Scene 1
Description: Priscilla kidnapped.
The evening strengthened as Priscilla stepped out from the drinking hall and into the quiet township of Quakestir. She'd arrived at the tavern earlier than expected, and felt thankful the residents from the last village overexaggerated the distance. On a journey as long as this, it was the small things to say the least.
Arriving early meant she got to a hot meal and a fiery drink (or nine) sooner, but it also meant she tapped out sooner. Leaving for the inn before true night fell meant the barmaid she'd been eyeing up all evening, the one with the dark, hawkish eyes, wouldn't be accompanying her. However, rising upon first light would jumpstart the final day of travel before she reached the mountains. Even from a 10 hour's walk away, the peaks smudged the skyline.
Adjusting the leather strap of her heavy dragongun, she rolled her dusky green shoulders in anticipation of a warm bath and a cozy bed. These were unheard of luxuries on the road, but Priscilla was accustomed to treating herself to the finer things. She deserved to, anyway, when she was between contracts. When as skilled as she, her type of work paid handsomely. However, there was a type of debt simple monarchs couldn't fix. That was why she was eager to pray directly to the Vulture of Blood for forgiveness when she was within the mountains.
The innkeeper barely blinked at the size of her weapon or her stature. They wore an unreadable expression, but their short, thin, upwards tusks belied their shared ancestry with her.
"A room is 20 dukes." They announced in a smooth, lilting way, without any prompting.
"I'd like a bath, too."
They gave her a once over, and perhaps the faintest glint lit their eyes.
"The only room with a tub large enough is 50 dukes."
Priscilla frowned. She understood the premium related to the cost of water and the maintenance of the inn's energy grid. It was likely both would be in short supply in a town like Quakestir. However. She had a pilgrimage no one was paying her for, and she had finery to indulge in. How else could she convince herself to sleep in a leaky tent the rest of the time?
"40."
They matched her frown, but only with their eyes. "How could I say no to a person of your caliber."
She was unsure about whether or not she should be offended as she placed the preserved wooden coins into their palm. However, she decided they were referring to her renown as a pest controlling warrior saint of the Vultures.
"Thank you," she smiled while receiving the key.