Where Devils Dance The Times Are Good

[Domar]

Rolloth wiped the sweat off of his forehead and looked up at the Inn before him. It was made of a beautiful mahogany wood and had a layer of gloss put over it to protect it from wear and tear. The windows were shaped like dancers with horns and imp tails and the main entrance had the picture of a Great Demon carved into it. There was a large sign above the doorway that said

Welcome to the

Dancing Devil Inn

Where Heaven and Hell meet.

He had finally decided to fix the place up and now that he was finished he was glad he did.

~He had owned the Inn for a year now, but because of its shabby state not many people came. After talking with his wife and the rest of the staff they had decided to make the Inn a place where everyone would like to go, so Rolloth went to an old friend, who held on to the small fortune that he had collected during his traveling days, got a large amount of gold and hired the best architects and builders in the area.~

One of the builders came up to Rolloth and handed him all of the architects sketches along with a sheet of paper that had the amount Rolloth owed them. Rolloth and the builder went through the Inn and the builder gave him a tour, explaining what they had done, to see if everything was acceptable. Every room had two to five windows, depending on how many people the room was made for, a bathroom, and two dressers. The doors all had locks on them, for those who preferred privacy, and all of the rooms were fitted with a magical silent alarm that would let the person at the bar know if a room was being robbed or entered without the proper room key. The rooms were on the top three floors and the kitchen/bar was on the ground floor. The bar consisted of a long counter with glasses and drinks under and behind it. Also part of the bar was the commons where the customers ate, drank, sat, talked, and watched the entertainment. The kitchen was behind the bar and the barmaid/waitress could get the food from there through a large window like opening. This way people could order food directly from the cook if the barmaid was busy or just talk to the cook. Also the opening would let the lushous aromas waft out to the customers. Both the kitchen and the bar were connected to the cellar where all excess food and drink would be stored. These doors also had magical locks that could only be opened by one of the staff. After the tour was over Rolloth gave the man his money and watched them all go on their way. Then Rolloth put up a sign by the door that said

The Dancing Devil Inn is now open for business.

Entertainer still needed.

and went inside the Inn once more. Everyone was inside and waiting for the first new customers, or any of the old regulars from before the renovations, to come. Rolloth had sent a runner to many cities with fliers about the Inn in hopes that it would start off with a bang. "It's good to see the place all fixed up," Rolloth said to no one in particular and the proceeded to wait for the first customers.

[† The Jaxness †]

After taking a private tour of her own on the newly renovated Inn, she beamed with pride as she finally glanced up at the sign to read "Welcome to the Dancing Devil Inn". Proceding to walk around, stopping to give a second glance to a few things, she finally decided to sit at the bar. Having been working hard alongside her husband in all of the Inn's renovations, it felt good to finally see the place finished,, for it would surely bring in more customers then it had before.

With a deep sigh, she thought of where she might be if she hadn't married Rolloth and bought this place. Probably still roaming around by herself with no goal in life. Never taking anything for granted, Roxy made every situation useful and beneficial to everything she did now. Having married and settled down, her and Rolloth attempted to start a family right after they got married several years ago, but to no avail, every attempt either ended in a continuously empty womb or a sorrowful miscarriage.

Shrugging off the sad thoughts, she reached around the bar top and grabbed a cloth from a wash bucket. Walking the length of the counter, she wiped and polished every inch of it, feeling better at her fortune of finding something to keep her busy. After the bar she moved on to the windows near the door, where she saw Rolloth setting up a sign informing the passersby that they were now open for business and still in need of entertainment.

Wiping down the last couple windows as her husband walked in, a question entered her mind about the runner Rolloth had sent into several nearby cities about the Inn's re-opening. Wiping several beads of sweat from her brow, she walked to the bar. Tossing the now dirty cloth into the wash bucket behind the counter, she stood straight up to stretch more a moment before walking over to her husband side, linking her arm with his. Resting her head on his shoulder, she smiled to herself while getting a thought.

"We did it, love. The Inn is finally done."

[Ninjz]

"hmph... i liked it when the corners were dark." Vlad grumbled through his mane of shaggy black hair. He was wary of Roxxanne and her positive outlook, and gave her a wide berth because of it. He walked over to the secure bedroom where he lived and kept his weapons Seeing the architects walk by he turned away and removed the door's lock and handle, earning him a dark glance. He replaced it with the heavy metal lock and combonation system he had built himself, and had enchanted with some of the most powerful warding spells. after closing the door he pulled out his carving dagger and etched the runes taught to him by the archmage of the far southern realm and spoke the proper words. Noone was getting in there without him letting them in. even if they burned down the inn and obliterated everything else in the town they still wouldnt bypass the magical barriers that now protected his things.

he walked out of teh back hallway and roamed about. he passed Rolith observing the inn, and roxy cleaning the bar, and wnt out into the city. The Sheriff's office was his destination. This new inn was going to need guarding. And he needed to know who to guard against.

[Rayn]

Getting all of his ingredients ready, Alex sighed with happiness. Before the inn was shipshape, he would have been lucky to cook for two or three of the old regulars. But he didn't care, he had a job that he loved doing and he had a new family that loved him. What else could he ask for?

Picking up the sack of potatoes, obtained from the huge mound that he had received in case there was a rush on the first few days, he placed them on the counter and looked through the large window that separated the kitchen and the bar, glancing at Roxy wiping off the counter of the bar and Rolloth finishing placing the sign outside. He smiled and started taking the potatoes out one by one. Wash, skin, wash and place in the bucket. While working, he started to glaze over the wonderful memories of the fun times he's had at this place. All the laughter and light-heartedness. Good times, good times.

After about 20 potatoes had been sliced, he filled the bucket up with water from the sink and added all of the spices and seasonings that he would soak them in to give them that great flavor. Salt, pepper, chopped onions, a pinch of minced garlic, sage, cloves, and a hint of cajun. Perfection in Alex's opinion.

Setting down the bucket next to the stove, he walked through the kitchen doors, around the bar, and sat at one of the many seats that surrounded the bar counter, wiping his hands on his white apron.. He called out to Roxy in a friendly voice.

"Hey foxy Roxy, could ya get me a mug of that ale, please?" he said as he took out a handkerchief and wiped his brow.

[Catrux]

Toran had been passing through when a flyer caught his eye. It was for the ol' Dancing Devil Inn, but apparently now it was better than before. He almost passed by it before noticing that they Innkeep was in need of an entertainer, Toran reached into his pockets and felt the familiar bottom. Sighing to himself he decided to make his way to the Inn and hopefully earn some money.....well at least food.

As he made his way to the Inn he started singing and performing in an attempt to get some money for food, since he didn't know if he would get any for a while. He was given a few coins, about enough for a loaf of bread that was a tad stale. The generous souls all happened to be female, they for some reason always seemed to be his best patrons, well them and the occasional man in frilly clothes. By the time he reached the Inn he was quite parched and cursed his luck, for he would have to spend the money on a drink instead of on food.

Toran stood outside trying to decide if he should attempt a dramatic entrance, but eventually his thirst prodded him onwards and into the Inn like an average person. Instinctively Toran began scanning the crowd to try and find the richest, and most likely to appreciate his talents. After being satisfied with his glimpse of the crowd he walked up to the bar and ordered an ale with out looking at the bartender. The reason he didn't look at the bartender was because he was preoccupied with racking his brain for what kind of performance to use. In the end he decided to use the most likely choice, one of celebration, begining anew, and all that crap.

Before his ale could be brought to him, Toran got up and started his performance. He weaved around the crowd, stopping to sing directly to some of the more wealthy and the more attractive, he was only a man after all.

OOC: If it's alright with everyone I'm not going to post what Toran is actually singing, but should you all decide that i should then I guess I'll try and come up with something.

[The Joshness ™]

They had hired him, nothing to spectacular for someone of his strength and size to earn the job of a Bouncer in a Inn. They had left him to his own by giving him a small makeshift room in the wine cellar, away from the people and disturbances. It was cold, and damp, lit only by a pair of dim candles atop his desk fit snugly between his bed and the wall. Matthew stands naked next to an assortment of folded cloths and gear, getting ready for his duties above. His massive Shatter Blade leaning against the wall next to his rooms door glinting slightly in the dim candles. He had journeyed far, escaping it and escaping them. Riding himself of the pain, but it never truly goes away for all across Matthews body was hundreds upon hundreds of scars, battle wounds and….scars of shame. Matthews right eye bares the scar of his brother, an Arrow meant to kill him that lead to the death of his brother instead. His skin was a soft bronze, the dim candles makes his tight muscular body shimmer with the appearance of a living metal sculpture as he dawned his normal attire. Many layers of cloth, padding, armor and straps as well as an array of weapons. The last touch was a dark pair of shades he slides on slowly then turns his head to both sides, giving off loud crackling pops.

When he was finished, fully dressed and prepared, he gets to one knee before a a jagged sculpture of a wolf about the size of a cat on an altar at the foot of his bed “Honor, Respect, Bravery, Cunning, Strength and Intelligence. Control of these elements is what makes us Warriors. Will, Love, Desire, Hate, Envy, Greed, and Fear. Control of these elements is what makes us Gods.” Bowing his head and raising up to his full height Matthew turns and grabs his Shatter Blade then heads out his tiny room and up to the surface. The stone staircase leading up from the basement echoes with the sound of his massive boots thumping and banging on his way up, he rests the Shatterer on his shoulder when he comes upon the door and opens it. Come out at a wall at the far end of the bar . Behind it of course. The customers, whoever or whatever they may be, would most likely have to look up at Matthew, and not even knowing if he is looking back with his glasses on. He did not say a word to anyone and kept a steady grimace look upon his face, the only thing heard form him was ‘Good day, Boss’ and that was to Rolloth.

His job was peaceful for now, for how long who knows, but while it is, Matthew just sits down at the bar himself, laying the Shatterer against the counter next to him. Matthew watches, waiting.

[Domar]

"Good day to you too, Matthew." Rolloth responed with a smile when Matthew greeted him. Rolloth had been walking around and talking to many of the customers. The place had nearly filled up within the hour of opening and everyone seemed to be having a good time. He had just finished talking to a man about the renovations when a gnome in builder's garb walked up to him and tapped him on the elbow.

"Sir! We had forgotten to inform you of something before we left. When we were working on the cellar we encounterd a cave and sent one of our men into it to see what was in it. He still hasn't returned and that was a month ago, but we gave him plenty of rations just in case he got lost. We had to seal it shut, but we used a door instead of permenently closing it. If you happed to hear knocking use this key to open the door and let our man out. His name is Joelethin and he has never let us down before so I expect him to show up at the door within a few days." The Gnome gave Rolloth the key and left.

Rolloth turned the key over in his hands and examined it. It was made of Adamantium and was so intracately carved he was sure that no one would be able to replicate it or pick the lock the key went to. Rolloth whispered a few words and then the key dissapeared. He had sealed it somewhere below the inn and could get it back with another spell. He then turned to the singing man and said, "Well now don't we have a wonderful singing voice. How would you like a job here? You will be well paid and will be allowed to room here indefenetly as do most of our employees. What say you sir?"

[Moridanu]

*Arianwen paused to wipe her brow before she hoisted the heavy sack of empty bottles into the large pit that Rollath had dug for such a purpose. The small yard at the back of the Inn was barely big enough to house such a pit, yet it seemed surprisingly capable of doing just that. There was also room for a decrepit old shed made of corrugated iron, a row of large barrels and kegs and an overgrown garden that broke through the crumbling garden wall to trail out to the small patch of woods that stood behind the inn. Although the building itself had been renovated, Rollath had not spent as much time or care with the backyard as he had with the inns street façade. The rear of the inn was almost completely untouched and it was just as she liked it. She knew that her family were out there, lurking in the trees watching her. Almost as soon as she thought of them, she heard the familiar howl of the pack’s elder and she lowered her own head before howling in response. A moment of calm silence passed between Arianwen and her pack and she smiled slightly as she picked up the now empty sack and folded it over her arm.

Walking back inside, she dropped the sack in its place before making her way over to Alex and dipping her finger in his pot of spices. She glanced around looking guilty when she realised he was still in the room. She wanted to tell him that it needed something.. some extra spice but she didnt know the word. Instead she used the two words she knew.

~ Need garlic.. ginger.. ~ she murmered, before she smiled softly, picked up a tray of clean glasses and carried them out to the bar. Sliding the tray on the bench beneath the bar, Arianwen tucked a few wayward strands of silken blonde hair behind one ear before her brilliant jade eyes glanced around the room. The inn was quickly filling up with customers, thirsty customers by the look of things if the recent sack load of bottles was any indication. Arianwen smiled softly as her gaze fell upon Roxy and then Rollath. She was happy for them. It looked as though the Inn would be a success, and she could not think of a more deserving couple. They had been kind enough to take her in, when noone else would and she was determined to never let them forget that act. A rather handsome Archer from Moridanu’s army was standing at the bar, his strumming fingers on the bar top betraying his frustration at having waited so long for a drink. Blushing slightly, she lowered her eyelashes and offered a slight smile, as she made her way over to him.

Nodding and smiling as she filled his order, Arianwen was soon laughing and joking with the customers as she poured drinks and served up Alex’s delicious food. Soon laughter and singing filled the inn and Arianwen relished the feeling of contentment that washed over her. She was home. *

[Ninjz]

Vlad arrived at the Sheriff's office quickly, taking back streets and alleyways that kept him away from the midday crowds. He went in to the house like structure that was the post for the law enforcement and went over to the wall. On it many wanted posters were pinned up. There were a few he recognized, and a few he didn't. Only one looked of interest, as it was a burglar that tended to break upper story windows to rob people. He noted the face and common choices for victoms, and went on his way. He ignored the large crowd, went around to the back and entered the Inn's kitchen. He passed by Alex the cook, and went back to his corner.

[† The Jaxness †]

With every new customers entrance, Roxy's smile only got bigger. It was good to know that all the sweat and hard work was paying off as she saw everyone enjoying themselves. As one man came in, however, he began to sing and perform, making a lovely show of entertainment for the Inn's patrons. Seeing him walk to the bar for a drink, it stuck her that they were still in need of entertainment. His show of enthusiasm was more then enough proof that she needed to hire him, and by the looks of him, he could use the job.

As soon the thoughts entered her mind, her dearest Rolloth approached the man to offer said job. That being taken care of, Rozy side-stepped between the Inn's occupants, weaving through the crowd until she was one again at the bar, a few stools down from Matthew. She avoided looking at him, and sat on a stool, resting her elbows on the countertop. She was totally against hiring him, she feared his attitude was effect his work as a bouncer, but Rolloth said he was perfectly suited for the job. After a short arguement, they had agreed upon letting him stay, and if he didnt work out, he would be replaced. Much to her disappointment, Matthew seemed to be getting along just fine as bouncer, his appearance certainly fit the bill.

Making up her mind to simply ignore him, she spotted Arianwen behind the bar, setting things up for the oncoming customers. Now she was someone Roxanne was proud to have hired. She was a hard worker, and tried her best at everything. Having been so different from everyone else never seemed to bother her, for when she was working, she joked and laughed with the rest of them. Closing her eyes for a few seconds, she took a huge whiff of the scent coming from the back of the kitchens, catching the intoxicating scent of Alex's superb cooking. Making a mental note to mention to Alex to save her a plate later, she turned around on the stool seat and faced the Inn's open room, keeping watch on how things were going.

[Rayn]

Flip...one, two, three....flip...one, two, three....

Alex was keeping a steady rythym to his cooking, which cooked the food evenly to make it all the more tastier, especially the potatoes. Adding a pinch of salt here and a splash of red wine for an extra kick there was what made Alex's cooking unique. He never knew how to stop adding extra flavorful ingredients to his masterpieces.

Taking the big pan of sizzling potatoes, he dumped them onto three seperate plates and making sure that they all had a plentyful amount with a knowing smile, because when you tasted one of the delicious potato slices you will want enough to fill your stomach.. Setting the metal pan next to the stove area, he took a few pieces of clover and garnished the food carefully, but quickly because the look of the food was just as important as the taste and smell. Setting the small bowl of clover next to the pan, he delivered the three plates to the window behind the bar, tapping the little silver bell letting Roxy or Arianwen know that the food was ready.

Turning his back to the window, he caught Arianwen test-tasting his marinating potatoes and gave her a playful angry facial expression before smiling at the young girls guilty look marked in her face.

He always wondered about Arianwen, about where she came from and how she came across the Dancing Devil Inn among other curious thoughts. She had a deep mind, but she was a girl of few words. Usually he didn't get much criticism of his food, but Arainwen had always had a different taste than the others. He made a mental note to make a plate especially for her that contained the ginger and garlic she suggested.

Later, he would make a surprise grand dinner for the staff in commemoration of the opening of the Dancing Devil Inn. He wasn't sure what everyone liked, so he decided to make a little bit of everything. Going to the bucket of potatoes, he picked them up and carried them over to the sink. He grabbed one of the sharpest knives beside the pan and bowl of garlic and began slicing more of his mouth watering potatoes.

[Catrux]

Toran was not at all surprised by the man offering him a job, and would undoubtably take it, but he was going to act as though his skills were in high demand. "First, thank you for the compliment, and I will have to think about it. I have been traveling quite far and am in need of food." Toran then made his way to the bar, while on his way he was doing minor tricks with the coins he had earned. The tricks consisted of balancing them on the tips of his fingers, rolling them down his fingers (length wise), and other such things.

As he sat down at the bar, he motioned to the barmaid. He previously paid no attention to her, a mistake he thought. Toran then looked down at the coins in his hand, enough for a modest meal, or for pretty much any drink. He sighed, Oh well, another day with out food can't hurt too much I guess. He waited for her to approach and rehearsed what he was going to say. He would offer to buy her a drink, any drink, oh how long it had been since he had the company of woman. He hoped he was still suave with the ladies. After this he would go and take the man up on his offer.

[Elyza]

~Arianwen~

*As Arianwen moved around the floor, hand delivering Alex’s delicious meals to the patrons, she noticed Vlad’s arrival as he slipped quietly back into the inn and took up his usual residence in the corner. Arianwen hadn’t had much to do with the man she still considered to be a stranger, but she found him to be an intriguing specimen for those times when she found herself with nothing better to do, than "people watching". "People watching" was literally how Arianwen had become the person she was today. If it had not been for her times sat at edge of town, hidden in the bushes as she watched the ladies walking back and forth, going about their business; she would still be a feral excuse for a human, walking on all fours and eating raw meat.

Now, walking upright and smiling like the pretty young woman that she realy was, Arianwen felt Roxy’s eyes on her, and she offered her boss a shy smile before she slipped back behind the bar carrying some dirty empty glasses. Dropping the glasses into the large basin filled with soapy water under the bar, Arianwen wiped her hands on her apron and walked over to where a handsome young man was now waiting to place his order. Blushing slightly, she lowered her eyes and peered at him through thick lashes as she asked

~Take ye order sir?~ *

[Ninjz]

Vlad sat in the dark corner, occasionally sipping from a hip flask that he kept with him at all times. Due to an attempt on his life by one of, as Rolloth would say, the misled villagers, he never ate ate or drank what he hadn't seen prepared. No one had ever asked what was in the flask, but from the dirty looks he got while on the street drinking from it, he supposed they thought it was alcohol. In fact he had only drank once, and the result was not good. He had ended up joining a bar fight, and killing someone. This wasn't so unusual in that town, but the fact that he had ripped the man to shreds with his bare hands, didn't go over well. Since that night, he stuck to water, and occasionally tea.

Since coming to the inn, he had actually dropped the habit of not eating what he hadn't seen prepared, as his evaluation of Alex was that he was as vicious as a stuffed toy. However, when he did eat at the Inn, he always picked his own food up from the kitchen. He had seen the girl Arianwen and something about her didn't seem right. Oh, she was pretty enough, although a little too naive for his tastes, but the girl smelled of something. He recognized it from those far off days of roaming the forest in search of another community. It struck him as something dangerous, and untamed. Even though the worst of the denizens of the forest were no match for him, he didn't like killing the beasts who meant no harm, but were just looking for a meal. Nevertheless she reminded him of something mysterious, and, in his opinion, what isn't understood must not be taken for granted. Besides, women often considered him too reserved, so he returned from his revere to watch.

[Domar]

Rolloth watched everything with a great sense of pride and joy. All of the patrons, new and old, seemed to be having a great time. Many of them had congratulated him and Roxy on the success of the new inn and a few even congratulated them multiple times in their drunken stupor. The newest employee, Rolloth noticed, seemed to be trying to get to know Arainwen and Vlad was once again sitting in his corner watching everything. Sometimes Rolloth wondered if Vlad wouldn't be happier away from people, but he had never caused a problem. Rolloth invited Roxy to share a drink with him and when the opening party came to an end Rolloth stood at the door ready to thank all those that came, but couldn't stay the night. He saw them out the door and as they left he said, "Don't forget to come again, because where the devils dance the times are good." He waited till they were all gone and the other patrons were in bed before he settled down for the night.

("When the night comes the shadows are everywhere. The end of the beginning has come.")

(OOC: Now everyone needs to post what they are doing before they go to sleep or, if you are the night watch, what you are doing while others are sleeping.)