Hooded man

[Elisha]

From the north came a man who seemed to be well accustomed to his cape that hung by shoulder straps. The cape held a hood to cover the top of his head, nearly hiding his eyes with the shadows of the beginning of the night. A gentle smile moved to his lips as he finally finished through the wall of trees.

Elisha wasn't one for paths, not so much... Yet today was a day for change. Much later then originally expected when it came to travel and arrival. The hooded man came to what seemed to be a town, finally a place to rest. He was tired of sleeping up in the trees for some rest and peace.

Lips were moistened as those sky blue eyes seemed to land upon an Inn, a place to rest, a place for peace. Why was he brought here of all places? One never knew, but Elisha was sure to find out.

The closer he got, the wider his smile went and as he came to the building, he reached out and tried the door. Seeing that it was open he moved in. Eyes took in the establishment and a deep breath was taken. Was it simply taking in a place or was it something more? Pulling back the cloak as he moved close to the bar, staying silent until he had found a Tender (Or a bar wench), simply in search of food, drink and a place to stay.

[De'Ryanna Aybara]

What was she doing here when her usual place was behind the reception desk? There wasn't any rule about staying out of the kitchen and, just maybe, she had been in there for a reason. De'Ryanna hardly did anything without a purpose.

A moment or so after the man arrived at the bar was when she came out of the kitchen: Silver-grey skirt and white blouse as the attire for the evening. Held in her hands was a cup of hot tea, the steam rising upwards. Out of the door she gave a turn and saw the man standing there.

People did come at all hours didn't they?

He looked pleseant, was wearing a smile. Though, as she knew, smiles could often be deceiving. Her voice was steady and light, the cup she placed down on the bar. "Good evening. Welcome to Tel'Ranaemyn. How may I be of service?"

Finishing off her question with a smile of her own.

[Elisha]

A new place, a new time, new things. It was change. Only a moment went by before he found himself examining the room that he was in by himself. It seemed that he was alone, yet fire was still burning and the door was still open.

Not sure if it was the sound of the kitchen door or the foot steps, or maybe the smell of tea that caught his attention... but it was clear that the lady took his complete focus.

Turning towards her, appearing a few years younger then his actual age of 25, a smile became more prominate when he saw her own smile and the tea and the question. In came a deep breath as he actually was lost for words and had to think on them of how he could be serviced, having known completely and fully well only moments before.

His mouth opened to utter out "If I may, some tea," Eyes landing upon her own that was there at that moment, as if to let her know that he has realized that she has fresh tea somewhere "food and lodging. I've been on quite a trip and this is the first place that I've seen to stop and rest that isn't up a tree." This brought a small chuckle, laughing at himself and at the last three nights of rest.

Yet, in it all he took another step towards her and offered an introduction with his hand extending outwards towards her. Once was gloved, yet with the glove pulled off he offered out his hand with his palm up in greeting. Speaking quite clearly, "The name is Elisha. What may I call you?" Quirking his head to the side in interest.

[De'Ryanna Aybara]

"We can't have you staying in a tree now can we?" She mused with a small chuckle of her own. Her first impression was correct, he was a decent man, Hopefully he was not put off by her attempt at humor.

Retaining eye contact she placed her hand in his own for a polite shake. Not too firm, and not overly soft, but delicate. Shaking hands was not something she did very often and so the whole concept of it was a bit lost to her. This was the first handshake she had in a very long time. Customs. She had to get use to many various customs.

"Elisha, I believe that I can service your request. You may call me De'Ryanna." a slight musical inclination in the way she spoke. "We have a Master Chef who can cook nearly anything. I can place your order for you. Perhaps get you some tea while you wait?"

Taking back her hand she divereted her eyes to glance on the shelf under the bar, papers for lodgings were there. Bringing a set up she set them on the bar along with a pen. "What type of room shall you be needing?"

[Elisha]

A burst of chuckles escaped him with her musing. Easing up with it, his smile came out more while he kept a focus onto her eyes. Listening to it all, even during the hand shake. It was a nice one, shaking it not too firm and not to soft, but offering a delicate shake as well, because she was a lady.

Hearing his name upon her lips and her own to be uttered out, it was nice. "De'Ryanna" echoed in his mind, attempting to remember it. "It is a pleasure, De'Ryanna. Any type food would be welcomed. Perhaps you can join me?" Giving a bit of a nod, only to continue upon her last question, "Please, Tea would be great while I wait."

Hand returned to his side while the other moved to lean upon the bar itself. Giving a bit of a shrug while he watched her, answering with a small smile, "Maybe a room with a bed in it?" Snickering at his own corny joke. Yet, you'd be surprised with some places!

[De'Ryanna Aybara]

Any type. A man who took chances.

Another time, another day, another place, she might have taken advantage of this opportunity, lucky for him, this was today and not another day. "I could join you and I can get you a room." A small tip of her head. "I will get you something from the kitchen but first, tea."

The tea she brought out, she hadn't touched yet. Since he had no way of knowing this, she wouldn't offer it to him. Instead she would get him a fresh cup. A turn on her heels and she headed back into the kitchen.

Inside she found a tray. The kitchen was Armandeus' territory and he had things designed in a particular manner. Hopefully he wouldn't be too upset with her fiddling around in there without him. She did intend to put things back, clean, and in order. A small kettle of hot water, a tea cup, the sugar was almost forgotten about since it was not something she added to her own.

The tea tray was set aside momentarily as she set about making the meal. De'Ryanna was not the best cook - it was not something she did often. Therefore, she made something simple. Sandwiches. Ham and swiss, with lettuce and tomato on homemade white bread. It was simple enough and hopefully it would be enough for his appetite this evening. It was never a good idea to eat too heavy before bed.

Sandwich was cut in half, the two parts placed on the tray with the tea. Picking up the tray she backed out of the kitchen. "How long will you be visiting us here in Tel'Ranaemyn? Are you in a hurry to get somewhere?" Her walk graceful as she came around the other side of the bar, asking her questions, and sat the tray down by him.

He had asked for her company and she pulled out one of the stools. Brushing her skirt under her, she sat down.

[Elisha]

Good thing it was today and not another day, not to say she couldn't cook, he had no idea.

The answer came to his ears and he nodded cheerfully. It had been quite a while that he had company, and when his hands moved to rest together on the counter, it was nearly clear by the cheer. Noticing the wording, however... "I could join you" sorta made him wonder if she would.

Some time it took, a few minutes, but still a small little while. A moment, minutes, hours... He would've ended up doing the same thing, gazing about the establishment once more, taking in the tables, chairs, the bar, windows, doors... It was as if he was examining the place for a quiz.

A small jump when he noticed her come back out, hardly even hearing the door. The smile had left his lips, but when she returned, it did as well, a small nod towards her in greeting, pulling out the stool for her before she could.

Excited for the food, excited for company "even if it was because of a pretty lady", he thought to himself. Hearing the questions as she placed the tea down and Elisha pulled out a small jar of honey, placing it in there while she sat and he sat up a bit, answering these nice questions. "I plan on visiting as long as I'm here, for I don't know how long I will be here, for I am not in a hurry to get to my next place. I'm a traveler, battling what I need to, going where I have to or need to, and simply finding what is next." Grinning by the end of this, he added to it all, "And you...? Are you in a hurry to get somewhere, how long are you planning on visiting, if that is what you are doing...?" Chuckling a bit, realizing that she seemed to work here, more of a person who has a nitch here.

[De'Ryanna Aybara]

Watching him as she got settled into her seat. She only made sandwitches for one other person before, and they were still alive and well. It's only when it came to the food actually needing to be cooked where she might have needed a bit of supervision.

"This is one of my current occupations at the moment." One of them, implying that she had more, or that there were others that she was looking into. Squaring back her shoulders she nodded towards the sandwich. "I hope that's enough for you. I didn't know if you took anything in your tea so it is plain." Speaking of which she leaned forward to take her tea from the counter.

Taking up the spoon she stirred the liquid. "Now the question is, are you a traveler first and a warrior second. Or a warrior who just happens to be traveling to his next battle?"

Curious she may seem. Picking up her tea and cooling it before taking a drink. Elisha didn't seem too weathered, but looks can be deceiving.

[Elisha]

Eyes landed upon the sandwich, eyes wide with such a smile. Hands going to it, only to peer towards her while she spoke, starting to eat as he listened.

One bite after another, giving nods while he listened about her occupations. Tilting his head slightly while he spoke out, "What else do you do?" Grinning slightly and speaking after he had swollowed what was in his mouth. "The tea is great...", spoken with a two spoonfuls of honey added. Tightening the top and placing it away as he settled, taking a sip of that hot liquid.

"A warrior first or a traveler first, eh?" Giving a hint of a laugh with it while he shook his head, "I'm just a man who ends up traveling and battling. Often I find fights, or fights find me... I simply travel and look for those fights." Answering her question of what he truely was.

Eyes focusing once more upon her, "And what of you? Do you fight or travel or simply tend?" Continuing with his food while he listened.

[De'Ryanna Aybara]

It was something to consider, her occupations, but she chose to answer in a manner that she thought would sum them all.

The cup was held still for a moment. "You can say that tending is something that I do, for it can relate to many things." going over her words in her head as she thought on how to make it more clear.

"At the moment I am tending to you, and will be doing so until this time comes to an end. Other times I tend to others who come here looking for a place to stay. I tend to needs as I am able to fulfill them." Roundabout and quite possibly confusing. "I also dance." That was added as an afterthought as she started to finish off her tea.

Small talk. It wasn't something she was familiar to doing and it might have showed. She knew that there was a job to be done and so this is what she kept going back too. "I hope you will find the Inn an acceptable place to stay before you feel the need to travel onward toward your next conquest. A small breakfast is available in the mornings, and there is a quaint garden in the back for relaxation. By the way, did you sign the papers?"

"For the type of room you will be needing, I believe the price is half a silver a night. We take coins, trade, or service...."

[Elisha]

So she was a tenderess, in so many words. Chuckling while she spoke and listening to each word, finishing his food in his mouth while he simply kept a focus onto her. Lifting a brow while he reached up to fix his hood and then reach for a sip of tea.

Finishing the tea, he settled back a bit and then leaned against the bar while he focused upon her. "I also dance", she added... that was an interesting add. A grin and then a nod, "I do find it more then acceptable, and a great bit of company as well comes from one that is before me. And breakfast? There's breakfast?!?" Beaming, nearly hopping out of his chair, gripping the side of the bar to contain himself.

At the mention of the papers, he started to sign them right there, placing five silvers on the counter, passing it towards her with a gentle nod, "Eight nights then? A silver for you for your hospitality..." It was then that he stood from his stool, sandwich just finished, tea half full/half empty. Offering his hand towards the lady, a request flowing from his lips, "Perhaps you can show me the garden and maybe, since you dance... we can dance?" It was still night, moonlight shining and giving it's rays so one can see. No, not a full-moon, yet it did seem to be a few days away.

[De'Ryanna Aybara]

He signed the papers, that was good, but he offered her money as well. A tip perhaps? She never expected to be given that amount for such small service.

"You are too kind," taking hold of his hand and rising from her seat. "But if you would, excuse me a moment while I square these things away." Releasing her hand from his hold De'Ryanna moved around the bar, taking up the signed paper and the coins once she was on the other side.

The registration papers went into a locked box, the coin he gifted to her was slipped into a concealed pocket in her skirt.

If he was wanting to go outside - and it seemed that he did - she would have to get her shawl. Not because it was cold, but for sake of appearance. It wouldn't be right for her to go out walking with someone she did not know without one. For this reason Elisha would see her vanish into the kitchen once more however, she came out almost as soon as she went in, a light grey shawl draped around, letting it hang from her elbows. It was a lovely compliment to the skirt and white top.

"You might find that there is much to be desired in the gardens in terms of flowers - they haven't quite arrived yet, but the shurbery is delightful. As is the small fountain." The Landscaper had told her that the flowers would not be in until sometime later. With summer coming to a close many had to be delivered special.

De'Ryanna stood next to him, ready to guide him towards the side door which lead out.

[Elisha]

Seeing that the proposal was accepted on going outside to the garden by her taking his head, he too stood and readied. Not thinking so clearly, he realized she had to finish a bit more of her work before she could enjoy the evening, if she wished.

Glancing over what she had to do and the way she did it, only for her to disappear into the kitchen for a shawl. No idea why she needed one, and no doubt the question would come about.

Lifting a hand up to scratch his ear while he watched her come out, brushing his cape behind him he moved towards her, offering his hand once more, as if to guide or to be guided. A soft gentle nod was given while he peered towards the back way, whispering out gently, "I am in great interest in flowers and gardens... but I do bet the shrubery is wonderful as well as the water-flowing fountain... Though I don't understand," turning towards her with a question and a thought and a tilt of his head, "Did it recently get colder outside since I've came in? For you have a new garment."

Not trying to be nosey, simply curious for it was different and she would know the area far better then he, since he was still new and only yet a visitor.

[De'Ryanna Aybara]

This next habit was not one she was sure of. To take his hand or to not. It was a formality to take it and to not might cause dishonor. He did say that he was a fighter. Weighting the options over in her head she took his hand, lightly resting hers in his. The shawl wouldn't fall, but remain there in the crook of her elbow. Her free hand rested at her waist.

While she considered herself to be a leader she put herself into the subsequent role of being the follower. Trying something different.

"I do not yet know you Elisha. It may be considered indecent to be seen with you without any form of covering." It was the first answer that came to her. Truth of course, for she couldn't say anything less, and it was what she was taught as a habit of a 'proper lady'. "Besides, you never know what might happen with the weather."

De'Ryanna's smile widened and she almost took a step forward before reminding herself that she was not to be the leader. "It's just there, beyond the door to your right."

It was, a newly installed door but designed to fit in with the wood of the wall.

[Elisha]

This was the interesting situation, wasn't it? He actually noticed the slight hesitation. Her hand finally did land in his, and it was taken gently, actually taking a glance over at her shawl. Moistening his lips, or simply cleaning his lips from the moisture of the tea, one wasn't sure.

Leadership, it was something that he had been accustomed to, as well as knowing how it was to follow. Life had taught him, however, to be more of a leader in life for it was the only way that he could take control and be successful with the things he did, including battling.

Hearing her words of the covering, he smiled gently and gave a very confident nod. Understanding very much so, having read of cultures with such discipline. Yet the comment of the weather did make him chuckle and he placed the hood over his head, as if to cover himself, commenting, "For the weather, you know..." Giving a nudge to her side while he started for the backdoor and the garden.

Noting that she nearly took him, yet submitting to his step as he started and she directed him with her wording. Knowing this already, of course, for the scent gave it away; the scent of the garden, outside, and the very scent of the ground.

A hint of freshly cut wood still lingered in the air, highly detected by his sensitive nose. Taking her though the door and holding it open for the lady to go through, smiling towards her, "Please, after you."

[Sponsored content]