promise of fresh food and liquor. It seemed to appease the girl.

She rested heavily against the bar after she came back out to the front. Her body needed sleep to prepare for the night shift. But first she directed her attention at the man who so desperately begged for some liver cancer.

"Shouldn't you inhale between drinks?" she kidded. "I have some of the darker stuff in the back." She motioned with her hands for him to wait a moment while she went to retrieve it. She returned in a few moments with a slightly dusty bottle, brushing away spider webs. She reserved the black absinthe for her elder brother, when he came by. She didn't like it much because it clouded her head so much. She had to keep her mind sharp in case --something came up. Triv held up the bottle for the man to see. "This more your style, bro?"


The Kaptain: Darker Absinthe! He snatched it away from her grasp and swallows a generous ammount. He shook his head (or was it a twitch?) to cast away the black and green fairies. "I'll have you know that breathing is for idiots who aren't drinking or who aren't enjoying their drinking in the manner it is supposed to be enjoyed".


Trivinia: She laughed. He reminded her alot of Konomaru, her brother. They both loved the drink... Alot.

Ashelyn bumped into her shoulder as she took out the plate of food to Ashira. A particularly bad cloud hung over the girl's head today, even though she had fresh supplies. Coming back from Ashira's table, Ashelyn glanced up at the Absinthe man. Her eyes narrowed at him and his comments before she stormed back into the kitchen. Triv chuckled. "I think she likes you."


kirby_8934: Kirby poured the the young lady in the corner a small glass of warm apple cider and sprinkled some cinnamon on top.

gamenut89: Adon confidently walked into the White Wolf Tavern and Inn, his new place of employment. A bright smile washed over his face as the familiar smells of fine tavern food and fresh ale flooded his nose. In an essence, the Tavern was where he belonged. He'd always known his way around liquor and usually enjoyed the tales being spun by those who sat at the bar he was tending that night. Truth be told, he'd probably do this job for free, but as long as the pay was offered, he'd never complain about it.
His boots thumped on the floor as he walked in. Adon wasn't a terribly large man, standing only a rough 6 feet tall. He did have a slightly muscular frame to him, but it was hidden under the layers of clothing that he was always wearing. At his old tavern, everyone who walked into that bar knew better than to drink and ditch. Adon had always had several small throwing knives tucked up his sleeves, and several other spots scattered about his person, that he was deadly accurate with. Usually though, people would wager that they could beat him in a dart game for the price of their drinks.
He walked swiftly into the tavern and bowed in greeting to all those already occupying the room. He quickly found the person he was looking for, Trivinia, and approached her. "Well, I'm here," he said bluntly. "Do you have anything you want me to get busy with right away? I'm ready to get to work when you've got a job for me."


Trivinia: Trivinia looked over the man once more. She'd hired Adon purely out of necessity at first, but once she'd gotten to know the lad he seemed alright. He had certainly gotten rid of her running drunkard problem. His first night of employment, Adon had quickly taught a villager what he thought of people who drank an entire bottle of ale and didn't pay. In fact, she could still see the holes in the wall near the door where Adon's blades had sunk in.

Triv grinned up at him. "Sure thing, hun. If you want, you can tend with Kirby this morning." She glanced over at Kirby to see his reaction, but the man was busy with a customer and must not have heard her. He always paid special attention to female customers. They didn't get their like often. "O' course, if you'd prefer it, the rain has probably made the stables a mess. I was planning on getting to it this evening after I slept, but--" She didn't like making other employees work in the stables. They were usually a right mess to begin with, even before the rain... But shoveling that mud was hard work. Not that Triv was weak; quite the contrary. She just didn't like mud. Or the other things that are generally on the floor of a stable.


Kirby_8934: Kirby Listened to Trivina as he filled a reservoir glass to the mark with Absynthe, he then added water and stirred in a sugar cube. Kirby gave the young lady her cider then returned tp the bar and greeted the gentleman who entered.


The Kaptain: He looked up at Kirby "Excuse me but why exactly are you putting water in your drink? Or is that drink intended for me? Why would you want to put water in perfectly good alcohol, if that it is indeed water. Or is it just too strong for you?" He laughed to himself. It was always fun to mock those who couldn't drink as much as he could. Why? Because it ALWAYS invoked a drinking contest involving money and, naturally, he'd always win and would therefore be able to drink even MORE alcohol. Alcohol is good.


gamenut89: Adon returned the other barkeep's greeting then turned back to Triv. "I'll gladly go clean out the stables," he offered. "It shouldn't be too much work. I'll even wash the barn if you'd like." He smiled a smile that dared someone to ask why he would take on such a workload.


Trivinia: Triv smiled up at Adon. "If you feel like it, go ahead. That barn probably hasn't been cleaned since I got the place." Through the window, she saw the walkway over the lake that was down from the tavern. Another place full of memories... Particularly that stormy night -- a night not unlike last night's storm. That night--

She quickly shook her head. "I'm sorry," she said, looking back at him. "Go ahead and get started. It might start raining again. Oh, and there's a mare being stabled there, belongs to the lady over there." She motioned toward Ashira's corner. "You should probably talk to her before you start messing around near her horse.

"Oh, and Kirby, the shipments should be here at about noon, or a little later. I think he said the usual boys were bringing it up, so they know where to put it." She ran her fingers through her hair, tossing it out of her face. Hassle, hassle, hassle. Looking back to Adon, she informed him where the shovel was (hanging on the wall to the right on the inside of the barn). "Now, if you'll excuse me, sirs, I'm off to bed." She bowed slightly at the waist before she caught herself and straightened back up, giving them a wave instead. Old habits were hard to break.

gamenut89: Adon chuckled to himself a little before he went out to the barn, ignoring Triv's suggestions of a shovel and asking the horse's owner's permission. He knew he'd be in and out of that barn in about 15 minutes.
He headed out towards the barn and looked towards the sky. He could feel the water in the air and on the grass. A rainstorm had just been here last night, this he already knew, but he was made doubly aware of this by the feeling deep in his stomach.
He soon reached the barn and smiled as he looked back up at the Inn. Deep down inside he kinda hoped someone was watching. He turned back to the barn and closed his eyes. He called upon the magic embedded deep within the core of his being and soon all the water in the ground in and around the barn rose above the ground. He stepped inside the barn, calling the water behind him. He quickly surrounded any horse manure that he saw with sim water and froze it, then picked it back up and flung it out into the garden where it turned back into water. Not only was he cleaning the barn, but he was fertalizing and watering the garden as well.
With the water that remained, he stepped outside and spread the water into a very thin sheet. He covered the dirt around the barn with the water and froze that as well. He then took a few steps back and picked up a rock. With a small smile he hurled the rock at the barn and watched the ice shatter all around the barn. He took a look at the barn and saw no outstanding dirt. He then turned back and headed back to the bar.


Kirby_8934: Kirby looked at the man asking why he diluted his drink. "I add water because i want to keep my senses in good shape." Kirby then acknowledged triv, tipping his hat. After watching Triv go upstairs and Adon walk outside, Kirby made Ashira another cider. While handing it to Ashira, Kirby heard crashing outside. Almost dropping the cider, Kirby gave Ashira her cider and looked out the window. Why must he be so loud cleaning the stables? People are trying to sleep! Kirby stared at Adon smiling as he walked back in. "Glad to see you're back"


gamenut89: "Mmhmm," Adon muttered. "Barn's clean, too." He walked around the bar and pulled himself out a clean glass. His magic never really drained him as much as he'd heard everyone complaining about, unless he was using it for long periods of time or in rapid succession. Quite ironically, all his water magic ever did was make him extremely thirsty. He poured himself a glass of water and quickly drained it, then repeated the process two more times before washing the glass and replacing it in the tray.
He then smiled and turned to his fellow bartender and the other patrons. "So," he started, "what's new?"


Trivinia: By the time Adon was reentering the tavern, Triv was sinking into a steaming back, her hair pulled up into a form of a bun at the base of her skull. Several scars glistened along her shoulders and the back of her neck. This was no ordinary barmaid; but anyone with eyes could see that with her clothes on.

She opened her golden eyes slowly. Why did that man remind her of her people? Absinthe was sold in many places, it's not really so strange. And he didn't even look like one of hers. And yet...

Never second guess your intuition. The cruel, cold voice in her mind gave her chills, even in the steamy bath. She felt so dirty sharing her body with her former self -- the old Triv, a demon by the name of Raven. Alright, so what do you think of him? Triv asked tentatively. Raven laughed, a chilling laugh that gave Triv shivers.

Heh heh... Tasty.

Triv dunked her head under the water to flush the images out of her mind. Raven was so vulgar. The demon laughed again, her voice echoing underwater. Triv finally came up after a few minutes, only because her lungs were burning for oxygen.

You're disgusting], she snarled in her mind.


The Kaptain: His ears pricked up and turned his head. "Did you hear that just now?" he asked.. whoever may have been able to listen. "No, not hear, smell. No, that still isn't right.." Something was going on here. It reminded him of one of his 'travels' but nothing had ever reminded him and this particular 'travel' before. It could just be the Absinthe. In fact, it most likely WAS the Absinthe. But then again, that's just what the Absinthe WANTS you to think.

Alcohol can be so sneaky sometimes.


gamenut89: Adon scratched he head looking at the bar patron. He didn't know that it was possible to be that drunk this early in the morning. But, he was Kirby's patron and wasn't going to interfere. Then again, Adon thought, most of the people in here are adventurers and he could be reliving a flashback in his drunkenness Either way, he needed something else to do. He reached down into a bucket for a rag and wrang it out before he walked over and started cleaning off the empty tables.


Trivinia:
Triv pulled herself out of the bath and quickly dressed. She sat on the edge of her bed, resting her elbows on her knees, leaning over. Her white hair fell loose of its fastening and fell into her face as she twirled a ring around her finger. How long ago had they died? Yet she remained young, her body untormented by time. Her family... her friends...

You were not one of them, Raven said, as if it were obvious. They were weak, and died. We're better than them. We deserve to--

"Shut up!" Triv shouted suddenly. Her hand flew to her mouth as she looked to the door. Someone probably heard her... But oh well. Just shut up, Raven. I don't want to hear your lies anymore.

Fine. Let yourself be blinded. You know what happened. You know why you're still alive. It happens with all demons. A tear trailed down Triv's cheek, dripping off her jaw and splashing onto the silver ring on her hand. Trazer... Raien... Her dear friends. Why couldn't she join them?


gamenut89: Adon tilted his head as he heard a shout coming from Triv's room. He didn't suspect anything, though. No theif in his right mind would try to do anything during the day. So he slowly started to clean off the tables some more, but he always kept an ear open for another shout. One more like that and he would have to go check on her.


Trivinia: She curled up in a small ball somewhere under her blankets, her heart pounding even in her sleep. The dreams haunted her... Jecht's death at her hands, Trazer's heart being ripped from his chest, Raien... Oh, Raien. Her death was too horrible to describe. Triv felt the heavy weight on her chest that she felt when she thought of her departed friends. Even her own children. She had to hide from them now, for their own protection. At least they were alive, safe.

For now. They'll be found. They'll suffer the same fate.

Never! Triv sat upright in bed, a cold sweat settled on her forehead. Had she yelled? She didn't know. It was the same every time she tried to sleep, she thought pulling her knees to her chest. Her friends, her children. How old were they now? In their twenties, probably. Nikitasha was likely in her thirties, even.

Yet, Triv and Konomaru looked not a day over their early twenties, though the siblings had been through hell and back together -- literally. Konomaru... He was due to show up any day now, probably following the Absinthe-carrying caravan, knowing the demon's love for alcohol.


kirby_8934: Kirby stood at the bar his back leaning on the wall. He was looking at Adon. He had changed since he last saw him. He listened as Triv yelled, she had done this many times before, believing he had not heard. He looked at Adon's eyes twitch when she yelled, he could tell he heard."She's ok", said Kirby quietly, trying not to draw attention to his words. Kirby silently poured himself a drink.she must be in pain, thought Kirby, a tear rolled down his cheek.

There was no way she was getting to sleep now. Her heart was beating fast now. She needed something to drink. Slipping out of bed, she slipped into something more appropriate, then padded down the stairs. She avoided eye contact with both Kirby and Adon, though she felt both of them looking at her when she passed by. She slipped into the kitchen and past Ashelyn and her helper, who appeared to have just shown up. Opening a door, she followed a wooden staircase into the cellar where the tavern's drinks were stored.

Several cases seemed to be stacked recently near the staircase. Triv touched one, reading the label, then opened the crate, pulling out a bottle with dark liquid inside. She usually didn't drink dark Absynthe. It messed with her mind, made her a little -- how to put this tactfully? -- nuts. She would end up acting like a complete fool by the time she'd completed half the bottle and wake up with a splitting headache. But that is what she needed right now. Something to clear her mind, cloud her thoughts, anything to get her to a peaceful slumber.

Adon flashed at Kirby once again, Nevermind, and followed Triv through the kitchen and into the cellar. His experience as a former theif kept his footfalls quiet so she didn't suspect anyone following her. Slowly creeping down the stairs after her, he listened as she clinked around for a bottle. Eventually he made it to the bottom of the stairs to see her clutching a bottle of Absinthe and staring intensely at it, as though she were trying to make up her mind. He intended to wait for her to open it, but as he leaned against a support post, it let out a loud squeek reveling his presence.

Kirby watched Lena pass and heard her go downstairs, with Adon close behind. Wonder what they're up to...,thought Kirby. He watched the bar though, leaving them their privacy.

Kirby refilled the man's absinthe then asked the cook to start on breakfast. The day was still young. He looked at Ashira, she was quiet and observed... it reminded him of his sister...

She loosened her grip on the Absinthe, finally setting it on the crate. She looked away from Adon, briefly covering her face with her hand while moving her hair out of her face. "I'm ...f-fine." Her voice shuddered with a well-hidden sob. She didn't want to lose it in front of an employee, but having her thoughts locked inside for the past ten years was killing her. And by the looks of her, that just might be literally.

Finally she looks up at Adon, biting her lip. "I'm fine," she says, more resolutely this time. "It was just a dream, the screams. I'm sorry I worried you." She discreetly picked the bottle back up, holding it by the neck at her side. "I'm going back to bed now..."

You're a strange creature, Trivinia. Do you know that?

Triv lifted her head. What do you mean?

All this time you've been crying about not having a friend... And then someone offers a warm hand to you and you turn him away. I'll never understand you.

Triv looked up at Adon. True, he'd only worked there for a couple of months now, but he was still part of the WWT family. She smiled slightly. Family...

"You know what Adon?" she asked. "I think it's time I actually talked to someone about this..." She set the bottle down once more and sat on the bottom stair, inviting him to sit next to her. "That is, if you don't mind listening to a crazy woman rant about her life..." She smiled up warmly at him.

When he mentioned leaving, she looked up at him surprised. Catching his wink though, she relaxed and leaned back against the stair behind her.

"It all really started in this tavern. When I was younger, I met a man here. Well, we were both really only kids then. He was a student at a dojo not far from here. I was an outcast, an exile. I'd been sent to this country to save my own hide, but it didn't do me any good." She sighed. "Anyway, we began talking. I didn't have anywhere to stay and he offered me a place at the dojo. His godfather ran the place and I was eagerly accepted. We got pretty close." Her voice and eyes dropped. "Then hell broke loose. I was summoned back to my homeland. A war had broken out between the two tribes there and I was needed. That's what the message said anyway. Instead, I spent three years in prison for treason. Against my own people. Trazer thought I was dead."

She paused for a moment, then sniffed. After a deep breath, she began again. "I caught wind of a rumor that the dojo had burned down. I didn't understand why news of the little dojo would've reached all the way to Talisin, but I soon understood why: the tribe we were fighting had heard I had allies there. It was completely destroyed, and no prisoners were taken. I didn't sleep for weeks. I knew it was my fault that all those innocent people had been killed. I couldn't stand myself."

She paused again, looking away from him. There was more to the story, but she had to pause. Maybe a drink of Absynthe would help ease her nerves... Her eyes darted up to the drink as it sat tauntingly on the crate a few feet from her.