The Wobbly Goblet Playground Options

[King Coin]

Aravi watched Kayla go. She finished her dessert and pushed the plate away. She stood up and stretched, her back cracked. She placed enough coins on the counter for her meal and a little extra. She made her way up the stairs where she ran into Hethilion outside one of the rooms.

“Could you come to my room and fill my bath for me? When you are done here of course.”

“I’ll be right with you,” he replied tiredly.

“Thanks.”

Aravi went into her room and lay down on the bed.

She woke with a start to the sound of Hethilion’s voice. “Would you prefer a bath in the morning?”

She almost said yes, but she remembered she had things to do in the morning. “No fill it for me please. I promise not to fall asleep in it. Do you have any oils?”

“I’ll bring you some.”

He began the process of filling the tub with his magic. Steam filled the room. When he was done he said, “I will be right back.”

“Thank you.”

While he was out she removed her armor and wrapped a blanket about herself. He knocked before coming in, poured in the oil, and then left again. Aravi dropped the blanket and locked the door after he left. Then she settled into the luxurious bath. The oil was scented like flowers. She scrubbed the dirt out of her fur and then soaked the pains out of her muscles and joints. When she was done her fur was soft and smelled of the oils. She dried herself off and crawled under the covers of her bed without dressing.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla got up and checked her pack. She counted six cure disease vials, each correctly labeled. Five of her strongest healing potions; two to brush onto surface wounds, and three to drink in case on internal damage. Two potions to increase her stamina and one in case she ran out of magick. She sighed and checked her ingredients. Just foodstuffs. She groaned in frustration. This wouldn't do.

She climbed back into bed and fell into an uneasy sleep.

[Grits]

Abiene

“I’m glad I was able to help,” said Abiene. She briefly pressed Irvana’s hand between her own. “Often a trauma like the one you have experienced brings up memories that you thought were long buried. You mentioned that you had been attacked before. If you find yourself becoming upset again, seek me out in my chamber. I know spells that ease the mind and settle the nerves, even bring on a peaceful sleep. But for now I think you have the right idea. Drink the broth and have some heartier food if you can manage it. That will help to strengthen your blood.”

She smiled at Irvana as she moved to the door. “I will say goodnight, Irvana. I’ll see you in the morning.”

[Grits]

Auguste

Auguste looked around the tavern. Most of their guests had gone to their rooms for the night. Only Theudebald remained at the bar with Tooth and Laegon.

He caught Stefania’s eye. “Go on up to bed,” he told her. “I can hear Yetta banking the kitchen fires for the night. See you in the morning.”

Stefania sent one last look at the bard as she moved toward the stairs.

Auguste shook his head. Be careful what you wish for.

[Darkness Eternal]

Irvana nodded in acknowledgement when Abiene explained she could also heal the mind. That an attack such as this could bring up painful memories long dormant within her mind. Irvana knew this, but she didn't tell Abiene so. No matter what spells would be used, nothing would give Irvana a true peaceful sleep. She hadn't had a goodnight in ages, and this recent attack would surely provoke more nightmares.

With the information within my mind, one would be overwhelmed by the flood of endless memories.

She still sat there even after Abiene left for the door, and offered a smile to her. Broth and a stronger meal would help strengthen her blood. Like many of the others, she would call it a night and retreat into bed after a long day.

Irvana smiled back at Abiene. "You have served me well. Goodnight, Abiene."

And after Abiene departed for her own chamber did Irvana rise to her feet and with nimble steps made her way to the bath. After a few minutes of washing her cold body thoroughly from head to toe, did she dry herself and prepared for the night after Hethilion left her with the broth. She headed to the entrance door. There she listened as the tavern became somewhat more silent. Everyone left for their chambers to prepare for the day and Irvana anticipated the morning to come in which the vampire hunter and her allies would leave to strike a blow to the nocturnal parasites once and for all. She anticipated it, but she was patient. Ever so patient.

Their time will come soon enough, Irvana told herself.

In the hallway, Irvana listened and looked but she didn't make a step from the safety of her own room. Leaving her swords inside, she appeared nothing but a common young woman of nobility. Defenseless and unable to hold her own. Thus she remained there with her head peeked out of the room she was given for free.

Footsteps grew louder and Irvana craned her head to the side to see a young Imperial girl rising from the steps and making her way toward her. Irvana swore she saw this girl serving food earlier before her attention was captured by her rather frightening entrance.

The girl's hair was down for bed and set behind her red velvet clothes; and her face was written with sleepiness and eagerness to leave the first floor behind with a pout to make it stronger. This gave her a warm radiance and made her lively brown eyes seem large. Even in the clothes she had covering her body, her face and breasts were round and soft; and she struck Irvana as an innocent and intriguing soul clothed in fine attire and flesh.

The servant girl seemed eager to go to bed, and hurried as she swiftly rushed to the ladder leading to the attic until she spotted Irvana looked through the door. She gasped.

"Oh! Hey, are you okay?" the girl inquired. "I saw what happened. I'm glad you're safe with us."

Irvana looked around, and gently pushed the door a bit further. She didn't answer the girl right away.

Stefania squinted her eyes. "Why aren't you asleep?"

Irvana opened the door a bit more, and stepped out. The girl seemed pleasently surprised to see her wound had been cleaned and she was refreshed and enchanting as ever. Irvana rubbed the back of her head and fixed her black hair. "I can't sleep. I'm not very tired."

Stefania sighed. "You can try to sleep. Drink some of the special wine, it will knock you right out. I'm sure someone could help you out downstairs. As for myself I am very sleepy."

"You had a long day." Irvana didn't make this a question.

"Yes," Stefania said. "Now I get to rest it off in some dark and dirty attic."

Irvana's eyes brightened. A smile slowly crept on the side of her face with a hint of what could be a disgusted expression. "You sleep in an attic?"

Stefania nodded.

Irvana walked up to Stefania and looked at the ladder leading to the room above. "With a place as fancy and welcoming as this I couldn't imagine the staff would be given such unpleasant sleeping quarters. I'd imagine finer arrangements. You know-"

Stefania waited.

"I could share my room with you. It doesn't have a window, I'm afraid but there is wonderfully large bath you can use and a grand bed! You wouldn't have to rest in that repugnant attic."

Stefania thought about it. When she took too long, Irvana took a step closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. Their eyes met and remained locked in a prolonged stare. "I'm afraid of spending the night by myself. I just want someone in the room with me for the night. Just to keep me company. There are no insects there. I checked, trust me."

The offer and request made its way to Stefania's mind. She furrowed her brow. Irvana gently squeezed her shoulder and Stefania looked to the atttic door and then to the lightly lit room that Irvana had been in.

"I'll spend the night." Stefania said. "Hethilion almost never took care of the attic anyway."

Irvana's face lit up with a friendly smile.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: May 26 2013, 03:28 PM

[Grits]

Abiene

Laegon’s voice drifted up from the tavern as Abiene crossed the hall to her chamber. She wondered if Kayla had summoned the nerve to talk to him. A dance on the sheets could start with a smile across the bar, but there were at least a few steps to be taken in between.

Jerric would tease about playing his flute, she thought. A wistful smile drifted across her face.

In her chamber Hethilion had placed everything at hand. Abiene rinsed out some underclothes and hung them to dry before the fire. Then she slipped into the bath with a sigh. Tea and strawberries could wait.

She woke to silence, her skin chilled by the now cool water. Her Weatherward ring warmed her as she toweled off and arranged her hair to dry over the pillows. If she slept peacefully her curls would not be fuzzy in the morning.

Sleep returned easily. One thought passed through her mind as she drifted off. Drat. I forgot to ward the door.

[Grits]

Yetta

Sunlight streamed through the windows as Yetta bustled about her kitchen.

Lowren and Lleris sat at the end of her long worktable, guzzling kahve and devouring their porridge.

Hethilion bent over a sheet of parchment making the morning’s Bill of Fare.

“Tea, kahve, and soft cider will be on the bar as usual,” she told him. “The Nibenese Breakfast will be sweetrolls, fresh berries, and toast. The Full Colovian is three eggs, griddle cakes, bacon, tomatoes, and home-fried potatoes. That means with onions and mushrooms.” She peeked into the oven at the sweetrolls. Perfect.

“No corn porridge?” asked the Altmer.

“Not unless we’re having sausage. So I can make the gravy. Today is bacon.” Yetta rolled her eyes. All of those brains and he can’t keep track of breakfast.

“I want the Full Colovian,” said Lleris.

Hethilion didn’t look up as he answered. “Quit your job, walk out the back door, and then come in the front. Then you can order it like the rest of the guests. But the orc will want to see your gold first, boy.”

The Nord raised her spoon at Lleris, laughing. “I’ll give you the Full Haafingar in a minute, elf. Now finish up and get those plates and mugs out to the bar!”

[Saquira]

Fedura rose from the bed a few minutes after she'd laid down upon it, her paranoid mind not allowing her to rest before precautions had been made to make sure that no one entered her room unseen. First she stood a few moments at the door, listening for anything that was out of sorts before locking it and taking up a pitcher that stood on the small table in the room. It was empty, but made of metal, and would make a lot of noise. Since the door opened inward, she placed the pitcher by its base, close enough that opening the door only enough to get a hand through would cause it to fall.

Next she walked to the windowsill where a flowerpot had been placed. The window was locked by a simple hasp, and merely looking at it Fedura could tell that it would not be hard to pry it open. She frowned for a minute, then fetched a piece of string from her pack, tying it to the handle on the window and putting it around the pot before attaching the other end as well to the handle. As easy as she slept, the Dunmer doubted someone could unlock the door or window and enter without her waking, even without the precautions. But she liked to be certain, and paranoia had served her well so far.

Satisfied that the room was somewhat secure at last, the woman began to undress, folding her armour and clothes as she put them at the foot-end of the bed. She carefully arranged her weapons so that the knife lay out of sight beneath the pillow, the sword next to the bed in a spot where she could reach it easily, and the bow and arrows she trapped beneath the bag. She did not want her weapons to be used against her, should it come to that.

Last precautions out of the way, Fedura finally slipped underneath the covers of the bed and allowed sleep to take her.

* * *

She woke again just as the first rays of the sun filtered in through her window, and in a moment she was fully awake, cautiously exiting her bed to make sure that everything was as she'd left it last night. A quick examination revealed that it was, and she quickly undid all of her security precautions after she'd dressed in clothes and armour. The weapons were securely attached, all but her bow, and then she headed out the door and locked it behind her before she headed down to the main floor of the Public house. It was empty, though she could hear some noise from the kitchen, which she assumed was the staff preparing for the day.

She steered her feet out through the door, into the sunlight, and down to the stables where she found Ceylye happily munching on her morning meal. The Dunmer could not detect the stable-keeper, and was happy for it, as she made her way into the box to say hello to the mare.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla groaned as her internal clock told her to wake up. She sleepily pulled on her clothes and armor, including her still-soggy boots. her lips twitched in slight disgust as the wet crept onto her skin.

She ran her fingers through her hair to brush out the tangles, then washed her face. she sorely regretted not bathing the night before, but bathing now would be a waste. She blinked sleepily as she messily made the bed and strapped her sword to her hip. Once Aravi awoke, she's grab the rest of her things and go, but for now, she'd wait downstairs for her. She slid down the staircase, careful to avoid making the staircase creak and wake anyone up. She looked around and saw she was the first one up.

'That's a first,' she thought to herself. She settled down into a chair, ignoring the gnawing feeling in her stomach. Partially from hunger, the rest from anticipation of the hunt. She'd never gone vampire hunting with a partner before, and she had doubts about the tiny Khajiit's abilities. She flexed her scarred hand, looking at it. 'I probably shouldn't underestimate her.' She thought to herself. She herself was reaching into the lofty ranks of Master in Hand-to-Hand combat, though hardly anyone would guess. Until they looked at her hands. Scarring along the knuckles where the skin had been torn was a dead-giveaway.

She rarely fought with her fists, preferring to use the sword. Ma'Dat never understood that, considering she was better with her fists than a sword. She inwardly shrugged, then sighed, her thoughts turning to the previous night. She chastised herself for not summoning up the courage to talk to Laegon. She sighed again.

'Just as well,' she thought. 'Handsome men are just a distraction.'

[King Coin]

Aravi opened her eyes. She never closed the thick curtains over the window, and the sheer decorative ones didn’t block the sunlight from streaming into her room. Her room must have been on the east side of the building. She yawned and stretched under the covers, spreading and flexing her fingers and toes. She slept unusually well and felt refreshed despite how late it was when she finally turned in. She stood up and went to her window.

The stable was directly below her room, and she saw someone was already there with their horse. It was the Dunmer that entered last night. Aravi didn’t even know her name, they never spoke. Aravi was not afraid of being seen in her unclothed state, the thin curtains would obscure her body from observation despite letting so much light into her room. She watched the Dunmer with mild curiosity for a few moments before turning her attention to the area around the inn. This was the first time she got to see the grounds and unlike most inns she’s been to, these were quite extensive with a number of gardens, outbuildings, and a pond. This place must be able to host quite a number of people. I wonder if there are festivals held here?

With one last look at the stable, she turned back into her room and dressed. Her fur was exceptionally soft and smelled wonderful from the long bath the night before. This was one of her favorite feelings and one of the few luxuries she indulged in. Hethilion had used a generous amount of oil.

She left her armor off and just dressed in a simple shirt and a pair of soft leather pants. She unlocked her door and went into the hall, looking for Abiene’s room. When she found it, she knocked softly. If she was awake, she would hear it, but if she was still asleep, Aravi didn’t want to disturb her.

[Grits]

Abiene

A soft knock sounded at the door. Aravi.

Abiene picked up her small pack and placed it beside the door before she opened it. There was no telling yet what the day might bring, but she doubted that her plans would include lounging at the inn. She was dressed and ready to leave. But hopefully she would get some kahve first.

Aravi stood in the corridor. She smelled faintly of flowers.

Abiene opened the door all the way and stood aside. “Good morning,” she said, smiling. “Would you like to come in?”

[King Coin]

“Would you like to come in?”

“Yes please.” Aravi was a little nervous, but Abiene’s demeanor helped ease the tension she suddenly felt. She must have a lot of experience getting people to open up to her.

She stepped inside and waited for Abiene to close the door.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla's stomach growled as it demanded more attention.

'Godsdamnit.'

She walked up to the bar and looked at the menu. Her mouth watered.

"I'd like the Full Colovian, please." She set her setpims down.

[Grits]

Abiene closed the door. There was a small table in the room with two chairs. She gestured for Aravi to take a seat as she did the same.

Her new friend looked nervous. Abiene guessed that whatever had brought her here from Skyrim must be no small matter.

“We didn’t get to talk much last night, and I wanted you to know what our friends had said about you. Jerric spoke of your speed and skill with your blades. He described your swords so well I should have known you just by seeing them. Darnand told of your knowledge and of your courage when you faced the vampire patriarch, the first time you met. And of course he mentioned how Jerric covered you with the insides of a spider daedra. But Lildereth simply said, ‘I trust her,’ in that quiet way. And as you know from her that is high praise.”

Abiene smoothed her palms over her skirt. “Those three are as dear as family to me. Anyone who helps them and has their friendship also has mine.”

[Grits]

Lleris

Lleris trotted into the bar, a pitcher of kahve in one hand and a jug of cream in the other.

The Altmer guest was standing there. “I'd like the Full Colovian, please,” she said, laying her money down.

“Yes, miss,” said Lleris. He shouted the order over his shoulder at the kitchen. Then he flourished the pitcher. “Kahve? Or there’s soft cider and tea in the pot. You can help yourself. It comes with the breakfast.”

[Elisabeth Hollow]

"Oh, thank you!" Kayla said. She poured herself some tea and blew on it, ten sipped it as she waited for her breakfast.

She drummed her fingers on the bar and began daydreaming.

[Grits]

Lleris

Lleris walked back to the kitchen. Yetta had griddle cakes ready to flip, eggs in the pan, and bacon already on the warmed plate. Perhaps she won’t notice one piece…

He jerked his fingers back as she whirled around, filling the plate from so many angles he thought she must have four arms.

“Come back for the sweetrolls,” she told him.

Lleris gave a quick nod. By Azura, I wish—

“Here, kid.” Yetta folded a griddle cake and stuffed it into his mouth. Lleris’ knees nearly buckled at the buttery tenderness.

Yetta grinned. “Gotta keep your strength up.” She pointed a floury hand at him. “But keep your fingers off the bacon!”

Lleris managed to clear his mouth before he got back to the bar. “Here you go, miss,” he said, sliding the plate a little the way Auguste always did. He gazed up at the tall mer. “Is it true that you’re going to hunt for vampires?”

.

This post has been edited by Grits: May 26 2013, 07:39 PM

[King Coin]

Aravi blushed, though her fur prevented it from being visible to others. She thought anyways.

“Thank you, I wasn’t aware they thought so highly of me. They felt like a family when I was with them, and I was happy for their help. I’d love to see them all again sometime. They all spoke very highly of you as well. Both Jerric and Darnand say you are one of the most skilled in the healing arts.” She also suspected there was more than that, but it wasn’t her place to go into that.

“I trust them and their judgment, so I decided to find you.” She didn’t like discussing this, even to someone as open as Abiene has been. “I… I don’t know if you can help me with this. The damage was done years ago. I’m… infertile, but I was not born this way. It was inflicted upon me in my mid-teens. I would like to be a mother someday.”

She waited for the healer to respond. She hoped Abiene would be able to do something for her.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla glanced down at the food, her mouth watering. she regained her composure and smiled down at the young Dunmer.

"Yeah," she said, before popping a bite into her mouth and chewing quickly. "Gods, this is delicious!" She took another bite and chewed before smiling at him again. She washed it down with some tea.

"I've been doing it for fifteen years. Had a few close calls. But I think I'm alright at what I do. I haven't died or been turned yet." She smiled at him again.

[Grits]

Lleris

Lleris’ eyes flew wide at the thought. Turned? He hadn’t thought of that.

He edged away a little down the bar. “Do you think you’ll be staying here again tonight?” he asked.