RP:Mahri meets Riotka

Hanging Corpse Tavern

This once-timber tavern has been rebuilt in sturdily vitrified blackstone and imbued with powerful protective magics that prevent occult fire and several other potentially harmful spells being cast within its walls. No effort has been spared to make what might otherwise be a bleak interior comfortable. The bar is made of polished stone with an oaken inlay, the space behind filled with a bustle of attractive barmaids, sundry barrels and a dazzling array of coloured bottles that glint in the light cast by a large wrought-iron candelabrum suspended from the ceiling overhead. Here, the one-eyed Steadman stands, ready to take orders for food or drink. Beyond the bar, stout tables are firmly bolted to the floor, though the high-backed chairs are freestanding. The hearth is a true feature, seeming to be cast from black lava into the shape of a colossal, laughing goblin's head, its maw gaping wide and deep, usually containing a merrily crackling fire. A delicious scent of roasting meats drifts in from the kitchens and a winding staircase leads to rooms upstairs. To the south are set cellar doors, usually kept locked unless a special event is taking place. The walls are hung with thick, richly woven tapestries depicting persons and events in the history of Vailkrin and the Vampiric race. There's also a notice-board near the entrance, where one may leave messages. Unobtrusive but ever-present are the security staff, staunch fighters ever ready to toss troublemakers out. Chief among them is Urghdak, a massively built half orc, half-troll who has more scars than green-tinted skin and stands nearly eight feet tall. His yellow eyes are always narrowed, alert for excuses to do his duty. Approach him --or cause trouble-- at your own risk.

You enters the tavern with a smaller thin Vampire in tow. On the slave's back was a large sword nearly as big as he was. He handled it with great care even though it was wrapped in a cloth. Taking great care to always be a step behind his master he trailed Riotka to a vacant spot at the bar. Placing his order the Dragon scans the bar. The hearth caught his eye for a moment. He walked over to the black stone goblin. Stoking the tooth he admires the great skill that must have gone into such a work of art. With a simple hand gester he motioned the Vampire to a table. His drink came shortly there after. Handing Stedman a few coins, Riotka stands with drink in hand his eyes lost in the dance of the flames.

Mahri had been about to say something to the high elf, but the dragon's entrance along with the spindly slave caught her attention momentarily. Watching the pair long enough to be sure neither was going to cause problems, Mahri peers back at the elf, "The past is just that. Great for a few stories around a fire, anything more, and you're doomed to repeat it." Glancing towards the hearth, where dragon and vampire had wandered towards, she warns, "Careful, it bites." At least, it had at one point. There was no telling if the magics that had worked upon the hearth were still in effect, but Mahri still thought she saw the occasional peek of silverware from behind the bar.

You pulls his hand away and takes a step back. Glancing over his shoulder to the source of the voice. Looking back at the hearth again he contemplated her words. His head cants to the side slightly as he tries to establish weather or not she was jesting him or not. Deciding it not best to see, 'goblins were not to be trusted...' ,the words rang threw his head. Turning back to the bar he looks to the group of people. "The past is to learn from. Nothing more." taking a seat at the bar and slamming the contents of his glass quickly. Riotka looked to the barkeep who was already preparing the next drink. "The past is not who we are....we are the choices and decisions we are about to make. Tomorrow is promised to no one."

Mahri 's lips twitch at the dragon's reaction, mirth flickering in her silver gaze. From where she leans at the bar, an amused shake of her head is given, "Philosophy about past or present, even future is not worth giving myself a headache over. Give me the here and now." Once more, the water is lifted to her lips, just enough taken to moisten her tongue.

You chuckles softly for just a moment, "I must agree...the here and now I can handle, the talk of what ifs and what could be is the talk I refuse to tolerate." He stopped and looked into his drink for a moment as if contemplating a good idea. "But what do I know, I trust only in myself and my abilities. I'd prefer simple combat over complex conundrums any day." His voice taking a slight aristocratic tone that rang of confidence.

Mahri was quite intrigued by then, "I agree.." Though, about what might be a bit harder to decide. Finally sliding into the seat next to Riotka, she again offers an intorduction. "Th'name's Mahri." This time, no hand was extended.

You shook her hand firmly. Secretly trying not to crush her hand in his head. "I'm Master Riotka." he said plainly whilst he nodded his head. "Pleasure to meet you." By this time the barkeep had made his way around to Riotka again. The Dragon glances to the barkeep then back. "A drink? And does the hearth really bite?" His tone changes, playfully curious suddenly as his interest are peaked. His hands setting coins on the bars already.

Mahri felt, as well as sensed the strength behind Riotka's grip on her hand. Steadman was quick enough to get the dragon's drink and a fresh glass of water for the lycan before she replied, "Yes, actually. It did at one time." Withdrawing the hand, "I haven't seen it try to take a chunk out of anyone of late though."

You peers back to the hearth again. A slightly disturbing smile visits his face for a moment. Awed in the thought of the mightly stone comeing to life to steal a small goblin with outstretched hands into it's fiery maw. He let the thought pass as he returned to his drink to wet his lips again. "That must have been a site...This land has many things that seeming do with out logic or a scientific reason. Some of the things I've done must seem equally as mystically impressive." he pauses and scratches his neck under the Preklek pendent. He spied her water glass. "Not a choice one sees every day in a tavern." he said, nodding to the drink then looking back to Mahri.

Mahri follows the look given to the hearth, shrugging nonchalantly. "From what I gather, it was a lot more than just the fireplace that came to life. Chairs, silverware, tables..lots of things. All of them vicious." Twisting back around, Mahri looks blankly at the water blinking a moment or two before replying, "Oh. I can't drink..for a while." No other explination would be given at that point. Nope, instead, a glance is given to Riotka's drink, one that spoke of preference, "Trust me, I'd much rather have my usual."

You scans her body up and down shortly. Then the thought comes across that it my be taken as rude to pursue why, she had a pleasing form Riotka thought to himself. Staring back into the glass's contents again. He reevaluated if he knew what a pregnant Lycan looked like. His head now hurting with trying to not show that he did something besides training in the wilderness, and that he could be sociable. Riotka then sighed softly. Pushing his stool slight away from the bar he scanned the tavern again. "I was thinking they bolted the tables down due to them being used in bar fights." he said trying to breach the silence.

Mahri snorts into her glass, eyeing the other side of the bar suspiciously..was that the head of a spoon she saw? Surely not. "You'd be surprised, the things that happen in this town." And all the while, she pretended not to notice the visual inspection. Tucking raven locks behind her ear, a sideways glance is given, a flicker of amusement in the silver gaze.

You returns her smiles, unaware why. "I will say it keeps things interesting. I saw Steadman take a drunken pixie and put her in the cash drawer a while ago." ,looking back to her silvery eyes again. "I must say this are does feel a bit different. Not just the element that resides here but the energy in the air." Pulling his noise back down he reminded himself he was in his human form, and not to stretch out to far and revert forms in the small space. "I guess it's nothing new any more things are stirring every where....." taking a drink from his glass, then added. "And we shall endure it as we have all the others." he said with a sad sigh as he gazed into the F.C. emblem that was embedded on his armor.

Mahri laughed a bit, the smile that results revealing small lines that radiated from the corners of her eyes, and a dimple in her cheek. "Ah..yes. I hope the pixie doesn't rob him blind. My sister wouldn't be too happy with that at all." Glancing towards the door, Mahri licks her lips and draws in a breath before speaking again. "I've a feeling the new changes stem from the meteor's that fell." In fact, the lycan probably knew that as a fact. "Endurance has nothing to do with it. Adaptablity is the key." Sliding from the stool, Steadman is given a cordial nod and her excuses given to Riotka, "I hate to cut this short, but I need to go." Restlessness was evident in the shifting of foot to foot.

You chuckles. "Yes, I understand. It was nice meeting you." he spied her feet for a moment and laughed again a little. "But before you depart, what is your favorite drink?" he smiles one last time and stands up as well. Immediately the frail looking vampire picks up the covered sword and comes to his master's side.

Mahri 's brow furrows at the question. "Vodka." taking the opportunity presented, the lycan makes her way to and then out, the door.