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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 5:05 am
~Welcome to The Red Stone Tavern~ Towering before you is the two-storied Red Stone Tavern. You open the door and enter in, and then begin to descend down stone steps into the main area. There are large windows to allow natural light in and also to invite those passing by in. That was how you ended up here! Adorning the walls are various mounted weapons, collected and donated over the years by visitors to the Red Stone Tavern. There are also paintings and drawings of sorts. Some depicting people or scenes that you're not too familiar with. To the left is a grand stone fireplace that could burn four large camp fires side by side. There is a raised stone panel that is knee high for those that wish to sit next to the fire to keep warm. The fire behind emits a warm heat regardless how high the fires burn. Oddly you see no place for fire wood, and that is because this particular fire place was constructed using ancient magi technology and requires no wood. The fire forever burns maintaining a comfortable warmth for the area all year round. Upon the fire places mantel is another collection of odd sorts, weighing scales and stones and instruments of knowledge more commonly used by Alchemists or scholars, and the strange glittering stones still stuck in the grey rock they were taken from are largely unfamiliar to you. Surrounding the fireplace area is several large plush couches and there are a few small tables placed next to them for more convenience. Looking around, you see people sitting at a bar to the left which is big enough to need two of the staff to run it. And littered all over are tables and booths with ample amount of moving space between all. To the far right at the back of the tavern is a large wooden stair case that you suspect leads to the second landing of the building. A young man approaches you then, he is a slim, frail figure, youthful features complete with slick black hair and large angular eyes. His ears are softly pointed, one has a gold ear cuff that glints when it catches the soft light. "Greetings friend I am Darkshine the owner of 'The Red'. You look a little lost, so please allow me to show you around." He motions for you to follow him with a small curt bow as he walks over to the right. You follow behind and see a large staircase that ascends up to the second floor. "The entire second floor is an inn." Darkshine explains. " Room and board is free, my precious Red is funded by a private party, so there's no need to worry about money if you're a little short. I've never been upstairs myself, but I've heard the rooms are never the same for each occupant." He doesn't extend upon why this is so but continues on as if it is all normal. If you continue to the back of this tavern you'll come to another door which leads out back to the Red. That's where we keep the stables as most of our patrons are travelers. If you have a horse or a pack animal bring them around back and our hired help will tend to them." He walks back to where there bar is at. You see a polished wood counter that extends from the front of the building, all the way to the back of the building. You notice the stools are spaced out enough for people to sit comfortably and have a nice conversation, while still enough apart for someone to stand between them to get a drink. "Well, here's the bar as you have no doubt already seen. There's a kitchen in the back, so yes, we do serve more than just drinks." With that, he steps behind the bar and nods at you, handing a drink to a customer. "Just let the bar attendants know what you want and they'll have it prepared for you. Let them know if there is anything more you require and they'll do their best to be of service to you. Just ask." As Darkshine says this a petite red head walks by dipping her head respectfully acknowledging both you and Darkshine. She is dolled up in what appears to be a black and white maid uniform. In her hand she is carrying a tray of empty bowls to the back to be washed. Darkshine coughs to regain your attention and he adds in to is earlier statement. "Anything with in reason that is." And this is said with a little coy smile. "It's not a fairly exciting place, but it gives travelers a place to rest. To that extent I don't tolerate those that disrupt the peace with their petty brawls. If you must fight take it outside. Same goes for destructive magic spells of any kind. Other than that, I hope you will enjoy your stay here."
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 5:24 am
~Rules of The Red~ ~Please follow the ToS of both Gaia and those established by this guild. ~God moding is never fun and is never okay. ~No cybering. We won't throw you out if you don't wear shoes, but clothing is required. ~No killing others, as Darkshine's already stated, there is to be no fighting in the Tavern. ~Please be literate. It is highly encouraged that you improve your rping skills in this guild. ~Please write in third person. No * or () to describe actions. ~No flaming. Please behave yourself. ~Respect other rpers. Have some tact. Though swearing is allowed, it is often said it is a low form of wit. ~Be creative and of course have fun. ~We reserve the right to refuse service. ~Concept of The Red~ I know this structure is different from the way the other threads are composed, but please let me explain. This RP is actually salvaged from an old (old) guild I used to host with a friend. As you can see there is no character profiles because the guild itself was one massive rp thread. People would often rp as one character through the whole thing, and the threads themselves were places described. The Red Stone Tavern is one of those threads. It's not exactly OOC in the sense it's for us to use irl chat. It's more like an RP thread for any characters you've created in the other threads to visit and kick back from a day of rping. There's no established storyline as it's simply a place for characters to visit and just shoot the breeze with each other. So there's no need to post profiles. The only character to be aware of is the owner.
~The Staff~
Though Darkshine is perfectly fine running the Red Stone alone, if you wish to hold a position here please PM me. This is just purely for fun and to have your character's name here.
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:39 am
~Events~
Note: The Red Stone is always one to celebrate the major holidays and will host some contests and events in the spirit of the occasion. If you speak with the owner you may even arrange a special event and have The Red Stone cater to it. All events are posted here.
Grand Opening Contest: To kick off the opening of the red, owner has decided to hold a contest. The theme is 'The Grand Entrance'. First impressions are important and Darkshine is fond of impressive entrances. He will reward the best entrance with a cash prize of 100k.
Rules: ~No One Liners. 1 Paragraph minimum. ~Flaunt your rping skills but there's no need to go over board. ~Be literate and check your spelling! The purpose of this contest is to focus on literary skills and to strive to improve them! ~Be creative! Magic is welcomed this time around just as long as you don't 'explode' onto the scene and cause harm to other patrons or the Red Stone Tavern itself. ~You may enter alone or enter with another rper. If the group entrance wins, the 100k is split among the group. The money will go to the one deemed the representative. ~To enter, please send a PM to me with the name of the contest and if you're alone or you're with a party. Please list the name of your character/characters, or the name of the other rpers involved. ~The end of the contest is yet to be determined. ~Once you post an entrance, you may be free to move about the tavern. ~One entry per rper. No going out and coming back in. The Red Stone is not trying to heat the rest of the world. ~If there are any questions please PM me. Thanks in Advance!
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:49 am
We're Open!
After a long and quiet slumber, the doors to the Red Stone are once again opened....
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 4:08 am
It had taken some time, but Darkshine finally had the place in top shape and presentable. The Red Stone had been closed off for many years. It collected dust and fell into sad disrepair, the life of it leaving with the last of it's patrons. It was an old haunt for the djinn and one of his earliest ones, so he could not forget it so easily. Many things had transpired here created precious memories for him. Perhaps it still had a chance to create more for him and others. And with that thought in mind, the djinn decided to commandeer it.
He started with sweeping the floors, true he could have simply resorted to magic and it would have been a whole lot faster, but the djinn simply could not bring himself to do it. The Red Stone had been constructed through blood, sweat and tears, the original owners doing everything by hand. Darkshine believed it was what endeared the old structure to them, made them proud when ever they set eyes upon it. Darkshine never felt any sort of pride in that sense, and so in honor of the old building's original owners, the Djinn went through all the kindly ministrations. From sweeping the floors to wiping off every single dusty glass. Of course when it came to strengthening parts of the old building that had become decrepit, Darkshine had to resort to a bit of magic. It couldn't be helped really.
And as expected, restoring the building to it's former glory took a very, very long time, but it was worth the effort. As the djinn hung the golden guilded 'open sign' on the heavy wooden double doors to the tavern, he felt that pride the owners must have felt swell in his chest. He savored it only smiling faintly before attentind to a few other matters. As it's new self proclaimed owner, Darkshine felt that he had to involve himself with everything of the tavern. From hosting the patrons to organizing the staff, Darkshine felt he would be busy indeed. But if it was for his beloved Red Stone Tavern, he didn't mind.
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Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:08 pm
With one full sweep of a long sleeve in the air, a lengthy black leather case swayed with a heavy clunk sound as the man holding it sneezed loudly. He sneezed again after less than a second of respite, then he sneezed once more. With each violent sneeze, he felt a peculiar coldness trickle down his spine as if someone were holding a bucket of ice water above him and slowly pouring its wet contents down into the inside of his coat.
When the fifth sneeze came and went and it seemed it was the final one - at least for the time being - it took a moment for his reeling senses to calm and for his blurred vision to clear. It dawned on the silver haired one then that he had naturally come to a stop outside a rather large building.
He was not one of the locals who lived here, but he had travelled enough in his time to recognize a tavern when he saw one. They looked the same no matter where he went, and this place was certainly no exception. Or so he thought.
He tilted his head to look upwards, his actions causing his fringes to fall back from his face. If someone had been walking by at that point, they would have seen the lengthy scar that ran from his left brow, over his eye and down his cheek. It was an impressive battle scar that was unbefitting of one dressed in the fine garments that he wore.
Azure eyes narrowed as the man squinted at the light above him. The day was neither late nor early, yet he felt as if he ought to make use of the tavern before it got too dark. Besides, it couldn't have been a mere coincidence that he had a sneezing fit outside this homely looking place, right? The man doubted it. He rarely had such violent sneezing fits and even when he did sneeze, he never experienced strange chills rolling down his spine the way he had back then.
With his mind made up, he glanced to his left side at the case he was holding. Even if he couldn't find what he was searching for here, perhaps it would still be good to stay for a while. It had been far too long since he last practiced properly...
Steeling his gaze at the tavern entrance, the man stepped forward and placed a hand on the heavy door. With little effort he gave the door a push and it opened inwards on itself. He cast a quick glance across the first floor of the building, taking note of the tavern's customers and the staff before he located the bar. He approached and set his case on the floor, propping it up against the side of the bar before he helped himself to an empty stool. As he pulled on the collar of his coat and smoothed the creases in his sleeves, his attention lingered to the youth standing behind the bar.
"A drink please... water or wine, it matters not to me" He said as he leaned forward against his elbows and tipped his head with a small bow...
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Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 6:40 pm
Darkshine noticed the new comer before he even entered. His presence was that strong. Usually those who were quite powerful never drew much attention to themselves. Darkshine felt they were quite annoying because they weren't as obvious as others, not as easy to read. From what he could tell, this man was well traveled. His movements revealed a bit of experience. And his movements were a bit...refined. It was hard to read as the man's form was hidden in that long dark coat. Perhaps this was on purpose. It wasn't that the djinn was telepathic or a mind reader. Nothing like that. He'd just seen many of this man's type. He dislike to stereo type after a while, there were patterns to a person's habits which directly related to their life style.
The pale youth raised a thin brow acknowledging the man who looked simply miserable. "Oh dear, you look like one with quite a story to tell. Have you been traveling long?" Darkshine spoke as he moved. He dipped low to pull out a dark bottle from the cabinets beneath the counter. One of the glasses that hung from above quietly and slowly unhooked itself and levitated to sit soundless on the hard wood counter. Darkshine had already finished uncorking the bottle by the time he reached the glass. "Mer lot, I'm not quite sure of the year, but I hope this will be to your liking." He spoke quaintly as he tipped the bottle ever so carefully. "If you promise to be careful and not spill it on the upholstery, you may take it and sit in front of the fire. You look a little under the weather Mister~" Darkshine drew out his last sentence as he was waiting for the stranger to give his name.
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Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:21 am
The man took the glass off the young lad with a grateful nod. He seemed not to hear the question asked and raised the glass to his lips only to pause for a moment to sniff at the wine.
"Seems to be at least thirty years old..." He said softly. He would have looked like he had been thinking aloud, had his eyes not strayed from the contents in the glass to the slender young man watching him from the other side of the bar. When the two gazes met, the silver haired gentleman quickly looked away. He pressed his lips against the side of the glass and tipped a small amount of wine into his mouth.
There he let the bittersweet liquid roll over his tongue a little before finally swallow it all in one gulp. "Ah... make that thirty five years..." He corrected himself. The faintest trace of a smile appeared as he set the glass down and turned to looked away. The lad working at the bar had kindly offered him a seat by the fireplace. The warmth that emanated from the live flames was rather enticing, but before he could accept his host's most generous offer, his hearing picked up on a strange sound.
From underneath his silver locks, his ears twitched a little and his body reacted to the sound of a whimper that was so quiet, no one save himself would have heard it.
"Are you keeping animals here too?" He asked out of the blues. "I believe you have a guest" He pushed himself off his stool and walked across the far side of room towards the door that led to back of the Red Stone tavern. Gripping the handle with is fingers, he turned the knob and to the sound of a soft 'click', the door unlocked. The door opened smoothly on well oiled hinges. "And what do we have here?" He said aloud, making sure that his host would hear and come to take a look.
Getting upon one knee, the man reached out and scooped a bundle of fur up off the ground. The mass of fur squirmed against him and lifted its small head with a sharp bark. It looked like it was a pup of some kind with an unusually black coat that was extremely matted and dirty. Small beady red eyes stared up in bewilderment as the dog found itself being picked up by a stranger, but its bewilderment did not last for long. "Mayhaps this is yours?" The man turned and held the creature out towards his host. As soon as the pup got a clear view of the pale youth standing close by, it struggled against the large hands that were holding him and with a surprising twist of its small body, it freed itself and made a leap into the air. With a free fall landing technique that would have impressed a cat, the pup landed on all four of its plush paws and proceeded to scamper towards the young lad.
".............................." The silver haired man closed the door behind him and scratched the back of his head as he watched the peculiar puppy circle around the boy's feet in an excited manner. "Dietrich..." He said after a while, brushing passed the busy little mutt and the boy who was so obviously the pup's master. "My name is Dietrich von Ingolf... just call me Dietrich though...." The man stopped by the bar and picked up his glass. "And I think I will take up your offer" He added as he grabbed up his case in his other hand and carried both items over to the fire place.
When he had made himself comfortable and taken another sip of the thirty five year old merlot wine, he inclined his head to regard the youth and his muddy little pup. "I think I shall be staying here for a while. Are there any rooms available tonight?" He asked with small smile on his face.
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Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 3:41 pm
The pale youth wasn't surprised that the man had a keen sense of taste. Such indicators helped the djinn pinpoint an age. For some it took a long time to develop such skills, unless one worked in that particular field since a young age. This man, this Count, did not seem like such a man of humble beginnings.
Darkshine tipped his head curiously as he appraised the man again. Scratch that thought. There was something there to be sure. Those of his temperament usually had experienced some type of service at one point or another. The djinn would have loved to study him further as he did to most of his patrons but the Count had brought in yet another guest.
This puppy's appearance actually did surprise the youth, but only because he hadn't sensed him at all. And with as reckless as the troublesome pup was, Darkshine could only say he was far too distracted with the Count to have noticed.
His shoulders actually slumped visably a s he regarded the tiny black ball of fur. "Oh yes, there you are. I should have expected you sooner or later." Darkshine sighed almost in resignation. Yes, it was clearly apparent that he and this little puppy had a bit of history behind them. And it was to be expected that like most things, the pup wasn't at all what it seemed to be. A pale hand massaged his temple as he hadn't expected his little friend to turn up so soon. "Well, since you're here, I might as well put you to work. But first, go wash up out back. I allow pets but I won't have filthy beasts prancing about my clean tavern. Have some manners." The thin hand left his fore head and jabbed to the kitchen behind him. "Go, now, hurry, hurry. The sooner you clean up, the faster you'll be fed."
The scampering pup skittered to a halt, long nails heard scratching against the hard wood floor nosily. It regarded the djinn and Darkshine jabbed his finger in the same direction adamantly. His blood red eyes flashed unrelenting. The puppy perked it's ears and snorted reproachfully but obediently scampered out in the indicated direction. Once it disappeared through the kitchen doors Darkshine turned his attention back to the Count. "A handful but he is very useful." He smiled slightly. It was a very real smile and one he didn't give too often. " It is a pleasure to make your aquaintence Count Dietrich. As for a room? Let me see, I'm sure we have something that will appeal to your taste..." Once again, he raised a hand and snapped, the sound rang out crisply and echoed mysteriously. No sooner had he done so, than a large, old, leather bound book appeared along with a red quill pen, before the lithe boy. It opened and hovered before Darkshine, allowing him to read it's contents. It only took a fraction of a glance before the djinn pointed to a place. "Ah! Here we are, the grand suite, reminiscent to the beautiful renaissance age, but not too showy. Very simple in comfort but rich carvings that should be pleasant to your expert eyes." He clapped his hands as if pleased with himself. "I just need your signature on the dotted line." He gestured ever so gently with both hands and the book and pen floated before the Count waiting to receive his signature. "Once you do so, please take the key." Said key didn't appear until Darkshine spoke of it. In the same manner, a golden pocket watch, engraved with rich carvings appeared above the book. "This key will only open the door to your room. Keep it on you and you alone will always have access to your room unless you of course invite another in. I do hope you find it to your liking Count Dietrich." The djinn bowed with unquestionable grace. "You do the Red Stone Tavern a great honor by allowing it to accommodate you Sir." The last part seemed a bit rehearsed as though the djinn had said it too often or was used to saying such things. But Darkshine could not help it. It wasn't meant to mock, but it was a force of habit.
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Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:38 pm
Dietrich had suspected that his kind and humble host was more than what he seemed. Magical floating quills, books conjured up out of thin air and objects that were used for unusual purposes aside... the silver haired count was actually more surprized at the fact that the young lad, who expertly served him the wine and made him feel comfortable and welcome at the tavern was in fact the Red Stone's owner!
And that muddy little pup before was the boy's pet. When he thought this, an image suddenly popped up in Dietrich's mind. He imagined the young boy sitting by the fireplace with the pup in his lap, petting and stroking it the way an old woman would pet her cat.
He shook his head lightly to stop his thoughts from wandering aimlessly.
How quaint for him to be spacing out, it rarely ever happened, Dietrich thought as he reached for the quill pen. The large feathered end of the writing tool hovered up and down in slow motion as it patiently waited for him to take possession of it. Likewise, the golden pocket watch hovered in the air as well as if suspended by some invisible force.
Eyes narrowed as the young count looked to the book he'd been asked to sign. Ever cautious, he checked to see if there were any small print conditions. When he was satisfied that there seemed to be none, he brought the tip of the quill pen down onto the paper and with a flick of his wrist, scribbled his signature down before releasing the pen and watching it, and the book float back to his host's waiting hands.
"I am not the least bit fussy when it comes to my abodes, I have travelled across the lands and the seas in my time and I have had to live in some less than desirable conditions, so even if you had offered me the most humblest of rooms, I would have no qualms with accepting your offer..." He said, hinting lightly at his own past. "Now, as to payment... I am uncertain of how long I will be staying, but I have no immediate plans to leave within the next two weeks. It seems only reasonable and fair that I pay some kind of deposit towards the total fee I incur"
As Dietrich went on with the formalities, trying to get them out of the way, he reached inside his coat to a hidden pocket. He removed a tanned, leather pouch and tipped its contents out into the palm of his hand. "Although my title is that of a Count, I am afraid I don't carry much of my fortune with me when I'm travelling" He held his hand out, presenting his host with five, large gold coins and a handful of silvers as well. "Will this suffice for now? If not, then I can offer you my services in exchange for my stay..." Dietrich trailed off with a glance down at the leather bound case lying by his feet. Sharp azure eyes lifted their gaze a second later and the count drew back with a solemn look on his face. "By the way, I do believe you have yet to introduce yourself and the same can be said of your pup as well who seems to be causing quite a commotion back there" He tipped his head, indicating to where the puppy had sauntered off towards the kitchen only a short while before.
A loud, distinctively female voice suddenly shrieked, echoed by a certain puppy's barks and then by the sound of plates being smashed as they fell to the ground. "Quite the commotion indeed..." Dietrich added while reaching for the pocket watch in front of him.
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Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:05 am
Darkshine tried very hard not to flinch at the silver coins presented to him, but failed miserably. Even at such a range, he could feel their searing cold sting his skin. It was enough to distract him from the disaster in the kitchen and the djinn raised both hands as if to keep the Count at bay. "An extended stay with us? Oh! That's wonderful to hear. But your money has no value here, although..." The djinn trailed off as he cautiously circled around the count like a vulture, his eyes appraising the man before he walked back to the front. "...There are other ways to pay, nothing outrageous. Mind you, but spending a bit of your time doing a few things for me should do it wouldn't you say?" Darkshine wasn't one to wave off an opportunity when it presented himself, and just by looking at the man, he could see that there were plenty of things he could get out of the Count, much more valuable than money. He smiled coyly. It was one of the djinn's smiles that were most familiar to many and though they looked like they could candy coat poison, most who spent time around Darkshine knew it to be one of his more comforting smiles. Not that many would take anything over a grinning gator. "We shall talk about that later yes? Oh yes...How rude of me." He rested a hand on his chest, gesturing to himself. "My name is Darkshine, I am the care taker of this quaint little establishment. So please, if there's anything not to your liking do feel free to address it to me. And..." Here those ruby chips flickered in the direction of the kitchen, the smile didn't waver. "...The puppy is mine. You'll see him around, of that you can be sure. If you'll excuse me." With that, Darkshine spun expertly upon his heel and walked into the kitchen. Despite the small doorway that led to it, the kitchen itself was massive, easily rivaling the actual size of the lounging area of the Tavern itself. Though he could have had a perfectly modern kitchen, Darkshine disliked stainless steel. It was too close to silver in likeness. So everything in the kitchen was iron and stone. Stone ovens, hard wood counters, much more common in the middle ages, but hardly old fashioned, just in looks alone. There were a few cooks on the stoves, more on the counters prepping another meal. No head chef sad to say, Darkshine hadn't found one yet. There was a bit of a mess in the far back of the kitchen, no doubt his puppy's handy work. But he didn't see the dog present. "Haruka? Haruka? Where are you?" The djinn called a tad bit irratble when he couldn't see the pup. "You'd better be outside cleaning up."
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Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:37 am
Dietrich wasn't sure if he liked Darkshine's tone when he suggested he help him do things as payment for staying at the tavern. However, when he thought about it, it was really his own fault. After all, he had told the young lad that he would offer his services if that was more to his liking. As a personal, life long motto, Dietrich never went back on his words.
A promise was a promise, even if it was one that had been made at the spur of the moment with little to no thought of the consequences.
He watched as Darkshine turned on his heels and moved to the kitchen area near the back of the lounge. Each step the lad took was graceful and practically soundless. It was as if he were floating across water....
"Definitely not human..." Dietrich muttered to himself, tearing his gaze from his host's retreating form to the floating pocket watch levitating in front of his face. He had meant to take hold of it before, but he became distracted by his host's unusual reaction to his payment. Of course he noticed, for he had a habit of picking up the little unimportant details that others often over looked. He had seen the subtle change in Darkshine's expression and while it was hard to determine, he would have hazarded a guess that the lad did not take a shine (inspite of his name) towards either gold or silver, or maybe even both.
Now that he was no longer distracted, he snatched the object into his hand and drew it closer. He examined the watch curiously, sensing some kind of energy reverberating through the time piece, but unable to identify its source except that it somehow felt familiar.
Carefully placing the watch into his inner coat pocket, he looked up and saw that Darkshine had yet to return. He couldn't see the lad, but his acute hearing could make out sounds coming from beyond the kitchen. Darkshine was heard calling out a strange name. 'Haruka', if Dietrich was not mistaken. It must have been the name of the puppy causing mischief out back. Pulling on his collar again, Dietrich turned away to face the fire place and picked up his glass of half-finished merlot. He tried his best to enjoy the wine, but every so often he, and the other customers there with him, had to stop and look back as the sound of barks and yelps constantly interrupted their peace.
"What in the name of the Aesirs is going on in there?" Dietrich found himself pondering after awhile. He would have gone in to check, but he had a feeling that neither Darkshine nor his pet puppy Haruka would be too pleased to see him. It was best to let a master handle their pet themself.
Out back, beyond the kitchen where Darkshine was standing at a door, glaring heatedly down a set of stairs and into the basement, a pair of blood red eyes glowed brightly from the bottom of the stone staircase. A few angry barks were issued, and then the barking stopped as it was drowned out by the sound of an unexpected explosion that sent a huge cloud of dust and smoke rushing up towards Darkshine and the rest of the tavern.
Amidst the thick smoke, an arm caked in dry mud waved about in a futile attempt to clear the air. Coughing and spluttering was heard as another arm joined in with the waving. Then came the sound of footsteps as bare feet climbed the cold, stone steps. In a lightning quick burst, an entire body emerged from the smoke with a loud gasp.
"Why didn't you tell me you added a basement?!? I could have died falling down those stairs, you know!!" What looked like a huge mass of scraggly black hair berated Darkshine angrily.
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Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:49 am
The lad merely crossed his arms casually and looked back at his friend (now in a different form) almost impassively. "I suppose I better find you some suitable clothes. But you still need to bathe." Darkshine sighed. He didn't bother to comment on his friend's 'displeasure' of forgetting to tell him about a basement. Darkshine hadn't forgotten, he just didn't care too much to say. "Hurry up out of there before you scare what little staff I have." A towel appeared in the boy's hands and he tossed it at his naked friend. "I suppose I can't put you in the stables now...Perhaps I'll have to put you up in a room as one of the permanent personnel." Darkshine reached behind him and apparently pulled out a small battered looking rice bowl out of no where. "Here, I should give this back to you. Since you're less likely to lose it, I've made it into a room key. A quaint room, fashioned just like the shinto temples back in the land of Japan should make you feel right at home. You'll find a change of clothes ready for your. Dinner will be sent to your door in an hour. I expect you to make yourself presentable. You'll start work early tomorrow morning." The orders came as easily as he breathed and the boy flashed the taller man a very personal smile. "Good to see you again Haruka. So tell me, what did you think of our dear Count? You've got a good nose for these things and I don't feel like prying into their minds. Actually I've sworn it off. It's just not...good for buisness." He admitted honestly. Darkshine motioned for Haruka to wrap himself up and follow him.
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Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 2:07 pm
Good old Darkshine, always indifferent in his greetings towards others be they friend or foe. The once-puppy-now-turned-human shook his head with a disatisfied growl, raking slender yet albeit dirty fingers through his matted dark locks. "If you put me in the stables, I'll put you through the roof, Darkshine" Haruka grumbled somewhat defiantly, but just by the tone of his voice it was clear to see that he wasn't being entirely serious about his threat.
It mattered not though as he was certain that, by now, Darkshine was far too used to his behavior and could read him like a book. There were only a few things in this world that could get to the djinn, and unfortunately, Haruka's displeasure and complaints weren't on the list.
Grabbing the ancient looking rice bowl in one hand, Haruka held it defensively against himself while his other hand worked the clean towel around his waist. With his modesty hidden from view, the red headed lass working in the tavern could get back to doing her job without being distracted too much. Haruka narrowed his eyes at the girl as he passed her. He continued to follow Darkshine up a set of stairs to the second floor of the building. All the while, the djinn gave details of the room he had in mind for Haruka and how he had taken it upon himself to try and recreate the mysticism and comforts of the east - especially for the grumpy tengu.
Haruka didn't really listen much, until Darkshine reiterated his point about how he had to take a bath. The tengu growled again, but before he could snap at the smaller and frailer looking demon, Darkshine asked him a most peculiar question.
"So tell me, what did you think of our dear Count? You've got a good nose for these things and I don't feel like prying into their minds. Actually I've sworn it off. It's just not...good for buisness"
The Count? Crimson eyes widened and a stupefied look crossed the tengu's face. Darkshine would have rolled his eyes normally, but just this once he felt he should be a little kinder to his tengu friend. It was obvious that Haruka was a bit out of the loop. He had just arrived from travelling.... god knows where, and he was no doubt hungry as well. Darkshine knew that when the demon eater was hungry, he had a hard time concentrating on anything but the need to fill his stomach with food. Thus he had to remind Haruka of the tall, silver haired man who had lifted Haruka up when he had been in puppy form before Haruka actually realized who the djinn was talking about.
"Oh, him" The tengu crinkled his nose, looking as if he'd just caught the whiff of something awful in the air. "He ain't human, that's for sure" Haruka remarked a second later. "Well, to be precise, his scent is most unusual, it's like a mix of human, animal and something else. And when he held me in his hands, I could feel something about him... there's no demon blood in this one, but there's definitely something else inside him" Just as he said this, the sound of footsteps interrupted their conversation and Haruka tossed a lazy glance behind at the staircase. And who should appear at that moment but the Count himself!
Haruka leaned back against the wall, allowing the silver haired one to pass. The tengu watched as the tall man came to a stop before one of the doors dotted along the length of the corridor. In his left hand he was carrying a strange, black case. Haruka squinted his eyes and sniffed the air a few times.
Count Dietrich noticed, but ignored the near naked individual and proceeded to open the door to his room. He disappeared inside, closing the door firmly behind him. Once they heard the sound of the door locking, Haruka turned to Darkshine and looked down at the little djinn. "You know, he almost smells like one of those Gods" The tengu chided, his nose crinkling in disgust again.
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Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 2:55 pm
Darkshine only inclined his head kindly at the Count, but since the man had not spoken to him, he said nothing in turn. The silver haired count was probably as suspicious of the djinn as the djinn was of the count. It probably didn't look good with him standing next to a near naked man in the hall.
Even when he disappeared into his room, Darkshine gave Haruka a knowing look before he touched his ear lightly and pointed to the door the Count had disappeared into. The signal was easy for even Haruka to pick up
'He can hear us.' Darkshine did not say. That coupled with Haruka's own statements about him having an odd but divine scent to him gave weight to the djinn's signals. Senses were usually heightened as a side effect with an individual's power signature. If he was of the divine class, chances were he had excellent senses about him.
"Please don't be nosy of our guests." Darkshine suddenly spoke aloud. "I expect you to behave yourself while you're here do you understand? Now go take a bath." The djinn shooed Haruka away. "I have to over see preparations for dinner. You'll not get any if I can smell you." He wagged a finger at the Tengu. It may seem as though Darkshine had just waved off Haruka's notions about the Count, but in reality, Darkshine had them dually noted and filed away in his mind. It was good to know a bit about your guests, both for business and personal safety. Plus Darkshine had a few bad run ins with 'divine beings'. And when he said few, he meant all his encounters with them were bad. The djinn walked back down to the second landing pondering a few things over.
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