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Sionnain looks at the dwarf with incredulity when he talks to Grimmel and his mouth opens to form a perfect 'O' while the dwarf goes to the table and he simply sits without more words. 

The boy's eyes stop at Grimmel, waiting for his answer, and when it becomes in rhyme's form, a natural and contagious laugh escapes from his throat. - He gives what that rude dwarf deserves. - He thinks while the laugh continues. 

- Why doesn't he like the music? - He asks to the man with a sweet and charged of curiosity voice. - Is it because he is a dwarf? - He looks around again, looking for the dwarf.

At this moment Sionnain feels the glance of the redhead woman* and he smiles to her shyly. She seems nice. Not as the rude dwarf.

When I hear my companion's voice next to me talking to someone he calls a bard, I turn around, sitting on a tool nearby since I'm still waiting for a reply about the availability, and make myself comfortable to enjoy the show. This is gonna be fun. I've seen Dwalin's reaction before when it comes to music, songs and actually everything a bard does to earn a living.

I stare at the bard for a few seconds and then I have another look around, scanning the new people that have come into the inn. Apart from the bard, there's an old man that has also come looking for a room to stay and a ginger-haired woman staring at someone or something near us. Suddenly, a quick movement somewhere below my field of vision catches my attention. I can recognize a thief when I see one and that little kid seems to be one of them. I'll have to keep an eye on him.  

When the bard decides to present Dwalin with a rhyme I can't help bursting into laughter. I raise my hand to wipe one of the tears that are coming down my cheek and place my other hand on Dwalin's bald head, caressing it, as if he was just a child. 

- Don't blame him. He's just a grumpy little man. He can't help it.- Then I look at the child and add.- Nah. He doesn't like it because he's terrible at singing. And bards always remind him about that. 

When I stop laughing, I realize that someone else has given an opinion about the issue and I turn around to face the weirdest man I've ever seen. Or, is it a woman? Certainly, that looks more like a bunch of walking muscles than a human being. 

- Well, I can assure you I've never seen one of your kind either...- I reply.- What kind of creature are you?- I had never been known to be very tactful but maybe that time I should have just kept my mouth shut. A punch from that could surely knock one out in less than a second. 

Stupid people makes stupid things at stupid times. And the bard made things worst when he mocked the dwarf.

He looked curious at the small figure. Dwarfs were not as usual as it could be thought in this part of the world, but for the wonders of magic, the girl just said she never saw one before! It was simple, as every being alive they pee, they poo, they drink and eat and sleep. As distinctive features they allways had beards even when bald, they had a great physical endurance and they used to have a very bad mood.

He drunk a short sip of his ale and took a small bite of the food. How could the dwarf react to it? Will the blood splash his table? He was curious about that matter and made a quick calculation about the distance.

If he used a fireball in the middle. Did it reach the place? Probably, then maybe the blood will not reach him.

He laughed in low voice, just for himself.

When the bard say that the child is his son, I understand all. Who is so fool to insult a Dwarf? Only a bard brainless and quite stupid. And he's this one.

I sit up and walk until the bard.

- Be careful with your words. Or else I'll cut your tongue and then your child will eat it.

Then I look for the child.

- I hope you won't be as stupid as your "father". - I say as I walk past him.

Finally I sit again and look the strange woman who acted like a small child.

- I never see as strange woman like you. - I answer her. Where do you have your tits? It's imposible to localize with that  torso so muscled. I don't remember to have been seen something like you.

- Innkeeper, what about the beer?

I turned out to be a passive witness of what seemed to be the beginning of a tavern fight for, as usual, stupid reasons. I coulnd't help myself when the bard decided to sing his answer to the dwarf and laughed loudly from my seat. I tried to stop in time and pretended to be coughing before my passive role evolved into a more active one. Luckily for me, and specially for the bard, the dwarf seemed to be in quite a good mood and the teeth of the everybode stayed in their place. When I noticed the shy smile of the kid I smiled back and pointed the empty sits in front of me. 

My tits? Baster tapped her chest armor with her knuckles. You asking me to share a bed with you? I like my lovers a little taller.

The young woman didn’t ask. She just took a seat at that table, together with the woman and the dwarf, her backpack resting at one side and her sword, or axe, or whatever that lump of steel was, at the other. The table screamed in pain when she crossed her arms on its surface, and then let her upper body weight rest upon her arms.

I can’t say I have seen one like me either, she conceded, smirking. You two travelers? She took a good look at their weapons and armor before asking again. Swords, and axe, for hire?

Grimmel is in a good mood (very seldom he is not) and his wide smile never fades.

Never shall I disrepect a member of the noble dwarven race. May you live many years and your beard grow all the way to the floor.

He winks at the little Sionnain and disregards the table of the short people with long faces. The child seems to know exactly the table he is interested, the one with the silent woman.

Usually, silent people are the best audience, but Grimmel has an idea that the red-headed girl is not mute. Of course, proof will be needed on this regard.

Good evening for you, milady. When he receives a wordless invitation to take a seat, he does so, the kid to his side.

My name is Grimmel. They call me Grimmel the Great but, please, do no feel forced to do so. This wondrous and magnificent person that looks like a little boy is Sionnain. He taps the child's head, making a mess of the already rebel hair.

We are but weary travelers looking for an appropiate amount of rest. Is that your case as well?

My eyes follow each and any of the woman's movements, as I lean forward to rest my head on one of my hands. I keep staring at her, judging and deciding whether she is to be trusted.

- That's quite a heavy-looking weapon.- I say in a casual way, flashing a quick glance at the lump she's just placed on the seat next to hers. I listen to her questions and harmless as they are, I decide to answer. 

- Kind of...- I reply to the first one.- Well...that'd depend on the price you pay...ya looking for someone to have a job done for you?- I ask as I raise my eyebrow. But it's just a reciprocal question as it seems rather obvious that she needs no help for that. Unless she's looking for fine skills rather than brute strenght.- I assume that's what you do...- I move my eyes up and down her body.- you hire your muscles. 

Or his insight was failing, or a group of adventurers was joining at that time. He could see three warriors, and he was not sure about the bard and the child, but pretty sure about the silent man who had smiled at the next table. 

That was the time to introduce himself, and try to keep the atmosphere relaxed, and thus the group was formed with less differences. As the waiter still had not brought the food, he took the backpack and the staff and walked to the table where the dwarf was. 

- I would not bother with those jokes my lord, not everyone knows the nature of a dwarf, and as you can see some of presents have not seen one in their lives. And you will agree with me that a dwarf can not be known at a glance, you need a lot of time to know one, and when that happens that person knows the true meaning of loyalty. 

- Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Dalfgan, I am a healer looking to increase my knowledge. If I have your permission, I would be honored if you allow me to accompany you, and maybe you can tell me some things about your race. I love to hear stories about civilizations and places that I do not know, and try to understand how their lives are. And a good story about the dwarves seems a good way to spend the evening until bedtime. 

I smiled satisfied when my invitation was accepted, but even if I just seemed a cheerful young woman with an innocent face, the truth laid far from it.

My eyes had been trained to see even the slightest movement of a branch; my body reacted rapidly and with precision and my arms had been carrying weapons since before I could remember. That’s why I didn’t fear sharing my space with strangers.

- Good evening to you too. – I answered to the pair. I laughed softly when he introduced himself and the kid – Well, the way you presented him makes me think I should Sionnain the Great instead. My name is Elaria, no nicknames. I like to keep it simple.

I looked curiously behind the couple to the bar. What an awful service, no one was getting what they wanted. Maybe that’s why the locals didn’t come here. I turn my attention back to Grimmel to continue with our conversation.

- I think it’s pretty easy to say I am one as well. – I answered friendly. My accent was obvious while I talked, which made me definitely a foreigner, and I was pretty sure as well that there in the south ginger heads were not common. – And I would bet that the rest of clients are travelers too. I’m afraid this tavern won’t have beds for so many, and that would be such a pity. I enjoy the forest but I don’t say no to a bed. And tell me, Grimmel, what brings a pair like you around here?

Grimmel and Sionnain look at each other, sharing a moment of wordless understanding.

Well, you could call me an errant knight and as such I tend to be... erratic. We wanted to have some time for ourselves, and know the big big world. This little fella might seem helpless but knows better than that. Mostly, Sionnain protects me and makes sure I do not get into trouble.

He smiles at the child again.

I am a bard, a poet and a knight. I shall fight evil wherever it lies and tell tales of heroes and legends. Heores like yourself, maybe, for I see you are young and fair indeed, but not a helpless child either.

Until then it had been easy to miss the small crossbow that Grimmel carried in his back. It is such a weird-looking piece of engineering that it resembles anything but a weapon at first. The bard also carries a not-less-strange violin and the two pieces are so alike that any or both of them could be intruments... or weapons.

While you are taking seats in the tables, a couple of maids show up bringing the ordered drinks and food to the tables. Mugs of bitter beer, glasses of cheap wine and jars of cider. Vegetable stew, millet porridge and smoked lamb comprise the food trays. A quick glance at the bar reveals a busy bartender taking care of all your orders filling mugs and jars and passing by notes to the kitchen behind him.

After some trips to the kitchens and bar, the maids finish serving all your orders.

A quick glance to the surrounding environment makes you realize that, even tough the first impression from the Inn is quite below the ordinary, you are not alone in here, and around seven other local patrons populate several tables scattered around the main floor.

These patrons are mainly attending their business and do not pay attention to some adventure eager foreigners that all of the sudden show up in their daily drinking routine. Two of them seem to be merchants or local traders and five look like peasants or laborers.

Just when the maids have completed the orders, one peculiar skinny figure shows up from the shadows behind the bar, walking among the patrons and maids with such confidence as if it would own the entire place. He salutes the busy bartender with a friendly smile and walks straight towards your tables. 

When the lights of the torches and the raging flames by the fire illuminate the shadowing figure you discover, not without awe, a young pretty elvish male face. His hair is all black, and falls to his shoulders plainly like unwieldy waterfalls of darkness. His eyes are pale blue. More than that, they are the color of early snow flakes. His skin is such of those of his kin with a very particular exception: several scars run through his face like streams in a mountain gorge.

Once in front of your tables, in a position from where he is visible for all of you, he speaks addressing all of you at once.

- I welcome you, my dear guests, to my humble Inn. I hope you enjoy our groceries and commodities. I must inform you that arrangements have been made in the upper floor for you all to find suitable accommodation for tonight. -

He looks around pleased to see that you all enjoy now some drinks and food.

- Now, may I offer you with something else? - he asks bending slightly and extending his hands in a shy bow.

A barmaid stopped by the table to serve drinks and dinner. Baster grabbed the leg of lamb and started tearing pieces of flesh from it with her fingers and putting them in her mouth.

It is, she nodded as she patted the handle of her weapon, when the woman addressed it. Has to be, if you want to break the spine of a monster with one blow.

At least I hope it can do that.

It could turn the bones of a lizardman or an orc to dust, but she had yet to test against actual monsters. The theory, she thought, was solid. Monsters were huge, and had thick hides. Swords, axes were only able to scratch and punch small holes into them. Maces would bounce against the skin or the scales. But hitting them hard with such a thin surface on a heavy two hander had to be enough to smash their bones.

The woman answered her questions —kind of, as she put it—, and asked the same of her. As she had the chance to take a good look at her, she realized there was something strange about that one. Something she couldn’t quite put the finger on.

If I have to, she succinctly replied. She didn’t need to hide it, it was lawful work. And I may. First time in Cawic, though. Know of someone hiring? Baster’s the name, by the way, she introduced herself.

Before the dwarf and the woman could introduce themselves, assuming that was their intention, someone else stepped into the hall. A lithe man with pointed ears and a handsome face, its graceful beauty marred by vestiges of old pains in the form of scars. An elf.

She hadn’t seen a dwarf before, but she had seen many elves. A colony of their kind made their home in the woods that surrounded her village. Nasty, grim fellows, always ready to turn anyone and anything they considered remotely menacing into a pincushion. Not that she could fault their behavior; those woods were made of the same stuff as nightmares.

The elf announced himself as the owner of the inn, and informed the patrons that acommodations were ready. He then asked if anyone desired anything else. Baster took a sip of beer from her mug. She just wanted food and a place to sleep, nothing more. And those she already had.

He started to eat with care in the beginning but then noticed he was starving and faster and faster he ate.

The elf appeared as a good host, he just kept eating.

He started to worry. There was something about that place and the time, the inn, the night. He thought something was going to happen. The other costumers, peasants and laborers were just eating and resting from the work they had that day. But it was no delusion, he had the certanty something really strange was going to happen.

And ... why the hell he was so interested in the people at that table? He had been staring at them, maybe they will notice. What a strange group they were.

Food disappeared as if swallowed by a huge monster. He surprised, never had eaten that fast. His mug was empty too. Sleepiness will arrive fast, he knew himself and seriously thought about going up to his room. But that sensation, that feeling made he to stay there and watch, not to fall slept, just watch.

What was going to happen?

The way the woman looks at me, as if trying to figure out who or what I really are, does not go unnoticed by me. However, I remain still, not giving away anything that can reveal my real nature. For whoever that's watching me I just look like a young armed woman with a pierced eyebrow, wearing a dark cloak. I nod at her answer and reply to her new question, just as the maid's coming over to our table.

- I don't. Actually...last time I was in Cawic I was the one looking for someone to hire. But don't worry...Cawic is a good place if you're looking for a job of those characteristics. They'll come to you.- unless they were looking for discretion no one would miss the chance to hire a woman like that.

I accept the beer mug that the maid is offering us and I pass Dwalin the other one. Surely that would cool him down a wee bit. Turning back to face Baster, that's the superwoman's name,  I introduce myself. 

- You can call me Ilesys. - I don't introduce the dwarf as I assume he'd like to do it by himself. 

At that exact moment, an elf comes to stage. I look at him. An elf? What is one of his kind doing here, in such a low standing place?  I'm not very fond of elves. Not after what they did to my mother. They're just a bunch of despicable creatures who like to put on airs and believe they're superior to any other races. He seems to take an interest on us three and the people sitting at the table next to us. What the hell does he want? And then I realise he's the inn keeper. After he finishes talking, I take part.

- D'you mean we'll be all sharing the same room?- I wrinkle my nose at the idea of having to share a room with strangers. I don't trust them. I was looking for a good rest but those news involved having to keep an eye half-open all night, watching out for thieves or people of a similar kind. 

Sionnain laughs when Grimmel mess up his hair and he listens to the woman introducing herself. For a time the boy remains in silence, only looking all with curiosity and smiles with the Grimmel's jokes. He stares at the elf owner of the inn and he feels a little shiver looking his scars. 

Little by little Sionnain feels comfortable with the company and he talks to Elaria, openning his eyes. - Grimmel is humble himself, lady. - Says with his sweet voice. - He's the best bard, and poet, and knight in all the world. - He emphasises the words nods his head. Looks at the man after. - You'll play tonight, isn't it? - Asks smiling. - Even the dwarf doesn't want. - Adds whispering, with a quick glance to the close table.

Then the boy tilts his head looking at the hair of Elaria intrigued. - Is that color really yours? How do you tint your hair? Why do you travel alone, lady? - Finally he asks about the thinks that arouse curiosity, losing his shyness.

I laughed openly with the words of Grimmel. I liked people with a sense of humor better than the ones with wrinkles betwee their eyes. That was a sign of not enjoying life, and life was a gift to enjoy. 

BeforeI could continue with the conversation the waitresses came to fulfill the different demands and I took my chance to add my name to the list of clients looking for a meal. But it was the elf who really attracted my attention. Not only because he was the owner and he was terriblt handsome as well, but because the scars in his face told a story that arised my curiosity.

When he explained that there was place enough for everyine I raised my voice to be noticed.

- I hadn't asked yet, but I need a room as well handsome. I mean, please, sir... - Courtesy was not my thing, or diplomacy or nothing that required knowledge about people. In my village people was painfully honest and didn't care about etiquette or that sort of thing. I had learned a few things during my travel but I was still far from mastering it.

At that point I heard the girl behind me complaining, or that was my impression, about everyone sharing a room. I tried to remember the exact words of the elf and yes, it seemed that she was right. 

- Oh... all together, huh? - that could be a problem. Or many of them.

The voice of the kid put me out of my thoughts and I smiled to the idea of sme music tonight.

- I would love to hear your stories. I like silent nights only out there. - I said looking at the bard - ​And please, don't call me lady. We don't use that where I come from. Just Elaria is fine. - I said turning this time to the little one - ​And we don't use tints either. This hair is all mine, courtesy of my father, my grandmother and I don't know how further it goes. Up there black haired like you are exotic. Light colored hairs at the most common ones.

I look Baster and then look the old man called Dalfgan.

- Nice to meet you Dalfgan and Baster. - I say. My name's Dwalin.

Before i can say something else the inn's owner come to our table.

- An Elf?!? - I think. First a Bard, then an Elf, what's next?

- That's all correct. - I answer awful by the presence of pointed ears. I don't mind sharing a room with other people. If they're smart they'll stay away from me and won't disturb us.

Then I take the other leg of lamb and start to bite it and drink the beer too.

- And tell me. - I say to Dalfgan. What're you doing here?

Grimmel smiled at the child and looked at the girl.

Elaria. Would you like to hear a song? I am a decent tale-teller but some say my music is quite palatable. I could be persuaded to sing a little despite the dwarf's kind petition.

While speaking, Grimmel had been glaring at the elf and following his words. The bard nodded respectfully, but he decided not to talk, given that the woman who seemed to bear the dwarf (for that was her most notorious trait) had posed a question.

- I'm afraid that will be the case, yes - answers Gonore to the questions about sharing a common room.

- The upper floor has a common sleeping area which is currently our only available room for tonight. - he then smiles cheerfully, almost cynically

- I hope that won't be a problem - He looks at Illesys and Elaria, who expressed their particular concern with the idea.

Then the elf bows and turns around and leaving you all to your business. Some of you follow his slim figure back to the shadows where he came from few moments ago before he disappears behind one of the doors at this floor.

Meanwhile the maids keep on getting your orders and serving your food and drinks. The two ladies, two particularly beautiful young humans, seem particularly happy to have you here tonight. Perhaps there are few occasions when such a crowd is gathered in the Harper and they get a bite on the bill... or maybe not. Maybe there are other reasons why they look so happy. Who knows...

It doesn't really matter tough. It is really nice to have such a wonderful and thorough service. Something quite rare some times, specially for a place with such low expectations at a first glance as this random Inn in the middle of nowhere...