Lizette Myorti's Story

The night tingled with uncertainty as midnight approached. Beneath the starless sky was a black mist that hung heavy in the woods, choking all light. Yet, in this darkness sat the Old Miss Inn. Its yellow glow barely broke through the dim clouds but inside remained bright. Partially melted candles were anchored on the walls to light the decrepit home. Dust and spider webs clung desperately to its furnishings as if years had passed undisturbed within the estate. While silence would normally be the final charm of the Inn, tonight was different. The often empty halls held a collection of beasts not commonly seen within the world and tonight was their feast.

Miss meticulously arranged the affair after a rather particular thought crossed her mind. In similar words, she thought: what if my dears were human? They had been made from humans, yes, but the thought that they could meld into human culture was an entirely new sort of thought - one in which she wished to explore. As such, she had prepared for the last decade to set upon the perfect plot and tonight it would be revealed.

Certain precautions had been made for tonight. Firstly, Miss had made sure to send out her invitations to all of her brood by the means of black crows. There was no feast without guests, after-all. Secondly, a spell had been painted with ink on the door to prevent the entry of any unwanted mortals. Party crashers were a pet peeve for the missus. Thirdly, the unfortunate few that had previously stayed in the inn met another fate. Their bodies, paralyzed by stickle weed, were thrown into the wine cellar and dragged onto a large, wooden table where they would remain for the rest of their lives. Miss - sometimes - had a small hint of empathy which showed its colours tonight as she ensured their main courses were not, in fact, awake. They wouldn’t feel their lives end, instead they would simply not ever wake. It was more humane, after-all.

Eyeing the end of her artful arrangement, Miss ensured all was to her liking. The thick block of wood that made up the table’s surface was scratched and stained from previous such events. Tonight, Miss mused, would add to the table’s charm. Her best plates had been set out along with her most valued iron goblets. Each had their own unique imprint pressed along the rims. Her own adorned a set of poison ivy leaves circling the cup of which she picked up and spun in her hand before replacing it on the wood. All, to her, was exactly as it should be.

Miss sauntered around the feast room one last time before taking her seat at the head of the table. Her light skin almost glowing in the dimly lit basement as the candles hung from the ceiling flickered. She could hear the footsteps of her brood wandering about the estate, making their way to the hidden room. Her back was poised and ready to greet them all with confidence and swelling joy. Her white teeth flashed beneath her full pink lips which held a sturdy smile.

”Welcome,” Miss would announce, ”It’s time we talked about your futures.”

The skin had been crafted from old porcelain and powdered bone. It was a pale, fragile façade, lined with patterns of blood red. The brown hair came from dying reed, turning human as it was given life. Green eyes were fashioned from poisonous frog hide, now taking its first uncertain blinks as the pupils shrank in the light of the fire. Until a host arrived, there would be nothing. No thoughts, no expression– nothing to indicate that the creature was alive aside from the slow moments of its chest. Breathing. This was not life, directly, but something imitating it.

A walking lie.

Then, from the darkest crevices of the undergrowth, he came out of hiding. For centuries he had been jumping from shadow to shadow, surviving on what little he could glean from hunters and travellers who were dumb enough to sleep out there in the dark. Malin's domain lay in the night– within the blackness of the hour where only the true predators could rule. He found his way to the shell with uncertain fingers curling around shoulders, and soon Malin took his first breath. Through his shell he cracked a wide smile, and he stepped into the light for the first time. Feeling the tingling warmth on his hands, he stretched and yawned like a cat after a nap. He was long overdue for a proper adventure, he thought, but then paused. His shell was being pulled away from the comfort of the fire– a calling to join its creator. Soon his new legs carried him across creaking wood across the house, until he was met with a doorway.

Malin was not used to feeling uncertain, but a small part of him wondered if he had been trapped. He was unused to this body, it would be hard for him to put up a fight. Still, he entered. A young woman sat at the end of a table– noises indicated that more creatures were on their way.

”Welcome," She said. "It’s time we talked about your futures.”

"Future? I like the sound of that," Malin drifted closer to the table, keeping an eye out for lurking demonologists. "Is that why you have made me this gift? Not that I'm complaining, you understand. I like it very much."

He took the chance to look closer at the interior, before his eyes drifted to the set table once again. "What are we having?

He had received the crow and it's invitation earlier that day. As he read it, he could only wonder what this was all about. He knew Miss, well mostly knew of her. She had come to his store on occasion for goods, but those occasions were few are far in between since he had taken up residence in the village. More often than not, he would deliver goods to the inn. Word around the village was Miss was a "bit eccentric". One of the village folk had described her as being a "Few bricks short of a wagon load." Falastor could only chuckle to himself about this description.

His trip to the inn that evening had been uneventful. He decided to walk to the inn instead of ride, taking in the scents of the flora as he went along. This was not exactly what he would wish to be doing on this night. The invitation had been a bit cryptic as to what he was being invited to, and it was usually this night of the week that the baker's daughter, Nell, would come to his store. Whether she was aware or not, he had taken a liking to her.

Finally reaching the inn, he walks inside. As seemed to usually be the case, the inn appeared vacant of patrons. Falastor wondered how Miss was able to survive in this business if she had no customers. Looking around, his first thought was a good cleaning could help that situation. The place was dimly lit by candle light, but there seemed to be no one to greet any customers.

Falastor follows a trail of candles that lead to a doorway with a stairway going down. He makes his way downstairs, having been there a few times before and knew Miss used the space below for a variety of activities. As he hits the landing at the bottom he sees a door open to a lit room and walks to it. Looking inside he sees Miss and a few others gathered around a table. Letting out a soft sigh he wonders what this might be about. He notes the other guests, the demons and the gargoyle, and can only think about how he gave up a night of conversation with Nell for a night in a room full of egotistic, cold-hearted, supernaturals.

Walking into the room he gives Miss a slight bow and takes up a seat which is closest to Miss, not necessarily wishing to be close to the demon crew that was gathering. He looks at each in turn giving them small nods of recognition and then turns as he hears Miss say, "Welcome, it's time we talked about your futures." Falastor raises an eyebrow at this and wonders what it could possibly mean.

Miss kept her sights on the door as the first figure entered the scene. It was a frail-looking woman she didn't recognize but looking at the green eyes, she was reminded of the frog skin. With a look of mild surprise, the witch beckoned the newcomer in. ”Ah, I see the lure worked and at what a time indeed.” She mused quietly with a cunning smile. It had been weeks since she had left the sitting doll in the forest not knowing whether or not something might bite. It was more of an experiment but perhaps it was, as it could have been, fate. A new dear to the brood. As such, Miss welcomed them with open arms.

”You, my newest dear, are part of my brood - my family, if you will. There's not many strings attached other than you give me your name and keep your non-human identity a secret. I’ll be making an announcement shortly so please, stay and enjoy the events. As for what we’re having,” Her light eyes flickered down to the four sleeping humans laying stiffly on the table. With a quick shrug she murmured, ”Caucasians mostly.” She smiled back at the pale woman again to explain, ”We'll discuss more about our arrangement at a later date. It's time for festivities. And please," She paused to widen her smile, "call me Miss." Her head bowed slowly at the new guest as she lift an arm and motioned to a chair at her left for them to sit.

Her attention then turned to her apprentice whom entered in silently. Miss nodded to her while she descend upon the far chair. It was another good addition to the party. A league of other monsters came tumbling into the room - some loud, some meek, and some entirely malformed. Her early days as a conjurer were not her proudest but a brood mother doesn't destroy her dears for simply looks alone. They, too, had the right to be here even if they had little chance in helping with her current plot. Miss welcomed each one in turn, jeering and murmuring with the best of them. And then came in the man of the hour: Falastor.

"Wonderful," Miss began as she gestured a small wave to the vampire whom sat on her right, "Welcome Mr. Biron. It's been too long since you've visited." Her smile was almost cruel in its turn although she meant to appear only joyful - some habits were hard to break. "I'm glad you've decided to join us tonight. You were the dear I was hoping to see. And with that..." She trailed off and rose from her chair. The room went silent.

The witch was poised and confident, her beaming smile radiating her joy as she addressed the room. "As most of you remember, I am Miss - your brood mother. It is a title in which I am most proud of; however, I must acknowledge my failures in that title. I have crafted many of you without a home; without a place where you can live as you must. I have been working to change that and now, we have an opportunity." Miss paused and took a step away from her chair. Her feet began to circle the table as she continued proudly, "A decade ago I moved to this meadow because I saw the humans that lived here. Humans that feared little and valued strength about all else. You, my dears, are strength incarnate. You can hunt anything you choose - a skill in which these humans strive for. I thought that if they could accept your strength that, perhaps, you could be accepted by them in totality. And that is what I'm proposing today." The witch stopped behind Lizette, placing a hand on the crown of the chair.

"Of course, this suggestion is only up to those that wish to take this task - those that could willingly blend into human culture without suspicion. Those like Falastor." Her eye darted to the vampire with a knowing smile, "I, like him, knew how much opportunity is here when I saw it. It's private but with a constant food source; the village is isolated in the surrounding mountains but experience a large amount of traffic with newcomers every month. It has enough untracked humans to keep alive a league of dears. Most towns can only keep one or two before they're discovered but this village can support and maintain an entire society - if you wish to try."

Miss began to saunter around the table again, her hand dragging along the tops of the chairs, "Over the course of the next month, those willing will move into the town at randomly. Some will come in as hunters wishing to test their medal, others may be shop keepers or the like. If, at any time, you're feeling as though you cannot remain there, you're always welcome in my Inn. All I ask from you all is that you try. Try to find the humanity built into your bones and live a life without rejection and exile." The witch arrived back at her seat again to stand proudly as she eyed each member in turn. "I expect Falastor to help with this so long as none of you put him at risk. Unlike me, the humans have found a bond with him and I wish for him to act as a bridge between the two groups. If you endanger this know that forgiveness is not an option. Now," Miss leaned over the table, resting on her palms as she continued her glares, "are there any questions?"

Falastor looks around the room at the assembled group and then to Miss. "I have a question," he pauses for a moment, So, if I am to understand you, you are asking that I somehow, bring this group of...of..of your creations into this village and help them to assimilate there? And how exactly am I to do that? They, excuse me as I say this, but they don't look much like a group that will just come in an 'blend in' with the locals."

As he looks around the table at the demons and the gargoyle, he can only wonder how it is such creatures could come into town and people not suspect that they were a bit out of place there. And if the village folk discovered that he was somehow involved in escorting this group into their village, he would be run out or worse.

Looking back at Miss, he says, "I am quite content with my life here in the village. I have the perfect cover to my true identity with my store and have been able to live at peace. If I get involved with this scheme of your's, all of that will likely come crashing to an end. Not to mention that these creations of yours will be intruding on my food source. I am not so sure I like your plan."

He had spoken some bold words and looked around the room to try and gauge what fallout there might be for being so bold. He did not wish for these creatures to ruin the peace that he has found here. Over his years of life, he had traveled from place to place trying to find a "home". This perhaps could be such a place, but if Miss was to carry through with her plan, it may put an end to that life of peace. He hoped he might discourage her from this action or at least be able to keep his hands clean of her plan.

---

”You, my newest dear, are part of my brood - my family, if you will. There's not many strings attached other than you give me your name and keep your non-human identity a secret. I’ll be making an announcement shortly so please, stay and enjoy the events."

"You may call me Malin," Malin said as he took his seat by the table. "It is as good as any other name I have been called over the centuries."

Having spoken these words he then fell silent, listening intently to the words Miss spoke to the rest of the creatures sauntering into the room. He took not of two others, another demonic creature and a vampire, both of whom seemed far more at ease than anyone else in the room and treated Miss as an old friend rather than a master. His attention then returned to Miss' speech;

"Of course, this suggestion is only up to those that wish to take this task - those that could willingly blend into human culture without suspicion. Those like Falastor. Most towns can only keep one or two before they're discovered but this village can support and maintain an entire society - if you wish to try."

It was a daunting task, there was no use in hiding that. Although he had mostly observed humanity from an outsider's perspective he had never known them to be particularly welcoming to the supernatural or strange. The fact that most of the creatures in this room would, like Malin himself, feed on human flesh as part of a balanced diet, was sure to put a damper on future relationships. Still, Malin had lived alone for so many years now...

"Try to find the humanity built into your bones and live a life without rejection and exile."

He did like the sound of that. He looked up at Miss, his new face spreading into a smile that could easily be interpreted as acceptance. It had been too long since he had anyone– even anyone like him– and though it hadn't bothered him so far, the sense of belonging he felt to this room served as a cruel reminder of that fact.

"So, if I am to understand you, you are asking that I somehow, bring this group of...of..of your creations into this village and help them to assimilate there?"

Malin's gaze fell to Falastor, the man Miss mentioned so kindly in her speech. He noted the look which the vampire gave him and his brood, and took an instant dislike to him. So frightened to have his turf threatened that he would deny their creator? Malin's smile vanished as Falastor continued to speak;

"They, excuse me as I say this, but they don't look much like a group that will just come in an 'blend in' with the locals."

He looked down to his new, human, hands, and frowned. The next to speak up was the other demon;

"Miss has appointed me a form of...Enforcer, of the rules. I will be there if anything unpleasant happens. Its not as if i cant clean up any mess's, but, I would appreciate all of you taking care not to get into trouble. I would hate to have to kill any of you."

Malin raised an eyebrow, openly offended at the distrust he felt put towards him. "I'm sure such tired threats are entirely unwarranted," he said. "Some of us have had no issues surviving in the human's world, guised as their fellow men or not. It's not my kind they're spinning tales about." He looked at Falastor.

Miss drew silent to watch Falastor, Lizette and Malin speak. Her pale eyes flickered to each as their voices rang through the stale air. She hadn't been entirely sure how Falastor would take the news although she supposed it could be worse. It wasn't a mistake that she invited him to her spider nest when all her minions were present - a time in which she had the obvious upper hand. It was, in its own way, a threat and she assumed he understood that. Yet, if he didn't, Miss promised he would.

"Thank you, Malin. I'm glad to see someone is happy to endorse the opportunity." She smiled kindly and waved a graceful motion for silence. Miss pulled herself from the table to stand tall among the party, take in a deep breath and explain, "While Lizette is correct, I have asked her to oversee the situation and do as she sees fit to maintain our secrecy, there are a few facts that must be known. Especially to you, Falastor." Her attention turned to the vampire one more time as she smiled. "Firstly, this opportunity is limited to those that could pass as human at a face value. I don't want to make this more difficult than it has to be. And secondly, I have no grievances in purging this town if need be. That means, Mr. Biron, that this is happening with or without your help. If you wish to keep this haven then I suppose you have your choice." Miss grinned with fierce eyes, challenging the vampire to accept this cause. The witch wasn't in the business of making friends - she could craft them at her pleasure. Miss, instead, faced the impossible task of creating a better life.

After ensuring that everyone in the room understood her sternness, Miss picked up a blade in her right hand and her goblet in the other. "Now," Miss opened with a cheerier tune. With a well-practiced hand, she sliced the throat of the human laying before her and let her cup catch the spilling blood. As the red liquid neared its rim, Miss lifted it. "To the brood!" She cheered and sucked down the drink. The rest of the night drained into boisterous havoc.



TIME SKIP

A month has passed in the village. Among the seven people that arrived over the month, three of the faces are rather specific to our plot. Firstly, Lizette has started entering the city as a delivery woman for the Old Miss Inn. Malin has become a servant within the Lord's house, while Behemoth's role has still not been noticed by the village. Miss still keeps to herself, avoiding any contact with her brood outside of the Inn.

Now everyone can post however they wish: human and monsters alike. If you'd like a new area be added, tell me and I'll make the change. I'll be adding several community buildings so we can sort out where everyone is better. Make sure to properly input your location each time!

The somewhat quiet and tranquil morning had been put on hold in the general vicinity of Moriarty's as a general air of boisterousness and merriment settled over the place. "Blood sausages you say?" Hector said stroking his chin in mock contemplation. "Well it just so happens that I've a fresh batch of'em that should be ready in no time flat Lord Kelbourne, or rather, I suppose it'll be Sir Kelbourne soon eh?" He gave a knowing smile to the young nobleman before making his way back into the kitchen.

As he was setting the meals over the hearth he heard the young man call over. "Business? Well guess I can't complain." Hector called back through the open kitchen door. "I make enough to keep the place running from the regulars, then a fair sum from travelers passing through. I was thinking about expanding and putting in a few new rooms this fall if I come by enough money to pull it off. I'd probably have to start hiring some extra hands to help out but with the traffic the town gets they'll probably pay for themselves right quick."

The food had begun sizzling in the pans above the hearth, filling the taproom with the welcoming aroma of a hearty morning meal when the bell above the door rang again to admit a young lady. She sat at the bar as Hector made his way out of the kitchen with a platter piled high with the breakfast order. He noticed the girl as he went by, nodded an acknowledgement at her and told her he'd be with her in a moment as he carried the platter over to Lord Kelbourne and his merry band of men. "Enjoy M'lord" He said with a short, clumsy bow. He then made his way back behind the bar and addressed the young women who was sitting patiently. He wiped his hands on his apron as he spoke with a warm smile. "Welcome to Moriarty's lass, what can I get for you?"

Miss

With winched knuckles and a furrowed brow, Miss kept at her dusting. As some would say, she was beating the devil out of the broom by this point - an amusing statement she thought between thuds. It would have continued mindlessly for full minutes if her concentration hadn't been broken by a familiar voice. Immediately the witch stilled her hand to smile at the imposing company. It was Lizette.

While the demon spoke, a speck began to wiggle near a corner of the room. Miss's green eyes darted to the spot which now appeared clear. It consumed her mind with questions. As such, the woman partially listened to Lizette discuss her plans for the day while inching towards the suspicious spot on a lifted heel. It wasn’t until Lizette neared the door that she glanced back to call after at her, "I'd appreciate to hear what you find out later. Oh, and do tell Mr. Biron that I miss seeing his face around here. For the life of me, I can't fathom why he doesn't visit more often." Her smile intensified at the end to see Lizette leave. When the witch was sure her accomplice disappeared into the forest, Miss returned to her curiosities.

Step by step, she neared the corner. Her pale face held an energetic smile with suppressed her desire to chuckle - or cackle, depending on the observer. Miss stopped and reached to grasp the closed door of a closet. Holding her breath, she swung it open while crying, "Aha!" Her pale eyes set upon a small grey ball on the ground. It stalled for a moment, before rolling away at a quick pace.

"Leave this place, you fuzzball!" Miss commanded as she swung her broom around with a new found fury. The little ball, lulu as it called itself, tumbled as fast as it could towards the outside door before spinning out of the house and into the tall grass. Miss had run after it, wagging her broom menacingly to see lulu exit her estate. "You're meant to be dead already!" She cried out into the forest from the open door. "If I see you again, I'll make sure of that!" Wiggling the broom out of the Inn, she stopped and huffed. "Good riddance." before returning to cleaning.

"Blood sausages you say?" Hector said stroking his chin in mock contemplation. "Well it just so happens that I've a fresh batch of'em that should be ready in no time flat Lord Kelbourne, or rather, I suppose it'll be Sir Kelbourne soon eh?"

"Good on ya, then." Giles nodded as Moriarty went off to do one of the things he does best. "Will see, will see." He and his companions continued to laugh and converse amongst themselves, entirely missing Liz's entrance into the bar itself. Giles looked over to check in on Moriarty as he explained his future plans for the place. "Oh? So you plan to be running a Bar and Inn now, Moriarty?" He asked rhetorically. "I do say the other Inns in town should be wary. I mean with the fine ale you brew I doubt the other lodges could compare!" Giles called out with a riotous laugh. Then came the Barkeep with the order of breakfast and it smelt wonderfully.

"Enjoy M'lord"

"Thank you! Now it's time for you lot to taste on what ya been missing!" Giles proclaimed. His men took heaping helpings of the breakfast as they dug in. Quite obvious to Giles they were more than pleased. "Isn't it like I said?" Giles then laughed as one responded yes despite having his face stuffed to the brim with food. "Careful now, don't choke. It would be quite a shame if one of my retinues die from a chunk of meat!" He then laughed. Before he could enjoy himself he noticed something missing, drinks! He slapped himself on the head as he chuckled, "Excuse me men, forgot something." He then got up and wandered over to the bar.

"Oi, Moriarty! What do you have to drink around here or do you serve alcohol all day?" He laughed as he rested his arms on the bar. He looked to the right of him and noticed, what he thought, an attractive young lady. "Why? Hello, there, I don't believe we've met before?" He said with a smile. "My name is Giles Kelbourne, would you perhaps, do me the honor of giving your name?" He asked.

"Whatever is good" The young women answered.

Moriarty considered for a moment. "Well if it's just something light your after, I'm supposed to get a delivery form the bakery soon. Some bread and maybe a bit of honey could be a swell start to your day. There's also a bit of coffee left over from earlier, though mind you it's not my best brew. A bit weak but the flavor is still there."

As he spoke to the girl Lord Kelbourne made his way over to the bar and requested a round of drinks. "Well, I dare not open another case this early after last time. That Carwen fellow was all up in arms about 'getting hard working folks nodding off before the day had started' or something like that." Moriarty said, attempting his best impersonation of Father Carwen as he spoke. "The man means well but sometimes I have to think he could use a bit more enjoyment. Err, but don't tell'em I said that. No sense in making a fuss over it" Moriarty added a bit cautiously.

He then clapped his hands together and said. "Tell you what though, I do have some old cider left over for just such an occasion. I fetch you and your friends a bottle or two from the back, just a moment." With this he headed back into the kitchen and fumbled around looking for where he had left the small crate of bottles. As he did so the two at the bar made their introductions and Nell came in and left the basket of bread he had ordered. "Have a good day Moriarty" She said as she left. Moriarty hadn't heard her come in and was surprised to hear her voice call to him, prompting him to turn swiftly and stub his foot against the crate lying nearby. It clattered slightly, mixing with a short "Yargh!" of pain. He composed himself, felt silly that most of the taproom had very likely heard him through the open kitchen door, and grabbed a pair of bottles from the crate.

"Found them." He announced triumphantly as he made his way back into the taproom. As he did so he placed the two bottles onto the bar. "So, Lizette is it? Well there's something I have to ask every one new who comes through my bar." Hector made a dramatic pause before continuing. "Have you heard the one about the King and The Astrologer?" As he finished his question, a sly smile spread over the Barkeepers face.

"The pleasure is all mine." He said with a smile as he gently took her hand. He then kissed the top of her hand before letting her go. "Lizette Myorti? A pretty name for a pretty lady." He complimented.

"Well, I dare not open another case this early after last time. That Carwen fellow was all up in arms about 'getting hard working folks nodding off before the day had started' or something like that." Moriarty said, attempting his best impersonation of Father Carwen as he spoke. "The man means well but sometimes I have to think he could use a bit more enjoyment. Err, but don't tell'em I said that. No sense in making a fuss over it" Moriarty added a bit cautiously.

Giles looked over to Moriarty, "Well I most certainly don't want you to get on the wrong side of the local clergy." He said with a chuckle. "We can't have my favorite brew master being damned to Hell now can we?" He finished with another chuckle. "But I understand, I won't be confessing anytime soon." He chuckled as he watched Moriarty go off to find some cider. "Thank you, Moriarty! He's one of the good ones I have to say." He spoke towards Liz. "So, you must be new in town, are you staying here or just passing through?" He asked.

Being distracted by the sight of Liz he too didn't notice Nell passing through, and by the time he could he heard Moriarty's shout of pain, causing Giles to look towards the kitchen. "Oi! Moriarty are you alright?" He called. His Retuines even pulled themselves away from their meal to see what was going on. "Found them." Giles applauded Moriarty on his return with the much needed cider.

"So, Lizette is it? Well there's something I have to ask every one new who comes through my bar." Hector made a dramatic pause before continuing. "Have you heard the one about the King and The Astrologer?" As he finished his question, a sly smile spread over the Barkeepers face.

Giles rolled his eyes, "Still going on about that one, eh? I hoped you would come up with some new material by now!" He teased the barkeep. "Well your in it for the long haul Lizette, in that case her drinks are on me, alright?" He told Hector as he grabbed the two bottles and headed for his table. He's heard that one a dozen times, not to say it isn't funny, it's actually pretty hilarious, but it does get old after hearing it for the fifth time. As Giles placed the bottles of cider on the table he shouted at his men. "Oi! There's only one sausage left! Well it's mine now! You're a bunch of arses did you know that?" Giles despite how angry he sounded, laughed at the whole situation.

Hector looked all too smug as Giles rolled his eyes at the mention of one of the barkeepers favourites. As the young noble made his way back to his table Moriarty turned back to the Lizette and began. "So it goes like this..." But he was interrupted by her next words. She then proceeded to tell the joke in it's entirety, finishing with a grin and a question: "The same one?"

Hector made an attempt at giving her a stern glare, but the effect was wasted by his face being split by a grin and a light chuckle. "Aye that'd the one." He gave a defeated sigh but kept smiling. If she hadn't heard it before he could of gone on being smug about it for the next few days. Customers would have likely never heard the end of it unless they left, which Hector realized, was probably better in the long run. As he was musing Lizette had begun to speak again. He was pleasantly surprised by her request of a potential part-time position. In his experience most of the newcomers to town were simply passing through.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt to try." He replied. "After all I am getting a bit long in the tooth these days, an extra hand could be fairly helpful when the place gets more rowdy. Tell you what. Whenever your around or need something to do, feel free to stop in, there's always something that needs doing so I'm sure I'll be able to find something. Then I'll pay you for the days work. I wouldn't want to keep you too busy though, from what I've heard around your running odd jobs for that old inn out in the woods, and I wouldn't want to ruffle any feathers of the owner."

Ida the Hunter

Ida nodded at the priest as her way of farewell before marching out of the open doors. As she stepped onto the dirt ground at its frame, a barrage of children came storming past her. Their little feet thudded against the soil while they parted around her like a stampede of beasts. Ida snorted in distain at their display of wildness before taking her leave from the premises. With her good deed done, it was time to make her income.

Her steady feet would take her to the market where a profitable venture would ensue. The recently arrived traveling merchant took his sweet time to analyze her wears while making comments - most of which Ida considered common for ignorant merchants whom thought they knew better. First he asked if it was bear and she glared at him. "Only if a bear looks, smells, and tastes like a rabbit." She countered. With some patience and blunt honesty, she convinced him of the ware quality and be obliged her price. With all her product sold, Ida headed back home to attend her drying meat.

As time changed and the sun set, Ida too followed its glorious ways and tracked her way back to bed. Her small shack was pitch black and the door blocked with a wooden beam. The hay mat covered in animal skins welcomed her body with its soft warm touch as the familiar smell of salted meat whisked her to sleep. Ida's day was over.




TIME SKIP

Another sun has set. The crickets chatter cut through the chilled air as they sing about the recent descend of night. In the sky, dark clouds rolled over the town as thunder bellowed in its mass. The sweet scent of rain consumed the air where the orange light of lanterns can hardly pierce. It is the first night.

Now everyone can post however they wish: human and monsters alike. Some human character (like Ida) can be asleep for the night phase if they'd like. I'll be doing a time skip when I feel it's best.

ALSO: It will rain tonight. I'll post when it starts to rain and all of us will accept that it's raining. Once it starts, it won't stop. cant'stopwon'tstop

Miss

The day had passed uneventfully for Miss as she tirelessly cleaned her Inn. The final dirt had been scratched out of the floor's crevasses by the time the witch sat lazily on a lounge chair near a rumbling fire. "Lizette," Miss groaned weakly from her throne. She waited a few brief moments before groaning louder, "Lizeeeeette." The crackling flame muttered as crickets chirped in the darkness outside. The cold air from the incoming storm front trickled under the cracks of the closed front door to send a chill down Miss's back. She didn't budge. In minutes she sat in silence until her red lips pipped up in surprise, "Oh right, she went to town. Well then, she must have seen something interesting." With a quick hop, the witch rose and headed for the door. Her thin, pale hands plucked a black cloak from a hook and whisked it to hang over her shoulders. Her other hand took up a lantern which she lit with a snap and carried it faithfully through the night, magically locking her door behind her. Miss was determined to see what had kept up her accomplice although more for her amusement than any worry for her companion. Demons were demons, after-all.

With some time and more magic, Miss appeared in town behind the church - she often like the risk associated with popping up in places she shouldn't be. But still with rushed feet, she shuffled out from the church plot and onto the streets with her free hand gripping tightly onto the clasp of her cloak. After asking around, she heard that her companion had gone to the bar and never left. Some had even discussed the rumour that she was a new employee. Miss was shocked. She couldn't imagine this act to be one of rebellion but it was unforeseen. Perhaps her apprentice had enough of magic spells and wanted to be part of the human world, but of course, Miss suspected other reasons too. She followed these reasons with a curious heart to come stumbling into the bar.

"Lizette," She cried with a mild smile, "What's this about a new job? Was the messenger bag getting too heavy?" The woman half-jeered as she arrived near the bar table.

Night was falling upon them and without any attention he let the whole day slip by him. Now granted he did spend most of it in the bar, but once he stepped outside many of the villagers ran up to greet him and gave their warmest wishes. He's grown up around a lot of them and even made childhood friends when he could. Although his father did find it rather unbecoming of a Nobleman to become too involved with the peasantry, but that is where son and father divide. Giles loves people, he finds them fascinating and loves to talk with just about anyone, an open man he is. He appreciated the wishes and the pep talks he earned this day, even going out of his way to say goodbye to just about everyone.

Before he realized it, it was supper as he strolled back into the Bar for some food and ale. Now there he sits towards the back, laughing with his retinues and singing songs about the finer things in life. They were as cheery as they were this morning, apparently it seems this Giles has quite the wellspring of liveliness within him. While stuck within his celebratory mood, he was becoming more drunk as the night became even darker soon he suddenly realized as he shouted, "FUCKIN' HELL! What time is it!?" One of his men, a man named Carlyle, looked over to the window and burped, "Eh, not sure, m'lord." "Damn it all! We've no time to waste! We must be going!" He shouted as he wobbly, stood up. "But, m'Lord I think it not wise to travel while so...er, drunk." spoke John, his other retinue.

"Aye, I think we should listen to, J-John." Carlyle agreed. Yet Giles would not hear them out as he ran for the door. Once outside he could feel the sudden cold, nipping at this skin as he heard the roaring of the thunder over head. He looked up to see the clouds gathering for what must be a big thunderstorm. "No, come on, I can't fuckin' believe it." Giles groaned as his retinues ran after him shouting Lord Giles, Lord Giles! "Do you see this!?" He shouted as he pointed at the sky. "Aye, looks like a-a big one." John answered. "M'lord, tis not wise to-to ride during such a-a storm." Carlyle hiccuped. Giles stomped his boot on the ground in frustration, he had wished to leave this very day but it seems this storm will keep him home for a little while longer.

"Best we go inside m-m'Lord, before the rain breaks." Carlyle suggested as the group entered the bar again. "It seems will need to board for the night." Giles thought out loud. He turned his attention to Moriarty at the Bar, "Oi, Moriarty, I don't suppose you could build those rooms within the hour, right?" He chuckled. It was then he noticed that a woman entered the bar, apparently she was there for Lizette, curious, he's never seen her before either, or rather not in a long while.

The day past as the days had past before at Moriarty's: pleasantly and, once the sun had set, uproarious. The ruckus of the taproom was likely heard all up and down the street it resided on. The volume was amplified by the crowd who had come to wish the young knight-to-be luck in his trials, their cheers and songs shaking the very walls of the establishment. The girl Lizette was proving to be quite the fair hand around as the orders continued to flood in and over the bar top.
The night was wearing on and sounds of distant thunder could be heard around the time that Giles stood up with a violent suddenness. Moriarty looked up from a pair of customers he had been serving at the bar as the young noble ran outside, then almost as quickly reappeared, calling over to him.
"Oi, Moriarty, I don't suppose you could build those rooms within the hour, right? Giles shouted over the din of the densely packed taproom.
Moriarty shrugged and with a smile said. "Well not unless your father has some magic user who works cheep. Reckon if your looking for rooms you'll have to find them at a different inn in town. Not that you'd be able to get any sleep here tonight if I did have rooms." He finished with a hearty guffaw. With that he turned to the customers seated before him. "Now where was I... Oh yes! So the pirate walks into the tavern and demands that the tavern master surrender all the booty in the building, and the man raises an eyebrow and says 'I think your in the wrong place lad, the brothel's down the street!'." And the two men and Moriarty bellowed with laughter. As he did he almost missed the newest customer enter the taproom, fortunately Lizette attended to the new arrival. He was becoming more and more impressed with how well she seemed to work with people.

Miss

Miss smiled at Lizette as she was served. "I suppose there are worse places for a young woman to find work. This is probably about the time where I say I'm proud of you, so please, take that for what it is." She began before taking a moment of silence to see the shouts coming from the other patrons of the bar. It was a man she happily recognized. Her smile morphed into a wide grin as she answered confidently, "Actually Lizette, I like the idea. Give me a drink. Red wine, if you have any." Miss nodded to Lizette and rose from her seat while pulling off her hood. She had placed her dead lantern on the pub counter with a quiet tap as she unclasped her cloak and hung it through the lanterns handle so it dangled over the counter.

With a wink, Miss muttered, "I'll be right back." Her thin body had already turned around to face the throng of men who were obviously drunk. Their cries about finding a place for the night and the bar's inability to provide was nothing but a new game for her. Of course, the Old Miss was much too far into the forest to be of some use but the witch had another idea. One in which could go terribly well or mediocre but she feared very little about being seen as the town idiot.

When Miss was a few feet away, she called out, "Gentlemen, I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Her red lips held a generous smile, warm and welcoming, as she continued, "but you do have a few options. The church is said to house any who need shelter without even so much as a confession." The woman stopped and placed a hand on her hip as she shifted her weight onto her other foot, "But, of course, if you'd rather say here and need a confidant to confess to, I would gladly oblige." It had been so long since she had flirted. Perhaps she was considered all too old to flirt to strange men but alas, she would try. Most likely, her and Lizette would laugh about this later.

Giles sat back down at his table after he shrugged in response to Moriarty. He supposes there's some Inn in town that'll take them in, what is he thinking? Of course they will he's a Kelbourne! It was then his attention was called to by the woman he saw enter the Tavern earlier. She was an older woman but age seems to have not touched her adversely in anywhere that counts. She certainly drew the attention of his retinues who began to chuckle. Yet the whole while Giles couldn't help but think he's seen her from somewhere before.

"Gentlemen, I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Her red lips held a generous smile, warm and welcoming, as she continued, "but you do have a few options. The church is said to house any who need shelter without even so much as a confession." The woman stopped and placed a hand on her hip as she shifted her weight onto her other foot, "But, of course, if you'd rather say here and need a confidant to confess to, I would gladly oblige."

"Not at all m'lady!" John called out. "Aye, we could c-c-certainly...use uh...uh a confesshiun'!" Carlyle laughed. While his men ogled and fawned over Miss, Giles was a little more level-headed and less drunk than John or Carlyle. Still her suggestion beforehand was a valid option for them. He remembers the priest, Father Carwen that holds up in the church. He also remembers the Dean as well and from what he could recall they had no qualms with him. At least he thought they didn't, it's been awhile since he's visited the old parish. Giles then stood up bowed his head at Miss.

"Aye, that is a fair suggestion Ma'm. Perhaps I and this rabble should head over and seek lodgings now." Giles spoke. It was then his men protested, "Oi, who ya c-callin' rabble?!" John huffed. "Besides I r-r-rather stay with the l-lady!" "I'll drink ter that!" Carlyle added as he took a big swing from his ale. Giles then placed his head into his palm as he gave a drawn out sigh. "Fine, I'll let ya have your fun. In the meantime I shall head for the Church and warn them ahead of time a that couple of drunken rabble will be heading there shortly." Giles said with a laugh as he looked over to Moriarty, "I'll pay once I return, so whatever this lot drinks, know it's on me." Giles told Hector as he walked out of the Bar.

He then headed down the street to where the old Church stood. He saw no lights coming from the building leaving Giles to assume it's either empty or the clergymen are asleep. It's been awhile since he found himself before these church gates, as he wondered how much the old parish has changed. He moved past the gates as he walked up those old church steps, he then knocked on the wooden doors. He hoped someone was there tending to the Church during the evening hours because Giles really wasn't looking forward to be caught in the rain.

Falastor looked up from his seat as he heard the voice speak to him, "What seems to be the issue?" it asked him. Looking up, Falastor saw the figure of Lizette leaning against the wall, a smug look on her face. "What difference does it make to you, you vile creature? Doesn't Miss have you off collecting some corpse or something? Why are you bothering me, and...and how did you get in here?"

Falastor was in no mood to put up with the imp's taunting and teasing at this point. He had just seen the woman his heart ached for be taken in by another and what was worse was she seemed to want that. Falastor wondered how he had not been able to read her signs better, how he had thought perhaps she actually cared for him. It was obvious that was not the case, it was merely what he had wanted and hoped for.

Falastor sighs as he looks at Lizette, in no mood to discuss who holds more power and certainly not impressed with her glowing eyes, horns, or pointy tail. Throughout his life he has dealt with many a demon, werewolf, or other creature of the dark.

"Listen, Lizette it is right? I am not in the mood for this right now. You can tell your mistress that I will visit with her tomorrow evening. I am not in the mood to speak with her tonight." Falastor got up and walked to the front of the store to look out the window and across to the bakery. It appeared that everyone was now inside. He could see Nell's head move about from time to time as she moved around in the room. He sighed and turned around. "Is there anything else you need from me?" he asked Lizette.