Unexpected Company

[Roxanne]

It was mid morning in Teair and it was a gorgeous day. The sunlight glittered off the cascading waters of Dragonbreath Falls and the lake below, creating rainbows in the misty air. There was was a slight breeze that blew just right over the waters towards a little cabin that was tucked in the shadow of the falls. The half demon relaxing in a hammock sighed as the cool wind ruffled her long red hair. Normally, she'd be out hunting or cleaning a kill but she was taking the day off, her head in the clouds after her reunion with a certain roguishly charming bard. 

Still her idea of a day off meant she'd been doing work around her home. The grass and trees were all neatly trimmed. The firepit in the back had been cleaned out and new wood stacked in the center. There were two little gardens in front of the cabin on either side of the door, one filled with various herbs and the other full of lunar flowers. Both of which showed signs of recently being tended. Roxanne had even swept and mopped the inside of her cabin.  She left the windows and door wide open to air it out. The fireplace in the cabin had also been cleaned out and provided with new wood. All in all, not bad for a mornings work. 

The half demon was wearing a lavender dress that tied up around the back of her neck to create a halter top, leaving her arms and back completely bare. The skirt was loose and flowing, waving in the breeze around her ankles when she stood. Her feet were bare and dangled off the end of the hammock. It brought out the color in her eyes and looked great with her coloring. She'd tied a small satchel around her waist made of a creamy colored leather that had various little gardening tools tucked into it. At the moment though, Roxanne was the picture of bliss and could be heard humming one of Teair's native songs quietly to herself. She clearly wasn't expecting any kind of company....

[Deleted]

You could hear the falls sooner then you could see them; the morning had been eventful but productive. Aria had spent the previous day loading up a long wooden wagon; a few barrels full of tropical fruit gathered from her island; various pelts collected from over the winter from multiple hunts, jars full of sweet jams, dried herbs, various bedding ect. It was backed to the brim and all set before she had gone to bed. Far before the crack of dawn Aria rose; she hitched up her Gypsy Vanner mare to the wagon and headed along the flat trail towards the portal to Nova. It was false dawn by the time she got to the castle; she dropped off three barrels of fruit to the castles kitchen a par to the agreement she and Noku had forged. With that delivery done she turned her horse towards the city.

Aria was dressed for a long days travel; her hair was pulled half back and threaded with baby’s breath flowers. Her dress consisted of an off the shoulder short sleeved cream tunic with a forest green corset and loose flowing skirt. She had a thin brown belt which held a dagger; and her shoes were simple brown flats. A black quiver sat on her back filled with arrows; they didn’t match her outfit but frankly her end destination had her going into the forever forest. It would be unwise for her to go into the forest without protection. Her bow sat on the wooden bench beside her within easy reach if need be. Since the air tended to be slightly chilly first thing in the morning, she had on a light brown cloak. Which she would take off once the sun rose.

The wagon was light blue and tan; well-made and pulled by a large blue roan draft horse. The horse had large feather black hooves, a black snout, mane and tail; while the body faded into a pretty blue grey. She calmly padded along, pulling the wagon and driver through the streets of Nova. They stopped once at Tres’s clinic, dropping off a basket full of fresh woven bandages, and another basket full of medical herbs. Aria stopped the wagon once more before leaving the city at Gallows Tavern; leaving a small crate of fruit.

By the time they pulled out of the kingdoms outer gates the sun had risen; the trip ahead of them was going to be a long one. She’d probably reach her destination sometime tomorrow night; though she did plan on stopping at the lake. She had talk to Garret the night before to let him know where she planned on being; the mental link that they both shared would easily stretch; at least while he was in Nova. Not so much when he was on their island. She did plan on stopping at the lake; so there was a good chance he could catch up to her by night fall when his work was done. That is if he could spare a couple of days off work. She had planned on heading to her old cabin to stock the den full of supplies.

Aria dosed as she traveled; her horse knew enough to fallow the rode; and the ride was uneventful and she woke as the smell of water hit her nose. Indicating they were near the lake. After being stuck sitting on the wooden bench all morning it was a welcome change. Her horse perked up knowing her job was almost done for the day. Really all there was to do now was spot the cabin that belonged to Roxy…she hadn’t been there yet but she remembered Roxanne mentioning it was along the lake. Aria let her nose change slightly so she could take advantage of the gorge hounds keen sense of smell. Picking up Roxannes scent in the air; once she had a handle on it she took the reins in her hand and steered her horse and wagon towards Roxanne’s cottage. Roxy would hear her coming before she would see her.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne's ears twitched as the rumble of a wagon began in the distance. At first she shrugged it off and closed her eyes once more, but after a few moments it became apparent the wagon was headed her way. Who would be all the way out here with a wagon? She was suspicious, but she was also comfortable and more than capable of handling herself. Roxanne weighed her options, then settled back into her hammock to wait for the unannounced visitor. She sniffed at the air, trying to pull any familiar scents but with the breeze and the water being so close, it wasn't easy.

In fact, the half demon didn't realize who the wagon owner was until Aria was much closer. Once she caught her boss's scent, Roxanne's curiosity doubled. Aria had never been to her cabin before and now she was bringing a whole wagon with her? She waited, a grin on her face, for the wagon to find the break in the trees and pull into the little clearing in front of the cabin.

[Deleted]

Her wagon pulled into the clearing and she saw Roxy waiting for her; Aria waved in a greeting to her friend. Pulling the wagon to a stop ”Hey! Care to take a trip out to the hide out with me? I could use the help? Though first.” Aria stood up and stretched, hopping down from the wagon. ”Do you mind if I chill for a while. I’ve been on that wagon for hours all ready and Gypsy here needs a rest.” Aria patted the large horse on the nose as she swung her head up and down. Eager to be freed from the weight she had pulled most of the day.

Aria looked around; it was the first time she had been to Roxannes cabin; she had picked a lovely spot. When Roxanne said yes, she would unhook her horse and grab the grooming brushes she kept in the storage compartment under her seat. She then took to caring for her horse; much like she use to do for her old horse Brair. ”So what have you been up to lately?”

She rubbed down the horse and then sent her off to go graze my the lake side. Turning to give her full attention to Roxanne. ”This is a great location by the way.”

[Trésor de Lys]

Tres had dozed off in the wagon after joining Aria on her trip. She rolled onto her side, feeling hazy from having slept so long. After Aria stopped at her infirmary, she brought the woven linens into the storage closet, and put the herbs into the green house. She quickly packed a duffel bag with a change of clothes, a jug of water, some tea to help her sleep, medical herbs and bandages, and her sword.

Tres wore a pair of light brown cargo pants, and a loose white shirt with three-quarter sleeves that had two buttons in the middle of the neckline that could be unbuttoned for comfort. Her hair was tied in two french braids, for comfort and for convenience. She wore a hilt around her waist that carried her sword, and sported combat boots that were tied around her ankles.

When they arrived at Roxy's, Tres groggily woke up. She lifted herself in the back of the wagon, blinking from the brightness of the light. She climbed out of the back of the wagon, and joined the two women out front, stretching her arms out wide. "Hello Roxy..." as her eyes adjusted to the light, she noticed the location they were in... It was breath-taking. "Wow... nice place you got here..." she said approaching Roxy for a handshake to show respect to her... partner? She wasn't sure of the ranking in the thieves.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne grinned as Aria pulled up with the loaded wagon, though she eyed it curiously. What was the other redhead up to this time? She didn't have to wait long for something of an answer to that as the other woman greeted her and asked if she cared to go on a little trip. The demoness nodded in agreement. "Of course I'd be more than happy to help you, Aria. I haven't been to the hideout actually, unless you're referring to your old cabin?" she said, thoughtfully.

Aria's next question had Roxanne rolling her eyes and giving her a look that said 'what kind of question is that'. "Just keep her out of my little garden here. The rest of the lawn is up for grabs and of course I don't own the lake," she answered, laughing lightly. She rolled out of the hammock, stretching and watched as Aria groomed the horse. She waited until the horse trotted off before she gave the other woman a hug. Animals didn't always like her, after all.

"Lately as in this morning? Just a little yard work and spring cleaning," Roxanne answered, shrugging then grinned at the compliment that Aria offered. It was about then that she noticed Tres as the angel made her appearance, popping up in the back of the wagon. The demoness smiled warmly as Tres greeted her and complimented her on her place as well. She shook the offered hand. "Thank you both. I picked it out myself, mostly for the view but it's nicely secluded and not too far from the city either," she said, turning to look at the cascading falls.

"What's on the agenda that you've requested my help for?" she asked casually, "and how long will I be gone?" she added as she made her way towards the open door of the cabin. She motioned for the other two women to follow her. Once inside, she unhooked the belt from around her waist, hanging it on a hook next to the door and went to the sink to wash her hands. She pulled 3 glasses from one of her cabinets and a bottle of honey meade, filling the glasses and then handing them to Aria and Tres. "It's from the Gallow's Inn," she offered, by way of short explanation. Roxanne downed half her glass and then made her way to the couch, pulling a familiar leather bag from among the cushions. She set it on the table and began taking inventory, pulling out a wide assortment of things from Mylee's blue bells to a set of lock picks.

The inside layout was pretty simple. A small kitchen area took up the left side of the cabin, with a table and chairs not far from the door and sort of centered in the front half of the room. The back half of the room was tucked under the loft and served as a living room, complete with a comfy looking purple couch and the fireplace. The stairs for the loft were on the left in the back corner.

[Deleted]

”Yes and no; there’s A LOT more to that cabin then meets the eye. I’ll tell you more as we get closer.” Better safe than sorry, while the lake was relatively secluded, it was close enough to the city that you never knew if someone could over here. The cabin was far enough in the forest that she would notice if someone were trailing them. She chuckled when Roxanne said to keep Gypsy out of her garden. ”Don’t worry about that, she accidently wandered into my garden at home…the one where I’ve been experimenting on plant mutations on. One of the ones she tried to eat punched her in the nose. She wants nothing to do with anything that looks like an organized garden now.”

Aria nodded agreeing with Roxy, it was a really nice place. Though for Aria’s tastes, still too close to the city. She traded privacy for convenience she supposed. But for Roxy this location was well fitting. Aria scratched the back of her head when Roxy asked how long they would be gone. That was a good question. She hadn’t done this trip on foot before; she usually flew stuff back and forth as a dragon. But with the amount of supplies she was bringing that would be a little difficult to do. ”Well considering it to get here; if we leave now we can make camp at the true half way point tonight, and arrive sometime late afternoon tomorrow.” It certainly was a hike. ”I may need extra hands with the wagon through the woods; and then unload through the tunnel sets since the wagons not going to fit. I’m restocking most of the stuff that was stolen and then some. I have food stocks that will keep well for a long time, fresh water, ale, blankets, medical supplies, and a few other things. The hide out will be fully stocked to be able to support a large number of people if ever needed. Tres I’m also setting up a room specifically for medical purposes if we ever need you to make a house call.”

Aria fallowed Roxy indoors while giving her explanation. ”Gpysy guard the wagon!” Docile as the large beast was, she figured Gypsy would do what she needed to do if someone other than them approached the wagon. At the very least she could count on the horse to alert her. As they entered Aria looked around, her eyebrows raising when she noted the color of the couch. ”Where on earth did you steal that from? I’m assuming you stole because that much purple fabric would have cost an arm a leg and maybe your first born.” Aria loved purple fabric, but there was a reason nobility usually was the only one to wear it. It was expensive as hell because of the process needed to make even a little of the pretty color.

[Trésor de Lys]

The handshake was taken, and she smiled. She didn't think of Roxy as a friend just yet, but did consider her an acquaintance along with seeing her as a work partner. She would smile, then follow the two into the cabin. The layout was simplistic, which Tres could admire as she herself had a simple layout of a home, only the layout itself was reverse. Her eyes darted towards the couch to which Aria made reference to. Tres wandered over behind the couch, feeling the material. It was so soft, Tres was just as surprised as Aria was when she wondered how the hell she could get her hands on something like this - only this wasn't her taste... perhaps she could get Core to steal one for her - Gallows inn, makes sense.

Tres took the glass from Roxy, taking a swig of the Honey Meade. It was sweet on the tongue, and she smiled, licking her lips in enjoyment. She turned to Aria "yeah, how long are we going to be gone... also how is it that there was an entrance to a renown guild of thieves planted in the cabin that I lived in for a year or so and yet I didn't even notice it?" Tres had a look of confusion on her face as she took another sip of the honey meade.

Tres took a seat over next to Roxy, settling into the ever so soft couch... but then taking into account that some things may have happened on that couch that she would neither want to imagine nor could imagine, so she sat back up again.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne nodded at Aria's short but mysterious explanation on the cabin, since it sounded as if she'd find out soon enough. "You make it sound like we're going on a whole adventure here," she commented, grinning. That grin turned into a laugh as Aria explained why the demoness need not worry about the horse and her garden. "I'll take a lesson from the horse and make sure not to stick my nose in your gardens either. That's good though. It's taken me a while to get these going properly. I've never grown anything before," she explained.

The demoness sipped her honey meade as she listened thoughtfully to Aria's layout of the trip and what all she wanted done. She nodded, then set her glass down. "I need to pack some things then but I can definitely help with that," she said in a tone that made it clear she was expecting that. When Aria saw the couch, Roxanne laughed at her reaction, a wide grin stretching her face. "It's not as exciting as you'd like to think. For starters, I didn't steal the whole couch. I bought the couch, like a respectable citizen. But it was such a boring brown color, and this cabin is brown enough. So I stole the fabric from one of the shops in town and changed out the upholstery," she explained. "A whole couch would be kinda impractical to steal, you know," she added. It didn't really lessen the value though, purple fabric was still expensive as hell.

Roxanne watched as Tres made herself comfortable, then seemed to think better of it. She raised an eyebrow at the angel in question, wondering what was wrong with her couch. It was pretty, it was comfortable, and it was soft. Shrugging, she made her way upstairs to grab some clothes for the trip and change out of the dress. The cabin was small enough, and her hearing good enough, that she'd be able to keep up with the conversation from up there as well. She pulled out a pair of black tights and slipped those on under her dress, then dug around for a forest green tunic. It had a scoop neck and long sleeves, but they were wide and wouldn't be hot. The material was light. She pulled out a slightly darker green corset that had a short skirt of material attached that layered over the tunic and laced it with light green ribbon. She stuffed her feet into her calf high boots and then grabbed an extra set of clothes and her canteen, which she took back downstairs and stuffed in her pack along with her other provisions. As a last touch, she braided her hair and clipping it at the top with Aria's pendant and using a matching green ribbon to tied the bottom.