<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=227485.msg11168412#msg11168412">Quote from: JoanieSappho on 17-04-2015, 04:56:08</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Everything was so <em>big</em> here!<br/>After fleeing for her life and spending weeks on the road, afraid of what might be hiding behind every bush, Caro's first glimpse of town life was a welcome relief, to be sure, but to the sheltered young halfling, the bustle of Dryad's Wood was a dizzying, confusing mess of people. <br/><br/>It was not a bad place, she could tell, but there were just so many people! Everywhere! And they were all so much bigger than her.<br/>It was was relief that she caught a glimpse of another halfling, and tried to follow after her.<br/>As she passed around and between people, Caro got a good look at the other halfling as she - very definitely a she - ducked into a tavern, Caro's cheeks reddening as she realized the other halfling was walking around barebreasted, Caro's large blue eyes focussing on her chest in both appreciation and, although she'd never admit it, just a touch of envy. The other halfling might have only had small breasts, but she still <em>had</em> them.<br/><br/>Despite the sudden wave of nervousness that came over her as she approached the door, but she pushed it back down and entered. <br/>It'd be nice to be around someone who wasn't quite so intimidatingly massive.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>The Thirsty Dragon's decor was best described as rustic.  There was absolutely nothing new in the inn.  Quite possibly, the pewter plates and mugs were being reused without ever being washed.  Several eyes glanced over at Orchid when she entered the Thirsty Dragon.  The tables and chairs were high for halflings and it did not appear that accommodations were made for them.<br/><br/>However, the jubilant atmosphere and animated conversation completely stopped when Caro entered the Thirsty Dragon.  A burly human, his clothes covered in mud stood up and approached the two.  "What brings you two here?"  He then glanced back at the crowd and continued in a mocking voice before either halfling could answer.  "Did you both come, planning to be hired for the town?  Are you our great saviors?"  The tavern erupted with laughter.<br/><br/>tag - Orchid/Caro or anyone heading to the Thirsty Dragon<br/><br/>Meanwhile, back at the Charming Dryad:<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=227485.msg11167047#msg11167047">Quote from: AndyZ on 16-04-2015, 20:33:02</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><br/>Anyone who knew a decent amount about the locals had likely heard rumors of Miranda's insanity.<br/><br/>As best was understood, she'd been born under an ill astrological sign of madness.  She believed that the stars themselves were sentient beings, constantly watching.  More than once she claimed that they wanted her eyes.  At the moment, though, she seemed more or less lucid.<br/><br/>The glass orb strapped to her belt pouch marked her as an arcane magic user, but her journal didn't contain any spells.  One of the boys who used to fancy her had stolen it, but reading through it seemed to take its toll on his mind.  He still wakes up screaming sometimes, but insists that he cannot remember what such terrible dreams were about.<br/><br/>All in all, it wasn't that uncommon for people to just leave her alone, unless they needed her assistance...or if she'd been drinking.  Somehow, the intoxication of alcohol seemed a temporary cure from her affliction, and it wasn't uncommon for her to make friends, play cards and drink.<br/><br/>Of course, she still wanted to prove herself as more valuable than just a drunk.  She had powers, and even though she didn't have a lot of adventuring experience, she was getting to be a good enough aim with her abilities that she felt she could benefit a party.<br/><br/>Time to see if she was right.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/><br/>Ealden froze as she watched Miranda come in.  Miranda was not unwelcome but to say that she was welcomed would be a great exaggeration.  Ealden's youthful days were behind her.  At one time, this human woman was thought to be one of the prettiest women in Dryad Wood.  Now, however, bags hung under her eyes, her golden hair was white, and she no longer kept her hair long, choosing a more practical cut for working in a kitchen.  She had a plump bosom and her waist was starting to match it.  Her husband, Arryn owned the Charming Dryad and many wondered when he would either sell the Dryad, as he was now in his forties and his and Ealden's son showed little interest in the family business.<br/><br/>Ealden hurriedly moved to her husband and whispered something to him.  Arryn then came out with a mug containing some water.  Cautiously he approached Miranda's table.  See, no hostile or sudden moves from her, he told Miranda, "I hope you are well today.  Here is some water.  Is there something else that you would like?"  His tone was friendly but his body language was guarded, as if preparing for some suspicious or unexpected attack from Miranda.<br/><br/>tag - Miranda or anyone else coming to the Charming Dryad