Solo (Solo) All across the wastes

[Miria]

It was a slow morning for the regulars at the Red Diamond Tavern, much too early for someone to be drinking. On the other hand Miria was happily downing her honey mead despite some of the looks some of the employees gave her. Miria thought little of the small gestures as she sat back letting the mead take effect. Yesterday she spent the majority of the day trying to sell her wares in the cold weather. Taking the better part of the day the archer had to visit quite few other places before she was finally able to sell off the rest of her heavy stash. Miria's muscles ached by the end of that day so she opted to retire early and have her honey mead in the morning instead. Thus, after breakfast in the mess hall topping the light fare with the mead did well to lift the archer's spirit this morning. Around her Miria recognized quite a few faces after years of going to the tavern though there were still a multitude of faces she did not know. Among them was a well aged individual sitting morosely by himself in the corner of the room. She wouldn't have even noticed him if he sat still while her eyes scanned the room. He shifted slightly causing Miria's eyes to locked on the unexpected movement. It was easy enough to see the man when looking around the room but it was rather difficult to perceive or otherwise notice his visage. In a tavern filled with more rambunctious types he blended into the background seamlessly as he sulked in the shadows. Shrugging slightly Miria continued her conversation with a fellow that she had come to see as a drinking buddy of hers the times she did stay at the tavern. The archer was not too picky when it came with the kind of people she talked with and even this boorish man was acceptable as long as he kept it somewhat civil. Today though it looked like what he shared was bordering on the inappropriate while sharing his story. “So there I was at the sculpture yard minding my own business appreciating fine art on my day off.” Which meant he was drinking himself silly. Miria gave a placid smile at the thought at least this Coolwater knew how to have fun. “When I saw this young couple cavorting as they went past the fence and started to mess with the sculptures.” Miria watched as he paused to take another sip from his ale allowing the scene to play out in her mind. “Who cares if they touched them? They are meant to be appreciated one way or another.” The archer was not too particular with the rules as long as no one was hurt. In this case this did not seem story worthy enough for her drinking buddy to share. “Oh they were too busy appreciating each other if you know what I mean. After awhile they just hid behind and under the sculptures to do who knows what. What could they possibly be doing snuggled up in the snow so close to each other? Probably something naughty you youngsters are absolutely.” Miria responded to the not so subtle smirk by rolling her eyes to the high heavens. Men like him only seemed to have one thing in mind it seems and it grated on the archer's mood to be subjected to it so early in the morning. “Just so you know I WAS married at one point of my life. Compared to that young couple I am a but more mature and experienced in that department.” Miria did not mean to come off as a braggart but she realized too late what she admitted as her cheeks reddened with intensity hearing the whistle and howl that came from her drinking buddy. All too ready was she to retort back at the man's obvious advances. “Is that right? Show me one of these days lassy?” “Get lost you. Preferably in the wastes.” “Oh come on now you WERE married at one point. Now you are all alone with all that pent up frustration ju-” “Enough fisherman. You talk top familiar with me.” Looking away Miria excused herself before abruptly leaving the boorish Coolwater. Her eyes grew into a very solemn pink as she could feel the tight knot of saddness in her stomach forming. She needed a distraction. Quick! Something. Anything for her to focus on! There! Her eyes went past the corner figure once more before remember having seen the mysterious figure. Swaying her hips as she walked Miria tried to convey a sense of confidence as she approached. She had copied the motion from a girlfriend of hers and could not help but feel powerful the way it garnered attention from those she walked past. “Hey there!” A pair of very serious eyes looked back at her before she continued. “I don't believe we know each other. I go to this tavern on occasion for the past few years but yours is a name I am not acquainted with.” “Maybe it is just that I am not the type to give a free drink to any manner of woman that approaches me.” Miria's eyes drooped at the man's implication setting her mug down on the table. It was actually getting pretty empty but that did not mean that she just wanted to use him for a free draught. Miria was not like that in any case. She was an independent woman who earns what she wants. “Very cheeky of you.” Settling next to him Miria did not care for the unwelcoming look he gave her as she finished the rest of her honey mead. A satisfied gasp escaped her lips before mimicking a purr that Miria learned from her last roommate. This time it was the man's turn to roll his eyes before asking the inevitable question. “What do you want?” “Nothing much” “Do you always meet people this way? In the taverns where there is such an overwhelming pressure?” A pause followed as Miria brought up the question to mind. Though only recently she has been doing so but she found that she quite liked the people she has met so far. “In fact I do. I feel that people here are very sincere in Avanthal.” An astonished look appeared on the man's face before quickly being replaced with a gruff huff at Miria's optimism. Leaving her to own devices the pair sat together for the better part of five chimes before Miria broke the silence. “So mister I've been thinking.” “That's a very dangerous pastime there missy.” “My name is not missy” “Well mine ain't mister.” “Alright what shall I call you then?” “Keltis” “Well then Keltis I shall address you as such so long as you call me by my name as well." "Which is?" "I'm Miria nice to meet you! As I was saying earlier I was wondering what you did." “In Avanthal?” “The one and only” “Absolutely nothing” An unamused look was given before he elaborated further. “Outside I'm a hunter, tracker and otherwise outdoorsman. It's my job to bring in meat, furs and other needed supplies not normally found inside the city. Heck I even do most of my trading outside of the city. Passing traders seem to love the riches Taldera has to offer.” Miria could barely contain her excitement upon hearing the man's trade. Such a rough and tumble sort of lifestyle! “No” Her eyes starting to shimmer a tricky blue before the archer drew back in shock at the sudden refusal. “I'm telling you I'm not going to buy you another drink.” Closing her eye miffed Miria made a dismissive gesture at him for his assumption. “No not that! I was going to ask you if you can possibly teach me how to do all that.” “And if you can get a free drink.” “...Perhaps. So how about it?” Miria really wanted to learn what this man had to offer. A ranger of the woods-err snow. Wastes! Yes a Taldera ranger. That would be something that Miria could easily end up doing. “Pack your bags and meet me out at the gates within one bell. If I don't see you I'll start without you.” Miria looked surprise at their sudden departure looking at **** confused. “Don't worry about me. Just go to whatever hold you came from and bring back some essentials for our trip.” It felt like Miria was getting thrown out it as she gracelessly stumbled out into the bright snow filled outdoors. After being reminded about the what limited time she had to prepare **** sent Miria on her way as he turned and disappeared into the backdrop. After a few more fumbling around in the snow the Coolwater finally sobered up enough to walk properly into her room. Honey greeted her as he hopped on the bed as if inviting her back to sleep. A mild smile reached Miria's features as she ruffled her little bundle of joy before grabbing her bag. “Momma's going to go on a little trip so you behave. I left you more then enough food to weather a few days but I'll probably be back by tomorrow.” Leaning in to give a soft kiss on the hare's head she placed him in his play area she set up for him before closing off all exits from the hare. Honey gave Miria an indignant look scrunching up his nose in protest looking at the food prepared for him. “Oh right!” Miria laughed as she took the vegetables strewed across the table and placed them within Honey's reach. “Behave now Honey Bunny and... don't poop. At least not on the linens” Honey gave the closest impression a bunny can give of someone rolling his eyes before pawing at her. 'I'm more worried that you won't behave,' The hare seemed to reply back.