A Room at the Tavern

[Kira_Thra]

The sound of the rain drumming against the window eventually drummed into the nether reaches of Kira's brain and her eyes fluttered open. She had slept more soundly, surrounded by four walls and a sturdy door that she'd taken pains to secure, than any other night in recent memory. Sleeping amongst the forest folk was too dangerous a business to allow for such luxuries and open fields offered even less protection.

Rising from the bed, Kira stretched her small frame and as she did her wings shuddered to life and flexed out their full span. Their iridescent membrane was dull in the sodden morning light and Kira willed her muscles and sinew to rein them tight against her back. Even though her room sat above the kitchen and was warmer that the others for this reason, there was still a distinct chill in the air and Kira dressed quickly.

When she had inquired of the tavern keeper the evening before, he'd assured her that he had rooms available and was eager to strike a bargain with her. But she'd withheld her coin until she'd inspected all of them and then settled upon this room. For one thing, it had a window which many of the rooms did not. And while the glass was thick and full of imperfections preventing a view of the interior of the room, it let in the light. She'd not need a candle or oil lamp during the day and that was a consideration for her purse. The other item in it's favor was the door. It was thick and had a sturdy latch that could be locked from the inside. A great deal of force, accompanied by much noise, would be needed to break it open.

She'd neaten her bed before heading into the tap room and once again thought the sheets could have been a bit cleaner, but they had no odor to assault her delicate nose and she decided not to remake upon it.

Downstairs, she was offered a bowl of porridge and a cup of something the tavern keeper called mint tea. The smell of the porridge was familiar and welcoming, but she was not as sure about the tea. After carefully sniffing at it, Kira tried a sip and, much to her surprise, found it quite tasty. She gave a nod of approval and took both to the table near the hearth. Before she broke her fast, she took a pinch of porridge and flicked it into the fire offering it to the gods for their protection and care of her. She did the same with a drop of the tea. The flames spit and sputtered as they consumed her offering and, satisfied, she turned to consume the rest herself.

[Kira_Thra]

Work was easy to find and Kira had no aversion to physical labor. Personally she preferred to be outdoors, even in the cold, as long as she had shelter and a meal waiting for her at end of day. Better that than going blind and hunched backed over needlework in the dim light of a candle, lantern or fire.

This work paid well which suited Kira's purposes. She needed to be moving on, but wanted a bit of coin in her pouch again before taking up her walking stick. At the same time, she was in no particular hurry, for the tavern was comfortable and the food suited her palate. Thus contented, Kira had a slight smile upon her lips and was humming a ditty that was a favorite among her kin while she toiled.