Give You What I Have [ulrica]

[Felypsa]

In the center of the handsome city of Escavas was an inn of good repute, run by a man who had built it from scratch. It was well known among the residents of Escavas; not exactly a tourist destination, but if you were a regular in the city, you knew that The Rising Dragon was probably one of the better places to go.

It was a busy evening hour for the inn. A bright-faced girl made her way through the tables, serving the rowdy patrons while retaining a perfect innocence about her. She was young and fair, her head full of gentle chestnut-colored waves, her eyes as green as the mysteriously expensive-looking emerald ring on her finger. All of the regular customers knew, however, not to lay a finger on her in any sense, for she was the only daughter of the innkeeper himself. And no one wanted to cross him…no one wanted to be thrown out. She was called Misty, and she was the face of this particular inn; happily doing her job, yet ignorant of how men might find her attractive.

For the most part, though, everyone was just happy as long as Misty and her father kept the ale and beer flowing. The food wasn’t half bad either. Whenever Misty wasn’t being a waitress, she was in the back sweeping or washing dishes. It was the least favorite chore of any of the employees, but Misty actually enjoyed washing dishes. It was the one time of day when she could gaze out the window and daydream. It was…calming.

Right now, though, she was running around waiting on tables. Busy hour indeed. Her father was in the kitchen, the head chef, and she was head waitress, which meant she made sure that every patron there was happy. Her eyes would dart to the door every now and then, ready to greet anyone else new who might come in.

[ulrica]

<sub>The sky burned an orange-gold with the heat of the setting sun. Evening painting a beautiful canvas yet again. The smell of salt stung Assyrian's sensitive nose, but he made no sound of complaint. In fact, he rather like the tangy scent, it was one of the few things which lured him back to this sleepy old town. That and the women... A smirk flitted across the man's lips, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. Oh yes, the women in this town had a particular appeal to him... But none as appealing as her... The smirk vanished, the chuckle cutting off sharply as if his vocal chords had suddenly been cut. Once again, Assyrian was reminded of his past. The love he hadn't been able to save...

"Are you alright, dear?"</sub>[/i] Della's soft voice entered the shifter's mind like a cool spring breeze, or a much needed drink of water. Assyrian looked down from his seat, high upon Shadowfax's back, to cast a smile at his beloved soulmate. "Of course, Della. I'm always alright." He replied without conviction. The creature, who currently claimed the form of a shorthaired pointer, gave a small whimper but didn't push the subject further. She knew the moods of her counterpart as well as his hard-headed nature. If he didn't wish to talk of something he wouldn't, plain and simple. "Will we stop soon?"[/color] The little female asked with timid hope in her voice; both for her plea being granted and that Assyrian would even answer. She was pleased when he nodded his head, tightening his grip on the reins before turning the large stallion's head toward the coastal Escavas. A town. That meant a bed and a warm meal. A warm meal of fish. Della sighed glumly, her bonded laughing from the saddle above.

Shadow's hooves made soft clopping noises as they entered the cobbled streets, a few people gawking at the large stallion. Bred for war, the Friesian charger was anything but a dainty carriage horse. No, his feathered feet raised high from the habit of running over carnage. His neck arched beautifully both from breeding and the tightness of the reins as Assyrian held him at a slow prance. He was a creature of war, but these humans didn't see that. Rather they saw a beautiful horse ridden by an even handsomer man, cloaked in mystery and shadow. More than one woman was left swooning in his wake. It wasn't long before the small group came across a cozy looking inn with a name which brought an ironic grin to the shifter's lips. "The Rising Dragon, oh Misae would have a fit." He mused silently to the dog which stood patiently waiting for her soulmate to dismount. "I hardly think she would notice the name.."[/color] Della replied thoughtfully, cocking her head a bit after receiving an exasperated groan from Assyrian. The latter of the two didn't take the time to explain himself.

No squeal of disuse came from the door's hinges as the tall man slowly entered the inn, one hand ready to go for a knife the other ready to slam the door shut again. However, no one flew at him and he reached back to pat the trusty stallion standing at attention a few feet to the left of the door. "I'll be back soon..." Assyrian promised before stepping inside, Della slinking along at his heels as if trying to stay hidden from the staff lest she be thrown outside like a regular beast. He stood for a moment, one large hand pulling back his hood to reveal a head-full of thick, messy dark hair. The tattoos around his eye stood out drastically against his tanned skin in the lighting, making them seem that much darker and bizarre. He didn't care about this, he had long stopped caring about many things. His well-being and safety a couple of them. He was in a town where anything out of the ordinary was shunned. Not only that, but he stood in the doorway as his eyes adjusted to the light with head held high, eyes seeming caught between two colors, inhumanly attractive, and very obviously not normal.

"Hurry up and find a table!"[/color] Della hissed through their link, but Assyrian had found something much better than a table. His eyes fell upon a young maid, her face bright with work and an innocence hanging about her as if she wore the stuff as a cloak. Tables were forgotten as his eyes sought to catch hers, a wry smirk already curling his mouth.[/sub][/color]

_{((OOC: Sorry for the suckiness of it, my muse is playing hide-and-seek right now >.< Here is what I picture Della as looking in this form by the way, in case you would like to see it!))}

[Felypsa]

oOc| lol the post is fine x3 mine will probably be more compact anyway lol. and cute doggie!

After years of working here, Misty was well attuned to the sound of the door opening and closing. She had just finished bringing wine to a large party when she turned around to see who came in. Her gaze went to the man first, evaulating him in an instant. A stranger, probably new to these parts, or perhaps to this neighborhood. Yet there was definitely something of a traveler in him. He was looking at her too with a slight smile, and Misty felt her cheeks inexplicably color pink. She looked down at the animal she brought in; a dog with floppy ears and an alert expression.

As the innkeeper’s daughter, it was her duty anyway to go over and greet them. Misty flitted over there in a few seconds. “Welcome to The Rising Dragon,” she said, looking up at him. Only then, at close range, did she observe the peculiar tattoos on his face. Her eyes widened slightly. “Stranger, you can’t be from around here,” she said in a reverent whisper. He also had an aura and a scent about him…one of adventure. Misty glanced down at the dog. Normally they didn’t allow pets inside, but something was telling her to make an exception this time.

“Here, allow me to get you a table.” She ushered him into a quieter corner of the restaurant, more disgreet, where a small candle lit up the otherwise dim area. “Sorry it’s rather out of the way; we’re a bit packed at the moment. Will you be staying the night here or do you just want a meal?” If she was talking faster than normal, Misty didn’t notice. There was something inherently fascinating about this man. He was like no usual simple Escavan ambling in for a drink and a laugh. Well, he might want those things, but there was more to him. She could only imagine the stories he could tell.

[ulrica]

<sub>“Stranger, you can’t be from around here." No, he wasn't. But could a man such as he truly call any one place his home? Assyrian shook his head to the girl's first statement, then smiling and letting her lead him to a secluded table. Della followed at his heels, never letting even an inch form between them. "There's nothing to worry about, Dell. If she was going to make you leave she would have done it by now." The man told his soulmate as they reached the table. He slid fluidly into a seat, the dog squeezing in between his shins.

"...Will you be staying the night here or do you just want a meal?” Assyrian chuckled at the girl's frantic manner, leaning forward to scratch at Della's ears. "Peace little dove, why don't you sit down and talk for a moment; smooth your ruffled feathers?" His voice was liquid silk as he asked for her company, his eyes warm and inviting as he motioned toward the empty chair which she stood by. "Won't you dine with me? I've long been traveling without so much as a passerby to wave at. Sit, eat, share a conversation." The tall man doubted this girl would be able to linger long enough for him to even catch her name.

The inn was a noisy place, though Assyrian assumed this was mostly because of the time. Surely it isn't like this all the time... How could one sleep? His senses expanded as they tended to do in crowded places. There was a table of men, all appearing to be seamen, growing rowdy and loud as their bellies warmed with drink. A couple grubby-faced children cracked open the door to peer in awe at them before their mother could usher them away. In the street outside, a group of men walked by carrying large baskets of fish. All in all, it was a quaint and cozy little establishment, though nothing like a few of the pubs Assyrian had visited in the past. A small grin came to his lips at the thought of the rowdy nights he had spent with strangers and acquaintances in cities far from this coastal town. Cities over seas and across mountains. Cities which contained small towns and past them even smaller villages. Villages like the one where- No. No, I won't go there. Not tonight... Assyrian quickly turned his attention back to the young woman before him, listening for her reply.


((OOC: Sorry for how long it's take for me to reply >.< muse has been kinda dead...))</sub>

[Felypsa]

oOc| No worries x3 I've been there

The dog seemed well behaved enough that Misty was sure it would not cause a problem. She focused on the customer, a traveler, with eager eyes, but to her surprise, he declined to answer her question and instead invited her to sit with him. Color danced across her cheeks at his way of talking. Those men who tried to flirt with her before were so much cruder than this; this stranger was more poetic about it, more romantic even. Little dove, smooth her ruffled feathers. How flattering indeed.

She wouldn’t normally trust him, but in this atmosphere—her home, where everyone knew her and looked out for her—Misty was tempted to indulge. He was unique indeed. “I suppose I do have time for a break,” she said, lying a bit. Yes, she could take off time whenever she wanted, but it was somewhat irresponsible to do so at a busy time like this. “I’ll…be right back. Look at our menu and decide what you want.” She flashed a brief smile and hurried away to find Marie, her second-in-command so to speak, to inform her to take over her tables.

Just as long as her father didn’t find out, Misty was safe. Oh he would throw a fit, though. She hurried back, still with her apron on that marked her as a waitress. She brought with her a tray with a pitcher of water and a bottle of wine, which she set down in front of Assyrian. “On the house,” she assured him as she poured both liquids into two different glasses for them. “For a weary traveler.” A quick smile darted across her lips. “There is so much I want to ask you, for it’s obvious to me that you’ve been out there in the great wide world. But first—what is your name? And your dog’s?” she added, smiling down at the pet.

[ulrica]

<sub>The woman's blush was adorable, widening Assyrian's smile. Oh how easy it would be to simply reach up and brush a hand against that warm, soft skin. “I suppose I do have time for a break." The man grinned widely, his fingers still scratching at the dog's ears. “I’ll…be right back. Look at our menu and decide what you want.” He nodded, leaning back in his chair. "I'll be right here." He assured her softly, the hand which had been petting Della now propping his head up.

"You're pathetic you know that?" Della grumbled, obviously unhappy. Assyrian hesitated to reply, watching the woman's figure as she retreated to find her co-worker. "You're just jealous you can't have your pick of these men." His eyes scanned the room then turned back to his soulmate. "Though I promise you, not a single one of them would deserve even a second of your company." Della growled at the man's teasing, not appreciating his lack of tact. However, she didn't have time to chastise him properly for at that moment, the young waitress returned with her arms full. She carried a pitcher of water and bottle of wine which she set down on the table and began pouring into glasses. Assyrian frowned slightly at her words, but he made no argument. He didn't like not paying for his food, but to decline a gift would be rude. "Thank you." He said, reaching for his glass of water and taking a few large gulps. The liquid was cool and refreshing on his dry throat. Funny how one doesn't realize how thirsty they are until after they've taken a drink.. He mused silently before turning up as the woman spoke again.

"You can't tell her!"</sub>[/color] Della said sharply, looking back at her soulmate with wide eyes. "Why not? There's no harm in her knowing our names. We've never been here before, so there's nothing to worry about."[/i] The man replied easily, brushing aside the creature's worries with a simple flick of his hand so to speak. "My name is Assyrian, and this is Della, one of my traveling partners." Assyrian replied, a kind smile on his face which contradicted his not so kind past. "And what might your name be, my dove? It must surely be a lovely one to match that pretty little blush." A wry mischievousness might come into his eyes with his query as he leaned forward a bit, bringing him closer to the girl. Innocence lingered about her, perhaps this is what he found so intoxicating, but for some reason when he looked at her that shy smile and kind face was all he could think about. But he couldn't stop even the purest of images from eventually being deluded, no matter how hard he tried. Della whimpered softly, resting her chin on her soulmate's knee. "Someday it will be better, love... Someday..."[/color] Assyrian wasn't so quick to agree.[/sub][/color]

[Felypsa]

Their names were given, and as Misty looked between them, she was faintly aware of the ring on her finger heating up slightly. Absently she rotated it around her finger. It was a little odd that he called his pet a “traveling partner,” but at the same time, Misty kept getting a funny feeling about that dog. She could not quite place it, but somehow she just knew it was no ordinary dog.

“How nice to meet you—both of you,” she said lightly, only to flush deeper at his next words. That was probably crossing a boundary there. She really should warn him that her father was very protective, but curse it, it wasn’t every day she got to enjoy such flattery. It was just one meal. Once it was done, she could go just back to her normal life. Harmless.

“I’m called Misty,” she told him. “Short for Mistweaver.” Why she told him that, she had no idea. No one aside from her and her father knew that anymore. It was her proper birthname, given by her mother (who, sadly, was long gone), but as it was uncommon, she had always gone by the simpler Misty. Her father even expressed slight disgust for her original name, though she never knew why.

Misty took a sip of water to recover her senses. She couldn’t let such pretty words fill her head like this. “Um, where have you traveled from? I’m sorry for all the questions—I don’t get many chances to talk to travelers like yourself. I’ve never left Escavas either.” So she could only dream of the world out there. Her father rarely let her go to the other side of town, let alone across the sea or up to the mountains or any of that.

[ulrica]

_{She was polite, very in fact. A nice change from the women Assyrian had hung around with in the past. Besides Misae of course. “I’m called Misty. Short for Mistweaver.” "That's a beautiful name." The man replied, his voice as gentle and kind as ever. Odd for such an uptight town, I can see why she shortened it... "Perhaps you should go by an alias while we are here?" Della suggested, listening in on her soulmate's thoughts. "Just to be safe..."}[/i][/color] "I'll be fine, don't worry so much."[/i] He replied, once again brushing away her fears.

“Um, where have you traveled from? I’m sorry for all the questions—I don’t get many chances to talk to travelers like yourself. I’ve never left Escavas either.” Assyrian looked up from his soulmate to Misty as she spoke, letting her musical lyric soothe his ears from the noise of the room. He took another drink before replying, draining his glass of water before replacing it on the table and reaching for the wine. "Well," he began slowly, thoughtfully, as if unsure of how much of the truth he could tell her, "I've traveled for many years to and from many different places. I can't really remember where I came from originally." He laughed, running a hand through his hair before taking a drink of the wine. "And please don't worry about asking too many questions, I have all the time in the world!" Literally... "To be honest, I enjoy the attention from such a kind young woman."

Assyrian's stomach growled lowly, making him glance down at his talkative torso. He gave a short laugh, looking back at Misty with a sheepish grin. "Forgive me, it would seem that my body finds it necessary to remind me when I need to eat. Would you sup with me? I would be more than happy to pay for you to eat as well so I'm not putting you out any further. Everyone needs a break every now and then, and I would enjoy a nice dinner with a nice young woman. It's been longer than I'd like to admit since I've spoken to anyone other than this ol' mutt." He grinned down at Della as he spoke about her, his words sounding derogatory but an endearing tone coming into his voice to show he didn't mean them in the way they sounded. A hopeful expression was on his face as he looked back up to the young waitress sitting in front of him. Assyrian didn't expect the girl to say yes, but she had surprised him once already maybe she would agree once again? "You know I'm beginning to think I'm not enough for you anymore..."[/color] Della said bitterly, her voice sounding bored and grudging. Assyrian almost rolled his eyes at her, only withholding the action for the sake of not insulting Misty. "Oh stop. You're being ridiculous."[/i][/color][/sub]

[Felypsa]

He came from all over. Years of traveling! Misty could hardly imagine. She opened her mouth to ask more questions—now that she had his permission—but then he called attention to the fact that he was hungry.

She blinked. “Oh, of course!” she said, standing up, but Assyrian wasn’t done. He wanted to buy for a meal for both of them. Misty blushed again and opened her mouth to tell him restaurant policy…but oh…why the hell not. “Fine, but I will place the order and bring out the food myself.” Might as well be a waitress and do something to deserve the gift.

“What would you like?” she asked, snapping into proper waitress stance again. Whatever he wished to order, she’d smile, take his menu, and return to the kitchen. Marie and a couple of other of the wait staff were giving her looks, but Misty ignored them. Like they’d never taken time off for personal reasons! She was allowed.

She placed the orders in the kitchen and came back out shortly with the appetizer. She set the plate down at their table and finally sat down herself. “So your dog, um, Della, she goes with you wherever you go?” Misty asked. “That’s so sweet. Dog really is man’s best friend.”

[ulrica]

_{Assyrian chuckled with amusement. "Well if you insist. Thank you, little dove, your kindness will not go unpaid." Her reaction had been cute, once again the young woman's innocence standing out strongly against a back drape of past flames. "And you would take that away from her..." Della's voice interrupted Assyrian's thoughts as he scanned quickly over the menu. "You always chime in at the most inconvenient of times." The man replied grumpily, returning to the menu to try and quickly choose something. "I'm merely making an observation, and you might want to hurry."}[/color] If he could have, Assyrian would have smacked her. Unfortunately, he would have felt a bit of the pain too. "How about," He began, suddenly handing the menu up to Misty, "you surprise me. And please, get whatever you like, I assure you the cost isn't important."

Her smile was infectious and his own grin grew at the sight of it. So lovely... The words crossed his mind as he once again watched her walk away. "You should be chained up and thrown in a cage..."[/b][/color] Della grumbled through their link. "Oh come now, you know no cage could hold me." Assyrian replied, looking down at his bristled soulmate. "I don't like it here, it's noisy and the air smells horrible. It smells like fish!"[/color] The creature complained, whimpering softly and turning to face the man. "You really are a child, you know that. Sometimes I wonder if I am the wiser one." Della huffed at this, turning away once more and flopping down on the floor. "I assure you that is most definitely NOT the case."[/color] She replied before falling silent.

Assyrian would have continued the conversation, but at that moment, the young Escavan returned with a tray of food. They were small portions so the man assumed them to be appetizers, a bit of good sense he was glad she possessed. He was starving. Even so, he would wait for Misty to take the first bite. It was the only thing a gentleman could do. He could have imagine it, but it seemed as if Della huffed in his thoughts. No matter, the girl had spoken and it was his turn to say something. Yes, dog and many other creatures... Assyrian smiled, laughing slightly as he replied, "I'm not sure if I would call it sweet, but she does keep bandits at bay while I'm traveling." Among with other things, such as the two-handed sword currently strapped to his saddle. "But yes, you're right, she does travel with me where ever I go. She along, with my second companion whom I think you would like very much." A wry smirk curled his lips now as he spoke of the giant Friesian charger waiting patiently outside.[/sub][/color]

[Felypsa]

The appetizers were simple: soup, salad, and bread with melted cheese. Misty was happy to bite into the latter, a delicious combination, and listen to Assyrian. Her eyes widened at the thought of Assyrian and Della fighting off bandits. Such danger, such adventure!

“Who is your second companion?” she naively asked, looking around her. “I thought you were starved for company.” Poor dear, she didn’t mean to be empty-headed in this one aspect, but she was sheltered. Although she had helped with the stable at times, it did not occur to her that Assyrian was referring to a horse…especially since so many travelers arrived by boat, not horse.

When it would finally dawn on her what he meant, she blushed yet again, a much deeper one of embarrassment. “Forgive me. My daily life is so different from yours.” She sipped the soup. “I must seem so dull to you. The most adventure I’ve ever had was when I nearly got swept out to sea when I was a child…and since then, my father rarely lets me go to the beach anymore.” A sigh left her. Terrifying as it had been, it had also been the closest she had ever gotten to a new world…

As she chattered away with Assyrian, clearly enjoying herself in spite of her self-consciousness, she was being watched. Jealous Marie didn’t think it was proper that Misty could just take time off to flirt with the first handsome stranger to waltz through the door. The problem was, the innkeeper was also swamped with work as the head chef right then and probably could not come out. Marie had to think of a clever way to get him out into the restaurant so he could catch his daughter in the act of being naughty and irresponsible.

[ulrica]

_{Assyrian watched as Misty grabbed a bit of the cheese covered bread and took a bite, leaving the rest of the food as fair game. He first reached for his bowl of soup, drinking it down as he listened to her speak. Sure it was hot, but the liquid wouldn't burn his throat. Not with his abilities. And if she thought his manners were a bit animal-like, well, he had been on the road for much too long, and Della still hadn't received anything to drink yet. And if I seem a bit animalistic... If the shoe fits I guess... The woman was asking who his second companion was, a question which made Assyrian look at her curiously. The thought never occurring to him that she wouldn't understand what he had meant. Then he realized this was a fishing town, most people would probably either walk here or arrive by boat. I wonder how many horses they see around here... "Probably not many..." Della said, making him look down and remember what he had been doing. He reached for the pitcher of water filling the bowl and setting it on the floor for the travel-weary dog to lap greedily at. "Thank you."}[/color]

“Forgive me. My daily life is so different from yours.” Assyrian smiled up at Misty, shaking his head with a low chuckle. "No need to apologize, I should have taken into account my whereabouts. Rather it is I who should be asking forgiveness." He replied quickly, placing a hand over his breast and leaning forward slightly in a playful bow. “I must seem so dull to you..." The man shook his head reaching for a piece of the bread as she spoke about her past. He took a bit, tearing of a bit and letting Della take it deftly from his fingers and swallow it almost whole. "You're going to choke one of these days..." He cautioned, still listening to Misty. "Perhaps, but not today. More?"[/color] He absentmindedly fed her a few more pieces as the girl spoke, for all intents and purposes she seemed to hold his attention completely, but his mind was a million places at once. With Shadowfax on the other side of the wall, at the table of men as they slowly began to drift out the door, with the cook bending over his stoves taking care to cook every dish perfectly. Nothing went unnoticed, just a few things went overlooked...

"Quite the contrary, ma'am. In fact, I find your company to be most interesting, I'm not usually so lucky as to find conversation like this." He smiled kindly to let her know he was telling the truth, then continued. "But, I am curious, you say you haven't been to the sea since you were a child, do you have no wish to return?" There was a wry sparkle to his eyes as he leaned closer, a coy grin playing across his visage giving him the look of a boy who just got away with stealing cookies from the cookie jar. He found it odd that this pure young creature would be so unfamiliar to her own territory. And she almost a complete woman.. He mused thoughtfully, already planning the complex scheme he would use to get her to follow him. "Because simply asking is too much for you to fathom..."[/color] Della sighed, eying her now empty water bowl with longing. "Of course not." Assyrian replied, eagerly watching Misty for her reply.[/sub][/color]

[Felypsa]

He did not laugh at her for being forgetful—instead, the handsome Assyrian forgave her and accepted that they were both from different lifestyles with different expectations. Misty finished the soup and started on the salad as she watched Assyrian feed his companion. Della seemed as ravenous as he and she smiled faintly at their interaction. They were very close, indeed. Misty had always wished for a pet too…but her father was just as vehemently against those. He really was a strict man.

She shook her head emphatically at his question. “I have to be honest…though I feel ashamed for this yearning of mine…” He was leaning forward and so did she, to share the secret. “To travel like you—would be a dream come true. I love my father, who owns this inn, I love the workers and the regulars here, and I love Escavas, it is really quite beautiful. But to think that it is just a small part of the greater world there…that the people I meet here are just a handful of people compared to those I could be meeting…!” Her green eyes sparkled with inspiration, as they always did when she let her imagination carry her away.

She caught herself before she drifted off for too long. “My father is very protective me. He fears for my safety so forbids me to go very far. He…ever since he lost my mother, he’s been like that.” A soft expression of sorrow stole across her face before she stood up. Again she smiled brightly at Assyrian. “I think the main course is ready. I’ll be back with it promptly.”

Marie watched as she entered the kitchen and waited until Misty came back out with the large platter. It was good, filling comfort food: a large, juicy, seasoned steak, the Rising Dragon’s pride; baked potato; green beans and steamed carrots. She set the plate down in front of Assyrian with a slightly nervous smile. “I got you the most popular meal, I hope it is satisfactory,” she said, taking her seat again.

[ulrica]

_{No, she didn't want the sea. Not even a small bit from the vehemence of her reaction. She leaned forward, as if about to bestow him with some great knowledge. “I have to be honest…though I feel ashamed for this yearning of mine…” Assyrian's eyes lit upon the girl, his ear eating up each word greedily. “To travel like you—would be a dream come true..." The man grinned wider with each word she said. So you want to play adventurer little bird? Well... I could help with that. "No you couldn't!" Della interrupted for the umpteenth time. "You can play the mysterious, good-looking, stranger bit all you want, but kidnapping is where I draw the line!"}[/color] If Assyrian could have rolled his eyes without attracting attention he would have. "Honestly, Della, you make me out to be some sort of a monster!" She didn't have to reply for him to know her thoughts, and know he didn't appreciate them.

Something like sadness flitted across Misty's face then, but as quickly as it had been there it was gone and she was excusing herself on the account of retrieving their meal. Assyrian nodded, keeping the concern and curiousness he felt far away from his face. What had made her sad? She had spoken of her mother, perhaps the woman's death was still fresh in her daughter's mind? The gods knew that would be something he could relate to... But then again, maybe it was the simple fact that she led so dull a life. But then again, maybe she like it that way... He groaned, rubbing his temple. Women.... Why must they be so difficult to figure out?! Della huffed indignantly from the floor and Assyrian got the sense she had rolled her eyes. "Dell, I'm being serious. This child needs a serious change of scenery!" He said, turning his gaze down at the speckled dog. And you think you should be the one to change it? Assyrian, I love you more than anything in the world, but honestly sometimes you can be a right git!"[/b][/i][/color] The man frowned, now it was his turn to be indignant. "Well I'm sorry I'm trying to help out a maiden in distress..." The exasperated soulmate sighed wearily, her breath blowing a puff of dust from under her black nose. "If she is in distress then it's from you."[/color]

“I got you the most popular meal, I hope it is satisfactory." Assyrian started a bit, jerking his gaze upward. He let out a choked laugh, breathing deeply a few times to chase away the tingling sensation beneath his shoulder blades. "Why little dove, your startled me! Such quiet wings you have!" He exclaimed with humor, smiling kindly at Misty to let her know he was teasing. Then his eyes fell upon the food. A delicious looking steak, its succulent juices glistening in the light of the inn. He could already smell its seasonings, the scent sending his mouth to watering. "My dear it looks more than satisfactory, it looks simply marvelous!" The man replied, settling into his chair and pulling it a bit closer to the table so that he might eat properly. However, even though he was hungry, he would still wait for her to take her first bite of the meal.[/sub][/color]

[Felypsa]

Misty gave a slight laugh. “A lifetime of waitressing pays off, then,” she said modestly, sitting down again. She took a bite, since he was clearly waiting for her, and gave a smile over the plate. “I rather like it. I haven’t had it in a long time…usually my father is too lazy to cook it for us, since he’s been cooking it for customers all the time. Mmm,” she murmured, her eyes fluttering back as she swallowed the bite. “I forgot how good it really was.”

Of course she was unaware of what was running through Assyrian’s mind. The sad thing was that if he did offer to take her with him, she would drop this life in a heartbeat. That was where her naivete came in. She was just a dreamer; she had no idea how hard it would really be away from her loved ones for so long…let alone how dangerous it might be. “I’m glad you like it,” she added, smiling up at Assyrian. What? He was charming and it was nice to please him.

The conversation over the steak was pleasant, with Misty enjoying herself greatly…but about halfway through, her father came out of the kitchen. Marie had made up a story about a complaint from a customer, and he personally went to attend to it. He was shocked, of course, to see that the so-called complaint came from a table his daughter was sitting at…with a stranger who was a little too comfortable with her. The big, bearlike man stalked toward them, and Misty looked over and jumped, her face pale.

“Misty…you shouldn’t be consorting with the patrons…you know the rules. Get back to work.” She bowed her head and murmured an apology, scooting her chair back. Her father, Berlach, looked at Assyrian with narrowed eyes. “And you, stranger…keep those winks and smirks to yourself. This is my daughter.” He didn’t care how confrontational he was being; Misty’s well-being came first, and he hated to see sleazy men try to flirt with her.