Not too long after what had transpired, both Iris and Varian had come to the decision of waking up earlier, making camp later, taking night watch turns, and sleeping up in the trees. Not to mention it wasn't the last time they saw those demonic wolves; quite frequently they would hear their hollow sounding howls, and once or twice saw them from their tree top perches.
Following the horizon continually they had gotten on a decent path. It was wider and more cleaned up and visible than the last, but it was still well covered and typically unused. While traveling on it, they had had those awkward moments when you pass a stranger and try not to stare or not stare or look shady and in the end, end up looking suspicious as heck. For the reasons of the wolves and the occasional traveler, they had decided to make camp in the tallest possible tree at least a couple feet from the road.
Iris and Varian had not seen the wolves in a long time though and hoped they really hadn't been searching for them. Despite this they had encountered one or two other wild animals. Some being deer, one being an actual bear, others being just foxes and other raccoons.
Iris sat on the incredibly thick tree branch, twirling her dagger around in practice as Varian made food. "Ya know, I don't think my knife and your stick are going to cut it if we got into real trouble..." Iris sighed, throwing the blade so it stuck out of the firm trunk. "Its not a stick, and I've already told you I have alchemic bombs!" Varian sassily commented back, which made his restless friend smile. Iris found his sass funny and charming but she never told him, instead letting him keep on snarking off whenever the mood struck him.
"I'm just saying we should stop by the next town we happen to come across and buy better weapons," She chimed. "I never said your alchemy wouldn't help... but we never know what we'll find out here... and what if we get into a close up fight? Wild animals aren't our only concern you know..." she continued, ripping the hilt out of the wood, and cleaning the sap from the blade. Varian sighed, this was the fourth time Iris had brought the subject up. "I mean yeah.. you make a point, but how much money do we have? We really can't just be throwing coins around like confetti!" Iris bobbled her head from side to side in agreement and being torn between the too decisions. She then began reaching for the jingling pouching on her belt, and peered inside. "We still have a good bit, but yeah, we should find a way to make some money..." She told him, closing it back up.
"How would we even do that?"
"I don't know... we'll figure it out though, let's not get too ahead of ourselves!"
"I guess so.." Varian carefully made his way over, two jerky sandwiches in his hands. "Ooo! Let's see what the chef has graced us with tonight shall we?" Iris teased as she was handed her food. Varian grinned and with a cocky little hand motion sat with her. "Tis called my almost famous almost ham sandwich!" To which Iris laughed.
Ruddiger came bounding over at the smell of the food, some shiny objects in his possesion. Ruddiger cheerily traded the food for his newest finds and began to chow down. "You know, we could just keep letting Ruddiger give us all these neat things he keeps on finding, some of them are actual pieces of money..." She giggled, tucking the knick knacks away with the many others they had received.
After dinner and another night of singing the two lay in the tree looking up at the luminescent sky. countless flecks of blue white purple and limitless other colors flickered and shifted along the dark canvas of the sky. All their troubles seemed to melt away each evening. Iris took the first watch, as she usually did and quite liked it. "Life's good! And I still have a whole world ahead of me!" she whispered as all meaning of time slipped away too into this beautiful world she had come to not more than14-16 days ago. It was hard to belive it had already been half a month, she did wonder what had changed in the orphanage since she left, if anything had changed! She allowed her mind to wander senselessly as she remained attentive.
The next morning Iris awoke to see Varian wide awake with his back against the tree trunk, looking out over the road ahead. He didn't seem to notice that she was awake. "Hello!" Iris tiredly chuckled, causing the poor boy to flinch. He looked over with a grin. "Good morning Iris!" he greeted back, standing up.
The siren smiled and climbed out of her sleeping bag which they had tied to the massive tree limb with ropes, and began to undo the knot. "GAHHH!" Iris jumped up and away from her bed, stumbling backwards. "FRICK FRICK FRICK-!" She cried as she pinwheeled her arms, barely balancing on the edge of the branch. "IRIS!" Varian ran to grab her, but was too late, her hand slipping out of his as she fell off the branch.
Varian stood there wide eyed, heart refusing to beat, sheet white. Had that really just happened?! They were at least three stories up in the tree! There was no way she survived! Varian's thoughts gushed through his mind, not daring to look down. Was she dead?!... just like that!? The alchemist slowly came to himself, every inch of his body shaking. He took a shaky, unsure look around him, still trying to figure out if this was reality. "I-Ir-i-i-s?!" He feebly called out, getting on his hands and knees and looking over the edge, still terrified at what he expected to see.
As he tentatively peered over the edge, he finally took his first breath, clutching his chest.
Iris was on a branch just a little ways below, lying on her side. She too was gripping her chest as her diaphragm refused to move, the fall knocking the wind from her and paralyzing it. Finally she was able to get her lungs to cooperate and breathe. Shakily pushing herself up by the arms, the shaken girl was able to crawl to the trunk k where she slowly pulled herself up to her feet
"OH MY GOSH IRIS! I THOUGHT YOU DIED!" Varian cried as he climbed down with their belongings. His companion could only nod, "Me too..." she squeaked out after some time. "Here, let's get you down to the ground," the alchemist kindly offered, gently helping her out of the tree. "What made you fall back?" he asked her as they carefully descended.
"A daddy long legs..." Iris responded with a still shaken but sheepish grin. "I hate them... I didn't mean to back off the tree limb though..." She laughed, causing Varian to have to hide his own laughter. "Are you scared of spiders?" He followed up the question.
"No... not usually, I love animals and bugs... I just hate the ones with the hair like legs that are unnaturally fast..."
"So what all makes you nervous?..."
"Daddy long legs, Silver fish, and those huge mosquitoes."
"oh..."
"Stupid huh..." She chuckled. Iris's cheeks were pink and she nervously rubbed at her neck and collarbone. "No! It's not stupid! Everyone has their fears... Like, I have my own..." the alchemist comforted her as they reached the ground. "Here I'll go get our stuff." He smiled, climbing back up, leaving Iris to rest at the base of the oak, till Varian came back down with all their stuff packed.
After their fun little mishap that morning, the travelers were able to continue onward along the path. "While I was grabbing out stuff I noticed that we are really close to that bigger road... Should we follow along it?" Varian asked while they marched parallel to the pathway. "Hmmm, It doesn't bother me, sounds like we might get to more kingdoms and towns that way!" She responded.
"Yeah, why were taking the more secluded path anyways?.." The alchemist asked, confused of why they'd go out of their way to stay out of the way, and then suddenly just jump back on the busier path. "Because at first it was just me on my own and I didn't want to attract attention to myself." Iris replied, reminding him. "That's right!" Varian recalled.
Sooner then they thought, the sun began to set, casting a golden orange glow in front of them where their sad beat up thin little path merged with a large, well trodden dirt path that ran next too a lively tavern. "Is that the-?" Varian started but then realized not only was the place named The Black Cat Inn, but they were way too far from Corona for it to be The Snugly Duckling.
Iris turned to him, "The what? have you been here before?" she asked, curious. Varian shook his head in response. "No i thought this was a different place not too far from Corona but we're way too far out, and now that I think of it I'm pretty sure its the other direction." Varian explained as they walked up to the building, cheery fiddle music and loud talking coming from inside.
"Do you think we should stay the night?" Iris asked her companion as the walked through the doors, mouth watering smells and warm fire and torch light flooding them. Varian took one look and vigorously nodded, excited to enjoy his evening in a nice place, not worrying about animals or bandits. They approached the person behind counter serving fellow travelers drinks and meals.
"Can we get two rooms please?" Iris asked the man, she and Varian taking a seat at the counter.
The man looked up, he looked to be about 18-19 years old, having black messy, shaggy hair, fluffy side burns and ice blue eyes. The boy wore a simple white button up shirt under a black vest, and a pair of black pants and boots to complete the look.
He gave a knowing, smug smirk, "Two? not one?" he asked with a sly grin and a quirked brow. Both Varian and Iris turned red, "T-two please..." Iris replied glancing back at the flustered alchemist who was looking the opposite direction. Both thought back to that awkward morning with the demonic, wild dogs. She turned back to the boy behind the counter with a slight, flustered glare. And he who was still smirking, with one arm holding him up laughed lightly, shrugging his shoulders, "Alright alright! yes we have two rooms available!" A wider smile began to creep onto his face. "Do you want them connected or-" the Iris glared more now, "Come on!" She scolded. The young adult laughed harder this time, whipping lightly at his eyes, "Ay ay I'm just teasing! but yes ill put you two next to each other. Second floor last two rooms down the hall." he told her with a smug expression, handing her two keys. "thanks..." Iris replied saltily, earning another snicker from the boy as he returned to his work.
Iris pulled Varian along up the stairs. "Come on slow poke, sooner we settle in sooner we can get something to eat." She told him, practically dragging him now. Varian trudged along, his pack making him look like any second he'd topple and roll down the steps.
With much effort they reached the stairs and made their way down the nicely kept corridor. The whole building wreaked of medieval times. All the walls were stone brick with fancy warmly colored tapestries keeping things decorated. Small torches kept the place alight with a red, orange and occasionally yellow glow. Iris and varian marveled at the design of the place, reaching the last two rooms, as they were told. "here you go!" Iris chimed, placing one of the keys into Varian's hand with a light jingle. Then she took her own and went inside the second room.
Inside was nicely decorated. It gave a very hunter or woodsy feel. There was a warm looking cot with a well weaved and feathered dream catcher hanging right over the bed. On the wall above the door was a pair of deer antlers, well polished, the tips looking sharp as knives. The floor was a beautiful dark walnut; it's unfinished planks gave a pleasant feel as Iris temporarily slipped off her boots and socks to settle in and rest for a bit. Her room had two charming, arched windows, and a single lantern on a desk in the corner of the room, next to the cot. Not to mention the deftly woven rug in the center made the room brighter.
After her feet had stopped aching and she didn't feel as worn out, she stood from her cot, slipped her boots back on and left, locking her door. "Varian?" she called with a light rap on the door.
There was a scuffle and a thump. "mmmph" could be heard muffled through the walls. "Hey V, you comin?" Iris called again, smiling to herself, imagining him draped across the floor face down, cot overturned. Soon he came out with his hair tussled. "Sorry!" He sheepishly apologized, closing and locking his door as well. "We'll buy something to eat right?" He asked, eager for a real meal. Iris snickered, "Yes, well get some real food tonight!" she assured him.
The sounds of the building filled the lively inn as they came down from the second floor. "Wow! This is amazing I mean, now that I can much better appreciate it!" Iris laughed, "I know right! I'm actually really excited!" Varian admitted in response chuckling with her as they approached the bar with the boy from before. Varian looked over, "What is so amazing to you in particular?" he asked her. "Just- All of this!"The siren smiled wide, gesturing to the Tavern around them, "This whole adventure has been so fun... and tiring," she tacked on with a giggle, "And yet it feels like it hasn't even really started!" Iris exclaimed in response, taking a seat.
The boy from before came back over, "Enjoying your rooms?" he asked with a grin. Both of them nodded, "Yes thank you!" She said gratefully. "So what can i do for you now?" The boy asked again, cleaning out a large mug in his hands with a rag. "Well, what do you have to eat?" Varian eagerly but politely asked, pulling his stool a smidge closer to the counter.
Chess grinned "Glad you asked! We're well known for our food and drink!" he chimed with pride, chest puffed. "We have soups, chowders, salads, sandwiches, and amazing sea food from the lake just a few day's trip from here!" He advertised quite happily.
Iris perked up, "There's a lake near by?!" Chess gave a brisk singular nod in response. "Is it down that way?!" Iris pressed, gesturing in the direction of where they were heading. Chess nodded again, "The Great Chasm River flows not far from here down into it! It's known for it's scenery more than its food though."
Iris was thrilled. "really?! where is-"
"I'd really like to sit here and chat about the river and all but, heh heh heh, can I please get something to eat?" Varian cut her off hungry and impatient. Iris looked over, looking put out at first, but sighed and shrugged it off, "He's right, we've been traveling for a long while now and it'd be great to get a meal!"
"Yeah, that's what I just said." Varian gave a sassy little chuckle.
Chess nodded, gesturing to a vintage wooden sign behind himself. There were several options Iris was unfamiliar with, but one came up that seemed to interest her. 'Sea Wyrm Chowder with Midnight Shrimp. (Salted Sea Wyrm, diced and roasted with green onion, potatoes, and steamed shrimp, mixed into a creamy chowder and seasoned with dried Keilplens.)' She read allowed, "Wyrm as in dragon?" She asked looking to their server. "Yup! I helped hunt down and catch the very one we'd be using in whatever dish you decide to order!" He hummed, clearly satisfied with his claim. "Cool! could i try the Chowder with the night shrimp?" She inquired again. And he, again, replied with a brisk nod and turned to Varian. The alchemist didn't even give the sign a read. "I'll have a ham sandwich!" He stated politely. The bar tender gave one last nod before turning on his heel and marching into the kitchen, where pots pans and sizzling foods could be heard.
"Gosh my mouth is watering!" Iris laughed as the two waited patiently for their food. Varian grinned, "Yeah! The food we have is great...heh..." he trailed off, "But i haven't had a real, cooked meal in too long!" he hungrily told her, to which the siren laughed, "It has been almost an entire month! But with how far we have to go," She laughed merrily, "You're gonna have to toughen up for this journey!" she warned him,
unaware herself of the destiny that awaited them...
"So! What kinda journey you two love birds making?" their server teased, having over heard Iris as he came out the kitchen with two drinks. Varian's cheeks hinted a pinkish hue and Iris rolled her eyes, very audibly sighing. "We're just friends, and it hasn't even actually been that long!" She groaned at him, earning yet another cocky snicker. "Fine fine, i still think you two'd make a cute couple..." he muttered the last part. "We're heading for the mountains, we don't know why yet..." Iris told him reluctantly, dropping the snarky attitude. "Cool! I've heard there's an old mage or something up there who only lets the bravest with divine destinies set foot up there." He dramatically said, waggling his thick black eyebrows. Varian seemed to pop up, "Really?!" he asked. His suspicions about Iris growing stronger. The young adult shrugged, "Most likely not, its just a rumor I heard... Well, more of an old wives tale." He snorted, Varian sinking back into his seat at his response.
Iris smiled, "I still think that'd be cool, it wouldn't be the first time I've been called by a wizard..." she laughed, causing both boys to raise a brow, leaning in a tad, expecting her to tell a story.
Iris laughed, "Oh ok! Uh, er- well, I started my journey by waking up in some nice old lady's home and she told me it was important that I go on this quest, and that's all I remember of it really..." she trailed off, still confused about it herself.
The server furrowed his brows, "weird..." To which Varian nodded.
After a bit more chitter chatter, a heavily built man with slight resemblance to the bar tender came out with two meals in his hands. He set the deep blue and purple chowder in front of Iris, and a ham sandwich with meat, vegetables, and melted cheese by Varian. He then gave the server boy a brisk pat on the shoulder and retreated back into the kitchen.
"Who was that?" Iris asked, studying the galaxy colored, swirling stew. The young adult smiled, "Just mt dad. He runs the place." He answered, cleaning out the mug of another traveler who had left.
Not waiting another minute, Varian hungrily chomped down on the hot, melty sandwich; the golden browned bread crunching in a satisfactory way. "Mmmm Wow!" He said through a full mouth, getting the two kids conversing to stop a moment and snicker. "Anyway, I work for my dad because I don't have much else to do." the bar tender explained. "Do you ever want to get out? See the world and stuff?" Iris asked, gently blowing on a spoonful of the steaming chowder. The boy thought for a moment and nodded, "I guess so! I've heard plenty from other travelers about their tall tales and and adventures." He grinned, "I guess It'd be pretty cool to have a few of my own to tell..." He half muttered the last part, sliding his finger along the rim of the recently cleaned glass, leaving small smudges.
"Could we get another Winchieter over here?" A deep, gravely voice called from down several seats. A large man, both in body build and stature, with a long brown tangled beard and torn, ratty clothes raised his wooden mug, liquid stains tracing over the sides. The boy looked over and grabbed a large bottle of clear, tanish liquid, looking something like beer or alcohol. "Excuse me a moment," he said making his way over, leaving Varian and Iris to themselves again.
"What if he came with us?" Varian asked, having noticed a deep red gem, matching Iris's pinned to the center of his bow tie. Eyes widening at both the idea and the rich taste of her meal, Iris swallowed the warm creamy liquid. "Yeah! But we still don't know him too well... We should talk a little more before we go throwing out invites." The siren suggested. "That's fair!" Varian shrugged.
After their decision Iris decided to enjoy the salty, seasoned meal in silence while the yet to be named waiter dashed around full filling requests. She couldn't quite describe it, the food was definitely nothing like she had ever tasted in her realm, and that was saying something considering the fact that most of the caretakers in the orphanage were from many different cultures; all liking to prepare the food that reminded them of home for the children.
Despite the uniqueness of the substance it somehow felt familiar... no... it felt welcoming almost. The chowder was filled with meaty chunks and cubes, along with different kinds of sliced vegetables and potatoes. As she swallowed another thick satisfying bite, Iris noticed two decently sized biscuits on a small plate. The breaded item was one of Iris's favorites; delighted, she pulled off a small flaky chunk and swirled it in the chowder.
"Enjoying the food?" The familiar voice chimed. Snapped from the trance her meal created, Iris looked up. "Yes actually, this is really good!" Iris happily replied. The boy laughed lightly, leaning against the counter again. "What about you? Did you enjoy your sandwich?" He asked the alchemist as he wiped his hands and face on a napkin. Varian grinned, "I did! What kind of cheese did you use; it complimented the ham so well!" he asked, clearly excited. "Sneezeweasle cheese, boy is it hard to get but it's some of the best!" He replied with another chuckle. Varian's eyes seemed as if they'd pop from his head now, "OF COURSE! I should have known!" he gently bopped his forehead with the base of his own hand.
Still laughing at Varian's excitement over the sandwich, Iris turned to their server. "I never did catch your name..." She asked.
"My name's Chess, Chess Brightblood." He answered. "Nice to meet you Chess; I don't think we told you ours, I'm Iris and this is Varian." She introduced. Chess smiled, "You guys seem like great people i've had a great time talking with you two!" he smiled, "The bar is closing though, so I've got some dishes to clean up!" He informed them, grabbing dirty plates and mugs from where travelers had eaten. Only two or three besides themselves remained at the counter, finishing up a drink or meal.
As the music continued to get quieter and softer, the two traveling companions finished their own food and drink, thanked Chess and made their way over to sit by the fireplace by the front of the building. Occasionally a traveler or two would come in and either ask for a room or sit themselves down somewhere near by. Feeling full and relaxed, Iris took in the interior design of the tavern. Much like their rooms, a smooth clean and dark wooden floor fit the stone brick walls. bits of straw and hay littered the floor, most likely from the few that rode a horse. Large metal chandeliers hang from the ceiling lighting the ever darkening tavern with candle light. Besides the bar a dozen or so wooden tables provided seating around the place, all collected neatly in one large area leaving the rest of the tavern open for the more comfortable chairs where a person or two slept. She smiled at Varian who looked as if he were asleep, head on her shoulder as they sat on the floor. The siren hummed and enchanting tune, unknowingly putting the entire building into a restful sleep, her own eye lids drooping heavier and heavier.
Iris sat up as the first streams of light peaked through the window. It was still drastically early in the morning and the fire had gone out. Varian lay curled up on the floor, Ruddiger on top him. She silently stretched, carefully making her way to the tavern door as to not wake him up. Closing the door softly she gave a sigh of relief, making her way to the river.
-A/N-
MEET OUR LOVEABLE NEW PROTAGONIST CHESS BRIGHTBLOOD!