His easygoingness often the norm, Navia was not surprised to hear Théadan say he was okay with not understanding what was going to be said when they stepped into the tavern. Like Théadan, all Navia wanted was a meal and a bed for the night, so she hoped they would get just that. They worked through finishing up with the horses and while she situated Devam’s sword onto her back until they reached their room for the night, Navia studied the way Wyndagar interacted with Théadan. He seemed completely relaxed, not at all stubborn like he had been earlier that day, and Navia hoped that meant the horse was not planning on rebelling the next day as well. She still wanted to see what riding Vari would be like and she knew Théadan wanted his horse back.<br/><br/>Eyebrows raised in silent curiosity when Théadan groaned during a stretch and Navia briefly wondered if he was feeling all right or if he was simply tired. Thinking they were hopefully about to spend the night in a decently sized bed after another bout of sharing a tiny bed on the<i>Uttarana</i>, Navia supposed that would be the best thing for them for the time being. As much as they loved snuggling up to each other, having space to relax was best. She offered him a brief smile when he gestured for her to lead the way and Navia nodded, fingers seeking his out to intertwine. Out of the stables they went, and through the simple wooden door beneath the inn’s sign. Stepping into the room changed the lighting considerably, it was far darker and smokier than the crisp air they had been in for much of the day.<br/><br/>Music from a stringed instrument in the corner, played by a boy no more than twelve, wafted in the air, mixing with smoke coming from three men sitting on cushions around a standing glass pipe. A skinny hose curled from the base and they were casually passing it between each other, taking puffs and allowing the smoke to escape their nostrils. There were a few tables occupied and a couple men seated at the short, primitive bar on the far wall. At first Navia could see them stepping into the establishment was causing no interest, but as she led Théadan toward the bar so they could ask the man behind the counter for assistance, she sensed the hush beginning to take over. Gray-haired and heavily bearded, the elder Khluri behind the bar leaned an elbow against it so he could lean over and eye their approach. His eyes wandered over Navia first, then narrowed when he took in the clothing they wore, the tone of Théadan’s skin, the color of his eyes.<br/><br/>The rough Khluri barked at her stunned Navia into stopping and gaping at the man. She had not expected such language to be said in front of or to describe Théadan. What came as even more of a surprise was the men at the counter agreeing with nods. She glanced at Théadan briefly, sent him a small grimace, then looked back to the men to answer in Khluri as well, voice calm and firm. All they wanted was a room. They didn’t want any trouble. One of the men at the counter laughed and answered her wryly enough for her to sling a disparaging glare in his direction. Then she turned back to innkeeper, he was the only one who mattered in her eyes, seeing as he had the keys to the rooms. What she said next had him scowling and rolling his eyes at her, but a key was slung down on the countertop in her direction. Navia snagged it quickly, voice stiff as she thanked the man in Khluri. “Can I see our money please?” She asked Théadan next, then stepped closer to the counter when it was placed in her hand.<br/><br/>Navia paid double what was likely the normal price for a night in the small inn, but Théadan didn’t need to know that. Instead she handed over the payment with irritation alight in her dark eyes then spoke again in Khluri. The innkeeper sent Théadan another brief glare before grumbling and disappearing through a small door behind the bar. It did not take long for him to return with a small basket with a cloth covering the food within, nor for him to shove it across the bar at Navia and wave them off. After another stiff expression of her gratitude, Navia picked up the basket and gave Théadan’s hand a small squeeze to let him know they were finished. She led the way toward the stairs to the second floor and as they made their way up them, one of the men at the counter shouted after them. Navia paused, considered answering the threat, but shook her head and said nothing until they were at their door.<br/><br/>“Don’t go down there without me, okay?” She said quietly while pushing the door to their room open. She searched his face briefly, then sighed as she stepped into the room, “They are not at all happy a Mes’Mo’Tanian has the nerve to set foot here and I don’t trust them.” The room was dull, simply a bed and a single dresser, not even a window to look out at, and the bathroom had no tub. None of it helped the mood the interaction with her fellow Khluri had brought out in her. Navia set the basket of food on the dresser, then turned back to lock the door behind them, withdrawing the key as an added measure. "We should probably keep one of the swords close to the bed. Are you hungry?" Navia asked airily, trying to get away from the rough conversation she'd just had and so she wouldn't alarm Théadan.