((sorry its long, but I'm describing the setting here XD))
The tavern itself wasn't anything grand to look at from the outside. It looked very much like any other tavern would, aside from the fact it was a good day and a half away from the town in the middle of a clearing in a heavily wooded area. The clearing was the unusual part. Especially with the small lake right at the edge. Still, things seemed rather peaceful, night or day, to the casual observer.
Inside of the tavern was quite remarkable. Tables and chairs crowded most of the room, except for the small tables in either corners. Those were given a fairly wide berth, although most people didn't understand why. The bar was lined with backed stools, so people could sit and drink comfortably in front of the shelves packed with more kinds of alcohol than anyone had ever seen. Over on the left side was a set of spiral stairs that lead to the second floor where rooms were available. Past the stairs was a large fireplace with a large sofa and two chairs nearby, a table in the middle of them.
What really kept the regulars coming over from town every week though, was the owner and barkeep of the building. Barely twenty by most guests estimates, she had seen more than her fair share in her lifetime. Her looks were exotic enough, long black hair she always kept in a tight braid, snow white skin, icy blue eyes. She was slender, a welcome change from the average woman around that area. Every day she waited on customers, always cool, distant; the sword on her hip discouraging those who would otherwise get too friendly.
It was a slow night, the way Coltia preferred it. Instead of putting up with a bunch of drunken idiots, she could relax in front of the fire, sipping her Elven wine slowly, lost in thought. Still, the door was unlocked should anyone care to venture in. One couldn't make money without customers, after all.
The tavern itself wasn't anything grand to look at from the outside. It looked very much like any other tavern would, aside from the fact it was a good day and a half away from the town in the middle of a clearing in a heavily wooded area. The clearing was the unusual part. Especially with the small lake right at the edge. Still, things seemed rather peaceful, night or day, to the casual observer.
Inside of the tavern was quite remarkable. Tables and chairs crowded most of the room, except for the small tables in either corners. Those were given a fairly wide berth, although most people didn't understand why. The bar was lined with backed stools, so people could sit and drink comfortably in front of the shelves packed with more kinds of alcohol than anyone had ever seen. Over on the left side was a set of spiral stairs that lead to the second floor where rooms were available. Past the stairs was a large fireplace with a large sofa and two chairs nearby, a table in the middle of them.
What really kept the regulars coming over from town every week though, was the owner and barkeep of the building. Barely twenty by most guests estimates, she had seen more than her fair share in her lifetime. Her looks were exotic enough, long black hair she always kept in a tight braid, snow white skin, icy blue eyes. She was slender, a welcome change from the average woman around that area. Every day she waited on customers, always cool, distant; the sword on her hip discouraging those who would otherwise get too friendly.
It was a slow night, the way Coltia preferred it. Instead of putting up with a bunch of drunken idiots, she could relax in front of the fire, sipping her Elven wine slowly, lost in thought. Still, the door was unlocked should anyone care to venture in. One couldn't make money without customers, after all.
