Convergence

Paths Converge

Jen and Jay, two siblings and owners of the Fractured Claw Inn, had started running the place about ten years ago. The two-story building was larger and more frequently full than the other taverns or inns in Zor, and they had the coin to show that their drinks were also up to par. The rentable rooms upstairs were sufficient and often completely occupied by sun-down. They also kept rooms on the main floor where they played host to meetings put on by individuals who wished not to be seen in the same space as their accomplices.

Many a person had walked through their doors from far way lands, as far as the continent of Dolkan Zol, or Zycia. However, the three women who entered that evening were, they later concluded, either the best liars or the most lost people they'd met in their ten years.

Typically, the two shared the responsibilities. Both served drinks, both rented rooms, and both cleaned up after drunken patrons. Jay kept watch over the back rooms, informing who needed to be informed when some unsavory types entered, or when their guests had arrived. Jen kept look out. She had a knack for remembering faces, and a kind presence that helped her get information.

When a short feisty human woman entered with flaming red hair and alert eyes, Jen offered her a drink, observing the slight frame and the way she carried herself, as well as the backpack she carried and didn't remove when she took her seat. 

When a tall, brooding human woman with more weapons than she looked capable of wielding stepped through the door, Jen double-checked the number of available rooms, noticing the pair of scars across her face from brow to jaw. The woman appeared to be in her thirties, but her life had not been easy or fair. 

When a blue-skinned sea elf woman with flowing mermaid-like hair quietly entered, all the eyes in the room turned to her. She wore no backpack, no visible weapon or purse, and no shoes. She noticed the watching eyes, and blushed, the blue cheeks just tinging purple. She eyed the crowd and approached the counter.

"Excuse me!" The elf started. "Do you have any rooms available?"

Jen smiled warmly. "The cost is three silver a night, and it so happens I've got a few open."

The elf's cheeks tinged purple again as she searched herself. "Oh, um... I appear to have lost my coin pouch." Her eyes turned apologetic and she turned as if to leave.

Jen caught her wrist. "Hey, what if we make a deal? You tell me a story, and the room's yours for the night. Comes with food. Hell, I'd even pour you a drink."

"Oh, that's very kind of you! Normally I would deny, but I don't know where else I could go. I'm afraid I don't know many stories."

Jen eyed the rest of the room. Most of the normal patrons had returned to their cups. The two human women had chosen to sit at opposite ends of the tavern with their respective cups, each watching the door, but they had stopped sipping their drinks and their ears were turned towards the bar.

Jen turned back to the elf. "How about your story? What is your name?"

"Elory. Pleased to meet you, miss...?"

"Jenafria. You can call me Jen. Elory, let me serve up some drinks and I'll be back for your story." Jen turned away. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the fiery human woman stand and approach the bar, sitting beside Elory. She grinned to herself, pouring a couple of ales for the patrons.

Elory started slightly as the girl sat beside her. "Oh, hello."

The redhead stuck out a hand. "I'm Crimsyn. Did I hear you call yourself Elory?"

Elory shook her hand. Crimsyn had a firm grip. "Yeah, that's me."

"Well, Elory. What're you drinking? Let me buy you a round."