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Post by kranzer on Feb 20, 2021 0:53:19 GMT
Location: Neverwinter's River District; The Courageous Pony InnCity Map Accommodation: Modest: 5 SP/Day Menu Supper: Beef stew, Lentils, Peas, Oatmeal, Plain cake (cost 3 sp) Snack: Duck eggs, Melon, Nut bread (cost 1sp) Ale[Gallon]: 2 sp Ale[Mug]: 4 cp
The last rays of light filtered into the common area from a nearby window. The room was well lit regardless. Soon night would settle over the city yet the common area only boasted a small group of patrons. A lone wizard sat at a table. His edge of his robe covered dust which meant he likely arrived recently. His gaze settled upon the contents of his half filled mug. He bore a weary expression as he glanced towards the center of the room. Several tables were pushed together in a makeshift stage as a group of Halflings tested their voices in preparation to sing. The overall atmosphere was light. The gnome behind the bar leaned against it propped up on his elbows. Sparkling black eyes peered from behind stands of auburn hair. The Barkeep was busy wiping down the counter. One spot in particular and he'd only look up upon hearing someone enter. " Welcome to the Courageous Pony, what can I get ya?" [ Post an intro, this is a social thread. Meet your fellow adventurers!]
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coomer
Experienced Creator
Posts: 82
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Post by coomer on Feb 20, 2021 14:36:04 GMT
Bard
The faintest sounds of the world outside flowed through the open door as the bard stepped inside, allowing the door to swing silently closed behind him. He stepped up towards the bar with a feline grace, his eyes twinkling like moonlight across a forest pond. ”My dear sir, let me offer my compliments on your wonderful establishment,” Steffon Stagspeak said, his voice lilting as he delivered his well-practised compliment. ”But it is I who should be serving at your pleasure, barmaster - I am Steffon Stagspeak, and it would be my greatest pleasure to perform for your noble clients. A halfling’s voice may be pleasurable in small doses, but nothing draws a crowd quite like a lutist.”In a practised motion he pulled the lute, secured across his body with a wide leather strap, from his back to his front. His fingers playfully tickled the strings, and a smile grew on his face.
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Post by kranzer on Feb 20, 2021 15:38:29 GMT
A moment passed as the gnome looked up and quirked a bushy brow. The look on his face revealed that he wasn't accustomed to well mannered patrons let alone noble ones as the Bard mentioned. Idly the gnome twirled the edge of his beard as he considered the proposition.
The name Steffon Stagspeak wasn't known to him but that didn't mean much in Neverwinter or it could mean everything. Best case this man's skill with the lute could match his skill with words. If that were the case then he was sure to draw a crowd. The gnome offered a quick grin. What did he have to lose here?
"Of course," he said with a motion towards the Halflings. Halflings that seemed rather curious themselves. The Wizard seemed somewhat relieved but said nothing. His focus returned to the contents of his mug.
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coomer
Experienced Creator
Posts: 82
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Post by coomer on Feb 20, 2021 16:03:29 GMT
The smile on Steffon’s face stuck as he offered a slight bow to the gnome before turning towards the makeshift stage. With a wave of his hand, the halflings moved away from the collection of tables and took up positions amongst the remaining seats. Steffon walked over, tapping twice on the wizard’s table as he passed. It took a single step for him to mount the table, and he held his lute between his hands with an ease that only came from true proficiency in an art. ”Are we ready to begin?”7fVIo0hJ1-20The bard cleared his throat, and all eyes in the inn turned to him. His fingers ran slowly along the strings of his instrument for a moment as he thought about his next steps. ”To the north of the river, in the city of Summer, There was a small tavern, needing more than a drummer. For wizard’s delight, for innkeeper’s purse, The word went out of the need for a verse.
And in he did stroll, our hero of song, To save them from boredom, to bring in the throng. For he was a Stagspeak, that family of legend, And his voice was of gold, as it had always been destined.
So bring him an ale, bring him a flagon, Watch as the patrons roll in by the wagon. Lay down your coat, lay down your hat, And hope they don’t find out he’s a twat.”As the last chords faded away, it was clear that those in the inn had been entertained - Steffon offered them a wide smile and a slight bow. There was nothing better than a performance that had gone well. 1-20
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Balial
Experienced Creator
Posts: 113
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Post by Balial on Feb 20, 2021 16:33:46 GMT
The sound of the door creaking open in the modest tavern once more echoed into the buzzing bar. Lie Jie, a foreign monk looking for adventure, entered with a wide grin upon his face. Upon the stage stood a man, voice as eloquent as one would expect any performer's to be. While listening he allowed his eyes darted across the room before finding himself an open seat not to far from a robed man. The heavily tattooed monk lifted his fingers, beckoning the bar master to him. " A mug of ale and a snack, if you will please." Li Jie asked as he placed a sack of his coins upon the table, before meticulously counting each silver and copper needed. As he waited he turned to the strange man, leaning his elbows onto the table and his chin upon his cupped hands. " Quite the pipes on that one, eh?" He said with a friendly tone and another inviting grin. Before waiting for the man to respond he lifted his arm once more, waving over the human bard to the table. " Oi! Come on over, I'll get'cha a mug!"
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Post by Alucard on Feb 20, 2021 19:54:09 GMT
The door to the inn creaked slightly as Alucard pulled the handled and strode through the entrance. He did not feel exhaustion quite as easily as regular fully living humanoids that inhabited Toril, but even he found himself weary after his long journey to the sword coast. Neverwinter was as good a place as any to stop and collect himself and information on the surrounding area. Information was vital to any adventurer seeking fortune and excitement and his centuries of living in the shadows of this world had taught him there was no better place than a pub to get that information. His hood up and his cloak drawn up and over his shoulders the Damphir shrugged, the slight slinking of a strap rubbing against chainmail was audible as his sheathed greatsword fell from his back and towards his side. With a deftness that was almost inhuman Alucard grabbed the strap with his left hand and held the undrawn weapon at his side stopping it from hitting the tavern floor. He scanned his surroundings, his eyes working to discern the state of the building he was walking into. A grouping of halflings were grouped together over the span of several tables and the barkeep was held up by another patron and another shirtless tattooed individual. Exhaling slightly Alucard made his way over towards a table in the corner of the establishment where he sat with his back against the wall, his greatsword propped up against the wall by his seat but ever close to his right hand.
A barmaid strode over towards him and merrily asked. "Anything to eat or drink?"
Alucard, his face concealed by his hood grit his teeth, the smell of the woman intrigued him, the blood coursing through her veins called out to him as he struggled to contain the bloodlust of his nature. Closing his eyes and slowly reopening them he replied. "A gallon of ale and a mug and perhaps someone worth while to sing a tune besides the shrill voices of halflings..." A small chuckled escaped his lips as he spoke and stacked the requested amount of silver upon the edge of the table. As the woman happily took the silver and left to fulfill his order Alucard leaned forward in his seat interlacing his fingers and scanned the room for anything out of the ordinary.
Perception/Insight Check
Base Perception/Insight 10
Roll 1: Q|hu9k0o1-20+2
Roll 2: 1-20+2 1-20+2·1-20
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Post by kranzer on Feb 20, 2021 21:21:32 GMT
The Bard's voice carried throughout the common area. The Halflings grew quiet and watched intently. The Barkeep tapped his finger against the counter in rhythm. Much to his joy two more patrons walked in. The first was a strange underdressed man. For a brief moment he grew concerned that some beggar had walked in but his worry was laid to rest with the tell-tale jingle of coins as the Monk dropped a pouch of coins on the table. "Right away," he said hurriedly.
It didn't take long before a plate and mug were placed before the Monk. Today's snack consisted of two hard boiled duck eggs, a chunk of bread, and melon slices. The Halflings clapped enthusiastically as the Bard's performance drew to a close. The man in the blue robes tore his gaze away from his mug upon hearing someone speak. He offered a faint smile and nod to the question. His grey eyes were mostly concealed by his long blond hair. From the Monk's close proximity he could see a slight point in the man's ears but it was very subtle.
Upon surveying Alucard would notice that the Barkeep was in a rather joyful mood. The man in the blue robes appeared to be distracted despite the fact someone spoke to him. Parts of his robe looked darker than the rest as if it was heavily stained at one point. The Barmaid strolled over and sat a wooden pitcher down along with a mug. She smiled as she collected his payment. "The minstrel over there has a wonderful voice. Would you like me to request a song for you?" She motioned towards the Bard that currently stood upon a group of tables that were haphazardly pushed together.
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Post by Indifferent on Feb 20, 2021 21:59:14 GMT
It was already nearing the end of the day when Aranil arrived outside the Courageous Pony Inn where she was currently lodging. She barely managed to open the door and was already met with the clamor inside. To the elf's surprise, she spotted a human who had taken the stage, standing atop a table as he bellowed a tall tale for all to enjoy. The loud cheers that followed made it clear that the patrons were entertained.
Aranil shook her head with a smile as she stepped inside and let the door close behind her. The sight of a rowdy crowd having a good time always came as a delight after a long day. She proceeded over to the barside with vigor in her step as she scanned over the room, noting some new faces she'd never seen before.
"Hi-hi," said the girl as she leaned up against the counter. "Some lentils and a mug of ale if you will? I'm starving." 1-20·1-20MO7DV9G_
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Balial
Experienced Creator
Posts: 113
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Post by Balial on Feb 20, 2021 21:59:46 GMT
As Li Jie approached the strange hooded man, he began to notice features that were prominent even when hidden. Beneath his hood small points where his ears should have been lifted the material of the fabric slightly and gray eyes rested upon a half filled mug. " Ah, not one for conversation?" The monk asked, head turning as he the plate was placed before him. The inked monk let his eyes travel over his plate, eyeing the eggs and the melon. It was a modest meal, one that had all the basic nutrients for adventuring! Without a second thought he began to dig in, using his hands as utensils instinctually. Picking apart the bread and using it to soak up some of the fresh melon's juices, he sat quietly. The bard had sung but was yet to come over, and he had noticed a man perch himself in the corner of the tavern and an approaching elven women who found herself to the bar. A harsh swallow was followed with a huge swig of ale before he wiped the corners of his mouth with his arms. " Come on now, don't be shy! Gather round and share a drink!" He called out to the lone man that the barmaid was now addressing and the elven women. Looking over his shoulder he ensured the bar master was bringing the drink of the bard as he had requested. " You to," he said to the performer before once more digging back into his food. The monk did not eat with elegancy, instead he was more like a wild animal. His fingers muddied with the crumbles of his meal and his back hunched slightly as he seemed to guard his meal. If other's were to inspect him more intently, as he was them between bites of food, they would notice that he had nothing on him. Modest hakama styled pant framed his legs loosely and a thin ruby amulet rested along his neck. cxfYO0791d20+21d20+2·1-20
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coomer
Experienced Creator
Posts: 82
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Post by coomer on Feb 21, 2021 0:26:31 GMT
And, lo and behold, they had started to enter. First was the man with no shirt, who quickly took up a seat next to the older man who had been listening raptly to Steffon’s lyrical masterpiece. A hooded figure entered next, his clumsiness displaying a large weapon for all of the tavern to see. A young girl was the last to enter, her Elvish ears clear for anybody with a pair of eyes. Steffon grinned widely as the topless man invited him over for a drink. With a practiced swing he moved his lute back to his back, the strap moving across his body without any significant effort. He stepped down from the tables easily, raising a hand to the Halflings who still stood nearby. A waitress had already moved towards them as the bard had descended from his makeshift stage, and placed a mug of ale on the table next to the half-dressed man. Steffon flashed her a toothy smile, causing her to blush before moving back towards the bar. ”Many thanks, kind patron,” he said, raising his mug to the generous monk, and the man who sat next to him. As he did so, the telltale tinkle of gold coins would fall to Li Jue’s ears, and he would spot a sizable bag resting within Steffon’s cloak - out of sight, and not to be used. ”Unfortunately for me, I play simply for the enjoyment of my listeners and not for monetary gain. But, it is a simple life for me - my name is Steffon Stagspeak, and it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”His eyes turned to the other patrons, eyes twinkling at the thought of what he could potentially earn from them. His hand moved almost absent-mindedly to his lute, ghost fingers silently plucking the air in anticipation of song. ”The Courageous Pony is lively tonight!” he said, his voice raising so all could hear him. ”But music can warm your hearts more than any hearth! Come, would anybody like to hear an encore?”It took only a second for the barman to raise an arm. ”Stage is all yours,” he said, his eyes also moving to the others - more music always meant more money. The halflings started a round of applause, and Steffon grinned before raising a hand to them once more. He poured the rest of the mug of ale into his mouth, swallowing deeply before waving the empty mug at the barmaid. ”A refill, my dear,” he said before stepping up onto the table once more. His fingers and voice was warm now, and it was time to impress. ”Into a tavern walked a topless man, It may sound like a joke, but that’s not the plan. For this man was here in need of a drink, In search of fellows, to make their glass clink.
If a hood and a cloak could make you supreme, It would be the next guest keeping the theme. A corner may save you from the eyes of the crowd, But the music will reach you, it is oh-so loud.
But inclusion, of course, is key to a group, To keep all at peace, all in the loop. A woman, of course, and Elvish at that, But can we be sure, with a chest quite so flat?
But come one, come all, and listen and stay, Eat and drink, as we see night take the day. Stay here short, or stay here long, But do not forget, the one who sings you this song.”
Performance check: AirKOnLj1d20+5 1d20+5·1d20+5
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Post by Jay on Feb 21, 2021 4:30:32 GMT
The tavern door squeaked as it scuffed the well-trodden wooden floor. In stepped a fair-skinned, blonde-haired man. He was slender, lithe and tall, even for an elf. A vegetable-tanned leather tunic showed underneath a grass-green cloak, and a quiver of arrows hung at his waist while a simple wooden bow laid diagonally across his chest.
Looking around, Legolas quickly took in the tavern's other occupants. A bard on the stage carried a lively tune, drawing in most of the others with his witty song. The elven archer had seen the man's face before, but only in passing in a neighboring town. That hadn't been all too long ago. His eagle-gaze landed on the bar, specifically another elf, of the forest just as he was. Nothing, in particular, stood out about her, but seated nearby, swigging a tankard of ale, was a shirtless, tattooed man.
The muscular stranger called out to a man in the corner, one whom Legolas had noticed at once upon entering, but had not yet allowed his gaze to wander towards. After making his round, calling out some of the other occupants, the man turned ravenously upon his food, eating like a caged animal, and hunching over his food like one used to guarding it. A strange way to eat for someone who'd just generously invited half the bar to drink with him.
Legolas at last let his sharp eyes draw towards and linger upon the hooded stranger in the corner, but only for a moment. He couldn't help but notice the way the man's face reacted to the barmaid, and not in the way one would expect in this sort of tavern. She was not even especially pretty, by Legolas' standard. He didn't look long enough to draw any conclusions, but surmised that he could watch closer from the opposite corner without being obvious.
The elf marched across the tavern, nearly brushing into the bard whom had answered the call to drink, and seated himself down in a creaky chair at an empty table. His bow remained in position, though it could be drawn and an arrow notched as quickly as any could ready a sword. Someone looking close enough to be rude may see the twinkle of a pair of daggers stuck through loops in the leather of his vest before his cloak fell over them again.
The chair had hardly accepted his full weight before the bard was launching into another song, this one taking care to direct itself towards several of the patrons. The elf sat back, allowing what would to unfurl before him. He'd left home looking for an adventure in the outside world, and though he'd spent several nights in several taverns expecting a quest to fall into his lap, this one showed the most promise.
1d20+4wLqSDkOQ
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Rua
Creator
Posts: 2
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Post by Rua on Feb 21, 2021 10:45:11 GMT
Night had fallen upon the land, causing those to seek shelter as to not spend it out in the dark. The door of the tavern slid open as another person entered. Their body was slouched as they walked while their hands placed in their pockets and hidden from sight. Drooped over their head only slightly was a hood, but revealed a face of a man with dark black hair.
His dark brown eyes with bags underneath appeared as if he was either really tired or maybe he’d seen too many things in his life. Eventually he made his way to a chair that was close to the Barkeep and then sat down. During his stride he paid attention to his surroundings and noticed that the inhabitants of the Inn were lively. It suddenly gave him an idea, maybe he could use them as a distraction.
“I’ll take a snack and a mug of Ale,” the Woodland Elf said and turned around from his chair.
A human was performing, well enough to cause him to tap one of his feet in rhythm. Suddenly he shook his head and told himself to focus. There was a tattooed man eating furiously, a hooded stranger, a female Elf just like him, and a third Elf who decided to stick to himself. The bard, he thought, was the most useful. Once more he scanned around to see if there was anything valuable within the dwelling.
3bz||UdT1-20 Investigation Check Base: 13 Roll (+3): 17 + 3 = 201-20
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Post by Garou on Feb 21, 2021 16:47:10 GMT
It had been quite some time since Danan last set foot in a human establishment. Like many of her kind, she much preferred the subtle rustling of leaves to the bustling of city life, and the crisp air of a lakeside camp could never be beaten by the muggy heat of a thousand bodies. But there were times when she had no choice, and for such a time, Neverwinter was one of the least offensive cities. Leather boots pattered across the sunken stone roads as the woman skipped along, humming whimsically as she went. Danan had never cared for the glances of others -- she simply enjoyed herself in whatever circumstances she found herself in. As her clan's First had taught her, "you can take the elf out of the woodland but you can't take the woodland out of the elf".
The sounds of raucous laughter and merriment called to her as the lonely night road took her by ain establishment called the "Courageous Pony". The name alone made Danan chuckle, for what beast of burden wasn't courageous? But the singing that leaked out from the inn's half-opened door beckoned her, and it would fill her purposes in coming to the city anyway. With the ending of another jolly chorus, she tugged on the wooden door and stepped in. The smells of ale, stew, and fresh bread set the elf's mouth watering. She bounded over to the bar, practically jumping onto a stool as she stared into the barkeep's face.
"The dinner tonight smells amazing, master gnome! Could I have some please?" She asked, an expectant smile creeping onto her face. It had been so long since Danan visited such a place as this, she had forgotten entirely that she would have to pay for the meal. She quickly turned her head to the next object of fascination in the inn, the lute-playing bard who stood upon a stage of tables. Human cities are so fun! she thought, looking past the cloaked behemoth and the small posse of fellow elves who she had sat beside to watch the next performance.
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coomer
Experienced Creator
Posts: 82
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Post by coomer on Feb 21, 2021 17:48:04 GMT
If it was possible, his second performance was even better received than his first. The Halflings who had been planned as the night’s entertainment were clapping harder than ever, occasionally even throwing in a ‘whoop’ or two. Steffon’s trademark smile returned to his face as he raised a hand to his admirers, stepping down from the table and moving his lute to his back once more. More people had come in since he had begun, no doubt drawn from far and wide by the legend of the great Steffon Stagspeak performing at a place like this. The thought alone sent a rush of pride rushing through him, and he almost bounced towards the bar and stood next to the most recent addition to the tavern. His eyes moved to her with a grin, taking in the look on her face as she watched the food being prepared behind the bar. The barmaid stepped over to Steffon, placing a gallon of ale before him as well as a mug. Next to it she placed a wide plate with various pieces of food as well as a bowl on top of it. The bard looked to the barman with a raised eyebrow, and he waved his hand vaguely. ”It’s on the house - homemade beef stew, lentils, peas, oatmeal and some plain cake. If you keep up with the songs, the ale will keep coming - just keep it civil, alright?”Steffon grinned, pouring a mug of ale and raising it to the barman before taking a sip. As it left his lips he turned his attention to the barmaid, who seemed to be lingering longer than was wholly necessary. ”How about you pour yourself one, my dear? Maybe you can fill me in on all the juicy gossip about this lovely inn you work in…”The barmaid’s face flushed slightly as Steffon poured her a mug of ale, sliding it over to her with a smile. Her eyes moved to the barman, who merely shook his head. ”Just make sure you don’t forget we have other guests,” he said, wagging a finger at the barmaid - apparently, having so many patrons had put him in a somewhat good mood. Steffon raised his mug, motioning for the barmaid to do the same. ”To the prettiest barmaid in the inn,” he said, clinking their mugs together. The barmaid smiled back, her blush spreading to her neck as they both drank from their mugs. ”Now, what can you tell me about this place? The inn, the town, the other staff, the regular patrons - anything of interest will be interesting to me,” he said, offering her a wink in return. It seemed to disarm her, and she giggled nervously before looking around the bar herself. ”Nobody here is a regular - you’ve seen everybody coming in, and this is the first time I’ve seen the older gentleman. As for the other staff, you’re looking at us - apparently other bar staff are too expensive…” she said, trailing off as she glanced at the barman who was, luckily, at the other end of the bar. ”Owner doesn’t like to share the wealth, if you get what I mean. I make more in tips than he pays me, although rumours say that he isn’t struggling for cash by any means.”She took another draught from her mug, seemingly appreciative of being able to take the weight off of her feet. Her eyes continued to move around the inn, tracking her customers to see if anybody needed her services whilst seemingly thinking of what to say next. 1d20+3
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Post by Alucard on Feb 21, 2021 18:20:51 GMT
Alucard nodded as the barmaid had dropped off his ale, the weary creature of shadow picked up his tankard and took a great sip, a sip meant to stave off the thirst for blood that pounded through his veins. As it turned out the Bard who declared himself Steffon was already into yet another performance and this one was much better than the first. It appeared he had hit his stride and it was pleasing to the ears. Several more people walked through the door, a slender elf who carefully scanned his surroundings did much as he had done and moved over towards his own table, taking in the scenery and keeping to himself. A grin crossed the vampiric ones lips he as stared at that one, he appeared ready to spring into action.
Two more elves strode in each going about their own business while the hustle and bustle increased as the bard continued to win over the establishment as easily as a rouge picked pockets. Sighing to himself he decided enough was enough, sitting here a recluse was not going to garner him any information so with one quick motion he downed the remainder of the contents in his mug and then lowered his hood. His complexion was pale and yet not white albino, his long silver hair was pulled back in a pony tail and his crimson irises reflected the candle light like light passing through two rubies.
He stood, a giant among those present and grabbed his sheathed sword and swung the strap over his shoulder securely placing his blade where it belonged.
“Barkeep, a round for everybody on me and I’ll also take a gallon of that fine ale!”
Alucard slapped a stack of silver pieces on the counter of the bar before turning his attention back toward the Bard. “You grace us all with tunes of wonder my dear bard easily swooning all who listen to your performance, well done! More of your tunes Master Bard!”
A few silver pieces twirled through the air toward the performer as Alucard took a jug placed upon the counter and two mugs and strode over toward the Elvin man who sat in a chair on the other end of the tavern, passing the savagely eating tattoeed man and chuckling. If he had been feeding from a creatures neck he could not say it wouldn’t look the same. As the thought finished though he hesitated slightly, an older man who blended into the surroundings so easily drinking from his mug sat very near to the monk. Alucards eyebrows raised slightly as the familiar scent of blood hit his nostrils, it was not fresh, old in fact, but it was unmistakable.
As he finished crossing the tavern floor he stopped by the slender elves table and spoke in Elvin. “Greetings stranger, I am Alucard Hellsing care for a drink and a little company?”
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