Nathan
Vanixa walked into the tavern, her black heeled boots making a Click Clack sound on the floor. Brown eyes darting around the room for a moment, eyeing the patrons . She walked over to a table in the corner, the smell of strong herbs following her. Sitting down she puts her bag on the table, untying the strings. She reached her brown hands inside pulling out a medium sized book. The book was covered in old green leaves that were pressed to the cover. Vanixa relaxed in the chair reading quietly, her brow furrowed at moments.
Whitney
*Outside the tavern, he sound of hooves clopped rapidly against the ground, sounding louder and louder as they approached the tavern.

**"Woow, Millie."** A masculine voice spoke out as the horse got close enough, pulling the reigns for his horse to slow down. Once she did, he dismounted the draft horse and begun to take off her reigns and saddle.

**"You know where the stables are, girl. Make sure you get there safely."**

The horse neighed in response before she begun to trot away. After that, the man turned and entered the tavern.

Nagnis was a dark elf with dark purple skin and lilac, curly hair. His eyes were a bright, golden color, that shone brightly against the dimness of the tavern. His one shoulder seemed to be covered in snow, but most of it was flung off during the ride here from the mountains. He moved his way towards the bar counter, carrying Millie's reigns and saddle as he did so. Once behind the counter, he plopped the saddle and reigns down to the side and out of the way.*
Nathan
Vanixa looked up from her book, hearing the clopping of hooves outside. She watched the door, as a dark elf man entered. He had a saddle and reigns in hand , Vanixa was slightly surprised to see him go behind the counter. _ Guess he's the owner then._ 

Vanixa rose from the chair, placing her book back inside her bag. She tired the bag back tightly, walking over to the counter. " Hello, are you the owner of this tavern?"
Whitney
*The bright yellow eyes quickly looked up and over at Vanix, a smile on the dark elf's face appeared.

**"Hello, madam. Yes, I am the owner of this tavern. How can I be of any help?"**

The dark elf was quickly giving his hands a wash before picking up a clean cloth and wiping his hands dry. He then put the cloth to the side and placed his hands on the counter.*
Nathan
Vanixa turned her head to the side a bit, looking over the dark elf. She looked into his golden eyes for a moment, before looking down at the counter.
**"Hmm , I am in need of a room at the moment."**
Whitney
*He nodded his head before kneeling down and pulling out a book, standing up straight and putting the book on the counter. He pulled at the ribbon bookmark to open the book to its bookmarked page, pulling an inked feather from below the counter.

**"Very well, what kind of room are you looking for, and for how many days, m'lady?"** He asked while looking at the woman, keeping his sincere smile on his face.*
Nathan
Vanixa kept her face blank, looking up at the man. Her brown eyes looking over the book, seemingly curious about the ribbon. 

**" Ahh well, I suppose a weeks time, perhaps." ". What kind of rooms do you have Sir." **

Vanixa turned her head side to side, looking around at the patrons. She seemed a bit tense, maybe even tired a bit.
Whitney
***"Well, you may have a room with a single bed for 6 copper pieces per day, or you may have a double bed room for 13 copper pieces per day. The payment also includes breakfast for yourself."**

He placed the feather down before pulling a piece of his hair behind one of his elongated ears. He had a golden band around his index finger on that hand.*
Nathan
** " Very well, I only need a one bed for myself."**

**"There be windows in this room, I get?" **

Vanixa takes out 42 copper, handing it over to the tavern keeper. She gets a small smile now, noticing the ring. 

** "I am Vanixa by the way, a pleasure to meet you Sir". **
**"Your tavern is quite nice , first I've been in for awhile."**
Whitney
*He graciously takes the copper, writing down in his book the information needed. He gave a smile as she spoke, soon tilting his head up.

**"Well, it was not mine to begin with. I rode in from Wakazu about a month back. The owner of this tavern was getting old, and I offered myself to take over the tavern for him."** 

He placed the 42 copper within a coin purse and placed it in his pocket. He then closed the book once the ink was dried and placed itself and the feather back under the counter. He then extended a hand to Vanixa.

**"I am Nagnis Emberripper. It is nothing but a pleasure to meet you, madam Vanixa."***
Larry
*He glanced over at the two for a bit. Staring off. There's usually two reasons why people haven't been in a tavern. Jailed or on the run. Or an adventurer. Studying the two for a bit.*
Nathan
Vanixa looked at the hand not wanting to be rude , she extended her arm shaking his hand firmly. She eyed a man from the corner of her eye watching her. Her senses making the hair on her neck stand on end. She really needed to relax, she was making herself seem suspicious. 

Vanixa laughs lightly, **" Thank you, for the room may I have the key now?"** 
**" I really must put this bag down, then maybe get a drink or two." **
Whitney
*He nodded and after the handshake, he pulled the key from his pocket and handed it to her.

**"There you go, madam. Do enjoy your stay."** He smiled. **"You may put the bag in your room, and I shall ready a mug of ale for you, how does that sound?"***
Nathan
Vanixa smile kind of falls a bit, then reappears. She takes the key in hand now , putting the coin purse back in her bosom. 

**" Ahh , that will be good, I shall return shortly." **

Vanixa disappears going up to her room. The smell of herbs and oils, left behind in her absence. When she arrived in the room, she placed the bag under her bed. Taking her two books, putting them under the mattress. 
 Once done she left the room, locking the door, placing the key in her dress pocket. 

She began to return to the bar counter, she had her curly hair down. Wearing a green dress with a brown corset around her midsection.
Larry
*He flipped to the blank space in the back of his book. Making a quick sketch. And a note before closing it with a muffled clap. Then beginning to walk up the stairs giving the woman a glance as he did. Suspecting she'd look at him. And as he did so he began to fold and neatly tear out the paper when he'd make the final step. Deciding something before slipping the paper under the door. If opened and read there was a rough sketch of her and a staircase. With a note reading 'I know who you are and what you've done. So don't try anything too rash' then he slid back down stairs and began walking out unless stopped.*
Nathan
Vanixa found a letter at the door, she bent down picking it up. She unfolded it reading it over, with a laugh. She took it in hand a fire in her eyes as she descended the stairs. She held the note in her hand, catching the man as he tried to take his leave. Vanixa called out, **" Hey stranger who thinks he knows my name."** 
**" Come and take your letter from my hand." **

Vanixa holds the letter out, giving the man a hard look.
Larry
*Raising a brow at her he wasn't sure what her plan was at that point. But he knew what he was doing. So he simply began down the stairs and having sat there listening. He did indeed know her name. 

"Well I would. But it's a gift and unfortunately Vanixa.. I don't take those back."

 Flashing her a smile he would continue. Down*
Nathan
Vanixa follows the man down the stairs, hair on her neck standing on end. She looks over the man, trying to see if she recognizes him. 
**" So what else have you spied and found out, other than my name?" What else do you think , you know about who I am."**
 
Vanixa holds the letter up now, looking over the drawing. 
**" To leave this note warning me not to do anything to rash is quite odd."**
Whitney
*Nagnis would perk his ears up, hearing the going ons.

**"Is everything alright?"** He called out.*
Nathan
Vanixa puts a hand up, a small smile gracing her lips, ** " Yes at the moment, I'll be over to get that drink soon." **

Vanixa looks over at the man feeling a bit more comfortable , now that she was out in the open.

Vanixa decided to leave the man for a moment to get her drink. She walks over to the counter. 

Vanixa gives a weak laugh, **" Ahh that drink actually, I could use now."**
Whitney
*Nagnis gives a nod of the head and readies up a mug of ale for Vanixa. He takes a mug off the shelf and walks over towards a barrel. He opens the tap and fills the mug with ale, then closes the tap once it is full. He goes over to the woman and places the mug on the counter in front of her.

**"Tell me about yourself, madam Vanixa."** He gave a smile.*
Nathan
Vanixa takes the drink, with a nod to the man in thanks. She took a drink of the ale, getting comfortable in her seat.
Vanixa kind of furrows her brows a bit at the man's request, then kind of shrugs. 

**" Well I am a women with no children, no husbandman. My mother's family where healers and my father's hunters."**

**" I am a herbalist by trade, selling my wares when I can."**
Larry
*He leaned against the bar quietly. Listening. She's not going to say anything rash in front of the man for certain. However perhaps with the right setting. She might. 

"Trade of who might I ask?"*
Nathan
Vanixa gives a look over to the man, a bit annoyed by him. **" It's not who it's what, I do not sell people."**

Vanixa takes a long drink of her ale this time, hoping the drink will make the conversation go by faster.
Whitney
*Nagnis gave a nod of the head, looking between the two of them.

**"I see. Herbalist. I did not think such an occupation would come from your kind, but alas, I should not make judgements so quickly."** He smiles. **"Some think of me as something more than a mere bartender. But I prefer it. I was once an adventurer, but after the passing of my wife, I preferred the more... Relaxed occupation."***
Nathan
Vanixa looks quite offended, **" What do you mean by kind? Do you think the only ones part of the craft are elven folk? Sorry, to hear about your wife's passing."** 

Vanixa had a frown on her face now, she takes a another drink.
_ Either he thinks I am too dumb to be a Herbalist, or thinks the job is only for elf folks!_
Whitney
***"Well, it's not often I find Macens to work in the field of herbs. Usually it's witches or wood silrani. It's an interesting observation. Are you a herbalist because of your mother, or is this purely by your own choice?"** He asked with curiosity, leaning his arms on the counter as he looked at the woman. He seemed genuinely interested.

**"Majority of my life, I've lived under a rock. I apologize if my questions come over as... Rude, in any way."***
Nathan
Vanixa gives the man a look over, not really believing him. _ He just said he was a adventure, surely he has meet Herbalist of my kind. _ She doesn't say that though just keeps her frown as she speaks. 

** "My mother's family took on the element of Earth, they used it for the bases of their magic. I was taught in the ways of this craft at a young age, starting with healing. I was given small birds , sick and wounded to heal. Then later on they took me to the forests to connect with the earth. I began my learning of the herbs and plants then.""** 

**"This practice has been in my family for along time now, people of all kinds need a Herbalist. So this craft has been passed down generation to generation and now falls on me."**
Whitney
*He nodded his head in understanding.

**"I see."** He then stood up straight. **"It seems you enjoy it. I wish I could say the same for my early years. I begun travelling by myself when I was banished from home, around 17. Kept mostly to what I knew. Can't really say I adventured far enough, but when I met my wife, I stopped adventuring. It wasn't too long, I wish I started earlier."**

He gave a faint shrug. That was in he past.

**"Alas, here I am."***
Nathan
**"Well time is still going, life is to be written the ink doesn't run out until you do. Your place is quite nice, if you wish to adventure I am sure you could still. You leave someone in charge maybe, check in time to time look over books."** 

Vanixa looks over down at her mug, **" I have no want to adventure really, not unless for new herbs or plants." **

Vanixa looks up curiosity in her eyes, **" So what did you do to get banished"**
Whitney
***"Ah well..."** He looked at her with a bit of a worried expression, but nevertheless, it was only fair he shared.

**"I come from a noble background. I had 5 brothers and 2 sisters. My family was... Well, not in tune with my views on how to treat people and I didn't exactly like it. I believe in treating people as equal, for we all bleed the same way. My family, especially my parents, had a bit of a god-plan to their attitudes on life. They employed slaves, maids, you name it. They didn't like how I practiced my more humane ways of treating people. As such, I was given two options. Abide, or be banished. I rather be banished, so I did. At 17, I moved out to start my life the way I want it to be."**

He looks up at the ceiling.

**"That was 139 years ago."***
Nathan
Vanixa turns her head to the side, 
**" Well I guess that is a noble reason to be banished. Well your kind live along time, maybe one day they will have a change."** 

Vanixa finished up her ale, letter now in hand from the stranger. She still needed to know what he knew.
Whitney
*He took notice of the letter and raised an eyebrow.

**"What is that you have there, madam?"***
Nathan
Vanixa held the letter open for the man to view. 
**" Apparently a gift from a stranger, slipped under my door.
Vanixa laughs a bit, " ** I think he's bluffing, no way he knows of me. Anyone who knows me, knows not to waste their time telling me not to do a thing."
Whitney
*He kept his eyebrow raised, now looking up at the woman.

**"Oh, a tough nut are you?"** He chuckled. **"Excellent to have such confidence and know you can carry out your threats, madam."***
Nathan
Vanixa got a smirk on her face , ** " My long bow ain't for show, and I don't take kindly to being watched. Seems that's what my stranger has been doing. Getting into a fight through would not be smart at the moment, I need to build a good reputation. It is odd no, for a man not to give his gifts face to face?"**
Whitney
*He gave a nod with a smile on his face.

**"Of course, not very gentlemanly to give a gift in such a sneaky way. A good way to protect yourself."** He nodded again.*
Nathan
Vanixa raised a brow, " **Yes I think I'll be having a talk with him soon enough. I am going to get some sleep, now , should rest better with a bed. How much for the ale sir?"**
Whitney
***"On the house, my dear."** He gave a wink to her and stood up straight. **"Rest easy tonight."***
Nathan
Vanixa ears go red a bit, not expecting the man to be flirtatious. **" Ahh thank you Sir.** Vanixa gets up feeling a bit self conscious now, as she leaves up to her room. Taking a peek over her shoulder at the man.
Whitney
*Once she got up and left, he turned around as though to continue on with his work, but his ears and cheeks went red himself.

**"What the fuck, body?"** He whispered to himself. Seems as though it wasn't supposed to come out the way it did. To keep himself busy and his mind off of it, he continues with his work, now cleaning the counter top with a cloth.*
Nathan
Vanixa goes up to her room, not sleeping as she said but opening up her herbalism kit. She took out one of her books from under the mattress, beginning to read. 

She needed to start making and selling , so she could her establish. She hummed as she began to make some markings in her book.
Whitney
*Nagnis worked through the night, tending to patrons when necessary and cleaning when needed. It was the next morning, the tavern's bar was relatively empty for now but he was still there. He was cleaning out a mug with a cloth, soon taking the cloth away to look inside it. He then put the mug back onto the shelf. Once done, he put the cloth on the edge of a bowl filled with water and leaned against the counter, his back facing the doorway into the tavern.*
Nathan
Vanixa spent the night organizing the few wares she had, making plans to make new potions. She puts on a dark blue dress, and her brown heeled boots. She took her longbow in hand, placing it in its holder on her back. She took a bag with her putting it on her shoulder. 

She had her hair pinned up today, a few lose curls escaping their confines. She made her way down the stairs, holding the end oh her dress as she walked.
She looked to her left seeing the dark elf, there at the counter. **" Good morning to you!"**
Whitney
*His long ears perked up a little bit as she spoke to him. He turned his head and his gaze met with hers. A smile grew on his face before he stood up straight.

**"Good morning to you, madam. I must... Sincerely apologize for my remark I made last night before you went to your room."** He looked to the side for a moment then back at her. **"Truth be told, I dont quite known what my body was doing and why it did such a thing. I hope I did not come over as rude in anyway."***
Nathan
Vanixa was a bit confused, her brows coming together on her face. She gave the man a look before speaking
 **" You are apologizing for flirting with me, did you not wish too?"**

Vanixa continues to walk to the counter, smelling of lavender this morning. Her skin seemed to have a bit of shine to it as well. She took a seat folding her dress down as she did.
Whitney
*He looked at her with a confused expression too, raising his hand and using it rub the right side of his jaw for a moment as memories flood in his mind.

**"The women previously that I have flirted with used to backhand me. I thought it was rude to make the flirty remark at a time when it was not necessary. It... Did not offend you?"***
Nathan
Vanixa has a sly smile on her face, eyes going bright. She leans on the counter a bit.** " Well it seems she did not like you very much. I take no offense, quite the contrary, I was quite faltered. Though now I am curious, what did your say to her?"**

Vanixa tilts her head to the side, quite excited to know the answer.
Whitney
***"I merely complimented the woman's eyes! They were sky blue, gorgeous like gems. I wasn't even flirting, it was a mere compliment, actually. Then boof, a backhand across my face. That was back in Wakazu, perhaps the women there are much, much different from what I know."** He chuckled faintly.*
Nathan
Vanixa looks at the man's hand that holds his ring.
 **" Where you still wearing your marriage ring by chance? Women don't take kindly when they think men are cheating on wives."**

**"When I first say it I thought you where spoken for myself. It can be quite confusing to someone who does not know you ."**
Whitney
*He looked at his own hand and gave a faint smile.

**"No, this was before I met Agalossa. After Agalossa, there was no one else that could replace her."** He lowered his hand and pulled off the ring, looking at it from different angles.

**"A beautiful Macen she was. Looked similar to you, actually. Her skin was a bit lighter, her hair was an uncontrollable bush. Dark freckles were sprinkled across her face. I met her on one of my many adventures. Alas, I outlived her."** He put the ring back on his index finger before lowering his hand.*
Nathan
_ hope she ain't family, I would have known if one us married off to a elf. Mmm maybe not we have been known to run off with all manner of beast. _ Vanixa gave a small smile, " **Well she sounds quite beautiful, I am sure she was happy by your side. Life for us is very short, it makes who we choose to spend it with quite special.**

_ I hope I can find a way to save myself from death before it calls to me. There is bound to be some magic out there._
Whitney
*He nodded before he looked at her.

**"It was quite sad, but... I'm glad I was with her while I could be. She was barren, and as a result we never had children. There's many factors with our relationship that I wish we could play out differently. But she told me, on her death bed, she adored every moment with me. She was happy to call me hers. Told me it was okay to move on when I was ready."**

His smile faded somewhat before he sighed and straightened up.

**"Either way, it's all okay."***
Nathan
Vanixa really didn't know what to say now, it seem almost rude to flirt with the man now. She thumped her fingers against the counter. 

**" So would you happen to have any fruits for breakfast? I also was wondering if there was a market place near here?"**
Whitney
*He perked up.

**"Oh, you mention fruits, I do have some available for you!"** He now grew a big smile. **"As for the markets, there is some available in the center of the town. As you head outside, go down the road and keep going until you reach the center."***
Nathan
Vanixa smiled, **" Ahh good I haven't been able to have any on my travels. I think I'll go to the market today and see if I can't sell a few things. "**

Vanixa waits patiently for the fruit smiling to herself.
Whitney
*He rushes through a door to gather some fruits, eventually coming out with a big crate of different fruits. He carries it to the counter.

**"Here you go! Where would you like me to leave these?"***
Nathan
Vanixa looks a bit taken back, brown eyes going wide. The man brings over a big crate full of fruits placing it before her. Vanixa takes a few pears and apples, placing the apples in her bag careful. Then takes a bite of the pear, left in her hand. She chews slowly then speaks to the man in a light voice. 
**" Oh no this should be enough, I'll be leaving to market soon. Then maybe to the forest to do some gathering. "**
Whitney
*He nodded and then placed the crate at his feet for now.

**"Very well. You must have a safe journey, madam. Will you be back here later today?"***
Nathan
Vanixa smiles , " **Yes of course i am staying here for the week."** Vanixa gives a wink as she leaves off towards the market.
Whitney
*He was about to respond but the wink caught him off guard. His face went red as she left. He turned around and blinked.

**"Was that..."** He shook his head then picked up the crate of fruits, putting it around the back again.*
Miles
*Artemisia approached the wooden door to leave a small shop that had offered empty promise. She returned to walking the streets of Salvainia, her hand resting on the hilt of a broadsword that was tucked into a sheath, a temporary replacement until her Greatsword was repaired. The unfortunate incident in training that led to the bending of her once glorious weapon had led up to this replacement and significant downgrade. Furthermore, she was walking the streets of Salvainia, hand in hilt while her heavy-plated armor clanked against one another and the stomps of her boots against the hard ground. Artemisia has her eyes scouring the various passerby's that returned their gaze upon her, forcing her to avert her attention elsewhere to avoid the unsettling look she had received and gave.*
Whitney
*Nagnis stayed within his tavern, now he was sweeping the floors of the tavern. No one was in at the moment, thus he was alone.*
Miles
*Artemisia soon stopped to another wooden door that seemed to intrigue her. Or was it the hanging symbol that held the name of a tavern? She didn't dwell, instead Artemisia pushed open the tavern door, which offered up its regards with a loud creak. The young brunette walked in, her head turning to get a spectacle of the room and its patrons, though it was rather empty besides the man who had swept the tavern floors with a broom.*
Whitney
*The dark elf's back was towards the door, but as soon as it opened, his ear perked slightly and he looked up and over towards the female. His bright, golden eyes looked at her and greeted her with a smile on his face.

**"Good day, madam."** The dark purple skinned man spoke to her. **"Welcome to my tavern. How may I be of any help to you?"***
Miles
*Artemisia nodded her head in acknowledgment to the dark elf, her face remaining stoic as she soon approached a table that seated nobody and took her rightful place. Beforehand, however, she removed the sheath from her side, letting the hilt of the broadsword lean against the tavern wall. After seating herself, she finally answered the man,* "Tankard of Rum. Largest one you can find." *Her eyes seemed to have narrowed as a face of intimidation hinted to the man, hoping to not be taken lightly by anyone or anything. She exhaled a heavy sigh as she interlocked her gloved hands together, before resting them on top of the wooden table.*