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pendragon007 Hope you enjoy reading, because I got a little carried away^^' (All these travelers also have proper bios)
Scent of crisp gusts and sweet petals sneaks inside the tavern as a glittering tundra steps in. Her fur is ruffled by the flight, her smile as bright as the golden gleam of sunlight brushing her.
"Hi! How are you?" she greets from the door, shuffling through the leather satchels as she walks towards the bar. Catching herself just barely as she is about to trip on the even floor, she laughs awkwardly as she places a small package in front of barkeep.
"Wow. I'm good at first impressions, aren't I? 'Adalinda, you should remember your paws', my mum always says but I always forget. Anyway, here's a delivery for you, some supplies for another experimental brew, or so I was told. Hope it all goes to good use, but I'll have that crisp blue cider from the Icefield," she speaks fast, all in one breath and her smile only widens with the question given to her.
"Well, I'm one of the messengers of the Wanderers, so I've been almost everywhere, as you can imagine. You wouldn't believe how different the winds feel and smell depending on where you are! Say, have you ever..."
And just like that, a simple question is turned into a day full of chatter.
***
It takes a moment to notice that the quick flutter and a crash was not wind knocking over a chair but a tiny fae bursting in and hiding under a table.
"Shh! I'm not here!" she whispers, stifling laughter before anyone can even ask.
Muffled yelling and angry noises just barely reach inside the inn before passing. After a moment of silence, the young fae sneaks to the window and peeks outside. A wide, satisfied grin spreads on her face and she flutters to sit down close to the bar.
"Hello!" she greets, as if there was nothing odd whatsoever going on. "Do you have anything sweet and lush? A local favourite, maybe. What? I'm old enough to drink!"
She chuckles as she pays for her drink, slipping coins from a seemingly invisible pocket in her vest. She introduces herself as Isla, her voice ringing like a cheerful bundle of bells.
"Traveler? Yeah, I suppose I wander around quite a lot. I have to say, I love the Plateaus to bits but there's always so much more to see! I just recently visited the Isles and it was so pretty! The crystals kinda... surprise you every time, you know? Once - I swear I'm not making this up - the wind blew so that it sounded like the crystals were singing!"
Isla chatters away cheerfully, clearly happy that someone wants to listen.
"I also visited an ally clan in the Expanse a while back, to see if they had forgotten my Halloween pranks. Apparently they hadn't. Good people, that lot, but waaaaaaaay too touchy about working..."
***
The young minstrel smiles as she orders and it's like the sun itself caresses the tavern when she does. She sits down and plays a few experimental notes on her flute when the barkeeper's question makes her look up.
"Oh, I have been to most of the regions in Sornieth. I try to find special places, overlooked by mosts - like this one, because everything in those places is always so unique," she says, looking wistfully at the glistening roar of the waterfalls behind the inn's window.
"It's like every place as its own... rhythm. A beat or a breath pattern that you need to stop to really notice," she continues, tapping her lute a few more times before smiling once again at the barkeep.
"Your inn is absolutely wonderful! I hope you won't mind me sharing a few songs?"
The notes of the lute become more clear, skipping and hopping through the chatter around the minstrel. They dance and weave a cheerful feel as Stigandr's bright voice joins them, singing of the joys of the sun, cheer and simple folk.
***
It is late in the evening when a traveler with the world on his wings enters the inn. The dust of the road clings to his worn clothes and there's clear weariness in his voice as he greets the barkeep. However, the smile he offers is soft and genuine.
"Where have I been?" Rion repeats the question and chuckles softly. His eyes, so ageless yet tireless, twinkle as he ponders the question.
"My friend, it would be easier to wonder where haven't I been," he finally answers. "I am raised by the road and it continues to be my constant, most loyal companion. I have seen the glimmer of the Icefield, the brightest skies of the Plateaus, hidden shadows of the Tangled Woods and everything in between them. Yet this wonderful world still holds secrets and surprises for me to discover, I'm sure."
He drinks his warm, oaken ale and his smile only grows.
"I am but a simple storyteller with deep-rooted love for the wandering life. It is all I hope for and all I need. However, as your inn is not only providing me with extraordinary drinks, it's also giving me a very comfortable place to rest. I do hope I can thank you for it properly."
His weariness forgotten, Rion clears his throat and settles in more comfortable.
"Let me share a story about a fallen phoenix. It is not a well-known story but it is one of my favourites."
