My fingers coil around the rails, wrapping and unwrapping as I soaked in the view.
Below, on the cobbled street, a carriage stops just before the tavern sign.
A fat figure alights from within, immediately shouting commands to unseen people.
Frown plastered my face, puzzled I lean over to get a better look.
"Oh." I face palm
A couple of men emerged from the steering seat of the carriage- most certainly the subjects of the shouts.
One nods, a scroll in hand.
He scribbles stops and walks to the back of the carriage which he disappears within.
Close to a minute, I latch my eyes on the carriage
There.
He emerges, unloads two barrels and walks over.
It was now that I notice Irena, the woman from yesterday.
Also the owner of [Jivin' Crow Tavern]
I watch them as they exchanged pleasantries- talking whilst leaning, reading the scroll within the man's grasp.
My focus shifts,
Chimneys curling with smoke, the smell of spices- most were cooking.
Breakfast before the long day ahead of them.
I notice the guardsmen- lost in their playful banter- leaving exited chatters in their wake.
"Huuhhmm" I sigh, wiping pellets of snow off my shirt.
I swipe my bare feet, sending more pellets off the balcony.
Seems I have been out here for quite a while.
I give the sky a look before heading
I glance at the thinning clouds overhead, winter was coming to an end. A few more weeks and the landscape will be blanketed in colourful blooms.
A change I was looking forward to.
Talking of change- I made an agreement with Maria.
Apparently- I landed myself a job, more out of pity Maria felt for me than skill.
Not the best or most dignified of them- a modest one.
Courier for the tavern, among other things- a fresh start I desperately craved.
I put on my boots and prepare to head down below, to the dining and main hall.
Ohh- Irena gave me a room, she said It came with the job, perks of being an employee of the tavern.
I know better, she just didn't want me to protest, not that I could've declined.
Soon I will earn my keep.
My insides burn just from the thought of living off someone, I hate it.
Its no different from Lum's place, but at least I contributed then, watched over him when his sickness worsened.
"Look who's here," "Mornin Rain"
"Hi" I wave awkwardly "Good morning ma'am"
"Drop the honorifics" Irena says, her face beaming
Someone's oddly exited today
"Come" She gestures taking a seat "Got tired of standing outside?"
I clear my throat, response, only to stop when I notice a suppressed smile tugging at her lips.
She was enjoying, seeing me flustered.
I notice Maira giggling- she'd appeared out of nowhere and sat at the table.
"Can you read?"
I nod
"Hmm, you got some level of education then?"
"Only what I could scrap up from the local library" I say "I'm quite decent with the pen"
"Hmm, you don't say?" Maira cuts in
I give her a nod and a knowing look.
"I'll have use of your skill," Irena intones, "We've received a new batch of supplies, I could use some help, book keeping"
"But Ma! That's my Job!"
Irena beams a smile at her daughter.
"I have to show Rain the ropes" she sighs "a pair of fresh hands, ohh don't we need it!"
Maira grumbles,
"Man the counter, tomorrow we'll shift...I know you want the kitchen"
"Alright Ma! Just for today"
Irena gets up to her feet, heads for the kitchen.
She serves a few customers.
"So, where are you from?"
"Huh?" Suddenly roused from my 'daydream'
I had forgotten that Maira was still here, seated.
She gives me an expectant look, I sigh and look away.
"Oi!"
I stare back,
"Yes?"
"Hmm!" She pouts and leaves.
Finally alone, I scan the dining hall, the place was already packed, almost half filled.
Patrons engaging in small chatters, others neck deep into their bowls
As I note all this, I can't help but feel awed, the numbers spoke volumes of how Irena tavern thrived.
Or it was because it was the only tavern around, yet even so it wouldn't be this packed.
Clack!
My thoughts get interrupted, Meira, she set the clay bowl before the table, turning her head away and pouts
I snicker as I watch her head back, she's quite a handful.
The next few moments Irena emerges, a large serving bowl in hand.
I sniff and savour as she serves aromatic broth within the already set bowls.
Behind her, Maira struts in, a kettle and mugs in hand.
"Where's the bread?"
"In the kitchen."
"Go get them!"
Irena takes the kettle and mugs from her,
"Ma! I can't carry all of them at once," she murmurs as she leaves.
I instinctively start rubbing my hands together, savouring the aroma.
So ready to dive into the bowl at a moments notice.
Irena giggles
I smile back, embarrassed.
Just then, my smile widen further, the bread!
Ohh, how I have been waiting to get them into my maw- the first encounter with them had me salivating...just thinking of the plum soft bread...
I'd made a fool of myself yesterday- when I stuffed my face till I could no more, acting more of a ravenous beast than of a man.
But for Irena's bread? It was all worth it!
Maira sets the steaming bread basket on the table and grabs one ...dipping it in broth.
I muster my inner will, reigning in my urge to tear the bread and stuff them into myself.
With practised motion, I reach for a piece, gently bringing it close to my bowl.
Gentle warmth massages my fingers.
I could wait no more
Dipping it in broth, I give it a bite- a moan escaping before I could reign it in.
The mother-daughter duo giggle.
Did I pause?
Hell No!
I throw a glance at the preening Irena, my actions was a compliment, more than words could ever convey.
The dining session ends- too quick in my opinion- though there was small talk between the duo, engaging me...who gave absentminded replies.
I look up as Irena places a steaming mug before me, clasping he own
"Have some Ćhai, to wash down the meal."
I nod and give it a sip
How would I describe it?
Hmm? Okay...
Think of a brown-black brew,
Herbal aroma of rosemary and an assortment of others I couldn't recognize,
It had the same herbal taste
Sweet but not too sweet...
Just know that my taste buds were thrumming with glee.
"Hmm, ćhai " I murmur, weighing the sound of it.
"Yea, Ma's best brew" Maira intones, raising her mug.