The Inn (closed)

[Elyiravëra]

"Elyira..... Elyira, you must walk from here." Elyiravëra lifted her head, blinking around at her surroundings. She noticed immediately that it was much darker out, and that they had stopped. Then she heard the dogs and slowly let herself down as Rissterus let go of her. She felt somewhat refreshed, though still extremely tired. The dogs scared her, though. They sounded fierce.

[Rissterus]

"Oswin, give me my staff," he said, holding his now-free arm to the priest. After Oswin had transferred the staff back into Rissterus' possession, they continued. They passed around one last curve and there was the Inn.

It was hard to see in the darkness, but they could see it was a two-story building. There was also a stable located behind and to the left of the inn.
Two windows were illuminated, and four lanterns hung on an elevated porch in front of the inn's front door. At the foot of the three stairs that led to the porch were chained four dogs. They were more like wolves, really, than dogs. Savage brutes, they were. As Rissterus, Oswin, and Elyiravëra came closer, they could see they had enough chain to attack anyone who attempted to go near the door. The three companions were still safely 10 feet away from the dogs.

Rissterus hit the bottom of his staff on the ground and exhaled in annoyance. He looked around at their surroundings once more. Road to their left and to their right, the inn and the dogs ahead of them, and the forest behind them. He looked over to the stables which were partly visible beyond the inn, then back at the dogs. They were making such a fuss that the innkeeper was bound to come out.

[Oswin]

As they walked, Oswin's weary legs seemed to scream for rest. He resorted to temporarily replacing his walking stick with the Sorcerer's staff. He leaned on it heavily as he trudged after Rissterus. Rissterus stopped ahead of him and let Elyira back onto the ground. For a moment, he felt bitterness against the Elf for not having to walk as much as he did. He immediately repented for the thought, and consoled himself: I would not accept to be carried by a Sorcerer for all the gold in the world. Nay, especially by Rissterus.

Rissterus turned to Oswin and held out his hand. "Oswin, give me my staff," he said. Oswin handed it over, pleased to be rid of it. He now once more took up his view that it was an 'evil object'. A dog's bark ripped through the night and Oswin suddenly became alert once more. "Wolves?" he asked, but Rissterus shook his head.

They once again moved on, and to Oswin's joy and delight, the Inn appeared around the next corner. "Praise to god!" he said, holding his hands up to the sky. The barks started again and Oswin stepped closer to Elyira and Rissterus. He missed his staff very much right now.

As they came closer, Oswin prayed for protection from the dogs. They snarled viciously at them, and Oswin wondered why they didn't attack. Then he saw their chains. "Praise to god!" he said again, under his breath. Of course they're chained! he thought, scolding himself. The Inn wouldn't just be out in the forest, completely unprotected.

He stepped passed Rissterus, towards the dogs, and held out his hands.
"Peace, beasts of the earth. We come in peace."
The dogs started ceased barking, but still blocked the way and growled.

[Rissterus]

The inn door suddenly swung outwards and a man with a heavy overcoat stepped out. He looked out at them holding up a lantern. He had matted grey hair that ran down to his shoulders, a short beard and mustache, and a rather weather-beaten face. He looked to be in his forties, but still looked strong enough the wrestle an orc.
"Who goes thar?" he said stepping down the steps. The dogs parted to let him pass, still growling at the newcomers.
"And why are you out so late at night? And in such bad weather?"

"We wish to stay at the Inn," Rissterus said, stepping forwards into the light. The man looked him up and down, noting his black cloak.
"How many of there are ye?"
"Three," Rissterus replied. He turned slightly and motioned to Oswin and Elyira to come forwards.
"We're wet, tired, and would like three rooms."
After one last observing look, the man bent down and began to shorten the dogs' chains far enough to let people pass up the stairs. "Forgive the dogs. I only put them out at night. I get many an odd traveler these days." The innkeeper was now leading them up onto the porch and into the inn. "Some bring rumors of Goblins roaming around the country. Blasted Warriors never seem to do their job, aye?"

The door opened to a wide, short hall lined with coat racks. Rissterus didn't relinquish his wet cloak to the innkeeper, however. The hall opened up to a small room with the clerk's desk. A door could be seen behind the desk in the corner. To their left was a narrow stairway that went up half a story, turned 180 degrees, and went the other half story back up. Beyond the clerk's desk to the right was a large room that looked to be an open tavern-like room. Tables filled the rooms - most of which had their chairs placed up-side-down on their surfaces, and several couches surrounding an empty, large, stone fireplace.

The innkeeper went behind the desk and opened a thick log book.
"Names?" he asked in a more pleasant tone.

[Elyiravëra]

Elyiravëra stayed close to Oswin, keeping her wet cloak wrapped tightly around her, trying to battle the cold. When Oswin started walking towards the dogs in an attempt to calm them, she stayed behind and moved closer to Rissterus. Then the innkeeper came out holding a well-lit lantern. Rissterus moved forwards to speak with him, and Elyiravëra found herself once more with Oswin.

The innkeeper intimidated her at first, but he seemed to get more friendly as he started talking and leading them into the inn. She huddled even closer to Oswin as they passed the dogs. They were now on a much shorter chain and couldn't hurt her, but they still growled and snarled. She followed Oswin up the steps, through the hall, and into the front room. She looked at the fireplace and wished there was a roaring blaze. She was still wet from heavy afternoon rain, and she was freezing. Her wet cloak wasn't helping at all, so she removed it and hung it on one of the knobby pegs.

[Rissterus]

Rissterus was silent for a moment, then looked the innkeeper directly in the eye. "I'm afraid that neither of them ever learned their letters. I will be obliged to sign for them."
The innkeeper blinked, clearly doubting Rissterus' words. Finally he shrugged and lifted the large log book onto the counter and spun it to face Rissterus. He then handed the Sorcerer a thin quill pen and a bottle of ink.
Rissterus took the pen and signed the first three names that came to mind. They were all terribly common names, and the innkeeper nodded, as if he understood Rissterus was writing false names.

"Look," he said with a long sigh. "I don't care what you're business is as long as it won't do me or my country fellows any harm. You can sign whatever names you want on that log book, but it'll still cost you 15 gold pieces per room, and an added 2 for everyday you keep them."
Rissterus stared at the innkeeper for a long moment, then replied, "We are merely passing through the countryside."
"And how long you going to be staying in my inn?"
"We will be gone by tomorrow night."
"Hmmmm..." He looked at Oswin and Elyira, then back at Rissterus. After a moment he closed the log book and put it back under the counter.
"I'll be requiring payment in advance," he stated in a defiant tone.
Rissterus inclined his head and drew the proper amount, handing it over to the innkeeper.
"Welcome to Salomaa Inn!" he said, taking the money. "Allow me to show you your rooms!"

How... friendly he seems now that he's been paid, Rissterus thought as the big man stepped around him and started leading them up the stairs.
At the top of the stair case there were two halls that formed a backwards 'L'. The one leading a head of them ended in a heavy oak door that looked to be locked. The one to the left was dotted with doors on each side.

"And here we are!" the innkeeper smiled, waving them past him. "At the moment there are no other guests, so all the rooms are empty. You can have the first three rooms -"
Rissterus cut him off.
"May we have three of the middle rooms?"
"Bu - uh - of course, if you'd like..."

Rissterus nodded his head in satisfaction and stepped down the hall till he came to the fifth door. He tried the door but it was locked.
"Ah, here you go," the innkeeper said handing Rissterus a key.


((ooc/ I'm going to have to get off now. And I'm not going to actually deduct the money from my gold. ))

[Elyiravëra]

Elyiravëra fought the urge to laugh. Neither of us have learned our letters?? That was the most ridiculous lie Rissterus could've told. Probably.
She also wanted to read the names Rissterus was writing, but she resigned herself to stay where she was and act the part Rissterus had dumped on her.

"Look... I don't care what you're business is as long as it won't do me or my country fellows any harm. You can sign whatever names you want on that log book, but it'll still cost you 15 gold pieces per room, and an added 2 for everyday you keep them."

Elyira couldn't restrain herself any further. A grin covered her face and she quickly looked away, pretending to look out the window.

Rissterus really needs to get better at making up stories if we're going to be going to inns.

She composed herself and looked back at the innkeeper and Rissterus. Rissterus had just payed and the innkeeper was coming around the counter to lead them upstairs. She silently followed, allowing a smile onto her face since Rissterus and the innkeeper were ahead of her.

She glanced at Oswin who met her gaze and saw his eyes danced with merriment, though his face betrayed nothing. Her smile widened as she continued up the stairs.
Her smile faded when Rissterus asked for three middle rooms.
Why? Then Rissterus' voice echoed inside her head. Her smile disappeared completely.

"We're being tracked, and Oswin isn't helping us stay hidden."

He's afraid of... them, she thought, unsure of who was tracking them. Elyiravëra suddenly longed to lie down and rest. Her weariness was beginning to return, now that she started thinking about it, and her legs began to get tired. She put a hand on the wall for support while the innkeeper handed the keys to Rissterus.

At least we'll get to lock our doors...

[Oswin]

Oswin was laughing at Rissterus' words inwardly, but he remained composed on the outside. He didn't realize that technically Rissterus was lying, otherwise he would've condemned it as a shameful sin. On the way up the stairs, Elyira looked at him with a smile, her eyes laughing. Oswin allowed himself to grin back.

It's good to have something to laugh about, Oswin thought, thinking of how they had all been so miserable of late. Oswin pondered Rissterus' actions about the room, but couldn't reach a conclusion about why he wanted middle rooms.
Perhaps it's just an odd character trait of his.

The innkeeper handed them all their respective keys and headed back downstairs.

"Well, I for one am worn out. I believe I will turn in," Oswin stated, heading for his room which was opposite Rissterus'.

"And forfeit dinner? I assumed you'd enjoy that part of the evening," Rissterus asked with a hint of amusement.

Oswin scowled at him and opened his door.
"Wake me in the morning," he said, and closed the door behind him.

It was a small room. There was a bed to his right, placed in the corner, and a small bedside table, then the door, a small closet to his left, a dresser next to that on the left wall, a window with a view of the stables, and then a chair, and a wash basin.
Oswin let his pack tumble onto the floor next to his bed and went to the wash basin to wash up. He splashed cold water on his face and washed his hands, then changed into a fresh tunic and dried his hair - still damp from the day's rain.

After all that, he went to his bed and pulled the covers off to inspect the sheets beneath. They seemed in tolerable condition, so he replaced the blanket and then sat down on it. He beat the pillow a couple times, then removed his sandals, and climbed into bed.

[Elyiravëra]

Elyiravëra watched Oswin enter his room, then turned to hers, which was to the left of Oswin's.
"Goodnight," she said to Rissterus, then disappeared inside her room, closing the door behind her.
She looked around her room - which matched Oswin's - and then set her pack on the dresser. After lighting a three candles on a single stand, she opened her pack up and got out a pair of dry clothes she could wear to bed. After changing and washing up - which she hadn't been able to do for a couple days - and then looked out the window. She could se part of the stable, and part of the road. Mostly her view consisted of the forest. Elyiravëra returned to her pack and withdrew her harp. She sat down on her bed and began to brush her hand against the strings. The sound comforted, reminded her of home. She gradually started playing a song, but she didn't really feel like singing the words.

Finally she tossed the harp down on her pillow and got up. As odd as it seemed, she didn't feel like sleeping. She took her candle-stick quietly opened her door and stepped out into the empty hall. As it was still early/mid evening the candles were still lit, casting shadows on the hallway. She went to Oswin's room and knocked.

"Oswin, it's me, Elyira," she whispered.

[Oswin]

Oswin was about to fall into a deep slumber when he awoke with a start. He thought at first that he was back at the Priest Cathedral and there was someone pounding on the gate, asking to be let in. He then realized he was back in the inn and someone was knocking lightly at his door.

"Oswin, it's me, Elyira."

Oswin pulled back on the blanket and got out of bed, reaching for the key on his bedside table. He tiredly unlocked the door and opened it, ushering the Elf in.

"What is it?" He asked kindly, motioning for her to sit down with him on the bed.

[Elyiravëra]

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you... I just wanted to talk to you."
Elyiravëra set the candles down on his nightstand and sat down.
"Do you remember how shortly after we started on this journey, we stopped in that meadow, and then Rissterus left and I went after him?" She looked down, wondering if Rissterus wanted her to tell Oswin.

Probably not...

She continued, despite the fact. "Well, Rissterus said something that's been bothering me lately. He said that, well..." she paused, then finished. "He said that we were being tracked." She looked Oswin in the eye, trying to read his reaction. "He didn't tell me who or why, he just said that we were being tracked..."

[Oswin]

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you... I just wanted to talk to you."

"Oh, no, no," Oswin replied as she came in. "What is it?" He asked kindly, motioning for her to sit down with him on the bed.

Oswin sat down with her on the bed, tucking his feet under the blanket to keep them from the cold.

"Do you remember how shortly after we started on this journey, we stopped in that meadow, and then Rissterus left and I went after him?"

"Aye..." Oswin said,an edge of apprehension creeping into his voice. He waiting for her to continue.

"Well, Rissterus said something that's been bothering me lately. He said that, well... ... He said that we were being tracked."

Oswin leaned back, trying to understand what she had just told him.

"He didn't tell me who or why, he just said that we were being tracked..."

"What... how... what did he mean?" He stuttered.
Tracked? By whom? What is really going on??

[Elyiravëra]

"What... how... what did he mean?"

Elyiravëra looked down again. "I don't know! That's why it's been bothering me."
She looked out the window and then back at Oswin.
"I've been meaning to ask him, but I haven't gotten the chance."

[Oswin]

Oswin looked up at the ceiling, letting these new facts sink in.
"This just doesn't make sense. Who would be tracking us? And why??"
It wasn't till just then that Oswin realized how little they knew of Rissterus.
What else hasn't he told us? Or me, at least. He told Elyira apparently...

[Elyiravëra]

"I don't know," Elyiravëra stated in frustration. "I just don't understand. And since you don't either, I doubt we'll figure anything plausible out." She looked out once more, noting how Oswin had a better view of the stables then she. There looked to be horses in them, and she realized that the innkeeper wouldn't just live here without any means of transportation.
I wonder if he would sell them? She didn't find the thought of continuing on foot very agreeable. She also noted how brightly the moon was shining. She looked over at Oswin, suddenly aware of him looking at her. Then she realized he must've said something.
Amazing how thoughts change so quickly...

"I'm sorry, I'm tired... What did you say?"