<div class="floatleft">(http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2015/056/5/3/lyari_by_pixeldust86-d8jganz.jpg)</div>Thunder rolled over the dark town.  Not a spec of light shown over the expanse of small cottages, stone shops, or the burnt-out remains of what was once the most popular tavern east of the Morgirami River.  It was a sad sight to be sure, but at least the rain hid the girl's tears.  She stomped through ankle-deep mud and filth towards her precious pub.  It had long since been written off as abandoned and forgotten.  As memories flooded back, Lyari pushed her hood aside and let the drops of water wash over her beautiful, yet downtrodden face.  This was her home.  It would be again.  The half elf made her way into what would pass as shelter for the night and curled into a tight ball in the ashen remnants of her past.  It would be a longer journey still, but she would forge ahead.  She was nothing if not determined.<br/><br/>Days and weeks past.  Lyari used what little coin she had procuring dwarf stonesmithes, elven carpenters, and strong human workers to rebuild the tavern.  When the money ran out, there was only one thing to do.  The busty woman traded her body for assistance and materials.  It was a bit demeaning without the warmth of her hearth and the support of her family of employees.  Speaking of which, the girls managed to return one by one as word spread of the re-opening of the inn.  Chariss was the first, having never left Briarton.  She was meek and new only her skills at cooking and making drinks.  There wasn't an adventurer in her little body.  All smiles and tears of joy, she rejoined her friend and set to work making a new menu and ordering provisions for the kitchen and bar.<br/><br/>Next came Kira.  After hearing of Lyari's return, she marched all the way across the map to see if the rumors were true.  Exhausted and dirty, the orc girl didn't lay her head down until she got her strong arms around her old boss.  Even more, Kira shed the first tears she'd allowed since the raid when she saw her little buddy.  Chariss screamed in excitement as she was heft in the orc's arms, thankful that her best friend was still alive, much less present for the rebuilding.  Kira replaced nearly half the working crew, managing loads of timber and stone.<br/><br/>There was unfortunate news as Lyari received word of Erica.  Thankfully none of the patrons present had been harmed when Imperial forces invaded.  But there was one significant casualty.  The wild child fought to the last, more than likely giving Lyari and the others the precious time needed to escape.  She paid with her life, however.  A small, unmarked grave was located on the edge of town.  Lyari vowed to use the first profits of the new tavern to give her a proper headstone.<br/><br/>Months past and the new and improved Busty Wench Tavern looked better than ever.  There was even a new waitress in Asvett, an unusually intelligent goblin girl from hundreds of leagues away.  She happened to be in town and decided to show her support.  After a few long talks, Lyari persuaded the girl to join them.  Her spunky attitude and jovial demeanor was just what the girls needed to liven up the place.  Soon the bar was completed.  Lyari had a grand opening with mountains of food, drink, and more provocative fair than had been seen in Briarton in those lonely months without the half elf girl.  The grand re-opening was a success, but Lyari knew to keep things low-key.  It was the sudden growth and popularity that drew the sword of the Imperials that night.  This time things would be different.  The activities of the Wench would be kept much quieter and pleasant as not to attract that kind of attention.