The Long Way Forward.

Chapter 2 - My house, my castle.

Following Carlveigh's directions, she finally arrived at the entrance to a grand building made of well-crafted wood and apparently receives regular maintenance. There is no sign of prolonged wear if it was really one of the first buildings in the city, the wood retained its natural color, the windows were ornamented directly on the walls, thus avoiding many cuts in it, two large doors opened wide towards the street and stone stairs took any visitor inside.

What surprised Namira the most was not only the architectural grandeur of the place, but the loud sound coming from within. Laughter, music, cursing, shouting, etc. Never before had she heard a tavern so agitated, if she didn't know it was impossible, she would easily believe that the whole city was concentrated in this inn.

Tiredness started to disrupt her thoughts and even her steps became a little heavy, it was still early evening but the trip was long and she just wanted to eat and sleep. Without being intimidated by the unusual atmosphere, she entered the inn and then managed to understand why he said it was one of the most welcoming.

A large lounge with wooden plank floors and large carpets of Ourigh fur, a mammal covered in thick fur that covers up to the face leaving only a small space for its long snout, square tables and comfortable chairs with soft seats, all made of the same wood as the inn was built. On the walls to the east and west were two large stone fireplaces with large flames and two cauldrons, towards the north of the hall there was a large counter where two people served several customers who sat side by side on individual circular wooden benches.

She walked towards the counter and that caused some of the regulars to stop what they were doing to watch her, she was a stranger, someone they had never met in their life and her simple clothes generated malicious comments. Regardless of that, she sat between two men who were drinking a large mug of what looked like beer, they didn't pay much attention to her because they concentrated on their drinks, so a big muscular woman approached her.

- Good night cutie, welcome to Lavender Scent, what would you like to order? Said the woman who wore a sleeveless dress that showed her big and muscular arms, her hair was short not passing her chin, in front of the dress she wear a purple apron that already showed wear spots, in her big hands she held a metal mug and a cloth she used to clean the mug.

- I just arrived in the city and I'm coming from the city hall, Mr. Carlveigh indicated this place for me to get good food and a place to stay at night. Said Namira with an expression already tired, but without losing the gentle smile.

- Ha! How's that old bastard? She laughs to herself. - It's good to know that wretch hasn't forgotten his friendships!

- I couldn't ask how he was in health, but apparently he is fine, he helped me in everything that could help me, even so close to closing time.

Again she laughed and screamed looking to her right.

- Hey Gustavus! This girl here was sent by Carl! And he continues to work like an idiot !

A husky laugh came from an equally large, muscular man with a curly beard that reached the middle of his chest.

- That old man never changes!

- Not even! The woman laughed and turned to Namira again.

- Here we have the best of North Hope and I'm sure you will want to stay more than one night.

- Yes, Mr. Carlveigh spoke to me well and I'm sure he spoke sincerely, so could you bring me your recommendation for the night and if possible would you have a place to sleep?

- Today we have an excellent boar roasted with mushroom sauce, accept our famous fruity beer as an accompaniment or

you still don't drink cutie?