Well met
Tenebrae - Sunday, August 19, 2018, 9:32 PM
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* A07: Fernwood Pub *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
The common room of the Fernwood Pub dominates the inn, spacious and airy because of the high, vaulted ceiling. Ornately carved beams of dark, polished wood form a lattice overhead, supporting the arched roof two storeys above the floor. To the right of the double-door entry is a spiral staircase, winding upwards to a balcony that rings and overlooks the main area. Large windows at this level grant an excellent view of the river to the west and colorful market stalls to the north and east. An air of coziness is salvaged by keeping the pub dimly lit; parchment-shrouded mana lanterns hang at intervals from the base of the balcony, nestled amongst lush, magically propagated ivy and ferns that grow over this false demi-ceiling and the struts that support it.
The bar is sleek and simple, comprised of meticulously polished black lacquer. Tables are set under the darker niches formed by the balcony floor as well as on the balcony itself. A few are deliberately sized to accommodate halflings and gnomes, but the majority are meant for human-sized individuals. A large common table is on the main floor, set before a semi-circular stage situated against the western wall. Beside it, with pipes mounted upon the wall and running up past the balcony and almost to the ceiling, is a refurbished pipe organ made to look like the one lost when the Fernwood was destroyed during the Merkabah Siege.
So Valadhiel has been away for a few years, but one constant in the universe... the Fernwood is still here. Naturally, that's where the elfmaid gravitated too, at least until she feels up to checking in at the Academy since, well, she hasn't lost her wizarding skills in her long absence, taking care of personal matters. So for now, she savors a glass of red wine, relaxing after running an errand for the Explorer's Guild.
Mikilos ducks though the doorway, shutting it behind him and taking a moment to let his eye adjust before heading towards the bar proper, raising a hand in greeting to the barkeeper. "I heard you have pepepr stew today? Any of that left?"
The bartender snorts a bit, "You're a bit late for it, she just ordered the last bowl. Maybe you two could share, eh?" With that, he gestures over towards Valadhiel, who just has the bowl of pepper stew delivered by a barmaid. She hasn't noticed Mikilos just yet, since the tavern is, as usual, somewhat crowded.
Mikilos follows the gesture, and grins, glancing back to the barkeep. "Plate of whatever you do have, dark bread, and an ale then. Thank you." Heading towards the table, he smiles. "Hello Val, how are you? Mind if I join you?"
Val blinks, then looks over at Mikilos. "Miki." She smiles and gestures, "Please, join me... I was hoping to see you." She reaches out towards him, and if he lets her, takes his hand, squeezing it firmly in her grip.
Mikilos returns the squeeze, and takes a seat, shrging vaugely. "Glad I came out, then. Been keeping to the shop and lab, running some minor projects. Nothing important, but they seem to chew up my time swift enough."
Valadhiel mmms, "I definitely understand that. I had to take care of some... things, but I'm back now." She tilts her head, looking at Mikilos, "It helped put a few things in perspective. I know it wasn't long, but... well, I definitely missed you by my side." Her lips quirk a bit, as that wasn't all that she missed.
Mikilos chuckles, distracted for a moment by the arrival of his order. "In some ways it's nice to be missed, but togetherness is generally better." Slathering some butter on a hunk of bread, he inquires. "Have you kept up with events in the city? Between rumors and plays and farce and actual troubles I admit I havn't really followed it all."
Valadhiel shakes her head, "I have not, to be honest. I was a little... out of the loop." She does, however, swipe a bit of bread from Mikilos, sliding the bowl so it rests on the table between him and her, "Apparently there's some sort of entity corrupting the woods nearby, though. Dealt with some yrch that were enscrolled by the thing to try and destroy the forest. Fortunately we were able to free them from its control."
Mikilos nods. "I'd heard something of local troubles with tainted nature. There's always been trouble spots, the Felwood being one of the better known, but sounds that this is, or was, something a bit larger and more active."
Valadhiel nods, "Typically the Felwood is quiescent unless you provoke it... this seems more active, yes." She leans in a bit closer, "Definitely something that we should look into further. I'll have to ask a few questions."
Mikilos sighs, and shrugs, chewing a bite thoughtfully before washing it down with ale. "Seems there's always something or another threatening the city, if not the world. I suppose it keeps things from getting boring, but admit sometimes it's hard to take it all in stride. 'Oh, another threat to existance? I'm a little tired, I'll wait for the next one.'"
Valadhiel laughs softly, "Well, this is a threat that I'm perfectly happy to let some of the others handle for the moment, since I have other things I should see to." She gives Mikilos a sly look at that, her grin growing quite impish.
Mikilos laughs, and grins in return. "Well I'm confidant in your ability to handle more than one thing at a time, if need be. Of course there's always something to be said for exclusive focus. But, proper time and place for all things, yes?"
Valadhiel grins, "Indeed so. I don't exactly have a place to stay just yet... since I did just get back into town." Her eyes dance a little bit, as she takes a spoonful of stew, looking at Mikilos as she does so.
Mikilos nods seriously. "Well I'm sure the Fernwood has rooms advailible, and are plently of home owners who let out rooms on both short and long term basis. I'm not sure about the college dorms, there was something about a fire not long back and I'm uncertain if that's been repaired. The temples are always welcoming to pilmgrims for a few nights, and the weather has been fairly mild, so there's always the option of camping under the stars." He takes a drink of ale. "Though if none of that appeal, I might happen to have a psare room at my place, if you don't mind the smell of old books." He ponders a moment. "Or the occasional goblin falling out of the sky."
Valadhiel arches a brow, "Well, as long as the timing of the goblin falling isn't when I'm occupied with something else... I think I could risk staying at your place." She grins, "I wouldn't wish to put you out, of course, but... obviously I wouldn't mind resuming where we left off." Her head tilts a bit, "Forgive me, Mikilos, but even though it hasn't been a while... being coy is the last thing I'm feeling right now." A quiet chuckle, at that.
Mikilos grins. "No promies on the goblins. Had an unexpected visitor this morning, unexpected to herself as well as me. Some sort of flying contraption that went wrong. But yes, there's always room at the manor for you." He grins. "If ever my family were to arrive in mass and take up what rooms I do have, I could always just take out another section of mountain."
Valadhiel chuckles, "In that case, love, I'll just take us both camping. My tent /can/ fit two, but it's cozy." She grins wryly, "Somehow, I doubt you'd object too much to that..."
Mikilos grins. "Well, I wouldn't run off and abandon Mother. Or the rest of the family. But I am open to a bit of camping. And certainly nothing wrong with cozy." He ponders a moment. "Though I have been working on a tent that's bigger on the inside. Mechanically it's easy enough, but it -feels- like you're in an extra-dimensional space. Ruins the asthetic of being in a tent in the first place."
Valadhiel nods, "True, but I could see where that could come in handy. Especially if you have additional people with you." She smiles, "And well, your family actually likes me, mostly, so I wouldn't really want to alienate them now in any case." She mmms, "Would love to see what you've come up with so far, of course."
Mikilos nods. "Certainly. It's mostly a portalbe hole you can prop up, at the moment. And yes, I can't say as I know everyone's mind, but I know Mother and Aunt Marith approved. Cousin Cindy complained, as I understand, but she's at the age where she complains about everything."
Valadhiel grins, "I can understand that... I was there not too long ago myself." She chuckles, "So... back to your place?" She winks, tossing a few coins onto the table to cover the meal, and the drinks.
Mikilos nods, adding a few coins of his own for meal and service. "Certainly. Shall we walk, or teleport? Or I suppose I've a spell of flight ready, or could summon some sort of magical mount." He grins.
Valadhiel rises to her feet, and slides her hand around Mikilos' waist, nestling close to him if he allows it, "I think a nice walk would be good, to be honest. I missed spending time in your company, and thus I would like to savor it." She smiles over at him, tilting her head in his direction.
Mikilos grins. "I thought so, but figured I should make sure you were aware of all the options. Options are important, after all."
Valadhiel leans up and kisses Mikilos on the cheek, "Of course. Lead on, love. A slow walk under the moonlight with you seems like perfection to me." She mmms, a very content sound as she lets Mikilos lead the way.