The Unicorn Tavern adventures

Stepping into the Bar it's a bustling Thursday night, and although not a market day the bar is already heaving. Pepper shouts out orders and pours drinks from the bar while her Barmaids almost dance between the tables, delivering cups and pitchers and frothy ale or sweet tasty mead. The smell of roast meat hangs in the air as well as pipe smoke and the general smell of humanity.



"Welcome to the Unicorn!" One of the bar maids calls out as you look around. "Take a seat I'll be with you shortly!"

Cadamir had just arrived in town on his journey from...well, wherever he'd been to wherever he would wind up, and since it wasn't a very large place it didn't take long to find recommendations on where to go for lodging and a meal!

He stepped into the Unicorn, brown eyes flecked with gold taking in the crowd briefly, lips curling into a faint smile before his gaze settled on the one addressing new arrivals. He nodded, then found himself an empty table and moved over, slipping his small pack off of his back to set it down next to his chair, and then unfastened the sheathed greatsword from his back and set it down, mostly under the table next to his pack, so it'd be out of anyone's way unless he got a table companion. He'd cross that bridge if he came to it!

Ashleigh moved expertly around the tables until she got to Cadamir's, stepping a dainty foot carefully over his sword that stuck out slightly she didn't seem to bat an eyelid otherwise. She was clearly used to wargear and weaponry.

"Good evening Sir, I'm Ash. I presume you're thirsty - most are. But are you hungry? We have our own brewed Unicorn ale at a penny a cup, or a sovereign for a pitcher. Then there's mead, same price but only sold in cups as it's quite strong. Or a selection of fine Colovian wines and brandies." She paused for him to tell her what he wanted to drink, before going on.

"To eat we have the usual spicy fish stew, which is well-known and a bargain at two pennies a bowl. Or the roast of the day which today is Lamb, that'll cost you a sovereign."

She smiled down at him, pushing her fringe from her eyes and nudged his sword a little further under the table carefully with a practised movement of her foot.

"So care to eat?"

He sent a friendly smile to the approaching lady, and didn't at all mind her moving the sword out of the way. It wasn't some preposterous unwieldy thing, but it was long enough to be annoying at times and help getting it properly out of the way wasn't a bad thing.

"Hello, Ash. I'm Cadamir, and yes, I'm quite thirsty and hungry." An excellent way to greet someone, he hadn't even realized how hungry he was until she'd asked. It was hardly surprising after his journey. He made a mental note to get himself a bath as well. He stayed quiet until prompted for his responses.

"A pitcher of ale sounds perfect." The food he was torn on though! Both sounded delightful, but he wasn't quite hungry enough for both. Well, he was, he just knew better than to overindulge.

"May as well get the roast of the day before it's the roast of yesterday. I'll have that, thank you. I also understand there are rooms here? Who would I speak to about arranging one?" As they spoke his shadow was not at all behaving, flitting about in ways that did not at all agree with what the light happened to be doing. At least it was probably not terribly noticeable in a place like this, with more than one light source. Who was to say it wasn't retreating from one light source rather than leaning towards another? Sure, that scenario should mean he didn't cast much of a shadow at all, but his never really cared for what it ought to be doing.

Clueless as to the movement of the man's shadow, Ash didn;t take her pretty eyes off his face.

"Very well Cadamir I'll bring your drink right over and your meal later." She seemed to think as he asked about a room to stay.

"I'm fairly sure we have a few rooms left but I'll have to speak to the boss. Rooms are a sovereign a night and they're pay up front." She seemed to notice a strange movement, but shrugged and turned on her heel, looking back over her shoulder.

"I'll be over with your ale shortly sir."

Ashleigh moved away and scooped up some dirty dishes as she returned to the bar and took a few drinks orders. Had Cadamir been watching he would have seen an even shorter copper haired girl come to the bar and start poutring drinks. Ash spoke to her and collected several pitchers and cups, carrying them all on a large tray. She would her way around and came back to Cadamir's table with just a sinlg e cup and large Pitcher of ale.

"There you go Cadamir, enjoy. I'll bring your food over shortly."

She flounced off and circled the dozen or so tables, collecting empties and chatting. The redhead stayed at the bar for a few seconds, just looking over at Cadamir. As Ash spoke to her she nodded and went back into the kitchen.

A few minutes later the petite redhead stood at his table and placed a large platter of meat, roast potatoes and seasonal veggies, there was also a freshly baked bread roll on the side.

"Your meal Sir, Cadamir was it? I'm Pepper, the owner and you were asking after a room?"

Bustling through the door like a whirlwind of energy, flinging the banister to the side, was a golden dripped elf. Barmaid outfit barley tied around her waist, hair a bit frantic, as she bounced inside.

"Pepper! Apologies for being late. I went out last..." her golden gaze drifted over to the customer before widening. A blush coming to her cheeks before looking back to Pepper.

"I will go prep for the rush." Swiftly turning to the man, she showed a bright smile. It almost could light the entire tavern with that simple smile. "Enjoy your meal and drink sir! If you need anything, holler!"

Bouncing off back to the bar and kitchen, she finally got her golden hair fixed. Making sure her pointed ears stuck out of the golden strands. Earrings sometimes catching the individual strands, but today would not be an issue.

With her brown bow tightened, she made her way to clean other tables. Humming softly to herself as she began to get things ready for more customers.

"Sounds perfect, thank you." He smiled once again, and did watch her go, at least for part of her walk. She was a pretty thing, so why wouldn't he? He didn't stare at her the entire time though, that would certainly cross the line from appreciation of beauty into creep town. He did note she spoke to the person behind the bar though as he was glancing around the place more fully, taking in the crowd. Wasn't his job to stop trouble, but it didn't mean he wouldn't be keeping an eye out for anyone looking to start some. Better to know it was coming.

When the pitcher and cup were delivered he smiled to Ash once again. "Thank you." He poured himself some ale and had a test sip of it, made a little mm sound and then had a bigger drink. Good stuff. He'd have to try the mead sometime, but perhaps not tonight. Wouldn't do to make an ass out of himself his first night in town.

He enjoyed the ambiance and slowly consumed that ale while awaiting his food, making sure to not overdo it on an empty stomach. The absolute last thing he needed was to lose control because of something so stupid and preventable. He noted the other girl approaching after a while with what appeared to be his good. He nodded as she spoke.

"Cadamir, yes, and thank you. The sir isn't necessary." He knew some people were accustomed to using that for everyone, and he'd met some knights that got awfully offended by that, but it really wouldn't bother him if she kept it up.

"I am, though I'm not sure how long exactly I'll be around here before moving on." He had plenty of coin for a while after his last job, especially with the prices here, but would eventually need more! "If I need to seek elsewhere for a possible longer term stay I can do so, but for now at least, a couple nights would be a start."

Oh hey then someone else greeted him! He glanced over and sent her a smile and a nod. "Will do, thank you!" Everyone was so friendly here!

Pepper paused talking to the traveller known as Cadamir as the door burst open and Ruby flew in, skirts flapping wildly around her legs.

Then energetic girl was always in a rush, she blurted an apology to Pepper, greetings to Cadamir, then bustled off. Pepper couldn't be angry at her ever. She gave her everything, she just seemed to be chaos incarnate, but she was great at dealing with tricky customers and since Pepper had taken her on things had gotten a lot easier around the place. She saw Ashleigh greet the girl and the two friends giggle together at a shared joke.

She turned her attention back to Cadamir.

"Cadamir it is, sorry force of 'abit." Pepper smiled warmly. "Rooms are a sovereign a night, pay up front I'm afraid so if you're staying for a couple as in two it'll be two sovereigns. Come call for me at the bar when you want your room key. I'll leave you in Ash and Ruby's capable 'ands now."

She got up and turned heading back to the bar. She didn't think her prices were that low, but after what Cadamir had said perhaps she should consider increasing them? No, the farmers would only increase the prices of her sundries, it'd just drive everything up in the community, she was coping just fine.

Getting back to the bar she slipped behind and looked around. The bar was half full and already full of the heady sound of laughing, talking and raised voices. She smiled to herself, the Unicorn at its best - but there was plenty of room for more.

With barely a sound, the door to the Unicorn opened to reveal a Daerthe. Towering over most at six and a half feet she certainly stuck out in a crowd. Of course that was not the only reason as she was a rarity due to her birth. She was an uniya, the child of an elf and an orc. The two species were known to have a burning hatred that spanned as far back as the origin of their respective gods or so some legends said. Of course what was even more strange was the type of elf she hailed from, the mysterious and subterranean drow.

Making her way towards a table that was still vacant she took a seat, resting a large greatsword against the table while still keeping it within grabbing range. Her stoic expression did not waver even as she waved over one of the barmaid while giving a respectful nod to Pepper and the other patrons. "I'll have an ale and whatever food is being made for today. If possible keep the meat as rare as possible."

After giving her order she pulled out the exact amount of coin needed for the order, setting it on the table for collection. With that done Daerthe turned her attention to her sword, setting it over her lap and pulling it carefully from the sheathe. Showing the skills one gathered on the road, with careful precision she started to clean it. Knowing she needed to take extra care to maintain it due to there being no weapon smith around this seemed to be a daily ritual for her.

"Perfect, I appreciate it. I'll see you after I'm done eating, then. Thanks, Pepper." Once she left him to it, he started to tuck into that food!

And it could be the prices here were normal, or even high for the area! Just sort of depended on where one had come from, apparently he was recently from a much more expensive area, since it all seemed more than reasonable here. Either way, he should be able to stick around for a while if he wanted, and was allowed to. With the location, it might be a good place to wait for some more work to come in, surely lots of people passed through the small town on their way elsewhere. Plenty of them could probably use a mercenary.

He glanced up from his food when the tall ...was that a half-orc? Half-elf? Well, no reason one couldn't be both, even if that wasn't what he was used to seeing. He sized her up in the way one greatsword wielder tended to do to another, but then just went back to eating. Certainly added fighting her to his list of things he would prefer to avoid.

As the cloth glided against the wood, she heard the door open and the thud of heavy footsteps. Rising her gaze from the spot she was currently cleaning to see an extremely tall woman. Pointed ears and even teeth like an orc. It certainly made her eyebrow raise with a twitch of a smile. The woman was terrifying but, Ruby would manage as best as possible.

Hearing the order, she quickly grabbed the biggest mug she could find. Someone as tall as that certainly needed the biggest and best. Not wanting to taste the end of her sword. Ruby had no idea how to fight to begin with, so this woman would have such an easy win with the small elf. She filled the mug up till it seemed to bubble over with the unicorn ale. Sliding it over to the woman with gentle care to not spill it.

"Welcome to the Unicorn Tavern. I will make sure that you get the...rarest meat?" Looking over at Ash with an almost concerned look before glancing back at the white haired woman. A bright smile on the golden elves face. "So, I do not wish to be insensitive but you are part elf no?" Tilting her head to the side as she tapped her fingers against the wooden bar. "I haven't met a lot of elves in my travels. Honestly met the most here. One was super cute." She giggle some before refilling someone else mug at the bar.

As she got comfortable in her spot she felt the eyes of someone on her, turning to lock eyes with a man that had the bearing of a warrior much like herself. She did a quick analysis, guessing at the measure of his skills. He appeared to be skilled from her brief glance, more so then the bandits she had come into contact with during her jobs. Nodding to him she turned her attention to the barmaid.

Daerthe didn't seem to react to the look of fear she noticed flashing across the blonde elf's face, merely nodding as her ale was brought over to the table. With practiced ease she sheathed her sword once more, placing it back against the table. Picking up the tankard she took a sip from it, carefully measuring how much she imbibed at a time. At the questioning she raised a brow letting out a breath.

"Part drow or dark elf if it is easier to remember." She said with a stoic and bland tone, tilting her head at how the blonde elf tried to hold a conversation with her. "Doubt you would meet a drow though, their aversion to the sun and love of the underground keeps them off the surface. I was not aware full blooded elves were uncommon. I've come across a few in the badlands during my work." She mused, letting out a chuckle at the mention of cute elves.

"As have I and I must say you are among them." Her face made it hard to tell if she was flirting or simply stating a fact. Seemingly done talking after that she reached for her ale, taking another long drink from it. "I'll take another tankard with my food please."

The door suddenly opened as someone else entered the tavern, followed by a long serpentine tail. He slithered over to the bar and leaned on the counter as he looked around the room. It looked like the place was a bit busy, but not too crammed with people yet. He knew taverns tended to get busy as the day got later.

He usually would have moved his tail out of the way, but was too tired to care, just leaving it on the floor showing his course from the door to the bar counter. He had been travelling all day and was exhausted. Thank goodness there was a tavern to have a drink and unwind in. Just from the smells in the room he could tell that the food and drink was definitely good, or at least better than what he had had in the last few taverns he had visited over the past few days.

The nod from the tall one was responded to with a nod right back and after a bit of time spent eating, he finally finished his first cup of ale and refilled it to start on the second. He may not finish the pitcher, but perhaps he could find someone who'd want what was leftover.

It was getting more lively now, which was wonderful. He did so enjoy people watching. He enjoyed chatting too, generally that was a more comfortable sort of exercise for him. He'd happily chat up someone he'd seen several times, and didn't mind being brought into a conversation, but he wasn't one to just go start talking to complete strangers just to talk! Especially when there was food to eat.

Another new arrival got another brief appraisal. Two unusual folks in one day! Might be worth hanging around town just to see what other types showed up.

After a bit, he finished his food, and sat for a moment slowly sipping at a third cup of ale, watching the crowd idly and just..digesting. Didn't quite feel like time to pay for and get his room just yet, though he would if the place got much fuller. Wouldn't want to take up the table space if someone else needed it!

Pepper had been in the kitchen when the tall grey-skinned warrior came in, but she saw Ruby was dealing with her. She took a few things into the kitchen where Ashleigh was doing wash up and left them on the counter, earning a nod from the girl.

Heading back out into the busy tap room she heard the ambience drop a few levels as the door opened and a man with a snake-like tail came in.

Pepper had dealt with some odd characters before but she had never seen one quite this odd. She headed over and intercepted and as she closed she could see he was exhausted.

"Hello Sir, welcome to the Unicorn Tavern, I'm Pepper the owner. Please come with me, I think our standard chair and stools will be a challenge for you."

She indicated for him to follow her and walked across the bar to where the tap room curved around. This section was quieter, but there was a section with a lowered table and cushions all around, like an Arabian Hookah den. There were several patrons close by who watched with interest and the bar was still in plain sight, but the cushions would be much more suitable for the patrons' unique physique.

She quickly rattled through the drinks available and the choice of food options.

"So thirsty Sir or just hungry? Or will you be staying with us?"

Of all the people to compliment her, it was a tall woman filled with muscle. Sword probably bigger than the length of her arm. A deep blush played on her cheeks as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. Trying desperately to be professional but unsure as to what a dark elf did other than use dark magic, her opposite.

"I am a.. a light essence elf or light elf. I use to be able to make the prettiest flowers and heal any wound known to man." With a sigh, she looked over her shoulder as peper placed some rare meat selections. Giving her boss a smile and a nod before turning to see the snake man slither through.

Carefully moving the meat toward the woman as her eyes widened at the man. Luckily Pepper took over caring for him. A shiver ran through her body, head to toe, before she snapped her focus from the snake guy. "Okay, I have never seen someone like that before."

Giving a shrug, she grabbed the pitcher and bounced over to the other man at the table. Refilling his ale and giving him a smile. "If you need anything, Names Ruby." Turning on her heels, she bounced back behind the bar and topped off the mug of ale for the woman at the bar.

Daerthe nodded at the explanation almost cracking a small smirk at the bright blush on the blonde barmaid. In the end she was far more knowledgeable about the monsters other feared to face then she was on the differences between the various types of elves. Despite her mother being a drow she knew only the bare minimum about them as well, her mother always hesitant to broach the subject of her people.

Setting such thoughts aside she let her eyes roam across the tavern, raising a brow at the serpant man that entered. Her instincts kicked in a bit as she sat up straighter, having seen similar beings before. When he showed no hostility as Pepper approached him she settled back into her seat. Even so in the back of her mind a bestial urge attempted to break through the mental cage she kept it in. She let out a deep breath, following it with a long drag of ale that emptied her tankard.

With nothing to do but wait for her meal she started to find ways to pass the time. Setting a piece of cloth in front of her she pulled out a small knife and a piece of wood that had started to be shaped into something. With careful movements she started to whittle, collecting the shaving on the cloth to not dirty the table.

He was perfectly fine without a refill, since he wasn't even going to finish his other of ale! He did smile gratefully at Ruby though and nodded once. "Cadamir, and thank you, Ruby."

Elves were always so very nice to look at. I'm just experience it was rare to see one so... bouncy. Not lewd bouncy, just energetic bouncy! He'd guess she probably just spent more time around humans, but maybe the elves in general were just different around here.

At any rate, he finally stood after a bit, then crouched down to pick up his sword and just slung the baldric over one shoulder instead of spending time fastening it. He'd just be setting it down again as soon as he got to his room. He also grabbed his ale pitcher. There was probably at least a cup's worth left in it, and it would be a shame for it to go to wait, so he carried it first over to the half-orc/half-drow, apparently, and set it down. "Seem like if anyone here would want to finish this is off for me it'd be you. Have at it." Or not, of she was particularly untrusting.

He then moved to an empty bar patch and waited until Pepper was available, then waved her over!

"Alright, so two sovereigns for a room for two nights, once each for the ale and food, if I recall." He got into his belt pouch and produced 5 sovereigns, handing them over. "Am I allowed to extend my stay if necessary?"

Ruby tilted her head with confusion for a bit before shaking her head. Once he left the table and went to the bar, she began cleaning up the mug and bowl of food. Stacking it neatly in her hand before moving swiftly to the kitchen. Placing the items in the sink and making her way back through the doorway with a rag. Wanting nothing more than to go and wipe the table down to make it shine.

Giving the woman at the bar another warm smile before swiftly gliding past. Wiping up any spilled beer or food that may have gotten on the table. Once it was practically glistening with new energy, she tapped it with her fingers as golden speck flowed out through her. Dancing across the wood and settling down to create a beautiful shimmer in the light.

Once she got back behind the bar, she refilled the woman's mug once more before speaking. “What can you tell me about dark elves? Do they have the same issues we light elves have?” Her head tilted before she continued to explain. “I have a magical lock. The owners tried to drain me of my powers but to save me life, a magical lock was placed. Only little bits of my powers come out here and there.”

Daerthe continued to sip at her ale until it was gone, setting the mug down to continue with her wittling. Slowly the wood in her hand started to be skinned down until it resembled a miniature crossbow bolt without the fletching. As Ruby walked past her she would nod but mostly kept to her own devices. Messing about with a bit more whittling she slowly set it to the side and cleaned up.

She was somewhat caught off guard by the question and explanation the blonde elf gave. She frowned a bit, trying to remember what she knew about drow. "I've little knowledge of drow magic outside of the few abilities I shared with my mother. I can form small globes of multicolored lights, conjure harmless flames that outline people and objects in a small area or form areas of pure darkness that blinds anyone is caught in or enters." She shrugged as she formed several balls of purple and red, moving them about and having them form into simple shapes. "As far as I know all drow are born with the ability to do this with some be granted with other gifts depending on the status of their birth."

Giving all the information she knew, Daerthe reached for the second ale taking a sip of it. "You mentioned masters? Did you serve under a noble or was it something else?" She did her best to not pry, showing no offense at Ruby didn't wish to elaborate further.