ROLEPLAY HQ - a-new-path

It was another day for Drew Eagleeye, as he had just come into town from his hometown of Hornsboro- A small village of mostly hunters and farmers, like Drew himself. In his bag were various fresh meats and animal hides, which he brought into town in hopes of selling. Making his way over to the butcher's shop, he dropped off a regular amount of meat and received a handful of coin, then went to the inn and dropped some off there, so on and so forth. This was normal for him, and it was his main source of income. Then, he dropped the hides off at the tannery, and now stood at the market, looking around for something simple to snack on, as well as slowly making his way over to his regular stop in town, the Horned Stag Inn, where he'd spend the night before heading back home. Life was simple, and that's all he really needed. Though, right now, he was stood in front of a stall, trying to decide on what kind of sweet treat to get himself. @vavavicodin

Aurelia had the day off today from work, and she was extremely grateful for it. She was exhausted and needed a break. Aurelia was dressed in a dark blue dress with silver trim along the skirt and she wore a black cloak across her shoulders with the hood up. Everyone knew the purple tiefling in this village. Now that wasn't necessarily a great thing, because a lot of hateful and mean glares were sent the tiefling's way. Unfortunately, that was the life Aurelia chose. She wasn't able to do a different occupation. She wasn't a hunter, and no castle wanted a tiefling for a mage or even a maid. So, she worked in the local brothel house. It was easy money, and people enjoyed her body. She did wish that they could enjoy her personality too, but that was life. It was a beautiful day and Aurelia was enjoying the peace and quiet. However, Aurelia was lost in the peace of the day, and she had glanced over to see one of the stall owners calling out their wares. With this distraction, Aurelia crashed into the shoulder of some unsuspecting man. "Ah! Shit, I'm so sorry." She said, reaching out and touching the man's arm. She looked at the man she ran into. He was a tall man with short dark hair and tanned skin. He was cute. "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Are you alright?" She reached out a purple skinned hand and let it rest on his bicep. Her pale ice colored eyes met his and she removed her hood, revealing her horns and white hair. She wondered what he'd say when he saw what she was. @cecilharvey03

He turned to look down at the little lady that bumped into him as he was trying to decide on something to eat. "Oh, don't worry about it! It was a simple accident, that's all." He smiled down at her, seemingly completely unfazed by her appearance. I mean, there were people with the weird ears or who were far shorter than any man he'd ever seen all throughout this city, a woman with purple skin and horns wasn't all that unusual in his eyes. Getting a better look at the man, Aurelia could see that he wasn't overly strong, but he was certainly hardened. A clear hunter, as seen by his clothing and the stench of the bloodied meat he had carried into town just an hour prior. His skin was rough, with several scars from presumably animal attacks covering his arms and even a few on his face. The man was relaxed, unburdened by the stress of city life, and just seemed happy to be alive. "I'm quite alright. What about you? You hit me pretty hard." @vavavicodin

Aurelia was honestly a bit surprised as he seemed completely unfazed by her appearance. That was a surprise because almost every single time someone saw her, they would say something about her appearance. Whether that was she was 'exotic' or 'frightening', it was always something. But, this guy... didn't say anything. The man had a hunter's build, one that was skilled and accurate in his hunts. Aurelia could smell the scent of blood on him, but it didn't bother her. She smiled as he asked if she was alright. "I am, thank you. But, I do feel guilty for crashing into you. Might I be able to buy you a meal, or a drink? Or..." She leaned forward, her eyes half lidded and her smile curling ever so slightly more, her tail coming out to curl around his wrists, the tip of her tail running along the vein in his arm, a common area that usually made some people feel warm and fuzzy. "Could I perhaps offer my services to you instead as an apology?" Her voice was soft and sensual, her hands behind her as she leaned forward slightly. @cecilharvey03

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about it." He shook his head. "I've got plenty of coin for food and drink, and I wouldn't want to put you out for something as simple as bumping into me." He looked down at where her tail was running along, looking.. a bit confused, but not scared or disgusted in any way. "I don't know what you do, but I don't really need any kind of apology, miss. It was an honest accident, and those happen. Nobody's hurt, so at the end of the day, is there anything to really worry about?" He responded with a smile, glancing over at a pastry that caught his eye. "Oh, yes, can I have that one?" Almost completely casually, he had turned his attention to the man running the stall (and completely oblivious to the looks Aurelia was given), quickly paying for the treat and taking a bite out of it happily. "Though, if you'd like to get a meal or a drink anyway, don't let me stop you." @vavavicodin

Aurelia, and the stall owner, blinked as Drew seemed to completely miss Aurelia's offer. The stall keeper quickly grabbed the pastry he requested and got it wrapped up. "Here you are." Aurelia blinked once again and then chuckled softly. "Well, sure. I am a little hungry. Would you like to grab a drink and a meal with me?" She asked, her tail not moving from his arm. This was definitely... different. Most men didn't seem this oblivious, but it was interesting to her. Maybe he was just playing hard to get? Definitely interesting. "My name is Aurelia. What's yours?" She asked, her free hand touching his bicep, almost feeling the muscles in his arm. The stall keeper eyed Drew, curious now. @cecilharvey03

"I wouldn't be against it, no." He quickly shrugged, taking another bite of the pastry. Ah, there was nothing like the food back home, but this was certainly nothing to scoff at either. There were certain tastes that being in a bigger city brought.. Sweeter flavors that could only be gotten from the ingredients brought from other places- Or.. At least that's what others said. He didn't know for sure. "I'm Drew, Drew Eagleeye." He said proudly. "One of the finest archers in Hornsboro." He didn't seem to be boasting, per say, but it was more like he whole-heartedly believed that he was up there, but that there were others up there with him as wel. @vavavicodin

Aurelia smiled, bowing her head. "It is nice to meet you, Drew Eagleeye. Come on, let's get the finest archer in Hornsboro a drink." She chuckled. Her laugh wasn't one of mockery, but genuine joy. He didn't seem to be aggressive, nor did he seem to be a boastful jerk who wanted praise and an ego stroke. She guided Drew to the Inn, The Whispering Dragon, a relatively small inn, but also where Aurelia worked. The bar keep, a large orc named Brogdon, eyed the tiefling girl. "Aren't you off today?" She gestured to Drew and winked. He nodded and prepared two mugs of ale. He set them on the counter and Aurelia walked over, grabbing them. She smiled and walked back to an empty booth. She sat down and handed him the ale. "Here you are. One ale." She beamed. "So, what brings you to this small little town?" She smiled. @cecilharvey03

He could easily pay for his own drink with his money, but it seemed like she didn't even have to pay, so it wouldn't be that big of a deal, so it was a win-win either way, right? He quickly took the ale and took a big drink out of it, glancing around the room. "Don't think i've ever been to this tavern before, seems pretty popular though." The ale wasn't terrible, but he definitely thought the alcohol at the Horned Stag was better, and he knew his alcohol, at least a fair bit. "I came to sell some meat and hides. I'm a hunter, you see, and the butcher, the cook at the Horned Stag, and the tanner pay me a pretty decent amount for fresh meat and hides, so I bring some in every week. Gets some spending money, which is nice." @vavavicodin

"It is pretty popular. But that's mostly due to the brothel underneath. This place wouldn't survive without us." She said, shrugging her shoulders. She smiled at Drew as he explained what he was doing here. So he was selling meats and hides as a hunter. He looked like a hunter, so that made sense. "That's wonderful. Do you live in town? Or are you just stopping in to get some gold for your meat and hides?" She asked, sipping on her ale. She swirled the ale in her mug for a moment as she quietly asked. "Will you be in town for a while? Or are you leaving soon?" @cecilharvey03

He had no idea what a brothel was, and it certainly showed by the fact that his expression didn't change. "Well, it's a good thing they've got you, then." He spoke with an innocent smile, taking another long drink of his ale. "Nope, I don't live in town. Hornsboro, which is where I live, is about a day's travel north, so I'll be headed back that way after tonight. So i'll be in town for today and tonight, but after that, i'll be outta here for the week." Drew explained simply. @vavavicodin

Aurelia couldn't stop the laugh that bubbled from her chest as he said that it was good they had her. "R-Right. Yes, that's, that's true." She sipped her ale once she regained her breath. He then said he lived in Hornsboro, and he would be heading back there tomorrow. "Oh...well, guess I better get my time with you while I can before you leave." She smiled. "So, you're a hunter. Do you have any hunting goals in your future? Kill the biggest bear? Kill a monster? Or a dragon perhaps?" She asked, curiously staring at him. She was interested in hearing more about him, so she wanted to know more.

16:45

@cecilharvey03

"I don't know about any of that. I like my life, and I enjoy moving through the wilds. It's quite peaceful out there, if you didn't know. Just me, the sounds of birdsong and gentle breeze, and the forest. There's a certain.. peace there that you don't get in places like this. Though, there has been some strange activity as of late.. Monsters, ones almost as tall as a man, with a horrible smell that follows them." He shook his head. "They actually attacked the town, though we managed to fend them off. Some of the townsfolk are looking for adventurers to try and find their lair and take them out." @vavavicodin

Aurelia started to feel... a little jealous as he started to talk about how wonderful the wilds were. She had been in this city ever since she was little. She had lived on the streets until she was of age, and then she went to work in the brothels. It was sick, and if he thought living in the wild was so great... She was snapped out of it as he tol her that monsters had attacked his town and he helped fight them. "I could help! I know magic, and I'm skilled with daggers. Please, let me help your town." She said quickly. @cecilharvey03

Now, he knew absolutely nothing about magic. And, to be blunt, he didn't trust magic. But, he knew that the other people in the town, those who knew more about it or trusted it a lot more would appreciate someone with magical skills. Adventurers usually had magical skills. "But if you leave, wouldn't this place start to suffer?" @vavavicodin

Aurelia shrugged and swirled her ale again. “Maybe. But, that’s not my problem. It never had been. This place survived before I came on, and it’ll survive if I leave. I just give this place the ability to buy fancy ale for once.” She said, looking at him. “So, what do you say? Can I tag along with you and go slay some monsters?” She smiled, hoping he’d say yes. @cecilharvey03

"..I see. Well, whether or not you get hired on to deal with the monsters isn't up to me, but you can come with me and talk to the mayor and see what he says." Adventurers would likely be coming from the nearby areas once postings were made in the nearby adventurers' guilds, so if this woman wanted to get whatever reward was posted, she'd have to work quick. "You can meet me at the Horned Stag in the morning." @vavavicodin

Aurelia nodded, excited that she might actually get to do something with her life! “It’s a deal!” She grinned, reaching out and shaking his hand. “So, what do you plan to do for the rest of the evening?” She asked, tilting her head curiously. @cecilharvey03

"Well, I was going to get something to eat for dinner, and then head to bed." There wasn't much for him to really do in this town, since he wasn't a city man. Besides, he was an early riser, which meant it was better for him to head to bed early. @vavavicodin

“Well, this place absolutely sucks for dinner. Why don’t I take you to one of the best spots in town for dinner. Then, you can go to bed. Or… you could always come to bed with me, after.” She purred, her free hand brushing over his. “What do you say?” @cecilharvey03

"Well, as long as it isn't super expensive, I guess I can go with you. Though, I've already got a room booked at the Horned Stag, and it's only got space for one, so I don't need to go to your room. Thank you for the offer, though." @vavavicodin

Aurelia couldn’t help but laugh again as he reminded her that he had a room here. Of course he did. “That’s fair. But, if you do decide to take me up on my offer after dinner, my bed can easily fit both you and I, plus, it’s pretty comfortable.” She trailed two of her fingers up his hand and his arm. “Maybe you’d like to see my bedroom for yourself?” She figured he just wouldn’t get it, and Aurelia didn’t mind. For once, it was actually nice not having a guy drool over her and demand she perform her services right off. Sure, she liked pleasure and intimacy, but only when done well, and honestly, not everyone could do it well. So, finding someone who wasn’t demanding she do anything, was actually really refreshing. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t still try to see if he’d try her out, because she never knew if he might be the one who could make her feel incredible. @cecilharvey03

It was clear that he still didn't understand what she was insinuating. "Oh, that's quite alright. My usual room at the Horned Stag has everything I need- It's an agreement between me and the tavern owner, after all, I bring fresh meat to her cooks, she lets me stay in one of the rooms while i'm here. I wouldn't want to go back on that offer." Since they were going to go to a different building soon, he went ahead and downed the rest of the ale and then looked back to Aurelia. "Ready to go?" @vavavicodin

Aurelia smiled and nodded. “Well, maybe after dinner you can show me your room then. I’ve never been to the Horned Stag, so I’d love to see the room you selected. If that’s alright with you of course.” She stood with him and she wrapped her arms around his, nodding. “Ready~” She guided Drew out of the tavern and into the market square. They passed through the market and down several small streets until they finally stopped outside a small stone building. The scent of freshly cooked meats and herbs could be smelt from outside. An old wooden sign read, “Darla’s Feastery,” Aurelia smiled at the sign. “Darla’s cooking is fantastic. She fed me as a child when I lived out in the streets. Come on.” She pulled him inside. A short halfling woman with olive skin and thick curly black hair was busy serving out several dishes to a few tables. The place wasn’t busy, but the atmosphere was calm and cozy. The woman looked up and smiled wide, setting the plates down and approaching. “Aurelia, my girl! Where have you been? Work keeping you busy?” “Busier than you’d imagine.” “Whose this fine fellow?” “Oh, just someone I met today. I wanted to show him your cooking, Darla.” “Well, you’re just in luck! I was able to trade some herbs to the Owner of the Horned Stag and she gave me some fresh meat from some kind young man this evening. Isn’t that wonderful?” She grinned. Aurelia chuckled and nodded. “It is.” “Well you two just take a seat and I’ll bring you out something real special.” She said before she scampered off to the kitchen. Aurelia took drew to a secluded booth. She sat down and then she tugged him into the booth seat with her. “So, I’ll get to taste the meat you caught today. How exciting~” @cecilharvey03

"I don't know what you'd do in there, honestly. It's not a big room at all, really just a bed in a small room since I don't stay for very long." The man looked down at her as he explained that, but just shrugged when she said she was ready and followed her to the place she had picked out- A quick, squinty look at the sign and Drew had no idea what it said, but presumably the owner was a Darla, if Aurelia was talking about the owner.. The two of them stepped inside, and a halfling woman approached them with a wide smile despite the work she was doing, and when she approached, he gave a greeting in Halfling, one of only two languages he actually knew from his time growing up with the handful of halflings that lived in Hornsboro. Other than that, he listened to the two of them speak, Aurelia introducing him to the woman and talking about work and how she got meat from the owner of the Horned Stag. That was an odd coincidence.. Who was that young man who brought more meat to the Horned Stag? As far as he knew, he was the only one.. But maybe there were more. It wouldn't surprise him if there were more, since most of the game he hunted were deer. Taking a seat beside Aurelia, mostly due to her tugging him in, he looked around their surroundings. "Cozy place.." He commented before looking down at her. "Oh, you think the meat she has is from me? That makes sense." @vavavicodin

"I think it is. She said she got the meat from the Horned Stag, who got it from some kind young man this evening. It makes sense that that would be you." She chuckled. Aurelia was glad he at least thought the place was cozy. Some of the guys she brought in here complained that it wasn't nice enough. She never saw those men again. She didn't like people who were rude or unnecessarily snooty. Drew didn't seem like that though. "Darla is one of the best cooks around here. I bet she might even be better than the Horned Stag's owner, but I won't be upset if you disagree." She said, nudging his arm. "Do you tend to stay in towns a lot? Or are you more of a camping kind of guy?" Aurelia still had a hold on his arm and she let her tail curl around his ankle, almost as if she was securing him in place beside her. Aurelia didn't really care if people found her to be clingy or needy. She liked people, and she really wanted to feel special, so she opened herself up to an extent. She wouldn't reveal her entire life story to him tonight, but she'd be open about things, that way she could hopefully... receive some of his trust. If that happened, maybe he'd be willing to let her travel with him... and get out of this hellish way of living. @cecilharvey03

He nodded along. That really did make sense. Drew wasn't much for overly fancy places, since they tended to be a lot more expensive than he'd be able to afford. Being a hunter didn't give him a ton of money, but it was enough to get by, especially since he lived on his own. "Well, I won't know if she's a better cook until I taste her cooking." He nodded. Most of the time, he didn't care how good of a cook someone was. He wasn't picky when it came to food. As long as whatever was put in front of him was edible, he'd usually eat it. "Depends on where I am. If i'm near a town, I'll usually go to an inn. If i'm not, I'll go ahead and find a place to rest." He didn't carry things like a tent with him, but he was good at finding shelter in the natural world, or putting something simple together. It was a part of being a hunter, after all. Drew didn't seem all that bothered by her being 'clingy'. He didn't mind at all. Friendly people were happy people, and he liked people being happy. A happy person lived their best lives, that's what it really led to. "What about you? Do you travel a lot?" @vavavicodin

Aurelia chuckled and nodded. "I think you'll enjoy it. You'll have to tell me what you think of Darla's cooking once she brings it out. She'll want to know too." She listened as he explained how he lived his life, and the answer sort of surprised her. Being a hunter, she expected him to camp a lot, but it seemed he was rather adaptable. Interesting. She rested her head on his shoulder as she continued to listen. "No. I don't. Unfortunately, I am not a skilled adventurer, or a hunter. I've lived in this town for over decade after I left my village. I was very young then, and I've lived here ever since. I want to go traveling. I'd rather go on adventures than stay in this mucky city any more." She tried to hide her bitter tone, but it was hard when her life wasn't easy. She didn't assume his life was a breeze, but he seemed pleasant enough, and that was typically due to living a good life. She could only hope to have a good life, but she needed to find a secure way out of this city. @cecilharvey03

He didn't think he'd mind, one way or another. Food was food. Especially if it was from the game that he hunted, since he knew it was good-quality meat. Drew never brought anything worthless to the Horned Stag, that much he knew. Drew noticed her head resting on his shoulder, but didn't think anything of it. Maybe she was just tired, and needed something softer to rest her head on? Tables weren't all that comfortable to sleep on, he knew from experience. "Anyone can become an adventurer. All you need is a sword or bow, and then you just gotta find someone to help." He smiled at her. "I'm sure you could do it, what's keeping you from leaving?" It was a genuine question. If she wasn't happy staying here, then she should just.. leave, right? Seemed like the simplest solution. Nothing of how Drew acted pointed towards a bad life, no. In reality, his life was uneventful at most, and he was happy with that. He went out to hunt, brought game to sell here, returned home for a few days, rinse and repeat. It was a simple, happy life for him, and that's all he really needed. Nothing all that flashy was really needed. @vavavicodin

Aurelia chuckled softly. "Well, it's hard to leave when you don't have a reason, and people rely on you. But, the girls would be fine. They were fine without me before. I guess, I just never had someone I could go adventuring with. Adventuring by yourself seems boring. Besides, I'm not skilled in much combat, so I'd probably get killed." She shrugged. Then, an idea struck her. "What about if we went adventuring together? We could make our own adventure! We can discover new places, fight monsters, help people who need help! Doesn't that sound like fun?" Aurelia's arms circled around Drew's again, her tail curled around his ankle. Her eyes were shining with eager excitement, and she was curious on what he would say. Would he accept her proposal to go adventuring with her? @cecilharvey03

He thought quietly to himself for a few moments. Did he have a reason for leaving? No, not really. Did he have people relying on him? No, not really. Would adventuring alone be boring? He had no idea, he'd never thought about it in the slightest. Adventuring never was something that came to Drew's attention. Yeah, there were adventurers that he'd met, but going out there and doing any of that himself. "I don't know how useful i'd be as an adventurer. I've only fought monsters once or twice, and that was with the entire town of Hornsboro with me. But if you want to go, I don't see why I can't go with you." He shrugged. It would be a big change, but Drew just tended to do whatever. If it'd help her for him to go with her, then he would. @vavavicodin

Aurelia leaned forward on her hands, her fingers clasped together under her chin, her head tilted lightly as she waited for Drew to answer. She really wasn't sure what he would say. She had only met him today and asking him to go on an adventure with her was definitely new to her as well. However, Drew didn't seem to be dismayed about her inexperience with adventure, and he agreed that he could go with her! "It's settled then! We'll go off and be adventurers!" She cheered in excitement. It was then that Darla came back with two large plates full of food. There was a large slab of meat drizzled with gravy and a large helping of roasted and sauteed potatoes, as well as a helping of vegetables such as carrots and sprouts. Aurelia let out a soft sigh of delight as she inhaled the meal. "Darla's cooking truly takes me back to my days of childhood. Her cooking is truly the best." She said sweetly. "From what I know, at least." She forked a large helping of the potatoes and vegetables and she popped it into her mouth. @cecilharvey03

She seemed to be very excited that he said yes, so clearly going adventuring with her help her. That was good. He nodded along with what she said, a calm smile on his face. When Darla brought out the food, Drew seemed to be very excited. This was the fruits of his labor, delicious meat slathered in gravy with all kinds of vegetables on the side. This was going to be very delicious.. And when he began to cut into the meat and eating it, it certainly was. Drew let out a 'mmm' sound as he took a bite of it. "..It's very good, yes." He wasn't sure if her cooking was better than the Horned Stag's owner's, but good food was good food, and he wasn't one to complain about getting good food. @vavavicodin

Aurelia was pleased to see that Drew enjoyed the meal. It truly was a delicious meal, perhaps one of the best that Darla had ever created. Aurelia ate the meal without hesitation. Eating one of Darla's meals was like having the taste of home all over again. Darla knew just how to touch the heart with her dishes. When she was finished, Aurelia let out a sigh of pleasure. "Yum~ That was absolutely perfect. I hope you enjoyed it. When we head out on our adventure it's probably going to be a bit before we get to eat something that delicious for a while!" @cecilharvey03