Dwayne
*The bartender came back round holding two apples, putting them down on the counter in front of Erina.* "Just a silver for the pair." *He eyed the drink left behind and looked out into the bar.* "Now where'd he go..?"

*Leopold leaned forward a bit, giving a slight wave of the hand.* "Now, I've gotta ask. This bar is out of the way by itself. Why hole up in the darkest corner without a drink?" *Leopold stood next to chair opposite of the hooded figure. The way he spoke made it clear his life was not one blessed with higher education or nobility.* "Now that I have anything against an attraction to the shadows, but..." *The Steppe Elf gestured to the whole bar.* "Nobody is important here, you know?"
Erin
*Sirdan, the elf that was sitting next to Leopold, finally stopped staring off into the ceiling as if deep in thought about something. His hand immediately resumed movement, grabbing the mug of orange juice in front of him and sipping. He turned toward where Leopold was, and then Erina,*"Lots of interesting people round here today." 

*The bartender turn out to have asked **Erina** For **Two copper instead**. Apple were expensive, but not that expensive,*"Any kind of juice you want?" *The bartender asked.
Doris
Erina shrugged. "I'll take Grape Juice." She said, taking out a silver coin from her coinpurse, setting it down. "Here you go." She looked about, stretching faintly as she picked up her apples carefully.
Erin
"That'll be two copper. Fresh grape juice's more expensive than wine this season." *The Lora took the silver coin, and then changed it for six copper, which he placed back on the table. He went back to the kitchen and then came back out with the grape juice,*"Where'd the hairless elf go? He asked for a pie - my son's making one, should be ready in a bit."
Levi
Alkai: it's cozy in here, being a traveling healer doesn't pay bills, anyhow, name's Alkai of Silnara... Or I guess formerly of Silnara... 
*He extended his hand for a handshake, his hand was covered in old, bloody bandages that seemed to be months old*
Alkai: what about you? Got a name?
Doris
Erina nodded. "I think he went to talk to someone over there?" She said, glancing back to point towards the area she'd seen him head over. "And thank you."She said, sliding the change back into her coinpurse, going to find herself somewhere to sit at, and enjoy her meal.
Dwayne
*Leopold returned the handshake, uncaring of the bandages on Alkai. In fact, Leopold likely had dried blood on his armor from earlier that day.* "I'm Leopold," *The Steppe Elf said with a firm handshake.* "Formerly of Silnaria as well. Say, I have a meat pie coming up. Why don't you join me up front and have some?" *Leopold believed this to be the will of his Lord, to be compassionate to those in shadows.* "I met a guy today who could've used your talents."
Erin
*The bartender nodded, and retreated inside the kitchen where the oven is located,*"Holler at me if you need a drink." 

*The steppe elf turned toward Erina, eyeing her equipment up and down,*"Are you an adventurer of some sort?" *He asked, eager to start a conversation.*

*The fragrant smell of pastries and roast meat reached the patrons in the bar from the kitchen.*
Doris
Erina paused, glancing at the Steppe Elf. "Erina, Erina Kasaviri." She said, offering her hand politely. "And I'm... More of a scholar actually. Although I have gone on an adventure *Once*." She added, remembering her first real bit of travelling. "And you are?" She asked, looking over the Steppe Elf.
Levi
Alkai: ah, much alike are we? Perhaps I could join you for a while, I'm a bit sick of bread and potatoes being my meal for the past few years, as for your friend what would this fellow need? Perhaps they're injured or sick?
*He tilted his head and fiddled with the coin a bit more*
Erin
"Sirdan, no last name. Just Sirdan. Haven't earned mine yet." He looked down at her hand, and then extended his right. His hands were smooth and flawless, like most elven hand were,"A scholar... I see. What do you study? I'm an adventurer - A prominent... Cattle rustler back in my homeland, when I rustled the wrong person's cattle, and too many of them. Ended up selling my skills with my bow and horse here."
Dwayne
"Oh," *Leopold said, as he gestured to the front of the bar,* "As of right now he's very dead. But he was stabbed through the arm and in the side. Pretty gruesome." *Leopold seemed unfazed by what he was saying, smiling with the metal band in his scalp laying over a large, gruesome scar.* "Tourniquets and bandages didn't quite do the trick, but I've never been a healer myself."
Doris
Erina would smile, and shook his hand. "A pleasure Sirdan. I study a little of everything, but I focus on the histories of cities, villages and towns." She said. "Cattle rustling? You... Stole cattle?" She asked, a little confused and unsure how safe she felt with her coin suddenly. She took a bite from one of her apples, relaxing slowly.
Erin
He shook her hand back firmly,"Yes. It is the custom of our people. We group up and steal the other tribes' cattle, and shoot arrows to warn eachother. It is a pasttime of some sort, but it never goes very violent, only a few wounded here and there. Well, until it turned out I was too good of a rustler anyway." He smiled, sniffing deliberately as the smell of meat pie reached his nose,"The meat pie smells good..."
Levi
Alkai: oh... I see... My condolences... Anyhow... What do you seek with me? I don't have much of value to offer
*He kept the coin on his pouch and leaned over the table, resting on his elbows*
Doris
Erina looked up from her apple, finishing her bite, and glanced towards the scent of meat pie. "It does..." She agreed, turning her head. "And that is an... Interesting custom." She said, bowing her head. "What brings you to this tavern tonight?"
Erin
"A... Break from a mission. I was commissioned by my guild, New Sunlight. To investigate an alleged werewolf incident in a nearby forest. Unfortunately we didn't get any clue for quite a while, so I decided to rest and recuperate in a nearby town. Perhaps find another work before coming back to it again. I heard the pie here is good. And I am hungry." *He explained.*
Dwayne
*Leopold waved his hand dismissively.* "I wouldn't worry about it. He was a kidnapper. And I didn't have much to offer myself when my Lord chose me. Life's funny like that." *Leopold paused, but snapped out of it almost immediately.* "Anyway. No, I just figured you might be in need of some kindness, and in happy to provide it. And to be honest, the other two people I saw were drinking juice, so they might not be my crowd." *Leopold turned to the front as he said this, and heard the other Steppe Elf day something about New Sunlight. This reminded him of his debt to Chloe.* "Hey, Alkai, what say we go up and get a drink while we wait? This dark and dank corner is a bit too dank."
Doris
Erina nodded, smiling faintly. "A more fair reason I have never heard of." She said, taking another bite of her apple, and adding a sip of her juice. "I hope your mission ends up being fruitful, Sirdan." She said, with a light giggle.
Levi
Alkai: are you just randomly inviting some shady rando with bloody bandages on his hands dressed up as a wraith to share drinks?
*He sounded confused at the idea, tilting back his head in a slightly concerned position*
Dwayne
*Leopold turned to Alkai with a smile, knocking on the metal band on his head. It hurt immensely, and he immediately forgot what he had for breakfast yesterday.* "When you've had your skull cracked, been chosen by a god, and look like a zombie, you learn to just live a little." *Leopold pointed a little finger gun at Alkai.* "Besides, I'm buying." *Leopold was clearly a bit unstable. Not dangerous, just obviously lacking good judgement.*
Erin
*The bartender took a coin from Ralki, who is in the same bar. After a minute in the kitchen, he shouted,*"Pie is done!" *In a jubilant, semi high pitched voice. He came out with a pounder pie for Leopold, complete with a set of spoon and fork plus an extra plate. 

The pie had a crunchy, savoury exterior made with baked pastry. Its interior were a mixture of minced chicken and pork meat, especially fattier pork. It was spiced with a small amount of black pepper, salt, onion and other herb. It was quite flavourful and delicious. This pie, the pounder, was bigger than the other, with a relatively smaller crust. The taste of meat was slightly heavier in this one*

*He hollered at Leopold,*"Your pie's done! Nine copper please!" 



"I too, hope for that. If I succeed in the mission, I'd get a promotion. And probably get rid of a dangerous threat." *He sighed,*"But a little skirmish has taught me that my abilities are indeed... Quite limited."
Levi
*He raised his eyebrow and crossed his arms*
Alkai: I think your pie is ready, but sure, I suppose I could use a glass of water... I'm not big on alcohol..
Doris
She tilted her head. "How so?" She asked, relaxing more as she took a final bite on her first apple. She shifted, and crossed her legs as she glanced back at the counter. "He sure is loud isn't he?" She asked.
Erin
Sirdan let out a sigh, explaining how he almost failed the quest and got killed,"Well. You see. I walked into the forest, and then some girl pointed a bow at me, telling me to get out of their camp. And then I charged her, because she was boutta shoot me. Then her friend came over, cast fireball. Her friend friend came over, charged me with a sword. At that point I started talking... Turn out it was all a horrible misunderstanding." 

"Almost died, and I wished I learned how to armour myself up."
Dwayne
*Leopold spoke under his breath while he walked to the front.* "Only bar I've ever been in where no one drinks ale." *Leopold went up front and put a piece of silver down, not having any copper.* "Two mugs of ale and one with water on top of that, please." *The Steppe Elf looked back to Alkai, wondering if he'd come up front as well.*
Doris
Erina nodded slowly. "Well... That is an interesting story." She admitted, and sat back. "I can't say I'd be so brave as to stay in the area. I know my limits with my spear and sword."
Levi
*He followed him with concern on his eye when he heard the two mugs of ale, though keeping his head low*
Erin
"Coming right up." The dwarf took the silver and then left for the back again, coming back with two big mug of ale held in one, big firm hand, and a mug of clean water, purified with the purify water spell. He set the three mugs down in front of Leopold,"Your ale and water."

The water was pure, as if someone's ran it through a filter. A bit cool and refreshing. The ale's taste was quite mild, though it carried a hint of sweetness.


 
"I wasn't too brave either. They told me to stay there for a while with them. Ever skeptical... Well, I did, but I left afterward when nothing happened. I am too paranoid to stay overnight with a bunch of strange armed men." The steppe elf chuckled.
Dwayne
*Leopold waved to Alkai, taking a seat next to Erina. He moved the water and extra plate to another empty seat for Alkai, slicing off a little less than half of his meat pie for his plate.* "Don't worry, both mugs are for me. I drink like a fish." *The pie smelled delicious to Leopold upon being cut, and he practically shoved the first forkful into his mouth.* "So why do you look so spooky, anyway?" *Leopold was talking while chewing, but mercifully raising hand to cover his mouth.*
Doris
She giggled, and rolled her eyes. "I can't say I blame you." She said, shifting in her seat taking another sip of her juice. She'd lean back sighing softly. "I wish I could say I had an such interesting adventure. My one *Real* Trip involved scaring off a bandit, and taking his shield for my own when he fled."
Erin
"Considered joining a guild? You could train up your courage and your abilities to fight. Meet new people and chronicle their history too." If she was a historian to be, an adventuring life would provide plenty of opportunities to go around,"And if you've scared off a bandit, you're half way there to becoming a good adventurer."
Doris
She thought about it, as she bit into her second apple. "Joining a guild... Hm, that's... An idea." She said, thinking, as she tapped her chin. "Never put much thought it before." She admitted.
Erin
"I know a good guild - New Sunlight, it's just a few miles south, on the outskirts of New Salvainia. A guild of... Bounty hunter and adventurers. The pay when you begin isn't that good, compared to the notice board tasks you see in town. But the job supply is steady, you get a whole guild to support you, and the reward just get better as you move up the rank. I aspire to be a Squire."
Levi
*He took a seat next to him rather shyly and moved aside some bandages covering his mouth, his lips were marred and his teeth looked almost dry*
Alkai: trust me, it's better than what is beneath... 
*He gracefully picked up the mug and took a quiet sip, his gray skin looking like it had recovered from severe burns*
Doris
She thought it over. "A few miles south... Hm, I can do that." She said, finishing her juice, and almost finishing her apple. "I might need some help getting there, I can be rather... Distracted easily." She said, looking about, as she took note of the building, reaching into her bag to get an inkwell out and some parchment.
Dwayne
*Leopold tapped the band on his head again. He couldn't recall his mother's face anymore.* "Got to take off the bandages one day, but take your time." *Leopold took a swig of ale before speaking again.* "But, uh, if you're supposed to be a healer, why do you look like you've been through a meat grinder or two?" *Leopold's questions were insensitive, but the look in his eyes, even as he crammed another piece of meat pie into his mouth, seemed genuine.*
Erin
He pulled back his lips, sinking into thought a bit,"I could offer to bring you along on my horse - though that'd stress out Alice a bit, I could just heal him on the way there." Right, stressing out your horse with excessive weight and then healing it. Always a humane way to treat your animal.

He'll reward him with some extra food. The bad part about animal speech is that your animal start whining to you on a regular basis.
Doris
Erina thought about it, nodding slowly. "I would be appreciative." She said, smiling. "Although... Wouldn't it be better to avoid stressing the horse out?" She asked, still thinking it over.
Levi
Alkai: the type of magic I use isn't really friendly with skin as a long term tool... It got me banished from Silnaria for a reason... I can heal you, but I can't fix the scarring it will leave... 
*He cut a small piece of pie and ate it with patience, enjoying every moment of it since he hasn't tasted meat for a while, he closed his eyes and let the pie melt in his mouth*
Erin
"Mmm... Yes, poor Alice isn't designed for carrying two person after all. She is no armoured centaur." He thought to himself,"I could go along with you on foot. I know a caravan's moving that way later today, so we could tag along for safety."
Doris
She thought it over. "That could work." She said, nodding. "Caravan might even have some goods we could buy on the way." She added, liking the idea. |And should be safer, yeah.| She thought.
Erin
"Mhm. I've heard it's transporting goods from the Phoenix Ridge down south. Probably iron and finished things of that sort." *Perhaps he could find a good deal for a weapon or five..*,"I take it you don't have any armour with you lady?"
Doris
She'd shake her head. "I just have my robes, for the most part." She said, "Some good leather wouldn't be so bad though." She said, finishing her apple. |Do I have some somewhere?| She thought, uncertainly.
Erin
"Leather... Good for a cut, not good for much else. Buy a breastplate like I did, it'll save your life." He suggested,"The caravan probably have some on the cheap. If not, some of the smithy in the capital is bound to have em."
Dwayne
*Leopold nodded, eating another bite.* "How long ago were you banished?" *Another swig.* "Shame you were, too. I'm actually headed up to the border for some business. Would've been good to bring you along." *Leopold was having a nice time, then suddenly remember about the New Sunlight guild. He glanced over to the Steppe Elf again.*
Doris
She thought slowly. "I'll have to think about it." She said, nodding slowly. "I've never worn more than leather in my time." She admitted. She yawned softly, slowly getting up. "Must be getting late..." She said, glancing about in hopes of seeing a window to be sure.
Erin
"Indeed. I'll probably tag along with the caravan and go back to the capital. What about you?"
Levi
Alkai: long enough where I've seen kids grow into adulthood... But it's really complicated... I won't bore you with my whole life's story 
*He took a second bite out of the pie, taking his time, enjoying the meal*
Doris
Erina thought. "Well maybe I'll join the guild, or perhaps, I'll go to the capital with you." She thought.
Erin
"Or both." *He chuckled, before finding a... Familiar looking figure in the bar,*"Perhaps you could wait here for a bit? I think I see someone familiar here."
Dwayne
*Leopold nodded a bit more solemnly this time, taking a minute to eat more of his meal. Part of him wanted to say something, but didn't know what. Didn't seem like a good time to bring up his lord. However, at Erina speaking, he turned.* "Excuse me," *He said, tapping Erina's shoulder.* "If either of you are going to the New Sunlight guild, could you drop off 60 silver there for me? It's for a member named Chloe."
Doris
She nodded. "I can wait." She said, nodding, leaning back in her seat, and glanced at Leopold. "Huh? Oh well... I can do that, yeah." She said, smiling. "I'm Erina, Erina Kasaviri by the way." She said.
Dwayne
"Thanks, Leopold." *Leopold put some silver down to pay for two rooms, happily doing Alkai the courtesy. He didn't know who'd be calling it for a day, but he'd be staying to drink and eat a little more.*
Erin
"Hmm... I must've been having bad eyes. Nevermind." *For some reason, Sirdan just didn't see the green lizard girl he thought he was seeing,*"I'll be off to the caravan, we can meet up there and travel to Salvainia together."
Doris
Erina nodded. "Alright. See you later." She said, stretching faintly as she debated whether to take a quick nap or get ready to head for the caravan.
Erin
*Sirdan waved good bye to Erina, and then walked out of the tavern, possibly attracting the attention of the green lizard girl who has met him before.*
Doris
Erina watched him go, stretching faintly as she thought quietly. "What to do..." She said, quietly.
Dwayne
*With Alkai presumably going to bed, Leopold would straighten in his seat, finish his pie, then look to Erina.* "How's your juice?"
Doris
She smiled. "Quite delicious." She said, looking at him, "How was your pie?"
Dwayne
*Leopold smiled fondly, looking towards the back of the bar.* "Good. I'd live here and sweep the floors every night just to have that pie every day, if I could." *Leopold took another swig of his ale, finally moving to his second mug.* "Who was the other Steppe Elf? The first juice drinker."
Doris
She'd stretch, relaxing where she was. "Sirdan." She said. "Seems like a nice guy, I have to admit." She said, glancing back at her table, and beginning to write a note about today, incase she decided to write about it in one of her books.
Dwayne
"So this Dan's a knight? Don't see many out here?" *Leopold scratched the side of his head, near where the metal band stretched over the large scar on his cranium.* "And with the New Sunlight people?"
Doris
She shrugged faintly. "I'm... Not sure if he's a knight, but I do know New Sunlight is a guild of Adventurers. So, I'd imagine him to be a good sort, and he seemed so while we talked." She said, thinking.
Dwayne
"Well, that's good." *Leopold finished off his second drink, putting it down with a thud. He looked around for a bit, then focused on her note.* "What's, uh, what's that you're writing there? Are you some kind of a..." *He trailed off, doing a gesture that looked somewhat like holding a pencil.*
Doris
She'd glance back at him, nodding faintly. "I'm a travelling scholar, I do a lot of writing in my free-time." She said, nodding with a smile, "I hope to record the histories of as many villages, towns, and cities as possible."
Dwayne
*Leopold closed his eyes and nodded faintly before putting a hand on Erina's shoulder.* "Erina Catscary, I was sent to this tavern to meet you." *He opened his eyes and pulled his hand away, looking at her now.* "What would I have to pay you to write a religious text?"
Doris
She looked at him confusedly for a moment, before she shook her head. "Well, it'll depend on the length, so long as I make profit on the ink and paper I am happy." She admitted. "Since you seem okay, I can go at-cost." She offered kindly.
Dwayne
"Alright," *Leopold said, leaning forward and lowering to a loud whisper,* "His name is the Warmth of Shadows!" *He waited for a look of fascination on Erina face, which probably wouldn't be there, so he'd continue.* "He came to me one day as I worked in a lumber yard. I fell one of the biggest trees of my life, and one of its branches fell me." *Leopold knocked on the band on his head, the one over the scar. He winced, and suddenly couldn't remember the name of his first horse.* "He saved me and sent me on his holy mission upon my recovery."
Doris
She'd nod slowly, and started writing. "That's... Interesting." She didn't really want to call him crazy, or ask if he'd visited a healer after the branch hit him, because she's too nice a soul. "An interesting name too." She admitted.
Dwayne
"It's, uh..." *Leopold made a face.* "It's kind of my name for it. Just felt right. And he really speaks to me through feelings, you know? I think words would be weird for a god." *Leopold looked to Erina again.* "Truthfully, I don't know too much, but once I collect the instruments and build his altar, I'll know more."
Doris
She'd nod slowly. "I... See." She said, continuing to write. |Speaks through feelings, altar must still be built.| She thought as she write.
Dwayne
*Leopold nodded to himself, then looked out the window, into the night.* "When the altar is constructed, I'll come find you, and give you the gold you need. We have a deal? You don't have to write anything before then." *Leopold was clearly drunk and tired, standing up shakily.*
Doris
She'd nod, getting up. "You okay?" She asked, rolling up the paper. She would be concerned for him, more incase he hurt himself than anything.
Dwayne
*Leopold nodded sloppily.* "Yeah, I'll..." *He took a deep breath.* "Okay, I'm good. See you tomorrow, Irene. Maybe, idonrrllno." *With that, Leopold stumbled off to his room to dream of his lord.*
Doris
She'd nod slowly. "Sleep well." She said, confused for a moment before she understood. "Sleep can't hurt." She said, nodding slowly, as she went and paid for a room for the night.
Dwayne
*Leopold would be out the door of the tavern early in the morning, with a mug of coffee in had and a toasted piece of bread in his mouth. He'd be driving his cart out south... The wrong direction. He'll probably back at the tavern the same afternoon, once he returns from