Driftwood Inn

[Morphius Balastaar]

Welcome to the Driftwood Inn!!

Please come in and make yourself comfortable at one of our many tables, or relax at the bar and share an ale with weary travellers from all over. We have drink overflowing, and food the likes to feed an army of hundreds.

Once you have filled up with food, wine, and entertainment you can retire in one of our many rooms. However, for those of you who may be having guests for the evening, I recomend one of our suites, complete with a bed fit for a King.

Breakfast is served at the rising of the second sun, and dinner is ready when you want it. Weapons are to be checked at the bar for every one's saftey, and magic users are incouraged to douse the flames of emotion for at least one evening.

Now, sit back, relax, and if you need anything don't hesitate to ask me, or one of our many hostesses.....

[This message has been edited by Morphius Balastaar (edited 05-30-2000).]

 

[Gateleader]

Mab pushed open the door to the inn. She made her way to the bar. The barkeep came to her.
"You need to check your weapons in. It's for everyones safety."
Mab nodded. She Took of the sword straped around her waist, the sword strapped to her back. She pulled the dirks out of her belt, boot. She unhooked the crossbow from her hip. She took the shokra of her belt. The wip from around her waist. The throwing star from under her wrist band. She took the boa necklace off.
The barkeepers eyes where bulging. Mab took off her pack and tosed it on the top of the pile. She removed the guard from her chest.
"give me an ale."
The barkeeper keept staring. The host of the inn handed her the ale. Mab took it and moved to sit at one of the tables against the far walls. The barkeeper was stil staring at the pile of weapons. Mab smiled. She had only givin him half of her weapons. She hoped Merlin was alright in the stable. She had come to this town to get a horse to ride. Merlin had eaten her last one. That was the trouble traveling with a dragon. She was a dragon keeper. Magic and swordplay where prt of her life.

 

[Morphius Balastaar]

"Would you like to sample something from the kitchen?" the Inn Keeper asked Mab.

"We have roast pig, grilled cow, and dragon's tail. You can wash it all down with our house ale or from a selection of outlandish beverages we keep in stock."
stated the aging man.

"I can also offer you a room for the evening. One with a view perhaps?"
he asked as he placed a key on the table.

"Please, relax and enjoy yourself this evening. This is Ramona, your personal waitress. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask."

 

[Gateleader]

mab looked at the Inn Keeper.
"Give me some roasted pig and aanother ale. Tell me will my companion be alright in your barn."
Her witers smiled and nodded. Mab motioned the Inn Keeper back over.
"My friend is in your barn. When i awake tomorow He had better be there still. Doe you understand."

 

[Moneytalks]

Trinity stepped out of the coach and looked up at the sign hanging over the Inn. She smiled to herself and pulled her pale lavender cloak around her against the cold. Her two companions started to unload her belongings as the Inn Keeper approached her.

She barely heard his greetings but entered the warm Inn and allowed him to remove her cloak. Her long silky dark hair shimmered in the fire light and fell in warm waves down her back. She wore a simple dress of dark purple with a dozen simple silver bangles jangling at her right wrist and a silver coil about her forehead holding her hair away from her face. Her slender 5'4" frame moved with a dancers grace as she took a seat close to the fire.

She smiled distractedly at the Inn Keeper as he offered her some mulled wine. Indicating that she did not require any food at this time she settled back and noticed the rather tough or was it aggressive woman drinking ale at another table. She noticed the bar tender trying to find space in the store room for numerous items that seemed to be weapons.

Idly... she stroked the mouth of the glass in her hand and a soft glittering glow began to emanate from it. Travesty her male companion entered the Inn and stalked over to her.

"Beware... you are emanating little one"
Frowning... she almost pouted at him as she flicked away the tell-tale signs of magick and took a hasty gulp of the wine.
With a grunt he shakes his head at her again and goes to the Inn Keeper to make arrangements for their accomodation.

 

[Gateleader]

Mab looked at the woman who had come in. Hmm, a spoiled princess, she thought. As Mab watched the girl ran her fingure on the rim of the glass. it warmed under her touch. So the little one has magic.
Suddenly Mab felt Merlin in her mind.
~What do you want?~
~There s danger here.~
~There is always danger.~
~No! It fallows the girl.~
~I will watch her.~
~Watch her guards aswelll.~
~I will.~
~Oh, and get me something to eat.~
Mab laughed. The barkeep stared at her. She just glared at him. She looked at the girl. One of her guards was talking to her. Hmm, Mab thought, I wonder who she is and who's after her. Mab didn't fearher. She could tell that if push came to shove she could beat this girl.

 

[The Sandman]

Silently..the prophet entered the inn. For now..none could be told of this stranger but a pair of intense, glowing blue eyes under a hooded cloak. He sat at a table beside the door, and heaved out a heavy sigh before hesitantly pulling back the hood. His long black hair spilled from the hood, though streaks of blue were apparent. A deep yawn escaped his mouth before a calm smile curved his lips upward. Under his cloak he wore a simple black shirt and a pair of worn leather pants. He wasn't much of a fighter..a physical fighter that is. The young man leaned back in his chair, his eyes closing a moment as he stretched out, muscular arms moving upwards as gloved hands clench before resting on the table gently, and for the first time, those deep blue orbs scan the room quiet inn.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Jasmine:

She had felt his presence before she entered the room. It was almost time for her to sing to the guests of the inn. The owner was her uncle and he had been exploting her magic since her parents had died. His new scheme seemed to be working.

Her voice was enchanting. She would sing and put a spell on the guests, then her uncle collected their money without anyone the wiser. She had no choice in the matter. He held her life in his hands. But tonight would be different. The man in the who had just entered would not be easy prey. Maybe he would even help her. Break the hold her uncle had on her. Maybe.

 

[The Sandman]

The prophet felt a inkling of power in the Inn..and he looked up, a curious gleam in those intense blue orbs.
He nonchalantly scanned the inn..searching out this small feeling of energy. Someone knew the magics..somewhat rare around places like this. He couldn't help but let a small grin curve his lips upwards, being a prophet, he was more in tune with other magic users, so already he knew this should prove to be a interesting night...or at least he hoped it would be.

 

[Moneytalks]

Trinity

Scrunching her nose in defiance at the back of Travesty as he discusses things with the Inn Keeper. She looks up at the newcomer as he enters and smiles to herself enjoying watching him sit so comfortably and stretch. Blushing innocently she can't help taking peeks at him as she sips her wine.

Tridant her other companion finally enters after taking care of their carriage and horses, stamping his feet against the cold. He takes a seat opposite her and she quickly looks somewhere else. Her eyes rest on the strong woman again. That womans eyes are so intense she can't seem to look away. She smiles shyly hoping the angry scowl on the woman's face isn't for her.

Tridant watches her carefully. His gaze always makes her so uncomfortable. She scowls to herself. Goddess but these two where such a pain. Travesty takes the other seat near her as the young woman prepares to sing. Trinity feels the tingle and straightens in her chair. Watching the woman carefully. The two men instantly tense although outwardly they still appear calm.

Travesty asks... "what is it little one"... she knows better than to answer him. Already she feels uneasy, she doesn't completely trust either of her companions. "Oh nothing Trav"... she knows this infuriates him, this habit of hers, shortening peoples names, a sign of disrespect that she had picked up during her short stint on her own. She had run away, desperate to experience freedom from the Courts... it had lasted 2 glorious weeks, and she hadn't been allowed to forget how much trouble she had caused since. But she refused to regret it.

Smiling in her memories she didn't notice Tridant's hand taking the glass of wine from her. Startled she looks up into his eyes and trembles at the cold gaze. She refuses to flinch. "It's nothing! Honestly, just the wine is not so much to my liking is all"... pouting, an ingenious defense against those probing eyes.

But her fingers tingle in response to the magick she could feel. It was like a persistent itch and it was coming from that woman. A spell was being cast. It was soft, nothing for her to fear, but something tainted it, it wasn't a spell weaved in love, it seemed partly controlled by another darker element. Suddenly, attempting to hide her feelings from her companions, she stands and takes Travesty's hand dragging him to his feet.

"Awww Trav... esty... " smiling cheekily, "dance with me pleeeeease?" resorting to every untraceable magickal skill she could come up with. The warmth of her eyes, the softness of her touch... Travesty grunts and shakes his head, smiling in response to her charms. "Okay little one"... pulling her into his embrace as the womans voice begins to fill the room. She shivers at the sound of that voice and the magick that carries it, but that shiver could easily be taken as a shiver of a young woman unused to a mans strong arm around her. She prayed silently that Travesty would think it was so.

 

[Gateleader]

Mab smiled. So the girl had felt the spell as well. The stupid Innkepper thought he was going to take her money.
~Merlin, this wanker thinks he can put a spell on me.~
She felt Merlin's laughter filed her mind.
~So what should we do about it?~
~Eat him~
Mab laughed. she motioned to the waitress."Who do I talk to abou getting my friend some food?"
Mab looked over at the man in the hooded cloak.Ah, a fellow magic user. He wasn't a warrior.
Merlin poped into her head.
~I'M Hungry!~
~I'm working on it. What am I to say, hey you go out and feed my dragon?~
~I don't care I'm hungry.~
~Your always hungry. I still can't believe you at my horse. I liked him.~

 

[Moneytalks]

Trinity:

Letting Travesty guide her in a simple court dance she now had a chance to assess the room more carefully. She noticed a strange look in the strong warrior woman's gaze and felt a strange tugging. Was she communicating with someone?... It was something barely noticable to even those with magickal skills yet now that she concentrated she was almost certain that some sort of mental communication was occuring. She shook her head to clear her mind as the magick from the singers voice carressed her. She watched the other guests as she is twirled around pondering whether any others where aware of it.

Tridant was watching raptuously as the woman's song washed over him. Likewise, looking up at Travesty he looked almost as if he dreamed something altogether too pleasant. Frowning she looked across the room at the man she had peeked at earlier. He didn't seem anyway different from earlier, although this wasn't saying much, he seemed very used to seating himself comfortably.

The warrior woman looked completely alert, even amused. Such a strange mix of people here. Finally realising she could learn no more like this she stopped and fanned her face with a slender hand, insisting fatigue from the journey while softly gasping a magickal chant before blowing that magick into Travesty's face. He blinked, smiled down at her and guided her back to her seat. Normally he would have seen that trick coming, something definitely was happening here.

Travesty seated himself again and stared at the woman singer quite happily, for the first time in weeks, completely unaware of Trinity seated beside him. Carefully, Trinity slipped out of her chair and looked at the backs of her two "companions"... they didn't even glance her way. Incredible. What to do?... run away again?... she felt suddenly so unsure, so used to always having others control her life for her. Her magickal spell on Travesty had yet to be triggered. It would be useful later, so long as the magick held.

Looking around at the lazy man, and then the warrior woman and then finally the Inn Keeper who seemed to be watching her rather too closely. She realised suddenly that it would seem odd that she wasn't equally affected by the music. Carefully she put a lazy, dopey smile on her face and swayed to the tune as she hummed, all the while moving carefully towards the back of the Inn, while wondering frantically how the hell she was going to deal with any trouble... and if there was one thing her innocent mind knew about... it was trouble... she could almost feel it in the air.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Jasmine:

There were others here. Not just the prophet. Jasmine's bright blue eyes scanned the room, focusing first on a strong warrior woman, the prophet, and then the young princess trying to ease her way toward the back of the room. They were not effected by her song.

"WAIT!" her mind screamed to the three. "Do not go! Please do not leave me! I need help. My uncle has dark powers that control me. I cannot defeat him alone. Please help me." Jasmine could only sing. Terrified her uncle would hear her thoughts, even more afraid the three would not.

She had been born with her powers. A gift from her mother, who had been a strong priestess. Jasmine was pure of heart and mind, always trying to use her powers for good. That is until her uncle had become her guardian. Now, she was forced to steal from people, to use her magic against other living creatures.

"Please hear my cry."

 

[The Sandman]

That prophet heard the mental cry loud and clear..and a small, sly grin curved his lips upward as he met eyes with the singer...those deep blue orbs of his flashing with a sudden, intense psionic power before dulling down. ~No worries kiddo...its under control~ The simple message travelled mentally through the inn to whom was ever picking up at the time. Once again he laid back in his chair and cracked a rather confusing smile..waiting for the right time...

 

[Gateleader]

Mab heard the girl's cry and the mans answer. She smiled as she watched the princess try to edge her way out. She looked over at the Inn Keeper. he was busy staring at the other three.
~Merlin, old friend, I think i need to have some fun.~
~Oh dear. Should I get ready to run?~
~Not yet.~
Mab got up and made her way to the bar."Ale!"
The Inn Keeper turned and ooked at her. She smilled as she saw the fear cross his face."Lovely night, isn't it?"
He only nodded. Mab trned and looked at the girl singing. She could tell tat she was kept here against her will. Mab made her way to the man's table.
"If you wish to help her, don't do anything stupid."

 

[The Sandman]

The young man's eye's narrowed slightly at the woman's words. "Stupid you say?" He grinned slightly, and shrugged. "I wasn't planning on doing anything *stupid*, I'm just biding my time." Those deep blues scanning the Innkeeper, and he looked back to the woman at his table, the grin broadening. "Of course M'lady...nothing stupid at all.."

 

[ShyGoddess]

Jasmine:

She saw a look of fear cross her uncle's face. The woman had shown her true colors to the one person in the room Jasmine could not beat. Her uncle was to strong, and her magic was still to new to her. She had only recieved her gift when she turned 18. She heard the conversation between the strong woman and the prophet. Jasmine wondered who Merlin was.

"Please be careful. My uncle is very dangerous. He is a dargon. Right had man to the devil." She hoped that they heeded her words.

 

[The Sandman]

Right hand man to the Devil...he grinned, those deep blues looking briefly to the innkeeper. A thankful nod went into the direction of the dancer for the information. Was the prophet cocky, or confident? Those deep-end magic users like himself always were a bit crazy..but wasn't that part of the appeal? He simply grinned and watched the woman dance, a hand coming up to rub his chin in thought.

 

[Guest]

jasmine:

you shouldn't be so cocky around the right hand man of the devil he is very powerful

Prophet:

well if you are comunicateing to me then why haven't you escaped before now?

Jasmine:

because I just turned 18 and my magic powers are still new to me and I haven't learned how to use them yet.!

Prophet:

don't worry my young lady everything will be all right.

 

[Guest]

Garnet entered the room slowly,

her waist length copper colered hair caught the light as her green eyes scanned the room.

Glimpsing Mab, she quickly blended in the shadows. Unsure why, Mab turned swiftly and faced...Nothing...

Garnet breathed a sigh of relief, MMab had not espied her. There was still a chance that Garnet could complete her business and be gone before Mab was any the wiser.....

 

[O]

Stepping quietly through the door, deep blue eyes flitted over the occupants as she guaged the scene with the eye of one used to using caution. Satisfied with what she witnessed, the leather clad blonde eased her way towards the bar without a sound. No longer did the ex-assassin carry the arsenal she once had before her retirement. No, the only visible weapon was a golden ceremonial dagger strapped to her right thigh. A dagger called ~DEFIANCE~ that was never drawn or beyond her reach. The day it was drawn was the day she admitted defeat and used it for it's only intended purpose - to defy only the most impossible of situations and those responsible as she plunged it into her own heart. No, the blade would not be unsheathed today.

She nodded her greeting to the barkeep with a cool gaze that dared him to even suggest the single weapon she showed to the world be removed from her leg as she spoke softly. "Water. With ice, please." Another slow, appraising glance was passed over those gathered, her gloved hands stroking the long tight braid she pulled over her shoulder. The tension in the room gave itself away by raising the short hairs at the base of her neck and she risked the use of her psionics with a very non-evasive scan of the others, just enough of a scan to determine who might be trouble.

Things were satisfactory to this blonde until the last, when her mind stretched out to touch the surface thoughts of the man. As soon as her mind touched the man's her eyes flared a glowing blue then quickly faded, her mind retreating with several defense thrown hastily into place. No, it would not do to have a man like that having access to her mind and the dark secrets she held. A slow calming breath taken, she turned her back to the room to make a pretense of studying the area behind the bar.

 

[The Sandman]

The man sighed a moment and closed his eyes..feeling a rather sharp mental barrier surround the newcomer. He shrugged idly, he wasn't one to peer into a woman's mind without consent anyways. He just kept his mind open..and cautious, as usual. He began to wonder what exactly he got himself into by stepping into this Inn, but gods know he isnt going to back out now, this was fast becoming one of the more interesting places, at least so far...

 

[Guest]

He walked into the inn. Just like any other normal-looking inn to him; there was wine and women to quench his thirsts. A lot of women! He raised his eyes in appriciation. What beauties! Sir Mordred smiled absently to himself; better live up to his reputation as the Round Table's most roguish knight.
One woman caught his eye; he was just about to cross the dully lit tavern to reach her but a hand grabbed him firmly by the forearm.
"No weapons." The rough innkeeper nodded briskly to his jewelled dagger and and sword. He smiled. It was not a nice smile: it reminded the innkeeper of a cat that played with its' kill before it ate it.
With a loud, authoritive boom of his voice he said: "I am Sir Mordred, Knight of the Round Table. I have every right to wear these weapons by my side; I am not an uncommon street-rat who can afford to buy his own sword. I made an oath to the King and my Lady the Queen, and part of that oath was to wear this sword always."
The room was silent; a woman who sat by the bar watched him thoughfully, then turned back to drink her ale. Both men stared; the innkeeper could not stare too long into such dark, devil-black eyes. Mordred won the "fight", rubbing his arm distantly as the inn keeper released it, as if wiping dirt from his tunic. The inn was again filled with bustle, at ease now with realisation of the fact there would be no commotion.
"If you're Sir Mordred, tell us a tale about your valiant adventures." He smiled amiably. Mordred's frosty appearance shattered too with a smile.
"Maybe I will." Mordred looked into the murky crowds of the bustling to see the woman again; lust filled him. He saw a glimpse of her in his bed, screaming his name in pleasure. He wanted comfort tonight, but was disapointed to see she had left her spot at the bar.

 

[O]

The blonde relaxed a little with a whisper of a sigh in relief. There was no prying pressure to her mind, truly there seemed to be little interest in her at all. How long had it been since that had happened? A gentle nibble on her lower lip sent a string of self-chastising thoughts through her head. Old habits did die hard, she once again realized with a clear cut thought to herself. "Yer retired now, girl, relax. Ain't no one 'round tryin' ta kill ya anymore. No one knows where ya are."

The booming voice that broke through the din around her startled the woman. She casually turned and leaned her back against the bar, gloved hand curled around the glass of water she'd been given. Deep blue eyes swept the interior. Now here was a familiar scene. How many times had she stood in one the bars she'd been associated with doing this very thing? A slow sip of water rolled down her throat as she watched the scene play out. She almost grinned watching the Knight, his thoughts broadcasting so loudly she couldn't help but notice them. Any novice psi could have plucked his thoughts from the air.

Again blue eyes shifted slowly over the Inn. People in trouble, people helping. Wasn't it always the same no matter where one went? The smallest of smiles danced across her lips and she quickly covered it with the glass as she took another drink. Roving eyes never settled for long in one place. Each time they landed on one of the patrons they remained for mere seconds before shifting and sliding elsewhere. Her curiousity was building though, and that usually resulted in one wild ride. Oh, she needed a distraction... and soon.

 

[Guest]

Garnet scanned the floorboards,

Unfortunately, there was no sign of what she sought.

Nodding to the assassin at the bar she carefully edged out the door and headed to the stables behind the inn.

A whiff of sulpher greeted her nostrals as the head of the dragon loomed above her.

"We had a deal', She said firmly, "I kept my part of the bargain, but somehow you seem to have forgot the payment due"

"FORGOT? Hmmmmmm"" whispered the dragon. "Forgot wouldn't be quite the correct word, let us just say that I wasn't quite as satisfied with your performance as I would have liked"

The sound of footsteps sent Garnet to the shadows-- the assassin passed by ignoring the dragon she gazed into the dark--"I know you are there Garnet."

Steeping into the open Garnet faced the deadly figure.

"the deals is still available", Said the blond "come with me, help me out and I will give you 1,000 ducats of gold."

"Sorry, The offer is more than generous, but I still have a quest of my own" said Garnet.

"Suit yourself, but I'll be here 'til the morn, if you change your mind" siad the assassin turning to leave.

Waiting until the door to the inn shut, Garnet again faced the dragon.


"consorting with Assassins now" huffed the beast " you are coming down a notch in the world"

" This from a mobile blast furnace whose entire life is centered around pleasing that
pitiful excuse of a woman that I have this misfortune of having to call sister" snapped Garnet

"Half-Sister If you please," snapped a familiar voice.

Whirling Garnet faced her sister Mab.........