Courtesans - English version

48 Chatter

The village of Amruth truly consisted of just a handful of houses, with only one inn to speak of—if one could even call the small shack an inn. It was more of a tavern. When the four of them entered, the young elven girl behind the bar looked utterly astonished. She lifted her skirts and rushed to the back, calling out, "Father, father, we have guests! Guests!"

Dina glanced around the tiny tavern, moving to stand next to Zevran. There weren't many people inside, perhaps around twenty men, all simple peasants. They continued their conversations but cast curious glances at the newcomers.

"It seems that a strange face counts as a spectacle around here. Especially if there are four of them," Zevran whispered, leaning towards Dina. Leliana and Morrighan heard him and nodded in agreement.

The innkeeper, a simple man, hurried over, wiping his hands in excitement. Unlike Tharoden, he seemed genuinely pleased to see them.

However, when Morrighan stated that they would need at least two rooms, ideally four, the innkeeper wrung his hands and looked around uncertainly. His wife soon appeared behind him and whispered something in his ear.

"I'm afraid I only have one room to offer. We seldom get any visitors, especially not in groups. But don't worry, we'll make do! The ladies can sleep upstairs in the room on the first floor, and we'll quickly prepare a small space down here for the gentleman. It's not very spacious, but it should be sufficient for one... Would you like to have a look?"

Zevran nodded to Morrighan with closed eyes, indicating he wasn't picky and could sleep anywhere. If this was what the inn had to offer, then so be it. Their hosts were clearly making an effort to accommodate them, bringing their orders to the bar and even setting out a basket of sweet grapes.

"Please, help yourselves; it's on the house! Sample from the harvest—we've got plenty! Just let us know if you'd like more!"

Zevran plucked two large grapes from the bunch, bringing his hand closer to Dina's mouth, and gently fed her one. Dina accepted it, feeling no discomfort as his finger brushed her lips. The innkeeper, his wife, and even their daughter watched the scene, but when Dina glanced at them, they all averted their eyes at once.

Zevran and Dina exchanged a smile, as if the innkeeper's family had already decided which of the three women belonged to the gentleman. Although Dina found this rural courtesy a bit unfamiliar after the bustle of the city, both she and Zevran had been born in villages.

"It's a bit like home here. Like when my parents were still alive."

Zevran watched Dina silently, perhaps lost in his own thoughts, remembering similar memories.

"Tell me, how obedient were you as a child?" Dina asked, breaking the silence.

Zevran let out a mischievous grin. "What do you think? If a ten is an angel and a one is a little devil, what score would you give me?"

Dina returned his mischievous gaze with a smile. "Maybe a two? A three?"

Zevran laughed. "I'd rate myself in the negatives! Wait... what about you?" He studied Dina's face thoughtfully. "Alright, let me guess... I'd give you an eight or even a nine. Did I get it right?"

Dina nodded with a smile. "Alright, fair enough."

"No backtalk? No cheeky remarks?"

Now it was Dina's turn to give a sly smile. "I didn't say I wasn't cheeky. I just didn't practice it as much. But I was certainly capable of it!"

"I can't wait to hear about one of your infamous cheeky deeds," teased Zevran, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

Dina looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully. "Well, once, I stole salt from my parents..."