RP:An Unlikely Lesson

From HollowWiki

Kelay Tavern

Built and rebuilt, torn apart and set like stubborn bone, this tavern is the pinnacle of Hollow's entirety, wrought around the premise of peace, equality, and consummate amity. And of course, the old place had seen all of the three, but so much more. Dire markings of claw and steel cut deep into wall panels and floorboards. Set against the land's usual motif of destruction are signs of comfort. Twisting shadows and smoothing out a careful blanket of light with soft, quaint fires, a candelabra dangles down by thick cords, gripping the circular holder. Each twists up, converging upon the center, where they snake about one another and form a thick, secure anchor to Kelay Tavern's high, accommodating ceiling. The candelabra rattle now and again from the inn patrons overhead, pouring down globs of wax to the center of the room, which is wide and unobstructed. Cheaply carpentered tables and chairs grow outward around the bare dancing area, keeping to the rounded theme, and also keeping to a dwarven barkeep's avariciously born taste for 'economical' furniture. Hardly any expense has been wasted on the actual upkeep of the public center though, as can be garnered from the smell of deep pine, rich tobacco, and even richer spirits. Stairs twist away dimly near the high bar. And atop that side rests the inn logs, quill, and ink. This establishment's fine keeper, Mesthak, can be seen smiling out from his post at the bar, straight across to the room's always crackling stone-wrought hearth. Behind him, atop lofty shelves, sits an array of dark, amber, and clear liquids. Food smells waft from somewhere near at hand. A carefully printed and hung sign details the purchasable items here in the place of merriment, loss, laughter, and life. Also, tucked into a corner near one of two windows closest to the tavern doorway is a thickly papered bulletin board. A sign has been added next to the board that reads, 'The management requires patrons be fully inebriated at all times and that no curing spells be performed in this tavern-Thank you'.




Beatrix entered the faux cheerfulness echoing throughout the famous tavern, inebriation has its charms she though as a chuckle escaped her lips. She walked carefully to the bar, avoiding the gaze of anyone she passed. She sat on a scuffed wooden stool and ordered a stiff drink. She really did need it.


Nowfaleena swivled her ears towards the sound of someone entering. Her tail flicked behind her, her eyes remaining focused on the drink before her as she slid that vivid green gaze open. She lifted her drink, sipping from it gingerly before resting the tumbler back on the counter. A sideways glance drifted towards the vampire, though she didn't yet know the woman's race.


Beatrix drank all her drink in a few large gulps as soon as it was placed in front of her by the bar keep. It made her shudder, but that was soon replaced by the warm silky smooth feeling that one knows can only come from good alcohol. Ordering another drink she looked around her. A stool away from her stood a feline, Her tan fur looked silkily soft in the dull glow of the taverns over head light. She couldn't really see much else of the creature, her face was covered by a lush helping of brown hair. uniterested, beatrix set greedy grey eyes on her fresh drink.


Nowfaleena shifted her gaze away from the vampire as the other's eyes turned toward her. She tilted her head back, draining the remainder of her whiskey before setting the glass down with a thunk on the counter. Claws tapped idly upon the glass of the tumbler, a soft tinkling sound resulting. Her face turned now to the woman who sat nearby, regarding her carefully. She could invite this woman to join her clan. Of course, not knowing her race, it didn't occur to the caracal that the stranger was vampiric, and therrefore not a welcome sort of company, "Hello." She gave a small nod of greeting to accompany her words.


Beatrix turned again to the feline, who was now looking at her. Her eyes, an unnatural luminescent shade of green didn't portray any ulterior motive so Beatrix smiled. "Hi" She answered simply, before taking a large gulp of her drink.


Nowfaleena didn't detect any threat from the stranger. Of course, she hadn't checked for fangs when the woman spoke to her, she probably should have. "Are you new in the land?" She questioned, turning her attention to a newly arrived refill of her own whiskey, though she was clearly addressing the vampire. She hadn't seen her around before, so she was willing to assume she was a new arrival to the realm.


Beatrix shook her head as she drank the last drops of her drink. Her head was definately getting a little fuzzy. "No, I don't really come to the tavern, or Kelay for that matter" Ordered yet another drink, this time an ale, she liked to have a relatively clear head when surrounded by so many people.


Nowfaleena gave a small nod. She tended to favor the Kelay and Cenril area. That was probably why she hadn't seen this woman before, "Ah, I see." She canted her head, twitching her ears, "Where do you frequent then?" She may not like the answer to this question, but she had already asked it. So it as too late to take it back.


Beatrix was unsure whether to lie. Lately revealing her vampirism hadn't brought about the best of reactions. It wasn't as if she had chosen this life, in fact she hated it. But the feline seemed genuinely friendly and after so long keeping out of the way she craved friendship. "Vailkrin" She said quietly, taking a gulp of ale for courage in preparation of her reaction.


Nowfaleena frowned slightly, "Oh." She murmured. She had her reasons for hating vampires, and had no way of knowing whether the woman had been turned voluntarily. She turned back to her drink, taking a sip. She didn't care how rude it seemed to suddenly fall silent.


Beatrix was surprised at her response, she'd expected anger, hatred. Or, maybe that was coming? A trick? "Yes, I'm a vampire" She relented. Knowing that mention Vailkrin as her haunt had given her away anyway. "But I'm not bad" She almost whispered, turning to look into her drink.


Nowfaleena huffed at the words spoken by the vampire, "Not bad?" The words came out as a growl, "Not possible..." Her nose wrinkled in disdain, "You're a bloodsucker, a leech." She turned her face to the vampire, "Vampires ruin good lives."


Beatrix turns back to the feline. "Yes they do" She agreed. "Mine for one" Stood, her 4 ft 11 frame anything but menacing. "You know, vampires are people too, yes there are a lot of evil ones" She said, anger bubbling under her skin. She wasn't a fan of vampires, even though she was technically on herself, but she was so angry that strangers would judge her by something that she hadn't chosen. "I didn't ask to be sired, it was against my will as I saw my parents in a bloodied heap on the floor of our home. I try everyday to be something different. I haven't killed in many years, and I only use the blood of willing donors!" If vampires could cry, Beatrix wouldn't have been able to see through the angry tears that would have surely been running down her face.


Nowfaleena blinked at the words hurled at her by the vampire. She turned away, closing her eyes. She wasn't one for apologies, so she worked her way around it, "Then they have made you suffer too." She wouldn't allow tears to form in her own eyes, no, she wasn't going to cry. "They stole my former mate from me....he was sired, went mad, and was slain." It wasn't information she usually shared with strangers, but it was something this woman deserved to know.


Beatrix looked the feline in the eye. "I'm so sorry" She whispered. "I wish that Vampires never came to be on this planet, no had never came to be at all"


Nowfaleena closed her eyes, ears drooping, tail hanging limp behind her as she sat on the stool, "So do I..." She drew a breath and looked at the vampire, "I suppose I should not judge so readily."


Beatrix shook her head slowly. "No, If I were you I'd have done the same, especially after what has happened to you" . Beatrix let a faint smile grow on her lips. "I must go, but before I do, can I ask your name?" She asked carefully.


Nowfaleena looked to the vampiress, "Nowfaleena." She replied, "And you are?"


Beatrix liked the name, it was unusual. "Beatrix" She answered, her voice now soft. Having lost its anger inspired edge. "It's was strangely nice meeting you Nowfaleena, good bye" She now looked upon Nowfaleena with another smile, this time tinged with sadness before almost vanishing with only a ruffling of papers and dust as evidence that she'd ever existed at all.


Nowfaleena gave a nod, "Nice meeting you as well." She replied, and it was oddly true. Then the vampire was gone, and the caracal was alone.