No Vacancy? No problem. [Sahvrea, Closed]

[Anonymous]

It was late afternoon and the sun hung low by the time Seifer finally hit the outskirts of Arca. Frankly, all his travels would probably be made easier if he'd just invest in a horse already, but the only part made easier would be getting from point A to point B. The preparations at the start of every day would just be more complicated: not only would he have to make sure the animal was in good health, but he'd have to manage to drag himself up onto its back with one bum leg and an arm he couldn't lift above his shoulder. It'd be complicated at best, and a downright nuisance at worst.

Most people didn't give him a second glance as he entered the town, no doubt because they had affairs of their own that needed tending to, and in return he didn't really pay anyone else mind either. He wore a frayed brown cloak to keep the pests and rain off him during his travels, though as of late that hadn't been too big a problem. Beneath that he wore a simple white wool shirt and brown slacks, and dark brown leather boots with soles worn down to the last few miles covered his feet. A rucksack was slung over his right shoulder as well, containing the bare necessities one needed to get by. Canteen, blade to occasionally shave with, and another to prepare any food he caught (and given he wasn't about to outrun a deer, that usually meant fish). In addition to that he had a tinderbox, which as far as he was concerned was just a shorter word for 'bunch of stuff for setting fire to things,' there was a blanket to sleep on, a pan to cook with, a pot for boiling water, and a canteen because he wasn't too keen on dying of thirst. Out of all that, the canteen was the only thing he kept on the outside of the pack, and it dangled by a leather cord as Seifer hobbled down the road. Well, 'road' might have been a little bit of a stretch, but since he sure as hell wasn't taking detours through folks' homes, that's what he'd call it.

Of course, he sure as hell wasn't dumb enough to walk through the countryside unarmed: a long holster on his right hip held a sawed-down carbine known as a mare's leg, while a holster on the left held a sizable hunting knife (good for uppity critters and overzealous adversaries alike). Another holster was slung over his left shoulder, which served as a way to easily carry a third weapon, a five-shot revolver. One of the advantages to being born the son of a blacksmith was that he could afford to carry the blasted things without fear of something breaking and having to get rid of one of the weapons. He even had a small kit in the bottom of his rucksack for fashioning any new parts if the need arose. Granted, acquiring the right amount of iron might be a bit tricky, but he'd work that out when the time arose.

To no one's surprise, he wasn't clean shaven, though one had to wonder what sort of illusions a person was operating under to presume a wilderness traveler would have the sort of time or need to wake up every morning and spiffy himself up. There sure as hell wasn't an overabundance of women to worry about impressing in the middle of the woods. Or the desert. He'd wandered through both and he had yet to find a settlement of lonely females just waiting for a well-groomed man. Still, a few stares were sent his way...not likely due to good looks, but because in addition to a bad limp, he had a peculiar habit about him. As he walked, he had a habit of panning his head every so slightly from side to side...the reason being a lot more simple than most might think; he was nearly blind in his left eye, and he didn't like being caught off guard just because he didn't see someone. Or something, because he wasn't too keen on getting trampled either...

Still, he wouldn't take up too much of anyone's time. He had a destination in mind, even if he was too stubborn to stop and ask directions on how to get there. Some male traits were just too damn stubborn to disappear after the world came to an end. Eventually though he found the inn, or at least AN inn, because it would hardly make much sense for a town the size of Arca to have just one. His boots clunked loudly on the wooden floor as he entered, and the uneven tempo of the footfalls essentially put a big sign over his head that read 'yes folks, I'm a cripple.' It'd given more than a few people the notion he'd be easy to rob on the roads every time he left town, and while that might've been true for most folks, Seifer was too stubborn to let someone get away with it. Not without a fight at least, and firearms tended to even the odds considerably.

He tossed a bag of coins on the desk for the innkeeper to sort through, and also because the sound of money was often just as good for getting anyone's attention as a bell. "Room for one. For as long as that'll get me," Seifer stated, and from the sound of his voice it was fairly apparent he'd soon be too exhausted for pleasantries or idle conversation. Which meant he was none too thrilled when the currency was returned to him shortly thereafter.

"Sorry, but we're booked solid the next few days. Some troupe've entertainers sent a rider a couple days back, they're due in sometime today or this evenin. You can sleep in the tavern or lounge free of charge, so long as you don't cause no trouble. When a room frees up, I'll send someone for you."

Seifer just nodded and muttered something under his breath in reply, taking back his money and limping his way over toward a bench against the wall. Not because he was going to turn in so early, but because he desperately needed a rest. Well, not so much him: he was fine, it was his leg that was objecting. He all but collapsed onto the bench, letting his rucksack fall to the floor before he took a seat. Despite lucking out with a room and dealing with the throbbing pain going up his left side however, he was still plenty considerate. He seated himself as close to the desk as possible, so as to be less likely to trip anyone wandering in through the door. Hell, it wasn't his idea of a good way to end the day, but it wasn't over yet. Who knows, he might even get to see the entertainers come strolling in before the day was done...

[Anonymous]

She was nearly too excited to care. Her thighs hurt from the ride, she was dirty, sweaty, and really in no condition at all to be as entertaining as she could be... Except that they were on their way to a new town. That put a smile on her lips, a song from her lungs, and an eagerness to drive the horse as quickly as it wanted to go. Sahvrea wasn't alone, but the whole of the Troupe wasn't showing either. And for the first time in, well years, Sahvrea was doing this mostly on her own. A couple bards in Mith Rendan had been hooked up with Sahvrea through her Brother... and now here they were. On some material plane, well on their way to doing several shows. And by shows, that meant Sahvrea was going to sing, dance, and generally have quite a bit of rowdy fun... and not fret about payment. One of the little joys about having a whole family own a plane in the abyss. And a Goddess for a Mother.

Her two companions were recommended based on Arken'vect's taste. One knew how to play a decent lute and could dance beautifully with that blade in his hip. Ormonde was a drow, much like she was, with a completely shaved head that left his ears poking wide out. He was quick to smile, a gold ring through his lower lip, and tattoos that decorated his ebony skin. He'd look fierce if not for the grin always on his lips... and the lack of hair. It really did make Sahvrea giggle to see the way his ears stuck up. While he was mostly here for his ability to play the lute, which was decent enough for a bard, Sahvrea suspected Arken had also sent him because Ormonde could protect her. His maroon mare kept pace with Sahvrea's white one, and while he couldn't play while they cantered down the road, his baritone voice joined hers. The song was some bawdy one she'd heard back in a tavern in Mith Rendan.

Sahvrea's other companion was too busy laughing and at their terrible pitch and the lyrics in general to join in. Siorus was a tall, lanky drow with more hair than he had a right to. It actually curled perfectly, even throughout the long silky mass. It was pulled back now, as it usually was, so it was now just a wavy mass down his back. She loved his hair. The pair often jested that Siorus could spare Ormonde some hair, and still have plenty left. Siorus was taller than both Ormonde and Sahvrea, but he had the splendid grace of a dancer. And while he'd never been taught as Sahvrea had, he was a quick learned with an even quicker reaction time. She believed it was because of his skill with the knives on his belt. Arken'vect had made passing mention that Siorus was better with his daggers than any fighter with a sword and any rouge with a dirk. She'd not seen him fight, Siorus preferred dancing, but she believed Arken'vect. Just because he wasn't about to let he go running off alone. Sahvrea had first thought of them as babysitters until the pair proved they could be just as troublesome, naughty, and wild as she could. Not once had they told her no. And when Siorus danced and sang with her, it was like she really was back in her old troupe. Neither male drow were as good, but what they lacked in real skill they made up for in charm and enthusiasm.

The loud song came to a close as the neared the city. Sahvrea had no idea where they were, nor did she even care. Ormonde said he'd sent word ahead to some inn that they were going to show up. Sahvrea hadn't thought there was more until she'd found out that he's booked up some troupe that was in town as well. Which meant it would be a veritable bard-fest that evening. Sahvrea knew why he'd done it too. Both Siorus and Ormonde thought it terribly amusing when Sahvrea out performed, sang, and danced any bard. She claimed she had to out of professional pride. She was a Performer, taught by Master Mikk, a Performance Master. Bards just didn't match up. The two drow male cackled and called her arrogant. So be it.

They drew their horses up when they arrived to the outskirts. Wouldn't do to actually run someone over. Sahvrea was still breathless, smiling, from the run and the song. Ormonde settled in his saddle, broke out his lute, and began to play as the horses wound their way down the street. He seemed to know where he was going, so Sahvrea guided her mare after him... and began to sing to the song he was playing. Siorus soon joined in. Needless to say, three drow on horse back, singing, while slowly making their way down the street drew a bit of attention. It was this sort of spontaneity that had Sahvrea loving this whole trip. They had quite a crowd by the time they arrived at the inn they had booked, the audience chuckling at the song about a frumpy woman and her wild daughter. Some ignored them, but most at least paused.

The tune came to an end when Sahvrea slid off or her horse. She handed the reins to Siorus, who congratulated her on the song with a wink, then told Ormonde that she'd get their things taken into one of the rooms. He was already hollering out that all bards were welcome this evening. Who could play got a room. Who couldn't... well, they could watch. One way to get a large party rather quickly... offer free room and board.

Sahvrea walked into the tavern, the writ of their rooms in her side pocket. Proof they'd already paid and had arrived. She glanced around the room, seeing that many had been stirred because of the racket they'd made outside. She drew a few looks herself. And even though she was drow, the short skirt, the corset that exposed a good deal of her midriff and the dangling diamond there, and the sheer amount of exposed skin was more than enough to keep those looks on her. Every bit of her was toned from endless hours of practice, her walk laced with confidence and grace. She slid the writ over the counter, winked at the Owner, then leaned against it. "I'm terribly thirsty. Could I trouble you for a glass of wine?" With no hesitation the owner, recognizing a hefty payment coming their way from the rooms and the like, was all too happy to oblige. While she waited, Sahvrea turned her attention to the rest of the room. Who could be fun tonight?

[Anonymous]

Seifer heard the commotion, though it wasn't as if this were any extraordinary feat. It wasn't as if the inn were terribly loud at the time, and a group of people singing in the streets was something hard enough to ignore to begin with. As the singing and music only grew louder, Seifer assumed it was one of two things: some pointless festival that he'd need to try ignoring all night, or the more likely scenario, the troupe of entertainers arriving to claim their rooms. When the singing stopped right outside the door, he figured it was more likely the second scenario. He was just as pleasantly surprised at everyone else at the shapely drow who entered the inn, though in his case, he was watching more out of idle curiousity than a pressing urge to undress the woman with his eyes. Or rather, eye, since one wasn't quite up to task. He had to turn his head just to keep her in focus lest she become a moving gray blur. When she handed over the writ, his suspicions were more or less confirmed...sure there was the possibility that she was just another traveller who'd sent advance notice, but considering the noise that had signalled her arrival, Seifer would have to be downright daft to presume she was with anyone else.

"I'm terribly thirsty. Could I trouble you for a glass of wine?"

Seifer watched the innkeeper hurry off to fulfill the woman's request, not too surprising given how much she must have paid to book most of the building. Seifer wasn't quite as intrigued by the innkeeper as he was the drow though, so he didn't bother paying attention once the man was out of sight. Instead, his attention was back on the drow at the desk. He was half tempted to tell her water would be better for her if she had plans to sing again anytime soon, but he resisted the urge to tell her as much. If she was a performer, she probably knew so already, which would make it rather pointless for him to say anything on the matter.

That wasn't to say he had nothing else to say of course.

"I take it you're with the lot making all the commotion?" he asked, motioning toward the door just in case her mind was somewhere else and she needed a visual cue to get who he was referring to. The odds of that were probably pretty slim, but it wasn't quite late enough for him to abandon courtesy just yet. "I hope you don't plan on getting too rowdy, some of us will be sleeping down here..."

Alright, so maybe he was also a little bit sore over being denied a room...

[Anonymous]

Sahvrea leaned back against the counter, her glass of wine in one hand. It was just enough to take the edge off of the ache in her body from the riding. It would take quite a bit more wine before Sahvrea would even start to feel the effects. Her attention was brought back to the door she'd walked through. Sahvrea could hear Ormonde and Siorus making rather large jests with whatever troupe had decided to show up. Her companions were as loud as whomever had decided to take them up on their offer. All in good fun. It meant the evening would be rather wild. She took a sip before her attention was turned to someone sitting close by. He looked a little rough around the edges, maybe blind in one eye. Clearly he was a traveler. He even had all his things with him. The performer contemplated his words before smiling rather sweetly. "Sorry to say, but we are planning on staying through the evening." Then she took a moment to glance around. It was a little full, but a lot of the occupants were becoming curious as to the raucous outside. Most, if not all, would join in on the festivities. That's usually what happened when some bards took over an inn for the night. Those that didn't want to be bothered went somewhere else. Sahvrea's payment more than covered that brief loss in business. Then, because her curiosity got the best of her, Sahvrea asked, "Did I put you out of a room?"

[Anonymous]

"Sorry to say, but we are planning on staying through the evening."

Well, so much for a good night's sleep. Still, he wouldn't gripe about it. He was annoyed at being put out a room, though even in that state of mind he knew it wasn't due to some dirty trick. Plenty of people sent advance notice, at least people with more disposable income than Seifer had, and seeing as how she'd evidently paid in full for the rooms there was nothing underhanded involved. He just took too long reaching Arca from Ketra. Maybe a horse wouldn't be such a bad idea to try after all...probably wouldn't help his leg any, but at least he'd get to rest it sooner.

He was about to explain he'd simply sleep outside until their party came to an end when the drow spoke up again. And despite the opportunity to be indignant with her, Seifer kept his head about him. She had companions with her, possibly armed, so making enemies wasn't in his best interest.

"Did I put you out of a room?"

"Possibly. If you're with the entertainers, then according to the innkeeper, yes," he answered, doing what he could to avoid coming off as upset with the woman. Again, because he wasn't sure what her disposition or that of her companions was. "Assuming it's any of my business in the first place, how long are you lot going to be staying?"

[Anonymous]

Sahvrea finished her drink rather quickly and set the empty glass, which was whisked away with the sort of prompt attention only money could buy. If she noticed though, it didn't show. Sahvrea was simply used to that sort of attention. It didn't even seem to bother her that the innkeeper was keeping an eye on her just in case she needed something. And not watching her just because she happened to be the most scantily clad thing in the room. As she studied the man, she got the impression that... well, that she was -imposing-. Which was hard to do considering he didn't own the place and didn't even have a room. Which she did feel a tad guilty for. But there were other inns... Sahvrea's smile remained. "Just through the night. We'll be moving on after this. Don't want to stay still for too long." She pause and considered before deciding. "Could I get you a drink or something for the trouble?" And maybe, if the bards decided to pass out down here, she could sneak him in a room. Sahvrea had promised them to people that would play... or rather, Ormonde had. Which gave her another thought. Her smile turned sly. "Or you could just share my room." It was very obvious a tease and not a serious offer.

[Anonymous]

"Just through the night. We'll be moving on after this. Don't want to stay still for too long."

Seifer nodded in acknowledgement, since he really didn't have anything meaningful to say on the matter. Being put out a room for only one night wasn't so bad, and it's not like he hadn't slept in worse places than an inn lobby. Hell, the place even had a bench. Meant he could sleep with two blankets, his cloak and the one he used as a bed on the roads.

"Could I get you a drink or something for the trouble?"

"A new cane wouldn't go unappreciated. Broke the last one over a highwayman's head 'bout two days out've town. Been rougher since."

Whether or not she took his tale seriously was none of his concern, fact of the matter was he did need a new cane. He didn't like to use it for walking unless necessary, but it did have some uses as a weapon of sorts. Most weren't terribly keen on relieving a man of his cane during an attempted robbery, which worked to his advantage more often than not. "Doesn't have to be anything too fancy neither, just somethin to lean on."

And as innocent as his request was, he had to admit he'd be somewhat pleased if it made the drow feel at least a little more guilty about putting him out of a room. He'd take what simple pleasures he could get...

"Or you could just share my room."

"Oh, I couldn't do that to a woman such as yourself. Folks would talk. And I'd rather not be known as the lecherous cripple takin' advantage o' the entertainment," he replied, returning her jest in turn. Heck, he even smiled. Just because he was a little banged up didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun with the fact. "Besides, ain't a soul alive who'd believe I slept on the floor 'stead of trying to join you in bed."

[Anonymous]

Sahvrea actually chuckled when he said he could use a new cane. Not really what she offered. Besides, she wasn't completely ready to just start handing out gifts to those that could very well go somewhere else for the trouble. It did amuse her to no end that he'd asked though. Sahvrea shook her head then. "Cane's not on the menu. But alcohol is." She considered him for a moment, smile fixed in place. The noise outside had turned into some mix of music and song, for which most of the occupants had gone out to see. Wasn't too often that sort of entertainment was free. And while her companions were not the best, they were good. So the show would be decent. And she was missing it. Not that Sahvrea felt rushed. She'd not left home in quite some time. She was here to enjoy herself.

What really made her laugh was his response to her tease. "Oh, I couldn't do that to a woman such as yourself. Folks would talk. And I'd rather not be known as the lecherous cripple takin' advantage o' the entertainment." Sahvrea sat next to him then, almost leaning against him in a suggestive way. All part of her fun, of course. "Aw, I wouldn't dream of suggesting you could take advantage of me." Sahvrea had no plan to follow through with any of it. Really, she was just playing along. If he could tease, so could she. Harmless fun, more like. Her hand came to rest on his knee as she winked. "Besides, I did put you out of a room. And who cares if you try to slip in the bed with me. I'm sure I'd notice."

[Anonymous]

"Cane's not on the menu. But alcohol is."

"Alcohol turns even the best men into bumbling idiots with no common sense, so I'm afraid I'll have to refuse your offer to amuse yourself at my expense," he replied, and while he didn't follow up his response with any sort of wry grin, the tone of voice made it clear enough he wasn't serious about accusing her of such a thing. He wasn't about to try distancing himself when she sat down next to him either. Even if she were only doing it in good fun, company was still company. And female company was twice as valuable, especially since there was usually fewer drunken suggestions to do something stupid because it seemed like a great idea at the time. Plus, she was seated on the side he could see.

"Besides, I did put you out of a room. And who cares if you try to slip in the bed with me. I'm sure I'd notice."

"Course you would, you don't seem hard o' hearing. Walking on a wooden floor with a bum leg like mine, I'm about as quiet as a cannon shot," he quipped, and for the moment he was able to tune out the ruckus outside. After all, there was something else to hold his attention. "Though if you won't spring for a cane, you could at least let me split a room with you or your troupe. I don't mind sleepin' on the floor, 'n I'd be content to work off half the room fee."

[Anonymous]

Sahvrea chuckled even more when said, "Alcohol turns even the best men into bumbling idiots with no common sense, so I'm afraid I'll have to refuse your offer to amuse yourself at my expense." When he put it that way, she supposed that had been what she was offering. Granted, most people didn't refuse free drinks. "It's all about moderation," she said then, indicating to the inn keeper that she wanted another glass. "Take one with me? The least you could do for holding me up in here." She obviously didn't have a problem with that, especially since she was still smiling. Sahvrea could get up whenever she wanted and go outside to join her companions. But interesting company was interesting company. She wasn't rushed now, so she could stay.

She shook her head at his suggestion. "No, no. You don't have to pay for the room. Take it. I'll shuffle the others around and someone can double up. Bards are usually pretty good about that." Sahvrea winked and patted his leg. "It'll be out little secret. Just don't tell anyone I gave you the room since, ya know, you won't be singing or the like." She paused and a slow, sly smile started to work over her lips. "Or would you?"

[Anonymous]

"It's all about moderation. Take one with me? The least you could do for holding me up in here."

"Don't go blamin that on me, you walked over here easy enough, so there ain't nothin wrong with your legs," he replied, and it was only after he'd shut his trap that he realized there was more than one meaning to his response. All the more reason for him to avoid a drink, lord only knows what might come out of his mouth then. "I don't mind a drink with good company, but it'll be water, not wine."

The notion that she was going to give him a room free of charge wasn't one he was about to accept. It wasn't due to some narrow minded belief in male / female gender roles or anything even remotely close to such a thing, but rather, the fact that he wasn't about to accept charity while he was still able in body and spirit. He'd work for anything she gave him, whether she liked it or not.

"It'll be out little secret. Just don't tell anyone I gave you the room since, ya know, you won't be singing or the like. Or would you?"

Well, just not with singing.

"Not on your life, and you don't have to worry that pretty little head o' yours, I won't tell a soul you gave me a room. Because you won't. I ain't one for takin' charity when I can help it. I'm gonna work off the fee, startin' with helpin' carry in your thing when the time comes."

He wasn't about to compromise, either. If she tried arguing, the sad fact of the matter was one of the pair would grow old and die before he relented.

[Anonymous]

Sahvrea was a little surprised he still refused a drink with her. She tsked as the innkeeper gave her another glass of wine before he went back to get the water. "Rather rude of you to refuse a beautiful girl when she wants to get you a drink." She took a sip then, watching him. Sahvrea was becoming rather curious now. There had never been someone so reluctant to... well, anything she offered. "You'd be a terrible person to pick up in a bar..." As though she just made a joke, Sahvrea glanced around then seemed to act surprised. "Imagine that. We are technically in a bar. And... you are a terrible person to pick up in a bar." It was then that the innkeeper brought a glass of water. He said nothing, merely continued to keep an eye on Sahvrea. She was his highest paying customer.

The performer studied him for a long moment before shaking her head. "First things first. My name is Sahvrea." Her hand moved from his leg, where she offered it to him in a hand shake. Then, with a smirk she added, "I'll be the one paying for your room this evening. Free of charge. It's a pleasure to meet you." He had to be one of the more interesting people she'd ever met. And was turning out to be rather fun. From the sounds of it, the bards and her companions were already starting the party outside. No surprise. More room, more people around to notice them.

[Anonymous]

"Rather rude of you to refuse a beautiful girl when she wants to get you a drink."

"Now now, I didn't refuse the beautiful girl, I only refused her offer of alcohol. And doing so is better than accepting said girl's offer and doing something foolish to embarass the lass, don't you think?" Seifer countered, managing a slight grin at her commentary about how terrible a catch he'd be at a bar. "And if I ever decide to go looking for someone in a bar, I'll be sure to keep your advice in mind. Nevermind the fact bars are hardly ideal places to go lookin for love and romance."

"First things first. My name is Sahvrea."

"Seifer Kunze," he replied, taking her hand when offered, though rather than a handshake he gently pressed his lips against the top of her hand. Probably one of the few times he wished he'd bothered shaving, too. He figured if she was going to be doing him the kindness of lending a room, he may as well be a gentleman about it. Of course, she also appeared to be under the false impression he'd relent and let her do so free of charge.

"I'll be the one paying for your room this evening. Free of charge. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure's mine, I always enjoy meeting people who have a sense of humor to match their charm. You're not going to provide me a room free of charge, and I suggest you accept the fact. We humans can be a stubborn lot, and I'm the worst there is."

It was certainly shaping up to be an interesting evening...

[Anonymous]

Sahvrea continued to find the man insufferably stubborn... and oh so amusing. Though he did very well have a point about finding love and romance in a bar. Sahvrea hadn't been hinting in that direction... and it was curious that's what he'd assumed. Most people looked for one night stands in bars. While she wasn't much the one night stand sort of girl... she'd only been with one man sexually and dated two... in was curious to note he didn't seem that sort either. Which made her very, very curious. The party was nigh forgotten as she watched him. That thought was lost rather quickly when he first gave her his name... then refused the room for free. Sahvrea found it terribly amusing that not only was he being stubborn, but about something he didn't need to be stubborn about. Again she tsked before taking a sip of her wine and passing him his glass of water. "Humans are not nearly as stubborn as my family... nor as stubborn as I can be. Accept the room and call if a gift. From one beautiful lady to someone who is impossible to pick up otherwise. Since the wine didn't work, may as well take this." Sahvrea chuckled as she watched him. Already she was mentally betting that he'd still say no.

[Anonymous]

"Humans are not nearly as stubborn as my family... nor as stubborn as I can be. Accept the room and call if a gift. From one beautiful lady to someone who is impossible to pick up otherwise. Since the wine didn't work, may as well take this."

"Well then, you're probably overdue to broaden your horizons. Because I'm going to work off the room fee whether you like it or not. I'll even haul you up with the luggage if you're still puttin' up a fuss," he answered, and it was hard to tell whether or not he was kidding. Even he wasn't sure if he would or not, but he doubted she'd be too hard to sling over one shoulder. And she couldn't stop him from carrying up luggage if he did...well, unless she latched onto a stair rail, which might complicate things.

"So, you can either just accept the fact that you aren't going to give me anything for free, or I'll help you by force." It was an unusual threat to be sure, but it was a genuine one. She wasn't going to budge him on the matter, no matter what she might try.

[Anonymous]

She stared at him for the span of three breaths before breaking into a fit of laughter at the mental picture suggested by his words, "I'll even haul you up with the luggage if you're still puttin' up a fuss." Sahvrea had absolutely no idea if he was serious, and a wild part of her was damned curious. Would he really try to haul her up with her things? And why did she find the idea terribly thrilling? When she could control the bout of laughter, she couldn't help but declare, "You just threaten to whisk me off my feet and carry me up into my room? Now that is truly romantic." It was all the funnier because of how preposterous the whole thing sounded. The man she'd just met, offered to buy him a drink and a free room, which he'd refused, had then threatened to take her up stairs. Then she made her smile purposefully sly. "So what happens once you carry me up the stairs?" It was terribly suggestive, wildly inappropriate... and amusing as all hell. Her smile betrayed how much she was truly enjoying this. She ignored the last of what he'd said simply because... well, this was more fun.

[Anonymous]

"You just threaten to whisk me off my feet and carry me up into my room? Now that is truly romantic."

"You slung over one shoulder, 'n the luggage the other? You must have an interestin' idea of romance," he replied, chuckling at the thought of him carting her up the staircase as well. "Though it's also the surest way to keep you from tryin' to stop me carryin' your troupe's things. Can't put up much a fight if you can't dig in yer heels and push back."

Hell, she wasn't the only one enjoying their little discussion. Even if he -was- dead serious that she wasn't going to just give him the room for the night. Though he had to admit, even with the argument, her company was the most pleasant he'd had in a good while.

"So what happens once you carry me up the stairs?"

"Well now, that'd be up to you, now wouldn't it? You could either sit tight with the luggage, or try to stop me from bringin' up more. In which case I'd carry you up again, and you'd best hope everyone's still outside enjoyin' that entertainment lest they come inside and sneak a peek at you danglin' over my shoulder."

[Anonymous]

Sahvrea grinned and downed the rest of her wine. The innkeeper was there to whisk the glass away. She couldn't remember the last time she'd just... enjoyed a conversation. Rather refreshing. That and the very idea of him carting her up there was rather hilarious. Just the silly sort of thing that appealed to Sahvrea. However... She leaned against him with a suggestive look. "There is one large problem with your idea. I don't have a bunch of things to bring up. A saddlebag, at most. And that's hardly worth one room anyways." She straightened with a self satisfied smirk and crossed her arms beneath her chest. "So, you can't pay me anyways." Her look was a very much 'what now' look.

[Anonymous]

"There is one large problem with your idea. I don't have a bunch of things to bring up. A saddlebag, at most. And that's hardly worth one room anyways."

"No, no it ain't. So I'll just keep workin' for you'n the troupe then. You said you were only stayin' one night, and I don't have any reason to stick around, or any place specific I need to be," he replied, an almost smug grin appearing on his face as she continued to spar with Sahvrea over a room. Something most people would consider trivial at best, but he was dead set on not accepting charity, especially from a stranger. Well, technically she wasn't a stranger anymore, since they'd been formally introduced, but still...

"So, as I told you before, I ain't gonna accept the room for free, and there ain't a thing you can say to change my mind," he declared, silently daring her to say otherwise.

As for why he didn't try 'and there's nothing you can do to stop me,' well...that's because she COULD stop him, by just telling him to sleep in the lobby instead. That was something entirely within her power. Making him change his mind about working off the room fee though? She'd have better luck trying to pick up the inn and carry it to the next town.

[Anonymous]

Sahvrea shook her head, still feeling rather smug. "Me and the troupe consists of me and two others. Not much of a troupe and not much needing done besides what they already do. And they'll be just as stubborn as you about handling their own things." She wasn't even really arguing with him over the room. That was silly. She was doing so because, well, it was fun. That he would be so set on earning it was... well, amusing. It also, in a strange way, made her like him just a little more. There was something... good about the fact he wouldn't just accept it. Of course, then he purposed something far more intriguing. "You'll keep working for me?" She was the one paying for all this... or rather, her family. Sahvrea shook her head. "I won't have you carrying my things around." There was a serious cast to her voice, letting him know she wouldn't budge on that much. She didn't have a lot, but what she did have, she liked to manage on her own. Sahvrea was spoiled in a lot of ways, but actually traveling with a troupe meant she did pull her own weight most of the time. "Can't be lazy just because you want to be stubborn," she explained.