Redstone - Bastion of Normalcy?

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 93641

Astra reaches Redstone and sees "The Ornery Kitten" inn on the outskirts of the village. She goes around to the kitchen door and knocks a few times until the door is opened by a very large, matronly woman. "Oh my stars!" the woman exclaims, "you poor thing where are your clothes?"
Astra stammers, "um, well, I was robbed and they were taken from me!" which is pretty much true. "I can pay for some clothing, food, and rest, if you have any of those available.."
"Tut tut," says the woman, ushering Astra inside. "we will get you clothed and fed, and in a bed, and we will talk payment tomorrow." Astra is standing in a good sized kitchen, which smells unbelievably delicious. There are roasted meats, soups bubbling, and fresh bread steaming on the countertop.

The woman, who introduces herself as Mira, has clothing brought to Astra straight away. Astra puts on the clothing and then tucks in at the staff table in the back to a dinner of roasted pork, beef stew, braised vegetables, and an entire loaf of freshly made bread, with plenty of ale to drink. "Thank you so much," she says when she finally comes up for air. "I was ravenous, sorry for my lack of manners."
"Don't think anything of it dearie!" says Mira, "when finished just place your things in the sink there then either go to the common room or go to the second floor and take the last room on the right. Here is the key." Astra thanks Mira again and places the key in a pocket, next to her bag of coin.

A young servant girl, with dark skin and long black hair, is fascinated with Astra and has been watching her eat. "You were so hungry!" she says with a wide grin. "I get hungry sometimes. What's your name?"
"Maybe she doesn't want to give her name," admonishes Mira, but Astra smiles and gladly provides it.
"My name is Astra," she says, "what is yours?"
"I am Alex," the child replies, "so very pleased to meet you. You are so pretty, like a princess!"
Astra coughs, "How kind of you, Alex dear. You are very beautiful yourself."
"Mom says that I-" and then Alex is interrupted by a harsh male voice, echoing from outside the kitchen.
"Alex! Get in here, you worthless brat!" yells the unseen man. "There are customers to serve."
"I have to go," says Alex, and kisses Astra on the cheek. "Can I come visit you in your room later?"
"She will be asleep!" says Mira, "now get out there before Ronald boxes our ears."
Astra nods to Alex, who squeals in delight before running out of the kitchen. "Coming, sir!" she says.

Astra has many questions, but she is so very tired, especially after that meal. No doubt Alex will wake her up later, so she determines to get a nap. She walks up to the second floor, passing several rooms (most of which are unoccupied). She reaches the last room on the right, and unlocks the door.

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Lord Reaibn Daenorth

4/4/2011 9:15:20 AM

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