[ORP] The Crossroads Inn

Kiera bursted into the laugh she could not hold back and huggled Maria back with a smile. That men talk she knew lots about, though she enjoyed to watch men just do such things. Good looking and good with a bow? Thats was just pure candy for the eye."Ah, i would have loved to be draged here as well to watch that, but my cousin Janko forgot me."she answerd and winked."So i had to run here on my very own."she smiled and looked between them all."I dont believe in such a rumor Maria. Am all on your very side. Anamitra, she is nothing like that to Janko."before she could say anything more about the subject, Janko suddenly came around and explained the situtiation for Anamitra. Kiera listen to her dear cousin and felt a bit sorry that Siren was away. She liked Jankos wife alot, but had only had the pleasure of meeting her once or twice.
Kiera returned the hug to Janko and noded with a smile."Its good to see you too and that you are here in Bri. Was a bit worried about were all left all of the sudden."she looked around on them all."So you all gona join the fun here then? I was thinking if i should or not...but i dont know if am that good at it. Maybe i will just turn out to be the clown."she said jokingly and laughed some. Seeing herself in her own mind. Standing there with a bow and arrow. Aiming very seriously. Finally making that shot towards its target... and the arrow just flys a meter before crashing down on the ground. Yes, that would be a highpoint. Thought Kiera was not afraid of trying and failing if she now would join in and not only watch.
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Lady Kiera Leijon, proud & happy mother to Kyla & Kirahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d17zoQX-iLs

Madalena hugged Kiera. "Janko dragged me here, we wanted to show me his skills with the bow." She shrugged and muttered "Men", as if that single word could define all the flaws that characterized Kiera's brother. The beautiful woman teased her, pretending that she believed in a relationship between Madalena and Janko. "Janko and me? Oh Kiera! You too?" She said, annoyance on her voice. Fortunately, she recognised the mockery in Kiera's bright eyes. "I was hoping that you could explain to this nice gentleman that I'm not Janko's wife, or his lover. He seems to be mistaken and you're not helping. She smiled.
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Madalena was still hyperventilating when a dark-haired woman came in. She hanged her coat by the door and took a seat at a nearby table. Completely oblivious to the conversation, she withdrew a notebook from her bag, wearing a thoughtful expression on her face.

Madalena refilled her mug and eagerly drank the bittersweet cider, trying to forget the inglorious, though innocent, suggestion. "Kiera?" She wondered doubtfully, taking a closer took. "Kiera! So good to see you, please come sit here, and tell this pal I'm not Janko's wife." She tapped on the chair by her side and smiled.
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"Next time, I'll make myself at home." Madalena nodded happily and took a longer swig of her drink, satiating her thirsty throat. It really was a nice ale. The man smiled to her, but she felt the sudden urge to put her hands around his neck when she heard his next words. Madalena choked on her drink and coughed violently, spitting some ale on the table. "My husband?" She cried out completely outraged. "That man is not my husband! I'm not married! If I was married, it would not be to him!" She kept repeating herself, unable to overcome her distress. "But, I'm not married, sir. I do not have a husband." She took a handkerchief from her bag and cleaned the table, breathing hard until she was calm again and capable of speaking coherently. "My name is Madalena, sir. Luckily, I'm not Siren."
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"You can do it madame...there may be a temporary for a Bartender for a few days..."

He smiles hearing the satisfaction in the lady's voice.
"The Crossroad's serves nothing but the very best ma'am...especially for you.Your husband is a very good friend of mine."He says with a grin towards Janko.

"So,how has the honeymoon been till now?"

He asks with a pleasant smile.
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A young woman walked in to the inn and Madalena's eyes lit because she was no longer alone with Janko. She smiled and approached the other woman. "Hello! My name is Madalena, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Anne. We're from Chard." From the corner of her eye she looked to Janko, snarled under her breath, and turned her back completely to him.

Madalena focused on the woman facing her, noting how she looked weary. "I would buy you drink, but this tavern seems to be empty. The innkeeper is nowhere to be seen." She lowered her voice and confided. "I myself was needing a drink." She looked around. "Perhaps we might find a barrel of ale, what do you say, Anne?"

The door opened again and this time a man strolled in to the tavern.

"Hello sir." She smiled and gestured towards herself and Anne."We want to drink. Are you the inkeeper?"
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Anne strolled in to the tavern, feeling the need for an ale or two after a long shift in the quarry, dust filling her lungs. Or three.

As her eyes adjusted from the bright day outside to the gloom of the hostelry, she became aware of two other figures, one a striking woman with long hair and a simple but clearly very well tailored green dress, the other a soldier. The soldier was grinning like a grade A village idiot, but looked unsettled; the woman had a face that looked like thunder. Maybe four drinks.

She wondered if she had just walked in on a row. Or parhaps the man had mistaken the woman for having a certain profession and had offended her - but given the young woman's dress and appearance, the latter seemed unlikely. Anne wondered. Hello, she said, may I join yourselves for a drink? My name's Anne. The dust and hard work made her thirsty enough to suffer the atmosphere here.

Janko came and spoiled the pace and quiet...

He is so mean...
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Lt.Commander of Devon - General - Trouble

The sun shone from a cloudless sky, bathing Madalena in radiant warmth. The icy grip of a cold spring morning melted away in its light as the young woman approached the inn. The wind was gentle, a light breeze now and then, sweeping her brown cloak. She was dressing a homespun and comfortable green forest dress which clung tightly to her slender body. Her unbound hair cascaded around her shoulders, slightly wavy after a night on the road, but she was smiling.

She walked to the inn, hoping to find some warm food and ale from the local brewery. Madalena opened the door silently and stepped inside, glad that Janko Vukotic was nowhere to be seen. A night listening to him speak nonsense was all that she could bear. The silence and the darkness embraced her like a warm and soft mantle, making her sigh in relief. Madalena looked around, searching for someone, her hazel eyes watchful and she greeted, hoping that someone would listen. "Hello! Is anybody here?" The quietness was so deep that she ventured again. "Is anybody here?"
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Bob chuckled. HIs eyes glinted merrily as he gave thought to that vast unknown whose depths held mystery, marvel, and even madness. For what sensible person would willingly and knowingly rush headlong into the maw of a squall, or the calms in tropical waters where the humidity and heat are as stifling as any environ in the world? Who else but the mad? He had no illusions of himself, he knew what he was and had always been. A seeker of excitement, adventure, and always mystery. He knew it was madness to ever go back, especially with all he had lost, but he also knew well the sights which inspired awe within. The blue and green lights in the sky far to the north, the stunning clarity and seeming closeness of the stars, the porpoise frolicking along the wake of a ship speeding along as if enjoying the company of the men and women aboard. How could he give up these and so much more?

"It always be good to come home from a long time at sea, familiar faces long unseen is well for a body. But to stagnate? Become soft? Miss out on the wonders that be out there? Nay, nay. That not be for me. I am a man seeking excitement whenever possible. The sea holds mystery and I would know her secrets."
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A Wandering Man| Troubadour Extraordinaire| Student of History and Life| Chyler's Sig

"Stories of the sea?" Bob nodded slowly, a mist seeming to form over his eyes as he continued. "Aye, I have a few of me own and a great number I have heard. The sea gives us much and much we take from her, but there be much, oh so very much she takes from us."Slowly he lowered his face looking into the contents of his mug, staring as if some answer lay there for him to better understand the whims of Jah and the cruelty of the sea. He looked back up, the mist gone from his eyes and good humor replacing what was there but a moment ago. "Long ago, I was but a child when first upon the sea but did a man's work. Ah, those were exciting times! Wondrous times! It was a time for a boy to become a man; working, fighting, drinking, and the lasses! Ah, the lasses, a man could go daft just from their eyes. The laugh and look of a woman after being long away, for a young man, is a spark to the blood. Sweeter than the rarest of wines! Richer than clover honey! But the one lass, the special one," he gave them both a knowing wink, "That be so much the sweeter!"
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A Wandering Man| Troubadour Extraordinaire| Student of History and Life| Chyler's Sig

"Aye and she does so intrigue," finished Llyres for the man, signaling for another pour for Bob and glasses all around. "Have you tried cider and rum?" Turning to Robin with a smile, she explained "I brought two barrels up from Spain for the distillery. They were not cheap and I was glad to find them. " Turning back to Bob, she explained, "I blend a bit of rum into my cider when I have time to brew it. The taste is smooth but with a warming touch. In Spain, they say that rum will keep sailors healthy. It doesn't seem to hurt." Like many of her ilk, Llyres was superstitious and eager to try any trick to ensure a successful voyage home.

Motioning toward a seat near Bob, and seeing no objection, Llyres sat down as well. "I would gladly hear of your adventures, for few stories of the sea bore me, but if you would rather not, I will not press. " Still in exuberant spirits, Llyres sipped at her cider and smiled with loving warmth at Robin, bathing in his nearness.
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Devon Navy Admiral|Marchioness of Deheubarth|Earl of Portsmouth|KoTG|Veteran Admiral REN

"Pleased to meet you, Bob. I agree it is a fine town, one well worth returning home to."" She raised the mug in a toast to teh town, tasting the cider. You haven't resorted to importing from Chard, have you? she teased her husband, knowing her cider press had been idle while she had sailed. Aye, Bob, I'm newly returned from a trip for the county to Spain to procure a nimble vessel. With one arm wrapped around her husband, the other sampling the cider, Llyres continued, " I will be candid that I'm one of the sea-bitten and currently serving as admiral of our fine county navy. I will undoubtedly try to recruit you before long. What are you drinking the New Year in with?" Her voice was pleasant and self mocking but full of cheer. It had been too long a time without Robin at her side, and his mere presence warmed her soul.
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Devon Navy Admiral|Marchioness of Deheubarth|Earl of Portsmouth|KoTG|Veteran Admiral REN

Holding Llyres close, not wanting to let go of her so soon after having been separated for so long, Robin grinned down at her. "The boys are fine. Adam is still in Chard with his apprenticeship, Alex is growing like a weed. Martha's been taking good care of him while I've been busy with the town hall. Bridgewater is doing well... sleepier than usual, but such is the holidays."

Keeping one arm around her waist, Robin turned to the rest of the people in the tavern, introducing her to everyone that he wasn't certain that she knew, finally noticing Bob. "Sorry, Bob. I'm a bit excited. Love, this is Bob, he's new to town. Bob, this is my wife, Llyres. She just got home after being gone for a few months sailing." Then with another kiss, he hugged her again and went to fetch her a drink, returning to her side quickly and handing her a mug with her usual choice of drink in the tavern.
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Royal Embassy Vice-Chancellor | Royal Museum Curator | Earl of Locksley | Lord Warden of Sherwood Forest

Robin had been leaning quietly behind the bar, a barely sipped drink on the counter beside him with his arms folded across his chest. He was watching the other patrons of the bar, people that were both friends and citizens, with amusement and a fond smile.

Turning his head to greet whoever had just come in when he heard the door creak slightly, the Mayor's greeting died on his lips as he saw the blonde figure standing there and call out greetings. "Llyres..." he whispered, before moving out of his comfortable position and darting toward the door. "Llyres! You're home!" Grabbing her in a tight hug, he pulled her close, nearly crushing her against him, capturing her lips with his in a deep kiss.

"I've missed you so much..." he murmured as he eventually pulled away. "I can't think of a better New Year's surprise." Robin grinned down at her, resting his forehead against hers.
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Royal Embassy Vice-Chancellor | Royal Museum Curator | Earl of Locksley | Lord Warden of Sherwood Forest

Lights streamed from cottages and farms dotting the roadside between Chard and Bridgewater. These warmed the rider's passage, even though the cloaked figure did not tarry but pressed her hired mount harder. Puffs of frosted air trailed from the mare's flaring nostrils, "Only a bit more and then warm blankets and stable for you. The stables of Bridgewater have sweet apples...and sweeter hay," murmured the slender hooded rider as she crouched low across the laboring back, encouraging her horse onward through the growing night..

At last the trees turned from fruitless woods to orchard, the rutted dirt road gave way to cobbles, the horse's breath slowed to great puffs of air as the rider dismounted at the stables behind the Inn.
"M'lady!" said the stable hand, a bit surprised by her sudden appearance.
"Is he at the Inn? It's early enough that he ought to be here...still." she inquired with singular pupose.
"M'lady, how were your travels? We heard you went as far as Spain this time? And aye the Mayor was in the tavern a bit ago."
Handing the stable-hand a coin, she hurriedly added, "A Happy New Year. This mare is bound back to Chard in a week's time."
"Aye m'lady and a Hap'y New Years to You too, Admiral"
Holding her furlined cloak tight against the cold, the Devon admiral strode from stable to Inn, and as she crossed the familiar threshold of Cross Roads, the journey and cares of sea and road fell from her shoulders.
Here, more then anywhere in the world, she was home and felt safe. Pulling the hood from her head, thick waves of blonde hair, wind curled and untamed, blanketed her shoulders. Wind burn gave her nose a pink hue but her blue eyes sparkled merrily.

"Hello all! A Happy New Year!" Llyres called forth in a melodic sing song, "Greetings from Spain, Portugal, Brittany and Chard to our fair town! " Her eyes roamed to see who had gathered to celebrate the New Year, hoping that her husband was among them.
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Devon Navy Admiral|Marchioness of Deheubarth|Earl of Portsmouth|KoTG|Veteran Admiral REN

"As you say, but if you decide you could use me at another task such as baking, I am at the mayor's command." So saying, Khrys finishes her drink and prepares to depart, "I'll mill up some flour and if there isn't as much of a market as was once thought, why then, I'll save up more money and switch to baker then use it myself."

Robin grinned, reaching for a bottle behind the bar. "That certainly does call for a celebration! Though the tavern has been rather quiet lately, so it's just you and me. So the offer of a round is generous, but I know how expensive it can be to build a new workplace, so save your money. This is on me." Pouring a drink, he pushed the glass toward her.
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Royal Embassy Vice-Chancellor | Royal Museum Curator | Earl of Locksley | Lord Warden of Sherwood Forest

Pouring a drink for himself, Robin raised his glass in salute to her. "I have no doubt you'll be a fine miller, Khryarsta. And if you ever have any issues, please don't hesitate to come to me. It's my job as mayor to at least try to help make things go smoothly for everyone. But I don't think you'll have too much trouble." Offering another smile, he downed his drink before setting the glass on the bar and pulling rather a large ledger out from behind it.

Opening it to a page somewhere in the middle of the book, the Mayor picked up a quill and jotted her name down next to four others. "Congratulations, Khryarsta. You're the fifth miller in Bridgewater."
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Royal Embassy Vice-Chancellor | Royal Museum Curator | Earl of Locksley | Lord Warden of Sherwood Forest

Having been busy in the back, restocking the drinks for the tavern, Robin heard the door open. Lifting his head, he called, "Be right there!" before setting down the keg he was carrying.

Heading out front, the mayor looked around before spotting Khryarsta. Moving to his spot behind the bar, he offered a warm smile. "Hello! Can I get you something to drink?"
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Royal Embassy Vice-Chancellor | Royal Museum Curator | Earl of Locksley | Lord Warden of Sherwood Forest

I walk in the tavern with an idea to change the name of this tavern and to renovate it a little.

ok I know that this tavern has always been the Crossroads tavern (or at least since i have been here) but I like to know if we should petition the Town Hall to change its name to the Bridgewater Yacht club to let people know that we are a port town after all?

what do you all think of this idea?

as I tern to the barman a buy's a round for those here
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Viscount of Cardiff
Barony of Puriton

As Fyra Joined them Sir John greeted her.
Hello come join us .. He said placing another beer down.

To Syeira he responded, Well a warm bed is only upstairs here and you will be welcomed by all here.
And yes I think a few folks would like the service of have a fortune reading.

He smiled taking a glug of his drink.
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Lord of Dorchester, CRN. Enlightened.

Sir John nodded,
Please feel free to seek those who wish to know their fortune. And yes please feel free to use the tavern, it is and should be the center of the social life of town.

He smiled pleased to have the kind fortune sage in town.
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Lord of Dorchester, CRN. Enlightened.

Fyra took the seat offered by John and nodded towards Syeira Welcome to Bridgewater in that case! I hope you will find your stay here most enjoyable. She took a sip from the ale placed in front of her before adding I am not a resident of Bridgewater myself, but I spend more time here than at my actual home town.

She listened quietly as they spoke about tarot reading. Fyra had heard about the practice of fortune telling before but she never had a chance to actually try it. The idea seemed interesting so as soon as Syeira finished placing her notice, she decided to ask Could you do a tarot reading for me? She remembered she carried a few freshly picked fruits in her bag that one of the merchants had sold her. Erm do you take payments in fruits too? she chuckled before placing them on the table.
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~ღ~ Courage is not the absence of fear, but the conquest of it.

Syeira was impressed with the friendly welcome as in the other towns she had found empty taverns or sleeping patrons mostly. Definitely not active townspeople buying her a beer just like that. She took the offered seat and the mug gratefully and took a sip while listening to Sir John Howard. Bridgewater sure sounded promising. She took another mouthful and swallowed quickly so she could answer his question.

Hum. I am a gypsy, so travelling is in my nature, but I don't like doing it alone.

A shadow passed over her face when she remembered why she was doing it alone. But she pushed the thought away as usual.

A real bed and some good company is what I want right now. Oh and beer, yes, don't forget the beer. Do you think people might be interested in my services as a fortune teller here, Mayor?
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Finally she could make out more than a few dark shapes and her gaze fell on the man that had answered her greeting. The mayor himself and at her service, too ... This seemed to a be very hospitable town. She smiled at him and stepped closer introducing herself in turn.

My name is Syeira, Sir. I'm a mere traveller, working here and there on fields and in mines and reading people's fortune in the taverns for a few beers.

Her gaze fell on the mugs and barrels behind the bar and she licked her lips inadvertently.

Can you tell me a little bit about this town of yours?
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Viscount of Cardiff
Barony of Puriton

Sir John wrote a sign and placed by the tavern bar.


Then he took a seat and had an ale.
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Lord of Dorchester, CRN. Enlightened.

Inazuma usually has his vegetables for breakfast but today he decides to head to the Pub instead. On entering he saw lots of people but was a bit shy so decided to head straight for the counter.

"Give me a Corn Bread and some Pint..:

The morning after his arrival back in Bridgewater Mal was sitting quietly in the Crossroads. When the his quiet morning was loudly interupted by the arrival of his daughter Elenor.

He kept the letter in the pocket of his coat the whole day, always finding excuses not to open it. The Harbormaster's office was quiet but he left quickly, as if afraid that the quietness will force him to open the letter and read it. The Constable's was busy, as usual, but he caught himself checking the intelligence reports more thoroughly, taking his time, in an attempt to to extend the time before he was free to read the letter.

Are you being a coward again, John? Are you afraid of what you may read in that letter?

The Crossroads Inn was rather quiet, as it always was without Mal. Finally, John was alone with the letter he expected for so long, and yet was afraid to open. The letter was lying right next to his mug, beautiful French paper, with French lilies in the seal. He gathered his courage and broke the seal.

Mal was taking a few minutes to relax and warm up. He was sitting on the bench in front of the roaring fire in the taverns fireplace. Snuggling close for a few minutes with his wife Lali, who had riden into town with him. He had come to do his shift as bartender here at the crossroads. Lali and their daughter Elenor had some business to do at the market. He felt very content with his wife in his arms. And grinned big as he looked at his daughter Elenor who was sitting on the floor nearby happily eating a cookie amidst their three dogs.

He signaled for Sally, and when he got her attention said. "Sally bring us three mugs of cider please
."

Smiling at his wife, Robin chuckled as she focused on his rough blueprint sketches for furniture. "Ra asked how much it would be, so I put together some basic prices, contacted Shanxx and John Howard for the items needed for them I can't make, and I priced some. He's put the order in, but isn't in much rush for them, which is good as I need to work on things for the town too -- the basics of ladders, and buckets, and maybe a cart or two. We may need to head out to get more wood soon, at this rate." Pushing the papers aside, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him, noting that she was holding something as he did, but ignoring it to look into her blue eyes with that special smile he reserved just for her. "And this is more interesting than reports, I think. I'm planning to make some new things for us too."

He grinned and pressed another kiss to her temple. "But for now it's time to relax." Turning to look at her, one eyebrow raised as a curious light appeared in his green eyes. "So has anything interesting happened today?" he asked, glancing at her reports, but knowing she would understand that he meant more than just thing from the ports.
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Royal Embassy Vice-Chancellor | Royal Museum Curator | Earl of Locksley | Lord Warden of Sherwood Forest

Watching as John came back into the tavern then unwrapped and gave a single spur to Llyres. Mal pondered the fact that he sensed there was a great saddness inside John, and secrets. Mal was no stranger to secrets having aquired so many of his own. As he drank another sip of his cider Mal waited to see how Llyres would react to being given the spur.

Lady Llyres, as always, was too swift for him to be able to notice and acknowledge her presence before she was gone. By the time he was ready to return the greeting, she was behind the thick door of the tavern. Oh, well, he thought, not that she expected me to reply.

John had wondered sometimes, watching her and Lord Robin in the tavern, how a couple of such a high stature and social position managed to remain so down to earth and accommodating to everyone, even himself. He had also wondered how Bridgewater hadn't become somewhat of a center of attraction for England, given the fact that it hosted the only man in England who was capable of keeping the Irish thugs in the same room for a time longer than drying up a mug of ale, and that for peace negotiations! England has grown complacent in its prosperity, he thought. And ungrateful for the special men Jah has gifted her.

Lady Llyres's eyes had worried him sometimes. They weren't the green eyes he had in his memories; in fact, in his gray present, he wasn't able to tell if her eyes were blue or green. They were gray to him, like everything else. They didn't shoot flames, and didn't offer glow. They watched and read. And, as crazy as it sounded, they listened. He had wondered if she could read the past. . . .



He took the blanket off the mare's back, rolled it up and put it in the cart. Then remembered he had something for Lady Llyres. Took the cloth with the thing wrapped in it and walked back to the tavern's door. Lady Llyres was there, working, as usual. Without asking for permission, John placed it on the table in front of her and unwrapped it.

"Here, m'lady. A silver spur. Made in Salzburg, Austria, by the markings on the inside." He suppressed his desire to say, I had a pair of those once. "I found it under the yew tree that we can't cut because of the druids. The ground is frozen, and there is no snow, so there aren't any tracks. But whoever lost it, has been climbing that tree. You and Lord Robin will know what to do, better than I would."

He then turned quickly and exited through the door, before she could ask him any more questions.

A few minutes later his cart was leaving the town.

I'm glad you two found Bridgewater restorative from the intolerance and mistrust that grip the western island. It is painful to be driven from a home one loves. And driven out by intolerance and ideology, that is crueler yet.
I've wandered through parts of England and other lands where towns are owned by fear, where the first words to greet you in a tavern are not those of welcome but suspicion.
But our town is not such a place. Though wary in such dark times, we remain open and warm. It's a relief.

Llyres' eyes cast towards the reports she needed to screen; her thoughts tarrying on her own journey to Bridgewater from the midlands. She remembered early morning chats with harbourmaster Zmramos, who was barkeep when she first wandered into town. A wave of nostalgia for simple days washed o'er her.
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Devon Navy Admiral|Marchioness of Deheubarth|Earl of Portsmouth|KoTG|Veteran Admiral REN

Mal noticed how Llyres glanced towards the door after John left. And as he set the mug of cider in front of her.

"Yes I saw it too. Like so many of us who have found our way here, his past has left its scars on him."

John sealed the letter and looked through the window of the tavern where the old mare was waiting for him with his old cart. He had first packed food for three days, then decided to pack for six days. He wasn't going to stay at the inn on the road. The Bridge was close, and it provided enough shelter even in the winter. He was taking the broken shaft as well, although he doubted it would do him any good if he was attacked. But the risk was worth it.

He threw a few coins on the table, and stepped out in the cold. He was ready to deliver his first good news.

A week or so had passed .....and the festival season was nearing.

Llyres broke into the CrossRoads Tavern at night to redecorate :



And added to the drinks menu:







Then placed a new sign post in front of the familiar tavern:

Pascoe had spent a long day in the Orchard and was ready to go and have a drink. He walked towards the tavern, and stumbled back in surprise when the door did not open. Reading the notice, he grumbled "Maintenance? Who the hell authorized maintenance?" Briefly he asked himself silently if he was starting to go mad, worried he'd forgotten to note something like that. Looking in through the glass panes he swore he could make out Mal behind the bar, waiting for customers and so he bellowed loudly "Mal, the door's locked! Open the doors for Christos' sake!" rapping on it with his staff in irritation while he waited impatiently.
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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

It was a typical day at the Crossroads tavern Mal was behind the bar serving drinks and reading through various reports and town business. Sally was moving about the room taking orders and joking with the patrons. The sounds were the typical sounds heard in the tavern incuding the sounds of Mal's four year old adopted daughter Elenor tossing her throwing daggers at a target on the wall in one corner of the large room. In another corner Millie was seated at a table apparently teaching a teenager a basic lesson in how read.

Mal liked the occasional quiet times in the tavern because it allowed him to get his paperwork done.

Timari smiled, hopping over to Bridgewater without Aerylin's knowing. Aerylin quite content with her own hometown of Chard, the dreary forests and the dreary people who failed to succumb to the whims of mischievous Sheepy Girl. Timari had attempted to declare a week in Chard all to herself, but could not persuade the mayor to agree to her terms... on the grounds of "equality" and "fairness"... words Timari would never apply to her own self as she deemed she was an exceptional case beyond all the other nice individuals.

So, here she escaped to the refuge that was her old Bridgewater home. She could only expect a better welcoming than that of Chard, and already she was brimming with glee at the sight of the ol' Crossroads Inn, the premises of many mad happenings. Her matchmaking attempts towards her bestie Chardonnay (Jah Rest in peace) and brother Justinan... the constant torment of Mr Pieterjan (Jah bless him also) whose witty humour taught her the value of playful teasing. And of course, the doteful lamb of a cousin, Booberts who often followed her like a minion throughout the town and in the SAS. All of these seemed to have moved on from Bridgewater, but still all of these memories seemed to linger here at the Crossroads Inn.

"Sir, a comfortable room for my sheep and me." she said, walking in... dragging a chest full of stuff and the fluffy sheep lagging behind.
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When the game was done the three children skipped over next to the bar and Elenor smiled up at her new father and said.

"May we have some cookies daddy."

It was a few days later and Mal was behind the bar servcing drinks as usual. Millie was working as the barmaid today because Sally had taken the day off to spend some time with Ed. Lali had their adopted daughter Elenor with her today. So it was a surprise when Mal saw his little girl with the turned up nose and freckles sprinkled on her nose and cheeks come through the door with her puppy Ginger beside her. Elenor looked very cute with her long hair in a couple of ponytails. The other striking feature of the little girl was the focased gleem in the deep blue eyes that were a passed down trait of Mal's family. She skipped over to her father and announced. "Mommy let me come see you, while she takes care of her stuff at the market."

When she got close enough he picked her up and hugged her.

Sally brought three small beers and an ale over to the table were Millie was sitting with Mals new adopted daughter Elenor and two other young orphans. The four of them were laughing and playing a game. Sally was pleased to see that Elenor was making friends and settling nicely into her new home.

Pascoe decided, now that the threat was gone - for now, he reminded himself - to use the Tavern Notice Board to communicate market needs. Reviewing the market, he placed up a brief note for people to see.


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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

Lali smiled at Mal, nodding her thanks for the drink. Sipping the ale, she listened and watched her wonderful husband's expressions as he told of the recent change in the tavern's atmosphere. And of how Sally is encouraging Will to marry Millie.

Kissing him quickly on his cheek, Lali giggled softly and said

Sally's heart is as big as a house, love. When we took Millie shopping, Sally was as proud and particular as if Millie were her own daughter. Lali smiled recalling the hair ribbons and stockings episode then continued Millie is in a good place now, thanks to your courageous instinct, dear husband. Surrounded by nurturing love rather than negative love, she will be able to put the past behind her.

Widening her eyes in pretend horror, with a telling grin crossing her face Lali teased, But marriage? Really?

It was a few days after the incident and the inquiry had ended as expected with no charges filed. Things at the Crossroads Inn had settled back to normal. As Mal cleaned the bartop he smiled as he watched Will and Millie sitting at their favorite table. He was pleased to see that she was already looking much better than when she had first turned up in Bridgewater. She was also dressed in a proper outfit for a young lady of her age. Mal had heard that Lali and a couple of other local women had made sure she now had everything she needed. Mal had also noted that Will and Millie had become practicly inseperable. He had also not been surprised when Sally told him that she and Will had been awakened a couple of times by Millie having a nightmare. It was nice to see Millie happy and smiling.

In the days following the incident, each of them had been questioned by the Constable about what had happened. Each of them had told the same story - the men had come in and acted aggressively. He, Mal and Derwent had put themselves between the men and the girl. Mal had attempted to get the men to leave, but they had drawn weapons and moved towards the group. Millie had told the Constable of her father's abusive nature, and in the end, no charges had been filed. Life at the Crossroads had returned to normal and Pascoe had done his best to put the matter behind them, hoping the girl had been truthful about not having any family left, and grateful that Lily hadn't seen what had happened. There was plenty of time for her to learn about how cold and cruel the world could be, he wanted her to remain an innocent as long as possible.
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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

Mal Listened to Derwent then Said.

"This is what I know about Millie so far. Will told me that he was telling millie about his family yesterday evening. She had opened up a little and told him about seeing her father and his friend threatening their neighbor's. Demanding things and money not owed them. And on at least 3 occasions nearly beating a neighbor to death. Its my thinking that the two men will not be missed. And that people there will just figure someone had finaly had enough and struck back and leave things at that. She had also assured Will that her father was just a farmer. Will was very certain Millie was telling him the truth."

Derwent didn't like the position, but he as pretty sure that he was right about what to do. Someone would miss the two men, questions would be asked, and, even if Millie stayed quiet (and if Will and Sally did too), there was the matter of dealing with the bodies. If they tried to hush it up, something would go wrong, and the fact of a cover-up would lead people to think that there was something to cover up.

I think we have to report it, he said. It'll come out anyway. Better we get the jump on the issue, and put the facts out as though we have nothing to hide. Which we don't. If we keep quiet, sooner or later we''ll have to admit the truth, and people will wonder why we didn't tell it sooner. Or we'll lie, and that'll make things much worse.

You're the mayor, I'm the chief marshall. Not being honest will hurt us both, not just Mal. More important, we can't expect Millie not to be able to talk about her father's death. He may have been a bastard, but he was her father. What will it do to her to have to cover up his death?

Besides, it was justifiable homicide. Mal was protecting Millie, and that's the truth. There's no one here to say different.

Derwent knew that the fallout from a failed cover up was potentially much more dangerous than the truth, even if the truth was ugly. But there were lots of people in town who knew that Millie's father beat on her. They wouldn't have too much sympathy for the dead men.

Pascoe was right about one thing though. There was a danger that other members of the family might come looking for revenge. But that danger, he thought, would have to be faced. If they cared for Millie at all, they'd understand.
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Signature by the lovely and talented Lady Patan

Mal found another Mop and joined in the cleanup effort. As he worked he did his best to answer Pascoe's questions.

"I think Will and Sally will not have a problem convincing Millie to stay quiet about the matter. I expect she will be eager to put the bad things about her past behind her. As for anyone else coming here looking for her or the men, according to what Will told me she is now the only member of her family left. Mal took a breath then went on.

"Do whatever you and Derwent think is best."

The threat over, Mal relaxed and signaled for his dogs to sit. He didn't have to look to know the dogs were now sitting out of the way calmly waiting for him to get bsck to them.

Will had seen the girls reaction when the two men arrived with the big dog. He had never before seen such a look of fear and sheer terror. Millie that was the girls name had managed to get to her feet but had gotten no further when Sally had collected the other young people and took them upstairs with her. Will had made a quick try to get Millie to move. But then failing had signaled for his sister to get the other children to safty without them. He was proud of his friend who had also stayed to protect her.

Will was very impressed with how fast Mal and his dogs had taken down the two men and their vicious dog. But his attention turned quickly to his main concern Millie. Turning her to face him he watched as the combination of emotions racing through her mind caused her to breakdown and start crying with her face against his chest.

When Pascoe told Mal to take the girl upstairs to Sally. Will lead Millie upstairs with her still clinging tightly to him.

Mal took the three young people upstairs then knocked on the door to Sally's room and said.

"Sally the danger is over now I need you to take care of Millie while Pascoe, Derwent, and I take care of a few things."

After Sally opened the door and let the three young people in Mal went back downstairs to do what he could to help deal with the aftermath.

Pascoe stood there after it was over for a moment, dumbfounded at what had unfolded so quickly. He was not a man of violence, his physical handicap having long since taught him the value of talking to defuse situations. A silence had descended following the explosion of violence and he became aware of uneven, almost ragged, breathing behind him. He turned slowly, thinking to himself as he did Please don't let it be Lily over and over like a mantra. A sigh of relief escaped him as he saw it wasn't her, followed by a horrified expression as he realized the lass had seen her father killed.

"Mal," he said in an emotionless, authoritative voice "go and take her upstairs to Sally." Pascoe needed to get the girl out of there so he could think about what to do next. He tried to replay what had occurred in his mind. Had Mal acted in self defense? Or had they been responding to his aggressive posture? It never entered his mind to question whether the men deserved to die, for he'd seen the evidence of the child's abuse with his own eyes. However, as Mayor of the town, and a peer of England, there were legal issues to be sorted. He looked at the two - three, including the dead dog - corpses sprawled on the floor of the Crossroads and tried to figure out what to do next.
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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

Derwent was impressed and a little apalled at the same time. He hadn't realized that Mal was so fast, and so good with a knife. Neither of his two opponents had been to get anywhere near Mal before he had put them both down, Now they were both dead.

Derwent wasn't sorry that Mal had taken action. The two men had deserved it, and Mal hadn't had any choice, but Derwent had never seen a man killed before (let alone two of them) and he was shocked at how quickly it had happened.
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Signature by the lovely and talented Lady Patan

A few moments after Mal told the men to leave one of them Pointed in the direction of the girl with the oversized hat. Who was now standing frozen in fear with Sally's brother Will on one side and his friend on the other with their knives drawn with Mals large and now very angry looking dog Shadow sitting in front of her. The angry man said in a loud voice.

"That girl belongs to me. I'm not leaving without her!

In response Mal said in his most authoritative voice.

"She is staying here with us. The two of you leave right now and don't ever show your faces in Bridgewater ever again."

Pascoe looked down at Lily, hearing Ginger growl and smiled reassuringly at her. Noting Mal moving from behind the bar, he turned his head to see two large men making their way towards them. He turned to Sally and spoke calmly, but authoritatively "Take the children upstairs. Mal or I will let you know when the situation has been handled." His face softening for a moment, he looked down at Lily and talked to her in a gentle voice "Lily, Sally is going to take you upstairs to play while Mal and I talk to the nice men." Lily smiled and turned to Sally, who nodded and began to gather up the children as calmly as possible.

Turning his attention back to the two men, he wondered how he might prevent this from turning uglier than it needed to be. Unlike the last bit of excitement, neither of these men struck him as being drunk, and he suspected they were looking for a fight. Pascoe stood up, leaning over the bar and searching for something. Smiling slightly at finding a few knives, he picked them up to check their balance and waited to see how the men responded to Mal.
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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

Sally Smiled at the mayor as he handed her the slate he had just finished writing out the new menu on. As she hung the slate in its place she chuckled quietly to herself thinking about how quickly Mayor Pascoe and her friend Eponine had become a couple. She was very happy to see the two of them happy together.

The new kid in the oversized hat that Mal had asked her to check into had turned out to be a girl of about thirteen. That had run away from her families farm a couple of days travel from here to escaped from her very heavy drinking and abusive father. The girl had shown Sally some ugly scars that had been inflicted on her in the years since the girls mother died. How thin and undernurished the girl was had also worried Sally. But what had worried Sally the most was how afraid the girl was that her father would track her down and try to drag her back or worse.

As Sally hurridly move to bring a fresh mug of ale to a thirsty patron that had signaled for it, she noticed that Mal's dog Shadow was lying on the floor next to the girl who was looking less ragged but still wearing the oversized hat. Sally was pleased to see the girl was laughing about something with Sally's brother and one of his friends who were seated at the same table.

Pascoe smiled and took a drink from the mug of hard cider before turning his attention to the menu once again. He quickly wrote in his usual flowing script on the piece of slate before handing it to Sally to put up.


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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

Eric greeted the Mayor and took the offered hand which he shook firmly. “Thank you, it is certainly good to be out of the house again...Yuki is fine, I think it’s fair to say that the children are demanding her attention today”.

Turning, Eric nodded thoughtfully as Mal explained where his home was... “I think I know the route, to be honest there was a deal of new homes being built in the aftermath of the clearings so it might be wise that I take a tour around the town again.”


He paused.

"...well, after another drink or two perhaps..."
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Husband of Yuki

Pascoe had stopped in to deliver some fish and put up a new menu item and overheard Mal's words "It's a very nice home too, even if it's a bit of a long walk for me." He smiled to Mal and set the fish down, holding out his hand to Eric "Good to see you out and about, sir. How's your wife doing?"
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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

It was a couple of days later and everyone was relieved that the towns efforts had limited the spread of the sickness to a very small group.

This morning business was kinda slow at the moment. So Sally was practicing throwing her daggers at a wall target. She still had room for improvement but at least they all hit and stuck within the target.

Along with his dog Shadow who usually was with Mal he had brought their puppy Ginger. The ginger colored dog was laying on one end of the bartop lazily watching the few patrons.

Mal was seated behind the bar working carving a small gift for his wife out of a small piece of wood.

It was good to have some time to relax before the midday meal rush started.

Mal watched a man come in and take a seat near him at the bar. The man nodded in greeting and offered his hand saying.



Mal nodded shock the mans hand and said.


"Hi I'm Mal Elthin. I took over tending the bar here when Tris moved to Southampton. I'm also now a member of the town council. Pleased to meet you."

Mal was pleased with the progress that Sally and her friends that had tried juggling were making. Sally's brother Will was doing the best juggling 5 for several minutes. The others that had tried it looked like they would get the hang of juggling with a little practice. And Mal had plenty of the small fabric cubes for them to borrow. There were some of the young people that hadn't made an attempt at the juggling seemingly content with watching the ones did.

Among the ones that didn't, there was one that Mal knew was fairly new to the group, that Mal noticed who seemed kinda shy and a bit nervous. He couldn't tell whether the young person was a boy or girl because of the semi ragged and loose clothing they wore along with a hat that was a little too big. Mal would ask Sally and Will about their new friend later.

It was a couple days later, thanks to the generosity of one of the towns former Mayors and after a brief conference with the patrons of the Crossroads, that Pascoe posted the following announcement on the Tavern Notice Board:


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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

Pascoe had been in the tavern for a while discussing his work habits with Eponine when the new Chief Marshal joined them, looking a bit worse for wear. A few questions later, Pascoe went pale a moment, realizing that the plague had returned to town. He quickly went to update the Tavern's Notice Board, and prepared to visit the Medical College, so that he could communicate the correct information to everyone as soon as possible.


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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

Sally just stood there for a moment after watching the two men leave before she recovered enough to put away her dagger. By this time Mal was in front of her asking if she was alright.

"I am Mal, it'll just take a few moments to calm the rest of the way down." A minute or so later she walked over to Pascoe gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and said.

Thanks Sir Mayor for your gallentry."

Then she went back to her job serving drinks.

Mal gave a sigh of relief as he watched the two men leave and put away his club onto its holder on his belt.

"Thanks for the help Mayor I really appreciate it'

Then he went over to the barmaid looked at her and said.

"Are you alright Sally."

Pascoe looked over at Lillian, who was looking at everything with an open mouth. Revan is going to kill me when she hears about this he thought to himself before leaning over to her daughter "Lillian," he turned her to look at him with his hand "stay in this chair until I tell you its ok. Do you understand?" When she nodded, he grabbed his walking stick from where it was leaning against the wall and stood up, grunting slightly, and moved over behind Sally, his voice calm but resolute "I suggest that you leave, sir," his voice dripping with sarcasm "before a series of unfortunate events befall you. The door is behind you." He looked briefly behind him to check that Lillian was there, flashing her a quick grin, before turning his head back to regard the drunkard coldly as he waited to see what the man would do.
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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

A few days later Mal was once again tending the bar as usual. Pouring drinks and serving food to a few visitors and several of the regulars stopping in. Some for a quick drink, some for a few hours of drinking and conversation.

A local musician was sitting on one side of the room playing for money. Mal had noticed she seemed to be getting plenty of attention and tips from a few of the single men.

Mal returned Pascoe's nod and and was please to see Sally the shapely barmaid hussel over to take the mayors order. As he worked mal listened to the tune the very talented musician was playing, it was one of his favorites.

The music abruptly stopped. Mal looked up in time to see and hear Sally slap a grabby drunken young man across the face. She said very loudly "NO."

Pascoe had spent much of the last day in a mood, his mind preoccupied with matters he had no control over. He walked into the Crossroads, waving to Mal and settling in at his usual table in the corner. It seemed that there was a decent crowd today and he smiled gratefully as the serving girl brought him an ale. He spent a while being quiet, listening to the buzz of conversation going on around him, but got up and limped over to the bar, sitting down next to Jirasyn. Along with Mal, the three of them spent several hours in conversation, the drinks flowing freely, with the Mayor and new Mentor stopping in briefly as well for a spell.

It quieted down later, and he returned to his table, the pleasant warmth of a few too many drinks running through him. His mind returned to dwelling on the problems he'd brought with him and the quieter tavern allowed regrets from his past to pull up a chair at the table as well. He sighed heavily and signaled the serving girl for more ale.
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Viscount Crowcombe | Researcher - Royal Museum | Constable - Devon

Sir John smiled happily receiving his ale taking a swig he replied.

I am really happy you are enjoying serving the town.
Well today has been okay, the town does well and people are not at the doors of the town hall banging with rage.
All the time it stays that way it is good. He chuckled.

How's you wide doing, well I hope?
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Lord of Dorchester, CRN. Enlightened.

Sir John having just come from the office at the Town Hall walked into the Tavern

Hello Mal_, a pint of the finest please

He smiled.

How fair ye today old boy?
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Lord of Dorchester, CRN. Enlightened.

Fyra entered the tavern quietly holding a basket full of apples after a long morning at the orchard. She looked around and placed the basket on one of the tables before lifting her dress slightly and seating herself at the bar. A dog was wiggling his tail cheerfully close to her feet. She giggled and bent down to pet him Aww where did you come from little thing? Fyra then raised her head spotting Mal. Oh are you the new bartender? The dog ran happily behind the bar to his master as she spoke. What is on the menu today?
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~ღ~ Courage is not the absence of fear, but the conquest of it.

By the time his shift was almost over it had been pretty much uneventful. The usual mix of locals and travellers had come in and ordered food and drinks sat chatting among themselves and gone. The only thing of note was the two rather shady looking strangers that had been seated for a while at a corner table. Mal decided he wouldn't be surprised to hear sometime later that they had caused some kind of trouble in the area.

He came back from the kitchen with some scraps and feed them to his dog Shadow that had found a nice cozy spot to settle into behind the bar.

Ruukas, a bit tired and still happy with that, just returned from the market, where he was putting fresh today's flour from his mill.

Yeah. I'm coming too late, as usual. Can't go tavern, while my job isn't done...

He touched that new green ribbon attached to his shirt. As for him, foreigner, it's almost the best, Ruukas can expect.

Į sveikatą ('to health')!

And then he silently sipped his beer.

Rp from here.

Ruari entered the Inn, greeted by the usual sounds of a busy Inn, some customers had already settled down to their evening meal, and others were there to drink with friends. Striking her feet on the Inns door mat, to get rid of the dust and dirt from her boots, before proceeding to the bar. Once there, she nodded to the Barkeep after he came over to see to her. "Day te ye, I am lookin' fer a room fer the night, an' a stable for me horse and cart, are ye full up yet?"

The Barkeeper wiping his hands on this apron, joining new hand marks te the old, nodded his head "Ye be Scottish I take it?" He asked Ruari curiously. "What brings you this far south?"

"Auch, I am, I be coming te join up with the Earl of Lincolnshire as we are planning on going on a world trip." The Barkeeper eyes Ruari's attire, the gauntlets, the chainmail over her padded shirt, and the cloak. "Ah, I see one of those female mercenaries, that we hear te be from up that way, then." It was not a question though, since he seemed to have made up his own mind that Ruari could only be hired on as a guard for the Earl, he was already reaching down for a set of keys for Ruari's room. "2 bits for the night, and that includes yer horse." He turned to shout to the back of the Kitchen, for a stable boy, who came stumbling in with jam still on his face, clearly they'd interrupted his meal. "There be a horse an cart out the front see to it, and bring the Lasses bag, and bring it up to the room above the stairs".

Ruari handed over the 2 bits and took up the keys, not bothering to tell the Innkeeper of his mistake, twas none concern of hers ifn strangers got the wrong idea, an she'd been a mercenary before today, so was naye a hard interpretation to live with. "Thank ye good Innkeeper, I'll be aways now down to the market, I've ah..supplies that I need to pick up." No need to tell him that he'd no' be getting a meal out of her tonight neither. Ruari departed behind the stable boy who was already sitting in her cart and geeing him around to the back. Melroy looked back in reproach, he didn't like it when she left him with a stranger, she winked at him. "Go on Melroy, and behave yourself, the lad's te small te make a decent meal."

Melroy snickered, and the boy sat in the seat looking back at her, alarm on his face while she chuckled. If the lad had any ideas of treating Melroy badly now, they were far from his mind she thought as she loped off to find out what kind of food had made those tempting smells from the market place.


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Ruari returns from the market smelling of honey’d chicken, still licking her fingers, she’d never had it before, and was entranced by the concept, at first she had thought it would be too sweet, but after the vendor who had saw her hesitating, had offered her a taste, she’d bought 3 helpings immediately, and sat down by a tree to eat them as the afternoon sun slipped into evening, and the vendors were closing up their stalls. Somehow the vendor had managed to spice it enough with salt to keep it from being to sweet, it did need a couple of mugs of ale to break up the strong flavour though, but Ruari hadn’t minded that all.

After she’d finished, she’d returned the plate to the vendor along with her praise for the cook, and now she was back at the Inn, she didn’t enter the Inn immediately, but went around the back to check that Melroy was okay. It was quiet in the stables, as the stableboy had probably sort his bed long before now. She found Melroy in the last stall, he snorted smelling her no doubt and had his head hanging over the stall door before she arrived, patting him he began to nuzzle and lick her hands. Ruari laughing “I see ye have a liking for honey’d chicken too, or is it just the honey?” Wiping her hands away on her pants, she rubbed his forehead, checked that he had all he needed, then told him that they’d be leaving in the morning, so he better rest up…”and no charming the ladies either, ye can’t take em with ye.” At that Melroy snorted and managed a look of innocence.

Laughing softly so she didn’t disturb the peace of the barn she patted him one last time, and left.
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The next morning, the young boy already had Melroy hitched to the cart, and her bag was back in the cart. Kirstie was grateful, as she rummaged around under the seat until she found a badly beaten up hat to plonk on her hat, before taking the reins and slapping them gently on Melroys rump… moaning as he took off with a first jerky pull, her hat tipped back showing her eyes the sun, moaning again she quickly hid her eyes from the blinding rays. Why was it always the next day that ale seemed to be your greatest enemy, when just last night he’d been her greatest friend. Twas no way to treat a best friend, no way at all.

Rp continues here.
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Having been busy again today writing and then gathering goods, Sir John walked into the Crossroads Inn.
Nodding to fred sat in the corner, grinning as usual he smiled as Bob who was stood at the bar offered him a drink.

Cheers .he said as he took a drink.

He sat and enjoyed the heat from the fire.
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Lord of Dorchester, CRN. Enlightened.

Having seen meat do reasonably well during its first week, Pascoe was excited to offer a new dish for the coming week to citizens and travelers both.

Following one of the most lively evenings in the Crossroads that Pascoe could remember, he made his way back to update the menu. Ensuring that the meat was delivered, he pulled down the piece of slate and erased a portion of it, adding in information on the new menu item before rehanging it.

Deciding the topic of the beer might be risky with this fellow, Enf decided to speak further about the fruit. Though he had not mentioned his adventures in squishiness aloud, he figured this man must have heard about it from someone else.

"I'm not sure how it works, either. I don't even know why you get extra bits whenever you pick fruits. I've been using a small ladder and have generally been able to pick two fruits whole in a day's work plus an extra bit. Now, you might think two fruits in a day isn't a lot but you need to spend the time looking hard to find the very best. The others should be left to ripen a bit more and then they become the best. See how it works?" He smiled. He had no idea what he was talking about but he figured all the time he's spent in the orchard must have turned him into some kind of fruit expert by now. "Oh, and if you are serious about fruit, a ladder helps... if you have the strength to climb it high enough. Me, I've got that strength." He rolled his sleeve partway and tried to flex his wuss muscles all impressive-like.
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A smile played on Llyres' face and she looked the man one side up and the other side down. "Welcome to Bridgewater," she added. He was fair of face, no doubt, but the trace of mines dust on his clothes proved that he'd indeed been mining all day. Yet the only two mines within a day's walk of town were of stone or of gold. So that meant the man was either drunk or a bit daft.

"I'm glad to hear that the mines are open," she added amiably, not wanting to correct him. "If you ever tire of the mines, you might look for employment in the orchards too. It is almost harvest and the early fruits are ripening. " Taking her own sip of deep amber, she relaxed a bit more, adding and forgive my lack of courtesy, "I am Llyres Ballard. My family cottage is down by the orchard across the river, and I manage the town's property office should you tire of boarding at the Inn."
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Devon Navy Admiral|Marchioness of Deheubarth|Earl of Portsmouth|KoTG|Veteran Admiral REN

Winter winds turned to spring showers and warm summer days, today was a particularly warm summer day, bright and almost cloudless, a perfect day for lazing by the river. Instead Llyres found herself wandering through town, inspecting the ships in port out of habit. She'd stopped at the market to barter over some new lute strings and pick up vegetables for dinner. The sun pressed hard against her shoulders and dried her throat just enough.

Pleased to see the wide wooden door open, Llyres crossed into the tavern, letting her eyes settle to the dimness. The place was as familiar to her as her own house and she walked easily to the bar. " Hello?"

Not seeing anyone about, she rounded the bar and pulled herself a mug of cider, intending to leave a few pence from her purse in payment.
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Devon Navy Admiral|Marchioness of Deheubarth|Earl of Portsmouth|KoTG|Veteran Admiral REN

Llyres entered the tavern, Yeesh, it's chilly out there! she commented to no one. Seeing Zanlarrr by the hearth, she went to join him, swinging her fur-lined cloak from her shoulders and placing it on a chair near where he sat.

May I join you? she smiled familiarly. The fire is the only place to be now. I was too ambitious and went to check on the Wind Ballad after viewing the animal pens. She'll be fit to sail again soon as long as the ice holds off.

Settling down in a chair, a sigh of relief escaping her small frame, she closed her eyes a moment, enjoying the fire's warmth on her cheeks. Opening her eyes, she looked at Zanlarrr. How are you ? And Caly? How is she doing?
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Devon Navy Admiral|Marchioness of Deheubarth|Earl of Portsmouth|KoTG|Veteran Admiral REN

Zanlarrr entered the tavern and sat down to relax. He sat near to the hearth enjoying the heat of the flames, gazing out the frost tinged window. Sherice came up to him and smiled, and smiling back, he ordered a mug of mulled apple cider.

Turning back to the fire, he let the dancing of the flames mezmerize him. "Only a week more on council... thank the heavens..."
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Count of Devon | DN Captain | REN Captain | Herald of Arms

Llyres settles down for a drink before she heads home. Office work was mostly done for the day and she planned to spend the afternoon at the orchard, picking winter fruit. Yesterday she managed three ripe fruit from the same branch and hoped her luck would hold another day.

One ale please, she settled down with the tall glass, wondering about news of the day.
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Devon Navy Admiral|Marchioness of Deheubarth|Earl of Portsmouth|KoTG|Veteran Admiral REN

Bertie settles into the inn for the day before heading to the bar for a drink. He orders his usual ale and sits down and thinks about what a busy week he will have.
He looks forward to the prospect of moving here and opening up his own tavern in the MacGregor name.
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For all the pain I caused, I apologise Baron North Petherton

That would be enough for now, thank you. What a peaceful town you have here... No intriques, treasons, set up trials. Or at least that's what it looks like to the eyes of a stranger in these parts... Hyrkan sighed.

Sherice saw the lady slip quietly into the tavern and take a seat off in one corner, watching carefully both the door and the windows into the tavern proper. Frowning, Sherice thought to herself, 'She seems nervous or frightened.' Looking about the bar, seeing no one else present, what with the rush for lunch passed, Sherice grabbed the small sign from behind the bar and went over, opened the front door, and hung-up the closed sign. Closing the door, she slipped the bolt, then walked back to behind the bar, and resumed cleaning the glasses.

Lifting her head, Sherice smiled at the young woman in the corner. "The tavern is closed, but you're welcome to stay and relax. Can I bring you anything?."

Sherice looked up from behind the bar, dozing slightly in her seat. She started slightly when the door suddenly was opened and a gust of wet weather blew in with the lean stranger who came into the Inn. The stranger went, as so many chose to, to take an open seat near the hearth.

Sherice quickly finished wiping the last of the glasses then made her way around the bar to and over to the traveller.

"Welcome and well-met, sir. Can I get anything for you this eve?"

Sherice looked up from behind the bar, where she was cleaning glasses. She watched as the stranger came into the Inn, looking road weary. He went and chose an open seat near the hearth, and lowered both himself and his bag with what looked like a sigh of relief.

Sherice quickly finished wiping the last of the glasses then made her way around the bar to and over to the traveller.

"Welcome and well-met, sir. Can I get anything for you this eve?"

A bright light shone on Mok's face awaking him from a deep slumber. He squints at a sign as he rubs his throbbing temples.

He slowly pulls himself out of the ditch and brushes himself off. The town is already coming to life as shop owners are opening their doors and preparing their wares. He tries to piece together his memories from the night before. It's all a blur.

He prays to Jah that he did nothing he'll regret. At least nothing he'll regret more than he regrets the pain in his head and waking in a ditch. He makes his way back to the Inn trying to draw as little attention to himself as possible.
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Fisher | Seeker of Luxury | Baron of Holsworthy | Viscount of Chepstow | Earl of Yeovil | Former many things

Sherice sat at the bar, having cleaned all the glasses and now sat polishing the wood of the counter. All was quiet. She had gotten up early in the morning, and had spent time preparing the meals for the day. Now that the food was simmering and baking, Sher sat at the bar, and reflected back the past week.

The inn had been quiet, with few visitors. So it gave Sherice a chance really get to know the place, and give it a thorough cleaning that it needed. All the rooms had been swept, dusted and aired out; linens changed and washed. The common room was next; fireplace was swept clean and scrubbed, tables polished, windows cleaned, common room aired out (despite the chill in the air). Once she was satisfied with the appearance, she turned her attention to the kitchen.

The kitchen took her another 2 days to clean to her satisfaction. All the pots, pans, glassware, cutlery, plates, mugs, and ovens got her thorough attention. All was scrubbed clean to Sherice's satisfaction.

So after a week's hard work, the inn was up to Sher's standards. She sat there, smiled, then gave the bar a final swipe with her cloth, then went into the kitchen to check on her baking and to make herself some tea.

Sherice jumped slightly, not hearing the Lady come in. Blushing furiously, she turned towards her and threw her a smile, "And here I thought no know could sneak up on me! You walk so quietly." Llyres asked, and Sherice quickly set about making her a nice mug of tea. 'Good thing I keep water on the stove all the time,' she thought.

Sherice filled the teapot, and put in the tea ball to let it steep, then turned back towards Llyres. Soon the tea was ready, and she filled a mug, smiled and slid the mug towards her, watching as Llyres wrapped her cold hands around the mug. "Careful, it's still hot," she warned. She looked about the quiet Inn for a moment, then back towards her. "I'm fine t'day, thank you. It's been quiet so far. Most o' the guests are either still resting or out on errands. Which is good, as it's given me a chance t'familiarize myself with the kitchen and the Inn too."

Sherice enjoyed the fragrance emanating from the teapot, and decided to take a mug of tea herself, quickly pouring herself one as well. She turned back to the woman, holding her mug much the same way, savouring the heat seeping through into her fingers. "Does the wind always blow in off the bay? It has quite the bite to it..."

Sherice sat, enjoying the quiet company with the lovely lady. She watched as Llyres pulled the paper from her satchel, and leaned a bit across the bar. "Is there a Nuada McClintock staying in the rooms? He visited the real estate office about some land earlier. We confirmed it's vacant and I have the deed here for his signature."

Sherice nodded, smiled and gestured upstairs with her chin. "Oh, aye, he's upstairs resting. Seems he was up a tad late last night, and is in need of some rest. But I expect he should be up soon. He was never one to sleep late. I can go and check to see if he's up and about yet, if ye wish."

ooc: Round one - Number to equal or beat is four. Cara got a 6-2-1. Both Llyres and Cara may drink their ale. Feel free to jump in and join the game :ooc

She beamed as Llyres entered the tavern, giving her a hug she shrugged her shoulders "I am well" she did not have time to say more as Llyres vanished behind the bar to pour an ale. Her eyes widened as her friend claimed the item from the floor and giggles exploded from her, wiping tears from her eyes she managed to ask "How are you? Your family?" While waiting for her friend to answer she drained her mug dry.

Result
1 - 1 - 2 (Avg: 1.33333333333)

(Total avg: 1.3333333333)

Llyres near skipped into the Cross Roads, blue eyes adjusting to the dim tavern light. It had been a good day and her spirits were high. Turning to the form, she gasped in recognition.

Cara? her voice lilted in stunned and delighted surprise to see her friend safe and sound...and drinking. How have you been? Wait, let me pour an ale and join you!

The blonde bobbed her way over to the kegs, frowning when she saw her corset on the floor. Ah ha! That's where it's been! That's been missing for weeks! She blushed, remembering the night Robin helped her close the tavern, and shrugged, any further explanation drowned by the pour. Taking the mug, she settled down to chat.
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Devon Navy Admiral|Marchioness of Deheubarth|Earl of Portsmouth|KoTG|Veteran Admiral REN

Settling comfortably behind the bar - out of old habit, not position - Llyres smiled to see the tell tale signs of a busy day. glasses stacked that needed a good wash yet. Knowing that Zm was pulling double shifts as mayor and barkeep, she decided to help him out a bit while she and Robin were home.

Finishing her work, she poured a tall ale for herself, and lifted the heavy university book out of the bag. Astronomy it was titled. She was halfway done reading it and hoped the ale would encourage tonight's studies. Never knew the stars could be such a dry topic, she sighed, wondering if the book's author had actually ever looked skywards.

She cracked open the book, hoping someone would join her and disturb these dull studies.
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Devon Navy Admiral|Marchioness of Deheubarth|Earl of Portsmouth|KoTG|Veteran Admiral REN

A month had passed and Robin was finally free of the town hall. He headed into the tavern once again to get a few drinks before heading out with Llyres on their trip to Bristol. Waving to the few people within, he greeted them warmly, paying for a few bottles to take on his way with him, and tucking them into his bag.

Grinning as he headed back out, he apologized for the short visit to those within, but explained that Llyres and their horses were waiting outside to start the trip to Bristol. They would be back in a few days and visit longer then.
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Royal Embassy Vice-Chancellor | Royal Museum Curator | Earl of Locksley | Lord Warden of Sherwood Forest

Smiling, Robin nodded. "I feel the same way." Looking down at the paper he had waved to make his point, he scanned it quickly to make sure it was the one he thought it was before signing his name at the bottom. "Me staying here allows for better communication. I've always felt that the only way for anyone that holds any office to get along well with the people they serve is to be open, honest, and available to answer any questions they have. I try very hard to let everyone know what I'm doing with their town's money, what i'm trying to do to get more items we need into the market, yada yada yada..." he trailed off, setting the paper he had signed into a book, and reading through a new one.

Making a few corrections on it, he glanced back up at her, taking a sip of his own drink. "The ship is doing well. Building is complete, and Llyres, as Harbormistress, has control of it. The shipping council is discussing applicants for the captain and crew now. Once we get a captain and crew set, we just need to gather up items for trading, and decide where we head." Blinking slightly, he looked at her again. "I'm sorry for rambling... What did you do today?"
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Royal Embassy Vice-Chancellor | Royal Museum Curator | Earl of Locksley | Lord Warden of Sherwood Forest

Grinning wryly, Robin lifted up some of his paperwork. "For me? Same thing I've been doing every day for the past two months. A Mayor's work is never done. Work grants to assign, Trades to complete and start, paperwork that needs signed... every day there's always something. Keeping the tavern filled, trying to make sure we have everything we need in the market... It can be overwhelming some days." Setting the notes back down, he added, "Don't be surprised to find me in here most days instead of in my office. I like the company and atmosphere better here, more often than not. An office is simply too stuffy for me."
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Royal Embassy Vice-Chancellor | Royal Museum Curator | Earl of Locksley | Lord Warden of Sherwood Forest

Looking up as Faith came into the tavern, Robin smiled, setting his quill down. "Hello, Faith. How has your day been so far?" he asked, getting up to head behind the bar, pouring her order into a glass and handing it to her. Returning to his seat at the bar, he picked up the quill again, ignoring the notes he had started and merely playing with the featherpen.
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Royal Embassy Vice-Chancellor | Royal Museum Curator | Earl of Locksley | Lord Warden of Sherwood Forest

The day went well, the work was good and satisfying. There is nothing better for a man that he should eat, drink and enjoy his work for this is from the hand of God. A rainbow too can be seen in a corner of the sky as the sun sets. Heading back to town, she heads towards the town taverns. Entering The Crossroads, Faith picks out her seat out in the middle of the room, more out of habit than any particular preference. Good it was vacant. Not stopping till she got to the bar, she ordered a light beer for herself.
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God makes a promise - Faith believes it - Hope anticipates it - Patience quietly awaits it

Maggie enters the tavern and sees the mayor passing out drinks. She smiles at him and says, "Ana, if you're buying I'd love a nice shot of rum."
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Kiera noticed that Caly came into the tavern. Also another woman that she had not met before, but she did know Caly a bit. They had met some evenings agoe and had a really good talk. Of course they both had found out they were much the same when it came to feelings about a certain thing. Which made Kiera feel very strongly for this woman as she knew what she as going though. She wished to help her out, but that was not really possible in any way, but yes advices could be given. Only way out of that circle she was in was mostly to take the bull by the horn and find the sulution on your own. Like Kiera had done over 5 years agoe.
Smiling she excused herself to her company and to go and greet the lady by the bar were she had taken a seat.
Kiera thought she looked a bit tired."Hello there Caly. Remembering me?"she greeted with a smile and stod beside the bar, not taking a seat yet."Had a rough day?"
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Lady Kiera Leijon, proud & happy mother to Kyla & Kirahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d17zoQX-iLs

Anamitra brings out his customary wink he keeps for pretty women.

"Just a minute girls and I'll have some ale for ya all."
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