Heirot

Original thread started by Daylan on June 9th, 2005

Daylan:

Daylan Thorn looked about approvingly around his tavern. He had built this place mostly by himself, but had enlisted the occasional aid of workers. The darkwood of many tables reflected light of hanging lanterns and the fire in the hearth. A dragon's head was carved into the tables, the hearth, and often the most important factor of a tavern, the bar. Those ingravings had given the tavern it's name, the Drakeshead. Many bottles were behind the bar, and there was a cellar with more bottles and kegs.

He had himself started this tavern as a place for people to meet once the darkness came. He had gotten enough money from his father to start it, he could only hope that it would make up the money. Perhaps he could start games of bones, or host a few cock-fights to raise money. To his knowledge, neither was illegal. Thinking of that, he moved around making sure that everything was in place for the opening tomorrow. Hopefully, people would notice that it exsisted.

Emora:

Ora had been wondering all night. She couldn't go back to Havick... she hated working for him. But... if she didn't work for him then her brother would be taken to jail... Ora pulled the cloak tighter around her. The barmaids dress wasn't exactly the most decent thing to wear.

Some of the Queen's Royal Guard was coming down the road and she really didn't feel like getting searched for no reason so late at night. So she stepped into the tavern to get off the road until they were passed.

Her long black hair was pulled into a loose bun and black sprigs of hair fell in front of her face. She stepped inside, pushing the hood of her cloak off her head and walking to a chair, taking a seat.

Daylan:

Daylan was polishing the bar when the woman entered into his tavern, "I'll be with you in a moment. I'm the only person running this fair establishment." He dropped the rag in his hand onto the bar before looking up. He stopped for a moment when he did, sharply inhaling through his nose, before calming himself. "Erm... What can I get you then, m'lady?" He looked back to the many drinks on the wall, "I-i have most food and drink."

Emora:

Ora looked up quickly at the man and tilted her head, wondering if there was something wrong with him. She looked out the window for a moment and didn't want to be rude by just sitting... "I... um..." Ora smiled and looked at him. "What do you recommend? I'm not a big drinker..."

She walked towards the bar and took a seat at it, placing her arms on the top and folding them. She smiled, wondering how long it would take before she could leave Havick for good. She was so sick and tired of him. So tired of being hit and threatened... She was tired of working for such a horrid man.

Daylan:

Daylan smiled somewhat nervously, "Drink? Oh yes, yes...." Idiot! he though to himself. He didn't look back behind him, but seemed to relax somewhat, "Oh yes, I would suggest a Feywine as it's called. I have a good vintage here..." he said as he reached towards a black bottle, "It's a sweet red, good and thick too." He quickly filled a small glass with it.

"So then, w-what brings you here today?" he said.

Emora:

Ora smiled at him as she took a sip of her drink that he had pored for her. She nodded approvingly and sat the small glass down. "Oh, I was heading home and...." she paused for a moment. How well did she know this man? Not very well... He could be friendly with them. "I decided to pop in for a drink..." Stupid... your wearing a bar maids dress which means you work at a bar... You could have easily had a drink there! Well, she had already screwed up... Maybe this man wouldn't notice. She was going to stick with her story either way.

Ora pushed the strands of black hair from her face and behind her ears. "I don't have much, so I better not drink anything else. How much do I owe you, sir?"

Daylan:

The mage was still slightly confused, "Al-all right then. But since y-you're my first costumer, no charge." He smiled again as he put the wine bottle back. He then seemed to notice her bar dress, "S-so what's your name? I'm Daylan." His hand clenched underneath the bar-top, and he seemed to start relaxing.

Emora:

Ora looked at him and smiled kindly. She looked around the bar. "Very nice..." Far better than the conditions I work in... She held out her hand to shake his. "My name is Ora Falls..." she said softly. Her eyes sparkled in the light. "Very nice to meet you. Have you lived in Arroes long?"

Daylan:

Daylan gripped her hand a little too firmly, but nothing could be done to prevent this. "It is good to meet you Ora." he said, finally seeming to calm himself down a little, "I've lived in Arroes for a while, I've lost track of the days. Not hard to do with the sun flickering in and out. Thought I could rely upon it." he said with a faint smile.

Emora:

Ora smiled and looked out the window. "Yes. A lot of people come out drinking because they don't know what time of night it is. So you should have round the clock customers as soon as this place gets well known," she said and smiled. "Havick never closes, its amazing I ever..." She smiled softly. "Its amazing that I ever get to go home..."

To what? A brother who works constantly to get himself out of trouble and smuggle people from Arken.... Ora constantly was having to pay the price for her brothers mistakes. Like having to work for Havick to pay off his debts.

"This is a very nice establishment... you shouldn't have any trouble in getting customers. I wish you the best of luck..."

Daylan:

Daylan smiled at her approval, "Thank you m'lady. I hope it will attract others. Any hints from another in the trade on some... tricks to attract others?"

He then sighed somewhat at her words, "You don't like this Havick?" he asked innocently. She had given a few physical clues to this.

Emora:

Ora looked at him for a moment and then glanced down. "I'm afriad I don't know much about attracting customers..." she said and stared at the counter top. She absentmindedly ran her hand through her hair and looked up.

"You don't like this Havick?"

Ora smiled softly and returned to looking at the counter top. "Not at all," she said. "But, its not like I have much choice in the matter anyway. I do almost everything for the lazy bum. I'm sure if it was a tavern slash brothel I would work there as well. Thank the gods its not...." Ora looked up quickly, flushing and realizing she had said to much. "Excuse me..."

Daylan:

The wizard looked at her for a moment, before smiling, "No need you speak of an enemy of mine now." He continued to rub the counter with his rag, adding a brighter shine to the already immaculate bartop. He poured himself a glass of the wine then and spoke once more, "If you would like it more... you could work here. I don't have much money yet, but if men start coming, then I could pay you more. And trust me, it won't be a brothel."

Emora:

Ora smiled and looked up from the spot on the bar she had been staring at. "I would love to work in a place like this... But, I'm afraid I can't... Not until he deems that I have finished paying off the dept that is owed to him. She glanced down quickly, remembering the way Havick had left a bruise on her wrist. She pulled the sleeve of her shirt over it, hiding it from view.

"I've been working for him for a number of years... since I was fifteen... I try and leave, he fires me sometime, but always shows up at my home and threatens to have my brother thrown in jail if I do not pay back his dept..." Ora looked up at Daylan. "I'm sorry to babble about my problems."

Ora looked around. "I would be happy to work for you, any ways. I'm very capable of working two jobs... Besides, I would like to finally be able to keep some of the money I earn..."

Daylan:

Daylan nodded happily, "I can pay off part of the debt for you, if you can help me get this place started up well. Fifteen years of slave labor for that man? But if it's not too bold... what have your brothers done that this man wishes to arrest them?"

"I would be glad to have you work with me, but I'll need you to go get me a few chickens. That's all for now, I'll deal for the rest." He finished his own wine, and poured himself another quite quickly.

Emora:

Ora looked at him and smiled. "You can't pay it off...The deal is I have to work for him and give him my money that I make. And I haven't been working for him for fifteen years... I started working for him when I was fifteen.... My brother did something to get himself thrown in jail... I pleaded with the lord to let him go... and Havick had been there that day. He saw me and made me an offer. He said that he would get my brother out if I would work for him for a year. Well, I worked for him and when my year ended I went to move to another job that would pay more. He told me he would have my brother thrown in jail if I quit... And so I've been working for him still."

Ora leaned an elbow on the counter. "But, I do need the money... my brother works, but doesn't get paid very much. I believe I know where I can get some chickens for you... Thank you very much for offering me this job... I don't know how I could thank you."

Daylan:

Daylan frowned at her words, then shook his head, "An evil man and an oathbreaker it seems. Well, people often do 'dissapear' in this city do they not?" He said those last words with a wink, to show he was joking. "But I'm afraid you didn't exactly answer my question, what did your brother do?" He put emphasis on those words.

He then held his hands up, "There is nothing you need to thank me much... just do what I ask of you, no less."

Emora:

Ora looked at him and frowned. She didn't know much about this man. What if he worked for Shea or what if he turned her brother in. "He was smuggling people out of Arken, and that is a crime against the Queen... Taking away the people she can torture for her own amusement..." Ora looked down. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

Ora brushed strands of her black hair that had fallen in front of her face when she looked down out of the way. "If I'm still hired... When would you like me to bring you the chickens... Dead or alive?"

Daylan:

The mage just seemed to smile oddly at her words, "It is no bother. You fill find that many do not seem to love the queen." He ran a hand through his hair at those words, "So there is nothing to apologize for. I can understand your hate for her."

As she again mentioned the chickens he thought for not a moment, "Alive and as healthy as possible. I need them strong. Also, find a blacksmith around here."

Emora:

Ora smiled and stood up, looking at Daylan with her bright eyes. “I’ll have them both for you by morning,” she said softly, pulling her hood over her head and picking up the things she had brought in with her. “Thank you, again, for the drink… and the job.” Ora waved and walked towards the door, hoping no guards would bother her on the way home.

Ora arrived home to a quite house. Her brother was a sleep in his bed in the living room/kitchen/Joe’s room. There house was small, two rooms. One was an “all in one room” and the other Joe had sweetly dedicated to her so she wouldn’t have to worry about being disturbed when his friends came over in the middle of the night to discuss there next mission. The room was small, just big enough for a little bed, and a place to keep her clothes and wash up. The house creaked constantly, the roof leaked. A window in her bad room had a pane missing and she kept it covered with a tattered towel.

Ora went right to sleep. Her brother woke her when he was leaving. A few minutes later Ora was bathed and dressed in clean clothes. She pulled her apron around her and her slipper like shoes, then walked out of the house with a large basket in her hand.

Ora knew just the place to get chickens. Her friend Sissy raised chickens and killed them to sell. “I need two,” Ora said and smiled at her friend as she leaned over the edge of the pin.

“That will be four silvers…”

“Four?” Ora said and bit her bottom lip. “Alright…” Ora pulled four silver coins from her picket. It was the last she had for the day.

Ora then went to Mick, the closest blacksmith she knew of. She told him that she knew a man who would require his services and he told her that he would make sure to stop by Daylan’s establishment as soon as he had finished with a project he was working on.

Ora was now running, because she had forgotten to tell her brother to wake her up earlier. She was late for being at Havick’s. Ora ran up to Daylan’s inn and tavern , sliding to a stop so she wouldn’t barge in so rudely. She stepped inside, however, rather quickly and with a soft smile on her face.

Daylan:

The mage waved, as if to brush away her words, "I need employees as much as you need a job it would seem. So there is nothing to thank me for... I have done little here." He ended with a smile as she left and then sighed, setting back to work polishing the polished bar and tabels.

Occasionally another curious person would come and enter, but he did not treat any of them with a free drink as he had Ora. He figured that she was his first costumer and deserved that , but he was quite entranced with the young woman. Daylan firmly chastised himself for this habit of his, he had had this weakness for quite a while.

Soon the trickle of people died down and Daylan closed up the tavern. He slept there, on the second floor. He looked up at the ceiling, contemplating the days events and thinking of his spells as he slowly drifted off to sleep.

He woke the next day and dressed quietly. His clothes were incredibly fine, made of the best black satin emblazoned with a sword with a hilt of thorns upon it. He looked at himself in a mirror and nodded approvingly, before going downstairs. He was sitting at a table in the empty tavern when Ora entered, "Oh good you're back." he said as he stood. "How much were the chickens? I'll pay for them, it's my job to." With that he pulled out several large gold coins in his palm, "Is this enough?"

Emora:

Ora brushed strands that had already fallen from the loose bun out of her eyes and smiled warmly at him. "Oh, just four silver coins I think," Ora said glancing at his palm that held several large gold coins. Gold... she hadn't had gold offered to her. Her brother never even got gold! "Thats too much," Ora whispered and looked up at him with her bright eyes. She set the basket that held the chickens down on the floor. "The blacksmith said he would drop by after he was finished with the project he was doing."

Daylan:

He shrugged, pocketing the gold coins with a fluid motion and tossing her four silvers. "There you go miss." He noticed the look in her eyes and wondered what it was born of. It had just been a couple coins, what was the big deal? He went to pick the chickens up and lifted them up to a table, "Yes, yes, these seem strong enough." He looked over at the mention of the blacksmith, "Good, that is good. I should like to see him then."

Emora:

Ora smiled kindly and took the money. She didn’t understand why he needed chickens, besides cooking them for food. She wondered what he needed the blacksmith for as well. Ora sighed heavily at hearing the bell chime that signaled yet another hour had passed. “I’m sorry…. I really must be going. I’m late. I’ll be back later when I’m finished working at Havick’s.”

Ora curtsied to him with a warm smile.

Daylan:

The mage knew perfectly well what he wold use the chickens for, but perhaps he would ask someone if what he was going to edo was considered illegal. "Oh all right then. You had best hurry then." He bowed deeply and turned back to the chickens.

Emora:

Ora left quickly almost running. She ran down the streets of Arroes, bumping into some nobles who quickly shoved her away and called her dog. She didn't understand people. Just because she didn't have as much money didn't make her less of a person.

Ora rushed into Havick's Tavern for Travelers. Havick was behind the counter, busy with making drinks. It was a sight she hadn't seen in a while. His head snapped up, as if he had been doing it many times to look for her. His eyes narrowed her and he moved quickly around the bar and came towards her.

"Havick, I can explain..." Ora stumbled as he came towards her quickly. He grabbed her arm roughly and hauled her towards a door to the back. "Havick, no!"

He shoved her into the room and closed to door behind him. It was his office, tightly cramped with a desk, a couch, and many things he had collected over the years. His hand came up and before she could move away he struck her hard on the face. It sent her slamming into the desk. "Your an hour and a half late! Do you know how many customers I've had during that? You ungrateful wretch!"

"Havick, I..." He grabbed her by both her arms and slammed her down to where her back was on the desk. "I was doing a favor for a friend..."

"I told you not to be late," he growled and leaned over the desk, making her feel small and vulnerable.

"I'm... I'm sorry..." Ora murmured.

He leaned further down, his belly squashing her. "Do it again, and I promise you, you'll regret it. Now get to work."

Ora nodded numbly and he let her go. She pushed herself off the desk and walked outside of the room, rubbing her cheek which was red with a hand print. She went behind the counter and started doing her job.

Daylan:

Daylan waved a good-bye and went out with the chickens. He had just decided he needed more than these two, at least one would die soon. He found another dealer and procured another three chickens. Tossing the man a few silver coins he went back to his bar. Letting the chickens walk about inside a guest room, he went downstairs to serve patrons. Occasionally someone would come in, and he would happily serve them. Being alone, he was quite tired by the end of the day and slept peacefully.

Emora:

Ora left Havick's place after undergoing yet another good "takling" to, by her boss. He kept explain... in between hits, how she better show up on time. Ora pulled the cloak around her tightly and walked holding her side and wincing. She hoped Daylan was still opened. She wanted to get in some time working for him before she went home.

Ora walked to Daylan's establishment and peered inside. It seemed he was closed. It might have been later than she thought it was. Ora sighed heavily and turned from the front door, walking back onto the road, still holding her side.

Daylan:

Daylan woke the next morning quite early. It was easy considering one of the chickens had managed to get out of its room and had been pecking him in the forehead for ten minutes before he awoke. Groaning, the man fell out of bed before putting on his nicest clothese and going downstairs to greet customers.

Emora:

Ora told her brother to wake her earlier. When he did he noticed how stiff she was and the light bruise across her cheek. He asked her about it. He wanted to know if Havick had hurt her again. He would kill him if he had. But, Ora just told him that there was bar fight and she got caught in the middle of it. He didn't believe her in a way, but didn't want her to think he thought she was a liar. So he nodded. Before he left he brought her in some hot water to soak in, so she wouldn't have to go get it. He then went about his own duties.

Ora soaked in the tub of water with her knees cresting to top, steam filling her small bedroom. She stood up and dried off, looking at the many bruises that were scattered across her small gracefully curved frame. "Damn you..." she muttered, slipping on her clothes and going about the same routine she did every morning.

She didn't have any make up to put over her bruise, she couldn't afford makeup it was a luxury only the middle class and the rich were allowed. She left, pulling the hood over her head and walked towards Daylan's establishment. She stepped inside keeping her hood over her head to shadow her face. "Good morning!" Ora said with a warm smile. "I'm truly sorry I didn't come over last night.. By the time I had gotten here you were closed..."

Daylan:

Daylan was sitting one of tables, drinking a small glass of wine and eating a small breakfast when Ora came in. He looked over to her as the door opened, "Good morning to you as well, my lady. It was no trouble, there were few enough costumers." He noticed the bruise across her cheek. He knew he shouldn't ask, but he couldn't help it, "What happened to your cheek?"

Emora:

Ora looked at him and then downwards. The whole reason of keeping the hood on was so he didn't see her bruise. She sighed and removed the hood as she sat down in the chair in front of him. She winced slightly when she did, still feeling sore in various places of her body. She smiled softly. "There was a bar fight and I got caught in the middle," she lied. "Happens all the time..."

She smiled at him a warm friendly smile, her eyes sparkling. "Is there something you would like me to do? Oh! Did the black smith ever stop by?"

Daylan:

Daylan cupped her chin in his hand to better inspect it, "Well then you're lucky it's only this bad." he said, not recognizing the lie for what it was. He moved back to his seat and continued to eat, "No the blacksmith never came." he said in between bites, "And until I have customers, could you go upstairs to feed the chickens? Third room on the left."

Emora:

Ora tilted her head up while he inspected her bruise and was glad he didn't think she was lying. She hated having to lie to him... but Ora didn't like telling people that her boss beat her. "Yes... I'd be glad to... Erm... Where do you keep there food?" she said smiled and stood up slowly, wincing again.

Ora put a hand under her cloak and pressed it against her stinging side. Every time she breathed it felt as if someone was stabing her.

Daylan:

Daylan finished his meal, leaning back slightly, "It's underneath the bar..." He saw her wincing in pain, "I don't think that you go hurt that badly in a bar fight. Men don't just beat women randomly in fights. At least in my experience." He got to his feet, moving up closer to her, "You can trust me, all right?"

Emora:

Ora looked at him with a rather worried expression. She turned away and walked behind the bar. "I know," she said and looked downwards as she knelt to pick up the food for the chickens. She took a deep breath, hiding behind the bar. Slowly she stood up holding the bag in her arms. She looked directly at Daylan and swallowed hard.

She always felt uncomfortable about telling people her personal business. She hated feeling like they were staring at her or thinking bad of her.

"I was late yesterday," she said softly, a little too softly as she walked towards the steps to go up to feed the chickens. "Havick got a little agitated... that’s all..." She walked up towards the third door on the left and opened it slightly, peering in and then stepped in to feed them. She smiled, having always found chickens to be very amusing creatures.

She took a deep breath before rising and leaving the room. She stepped back downstairs and looked at Daylan with her sparkling eyes. She moved around the bar and replaced the food. She lowered her head in shame. "I'm sorry I lied to you...." she whispered.

Daylan:

Daylan looked at her probingly, "You must never lie to me under an ycircumstances. Do you understand?" His tone was stern, and it was as if a dark cloud passed over him. But he soon relaxed, "It was my fault you were late, I shouldn't have kept you here." His hand tightened into a fist, his knuckles whitening. This man was starting to agitate him, even though he had yet to meet him.

He felt guilty then, once she seemed so shamed, "Just do not lie to me again..." he muttered, before going back behind the bar.

Emora:

"You must never lie to me under any circumstances. Do you understand?"

Ora looked down and at the bar and the floor as she moved out from behind it. "I'm sorry..." she said and swallowed hard. Now he thinks I'm untrustworthy... I'm so stupid... she scolded herself. She couldn't look him in the eyes. "I understand..."

"Its not your fault..." she said, smoothing the wrinkles in her dress. "I just forgot to tell my brother to wake me up earlier... It's alright..." She said with a soft sigh. She felt incredibly sad all of the sudden.

Ora walked to the door. She paused and looked back at him. "I am sorry...."

Ora opened the door and stepped out onto the dark streets. She pulled the hood over her head and began walking down the dimly lit sidewalk.

When she reached Havick's he was surprised to find her early for work, but went a head and told her she wouldn't get any extra money. She sighed and began waiting customers.

Ora carried a plate of food to a table in the corner where the captain of the guard was seated with a few of his buddies. They were conversing and laughing. She placed the plate of food in front of the burly man covered in an unpleasant looking rash or something.

"How's that brother of yours doing, Ora?" he asked, taking the knife and fork in his hands.

"He's fine," Ora replied and took up the other dirty plates. She turned to leave and the captain grabbed her skirt. She stopped and turned around slowly. "Anything I can do for you?"

"Yea," he said and grinned. "How about..."

"ORA!" It was one of few times Ora was glad that Havick was calling her.

Hours later Ora left the tavern early. Havick had gotten to aggravated with her sorry labor and sent her home. It was strange, but she didn't argue. She walked passed Daylan's, pausing outside and staring at it.

She didn't know if she should go in. She felt as if he were angry at her for lying, though she understood that it was wrong of her to betray his trust. She walked towards the door and reached out to open it... then pulled her hand away.

Daylan:

Daylan felt a surge of sympathy for her, before hardening his heart in moments, "It's not your fault either. It's all right you showed up a little late. Buisness is slow." he said softly when she was gone, as though his reactions were all delayed. He poured himself another drink before the blacksmith came in.

Daylan bowed and greeted the blacksmith before the wizard went upstairs. He gathered up all the chickens and brought them downstairs, "I'll need iron that will fit over their claws and onto their beaks." He told the blacksmith.

"Eight silvers for that then." replied the blacksmith, looking at the chickens.

"Eight it is then..." muttered Daylan before throwing the blacksmith the coins, "Now, I want that done as soon as you can get it done." Daylan said as the blacksmith left. He went back to the bar, giving the occasional customer his food and drink.

Emora:

Ora stared at the door for a moment. She wanted to go in... but didn't want to get on Daylan's nerves if he didn't want her there. She guessed if he didn't want her there he could throw her out...

Ora opened up the door and stepped in. It was warm inside... She closed the door behind her, turning to look around. She felt a little bit embarrassed for some reason... Maybe because she still felt shameful for lying. Ora had never been the best liar and had always hated doing it.

"Hello..." she said softly as she walked towards the bar. She pulled her hood down and brushed back the strands of black hair that had escaped her loose braid and fallen in front of her face. She sat down at the bar in front of him. Her eyes didn't meet his for a few moments after that either. She finally looked up. "Is there anything I could... if you would like me to?"

Daylan:

Daylan continued to serve guests. It was getting easier now that he had hired on a cook, now he had someone else to do all of that for him. Now all he needed was that waitress and he'd be set. Almost on que, the girl came in. "Hello." he said warmly in return, as though he had forgotten the events earlier, "Yes, I'll need you to deliver food and drink to these tables. And hurry up with it." He passed her a list of orders, organized by time.

Emora:

Ora smiled and took the list from him. She looked it over and placed it in her apron. Quickly she began to give the customers what they had ordered in the order the list went. She was still wearing her cloak and was starting to get a little warm, but would take it off once she was finished.

Ora liked serving the customers in Drakeshead Inn and Tavern a whole lot better than she liked Havick's place. They weren't as rude as some of the customers Havick brought. Havick's Tavern for Travelers had always been a place to attract the scum of Arken, but there were some pretty good people that went there on a regular basis. Maybe she could talk them into coming to Daylan's especially little old Jonnie. He was an old timer that had been at Havick's every day for as long as she had worked there.

She placed a few orders in front of people at a table and turned, walking back to the bar. She was in a much happier mood than when she had first entered the establishment. Her smile was bright and warm, and could almost make you forget she had a bruise across her cheek. She was still sore, but not as sore as when she had woken up that morning. "Any more?" she asked softly, unclipping the cloak around her neck.

Daylan watched in approval as Ora moved about the Tavern quickly and efficiently. Better than how he had done it at least, he thought to himself with a chuckle. He still served those who came to the bar and sat there, and listened to their woes and tales of happiness. He was just finishing a conversation in fact, when Ora came up, "No, I think we'll close up for tonight. Good job."

Ora smiled and leaned against the bar. "I'm glad I could help..." she said and brushed her hair from her face. She smiled at him as she looked him in the eyes for a moment. Then she walked to the place where she had draped her cloak and pulled it over her shoulders, clipping it.

"I like working here... I really do... Its a nice atmosphere... Happy," she said and then grinned at him. "Not to mention I haven't had a single one of your customers grabbed my rear end tonight!" She laughed, blushing slightly.

"Good night, Mr. Daylan... I'll be back tomorrow," she grinned, bowing her head and walking towards the door as she pulled on her hood.

She walked out onto the sidewalk going along side the inn and the rest of the buildings. She was walking along the alley that went along side Daylan's establishment and was almost all the way across the open spot when a strong hand grabbed her, covering her mouth and snatched her into the darkness, stifling the scream that erupted from her soft lips.

She was slung into a wall and held there by a pair of strong arms and a dark shadow loomed over her. The bright moonlight fell onto her pale skin making her almost glow. She had a fearful look as the tall broad figure hung over her, breathing his smelly breath. She glanced to the side and noticed a pair of guards. The Captain.

"We know your brother is still up to his old tricks..." he breathed and Ora had to hold her breath. He smelled of ale and something else... Ora kept her mouth shut and said nothing. "Tell Joe Falls that if he doesn't stop his sister won't be able to save him... and his punishment won't be fall him entirely. You'll be carted off to the Slave Shop... or I'm sure there is some one in the area who wouldn't mind owning you... I'm afraid however that we can't send you back with a verbal message alone..." He grinned, though the darkness under his hood hid it. He pushed her towards the two guards and appraised her. She trembled, not really wanting to be hit any more. But, she didn't like his look... It wasn't a look that a man would give someone he was going to hit. Ora didn't care if no one in Arroes helped each other she was going to scream for help. So as the Captain of the Guard grew closer Ora screamed as loud as she could.

Daylan looked at her, smiling as he always seemed to do, as though he shared a private joke with just himself. "I'm glad you could come help, I need workers. And you're quite good." He looked back at her as she clipped on her cloak, "I do what I can." He thought of grabbing her butt just then, in case she missed it, but dismissed the thought.

"Good night Ora, and no need to say Mister. And I expect you back!" He sighed as she left, going over the cost of the tavern and supplies and the profit he was making. A tiny one so far, he had broken debt tonight. He was glad of that, his small tavern just might be a success. He continued to go over his papers while drinking a small cup of thick red wine and occasionally fiddling with his spellbook and components.

The wizard started as he thought he heard a scream but he dismissed it as tension. He started as he knew he definitly heard a scream, jumping to his feet. He strapped his components across his chest and rushed out into the street. He chanted for a moment before a tiny ball of light formed in his hand. He sent it scouting down alleys, quickly spotting Ora, "Release her." he commanded, the power of magic lacing his words.

The Captain looked over his shoulder his hands holding Ora's collar as his friends held her still. "Go back inside. This is official business... it does not concern you..." The Captain grinned, showing a few teeth missing and the rest were a bit yellow.

Ora struggled to get free, looking at Daylan with her tired and frightened eyes.

"You seem to have quite a number of friends Ora... what is this... the second time we've been interrupted?" he asked and Ora glanced at him, then spit in his face.

Daylan slowly drew out a shard of glass and stood his ground, "That is my barmaid you're holding. So it is my buisness." He looked into Ora's eyes, momentarily nodding as if to say that he would save her. "She will have a trial, it is law." The mage wasn't truly sure, but he'd rather not have to kill these men. He bit back a chuckle as Ora spit in the Captain's face, "Now if you'll release her, we will have a trial. What crime has the girl committed?" He looked back at Ora, wondering what is was.

The captain wiped his face slowly with one hand... it was shaking. She knew it probably wasn't the best thing to do...

"I have committed no crime!" Ora said as the guard opened his mouth to speak. She felt his grip tighten around the collar of her blouse.

"Do not speak," he warned her with a deadly stern tone.

"I haven't Daylan!" she said and looked him in the eyes. She was speaking the truth. She had no crime. Was it a crime to have a brother who committed crimes? Was it a crime to free people, if so then her brother was surely a criminal?

"I said shut up!" The Captain knew that Daylan had magic. He feared magic... his Queen had magic... If he believed Ora had not done a crime and they were simply terrorising her for the fun of it... which was partially true... then he would attack with his magic. The Captain valued his life. He turned to Ora and glared at her. "Your brother will not get away with this." He said, trying to sound official. "I do ask you to give him our message..." He nodded to his followers and they shoved Ora away, causing her to trip over some trash in the alley and catch herself on the wall. They began to retreat down the opposite end.

Daylan twisted the piece of glass about in his fingers, tiny pulses of magic coming of it it. It was all a bluff though, he wouldn't kill guards. "I believe you." he said to Ora softly. He sent the tiny ball of light he still held in his hand whizzing towards the back of the Captain, before exploding into an otherwise pretty display of pyrotechnics. He rushed forward to help Ora, "Are you hurt?" he asked kindly, inspecting her face.

Ora smiled weakly at her hero, brushing her hair from her face and smoothing her dress in an attempt to gather what was left of her pride and trying her best to avoid looking at Daylan... She was a bit ashamed. He must really think she was a weak and poor excuse for a woman.

"I'm alright... It's not uncommon lately..." She looked back down the alley to where the Captain and his goons had escaped to. "He is a regular at Havicks... like most of the scum in Arroes." one could tell she was still a bit unnerved by it because she was still shaking slightly. She hated feeling helpless and she had felt so just a few moments ago. She hated being smaller than them... and weaker. And she hated the fact to get anything done the bad guy always had to have helpers.

Ora didn’t really want to walk home alone. She didn’t quite know if her brother was home or not. She also didn’t know if the Captain was done with his games for the night. “Would you… I mean if your not doing anything… I mean if your not tired… Would you walk me home?” She blushed. Now he really thinks I’m pitiful.

Daylan grabbed Ora as she fell to the wall. He was enraged by the gall of those three. "Attacking a woman!" he said, "And three of them! It's just disgraceful!" He stood her up, "That sort of thing should never be common." He felt her shaking and his grip unconciously tightened in protection for a moment before he released her. He trusted her, he didn't know why. He hoped she hadn't done something wrong. "Of course I'll walk you home. I would be honored." he said, anger retreating from his words. Even a faint smile began to reform. He draped his arm about her shoulders, holding he close another protective gesture though he did have other thoughts in mind.

Ora smiled softly. "Its common with them... I'm sure I'm not the only woman they terrorize..." she whispered and looked into his eyes for a moment as he agreed to walk her home. "Thank you..."

She began to point in the direction they needed to go, very much enjoying the feeling of protection she was getting from him and he was helping a lot. She didn't feel quite as frightened and her trembling had slowly stopped.

"I guess its all because of Joe. He means well... Ever since our parents were executed he's been doing everything he can to take care of me. But, when he was arrested and I had to work for Havick he sort of... drifted off. He isn't home much and he doesn't really talk to me. Sure... he's nice and everything..."

She looked up at him. "I'm sorry I'm rambling. I just need some rest... maybe something to drink to..."

Her home was built between two buildings, small and raggedy. It looked as if the only thing holding it up was a prayer. She had never really felt ashamed of her home... Basically because hardly anyone ever came to her home. "Well... Here it is..."

Daylan nodded in a hasty agreement with her. "Yes, dreadful beasts they are. They should be stopped." He looked deep into her eyes and a faint flush crept into his cheeks, "My lady, it was my p-pleasure." Oh not again, he thought to himself as he stuttered on the last word.

He was enjoying her company as well. He listened to her speaking of her brother quietly, nodding occasionally, "No, t-tell me of all your problems." he said in the most understanding manner he could manage. "Here it is indeed." he said looking at her home with a pang of pity. "And if you need a drink..." he seemed calm again in the matter of the stage illusionist, releasing his grip for a moment. He chanted softly for a moment before two small glasses appeared in his hands. He began to chant again and a bottle of wine appeared, "I have everything in my tavern linked to me. Care for a drink?"

Ora smiled. "I would like one very much... Here.." She walked up to the door and opened up it up. She quickly let the candles around the small livingroom/kitchen/Joes' bed room. He wasn't home it seemed. "You can come in... it's not much... but I do have chairs." She said, her smile soft.

Daylan didn't dismiss the bottle, he might need more wine later on that night. He gave her one of the small glasses, "THere you are." He looked about the small room, "Thank you." He sat two chairs next to eachother, "Please sit with me." he said sweetly, any trace of his former nervousness gone.

Ora smiled as he put the chairs together. She removed her cloak and drapped it over one of the chairs. Then she untied her apron and drapped it over the same chair. "I'd like to very much," she said taking the glass from him and having a seat. It was a bit chilly in her house. She guessed that Joe had forgotten to build a fire for her... again. She would just do it once Daylan left.

Ora took several sips of her drink, glancing at Daylan and smiling softly. She coughed and looked up. "Er... Thank you... for helping me. Not many people do things like that for one another any more."