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 Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 8:49 pm
“Ah.” Zura nodded she knew a thing or two about spirits like those, “I understand then.” They really were the stubborn ones. “You’re brave that’s why and curious.” She commented with a nod, “I know the feeling. Else I wouldn’t be here.” Fiddling with her sleeves she pulled them up just a bit as a chilly wind swept through the garden.
“I figured you would like them.” Zura nodded happily as she breathed in the steam that opening the door released, “Most of our guests are always delighted by them. It’s hard to find good springs in the area like this.” At the question Zura tilted her head thoughtfully, “It should be. You’ll love the cooking by the way. Mmm, maybe I can even eat with you if you don’t mind.” She smiled, “Minus the roast of course~ I’m not much for meat myself.” Grabbing lightly at the cattaur’s hand she gave it a friendly tug, “Come on then, Constance~” Laughing lightly she began to walk briskly through the garden path.
Behind bushes a pale figure moved in the opposite direction of the girls. In his hand was a ripe apple from the kitchen he had just raided for his own meal.
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 9:07 pm
Brave? Her brow rose at the word. Her? Brave? Naive, silly, imaginative, and more had been used to describe her whimsy for the opposite season. Brave? ..She was definitely curious.
She giggled happily as Zura grabbed her hand so easily, and followed along with a little bounce in her step. Could she really be this lucky to be making another friend? Blinking, she felt the impulse to turn her head. She heard someone moving on the other side of the plants, but was too distracted by Zura's excitement and the promise of food to ask the bushes who was walking beyond them. "Oh, no! I'd be glad if you would join me! It's so nice having someone to talk to other than my guardian. She's pretty much the only other taur I spend any time with."
Back inside, she felt the grip of her nerves again from being indoors. However, she was glad to see it didn't hamper her hunger in the slightest. "I'm not used to anyone cooking for me, either. I'm looking forward to whatever you have."
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 9:27 pm
Happy at the acceptance of her company the young centaur beamed, “Great! I’ll go grab two plates then~” Zura laughed softly, “Oh don’t worry~ While you’re here there should be plenty of company and interaction for you. This place is usually quite lively.” Save for the darkest days of winter it was rare for her to have a quiet day to herself. Even if they didn’t have strangers coming through town the ever constant stream of Flora’s friends who came to visit the tavern kept her busy. Zura was happy with that, however, as she enjoyed having company.
“Then be prepared.” Zura walked into the room and spinning turned to look at Constance, “Just pick a place to sit and I’ll be right back!” Hurrying towards the kitchen the centauress hummed softly to herself. Her goal was to make sure that their winner, Constance, would have a lovely visit. Especially since it seemed that the cattaur didn’t often get to come to town or even to a place like this. Talking in the kitchen for a few Zura ended up coming back with a plate full of beautiful cut pieces of roast and red potatoes and carrots. A fine gravy was drafted over the plate and steam rose from warm meal. Zura, herself, had a bowl of vegetable soup which she enjoyed during the chillier days.
Setting it down she smiled at Constance, “Here you go~”
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 9:40 pm
Tail flicking happily, Constance looked around for a good place to sit. The tavern really was lively. Despite her nerves grating the back of her mind, she headed for a table by one of the big windows that was free. She simply couldn't do the free table that was surrounded by other packed tables. Not yet, at least.
When the food came, she lit up once again. "That smells delicious!" she praised, carefully pulling the plate closer. Her mouth was already watering as she reached to pick up one of the tender tidbits. She caught herself at the last moment, eyes flicking over to the fork next to the plate. Right. She picked up the utensil, and spent a few moments figuring out how to grip it comfortably before spearing a bite of meat. "It tastes better than it smells!" she said excitedly, glowing with child-like delight again while the nearer customers either shook their heads or giggled at her behavior.
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 9:53 pm
Smiling happily at the compliments the food received from Constance, Zura made a note to tell their cook later on how much the meal had been praised. She herself had a spoonful of soup and blowing lightly on it took a sip and let out a sigh of contentment. This really was good food. Silver-blue eyes looking up she only shook her head with amusement at Constance before taking another sip of her own food and looking around thoughtfully. “So I’m curious, Constance.” She started slowly peeking back at the cattaur, “I have the feeling you aren’t in towns often. So how do you live?”
She flushed lightly, “I mean if you want to tell me if not it’s alright. I just like to hear stories and such. I learned though that some stories others don’t like telling though…” She trailed off thinking about how much she really didn’t know about the northern lands, before looking back up with a small smile. “Since we always have travelers coming through here I feel like I’m finding a new book day by day.”
“Oh that does remind me though!” Zura blinked with realization at Constance, “Did you not have another to come with you? Your room actually connects to another since it was a pass for a double room. I forgot to show you how the door is hidden in the wall.”
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 10:07 pm
Constance savored each bite, closing her eyes with contentment. Any meat that she ate was simply cooked over the fire with maybe a few herbs to flavor it. This was so much better! Her ears perked as the question came, and she smiled lightly. "I don't mind at all. My story isn't very exciting though."
Her lips pursed at the mention of the adjoining room, and she sighed softly. "I've only ever lived in the woods. Grew up with my family out there. We're guardians of the forests, as you might say. My guardian, her name is Euthalia, was sent to watch over me years ago when I left to travel, moving with the warmer seasons to tend to the plants, and she's been my only companion ever since. ..She distrusts towns about as much as she distrusts the winter, so visits to places like this are rare for us." She bit her lip, and smiled warmly. "The only other taur that I saw more than once brought me here to the festival as a surprise. Euthalia didn't approve, of course. ...That's the other part of why she isn't here with me. We had a fight about it... My friend who was with me when I won...." her eyes closed, and she sighed, "he would never join me here." Her eyes reopened, giving Zura a dreamy but sad look. "I've met him twice so far. Unfortunately, I'm fairly certain that if we do meet again, it won't be for a long time..."
She looked down and tucked into another bite of roast. "At least I got to say goodbye this time."
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Posted: Sun Jul 14, 2013 8:52 pm
“Oh?” Zura leaned forward with a smile, “I guess I’ll have to see and find out exactly how boring it is.” Her silvery gaze lit up with interest as she listened to the cattaur’s story. Alone in the forests? But the idea of the forests having guardians really intrigued her. It really was like this cattaur was from a fairytale! Like some mystical fairy princess in a world forgotten. Sure all the isles were full of magic and wonders, but Zura often found herself lost in the fantasies offered by stories as well. It seemed like town life was rather dull compared to the mystical world out there. She let out a soft sigh. “Still though your guardian makes me sad since she dislikes winter so. It’s so lovely with the snow and all.” She let her eyes flutter shut for a moment with a wistful expression on her face, “I love to go outside and run under the freshly falling snow.” In the north where the winter could touch the ocean shore…that was her favorite.
“Oh?” At the mention of a male friend Zura blinked in surprise, “Why wouldn’t he? Is he also another forest spirit? But he brought you to town…at the festival then he should be used to being in town. Unless forest spirits come here as well?” Flushing she leaned back and covered her mouth sheepishly, “Not that you are a spirit, but it’s just – just different.” She sighed her expression wistful, “It sounds like a sad story. A lovey story, but a sad one. Maybe you’ll run into him sooner than you think!” She nodded, “Since you sound like you hope to meet again then surely it’ll happen!”
“True that.”
Zura nearly jumped as the other voice startled her, “Flora!” Shaking her head at the older centauress the young female pursed her lips, “You really need to stop that!”
Giggling softly Flora’s eyes gleamed, “Just checking in on our special guest dear.”
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 5:43 pm
Constance couldn't help the happiness within herself right now. Despite the visit to such a bland topic, she could tell how closely Zura listened to her story. Surely it wasn't as wonderful as that dreamy expression implied! ...If she described Triston more though... He was something interesting!
She smiled bashfully and shook her head. "Maybe one day Euthalia shall see the winter. She'll need more time though."
Her ears tipped back slightly. “He’s not a forest spirit exactly...” He was of the season that gave the trees rest, but she didn't feel that such a thing was his job, like bringing life and warmth was for her. A small smile rose at Zura’s optimism though. Maybe... sooner than she thought...
Mostly because Zura jumped, Constance was startled as well. Her light giggle joined with Flora’s though, and she looked at the curly-top centauress with a smile. “I’m doing quite well, thank you. Zura has been wonderful company. I’ve never been in such a friendly place.” She looked to Zura again and lowered her voice, concern hinting around her features. “Though, a way between my room and the next one was mentioned... No one is going to be in the connecting room, is there?” She didn't like that idea very much, even though the wide-open windows didn't bother her at all.
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Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 10:01 am
Zura nodded, “I guess I can understand that.” She smiled with a light flush on her cheeks, “Flora does often call me impatient.” The young centaur just shrugged though. It happened. Her head tilted at the comment of Constance’s friend not being a forest spirit. Then what was he? A normal town taur? Oh! Maybe she would know him then! A mischievous glint lit her gaze. Then she could maybe set up a meeting? Oh that would be fun~
But the centaur’s thoughts were interrupted by Flora.
“I’m glad to hear that~” Flora beamed instantly at the response from her guest. Like always the centauress was making certain to play the perfect hostess in order to keep her tavern light and happy. “I guess I should go see about our wood cutting kitty cat now~ He should be around here somewhere. Hopefully he’s gotten some things done instead of freezing on the job.” Giggling softly at her own joke Flora moved on while Zura only shook her head.
“No.” Zura quickly replied to comfort Constance, “There’ll be no one there since the room was meant for you and your guest. So it’s just for you.” She smiled, “No worries. Nothing is going to jump out at you from that room. If you want you can even keep it open as well for more room.”
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Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 4:35 pm
Constance gave Flora an appreciative smile, though her ears twitched at Flora's inside joke. Such a coincidence, since she had a frozen feline on her mind. She didn't give it a second thought though.
She gave a little sigh of relief at Zura's reassurance. "I might do that. I'm so used to being out in the woods, it'll be nice to have the space to walk." She looked out to the gardens and smiled. "Though, why would I walk the rooms when there is such a beautiful garden right out there?" She looked back to Zura. "How long is that ticket for staying?"
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Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 11:05 pm
“That is true.” Zura shook her head with a small laugh, “Some guests just enjoy their privacy though and prefer to stay inside while here rather than being out and about.” She paused though at the question concerning the ticket before peeking back around, “It is late Autumn so our rooms aren’t too busy at the moment. Originally it was supposed to be fore a night, but I would be fine with you staying an extra or two if needed.” She nodded, “Especially considering it used to be for two guests, not just one.”
“Sounds fine by me.” Once again Flora’s random appearance made the younger centaur jump.
“Didn’t you just leave?” Zura managed trying to hide the rising flush of her cheeks.
“I did, but I just found him~” Flora paused however and looked around. “But where did he go so quickly? I wanted to introduce him to our newest guest…” She tilted her head in confusion, “So odd. I mean he may be a bit antisocial, but this is a bit too much.”
A cold breeze lingered in the doorway where the cattaur had nearly passed through to follow Flora into the tavern. Instead now though Triston leaned back against the wood shed with surprise in his eyes. What was she doing here?
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Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 11:56 pm
Constance pursed her lips slightly. She didn't understand it... but some folk had grown up indoors. Perhaps they prefer it inside because of that? Getting confirmation on the room situation made her smile slightly. "We'll see how staying one night works out."
This time, she noticed Flora right before the centauress spoke, and giggled as Zura once again was startled. "Him?" She cocked her head to look around Flora, but saw no one. "Is it another worker like you two?" Her ears perked, and she looked at Flora curiously, along with a tiny hint of concern. So many new faces... "You... wanted him to meet me? Is he as nice as you two?"
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Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 2:17 pm
“Alright then.” Zura smiled, secretly she was really hoping the female would stay a bit longer. It was rare for her to get such enjoyable company here at the tavern. The young centaur frowned at Flora. Why would she want to push Triston out towards a guest? She sighed softly under her breath. Surely she was not thinking of trying any funny business! But then again…Zura had to give it to Flora. Always thinking of things like that.
“Not exactly like us, but he does work here. Now that I think about it he's one of the few non centaur employees that I have.” Flora replied with a light smile, “He doesn’t stay long, just the cooler seasons with us before going on his way again. I guess he just lives a busy life. But oh I do enjoy while he’s here. He really can bring in the customers~ So many girls like to dine here in the winter time~”
“He’s nice, but not.” Zura cut in giving Flora a look, “He doesn’t speak much and hates being bothered by strangers which is why he probably didn’t come in here.”
“Ah, come on now. I figured she should meet him since he’s probably going to be around working while she stays here.” Flora pouted, “I’m actually surprised she hasn’t met him yet.” She did frown slightly. Despite his anti-social streak Triston never really dodged out of something like this. It was like one look at the female cattaur sitting there was enough to shock him or something. What was going on here?
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Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 3:16 pm
Tail twitching, Constance silently watched the conversation between the two workers. Non-centaur. Quiet. Only there during the cooler months. No. No way. That was impossible. Improbable! Surely there were plenty of taur in the world with that sort of attitude! Triston would have moved long on by now.
"What does he look like?" she asked, smiling lightly. "If I see him while I'm here, I'll try to say hi." If Flora thought she would like him, she would have to keep an eye out for this other worker. "I'm sure I'll enjoy his company if he's as nice as you two are."
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Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 11:55 am
Zura frowned quietly. She didn’t mind Constance meeting Triston, but she just hated how Flora always liked to push the quiet cattaur into such situations. Ever since he had left that first winter those years ago…well he was different. He had always been a bit quiet and maybe even shy, but after that time where he was gone for those two years…well she didn’t know what to think.
Blinking Flora peered at Constance, “Okay then!” Smiling she took no notice of the dark shadows which began to linger around the doorway of the tavern. “You see he’s a bit of a grump some days and I really would love for him to brighten up a bit~ He’s a really handsome guy with dark hair and stripes. Trust me you’ll know him once you get near him especially with his ice because they’re so-“
A large crash came from the doorway making her jump in surprise. “Oh my!” Rushing over Flora picked up the pieces of the pottery with a frown. How had this broken like that? It looked like it had been knocked into for some reason. Her gaze focused back on the corner and to the pieces of pottery. Oddly enough it was cold with the slightest hints of frost decorating it. Ah, that must have been him then. She laughed softly under her breath. Really what was up with him today?
“Sorry about that.” Zura laughed, “So now that we’ve ate how about those baths?” She tugged at a stray strand of hair, “I could use a relaxing one myself. The hot springs here are amazing too~”
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