Viewing Single Post From: A Tavern Arrival

Viewing Single Post From: A Tavern Arrival
Ariel Oceantear	Sep 4 2008, 02:39 PM
Shipwright Posts: 66 Group: Unassigned Member #63 Joined: August 22, 2008	It was late afternoon, nearly dusk. It had been another long day, in a series of long days, part of a series of long weeks. Ever since leaving her ship behind, the days had been slow and the going arduous. Thick scrub brush made for a difficult trek, even when one traveled light. Ariel was headed toward a small building. The previous evening, she'd spotted a flickering glow in the distance, and out of curiousity she'd been making her way toward it. Her provisions were almost gone and her muscles ached. Overland travel was certainly not enjoyable, in any sense of the word. At any rate, she'd heard tales of a Fort located in the near vicinity. Which brought up her raging internal dillema. Years (literally) had passed since she'd called any place with four walls 'home'. The thought of living a structured, regimented life made her apprehensive. And she had no desire to try and replace what she'd lost. Ever. Memories were more bitter than sweet, and she had firmly resolved to move on with her life. However..... she also felt a deep longing for what she remembered. A warm crackling fire in a banquet hall, the clatter and shuffling of countless footpaws, enjoying the passage of seasons in the company of friends, and watching the young clumsy soldiers grow into themselves and do their commanders proud. And, above all else, she craved companionship and the type of comradery that can only be found in the company of like-minded individuals. And where better to find that than a remote, northern Fort? Rumors had reached her ears of this outpost, and whether she would admit it to herself or not, they were tempting. Her current traveling companion had wandered off earlier in the day, and she expected he would catch up with her sooner or later. Lost in thought, Ariel found herself standing on the doorstep of what she came to recognize as a tavern of sorts. Maybe even an inn, judging by the size of it.... appetizing scents drifted out from under the door, and the mumble of voices from within was all too tempting. Fighting one last urge to turn around and head south again, she took a deep breath and swung the door open. A comfortable warmth clung to the inside of the room. The sea otter's eyes flickered around the room, taking in several creatures seated here and there. A quick glance revealed that most individuals did travel armed, and their military dress hinted at a nearby establishment. Ariel chose a small table near the back of the room. With a silent sigh of relief, she swung her traveling pack off of her shoulders, and rested her steel harpoon against the wall. Ariel sank greatfully into a chair, and pushed her dark blue hood back, revealing her tan furred face to the inn. A heavy blue cloak hung around her shoulders, fastened at her throat with a silver clasp. Her cream tunic underneath was simple, and the embroidered insignia was illegible and faded. Thick seaboots were laced nearly to her waist, and several corsair-style earrings were her only other adornment. She nodded to those who glanced her way, and deeply inhaled the scents and mood of the tavern. Ariel was snapped out of her reverie by a small rather twisted looking squirrel matron. Clearly the operator of this tavern, she scuttled up to the oak table and thunked a large mug of ale down onto its surface directly in front of the otter. Some of the drink sloshed over the side of the mug and onto Ariel's lap, but Burku didn't notice. "Aha, you have the looks of a beastie who could use a good waterin'!" Burku declared with good-natured zest. "Try this'n on fer size, it's a fresh autumn wheat." Burku gave Ariel what she intended to be a warm, welcoming smile. With her wizened features and eyepatch, it came off as more of a grimace. However, her intentions were obviously for the best. Ariel nodded and said simply, "Aye, 's been a while." She fished several coins out of her pocket and laid them out on the table. Burku winked at her and hustled off to the nearest table, where an otter and a young hare were conversing. Ariel took a long drink from the ceramic mug, enjoying the cold froth in her whiskers. She eyed the room with growing curiousity. For better or for worse, she'd returned to civilization.
	Any ship in a harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.

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