My Co-Worker is an Elf Girl?! (#thewattys2024)

Chapter 07 - What Do You Mean This Isn't the Human World?!

OUTSIDE THE STRUTTING STEED TAVERN & INN - EVENING

WHAM!

Remy opens the doors to the Strutting Steed's storage house. Since the Adventuring Party stepped foot into the Strutting Stallion, a hellish hurricane has brewed. She runs out with the unchewed meat pie stuffed in her cheeks like an anime girl late for school.

The elf girl pushes a wheelbarrow full of ingredients that have piled up to be twice her height.
Remy holds her breath as she trudges forward. The sheer force of the gale and the volume of rain has turned the stretch of road she treads on into a torrential stream.

Unable to take the water spraying in her face, Remy squeezes her eyes shut.

BUMP!

Remy has run the wheelbarrow into a rock on the side of the road, tipping it over. The canvas sheet held down by rope meant to keep the ingredients in place has come undone, causing the storm to sweep half of the wheelbarrow's contents.

Remy struggles to regain footing in the sludge. She presses onward, grabbing one fallen ingredient at a time.

INSIDE THE STRUTTING STEED TAVERN & INN - MORNING

It is the dawn of a new day. 

Remy, covered in mud, collapses from exhaustion on a table. The storm continues but has lowered in intensity.

REMY: "How does this tavern still stand?"

The OWNER OF THE INN sits not too far away, counting the piles of gold the tavern has earned.

OWNER OF THE INN: "A stiff wind now would be the very end of The Strutting Steed. We must close temporarily to fix the roof and replenish our inventory. We don't need to worry, though. We made an absolute killing last night!"

The Chef rinses dirty dishes in a wooden tub on a nearby table. Remy notices that the Adventuring Party's candle holder is amongst the stack of sullied porcelain. Though it is heavily crusted with cold wax, the candle holder retains its silvery gleam.

The Owner of the Inn begins scooping his gold into bags. He smiles at his employees.

OWNER OF THE INN: "You have all done me a great service. I'll split this bounty amongst everyone as a token of my gratitude for your hard work!"

INSIDE THE STRUTTING STEED TAVERN & INN - LATE MORNING
Remy sits alone, nibbling on a pheasant wing as rainwater drips through the roof around the tavern. The Innkeeper approaches and takes a seat next to Remy. The Innkeeper's eyes widen when realizing what the elf is dining on.

INNKEEPER: "Are you eating the patrons' leftovers?!"

REMY: "Did you not hear? We've almost entirely run out of food. We must save ingredients for our customers. Besides, I can't really afford to buy a full meal here."

Remy's response bewilders the Innkeeper even more.

INNKEEPER: "You've been paying for your own meals this entire time?!"

Remy is caught like a deer in the headlights.

REMY: "....you aren't?!"

INNKEEPER: "That stingy codger has been swindling you! All Innkeepers working under him are supposed to be provided meals for free!"

Remy deflates. She groans out loud.

REMY: "Now I hear about this? I could've spent that money on tabletop expansions!"

The Innkeeper chuckles at her coworker's absurdity.

INNKEEPER: "My brother, who works in a shire to the west, has told me that there's an inn that pays nearly double compared to this hovel. They are looking for new Innkeepers too. Maybe a place like that would be better for you?"

REMY: "Why are you telling me this?"

INNKEEPER: "I have a family here in Farronwood. I cannot unroot myself so easily. You, on the other hand, are young and unburdened by such things."

REMY: "What if I told you I was?"

INNKEEPER: "...you have children?!"

REMY: "In a sense."

Remy pulls out a hefty tome. It is a thick tabletop gaming guide labeled "Humans & Houses: 4th Edition." She caresses it as one would with a small, fuzzy animal.

REMY: "The tales I spin with our guests I see very much like children of my own! If I leave The Strutting Steed, I leave these stories and friends behind with it!"

Remy places the hefty volume down.

REMY: "In truth, The Strutting Steed is my home. I wouldn't leave this place for all of the gold in the world!"

The Innkeeper giggles to herself.

INNKEEPER: "I should have expected such from you, little elf. You're forever smitten by fantastical nonsense like 'humans' and '9-5 white collar labor' after all."

REMY: "Hey! Don't be so presumptuous! Humans may exist in a world beyond ours!"

OWNER OF THE INN: "Everyone, get back to your stations! We've got customers! Except you, Remy, for you have more than earned a break."

Remy munches happily on leftovers and sips from various unfinished drinks from the night before.

Outside, the wind and rain begin to pick up.

Thunder begins to roar once more.

To be continued...