One Dark Night in the Fairy Fountain (Kaythenia)

[Baal Tansley]

The Fairy's Fountain. It was something of his child now, though the bar itself had helped raise him from a child. He was taking care of it, giving back it what it gave to him. There were many fond memories about the place, memories associated with every nook and cranny as once upon a time he had to find those nooks and those crannies and sweep them out for a small sum. Looking back on it the previous bartender had been undercutting him for his work, but he would do it all again. The place had helped make him, and he didn't have any regrets on how things turned out.

Well there were some regrets, but he was not one to dwell on it. The glass in his hand was nice and dry, so he slipped it under the bar to join the rest of the glasses. On any given night the Fairy's Fountain was busy enough to keep a bartender occupied, however it wasn't always busy enough to keep them from their own thoughts. Baal had many of those thoughts, but he decidedly busied himself mixing up a drink someone had ordered instead. All the different ingredients were thrown into a mixer, shaken up, then poured out into a glass. A slice of lime was added to the brim of the glass and the entire drink slid down the length of the bar to the man who sought it.

Baal added a note under the bar, putting the drink on the man's tab.

There were a few occupied tables. Enough to call it a successful night, though most were closely knit groups of people out simply to get out. A couple regulars sat playing dice, while a group of Hylian Knights off duty were horsing around telling stories. The Knights made Baal kind of uncomfortable, in the way that something would if it had the potential for turning on you if the past was dug too deeply into. However they were paying customers, and he even had one on the payroll to help avoid digging.

All in all, Baal was quite happy with how his little tavern was doing that night.

[kaythenia]

Twilight hung over the town as Kaythenia walked it's streets, avoiding the main square this time. Thankfully it was a warm evening and there were few people bustling around at this time. The citizens were either wandering towards the Inns and Taverns or to Home if they were so Lucky. The Bard kept her eyes closely trained on the area, just incase...no sign of her Hunter. For now she could breathe a sigh of relief, for now at least. She reached inside the bodice of her shirt and pulled out her true wallet, in her first few months alone she had not been wise to the ways of thieves but had learned quickly. She kept a fake one with only a few rupees tied to the belt about her hips and the other inside her bodice, so far it had worked perfectly well. It was feeling a little too light for her liking sadly though, at this time of the evening she might be able to earn a few rupees performing in one the taverns. There were plenty to choose from in the district, the young woman just had to choose carefully for numerous reasons.

Kaythenia turned and crossed the cobbled street into the Tavern District, the air was buzzing with chatter, laughter and general mirth, from some places lively music played and bright lights danced in the lanterns outside. One place caught her eye, 'The Fairy's Fountain', she glanced in through the window. Seemed crowded enough for her to easily blend in if she had to. She took a deep breath before pushing the door open, a few people looked up at her entrance but thankfully most paid her no mind. She crossed the room, her booted feet sounding on the floorboards as she made her way to the bar, leaning back against the wooden bartop. Kaythenia drummed her fingers along the wood although not impatiently so as she glanced around.

There didn't seem to be any entertainment which would hopefully put her in a good position if the owner of the establishment was of mind. Kaythenia could only hope he has, she needed the money.

[Baal Tansley]

The thing about running a bar is that there is perpetually a glass needing to be cleaned. Not long after making a couple more drinks, a bunch of other glasses were there with the remnants of their contents circling the bottom, the ice melting slowly. Baal grabbed the glasses with practiced hands, grouping them together, then tipped all of the glasses at once, pouring the stuff still inside out into the sink hidden behind the bar. He then left them upside down in the sink, picked one and began to wash it.

This was when a newcomer poked her head into the window. Baal watched as she considered the crowd and then walked in. Heads turned, but when she wasn't someone they recognized most of the patrons went back to their own business with one another. A few eyes lingered, just for an extra split second as they looked her up and down. Baal could only smirk, considering the way the girl carried herself those eyes were misplaced at best. His own were watching the glass, but he'd long ago learned that peripheral vision is a wonderful thing.

When she rapped on the bar he replaced the glass he'd been washing and moved to her position with a quick step. "Good evening and welcome to the Fairy's Fountain" he said with a tone of professionalism. "What can I get for you to start?" It was best to approach all new customers with professionalism, in case they weren't looking for joy and merriment. One could later relax and converse after gauging just how the other person was going to approach the conversation.

Baal had worked in the bar for far too long, one might think.

[kaythenia]

"Good evening and welcome to the Fairy's Fountain,What can I get for you to start?"

Kaythenia turned at the sound of the unfamiliar voice and noticed it must be the Bartender, she leaned her forearms on the bartop and looked the stranger in the eye, tucking a lock of fiery hair behind one ear to keep it out of her face. The swallow tailed sleeves of her shirt had fallen away to the elbow, exposing her skin and the fabric draped along the bar. The young bard was no fool, she felt the interested gazes of a few of the patrons but didn't acknowledge them, as long as their kept their comments and hands to themselves it was easily ignored. At the least the man behind the bar had an air of professionalism about him, he didn't seem like the gossiping type either. Something else that played in her favour, one of Davik's favourite tricks was to plant rumours in the local taverns with a description of her. They varied from 'We were seperated on the road, I worry for her', to 'She'll steal you blind, do not trust her.' Of course none of these were true but sometimes they were believed. Or she ran into the kind of Innkeeper like Robert from the Sage and Fool who dropped her right into Davik's lap...but enough of that. It was time to play on her charisma.

"Good Evening, I'm looking for the owner of this establishment."

She spoke evenly, matching Baal's professional manner. If she played her cards right then performing might earn her a room for the night on top of a few extra rupees. The crowd in here didn't seem particularly rowdy either, well, yet at least. It was early into the evening yet, anything could happen once alcohol began flowing freely and inhibitions went completely out of the window. Not that Kaythenia ever got involved in such nonsense, she preferred to have her wits about her at all times. Rather than have her sense dulled by drinking. An especially loud laugh from a group of Knights drew her gaze for a moment, she didn't recognise any of them and they were too absorbed in whatever yarn they might be spinning to have noticed her.

Now all she had to do was convince whoever was in charge that she was worth investing in, The young woman knew her own skill. Normally she did not perform in Taverns too often, preferring to stick to open, more public areas where she could blend in...not that she found it easy to blend in anywhere. 'Remember to smile' the little voice in the back of her head reminded her, at that a slight smile played at the edges of her lips. Waiting for a reply.

[Baal Tansley]

Playful mischief danced in his eyes at her request. It was only for a brief second before those piercing blues returned to normal, maintaining their air of professionalism once more. He grabbed another of the glasses needing to be cleaned and began at it with a rag without even looking, throwing her a gentle smile. "He's indisposed at the moment, a business meeting with a potential partner, you know how that stuff goes," he said with a half-truth. If she was looking for him, she had business.

He cleaned the glass quickly and efficiently, replaced it and grabbed another. "He should be available soon enough. Might you have a drink while you're waiting? That gentleman over there," he added, motioning to the corner where one of the men who had given her an appraising look was sitting, "has given me a standing order to buy a drink for the prettiest ladies to walk in. To my own discretion, of course. Half of the women don't even talk to him, they just take him up on the free drink. Poor guy has too much money and not enough sense."

He replaced that glass once more, grabbed one of the previously cleaned ones and put it on the table. A quick glance at her told him much. She walked into a tavern and went straight for the owner. No nonsense, no alcohol. "We have a fine selection of fresh mead this evening. What's your preference, apple, pear or peach?"

[kaythenia]

"He's indisposed at the moment, a business meeting with a potential partner, you know how that stuff goes, He should be available soon enough. Might you have a drink while you're waiting? That gentleman over there, has given me a standing order to buy a drink for the prettiest ladies to walk in. To my own discretion, of course. Half of the women don't even talk to him, they just take him up on the free drink. Poor guy has too much money and not enough sense. "We have a fine selection of fresh mead this evening. What's your preference, apple, pear or peach?"

If the owner was indisposed for now then Kaythenia might as well wait for a time, if he took too long she would have to move on elsewhere before it grew to light to earn any money. Camping on her travels was not abnormal but in the middle of Castle Town was not something she really wanted to contemplate. But for now she could wait, she hopped up onto one of the barstools, she might as well rest while she waited for him. But once the stranger asked if she wanted a drink, pointing out the gentleman over in the corner who was giving her an altogether too interested glance...her lip curled slightly and she looked away from him. Buying drinks for any vaguely attractive woman, did he truly think that women were so easily bought? The bartender was right about one thing indeed, too much money but lacking in the goddess given gift called sense. It was surprising how many people lacked it...At the offer of the drink, the young man raised her hand and shook her head.

"No thank you, I would prefer not. I just have business with the Owner, I'm a Bard offering a service and prefer to keep my wits about me."

Kaythenia made sure she said this loud enough so that the gentleman in the corner would hear her and hopefully understand 'stop staring it won't get you anywhere'. The young woman didn't understand why they even bothered and never particularly paid attention to her own looks. She did not preen like a colourful exotic bird or a rich noble lady obsessed with her reflection in the looking glass. She glanced back to the Bartender thoughtfully.

"But a glass of water would not go amiss."

[Baal Tansley]

A bard. They were lacking in the entertainment capacity there in the Fairy's Fountain. In his youth there'd always be bards stopping in and playing. Problem was having only just recently reopened the doors the Fairy's Fountain was not a name passed among the bards just yet. Most entertainers liked to find a few places where they could become known, thus making larger tips and earning themselves food and board at a friendly discount. That much Baal knew. That much he had to know.

"Water it is, then," he replied, quickly producing a pitcher of clean, cool water from the ice box and pouring her glass full. The pitcher was just as quickly replaced and he nudged the drink toward her. "Have your travels been long and weary? I'd say we could sneak a bit of food onto his tab, if you would like. Lucky's quite the marvelous cook and we just got some fresh meat in today. Wouldn't go wrong, would it?" he offered, playing the good host.

He did, however, decide to keep to his farce for now and get to know her. As it were she would be much more relaxed and casual when not trying to discuss business, meaning he could get to know her before she pitched her offer. "A bard, huh? You don't have an instrument on you, so I do you use your voice? Or maybe you're one of those new ones, who dance instead of play music. Quite entertaining, from what I hear, though I'd have to question the tastes of the sources I hear it from," he said with a cheerful chuckle, making conversation.

[kaythenia]

"Water it is, then, Have your travels been long and weary? I'd say we could sneak a bit of food onto his tab, if you would like. Lucky's quite the marvelous cook and we just got some fresh meat in today. Wouldn't go wrong, would it?"

Kaythenia was grateful for the drink, lifting the clean glass to her lips and taking a deep drink before placing it back down on the bartop. The offer of a meal was a highly tempting one, just as long as whoever's tab it belonged to did not see it as an opportunity to get acquainted with her. There were some people she would rather keep further than arms length, preferably half a room at least. But she hadn't eaten a proper meal today and her complaining innards decided to cloud her better judgement for a moment. "No, I suppose not. Just as long as you don't announce it to him, I don't spend much time in one place so I travel fairly regularly." She absently worried the loose fabric of her sleeve between her thumb and forefinger whilst she spoke. "I appreciate the discretion."

"A bard, huh? You don't have an instrument on you, so I do you use your voice? Or maybe you're one of those new ones, who dance instead of play music. Quite entertaining, from what I hear, though I'd have to question the tastes of the sources I hear it from,"

She may not carry an instrument but she could play them if they were provided, her voice was her main tool of the trade though. Although when Baal mentioned the kind who danced rather than played music, Kaythenia's eyes rolled heavenward in a long suffering manner. That kind liked to refer to themselves as Bards to romanticize what they really did...it took little imagine in which to guess what really earnt them their rupees at the end of the night. She leaned her chin in her right hand and took another blissful mouthful of the cold water, letting it trickle down her throat before she spoke. "I think you and I are both fully aware about what kinds of taste they cater too. I can play several instruments when required but my voice is my main tool, always has been."

Kaythenia studied the bartender for the moment and wondered why he was so interested in keeping up the chatter with her, it wasn't as if the Tavern was quiet and he wanted someone to banter with to pass the time. Or perhaps maybe the customers here weren't all that sociable outside of their own tables, a cursive glance around said that could be the case. They could definetly do with some entertainment to liven the place up a little, it would probably bring more people in as well. How could the Owner disagree with that logic?

[Baal Tansley]

Baal nodded and grinned. "Don't worry. He doesn't pay his tab until the end of the month, and even then there's no names, just expenditures. I think he half expects the women to come to him. Either way, it's convenient way for me to make friends without putting everything on the house, if you know what I mean." He laughed again before turning around and moving over to a glassless window tucked away between some shelves. "Hey Lucky, throw on some of that fresh stock and cook it up nice for this lady," he called back. There was an answer, though it was impossible to discern over the bar buzz.

He turned back and rejoined her at the bar, finally getting through the glasses he'd been cleaning. more had presented themselves on the bar just down from them, however, so he went about cleaning those as they continued their conversation. "Well we have some instruments in stock in the back room. They may need to be tuned. Most of the entertainers like to bring their own supplies and stuff," he said, nodding toward a door just beside the stage.

He laid down his glass and reached under the bar, pulling out a small set of keys and laid them on the counter. "Lucky's going to be a few minutes preparing your meal. Name your rate and we'll see what you have, hey? A tavern's nothing without a bit of music and this place has been dead for the last week. You can have your pick of the stuff in back to accompany you, though we don't have any players on hand," he said, giving up his guise as a simple bartender, though not explicitly stating his position. If she picked up on it, well, she picked up on it.

[kaythenia]

"Don't worry. He doesn't pay his tab until the end of the month, and even then there's no names, just expenditures. I think he half expects the women to come to him. Either way, it's convenient way for me to make friends without putting everything on the house, if you know what I mean... Well we have some instruments in stock in the back room. They may need to be tuned. Most of the entertainers like to bring their own supplies and stuff,"

Thank the Goddesses for small mercies and idiots who had no idea about women, well, only when they were unknowingly paying for your meal. The bartender seemed to know to take full advantage of it, she heard him shout to whoever was in the kitchen to make something for her. At least it would mean her growling innards would be silenced when the food was ready. When the Bartender casually mentioned that there were instruments in the back room at her disposal to accompany herself while she played, The young woman quirked an eyebrow at him.Trying to gauge if he was serious or simply thinking he was very amusing. "Do you-" She was interrupted when he placed the set of keys ontop the bartop infront of her, it seemed he apparently wasn't playing an elaborate joke with her after all.

"Lucky's going to be a few minutes preparing your meal. Name your rate and we'll see what you have, hey? A tavern's nothing without a bit of music and this place has been dead for the last week. You can have your pick of the stuff in back to accompany you, though we don't have any players on hand,"

Well well, it appeared that her luck was about to change. She picked the keys up and spun the ring around on her index finger, the keys jingling together as she did so. A slight smirk graced her lips as she stopped spinning the keys and held them in her fist, leaning forward slightly and holding his gaze so that she could negotiate her free for the night. "30 for the night but I'll knock it down a touch if you have rooms avaliable. You won't be dissapointed." Never truer words were spoken, this was one of the few times that Kaythenia ever felt in control of her own existence. Doing a business deal and performing for an audience, the rest of the time it was somewhat questionable as to who ran her life. Or who she was running from more to the point. The young woman hopped off the stool and wandered over the the supply room, letting herself in with the key. There were a few instruments like the 'simple' bartender had promised but the Lute caught her eye, experimentally she strummed it, quickly returning it to tune with her well practised ear.

She took a deep breath and left the storage room, locking it behind her and putting the keys in the pocket of her shorts for the moment. Kaythenia could feel a few people watching her with interest as she moved a stool up onto the stage to seat herself upon, she made no announcement of starting and set about proving her point. Her experienced fingers flew across the neck of the lute, forming chords to create a rich, slightly haunting sound while the other hand picked the strings. When Kaythenia broke into the first few lines of her song, she had a rich, clear voice.

"Rogue is night as stars are fair
And all my instincts I laid bare
Before your eyes
Beside the sea
We shared the warmth as you held me.

Blankets shroud us from the night
Minstrels hidden from the light
I kissed you until we saw the sun
We taught August how to be young
My irises are moons
In your eyes the Sun I have seen
You could say I would learn to hate you but still I'd be your Gypsy Queen.

Emeralds Lie
Diamonds Fight
But your hand in mine so true it's right
Ships are in the bay and they seem so far away
But I would walk to them on water for the things you'd say
They say slow and steady wins the race
But I died tommorrow I'd have lost today
Hold on tight for I am frail
Fear no anchor and I fear no gale.

My irises are moons
In your eyes the sun I've seen
You could say I would learn to hate you but still I'd be your Gypsy Queen
I could be your Gypsy Queen
Rogue is night as stars are fair
And all my instincts I laid bare..."

[Baal Tansley]

Baal grinned as he watched her snap up the keys and disappear into the back. Thirty rupees wasn't a bad price, and all things considered he needed to get some music in this place anyway. It had been far too long since the Fairy's Fountain had flowed with the merriment music had to offer. He remembered when he was younger the first time he'd ever danced with a woman. She was drunk off whatever they were serving that night and he was helping clean up the tables since it was so busy.

Out of nowhere she'd scooped him up and the two of them were whirling around the designated dance floor. He'd like to say that he had performed majestically, but with her drunken stupor it had been a real challenge just to stay on his own two feet. There were a lot of fond memories in this place. He could probably just take an entire day standing there reflecting and still not go through all of them. But he had his own customers to serve now, so he couldn't be caught with his head in the clouds.

Fondness still in his eyes, he quickly mixed up a few more drinks for customers as the bard found her way to the instruments and helped herself. When she reemerged he had a plate in hand that he was cleaning, his eyes following her up to the stage. There were a few shouts and jeers and perhaps a crude comment from one of the more inebriated patrons, but the bard didn't seem to take notice. She found her stool and fell into her music. A solemn piece, haunting, gently accompanied by her lute. The minimalistic style, a single instrument accompaniment, seemed to suit the song rather well.

And ever better, it was one Baal had not heard before. Having been in the tavern almost all his worthwhile life, he'd heard most of the repeated songs. Perhaps this was an original piece. Either way when she was finished and returned to her spot on the bar he wore a wide smirk. "Fifty rupees a show and I'll give you ready access the best bed we have available whenever you're in town if you sign on as our exclusive entertainer, in the Castle Town area, of course. A bard still has to make a living elsewhere," he said, straight to business on the matter.

[kaythenia]

Kaythenia had ignored the few crude comments she recieved when she took the stage, that was something she was used to. There was always at least one extremely sad individual who believed that graphic comments about her chest were extremely original, in her early days of performing to the public she was extremely embaressed and offended by it. Now she hardly batted an eyelid, although if someone came up to her upfront and made that same comment she was more likely to send them home limping and a permanent soprano. This was one of the few places she felt in control of her own fate, the piece she sang was one of the first she had written herself. But still she was proud of it, it was always a crowd pleaser and keeping it accompanied simply but a single instrument highlighted it rather than anything else.

Her experienced hands fretted the neck of the Lute as she gentle picked the last chords with long, dexterious fingers. Letting the notes ring out before placing the instrument back down by the stool and leaving the stage. Heading back over to the Bar where the Owner as she now pegged him was waiting for her. Once again she seated herself as he smirkly broadly.

"Fifty rupees a show and I'll give you ready access the best bed we have available whenever you're in town if you sign on as our exclusive entertainer, in the Castle Town area, of course. A bard still has to make a living elsewhere,"

That was a fine offer indeed, an extremely fine offer. Better than the one she had initially made for her services and with a room to accompany it. Of course it meant signing herself over to play here exclusively, no more market place performances for pittence at least while she was in Castle Town. Of course the generous offer was tainted by the possibility of word getting around and Davik honing in on her again, he wasn't a fool. But the stranger didn't need to know that she might need to vanish with no notice at all if the risks grew to great. Kaythenia would cross that bridge when she came to it. For now, fifty rupees a night and a guranteed place to sleep was more than she could have hoped for. Under the bar she yanked the cuff of her brown leather glove further down her wrist just to make sure everything was completely covered before offering her hand to Baal.

"I believe you've got yourself a deal...and I don't believe we were introduced. I'm Kay Maverick."

Kaythenia didn't offer her full given named out of habit, it made her too easy to pin down. Her nickname was somewhat common and made it easier to for her to blend, mostly people abbreviated her full name anyway. Far too many syllables for continuous use!

[Baal Tansley]

Baal reached out and shook her hand to conclude business. "My honor, Kay. I am Baal Tansley, proprietor of this fine establishment," he offered as he went back to cleaning dishes. It was a relaxing routine to fall into. He'd done it for years, so his hands knew what to do without his focus. Pick the dish up, clean it inside and out with the rag, rinse it in the sink and put it away. Behind the bar everything was within arms reach, so it was a very automatic thing.

"Kay Maverick," he repeated after the introduction. "Such a name doesn't seem to suit a bard, and I know bards are fond of picking their own name. Perhaps there is other business you're involved in atop your wonderful singing voice?" Baal reasoned out thoughtfully, making sure none of his tone held suspicion. It was idle chatter with a purpose, as he liked to know his employees, even the infrequent ones.

Having once been a thief and a rogue himself, and gone from there into shadier business yet, Baal knew discretion when it was necessary, and knew the look of one being discreet. He made a point of keeping his voice lowered for the discussion so that anyone who cared to eavesdrop couldn't, but high enough that no one thought twice about the conversation. Years of bartending allowed one to learn such useful devices when interacting with others. He even kept smiling at her, to keep the conversation from getting too serious.

Of course a moment like that could get tense, which was why Baal found some relief as he heard Lucky in the window behind him. "Order up," the goron said before going back into the kitchen. With practiced, efficient movements Baal retrieved the dish--roasted venison with mashed potatoes seasoned with a touch of garlic, all covered with gravy--and placed it in front of Kay, along with a couple utensils to eat with from under the bar. "Oh, and two meals a day are covered under an employment contract," he added as a second thought.

[kaythenia]

"My honor, Kay. I am Baal Tansley, proprietor of this fine establishment, Kay Maverick, Such a name doesn't seem to suit a bard, and I know bards are fond of picking their own name. Perhaps there is other business you're involved in atop your wonderful singing voice?"

Kaythenia's shoulders tensed slightly at the mention of there being other business she was involved in. Her situation couldn't exactly be reffered to as 'business', but it made an impact on her life. She had never changed her name because it felt like giving up so she simply abbrievated it to protect herself when it was necessary, her Mother had chosen her name and one of the few memories she had was her calling Kaythenia 'my little fire fairy'. Changing it was something she could never bring herself to do. Her first instinct was to make her excuses and make a run for the door but she forced herself to remain seated, she couldn't be a fool and act on impulse. She need this, she needed the money and the bed for the night. All she could do was fend off any questions that she didn't wish to answer, it was something that was becoming well versed in. The young woman drew in a deep breath and looked back to Baal, quirking an eyebrow at his query, forcing the tense muscles in her shoulders to relax a fraction.

"Is there a problem with my name? This is my only business and I haven't had anyone complain that my name is unsuited to the profession."

Being on the move wasn't unusual to someone of her profession but she was forced to move on faster and more often that most, running and constantly looking over your shoulder went a long way into making you increasingly defensive about probing questions. Kaythenia preferred to keep such things at arms length, just as long as they stayed out of her private business...even if she was offered a form of employment with Baal, as long as she did her job, what happened outside it and inside her head was not part of the contract. Kaythenia drummed her fingers on the side of the water glass before taking another sip as an excuse not to speak. In her favour the tension was soon broken by her order of food finally arriving, it looked delicious. Her empty stomach was definetly in favour of staying. She glanced up at Baal's offer of two meals a day, not bad at all. The only sour thing about this deal was the probing glances and ever so slightly nosey questions.

She lifted the knife and fork, tucking into the food. Now this was worth waiting for, she hadn't expected a Goron to be able to cater this well. The young woman swallowed down the hot meal, feeling much better already for it. She chewed the venison thoughtfully and swallowed before choosing to speak once again. "Or has someone ever informed you that Baal is an unlikely name for a Tavern owner? Now I'm intrigued to know." Kaythenia's dry sense of humour came to the surface, turning the tables of Baal's question which would hopefully distract him from further difficult statements. She had been starting to relax a little until then...

[Baal Tansley]

Baal could see she was dodging the question. Dodging questions was effective when you did it right, however it wasn't as effective if the other person knew you were dodging. Still, Baal decided that if she was trying to dodge the questions he best not pry too far into her personal business. "Can't blame a person from checking out his new employee. But I agree, your business is your own." And all was good as long as it stayed that way.

A bit of banter would do them well, as he noticed she was taking their conversation in that direction. "What's wrong with my name? I'll have you know it was given to me as my very own by my father. First thing he gave me," he said coyly and then laughed, laying some more dishes back in their place. "Truthfully though I was not always aiming to become a bartender. This place has given me a lot, though, and when it fell into my control I couldn't help but give back." The Fairy's Fountain had made him, as was well known among the regulars.

"Will you be giving another performance tonight after your meal, or would you rather turn in? Jules is off for the night but I will gladly help set you up if you so need. It is an inn, though, so most amenities should be available up there right away," he said with a shrug, throwing his rag to the side. Someone made another drink order and he quickly busied himself mixing the drinks with efficiency to leave her to her meal and her thoughts, whatever they might be.

[kaythenia]

"Can't blame a person from checking out his new employee. But I agree, your business is your own."

That was where Baal was indeed correct, Kaythenia's business was her own and she intended to keep it that way. Well...Youkai had gotten involved now despite her protests, to him Davik and the Order was a threat not only to her but the other citizens of Hyrule, especially with her powers if they finally managed to take them from her. Reluctantly she had agreed for him to be involved if only reluctantly. In all honestly if didn't give her a feeling of security, no one could be with her all the time and Davik was a patient man, he would wait until he had her alone before he made his move. He had learnt after the last time that making a move anywhere near the Knight was not an intelligent idea. The young bard took another bite of her food and chewed thoughtfully, at least Baal did not seem intent on pushing the idea of nosing into her business. For now at least, she looked back to him when he responded to her quip, a slight smirk crossed her lips.

"What's wrong with my name? I'll have you know it was given to me as my very own by my father. First thing he gave me, Truthfully though I was not always aiming to become a bartender. This place has given me a lot, though, and when it fell into my control I couldn't help but give back."

Kaythenia shrugged and said innocently. "I never insinuated there was something wrong wth your name, I'm simply returning the same query that you asked me. It's only fair, hm?" This manner seemed like the most appropriate way to deal with Baal, considering what she had picked up from him so far. He wasn't a fool by any stretch but neither was she. Kaythenia was known for her sharp, quick mind and ability to adapt to a situation. That was what made her a sucessful Bard who could take care of herself. But dealing with the Order and their pursuit was the one thing that she had no power over... She polished off the last forkful of food and sipped at her glass of water, feeling much better for it. But performing again to keep her mind off it would help her sleep fairly soundly tonight at least. It seemed that Baal was of a similar mind.

"Will you be giving another performance tonight after your meal, or would you rather turn in? Jules is off for the night but I will gladly help set you up if you so need. It is an inn, though, so most amenities should be available up there right away,"

"Yes, I'll perform once more before I turn in. Although if you want to liven this place up you'll need more than just me, I may be good but I am only one woman after all. Bring in a few people to accompany and you'll have people dancing rather than sitting around doing nothing of interest...Thank you for the meal by the way." The Bard hopped off the stool and wandered back over towards the stage, picking up the lute once again, experienced hands flying over the neck and strings without even needing to look down at her actions. This time there was more interest in her actions from the patrons who looked up to watch her with growing interest. The melody she played this time was faster in it's tempo. The same one she had performed in Castle Town's market square when she first arrived here.

"Beaded chains surround the pillar,
The wind, the wave, the heart,
Shattered; one becomes many,
Soon from balance each depart,
To the dismay of the Healer,
And the return of the reciever,
Time passes,
The Wanderer sleeps,
Lost and Forgotten,
Forever it seems,
But in power, greed knows no limits,
The search begins, continues, ends,

Once broken, the circle is mended,
And set in motion now,
Only to be broken once more,
In darkness and flame,
Old chains are resurfaced and prisons refurnished,
And just when times were worst reknowned,
The tides turned, brief and fleeting,
Before distrust tore the Light asunder,
Across the hills of sand and thunder,
Nightmares see daybreaks greeting,
And what once was lost and never found,
Will remain lost on ashen ground,

New trust forms in the night,
Alliance broken on the morrow,
Betrayal, deception-no remorse,
But all is not lost,
All is not sorrow,
For in true trust one regains sight,
In the never ending circle of Light,
For in trust the truth is revealed,
A purpose beyond comprehension,
Where revenge knows no bounds,
In battle where tension rises and falls,
All to the whims of the heart."

[Baal Tansley]

"I've always got my eye out for better business," Baal said as parting words as the bard, Kay, took to the stage once more. There were a couple more crude comments, though the crowds were considerably more tame the second time around. One of those crude comments was pretty much identical to one earlier, as it seemed the cat-caller wasn't too original. Baal could only smirk at the thought and watch her as she went up to place.

The song washed over the Fairy's Fountain and almost all of the conversations stopped as the patrons turned to listen. The first time they'd all been caught off guard since there was a considerable lack of entertainment in the tavern before then. The second time the bard had their attention as soon as she stepped up onto the stage, and held it through the length of the song. When the final notes were struck there were a few attempts at clapping and the rest of the patrons went back to their own business, conversations and games.

Baal knew hiring her on would be a good idea. While one would argue that hiring a more loyal bard would've been better, one who played every night exclusively to the Fairy's Fountain, Baal saw it differently. By hiring on Kay to perform when she was able she would draw a following among the regulars, and word would spread. The infrequency of her shows would be the driving force for this business, as many who wished to hear her sing would have to come fairly often in hopes that she was in town. Furthermore while she was free to play elsewhere, the contract held her to the Fairy's Fountain while in Castle Town. Those who enjoyed her shows elsewhere enough to investigate would find out that there's only one place where she was almost guaranteed to show up eventually, and thus more business would come along.

That, and it was nice to have a new face around, particularly one so pretty. While he did have a fairly versatile staff, once one fell into the routine of seeing them every day or so they began to notice them less and less. It was refreshing to have a new face on the staff list, to see her around, with the promise of at least some business interaction if all else failed. She'd have to collect her earnings, after all, which meant he got to experience that sharp tongue of hers at least in passing, worst case scenario.

[kaythenia]

Performing was one thing that Kaythenia had grown to love after what happened with Marcus, it helped her lose herself at least for a short while. It may sound like an odd thing to take pleasure in but taking at least a few precious moments to forget about things that nagged in the back of her mind. Like visitors that had outstayed their welcome but refused to take leave, those thoughts had dug comfortable recesses into her mind and memory. They would not take their leave until all of this was over and Kaythenia had no idea when or how it might end. Even if she took down Davik, they would simply send another to take his place. Just as they did with Marcus. She couldn't run from them forever but neither could she fight them alone, The Bard might be the descendant of a powerful sorceress but she was only one person while the Order was many. They had spent centuries hunting down her bloodline, they weren't about to stop anytime soon.

As she finished the last notes of the song and leaned the lute back against the stool, she stood up and took an abbreviated bow. Not overtly theatrical like some Bards tended to be, she could play the part when she had to amongst larger crowds. Just like she had done that day in the Market Square, such behaviour drew them in. But here it wasn't yet appropriate. Yet anyway. She stepped down from the stage and the unoriginal cat caller once again made a highly inappropriate comment about her physique...and what he would like to do to it. It seemed his repotoire was indeed limited but none the less, Kaythenia stopped and shot an extremely withering glare with those dark blue eyes over her shoulder before speaking.

"And that is why, good sir. I am the Bard and you are not."

She said coldly in reference to crude comments and lack of imagination with them. Before turning on her heel and walking calmly back towards the bar as if nothing of importance had happened. The young woman leaned once more against the wooden bartop. Giving off no aura of being bothered at all by the comments of some of the patrons, she had dealt with him herself and without there being flames involved. That was an all around improvement.

"Would you mind if I turned in?" Kaythenia asked calmly, she did look somewhat tired and perhaps under a little bit of strain, like something of a weight was sitting on her shoulders but couldn't be seen by the bare eye.

[Baal Tansley]

Baal could only chuckle to himself as he watched her quickly dispatch with the unimaginative comments with a quick retort. The girl had a quick tongue about her, that much was easy to gather, though he wondered if it was always used in the best way. She was quite fiery, and protective over her own business, so he had to wonder to himself what kind of trouble that tongue got her into over the years. Still, it wasn't his business so he left it at idle pondering and turned to matters at hand.

"I like a girl with a bit of spunk," he said with another laugh when she returned to the bar. He glanced over her shoulder to see that the man she had shot down was now being berated by his companions for being put in his place like that. The image brought a smile to his face. Baal liked to keep his tavern civil, but the two words were like an oxymoron so it was very hard and pointless to try.

"By all means, turn in," he said, putting away the dish he'd been watching. He stepped to the side and picked a key from a ring under the bar and passing it over to her. "Best room we have available right now, in my fair opinion. Third door on your left on the second floor," he motioned toward the stairs. "We'll leave the lute out and see if anyone's brave enough to try and follow up your performance. Oh, and I believe this is yours, too, now," he said and tossed her a small pouch of rupees, the agreed upon payment for her performance. "Anything else you need, just ask."

[kaythenia]

"I like a girl with a bit of spunk,"

Kaythenia was a woman travelling alone, standing up for herself just came with the territory and she was lucky to have a sharp, quick mind and even sharper tongue in her head. Too many men in this environment seemed to think she was easy pickings and were always shot down brutally if they decided to attempt to be clever about it. The man with his unimaginative, lecherous comments was hardly even worth giving a glance to, just a single sentence did the job just as well. Sometimes her tongue had landed her in hot water, especially when those she had humiliated decided to go away, find friends and show their masculinity by coming after her as a group.

That of course was a real show of courage, four or more men and one of her. What in Hyrule was a poor girl to do? Kaythenia knew how to deal with those types, she had plenty of practise in it after all...it was just Davik that knocked her sideways. The young woman knew his trump card against her and he made sure she didn't forget it. The Bard pulled herself away from such thoughts and shrugged casually at the compliment.

"I do not respond well to idoicy. Least of all to those who believe they are humorous and when infact the stray cats that wander outside have more wit about them."

If Baal wished to keep his Tavern completely civil then perhaps he was in the wrong line of business. She was grateful to see that Baal had thought ahead when he offered her a key. "Best room we have available right now, in my fair opinion. Third door on your left on the second floor, We'll leave the lute out and see if anyone's brave enough to try and follow up your performance. Oh, and I believe this is yours, too, now," Kaythenia turned and deftly caught the small pouch of rupees containing her agreed payment in one hand, holding it by the strings and jingling it as if it double check it wasn't weighed down with stones. "Anything else you need, just ask." There was a subtle grin at that but Kaythenia said nothing else, she simply saluted Baal and she made her way up the stairs.

Once the young woman was inside the room, she hardly took note of it being one of the finest in the Inn, Kaythenia quickly locked the door behind her and pushed a chair up beneath the handle to keep it jammed. Next over to the window, locking that firmly as well and drawing the heavy drapes shut across the wide window. Only then did she feel somewhat safe, even if she had somewhat landed on her feet with this setup, there was no telling quite yet what could happen or how long she could stay. Despite her easy demeanor downstairs, she was simply too wound up to sleep just yet. Kaythenia perched on the edge of the large bed and unlaced her leather boots so not to mark the bedsheets. Drawing her knees up, hugging them close to her chest.