@giselleendiron
The whole north of Candoris might as well be underwater for all the rain that was currently washing over it, leaving not a single stone, leaf, or head dry. Lukas was en route back to Ravenstone, in need of new supplies for his work at the capital, and it was rapidly becoming clear that he and his entourage were not going to be making it back tonight in this abysmal weather. Rain didnāt bother him, but being soaked to the bone did. Plus being in the saddle for so long was starting to make his bad leg cramp. Damn him for thinking he could do without the carriage this one time.
One of his guard came trotting back down the road from where heād been sent to scout, and reported an inn not five minutes ride away. As promised, the party of Lukas, his manservant, and their four guards arrived at the Blushing Rosebud Inn. From the outside, it appeared to be a more or less respectable establishment: maintained flowerbeds out front accented a large, painted building that looked a little gaudy for Lukasās austere taste. There was a stable close at hand, manned by a couple of strong youths who were happy to get the horses in out of the wet. Shouldering their packs and supplies, the Baron and his retinue pushed through the door into the inn, eager to be out of the rain themselves.
The interior was warmly lit and cozy, with decor that once again was far too cheerful and chintzy for Lukas to feel entirely at ease. They were greeted by a chipper-looking landlady, who immediately began fussing over the group like a mother hen.Ā āDear me, you look absolutely drenched, you poor lambs!āĀ she squawked, fluttering around and relieving them of their cloaks and jackets.Ā āCome, come! Youāre not the only ones stuck out in this horrid downpour. Let me get you something to warm your insides while you sit by the fire.ā
"If we could just get some rooms and dinner, thatād be great,ā Lukas interjected. He wasnāt in the mood for pleasantries, though when was he ever? The landlady nodded and beamed at him, seeming to ignore his clipped tone and scowl.Ā āRight you are, dearie! Go, go, sit! Iāll be back in a jiffy!ā And she bustled away, hanging their wet outer clothes on a coat rack as she went. Lukas, meanwhile, was already limping towards the massive fireplace at the other end of the room, and one of several tables arranged before it. The landlady was right, they were not alone in seeking shelter tonight. The dining room was crowded, not noisy thankfully, but certainly livelier than he would have liked. One table seemed to be seating a host of merchants who were bantering about the rising price of grain in the capital, while another table held what might be a small mercenary company. Not too far from the larger table where Lukas seated himself, he could see a woman dressed in fine clothes with what appeared to be some guards around her. Probably another noble stuck on her way home. Lukas sighed and put his leg up on a chair to rest while his entourage seated themselves around him, murmuring about how nice the fire felt on their cold bodies.Ā āDonāt drink too much tonight, okay?ā he remarked to them, staring around at the busy dining room of the inn, eyes lighting again on the noblewoman nearby.Ā āWeāre turning in early and heading out first thing. I donāt want to be here longer than necessary.ā
