Where Devils Dance The Times Are Good

[Ninjz]

Vlad had been out of the loop for this conversation since the start. All anyone ever suggested here was to stop up the leaks, block off the doors to the bad places, never to actually DO anything about it. Rolloth and the others continued to babble uslessly as he sat and waited. His ear barly twitched as the man walked in, but he did take a little time to admire Arianwen as she walked by. The wildness of that girl intruiged him... But this was neither the time nor the place. He decided to watch the man who walked in and began to speak with the barmaid. He smiled slightly at the man's bewilderment. He seemed to think that, because of Arianwen's conversational deficencies, she was being taken advantage of. He watched as she pointed to Alex, and then went over toget some of the spicy soup she made soem nights. Vlad had tasted that soup once, but it didn't suit his fancy. Spicy was passable, but he wasnt big on soupy food. He turned his head back to Rolloth, looking for permission to leave.

[Moridanu]

*Arianwen felt Vlads eyes on herself and the stranger as the man finally took another few mouthfuls of her warm stew, making Arianwens embarrassment at her earlier stumble, fade somewhat. She understood his meaning slightly when he asked if the food was hers. Shaking her head, she smiled shyly as she murmured ~No…. no mine…~ she pointed out towards the back door of the bar area, where if he chose to look he would see a pair of canine eyes watching him from the darkness beyond the open door. ~Theirs..~ she smiled again as he obviously seemed to be enjoying her food just as much as her brothers and sisters did.

She looked up in time to see Vlad still watching them and she offered him what she hoped would pass as a reassuring smile. As her eyes locked with Vlad though, she sensed some other emotions coming from him other than just an overprotective co-worker. Confused by such an onslaught of conflicting emotions and auras coming off Vlad, Arianwen shrugged slightly and turned her attention back to the stranger who was now handing her three gold coins for the room. Arianwen nodded and took the money, counting it carefully. After placing the money in the correct department of the till beneath the bar, she frowned slightly as she glanced over to Rolloth. He would want her to charge the man for his drink and meal, but in reality, he had had nothing more than water and her hotpot. Realising that Rolloth had not even noticed the man arrive, she shrugged again and with a secret smile pointed towards the stairs. ~Show.. you.. room?~ she asked as she went to the peg board to get the necessary key. With the key in hand, she stood at the base of the stairs waiting for the stranger, before she began to climb the winding staircase to the second floor. Once there, she walked to the end of the hallway and unlocked the door to room number 14.

Stepping inside, she moved to open the window, although the grimy glass panes squeaked in protest as she only managed to open them slightly. After turning down the bed, and fluffing the pillow as best she could, Arianwen looked around the room. A small chest of drawers stood under a large chipped mirror, a small bowl of clean water atop the drawers with a white facecloth and towel folded beside it. Apart from the bed, the only other furniture was a small battered desk that sat in one corner with a slightly wobbly wooden chair. Although it would never pass as a grand master suite, it was probably one of the best rooms at the Dancing Devil Inn, and she hoped it would be sufficient for the stranger. Turning to look at him with an expectant smile on her face, she waited to see if he would be needing anything else from her before she returned downstairs. *

[burn4me]

His eyes followed her extended finger after she claimed it was "theirs." As his grey pupils adjusted to the open back door, the spoon he was holding nearly fumbled from his grasp. There many of them, glowing yellow almonds of light, staring him down as he took his last small bite of the woman's soup. He looked down and noticed that there was still a fair share left, almost as if he had not even touched it. He nodded and set the spoon down gently after he looked up at her smiling.

He followed her up the stairs and walked into the room moments after she arranged a few things, looking over the room and gently nodding to himself. "Not bad," he commented, peering towards the open closet beside him. It was big enough to fit a village of people into. He strolled around the room in a polite manner, burshing out of the maid's way as she made sure everything was in good order before turning over the room.

Enix suddenly squinted his eyes and jerked his head down, staring at the inside of his left forearm as his entire arm began to shake violently. The slight smell of burnt skin wafted the room for a split second before he used his right hand to clutch around his left wrist. "Damn you mother..." he grumbled, gaining control of his arm once more. He looked up at the maiden, expecting to see her giving him a confused expression.

"Thank you," he gingerly said, "if i need anything else i suppose i shall call, or just come down stairs."

[Domar]

((Sorry about the long delay. I tried to get a post up a few days ago, but there was an infinet-loop runtime error in the C++ code, (In otherwords the code that makes up the page I was viewing had a very bad error in it). I hope this post includes everything, but if it doesn't let me know and I'll add it in. Also if someone could aknowledge degodeva's character, that would be nice.))

Rolloth stood there amazed. After all that had happened he could hardly beleive that the staff hadn't just up and left immedietly. He had called a staff meeting to hopefully explain what had happend and what he was planing on doing about the problem. "I want to thank each and everyone of you for staying long enough to hear me out. I must also ask that you hold all questions till the end so that my old mind doesn't forget what I need to say. What happened today was a tragity and I must warn you that there is a chance that it might happen again. Before I say anything else on that subject I feel I need to explain what happened." Rolloth took a moment to collect his thoughts when a soaking wet man walked in. Arianwen went to go take care of the man and Rolloth decided to continue since he would probably have to explain it to her in a way she would understand better. "I am placing no blame on anyone, but during the time that Vlad finished his shift and the time the rest of us should have woken up several demons came into the inn through that door over there," he said while pointing to the large steel door that now had magical holy symbols glowing on it. "When the gnomes fixed the place up they found that door behind a wall and sent an explorer into it. When he didn't come back the team told me that this wasn't the first time he had gotten lost and that when he got out he was to report to their headquarters. However it seems that the demons had gotten him and used his blood to paint the symbols and message on the wall. They also used his skin to leave a note for me which detailed that they wished for us to "play a little game with them." Rolloth notice that Vlad seemed to want to leave, but he ignored Vlad. *He needs to hear this too,* Rolloth thought to himself. Then he continued with his speech, "They want us to go down there and find a treasure that they are guarding, but I'm not about to put any of you in that kind of situation unless you really want to. However, the note also said that I we didn't cooperate they would come here again and do worse this time, so I've decided to put out a notice for anyone with a deathwish to come and join the 'Hunt.' I am hoping that a warrior strong enough to erradicate the infestation down there will join the 'Hunt' and take care of the creatures. On another note, I think that we to increase security here. I would like all staff to have a small weapon that they can defend themselves with and a little training in combat and healing. I tried my hardest to seal the demons behind the door, but do to the fact that I have not used magic in years the spell may not be powerful enough. The last things I will say are 'You can quit whenever you want to', and 'Anyone have anything to add?'"

[Ninjz]

At the mention of going into the tunnels, Vlad perked up. Now this sounded like something he was ready for. He gave Rolloth a nod of agreement, and stood up. "I for one am joining this 'Hunt', however I know that few of you have real combat training. Before I go in, I am willing to supply you all with some weapons, and a bit of training, if wanted." he stated confidently. He felt kind of out of place speaking up at meetings. Though he had been year for a long time, he hadn't really said anything. In fact, this was the longest sentence he had uttered to anyone in the Inn, other than Rolloth

[Moridanu]

*She nodded shyly before backing out of the room. Calling out in a soft voice ~I be down there~ she turned and quickly made her way back to the staircase.

Skipping down the stairs, she stopped on the bottom step as she saw Vlad stand up and mention something about weapons and training. She heard the mention of the word "hunt", and she immediately feared for her brothers and sisters. With fear written all over her beautiful features, she went and stood beside Roxy, reaching out with shaking fingers to take ahold of the woman that had been so kind to her. Reaching for her hand, Arianwen whispered ~ Roxy... what hunt? No wolves? ~ her bottom lip trembled at the thought of her brothers and sisters being hunted like vermin*

[† The Jaxness †]

The unfolding events had definately taken their toll on Roxy's stress level. Rolloth had worked so hard to get this place where it was now, and she had given 110% to make sure her husband's dream came true, but it seems as though nothing can be achieved without hitting a couple speed bumps along the way. She was determined to stay calm about the situation and keep the inn running smoothly while a solution was being found to the problem. Rolloth had yet to speak to her privately about the matter, he had always made sure to keep her informed on every situation (thats what she liked most about him, that he treated her as his equal and not some peace of meat that should clean up after him), but she was positive he would do it in his own time, whenever it was most convenient.

But as a 'hunt' was being organized, she was going to sit back and let the men do their thing. God forbid anyone get in the way of a man's hormones and their determination to prove themselves. Besides, someone had to stay and keep things running. As Arianwen ran up to her with a frazzled look on her face, Roxy's warm smile was automatic. Being as fragile as she was beautiful, the girl was a part of the family, and Roxy would have done anything to keep her from harm. With a fair knowledge of the girl's love of her pack, she was not surprised by her concern of the men's hunt. Holding her hand and giving it a little squeeze, she looked down kindly to Arianwen and gave her a reassuring smile.

"My dear, of course not. No harm will come to your family, I swear it. They are going to track down whoever did this and make sure that we, along with the wolves, are kept safe, my dear. No need to worry."

[Moridanu]

((Arianwen Chandell: ))


*Arianwen frowned slightly, a small crease the only flaw on her otherwise porcelain smooth skin, as she concentrated on Roxys’ words. Once she understood that her brethren were not going to come to any harm, the crease smoothed out and she took a deep breath that tasted sweet with relief. Squeezing Roxy’s hand to show her appreciation, Arianwen offered a shy smile and looked around at the others.

She sensed something big was going on, and Vlad in particular seemed a lot more perkier than usual. Looking at him curiously, she would shrug if his eyes met hers, before her attention turned to Domar. As the owner of the Dancing Devil, and her surrogate father/boss, she looked to Domar for guidance in these uncertain times. Finding none, she glanced back to Roxy, wondering if she might help her understand what was happening. Finally, an older gentleman that had the distinct smell of Lydanon demon about him approached the bar to order a drink. Grateful for the distraction, Arianwen squeezed Roxy’s hand again before she went back to her post behind the bar to get the man/demon a drink. Trying hard not to notice his dark purple skin he tried to hide under an oversized coat and hat, Arianwen flashed her usual awkward smile as she poured his drink while glancing back over at Domar and the others. *

[thirawen]

Outside, the rain hammered. A storm had moved in swiftly that evening from the south and the village was currently taking the brunt of the storm. Inside the Inn, no-one could complain however due to a roaring fire and equally warm company. The pub was usually bustling at this time in the evening and the storm only exacerbated the amount of punters that were crossing the threshold.

Suddenly the warmth of the Inn was abruptly disrupted as the old wooden door swung open with such force that it slammed into a cabinet adjacent to it. Standing in the doorway was a faint looking female elf, drenched from the rain. She looked weak, and out of breath. Momentarily the bustle of the pub lulled as many of the comfortable drinkers turned their heads. A blond bar-maid turned her attention to the door; the rain now spitting in onto the wooden floorboards.

"I..." stuttered the elf, swaying. Visible outside the Inn was a white steed, untethered and equally drenched. The elf grimaced as she bent down, revealing her leg. It was parched with blood; the source of the wound was revealed. An arrow was embedded in her left calf. With clenched teeth, the traveller tugged the arrow out of her leg; the pain causing her to fall to her knee.

"I know of the trouble you've been having at this Inn..." she stuttered. "I...I was hounded by thieves on the road."

The discovery of her injury had caused a few people in the Inn to rise to her aid. As they advanced, the elf collapsed.

[belle1234]

Belle a fallen from Dana has just entered a new town. A place she has never seen before. At this moment, Belle looks around, she feels nervous because her white wings with a tinge of black around the edges start to flicker. Belle is bout 5ft3 with brown hair and attrative in appreance, with dancing blue eyes (that change in what ever mood she is in) and a cute smile. She is wearing jeans and a flame vest top. Because she has never been here teh clothes they are wearing are different to hers.

Belle walks in nervously, looking around and seeing everything is different to what she has seen before... Belle then walked to a tall man that she saw standing in the doorway, she went over and asked him Hi im Belle and i'm new here, can you please point me the right direction if you are not to busy.

She waited nervously, for help and to be pointed in the right direction.

[The Joshness ™]

"Make sure I am around, when you leave for this. I am willing to go, as I is my duty." Matthew had said to Rolloth as he walked in whatever direction he was heading after the meeting, standing by himself with his massive weapon leaning against the wall, obviously putting strain on it. "I will do my best in attempt to vanquish them….but you know why I'm here. I don't want to be forced to leave." He sighs "Any services I can give to you for payment of letting me stay here I will give without question. All I ask is a night to prepare, then I will be ready for the excursion." Matthew didn’t talk much, well at all really. Simply enough, when he's around the ones not welcome aren’t. Its as simple as that, but the reason behind him being at the Dancing Devil is not. The only person who knows the story is Rolloth, and maybe his wife if he privileged her to that kind of information. There is a reason for his room being the basement and out of the public while he slumbered. "But if things for me -do- head below 'tolerance' make sure they know to leave me. Imediately, please don't explain to them why. Just make sure they understand that anywhere near me is the last place they need to be." He looks at him now, the scars of past clouding his eyes like fog.

[Domar]

((Rolloth))
Rolloth waited for the responses from the staff. To his complete surprise no one jumped at the chance to get out of the inn. Instead Vlad stood up to announce that he was willing to train and supply any of the staff members that were not quite up to par in the combat section. "Thank you very much for your offer Vlad. I really appreciate your, no, everyone's loyalty to the inn. You can train anyone willing during the first half of your night shift and then you can finish the second half. I'll take care of the first half of your shift. I'll need the practice since your going to leave when the Hunt take place. If that is all then this meeting is adjourned." Rolloth waited for everyone to go back to their posts so that he could talk to Roxy alone, but before he could talk to her Matthew came up to him and also offered to participate in the hunt. "I really appreciate it Matthew. To have a seasoned warrior with the group is good assurance for success, but do try to keep your temper under control," Rolloth said before continuing in a whisper. "I don't want to hear that the entire excursion was wiped out by one of their own. Ok." Rolloth then sat down next to Roxy and said to Matthew, "Now go and prepare. The Hunt will set out in a couple of days."

Rolloth waited until all of the staff member left the area before turning to Roxy. "I'm sorry about all of this hun. All I wanted was to settle down and live a peaceful life with you, but I can't even do that right. Everything seemed to be going so well. We buy a run-down inn and turn it into lovely establishment that is home to so many who have no where else to go. We took this place and turned it into a dream, but now it has become a nightmare. What happened last night is all my fault. Those demons did what they did because of something I did long ago. When I was still a devout holy man I went around with a friend destroying the evils of the world and making a name for us in the process. One of the evils we destroyed was a soul-stealing Devourer that preyed on little children. Well it seems that its minions have resurected it and now it's taking revenge on me by trying to destroy our dream. I'm not going to go on the Hunt. I'm going to stay here and protect you and everyone else that chooses to be here, so I ask that you please train with Vlad and put up with any mood swings I go through. Though if one of them gets too bad you can just give me a swift kick to the rear."

((NPC: Travling Healer))
Zed was glad that he decided to stay here for the night. A badly wounded elf had just entered the inn and collapsed right on the floor. "Everyone just back away. I'm qualified to take care of her, but I need someone to take her up to my room so that she is out of the way." Zed watched as a few people went and carried her up the steps and he called out the room number as they went up. Just as he was about to join them a strangely dressed woman who introduced herself as Belle came up and asked him for directions. "Just talk to the lady behind the bar. She'll help you out."

[restlessshy]

Miyuki's lanky form had entered the room, her cranberry crimson gaze scanning each and every member that was currently inhabiting the Inn. She was relieved to have saught out and found shelter from the nippy and wet weather that poured from the heavens. As she walked in, her silver locks of love flowed behind her as though it was her own little shadow. She stood at a lengthy 5'7, which was a proud asset to herself, seing how where she came from, most were alot shorter. She had caught on to the conversation on this "Hunt" from somewhere near the beginning. She quirked an intresting, yet questioning brow. "Demons?" Her tone of voice was smooth like velvet, oh so calm. This hunt could work out for her, she could be a tremendous help, seeing how she was believed to have inherited a small dose of demon from somewhere down the line. The silken fabrics of the kimono were slightly dampened by the rain, but Miyuki had shrugged it off. She was one with the rain, but it was cool tonight, it was not friendly, something was different. "I believe I could help you with this hunt you speak of." Her comments were directed to a man who she would most likely come to know as Rolloth. Her expression was firm, showing that she was serious, and that she knew that this situation was not to be taken lightly.

[belle1234]

Belle saw that Zed had just walked in, but he was kind of busy, he just told her to go and talk to the girl behind the bar. She then looked at the guy and smiled, Thank you.
Belle walked to the bar and waited for the lady to help her out with the ways of Morthika and how to get a job and a place to stay. She was really happy that she was slowly getting used to the ways of Morthika and that the people here were nice and helpful. She smiled and sat herself down. Belle started to look around for the girl that Zed had pointed to Belle to ask about directions. Belle's eyes changed from a calm sea blue to a dark navy, meaning she was nervous, but she just sat it out and waited.

[† The Jaxness †]

As Rolloth approached, Roxy drew in a deep breath to prepare herself for the speech to come. The remaining staff filed out of the area, and she took her husband's hand in his as he began to explain the situation in further detail. She didnt interrupt him while he spoke, going on about the things he had done in his past were a tad bit surprising, but she stayed uiet none-the-less.

After he was finished, she squeezed his hands in hers ad looked him directly in the eyes, her face all seriousness.

"Love, you cant possibly think of staying here. I can watch over the Inn while you're on the hunt, and I dont need looking after. i'm a big girl, I can handle things while you go destroy whatever creature is trying to take ur life's dream from us. Nothing an break up what we've accomplished with this place. It is your duty to defend this place, and the others surely need your wise help. I'll always be here to support you, and if it makes you feel better, I shall train with Vlad. But rest assured that this hefty woman can take any mood swings you can throw at her."

Tha last bit was an attempt to lighten the mood with a joke about her 'big' size. She wasnt some toothpick of a girl, but she wasnt a cow either. She was just a good-mannered woman who could sure take care of herself and her own.