A tiny, winged visitor [open]

[Lieska Flutterby]

Timestamp: Brightening 35 of Kalendryas (Afternoon – after the gates) in Winter of Era XI PF (Age of Darkening)

Lieska believed that her final destination would be Silrosia, the city of elves, but judging by the maps she saw in Natura it was located pretty far to the north. She needed to find some places to stay and rest along the way, and Frigid River was the first. If asked, she couldn't tell really why. It sounded natur-ish, and it sparked her imagination. She was still young and inexperienced, and wasn't really in a position, until now, to tell right from wrong. But now she was inside the city. The choice was done.

Suddenly she realized, after she had fluttered around aimlessly for quite some time, that she forgot to ask for any directions at the city gates. She was lost, and the thought washed over her like a splash of cool water. As she continued to fly, as there was noting else to do, the wave of unpleasant thoughts continued to rise. What if I made a big mistake by coming here? What if people here hate faes for some reason, and are just waiting to smack me down like a fly or butterfly? Too many "what-ifs" for poor Lieska to handle. She still hadn't had much contact with the big races, and deeply inside was afraid of them. People in Natura were mostly good and friendly, but there was a magical spring that kept the evil away. She hadn't heard about such thing here in Frigid River. All her adventurous spirit was now gone, and she was left alone with fear and tiredness. She prayed silently to Carmelya, her favorite goddess, for guidance. She didn't expect help to fall down from the sky, the gods wouldn't bother to do such a thing for someone as small as Lieska, but she felt better knowing that she's not alone.

Still struggling with fear in her heart, Lieska continued on, hoping to find a way to overcome it…

[Klue Malinconico]

The near boy had in mind no particular destination at all, though it could probably be assumed by his wardrobe that he was either on patrol, reporting to duty soon enough, or just coming off. In truth, there was little difference amongst those these brightenings, with all the troubles in the province. Be ready at a moment’s notice, that was the creed. So even though Klue was ready if called on, dressed in Regiment uniform with a longsword slung low on his hip, minus the helmet, he was taking a rare moment to wander unburdened by duty. A distracted sort of wandering it was, with his mind tracing along lines more suited to a gadgeteer and dreamer than a soldier. It was likely some new and farfetched notion that had him preoccupied. Or maybe he was just daydreaming, thinking of times past when he’d had little demanded of him besides lazing on the white beaches of Ieffreon.

It was still cold and never mind the time spent in Frigid River, the tall young man still yearned now and again for the warm suns and sands of Eunesia that seemed an empire’s stretch away now. In that at least, he was grateful for the bearskin cloak and boots he wore. Although, truth told, the kilt was a little breezy. He was tall with blue eyes that stood stark against a freckled face. And his blonde curls had grown longer, thus more unruly over time. The combination created an effect that despite the broad shoulders and long limbs, made him seem a little younger than he was.

And he was so distracted in fact, that he failed to notice the little fae till he’d almost strode past, some fluttering visage catching the corner of his vision. He stopped and looked again, thinking the fae looked as distracted as him, once he spotted her. Or maybe simply confused. After all, the expressions were almost one and the same at a glance. Still, he smiled a boyish grin at her as he glanced up, shielding his eyes against the suns’ glare on snow. He was wearing a uniform similar to the guards at the gates, so the fae might recognize him as part of Frigid River’s military force. He’d seen few enough fae in the village, save those maddening ones and their snowmen not long past. And despite those, the young man liked fae and a tendency for tomfoolery not so far removed from his own. ”S’rale there. I don’t r’call seein’ ye around th’ village b’fore. Though I admit I might’ve missed ye if you’re a resident,” he said with grin widening. True enough, given her size. ”Are ye just seein’ th’ sights, or headin’ somewhere in p’ticular?”

[Lieska Flutterby]

Lieska was lost in her thoughts as well, not just in the streets, so she was surprised to hear someone addressing her. She stopped in the air, and shivered a little, traces of the fear she has just experienced still lingering in her mind. However, the person who spoke to her appeared to be a young human man, dressed in some kind of uniform, as far as she could tell. In fact, it had reminded her of the guards she had just passed by the gates. If he was indeed a part of those who keep the order in the village, then she could trust him. His accent sounded familiar too; it had reminded her of a shopkeeper in Natura. All in all, she was encouraged to speak with him.

Lieska wrapped her warm cloak tighter around her, the chill air biting into her frail body as she simply hovered in the air. Although the three suns shone in the sky, reflecting on the silver dots scattered on her wings, they provided a little warmth. It was winter, after all. Clearing her throat, she replied: "Serale, good sir!" Despite her internal confusion her voice still sounded happy, almost like a bird chirping. It was a part of her racial heritage and it couldn't be changed. "You're right, I don't live here. In fact I have just arrived and I'm feeling lost a little. Would you be so good to tell me where could someone as tiny as I am find a place to have a meal or sleep? Oh, but where are my manners? My name is Lieska Flutterby." As she spoke the last sentance a wide smile spread across her face.

[Klue Malinconico]

When the fae spoke, the tone only broadened the boyish grin on Klue’s face as he rested a relaxed hand on the grip of his sword. She seemed nervous, or cold. Maybe both. But her voice seemed likely at odds with either condition. But seemed she’d sized him up already and judged him honorable enough. He was, as often as not by nature when it suited him. As for this situation, sure enough. No matter past experience with a distinct and dubious few, not liking a fae would be like kicking a puppy. Even the worst of the foul would have a hard time taking to the notion, he’d guess.

”Well met Lieska. M’ name’s Klue Malinconico, full time cadet in th’ Frigid River Reg’ment and part time gadgeteer when I’ve th’ time. And aye, ye looked lost. As for room an’ board…” He pondered the subject for a fraction of a second, and no more taken for the limited scope of her options. ”There’s th’ Spear n’ Skull, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you're up for a brawl or losin’ you're valuables right from under you're nose. I’d say th' best bet is th’ Trellis Inn. They’ve rooms for rent an’ hot meals as well. Nice enough place. It’s just round th’ curve in th’ path, next t’ th’…” he started, gesturing up the path with a wave of his hand, then turned back, having reconsidered. ”I’ll do ye one better. I could show ye the way if you like. I've a mind for a drink m'self and wouldn't mind th' company.”

[Lieska Flutterby]

No, Lieska wouldn't like a place where she could end up in a brawl, or get her items stolen. Even the name "The Spear and Skull" sounded unpleasant, like a place that she surely didn't want to see. She thanked to Carmelya that Klue came up with another option, and it appeared that she wouldn't have to go far to reach it. What was even better, he suggested to go with her, and Lieska was glad to hear it. The idea of her alone in a tavern, dealing with the big ones, was terrifying. Things were going well. It seemed that it wasn't meant for her to end up pinned down like a butterfly in someone's collection.

"Yes, yes, thank you, Klue! The Trellis Inn sounds good" Lieska chirped again, but this time her voice matched more her inner feelings. "I'd be happy to have a drink with you… and I hope you'll help me find my way around here," she continued. "I'm still not very used to the world of larger races… I sometimes have a hard time finding my way. Lead the way." Once Klue starts walking, Lieska would follow him, fluttering by his side.

[Klue Malinconico]

”Aye, a’right then,” Klue returned to the notion of accompanying the fae to the inn. There was nothing better to chase away the cold than a good stiff drink anyway. ”And as for findin’ your way around, ye’ll no’ find it difficult. Tis a small village after all,” he added, striding off towards the Trellis Inn with Lieska in his wake. As promised, it wasn’t far, just down the path and around the bend to pass several shops and the curious glances of citizens and shopkeepers going about their business. Regiment soldiers, they were accustomed to. Fae, not as much. ”S’ no’ many humans and th’ like where you're from?” he asked as they arrived at the Inn, traveled up the steps and he held the door open while she flew in ahead of him.

Off to the common room where the fellow sat behind the desk, him only an era or so younger than Klue himself. Klue’s was a common enough face at the Inn and the kid grinned and nodded at seeing him, then glanced past the familiar cadet to watch the fae curiously with an open grin. ”I b’lieve th’ lady would like t’ arrange for a room,” Klue said before turning to Lieska. ”I’ll let ye make your arrangements while I find us a table near th’ fire. Ye can join me when your done if ye like.” Leaving the fae to arrange her room with the kid, Klue sauntered off across the main room, aiming for a small table near the fire. He stopped here and there to talk with a table of soldiers consisting of a human, a dwarf and a half elf, or more time spent with a group of laughing young women, before securing the table near the fire for he and the fae.

The Trellis Inn: Peer or Self Mod

Near the beginning of the maze that is the Tourist District of Frigid River, there is a small, cleared area. A small garden has been planted here, with two flowering green bushes framing the gray stone path that leads to the stairs leading to the door.

Approaching, one can see the building rise from behind the bushes. The building is of smooth, polished gray stones, with a generous amount of windows to each of its' three stories. Ivy vines grow along this building, giving it an oddly homely look.

Entering through the wide door of polished oak, one can see a large common room off to the right, complete with a bar and stairs leading up. In the middle of the room was a large desk massed with papers where a young boy sits, perhaps sixteen. He has sandy-brown hair, a freckled face (or is that acne?), and a wide smile to compliment his hazel eyes. He is wearing a light-blue shirt from what is visible from over the desk.

"Serale, and welcome to the Trellis Inn! Room and board are only 15 crowns a night, but room service is free. Would you like a room?"

OOC:
Originally written by GM Vashti, editted by AGM Maddyn

[Lieska Flutterby]

As Klue had promised before, the flight to the Inn was rather short, and Lieska had no need to tire her wings further. She noticed strange glances towards her as they went. What's wrong with them? she asked herself, Haven't they seen a faerie before? However, they soon arrived and Klue had a question of his own as they entered. "I live in Natura since winter began," she replied, [b]"There are many humans and elves there, but I was born in a small and isolated faerie village in the Dollwoods. I mostly had contatct with my kin and other fae-folk, a little with humans and elves who sometimes passed by. Other races... not much."

As Lieska spoke, they arrived at the reception, and Klue left her to make a room arrangement. "Serale!" she said to the kid behind the desk. "I need a room for... a cycle, yes. Do you have... you know... something suitable for my size? Lieska's voice, as she spoke, expressed certain worry. It seemed there's so much easier to be a human, sometimes. Like now, for example. She guessed that most rooms are built for humans or human-sized creatures - a bad choice for her. The boy nodded and handed her a small key, and explained where her room is. Lieska sighed with relief, it appeared there were rooms suitable for faes in the village of Frigid River. Lieska paid 150 crowns, and after the business was over, flew over the main room to the table where she spotted Klue: "Serale again, friend. I arranged a room for a cycle, not more, then I'll be on my way to Silrosia. That's the place I really want to see." As she spoke, she sat down on the table across him, folded her wings and relaxed, enjoying the warmth radiating from the fire.

[Klue Malinconico]

”Ah, your only visitin’ then, are ye?” Klue returned with a grin when the fae seated herself atop the table. ”I’ve never been t’ Natura nor th’ Dolwoods, Silrosia either, though I’d like t’ visit both sometime. Frigid River’s nice, for th’ mountains an’ scen’ry if ye can take th’ cold. ‘s not easy t’ get used to for m’self. B’fore comin’ here t’ join th’ regiment, I lived in Eunesia, on Ieffreon where I studied gadgeteerin’. Tis quite a difference. So what will ye do when ye get t' Silrosia?” he trailed off with broader grin as the portly inn keeper arrived at their table, a large apron stretched round his ample mid-section.

He glanced at Klue and nodded, resting a hand on the boy’s shoulder. ”Not surprised to see you here Klue. Quite the regular you are. Starting to think you simply come with the furniture…” he said with a deep chuckle as he turned to the fae with an open and friendly smile. ”I know this one will be having an ale, a bowl of stew and bread,” he said, glancing back at the blonde cadet, who nodded agreeably. ”What can I get for you miss? We’ve a special of chicken stew with dumplings, bread, cheese and jam with a drink of your choice. Or a thick vegetable soup with the same to go along. Five crowns for the big folk, but for the small ones like yourself,” he added with a nod, ”I’ll make it two crowns.”