Secret Ambition

[shota]

Brianna leaned against the bar, her ample chest hanging precariously within her tight bodice as she tried to coax another customer into returning.
"Well, gees, Bart, what does that other place got that we ain't got?" she asked as she rested her chin on her hand, staring into the drunk's wandering eyes. She stood up, arching her back and picking up a dirty mug. "We've got the booz and girls and games. The other place in town ain't even got the games! Plus. . .I'd like to see you come in here more often." With a slight smile the barely showed teeth, Brianna winked and slide down the bar as she attended the other customers.

She sighed as she shut the door behind the last man, nearly shoving him from the building. She leaned against the hard, splintered wood, her hand coming up to her face as she wiped the dirty imprint from her cheek. She let the tears fall softly as she wiped the memory of that disgusting form of a man, taking her in his arms and kissing her, away. At the sounds of footsteps on the stairs, she wiped her tears away and moved back to the bar, cleaning and preparing for bed. Her father walked into the main lobby, a mug of ale in his hand and a girl in his arm.
"Don't forget the cows tonight, dearie," he said as he walked off into his private chambers, the ugly, fat woman giggling her deep laugh as they went. Brianna fought to hold in her frustration as she finished with the dishes and went to her task of rearranging the room. When everything was done inside, she moved out the back door to where they held their livestock, making sure to take her wooden stave with her. Some men had hung around until she came out. She liked to give them a little surprise if they tried anything. Once outside, Brianna herded the cows and other animals into their pens for the night, then leaned against a fence over-looking the road below. She closed her eyes and softly began to sing a sweet lullaby she had heard her father sing once when she was a child, filling her mind with dreams of adventure and other places beyond imagining.

[Everett]

Everett sat within the brush waiting for the night. It was the first time he had returned to his homeland in many long years. He refused to travel during the day in fear of recognition. The elf would prefer it if his return went mostly unnoticed. It was beginning to get dark which meant it would be safe to travel. He poked his head out of the forest and looked left and right. Traveling during the night was suspicious enough, but hiding within the forest till night was even more. He judged it safe to appear; he nonchalantly sidestepped out of the forest onto the road and began his long trot.

It took a matter of minutes for the bar to appear within his vision. He was entering a more populated region compared to the endless sea of trees. He would not even admit it to himself but he was somewhat nervous to return despite not being even near to his home region. He quickly ran his hand through his hair while letting out a sigh. There was no denying his nerves, but he reassured himself. It would be nearly impossible for him to be recognized, he lived on the nearly opposite side of the Empire.
It was then the nostalgia began to kick him. The size of his home, the nearly perfect weather and then of course his parents and siblings. The near happy look on his face turned into a stern one. He brought back memories best left alone. It was Brianna's lullaby that distracted him from his train of thought. He turned to look at the woman and slightly smiled.

[shota]

Brianna opened her eyes and looked down into the street to see someone smiling at her. She stood up stiffly, looking around. People weren't normally walking around at that time of night and she was getting nervous.
"Can I help you?" she said politely as she took a casual step closer to the tavern. The elf could be dangerous, and she wasn't in the mood to be too open with strangers she finds smiling at her. Although, his face was kind and he seemed to be puzzled. "Are you alright?"

[Everett]

It had been a quick smile, the elf was simply trying to be friendly for once in his life. He stopped walking, and moved his hand to rub his neck. This somehow became incredibly awkward he thought to himself as the woman seemed ready to run. He looked left and then right before speaking. "No, but thank you." Everett responded slowly looking up wards to stare at the sky. " Yes I am alright but thank you again." Granted his shoulder was still hurting but that wasn't obvious. Aside from that he felt find, he also thought he looked to be in clean condition or at least sane. He continued to walk a few more steps until he stopped dead in his tracks. "Actually... You wouldn't happen to have a horse for sale?"

[shota]

Brianna smiled warmly at the elf. He wasn't so threatening.
"I'm sorry," she said as she shook her head, her hair twirling about her shoulders. "We don't sell the animals. There's a stable just outside of town. It's about a twenty minute walk, though. It's late. If you want, you can book a room here for the night." She took a step towards him, smiling. "My name's Brianna." She looked at him. He seemed nice. She wondered if he could be the one to take her to see the world. But she would wait. She would not run off with anyone.

[Everett]

Everett continued to rub his neck as he thought. Traveling during the day could be dangerous but he hadn't gotten a good nights sleep in months. The shrugged his shoulders. "Oh well, but a room would be appreciated." He reached to wards his belt to grab his pouch full of gold coins. The elf grabbed a number and began to twirl them within his fingers. The plan had been decided. He would spend the night in the inn; wake up in the morning as soon as possible and head to wards the stable. He would make up much more land and time on a horse. "My name is Everett." The elf half bowed, it was a habit. One that seemed to not die easily. Yet it had its use, most of the time as a mocking introduction to his enemies but it was not this time.

[sheroknight]

Kira wandered through the cold and vacant streets with Kyra by her side. There didn't seem to be too many places open, but there did appear to be some elves outside. As Kira approached Kyra began to growl at the man standing in the road. "Shush Kyra, he isn't doing anything." Kira said patting Kyra on the head. "Miss, do you know where I can find a room? I gots monies." Said Kira with her read curls and innocient 10 year old eyes.

[shota]

Brianna smiled warmly at Everett, growing more comfortable.
"It's only one gold piece a night," she said as he looked into his eyes. She turned at the sound of a little girl's voice. "Well, hello, sweetie. I've got plenty of rooms here, if you want to stay, your friend there too." She smiled at both the little girl and the man. It was turning into quite the night. "If you two would follow me, I'll lead you to your rooms." Brianna, led them through the back door, since she had locked the front, and into the main lounge. "There are plenty of rooms up stairs. Numbers one and three are recently cleaned so you may have those. Breakfast is at seven. And sweetie, the only thing I'll charge you is this: you help me curl my hair in the morning?"

[Everett]

Everett looked down at the girl and then to her wolf. He smirked as they momentarily stared each other. The girl seemed to have total control over it. The elf felt sympathy for the little girl. There were few things that touched the arrogant man like somebody in need. She shouldn't have been traveling alone. "Where are your parents?" He asked into her ear half crouching as they followed. He slipped all but two gold coins back into his pouch as he was about to pay for the girl's room. It came to his relief when Brianna said she would piratically give her the room for free. He should of expected it, as most elves where not cruel.The second he walked into the room the elf studied the buildings interior. It was simple, not too shabby. Everett hadn't expected anymore or any less. " Here you go." He tossed his quarter at Brianna.

[shota]

Brianna smiled at Everett as she caught the coin. With a slight curtsy, she slipped the coin down her blouse and moved to the little girl.
"Sweetie, it's late. You should head upstairs and go to bed," she said with a smile as she handed the little girl a loaf of bread. "I'll wake you in the morning. Everett? Care for a drink?"

[sheroknight]

Kira smiled happily at Brianna and turned to Everett, "I have a mommy and daddy, but I'm trying to find some friends of mine, they are really important to me." Kira said, as she paused for a second her little finger on her lip as she thought, "Have you seen a guy riding a white dragon? He could shoot fire!" She asked happily.

[shota]

Brianna smiled down at the girl, shaking her head.
"I'm sorry, but I haven't seen a dragon before," she said as she moved behind the bar, pouring two large drinks. "But I'll keep an eye out for him tonight. Okay? And if I see him, I'll make sure to tell you." She smiled and leaned against the bar, smiling at the two guests. Well, three.

[Everett]

Everett scratched his chin, quietly thinking to himself. " A drink wouldn't hurt." He said, sitting down on the closest chair. The elf turned to look at Brianna, he opened the palm of his hand in it he held a couple of gold coins. "How much?" He asked grinning as he simultaneously listened to the girl's question. "Fire huh?" The elf quietly said to himself. So there were of them out there, somehow he thought this would not bode well for the rest of the world. "I'm afraid to say I have not.... But if I ever do I'll mention you to them." He looked down at the floor as he thought. "Why aren't you with your parents then?" He felt as if he had the obligation to help the girl, he had a soft spot in his heart for children. The only one soft spot he would ever admit to having.

[sheroknight]

Kira happily took her bread and looked down at Kyra. "Mam, can I have a bit of meat for Kyra please, she doesn't really like bread." Kira asked. "Aww... ok then, but if you do see him you have to tell me right away!" Kira said to them both wagging her finger at them like all the adults used to to her when she was in trouble. Kira's expression softened and she looked at the ground, "I'm not with my parents because they aren't my real ones, my real ones were killed long ago, and Shero saved me so I'm looking for him cause he's in trouble and needs my help." she said with a sniffle.

[Fayr]

Lyo brushed his smooth brown hair out of his eyes as he walked through the forest. His bright green eyes looking around inquisitively as he walked the forest floor. He did this from time to time just taking little brakes and exploring the forest and to feel the peace. His smile turned into a confused frown. He didn't know he had traveled so close to people. He looked upon his attire and sighed. He was wearing brown leggings and a simple white tunic and a small dirk strapped to his side.

As Lyo was about to turn and go deeper in he realized he was a lot thirstier than he thought. With a sigh he brushed down his hair and headed out to find the people had already walked inside. He frowned but perked up again as he noticed the tavern. With a light skip to his step he walked over to it and knocked three consecutive taps to draw the attention of anyone present.

[shota]

Brianna smiled at the little girl, moving behind the counter to rummage through what there was.
"Here you are, sweetie," she said, handing the girl a small piece of dried meat. "It's all I have, I'm afraid. And, Everett, the drink is free with the room." She smiled at him again, then frowned at the sound of a light knock on the door. She curtsied to her guests, then turned and hurried to the door. Slowly, she opened the slide in the middle of the door, looking through. "Who is it? It's late to be walking about this area. What is it you want, kind sir?"

[Everett]

Everett looked down at the girl and frowned. So basically her two friends were more parents to her than her adoptive parents. The elf ran a hand through his hair. "You're so generous." He said with half sarcasm. "Well then the first thing I will do is mention you to them." The elf then smiled. " How do you know he needs help?" His eyes then moved from the little girl, to Brianna and then to the door. He watched cautiously, it was rare to see a traveler approach a tavern at this time. Granted he did, or at least sort of. Either way he was prepared for trouble. He moved around on his seat trying to get a good view of the traveler. To his disappointment he could not. "You really should be getting to sleep." He said turning his attention back to the little girl.

[sheroknight]

Kira pouted but nodded. "He's in trouble cause I saw him fly buy, and Flamie was hurt and they didn't stop to see me like they said they would." she said as she turned around and shuffled her way upstairs to find her room. As Kyra passed Everett, she growled and proceeded to follow her diminutive master.

[shota]

Brianna looked over her shoulder at the growl and smiled at Everett, winking. She turned back to the man outside, trying to get a good view of him. Alas, she could not.
"Sir? Do you have any weapons? If you do, you will have to surrender them until you leave in the morrow. Is that understood?" She was not exactly intimidating, but she could be demanding if need be. She didn't like weapons being used in her tavern.

[Fayr]

Lyo looked at the face between the slide and smiled warmly with his green eyes shining happily. She looked like she had a pretty face and didn't seem to be mean so he tipped an imaginary hat in her way. "I am Lyo mam and I was hoping for a drink and some food since I haven't had some in hours, and yes I have a dirk I will gladly part with." Lyo smiled still as his hand went down and undid his weapon strap and he held it up for her to see. When he swallowed again Lyo licked his lips in hunger. He had a hard day of training then went out for a long walk and he could really use some refreshments.