With the sudden sound of rain hitting the roof of the tavern a green cloaked figure entered through the doors. It was not a particularly odd occurrence for perfect strangers to pass into the pub but this particular individual was a bit different from most. Perhaps a bit was stretching it as the particular persons garb was certainly out of sort with the typical patrons of establishment.What was perhaps most alarming to the patrons was contently perched on the stranger's arm; a fine hawk.
"By the Twelve is it going to eat us?! was heard uttered out loud. patrons pushed back in their chairs at a few tables as other stopped and stared on.A small smirk crossed the the strangers lips as the hooded head slightly shook.
The barkeep looked up from polishing crystal to see what all the fuss had been about. He immediately spoke up at sight of the bird and reproached the green cloaked figuer.
“You cannot bring that creature in here stranger. This is a tavern not a hunting lodge…â€Â
The stranger lifted a damp gloved hand to the hood of the cloak and pulled it back to reveal a fair skinned brunette woman who looked to be in her mid-twenties. “This creature is my companion and he will remain with me. Understood?†said she firmly.
The barkeep, obviously displeased by the reply, stepped into the woman‘s path. “Either the bird leaves or you both leave, Ma'am.â€Â
“I will do no such thing. Times are hard and I am certain not even you can afford to turn away patrons. So my companion remains or I’ll take my leave, there are plenty other places in this city who are more willing to serve all customers. Now if it’s not too much trouble I would like a glass of wine, Thank you.â€Â
With that she pushed past the dumbfounded barkeep who staggered a bit as she passed by. She heard him say no more and found a quiet corner table to sit. Out of the corner of her blue eyes she saw the bar keep preparing her glass of wine, grumbling all the while to himself. She
looked at her companion lovingly and pressed a soft kiss to the hawk's head as they settled themselves comfortably. She murmured quietly to the hawk; the bird listened intently.
“I do not care for this place either, my Love, but we have been asked here. As soon as we are done. we'll leave as soon as possible.â€Â
The Hawk fluffed it’s feathers then preening himself as a waitress approached their table. The Hawk stopped and puffed its chest, out keeping its eyes on the waitress as she placed the glass of wine down carefully, obviously skittish of the hawk as well. A curious thought struck her.Had these people ever stepped out of their city onto other lands besides the sea?
“It’s alright my love.†The Hawk settled as she stroked the bird's back comfortingly. The waitress slowly backed away from them.