Rouder

Beneath the trees a clean man tended to the sweet violets and honey blossoms which sprouted besides the ancient trunk.

The man of cleanliness took a look at the High Priestess, grabbed a decanter from one of his pouches, summoned four glasses from another one and each of them with orange liquid. They drank it in silence and Varion wondered about the smoothness and richness of its taste. Even Hemma fizzled.

“Passionfruit and mango. Usually, the Ashlands cannot afford to get these luxuries but I know my way around harshness. Isn’t that right, dear?” Fixing his attention on their leader, he leaned across the beautiful scenery and smiled across his entire face. “Daria. What a delight! It bothers me to admit that we are booked out but I’m sure we can spare one or two rooms if you ask nicely.”

A chuckle left his lips that was immediately punished by a broad wave of a slap. He stumbled away and Daria hissed, “How dare you!”

Insecurely, he held his cheek. “Three rooms?”

She stomped and built herself up before him. “I’m not talking about any damn rooms!” shouted she. “How could you house Persilaus? I thought I knew you better.”

He let his hand which had cupped the cheek fall back to his side and straightened himself up and pushed away the shards of the decanter amidst a pool of a tinier, similarly clad puddle as the lake. “Ah, this. Indeed, I also thought you knew me better than that. My inn is a place for everyone. Regardless the breeding or heritage, people are tolerated. Except the intolerable.”

“Yet you did house a convicted rapist.”

“Did I?” droned Rouder. He didn’t sound enervated or worrisome and neither the tiniest bit afraid. “Maybe I did. Anyhow, he’s up in the cave.”

The High Priestess wouldn’t have it. “Do not forget who brought you up when dirt wore you,” bit out Daria. “The priestesses have joined your endeavors as much as they enjoyed your feasts, but this, Rouder, this I will not forget.” 

“I completely understand, dear.” He stepped aback and raised his palms in appeal. “Oh, did I forget now to mention that I was dining with some thugs, really bad folk, you know? They were looking for easy game and sadly mislead into my corners. Anyhow, I told them of a wealthy man who was strong but alone, hiding in a nearby cave. Something about a misconduct with the law. But rest assured, Rouder’s Inn does not get involved with people’s affairs nor do we disrespect good graces and best of luck on your ventures.”

As the High Priestess walked away, she held in, turned back and tilted her head. Varion just saw the corner of her lip twitching up her cheek. “Men,” cheered she. “Those of icyness make you almost forget that there are the theatrical ones, too. May the dirt stay off your robe, Rouder.”