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 Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 8:02 pm
It was a few days later, and the air remained cool rather than cold. Constance had spent the entirety of the day before trying to convince Euthalia to go with her to the tavern, but the little forest sprite would have none of it. So, Constance was walking through the town, clutching the piece of paper with instructions in her hand. Going to stay a night at a tavern...
She stopped in front of the tavern, looking up at it nervously. Was this the right place? Looking around, she saw her lone form getting quite a few stares. For one thing, she was a stranger. For another, she was wearing nothing more than her usual adornments in the cool weather. Sighing, she carefully padded up and pushed the doors open. "Um... Hello?" Wow! She'd never been inside a tavern before! ...There were so many walls, and a ceiling. Was she going to be trapped in here? Maybe she should go. Maybe Euthalia was right.... She earned another set of looks from the patrons inside, and she nibbled her lip. She should at least give the paper to someone else...
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Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 8:38 pm
It was a beautifully chill morning as Triston headed out behind the tavern. As usual stacks of wood lined up by the stone wall awaited his return. With the winter months the tavern would need plenty of good chopped firewood and with little male help at the tavern save for a cook Triston often found this the best way that he could help. After all he failed miserably serving customers and was often chastised by Flora for never speaking to them. He sighed, a faint mist coming from his lips, before swinging down the axe again. A cold sheen of sweat already gleamed on his bare back and the cattaur frowned at the soft sigh that came from his side. “What, Zura?” Pausing he used a freehand to fix the rugged ponytail which was an attempt to keep most of his hair from his face.
The lovely centauress leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, a dreamy look on her features. “You really should see yourself sometimes.” She sighed lightly again, “We really need to find you a woman, Triston. I’m surprised at you for being like this for so long…so alone and so handsome.”
The cattaur only shook his head in response, but a small smile played at his lips. “And you?”
“I-I…” Zura flushed brilliantly, “I’ll find my own soul mate in time. You have to wait for those things sometimes!” She flushed darker, “Alright –Alright, so I shouldn’t push you. Though I’m still surprised none have tried jumping you yet…well then again.” She laughed at the memory of some of their customers’ reactions to him. “I take that one back. You’re just the stubborn one.”
Nodding the cattaur picked up the axe again and began to whole heartedly chop wood.
Listening to the tales of some customers a petite centauress with dark curly hair decorated with flowers nodded with a brilliant smile, “If you’ll excuse me.” Happily she turned towards where the doors had just opened. “Hello there~!” Fixing her shawl on her shoulders Flora moved towards the stranger. It was a lovely cattaur who looked as if she walked just out of the woods as if she were a fairy from some tale. “Welcome to my tavern. How may I help you?” She smiled politely, “Are you looking for a room or just a meal?”
Leading the cattaur past the entrance into the main room Flora paused. The room was large, open and inviting. Had it not been for the inconvenience of weather Flora herself would have kept the tavern open to the elements. But as it was she had the walls and tables, even some of the ceiling rafters, decorated in ivy and flowers. Save for the large stone fireplace of course which only held art pieces that she had collected on the mantel. Tables had lace coverings and open windows with lace fluttering about them allowed in sunlight which warmed the tavern far more than the ivory candles hanging on the walls in colored glass orbs. Open doorways from the main room lead off on the porch which circled the inside of the tavern, a lush garden with a fountain and stone steps leading off in different directions. A storage room, however, in the distance blocked out the area where wood was stored and the sound of chopping wood was faint.
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Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 8:56 pm
Constance was just about to turn to leave when she noticed the centauress with the curly hair. How lovely! Oh! "Well, I.. won this at the festival," she said hesitantly as she was guided inside. Well... maybe it wasn't too bad in here. A lot more open than most buildings she had seen. She was especially entranced by the beautiful garden that she could see. "I was wondering if I could use it. It would only be me though. My second... couldn't come." She couldn't believe how bright and welcoming it all was...
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Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 10:42 pm
Flora smiled brightly, “Oh! So you’re our winner?” Her gaze lit up happily, “I was worried about who our winner would be~ And such a lovely girl too!” The centauress frowned though as she heard about the second, “I’m sorry dear. Dispute or just separate ways?” She shook her head, rich curls bouncing about her face. “Such things unfortunately happen, but don’t worry. We can offer you a cheerful place for the night to chase such sorrows away.” Leading her around she came to another room which was hidden from the main room by rich tapestries.
Pulling a key from her blouse the centauress unlocked a box full of keys, “We have a room on the first floor overlooking the garden if you like.” She smiled, “If you want I can give you a grand tour later after I take you to your room. We have baths as well as dining here.” She really was at her element of being a bright and friendly hostess. “Our cook makes some delicious meals and I myself pitch in with the cooking at times.” She paused and looked at the girl, “And if you do happen to drink drinks are served later in the evening with a limit. We don’t tolerate rowdy drunken brawls here.” Her nose wrinkled, “I save that for the messy places in town.”
Zura sighed as she looked around the garden, “I suppose I should go see if Flora needs help. Shona’s not here today after all.” Trailing off she frowned. She didn’t like leaving Triston’s side when he was here. It felt like forever since she had seen him! In a way the two were like siblings since they had been together as children. Out of most she knew more about him than anyone.
But the cattaur waved her on, “Go then.” He looked at her expression and just shook his head teasingly, “I’ll still be here.”
“Yeah, yeah. I know don’t worry.” Zura shook her head at him, “But I swear! If you disappear on me again, I will hunt you down.” Pouting she headed back towards the main room and paused as she noticed that Flora was working with a guest.
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Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 10:52 pm
Ears perking, she giggled and ducked her head. She wasn't used to such compliments! "Oh, I, no. She hates the towns. She's been my friend for the longest time. ...I suppose we did have quite the disagreement a few days ago. She's still upset with me. She wasn't even with me when I won. I was with-" she paused, and bit her lip with another giggle, though sadness mingled with the light sound. "Well, he's not here either. I suppose it doesn't matter..."
She perked up immediately at the mention of the room's view. "Oh, I would love that! Can I go into the garden, too?" The mention of food did send a pinch to her tummy, and she gave her hostess a light smile. "Actually, a meal sounds quite good right now." The curly top made this visit so much less stressful! Who knew an indoor taur could be so friendly?! "...What's 'drunken' mean?"
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Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 11:04 pm
Flora nodded attentively. “That’s a relief then. Surely things will patch up with you two in time though.” The centauress nodded, “Disagreements are always bound to happen in any relationship.” Her gaze though gleamed with curiosity at the mention of a ‘him’. “Oh? Shame that…” She trailed off with a small smile, “I enjoy watching couples coming into the tavern. Just something about young love~” Flora picked up a small bronze key with a green ribbon tied to it and handed it over to the cattaur.
“Oh yes. The garden is always open for our visitors.” She nodded, “And we can do the meal. Anything in particular? I believe there’s a roast cooking now if you would like.” AT the question of what ‘drunken’ meant the female paused. This was definitely an innocent one, “If you don’t know then perhaps it’s for the better.” Suddenly the light sound of another’s hooves caught Flora’s attention and she turned, “Oh! Zura!” Smiling she waved at the other girl, “Perfect timing~ Could you show our guest to her room…” Trailing off she blinked and looked over at Constance, “I’m sorry dear I never got your name.”
Zura laughed and shook her head, “And knowing you you probably never introduced yourself either.” Sighing the centauress tucked a stray bang back into place, “This is Flora and she’s the tavern’s owner. I’m Zura and I’ve been living here long enough that I just ended up working here as well.” She smiled, “Are you ready to go now? Food should be ready by the time you see the room. And I can take you on a tour as well.”
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Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 11:20 pm
With a soft sigh, Constance looked back at the front entry. "I guess... We've never really had any disagreements like this before." Ears perking, a soft pink colored her cheeks and she shook her head firmly. "Oh, no, he's not in love with me. I've only met him twice, and am not likely to meet him again." Her eyes dropped, giving away the disappointment she felt at the thought.
She raised her head again and nodded. "Yes. That sounds very good." She looked over at Zure and smiled politely. Such a radiant coat! "Flora, and Zura.." She repeated their names first, and smiled brightly. More names! More friends? "My name is Constance, and, yes, we can go see the room first." The room... "Is.. is it big and open like it is out here?" She'd nearly forgotten that she was inside!
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Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 11:39 pm
“Ah. The first fights to happen are usually the worst.” Flora touched the female’s shoulder comfortingly, “But they just take some sorting out.” She sighed at the denial of love and shook her head, “Shame then. But you never know what the fates might have in store for you.” She smiled thinking of her own life, “I never realized how things could turn out for me but they did…” Her cheeks flushed lightly at the thought of the cervitaur who made her flustered quite often these days.
“Good deal then.” Smiling Flora waved dismissively, “Then I’ll go place an order in for you Constance.” Humming softly the centauress basically glided out of the room.
Still smiling with amusement Zura shook her head, “She’s a special one that’s for certain.” Nodding she looked back at the cattaur, “It’s not as open as the main room unfortunately, but we tried to make the new additions that were facing the garden more open so that guests could look outside more.”
Waving her hand she headed towards the doorway, “Come on and we’ll see if you like it.” Heading through the main room the young female paused only briefly as she clicked her hooves on the wooden porch. The gurgling sounds of the fountain right next to them made her pause, “We do have a fountain. I often have to tell the little ones to try to not swim in it though.” Smiling she headed down the porch towards a room at the end of the right hall. “Flora designed these rooms especially so that they could have open windows facing the gardens.” Pushing the already open door she entered and held the door for Constance, “For safety it’s suggested that you keep your door locked as well.”
Inside the room were colorful blankets set on a floor bed with a writing desk and a small table set with a vase full of flowers and an oil lamp that rested across from the small fireplace. Gesturing towards the wall that faced the garden Zura pulled on a cord which opened the wooden blinds so that the garden was exposed. “You might want to close these at nights since there’s no glass, but you can see the whole garden this way and keep your room well lit during the day. We have baths as well, but those are further along in the garden area.”
"It's a simple room, but I do hope you like it~"
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 4:17 pm
Constance pursed her lips slightly. While she did feel bad about the fight... she didn't feel too horrible about it. She felt she was right, after all. Euthalia just needed an attitude adjustment! "The fates..." Euthalia had spoken of the fates; said they'd brought her to Constance. So... Triston had been sent to her by the fates as well? For what purpose? To make a friend she would never see again...?
"Thank you, Flora. I'll be quite ready to eat once I've seen the room." She was nervous to hear that the room wasn't as open as where they were right now, but she still wanted to see it. "The garden is so lovely. It must mean a lot to whoever cares for it." That was wonderful to see.
Peeking into the room, she didn't actually step fully in until the blinds had been pulled open, leeting in the natural light and the view of the garden. Well, one night of this might not be so bad. She looked up at the ceiling suspiciously, but turned her focus back to the windows, leaning against one of the frames. "Thank you, Zura. I like it very much." She smiled and looked back. "It could use a few more plants in here, though~" Maybe she could add some for her stay during the night....? Remove them in the morning, no one would know!
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 5:19 pm
Zura smiled at the compliment the cattaur paid to the garden, “It’s a group effort really.” She chimed in her fingers brushing over an autumn rose, “But really it’s because of Flora. She absolutely adores flowers and loves to try to keep this area even during winter lively. If she were actually a cattaur I swear this would be a constant greenhouse.” The young centaur nodded, “She loves nature though and loves winter as well so she can’t really hate it. But it does make her sad to see the flowers gone. But we have someone here who makes ice figures during the winter for her in the gardens that way it’s not so empty feeling. And the snow is lovely as well~” She flushed lightly, “That’s just me rambling on though.”
Laughing Zura covered her mouth shyly before quieting the light sounds, “I’m sorry. It’s just you sounded just like Flora then. If it was up to her there would be dozens of plants in every room. We can’t keep too many though since some guests don’t take to flowers well.” She looked at the fireplace with a small frown, “The wood should be restocked by nightfall should you need to make a fire. One of our worker’s has been chopping wood all morning so it should be good. He’ll probably come around later to leave you some kindling. More wood is usually by a storehouse out in the garden. I can show you if you wish.”
Outside Triston was finishing up with the wood. Stacking up the last few pieces he studied his work. Surely that would be plenty for now. Should he take a break then before going on to find more work to do from Flora?
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 5:40 pm
Constance nodded. "I should think so, if she is named after the land itself. Flora is a wonderful name." She lowered her gaze though as the snow was mentioned. What was he up to right now...?
Her eyes rose up again when her comment was related to Flora, and she smiled. "It's too bad I can't work here. I could assure that flowers remained all year long." She shook her head. "At least, the inside ones. It would be very rude of me to keep the outside ones awake through the winter."
At the mention of the fireplace, she lifted a hand. "Thank you, but that isn't necessary. My magic keeps me warm. One of those.. unconscious things. My friends is always trying to get me to wear one of those coat things when she gets cold, but I don't need them." She looked out at the garden. "While I don't need the wood... I would love a tour of the garden. Or, at the least, wander through it before eating, if that would be alright?"
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 6:05 pm
Zura grinned, “Be careful of saying such things around Flora. She probably would draft you into the force!” The centauress looked over at Constance with curiosity, “You must be a plant cattaur then.” She smiled, “Though your outfit really pointed me to that conclusion anyway. It’s okay though in the wintertime when the lobby is decorated by each month and season with the flora for that time. Christmas is my favorite because of the big tree which we decorate and all the holly and mistletoes.”
“Oh. That must be nice.” Zura nodded, “Though I do enjoy the touch of winter on my skin. Sometimes it’s fun to get that shivery feeling when you’re out in the snow playing around so that when you run back inside the rush of warmth is so amazing.” She flushed and covered her mouth again with her sleeve sheepishly, “I’m just a bit odd though I suppose.” Then again she had a reason for loving winter as her season. Zura smiled warmly at the thought. If no one else embraced it then she would! “That would be fine.” Smoothing down her own shirt the centauress gestured for the cattaur to follow her, “I can at least show you to the baths as well then. They’re nice and steam well so that you can relax easily there.”
While Zura opened the doorway to head down the porch she waved at the figure of a cattaur as he headed inside to speak to Flora. Pouting slightly she shook her head, “Just missed him.” She murmured before shrugging. Oh well she could trail back after him later.
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 6:29 pm
Constance smiled and shook her head. "My friend would never allow it. She believes that winter would kill me if I stayed in it. Being my guardian, I can't quite tell her otherwise." She paused thoughtfully, and then sighed. "..I don't believe that though. ...I think it would be nice to see winter." She'd already seen it in the form of a cattaur. What would the real thing be like? "I don't think you're odd. One of my friends loves the winter...." She giggled and shook her head. Ah, if only...
She followed after Zura, and looked at where the centauress was waving. Missed? She didn't give it another thought as they headed through the garden, her eyes alight at the flowers that remained in bloom as the cool touch of winter teased the air. Soon, they would be gone as well. Smiling, she bent and touched her hand gently to one bloom that had started to wilt early, and purred as it sprang back to life. "Your friends are not ready to go yet, and neither should you be~" she scolded the flower affectionately.
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 6:45 pm
Zura frowned, “That’s a shame. Winter isn’t all about death. “ She shook her head, “But to each their own I suppose. Though I would still strongly disagree with your guardian about that because everyone deserves to experience winter at least once.” Zura flushed happily at the reassurance, “Good to know then. Most people are always pushing for winter to leave and for spring to come quickly…” She bowed her head sadly, “Since a little bit ago I stopped wishing for that because it means saying goodbye to someone dear to me every time now. Spring brings life but takes away things as well.” A hoof kicked loosely at a stone before she forced a smile, “But no need to worry! It’s autumn now and so winter is still not here yet.”
As she headed towards the wooden bathhouses were steam was coming away from them in steady waves Zura smiled. “You really are a plant cattaur.” She commented watching as Constance brought life back to the flower, “Flora would love to have that ability.” She tossed her braid back over her shoulder before pointing towards the building, “The right side is for ladies so make sure to keep to it. The left is for male visitors~” She laughed softly, “We’ve had troubles with it before, but the best way to keep the water supply steady is having the bathhouses together.”
“Triston?” Flora waved her hand infront of the male’s face, “Are you alright? You seem distracted.”
Blinking the cattaur quietly nodded as he pushed another table into place.
“Alright, if you say so.” She frowned, “But if something is bothering you just let me know, kay? I’m here for a reason you know.”
The cattaur only faintly smiled before shrugging. It wasn’t like he knew exactly what it was, but for some reason a presence was haunting his mind. Almost like a touch of spring was somewhere at the tavern despite the chill of autumn in the air.
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 7:48 pm
"My friend is a spirit of life. A pygmy. She's very specific about which seasons she approves of." Constance smiled sadly. "She can't figure out why I'm not the same way, considering..." Smiling at the revived plant again, she caught up to join at Zura's side.
"Separate bath houses..." she murmured, walking forward and poking her head into the female side of the baths. "Oh! This looks delightful!" she purred, tail twitching happily. 'I've occasionally come across a hot spring, but we usually end up bathing in one of the rivers or lakes." This would really be a treat! "Do you suppose dinner is ready by now? I was so nervous on the way here, I couldn't even think of eating anything all day!"
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