It could've been a nice, cosy evening.
Jaskier was singing, Fenneka fabulating, Pondy and Marilla scurried busy around their guests and everybody seemed satisfied.
Geralt sprawled comfortly in the softly cushioned armchair, his spiced wine was hot and the fireplace warmed his shoulders.
It could've been peaceful and cosy.
If ... well, if it hadn't been for those strangers, those merchants.
Geralt was always anxious not to have prejudices.
But these guys, he didn't like.
The three merchants seemed to be very fond of themselves, talking big and in general so loud that it was hard to ignore them. They told each other about their oh-so-great deals and how they had outsmarted whatshisface.
They had ordered food and drinks and had dared to ask for rebate and discount. Fenneka had denied politely.
Moreover, they smoked pipe.
The rancid smoke wafted through the whole room, distracting Geralt's sensitive olfaction and making Jaskier cough.
Fenneka looked at the little group a little irritated already.
According to her posture and facial expression, Geralt could tell: these gentlemen were not very likely to be served a third round here.
And as one of the merchants dared to attempt to light his dead pipe with one of the pells he had picked carelessly from the shelf, the otherwise so composed and cool innkeeper exploded more impressive than a Dimeritium bomb.
"What are you thinking?!" she yelled at the startled merchants and smacked them the wet dishcloth round their heads spiritedly. "How dare you? How do you have the cheek, you stupid asses?! To set my belongings on fire?! I'll give you what for! Pay the bill and out! Instantly, before I lose myself!"
The owed orens were threwn on the table hastily and the three men goodbye-ed a lot quicker than they had planned.
Jaskier had jumped up helpfully and extinguished the fire carefully. He handed it over to Fenneka with a sad expression.
"I sincerely hope, dearest Fenneka, that this scroll with the pretty silken ribbon did not lie too close to your heart."
"Ah, look at that, there is the ribbon. The scroll? Nope ... that was just a shopping list."
Alright, this was it from the tavern - for now. The next two chapters are a bit for their own, they will follow in the next days. Don't worry - the work is already at 90 chapters and SilverFennek ist still working on it - as am I. I'd love to know how you like it till now!
Greetings from The Fabulating Fox and good hunting!
~Assan