Closed Close Quarters

[Epifanio Snowsong]

Title
Date

Careful consideration flowed through Epifanio as he sat against the walls up on the balcony. He asked himself to show the core of his own character in thought. His spark of consciousness which made up his essential self. Working towards his inner energy, he felt a nexus of power within him. It was warm feeling, and despite his current attempts of clearing his thoughts… unease settled across his mind.

As he meditated upon his thoughts, he focused on the feelings of love, gratitude, and joy. This sparked his inner consciousness to become brighter and stronger. His vivid imagination showed sparks of strong emotional feelings flowing through his fingertips into the floor. He was trying to release and realize himself for wisdom and guidance through this hard time. Despite being a bard and showing almost an act of security and humor, Epifanio worried naturally. He was just trying to calm his worry.

His deep thought surrounded around images of the past, and like a distant blur, was exhaled through his mouth. It was as if he was attempting to expel his negative energy. A bell had passed and for the most part Epifanio attempted to block out all sound and speech around him. His eyes remained closed through the process with a stilled face lacking any form of emotion.

Suddenly, sweat began to form on Epifanio’s body despite the cold, and images of sorrowful regrets took their course as a series of speech within his head began to unfold. It was as if a confusion set of thoughts began to unfold, and if one listened close enough his rambling might be heard during his meditation of self-discovery. He spoke mainly in riddles and rhyme, and incoherently grouped his thoughts around one single riddle. A figure who he saw in his meditation which was left unclear and cloudy.

If your eyes are attuned to darkness,
then you should see how I feel,
there is no hatred provoking,
only thoughts withstanding the will!
Engulfed in shadows, with flamboyant questions,
their darkness burns.
Contemplating upon the world, space, and time.
Yet, never would he answer,
oh, a tease of knowledge, forever, the moon to shine!
With every rotation there seeks greater needs for wisdom,
yet, never would he answer,
confined beyond the cosmos.
Travelling for greater paths they set aside their self,
though a mystery lies within,
while the sun casts their shadows.
Always asking questions, looking for someone to ask.
Yet, never would he answer,
their life filled with questions,
and many doubts unsure.
This is their darkness,
and a puzzle perplexed within …
the journey of their life.
While every twist and turn,
he follows, corrupting their presence.
For long as they exist, so will he.
Yet, never would he answer,
the Riddle Master… Strikes again!
He sets aside their differences,
and gathers them in one…
oh, how confusing
The Riddle Master, strikes again!
Though it's not just them, surely not…
for every being known to man,
and every rock left unturned,
there he is…
the Riddle Master within.

Their limits even left unknown,
while hiding from the truth.
The restrictions of society,
and the thoughts and morals between.
The Riddle Master he is,
trying to group them to one,
I can't help but to realize,
this fantasy they go to live…
are the wonders of another,
and every step I take …
lives their restricting beliefs.
I ask why man creates –
his image almighty,
yet, never would he answer.
Oh, How confusing,
the jokes they jester so,
and the corruption of their senses,
as they judge one another…
the Riddle Master, strikes again!
They sit along each other,
looking for the answers,
their thoughts and will only broken by themselves,
hiding behind the fury of the shadows.
If only they could rise above their fears,
they could help one another,
yet, they are only human.
Reaching within their self;
they have no other thoughts,
only dreams within them,
a hope and desire, bleeding through the scars.
I can see now there is only willpower;
Far away from them,
no measurable way to reach;
For when they look inside,
there is something else,
trying to pull away from their hopes, distraught!
The Riddle Master … Strikes again!

This universe is just a puzzle,
some things you shouldn't explain,
yet keeping their hopes,
they bring in the pain.
Then always look for someone to blame,
the true problem is:
They are all different,
yet, he groups them to one.
Oh, how confusing, humanity is one?
Their life but a question,
that I have wanted to solve,
yet, never would he answer.
The Riddle Master within.
That venom I did not run from, was a devious depravity, just like man,
a breath of air gasped uncertainly, any mortal being will drown in,
instead I reached my calm,
not in the paradise which comforted my eyes,
that was a fools place to linger,
but there was to be no paradise with venom deep down,
corrosion was the end, where I drowned.
The Riddle Master struck me down.

Though the clock always moves on,
I wish it stopped at times,
yet, never would he answer…
The Riddle Master, struck again.
Every second counts,
and every minute matters,
while every hour changes –
so does the fate of their life.
This puzzle goes around,
like the never ending circle.
Though, just like humanity,
every bit is different,
and I can't help but to realize,
time is another limit that restrains -
the human's mysterious nature.
Tick-Tock goes the clock,
Tick-Tock the measure of strife,
Tick-Tock goes their life!!
I have looked for something to unlock,
no one knew what I had became,
strayed in darkness,
chained with fear,
with only a hole of light -
showing in my soul,
and a cage without a key,
that only my deepest self could open up.
I was lost in thought with the beauty of silence caught,
my mind was the net that my heart kicked,
hidden like magic tricks,
feelings that couldn't depict.
That was the paradise that paralyzed me,
that often I sensationalized,
though there was no regret.
It was memorable moment,
shared with my true nature,
and a time where time froze over.
5So what was that poison fed to me?
Was it the Riddle Master?
Was it because I was born human?
I have always held that answer,
locked within myself,
my life was but a question,
and I was the answer…
I was the key.
Every being is responsible for their own actions,
that I have learned,
and it didn't take any Riddle Master to teach me that,
he however, did teach me that…
meaning is the perception of greedy intent,
and that which is without is peaceful in life.
Though, like always, I analyzed that too…
The poison in me needed it,
perhaps meaning can have complications, causing problems,
but having no meaning in life at all,
but to solely exist is the mystery of life.
I have looked for that meaning, and found no answer,
But I did find this…

The universe of life,
The questions unanswered,
All my hopes and dreams,
Were created by myself.
I was the poison,
And I created my problems.
So why is it I view myself differently?
Truth is: humanity is different,
every being is different,
yet, he binds us in one…
The Riddle Master struck again,
only this time I realized –
I was my own Riddle Master,
And He struck me down…
when I was the same as him.
and I had a sense of respect,
gained only through analysis…
of who and what I was.

As time went on he figured out that he was that shadowy figure, and it was only himself which was holding him back. Lingering on the passed did no use for the bard, and only through Morwen’s storm did he make this sort of recognition.

[Junco]

Junco spent the next bell or so talking to Grace as Epifanio disappeared upstairs and the rest of the folks in the tavern either stared solemnly into space or talked among themselves. He reckoned the conversation was going pretty well, he had made Grace laugh and she had even agreed to come and see Aumber, although being an apprentice doctor in Whitevine made it difficult to find time away. Even now she seemed to be worrying about the patients who were under her care. Soon though, as the conversation became more casual and forced and the fire slowly began to dull, Junco realized it was probably getting late.

The storm outside was still in full blast, Junco could hear the screaming winds batter against the doors and walls and failed to be able to see out of the snow-swept windows. Some of the tavern patrons might be getting tired, and Junco didn't want them to sleep anywhere, willy-nilly, he wanted some order in it, so he told Grace and Lucy his plan first.

"I think the women, that'd be you, Lucy and the barmaid, Hilly, can sleep in these chairs by the fire. You'll be warmest and comfiest there. Though you'll have to fight over who gets the couch and who gets the chairs. I'll also give each of you one of those blankets Hilly found too." He wanted the women to be as comfortable as possible. He gave them the plushy chairs, the spots by the fire and even the only blankets they had. Women came first, they were more important and more fragile, they deserved the best. The men on the other had would have to make do with anything else. Junco thought he would be just fine with his large cloak to keep him warm as well as the body heat of Bastian if the dog decided to lay with him instead of directly in front of the fire, where he was at now.

The rest of them could sleep wherever they wanted, as long as Junco deemed it far enough away from the women as to give them a little privacy. Although he wouldn't recommend sleeping upstairs, as that was the farthest from the fire and therefore the coldest. Excusing himself from Grace and Lucy he quickly went to the owner and told him of his sleeping arrangements. The owner seemed to agree, so next Junco headed upstairs to fill in Epifanio. Before he did though he threw a couple more logs into the fire, as it was looking a little weak.

When he arrived upstairs he was greeted with a depressed looking Epifanio staring into space. Walking up to him and slapping a hand on his shoulder to stir the bard out of his trance, he began to tell him of his plans, starting with where he placed the women and ending with "I know you like to be all by your lonesome, but I don't think you should stay up here for the night.It's already freezing."

[Epifanio Snowsong]

Title and Date

Red Diamond Tavern had always been a place of comfort to Epifanio, but this time thing felt strangely obscure. After meditating upon himself he felt alert, and not in the least bit tired. Though, by the tell of things quieting down people must have been getting ready to sleep. The combination of sleeping away the day and then being stuck in the Tavern left him feeling a bit anxious to do something.

When Junco came upstairs and placed his hand upon Epifanio’s shoulder he simply smiled back and said “I am sure eventually I will have to deal with worse sometime or another. I will endure it out and stay awake. Who knows what craze such a situation causes.” Epifanio got up slowly from sitting, using the wall to assist, and let out an exasperated breath of air. “No worries, I will make sure nothing strange happens, and if it does you will be the first I wake.”

As he spoke, Epifanio headed to the stairs once more, and went to sit at the bar. He poured himself a nice glass of water and quickly drank it up. His throat scratching from his previous song. He sat there for some time, not paying much attention to what the ladies of the Tavern were doing, and mostly thought of how long this blizzard might last. He also knew if things kept up the way they were going the snow could barricade them in for a bit longer.

Epifanio stared into his refilled glass of water and said “Say Junco, if we are here longer than a couple of days… it could be bad.” He mostly was worried about people more than supplies. If necessary he thought he could endure a few days of discomfort and hunger at the expense of others, but at the same time he didn’t like the sound of it. He was incredibly stubborn in difficult situations and it would be likely that his pride might outweigh his hunger in such a situation. He was still young and strong.

Most of the workers of the Tavern seemed to retreat somewhere in the back, except for the barmaid who met Lucy and Grace by the fire. Come to think of it, Epifanio never really talked to the barmaid. She seemed a bit distant of the bard, but that was the least of his worries. “I am going to check in on the kitchen real fast, Junco.”

Opening a low swinging door that went into the bar, Epifanio headed towards the kitchen, and while doing so made himself known. “Hey, just coming to check in on you.” As he entered the kitchen the smell of roasted meat filled the air. It seemed a bit strange because he thought most people were supposed to be headed to sleep.

“Hello?” Epifanio asked as he saw no one within the kitchen. There was just a mild flame in the stove that looked like it was about to die out. Likely remained from previously in the day. As Epifanio continued on into the kitchen a door on the floor was ajar that he had never noticed before.

As he descended sounds of a scurrying man from within were sounded. “Oh there you are, what are you doing down here? You don’t plan on sleeping here do you.” The man was the owner of the tavern and before speaking gulped almost as if swallowing something. “No, I just had to check inventory for the storm. Make sure we had enough supplies.” Epifanio looked around as the owner said that.

There wasn’t much in the small pantry, and most of it seemed to be assortments of different alcohol. “I don’t see much here. Unless you were planning on drinking away your worries.” He slightly laughed as stepping more forward. In response the tavern owner backed up with his hands behind his back.

“What have you got there?” Epifanio asked the tavern owner, his employer. The man got defensive but tried to lie. “Nothing, head back upstairs and if you want you can sleep in the kitchen.” He said. Giving a shrug and not wanting to do anything to upset his employer, Epifanio headed back upstairs before saying. “I am not going to go to sleep tonight. Going to watch the Tavern and make sure nothing strange occurs.”

Epifanio re-emerged to the kitchen and went straight to Junco. “I think the tavern owner is hiding something.” He whispered before explaining what happened.

[Junco]

He nodded at Epifanio's mention of checking the kitchen. He had already spoken to the tavern owner about supplies, but he trusted Epifanio enough to take a second look. While the bard did so Junco looked around. The women over by the fire seemed to be starting to find comfortable places on the plush chairs to sleep through the night. The fire in front of them was dimming, but not enough yet for Junco to want to waste a log or two to brighten it back up. His dog, Bastian, was still hogging the heat by laying directly in front of the fire.

Bastian did this all the time. Junco understood somewhat, the poor animal did not have a mark for Morwen and his fur, although covering his entire body, was not super thick and Junco was sure the dog got cold often here in the Avanthal wastes. So Junco could see the comfort the dog might have by lounging around a fire. Although Bastian did so so often Junco would cringe thinking about being surrounded by that much heat for such a long period of time. But his friend seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.

The other men at the bar seemed to not have moved this entire time. One was still nursing a drink that Junco assumed the barmaid or owner must have refilled at some point this night or else the man was prolonging a long gone drink. Another man had his head laid upon the bar and he tried to peer closer, looking if the man had fallen asleep or passed out. Either way that would be one less human to deal with when finding sleeping arrangements for the rest of the men.

As he was thinking about the latter situation Epifanio reappeared from the kitchen and walked up to Junco. Listening, the hunter became confused. "What would he possibly want to hide from us?" He wondered aloud, stroking his beard. "He knows us all pretty well, especially you Epifanio, you work here. Strange..." And it was. Junco could not think of one thing the owner would hate for anyone else to know about. Vantha in nature were generous, kind and certainly not secretive, especially to their own kind.

"Well..." He began, thinking of a solution. The last thing Junco wanted to do was invade the poor mans privacy, but he also felt that in this situation the owner as well as everyone else should be open with everything for the good of the people trapped here. "I'll be staying up for a good portion of the night, watching the storm. When he goes to sleep I'll sneak down there and see what he was hiding. You should come with, to help point out what was there and what wasn't. I'm sure you know the kitchen better than I do anyway. But wait until he falls asleep, I don't want to upset him if we are overreacting."

[Epifanio Snowsong]

Title and Date

It felt as if night couldn’t come any sooner. It wasn’t that Epifanio was tired. He was mostly awake from his meditation and the fact of sleeping most of the day away from his drunken stupor the night before. Through all of it though there was one thing that he couldn’t get off of his mind. ‘Why was Junco so at the ready to ensure all of these protections for the women?’ He wondered for a moment as he took a seat near the bar once more, mostly ignoring the others who seemed to be in a drunken stupor of their own. Much different than his own. When Epifanio drinks the true beast of the north is unleashed. Sometimes even literally, leaving his pants almost a mystery to their whereabouts the next day.

Those were cheerful times for him, unlike the current mood he was in. One could say he was almost depressed about the situation, and his eyes reflected that in their color. Before long he just couldn’t take it much more, plenty of time had passed, but some people were still awake. Particularly a few giggles could be heard next to the fire. The girls. Most likely talking about Junco or Epifanio in some sort of way.

Epifanio got up and went straight to Junco and diligently said “Lets go. Now, I am petching bored, and if not for this storm or hunger I am most likely to die of that!”

Epifanio darted through the bar without a word from Junco, and in his haste almost slammed the door to the kitchen. Remembering that Junco wanted it to be a stealthy mission he quickly tried to grab it before it slipped back into its frame. Though, it was too late. The loud sound of a door closing startled the men sitting at the bar and caused them to get up in their stupor. They grudgingly made their way towards Epifanio and confronted him in a tone of anger.

“Wh. Wha r’ yous doing?” The more burly man sounded as approaching Epifanio. He responded with a calm reassurance “I’m the bard here, and just making sure that everything is alright in the kitchen. There is an area over there that you can sleep. Junco had been preparing a place for us for a while now.”

The man couldn’t coherently follow what Epifanio was saying, and as Epifanio was talking and pointed towards the area the drunken man mistook it for a jab at him. Without thinking the man swung to the image of Epifanio that he thought was him, but it fell short in his stupor. Epifanio had never been in a bar fight before and wasn’t even sure how to react. In his inexperience to dodge he fell back and fell into the door that previously slammed shut.

Before long he got up mildly embarrassed as the drunken man attempted to charge at him, just then the man stopped mid-way and threw up, heaving on the floor. It was a quick motion before he was up again and trying to fight Epifanio. The smell was nauseating in itself, and Epifanio was not ready for this sort of engagement.

Shimoje was here?

[Junco]

Junco had not gone to sleep yet. Epifanio said he would take the nights watch and so Junco was allowed to rest. He simply wanted to wait for everyone else to fall into a slumber before he chose to as well. And the women over by the fire were somehow still awake and giggling at Morwen knows what. He now sat in one of the empty wooden chairs by the tables away from the fires. He had been spending his previous time setting up makeshift beds for the rest of the men. Mainly these consisted of their cloaks sprawled across the hard floor. It wouldn't be a comfy sleep, but as he looked up at the passed out men at the bar he told himself it would surely be comfortable than the position they were in right now.

Looking at the men he was startled when suddenly Epifanio had risen from his station and was now standing in front of Junco. He muttered something quickly about 'going now' and it wasn't until Epifanio was halfway across the tavern again. He then realized in a panic that Epifanio meant 'going now' as in 'going now to the kitchen to see what the owner was hiding'. To Junco this seem a bit rushed, but he got up and followed Epi just in time to witness the catastrophe unfold.

Epifanio was not being quiet in his quest and woke the two men passed out at the bar who hadn't quite slept off their stupor. They mistook a simple gesture of the bards for a threat and began attacking the poor man. But shocked at his swing, Epifanio fell, only to get back up in time for the drunken fighter to throw up on the floor right in front of him. Junco started rushing over, this was the exact last thing they needed stuck inside this petching place.

Junco caught the man in the middle of a charge at Epifanio. Junco was a lover not a fighter and didn't really know how to restrain or fight anyone. So he simply used his mere strength grown from hunting to bear hug the man into capture. All the commotion had woken Bastian who was still lounging by the fire. Worried about his master Bastian ran up to the group and started barking viciously. But without a command from Junco he was currently harmless. His voice, though, was still frightening enough to cause the second drunk to back off.

"Hush!" Junco yelled to Bastian and the dog instantly stopped, still frozen in a defensive position. "Everyone needs to calm the petch down or I swear to Morwen I will freak out." He tried to sound as threatening as possible, his anger and annoyance fueling the tone. Junco was a rather large, burly Vantha, and although the man in his capture was larger than him he was able to keep him under wraps because the man was under the weather with alcohol.

In a calmer voice Junco addressed Epifanio, "Are you alright?" Once the bard had answered Junco would then reply "What were you thinking?" annoyed once more. "We talked about this!" he, of course, was talking about the plan. He still didn't want to give their intentions away since now everyone, previously sleeping or not, was watching the ordeal.

[Epifanio Snowsong]

Title and Date

Epifanio wasn’t always the patient type, and when problems arose he was more of a man of action. This event was not expected though. He stood there in disgust as remains of puke and saliva dropped from the burly man’s mouth onto Junco’s arm. He couldn’t help but release a smile and thought that maybe, just maybe he could work this in favor to find out what was going on. Thus, the acting commenced, after sharing a twinkle in his eye towards Junco, of course.

“I don’t care Junco. We are locked up here for god knows what, and this drunken man here dares to try and throw punches!” Epifanio began shouting. The act caused some unsettled feelings within the tavern and the women quickly rushed over to see what was going on.

“What is going on?” Grace said with a worried look on her face.

“I will tell you what is going on, Petch it!” Epifanio shouted once more. He didn’t necessarily direct the yell towards Grace, but rather shared a look of frustration at the man held in Junco’s lock. He could see that the drunken man was also starting to get uneasy and tried struggling a bit more.

“I was just going into the kitchen when this man decided to attack me after I caught him!” Epifanio pointed and the man and it wasn’t soon after till the tavern owner came out of the doors to the kitchen, right behind Epifanio. He maneuvered himself around, and as he did such Epifanio smelt food on him as he spoke. “Let’s all just settle down. Epifanio what is going on?” the tavern owner asked him in a worried state.

Thus the lying started. The bard was weaving a tale as they spoke, and he hoped in doing so would uncover some truths.

“I was heading into the kitchen when I managed to see this drunk sneaking into the pantries behind the bar! When I saw him he attacked me, and then threw up.” Epifanios tone of voice calmed down a bit and was no longer yelling. The drunk man then struggled and shared an evil look with the bard.

“That’sch nots true! I saw him heading into the kitchen!” The drunk man states before breaking loose and started to charge towards Epifanio once more. Clearly he had even more of a grudge against Epifanio, and it didn’t help his case any. Just as he got close enough to Epifanio the tavern owner picked up an iron firepoker and tapped at the man in the chest just before he got close enough to attack Epifanio. “Now calm down. Let’s hear your side of it.” The tavern owner said.

In reaction to being tapped on the chest by the firepoker the drunken man yelled “Fine!” and then stepped back a few paces.

“This isn’t right!” Grace said. “We should be sleeping and planning for tomorrow.

“Much sleeping you were doing over there giggling by the comforts of the fireplace!” Said the drunken man, now seeming to sound a bit more sober in his speech, but still fumbling about over his own feet. “I was laying here on the table to bar, when I heard the door to the kitchen slam. That’s when I saw this guy here trying to enter the kitchen. When I confronted him about it, he tried to punch me!” During his talking the man fell back a few paces and had to result to leaning against a portion of the bar table.

The tavern owner didn’t know what to think, and that is when he slipped it in. “I think I saw him trying to sneak food for himself!” He yelled out. Part of him felt bad for lying, but he had his role to do in this acting. Only one thing wouldn’t make sense to those who had managed to oversee the entire event, and that was that Epifanio’s story involves that the drunk man was behind the bar, not just lying there. Only Junco would have probably picked up on that though.

When mentioning stealing food, the tavern owner didn’t look shocked at all, instead if one was to observe closely they could see sweat forming near his brow.

[Junco]

Was he drunk? The thought crossed Junco's mind for just a moment but he pushed it away. He had been awake all night so far and hadn't seen Epifanio drink once. Unless he was being super sneaky, which didn't seem like Epi at all, especially a this precise moment, it didn't fit. But the bard was being ridiculous. He was making a huge scene, their entire stealth plan to see what the tavern owner was hiding, if anything at all, had gone to shite. And now the man was spouting nonsense. Junco just stared, wide eyed at his friend, still trying to hold the drunk in his arms.

Junco had missed the small hint Epifanio had thrown to him previously. He had been concentrating more on holding this huge man back. It was taking all his strength and he just prayed the man would calm down a bit because at this pace he knew he couldn't hold him off much longer. It didn't help once Epifanio started throwing around accusations. The group had barely been locked in here for half a day and Epifanio was already acting like he was going stir crazy. Junco was starting to think he was the only sane one.

Then the women rushed over and Junco just wanted nothing else than this to stop. He didn't want this kind of behavior in front of the women, in front of Grace and he certainly didn't want Grace to see it when this man barged out of his grip, stronger than him.

As Epifanio's scene moved on Junco narrowed his eyes in warning at the bard when he started cursing at Grace. The man in his arms stared struggling more and more, he could feel his grip loosening. It was only when Epifanio claimed he had seen the drunk man currently imprisoned try to sneak behind the bar that Junco realized the bard was singing a song. Not a literal song, but a lie meant to entertain those around him into giving Epifanio what he wanted, a confession form the tavern owner, or at least some evidence.

Junco decided he would have to go along with this since Epi had ruined their original plan. He stayed quiet for the moment, though, especially as the tavern owner came out of the kitchen, reeking of deception. Junco did an internal face palm as he realized Epifanio, before this whole scene, would have been barging right into the owners secret. The owner seemed concerned enough with the situation though, so this could go their way. Junco was a regular here and very well trusted as a general rule around Avanthal. And Epifanio was this mans employee, so he must trust him somewhat to have hired the man. This other man, though, was simply a drunk. So even if Epifanio's lies weren't solid, they might as well be better than this drunks mumbling.

The second iteration about the drunk man's betrayal was enough to spur him into enough anger to claw his way out of Junco's grip. The hunter tried to hold him back but simply wasn't strong enough to grab and pull back a man of this size. Immediately, however, when the man broke free, Junco wiped his wet arm onto his cloak. 'Petching gross' he thought. For now he would see how this unfolded.

The drunk tried to tell his side of the story, but sweet Grace had interrupted with some very sound advice. The man, however, did not appreciate it and snapped back at her. That is when Junco moved back in, stepping in between him and the women. "Hey now, watch your mouth." He growled.

The lied continued. The drunk man claimed Epifanio tried to swung at him, which was not true though Junco reckoned the man sure believed it. And Epifanio claimed he saw the drunk man behind the bar trying to sneak food. Junco knew that was a lie, though no one else would probably. The women were minding their own business by the fire and the other men were just as passed out as he was, while the tavern owner was clearly sneaking something in the kitchen.

This is when Junco put in some words of his own. "Alright here's the deal." He started, addressing everyone, though his eyes fixed on the owner. "I'm not sure what happened her but I do know one thing. No one, and I mean no one, should feel the need to be sneaking around for food, or anything else that is. We do not know how long we are going to be trapped her. It could be a few more bells or a few more days. Only Morwen knows. But one thing is for sure. Any food we have is for everyone. If you are hungry, go get some food. However there are limited stores and so all the food" Junco put some emphasis, looking at the owner "is open to everyone, but its also going to be rationed so no one gorges while another staves. Ya hear me?"

[Epifanio Snowsong]

[left]

Title and Date

Guilt rushed over the tavern owner as Junco made his long honor bound speech. “What is it with this guy?” Epifanio asked himself. It was as if Junco held on to some sacred honor that he himself had never heard about. It was at this point that Epifanio started to respect Junco. Even though the two lived completely separate lifestyles he could see the passion within his heart. He was genuinely a good guy. Epifanio, though most of his intentions were good he didn’t have the same moral thoughts as Junco.

The tavern owner observed both sides of the case. “uh, I believe the man is right.” He said. “If Epifanio is hungry he can eat, and if the drunk there is hungry he is more than welcome.” Acting suspiciously the tavern owner looked down at his feet. “We have some reserves that I found downstairs. I was… hiding them… in case something like this happened.” Shifting his eyes over to Epifanio and then to Junco the man’s face and eyes were riddled with guilt. Epifanio turned to look at him. “Why didn’t… never mind. Seeing as how you know how to cook and how to properly serve… try and portion it out fairly, and wrap it in something to give to each of us.” Epifanio said to resolve the conflict. “I will help you with it. That way everyone won’t feel the need to sneak around.”

The tavern owner left to the kitchen and Epifanio followed him. The drunk man simply returned back to his seat and laid his head down on the table after saying sorry. Epifanio figured at this time Junco might be trying to flirt with Grace or act the hero. In reality, he was just the sort of hero figure that most women would look up to, but deep down Epifanio knew. He acted like a complete oaf at times. Puffing out his chest to act tough and seeming to be high and mighty, but he still respected him.

The kitchen was surrounded by a variety of wood and a few counters with knives and various kitchen tools. Some of them Junco recognized, and some of them not so much. The tavern owner collected all the food in one place. Varieties of bread, dried meat and fruits, and some nuts. Doing their best Epifanio worked beside his employer and patted him on the back “You did a good thing.” Epifanio reassured him. He responded with a slight smile as placing bread on a few white cloths that were in storage to protect food from dust. “Perhaps, but can you keep a secret? I don’t know what it is with this storm, but it has me on edge. By the way it is going it’ll be far longer than just one day. I’m an older guy, y’know… and I was going to keep a special portion of the food to myself just in case. I was afraid that the Junco guy out there would favor the women too much and let them eat all the rations. This works better for everyone though.”

Epifanio was surprised by what his employer had done, but in some ways it made sense to him. He was an older guy, and one that could be taken advantage of. Though now he is there portioning up the food evenly and being fair. Finally, all of the food was portioned and tied up. The two left the kitchens and quietly went around and gave it to each person in the tavern. If they were asleep they simply nestled it by their arms or set it on them.

Epifanio saw Junco along the way and then started up on his guard duty like rightfully promised. Although, all the lies and deception worked out in favor, he was sure that such a dramatic scene probably shouldn’t happen again. Everyone’s nerves were high, and there was no telling how people would react.

During his guard Epifanio was kind enough to get 4 pales of water and some soap for people to wash up with. He stationed a few of them by the fireplace and a few by the bar for the men. After that he simply went upstairs and nestled his feet between the fence lining of the loft balcony and looked on below while thinking about music.
[left]

[Junco]

Junco sighed internally. He was very grateful that the scene ended the way it did. He was especially grateful that his speech aimed at the tavern owner worked to beautifully. He thought he was going to have to approach him directly and demand and answer. He saw the owner as a friend of sorts. A relationship where each respected each other. Junco frequented him establishment often and the man served his often. he was starting to lose some respect for the man, but he gained it back once he admitted him mistake. And thankfully the drunk who had started the fight seemed to easily drop it as well once everything was out in the open. He also seemed to forget the accusations Epifanio had made towards him. Overall Junco was relieved.

As the bard went to the kitchen to help the owner dish out the food, Junco led Grace back over to the fire place with the rest of the women trailed closely behind. The rest of the group dispersed as well. Grace had claimed the couch by the fire so she moved her blankets to one side and perched herself within them, letting the other half of the couch available for Junco to sit. He gladly accepted her offer when she spoke it.

He sat awkwardly for a moment in silence, scratching the back of his head and looking down at his knees. Bastian crawled on over from the fireplace where he had, without hesitation, resumed his sleeping spot. Junco scratched his ears. "I am sorry about all that. Epifanio made quite a scene. We had a plan, I mean we knew the owner was hiding something... But he made a mess of it. I'm sorry for waking you up." He glanced up at her through his bowed head.

She just giggled and it startled him. Looking up into her face now he saw nothing but understanding and kindness. She was actually amused at his attempt to apologize. "I wasn't sleeping anyway. There's nothing wrong with a little excitement, especially when you're trapped in a place like this." She said, looking around at the animal remains placed about like they were some sort of trash rather than trophies.

Mock offended Junco retorted. "'A place like this?' I'll have you know, Ms. Whitevine that this establishment is filled to the brim with trophies and winnings of my fellow Frostfawns. These are fantastic pieces all with a story behind them." He gestured around to each pair of antlers, horns, each pelt that lined the walls and floors.

Grace raised her eyebrows with a slight smile. "Oh? Well then tell me a story and I'll judge whether it is worthy of being admired or not." She narrowed her eyes in a challenge.

Junco gave a hearty laugh. "Alright lets see." He glanced around trying to find something here that had been from a hunt he had accompanied or heard of. Although none of his kills were displayed here the stories of each kill would rage across Frostfawn Hold as soon as they were made and so Junco knew many.

It was about halfway through his story that Epifanio and the owner came around and distributed each wrapping of food. It wasn't much but it would hopefully get them through the rest of the storm. After that Junco noticed Epifanio go tot he second level again, sit down and start watching the rest of the tavern. Once his story was finished, with Grace giving it a solid 7.5 out of 10, Junco went up to join him.

He sat down beside the bard, sticking his legs through the spaces just as Epifanio was doing, looking down into the rest of the tavern. "How's it going?"