Shadowwalker - Under Review For Now

4. The Dirty Rag

The Dirty Rag was about two streets away from the harbour, towards the center of Moglux, but it was located expertly.

Merely a street away from the main road that went through the city, it was close enough for easy access, yet far enough as to remain relatively undisturbed by the constant noise. Although.... no-one in the right mind would ever call it quiet, for downstairs it was most always lively. It was a cosy, happy place, which was a stark contrast to the grimy streets outside.

Amber grinned at the sign, which doubled as the place's flag, and pushed the door open.
There she was transported to what seemed like a completely different world.
A blast of warm air welcomed her, filled with the smell of smoke, food, drink and sweat. The room was dimly lit with strategically placed candles, the main light coming from the roaring fires in the fireplaces. The main one was located in the centre of the wall in the room, and had an enormous roast attached to the rod above it, which was slowly spinning by one weary servant. The second, slightlt smaller one was placed in the far left corner, right next to the bar, and had a bubbling cauldron filled with, one presumed, broth. Either that, or it contained Fireslug, a strong,  thick drink best served warm.

As Amber stepped into the room, she nodded at herself, quietly confirming her thesis. The place was stuffed to the brim.
There were two people serving drinks at the bar, and a steady stream of in total five waiters and waitresses continuously walked in and out of the kitchen, carrying trays containing steaming bowls and almost overflowing mugs to impatient customers.

The door slammed shut behind her, but she didn't move from the doorstep. Not yet.
Instead, she placed her right hand on her waist, cocked her hip, and looked around the room, seemingly bored, but internally struggling to contain a grin that threatened to ruin her dramatic entrance. Which made it even more so.
After a few moments of surveying the inn, her patience was soon rewarded.

"Miss Fionn! So good tah see ya, lemme find tha mistress fo ya," a young waitres said, her eyes twinkling. She brushed a stray lock of her behind her ear, which instantly fell in front of her eyes again.
Amber raised an eyebrow at the teen as she recognised the lass, barely a year younger than she herself was- yet, at certain times, the gap seemed far greater than its reality.
"Thank you, Milly. You clean quite well, don't you?"
Amber leasurely strolled towards the bar,moving her hips and arm with slightly exaggerated flirtatious movements; shoulders down, back straight, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. As she did so, her gaze lazily drifted through the rest of the room, gaining a wolf whistle or two.

"Look at what the cat dragged in!"

Whipping around, Amber spinned on her heels, eyes zeroing in on the owner of the voice. And, coincidentally, the owner of the inn.

"Loveday!"
The young lady in front of her grinned.
"Evenin' Ams, are you here for business or pleasure?"

Amber hesitated before answering.

"Business?"

Loveday sighed. She took Amber's arm and hooked their elbows, walking her towards the stairs.
"Of course you are. Well, you know where to find the uniform. And I expect good work for once! Me's had a coupla complaints coming in from a certain Silver-haired waitress who ignored my poor guests, tripped over the cat, and set one lady's skirt on fire!"
Rolling her eyes, Amber retorted: "Admit it, you've never had a more interesting waitress. More clients have come here especially in the hopes of seeing your latest entertainment."
"Oh, shoo! Be off with you! I've got guests to attend to. And a kitchen that needs.... Encouragement."
Loveday grinned evilly, calling out to her friend as she closed the door behind her.
"Don't take too long!"
"I wo-" CRASH, bang, didley-ding-ting- BOINNGGGG......tinkle.
Throwing the door open, Loveday ran back into the room.

Inside, she found Amber sitting on the floor in the midst of a variety of countless trinkets, sheepishly peeking out from under a hatbox as papers slowly drifted to the ground.

"Oops..."

"By the moons- HONESTLY. You're a walking disaster! It's a miracle you've survived everything up to and including now. C'm here, let me help you dress."
Loveday started fussing about and began undressing her friend, causing Amber to blush furiously.
"What are you doing?!" she exclaimed, attempting to bat Loveday's hands away, but failing to keep the bossy lass from untying her bodice.
"I'm helping ya, silly. 'Ere, no need to be embarrassed, we're both gals. Just preten' that I'm yer dressing maid or summin'."

...

After a fair amount of time, the two of them walked down the stairs.
Once at the bottom, Loveday gave Amber a once-over, patting down the girl's apron and double checked whether or not her hair would stay in place for the remainder of the evening.

"Well, I suppose that should do it. Off ya go, then."

Amber kissed her friend on both cheeks and grinned.
"Thanks. And, by the way- didn't you have a kitchen to attend to?"
Loveday's smile quickly morphed into a horrified expression.

"My roast! Head cook, hostess, coming through!
Make way please, make way! Excuse me- Move it, Mills!"