Snippet #2538640

Verreth felt anxious as the assumed knight returned from his room, questioned his coin and returned it to the bar.

Definitely a knight. She knew only a knight would concern himself with others and their well being. Healers would as well, like herself but he was certainly no healer.

He was muttering to himself as he came closer to the fire and where she sat. Behind them, at the bar the innkeeper’s wife had returned from whatever task she had been about. Her eyes met the coin, the stranger’s back and the coin once more. Her round face grew soft with her smile and she clucked lightly to herself as she pocketed the money away once more.

“I’ll bring you both something warm to drink. Evening promises to grow cool and the night even colder. Place is older so we get drafts most nights.”

She puttered off into the kitchen, leaving the two travelers to sit in awkward silence.

Verreth tucked her dress about her legs and tried not to fidget. Is there a good way to strike up a conversation...to ask for help? The woman wasn’t particularly good with people. She knew her mother’s lineage gave her sway over others should she want it but she greatly disliked the idea. Growing up it had meant a great deal of solitude and loneliness. Her social skills were not exactly polished either.

The woman cleared her throat. “N-nice evening hmm?”

Verreth immediately rolled her eyes at her own ridiculousness. He is going to get up and walk away. Likely thinks you are weird or simple minded.

She decided to forego the awkward pleasantries or pretense.

“You are a knight aren’t you? I saw what you did out there...also the talk of armour sort of gave it away. Have you been travelling long? I was wondering...have you come across any mages by chance?”

Might as well go for broke. Verreth knew the chance of anyone happening by Gideon on the road was small and she didn’t know what knights knew about magic users but she figured if anyone knew or heard anything about a man taking advantage of people it would be a knight. It was in their blood to watch for wrongdoing and those being taken advantage of.

Verreth shuffled her feet. “I am looking for particular mage. He isn’t very nice. He will pretend to be and he will drug you and used you for magical experiments and then...”

She clamped her mouth closed. “Sorry.”

Her shoulders hunched and she looked toward the fire. “I asked you a question and never even paused to let you answer....” Her words were a soft whisper.

"I don't go around people much so I forget sometimes how to have a conversation..." Verreth looked over at the knight.

The innkeeper's wife came over with two steaming mugs. "There now you two. This will take away any chill you might get. Made them nice and strong." She chuckled handing them the mugs.

Verreth took hers with a nod of thanks. She eyed the liquid warily.

"Go on dear it will do your tiny frame some good. Must be chilly."

Verreth gave a strained smiled and slowly raised the hot liquid to her lips. It burned from heat but as it trickled down another burn set in. Verreth let out a hard breath.

"That's the bourbon sweetie. Don't worry only the first drink will take your breath away." The round woman looked at the man. "You too. Go on now."

Verreth looked over at the man.