Abel's hands rubbed together while a shoulder pressed against the door. It opened to the pressure placed against it. The cold was a harsh bite at his back, the warmth that flooded into his face from the inn a welcome thing. Alert eyes danced left and right, finding the inn barren. Even keener ears strained to pick up sound.

Almost sheer, white fabric hung loosely from her willowy form, whispering as she moved steadfastly along the cobbled way with bare feet. Inkbottle black snarled down the back of the startling white dress, bouncing lightly with each light step. Bambi looked determined, from what could be seen from the visible lower half of her face, rose-red lips pursed into a thin line. The only sound one could discern was that of the staff making contact with the ground every other step. The butt was extended out, almost like a jousting stick. A sudden 'thud' rattled her, and she stopped haphazardly, spindly fingers uncurling from the staff to grasp wildly in front of her for what she hit. Then ice touched aged wood, and she sighed in relief. She made it. Grasping onto the railing, she nimbly ascended what little steps kept her from entering.

The steady "tap, tap, tap," of a staff touching the ground was a muffled one at best. The louder "thud" of it making contact with the stairs outside the inn was more defined. Curious eyes turned over his shoulder while his feet remained locked in their path toward the bar. Shoulders rolled and dropped the coat he wore from them, his hand catching the article as it slid down an arm.

Safe again on flattened land, she traversed the expanse of aged wood, the staff tapping lightly on the floorboards of the porch. Bambi didn't stop again until wood met wood, fingers reaching out and patting at the door as they sought out the metal door handle. Infamous 'ah-hah!' sound when she felt the coolness of the metal, fingers curling as she applied a small amount of pressure, pushing the door open slowly. Crreeeaaakkk. Lids opened from beneath the thick lace coverlet, her head turning left and right unseeingly, as if she were expecting it to be blocked. The inn sounded conspicuously empty, and she gingerly stepped over the threshold of the entryway and into the inn, the door shutting noisily behind her. The sound was loud enough to make her jump, and she cautiously moved out of harm's way to avoid the next time the door swung up and any casualties that would follow.

A stool would serve as a coat rack for the time being, for he tossed his over one. The break in the bar permitted Abel to slip around it, the sounds of clanking bottles and glasses audible. A glance over his shoulder once again explained the tapping of the staff. "Awfully cold out." Was his hello. "Want something warm to drink?" His voice flitted across the empty room with ease, little background noise saving barking dogs from alleys away and the occasional passerby available to dilute it.

Bambi took a deep breath, rather proud of herself at the moment. No casualties, thus far. The self-satisfied curling of her lips couldn't be missed. The sound of clanking caused her to stiffen, much like a deer in headlights. Both brows lifted from beneath the coverlet at his greeting, and she couldn't stop the chuckle from tumbling out. "It could be worse," she mused in turn, smiling appreciatively at his offer. "I would greatly appreciate a warm drink, kind stranger." After a moment of reassessing her location, she began her dubious trek barward. The butt of the staff was held out an inch or two from the ground as a barrier between herself and any clear and present danger. Like chairs. Sneaky little things, as she discovered yesterday on her trip to the inn.

"Cold enough." He mused, turning around to assess the situation behind the bar, as far as drinks went. "What would you like?" Abel asked while taking up the coffee pot and peering inside. He quickly made a face. "We got warm sludge..." the pot was set down as he turned tot he stove, where another pot was waiting and seemed to be used for making cocoa. "Or warm, chocolate sludge." It too, was set down with a grimace. "Or I could make something that won't make you sick."

"Perhaps," she agreed, nodding her head at his words. Her face was directed straight ahead, until he spoke again and it tilted in his direction thoughtfully. Bambi lips curved downward distastefully at his first two choice offerings. "Sounds....Delectable," she murmured, before settling for the last offer. "Something that will not make me sick would be preferable," the blind woman chuckled serenely. "Oof," she groaned as the staff met with hard wood of the bar.

"Right. So..." The bar was cluttered, packed with various drinks from all over the multiverse. Thus, finding things could be a bit of a task for someone who wasn't a frequent visitor. Someone like...Abel. "Looks like they've got tea...hot chocolate, and coffee." Take your pick.

Both hands reached forward this time, feeling for the comforting edge of the bar. Fingers trailing along it, she moved down it, closer toward Abel's voice. After several steps, she stopped, satisfied, and leaned the staff against the bar. Looking back at him blindly, Bambi cocked her head to the side. "Hot chocolate, please, if it is not too much trouble." Blooming, warm smile generated for ABEL gratefully as she felt for the safety of a stool, then perching herself on it precariously as one hand gripped the bar for some form of stability.

"Right. Gimme a minute." He found a toothpick and peeled off the wrap, twiddling it between his thumb and forefinger before letting it play the part of chew toy and sticking it between his lips. The wrap was stuffed into the pocket of his jeans for the time being. He grabbed the pot that held the "warm-chocolate-sludge" and rinsed it out in the small sink waiting behind the bar. After it was clean enough, Abel quickly set about making the cocoa then. "What's got you out in the weather this time of day?" Polite conversation was chosen in lieu of awkward silence.

Sitting comfortably erect, like a warrior, on the stool, she nodded pleasantly to Abel. "Oh, yes, of course." A light rouge tint was beginning to bloom across alabaster cheeks. Long fingers intertwined in her lap as she fiddled idly, listening to the rush of the water as he cleaned the pot. Inclining her head back toward the stranger when he spoke, she shrugged slender shoulders lightly, white fabric rippling in the wake of rolling muscles. "Exploring, seeking out fine company," she replied softly, a friendly smile tracing along the marble facade. "I find that I get restless in the shop after hours of sitting and sewing," she admitted.

"Fancy that." He mused laughingly. "Seeking company in an empty building." Another glance was cast over his shoulder, particular words like "shop" and "sewing" being stored into his memory. "So you're a seamstress or something of the like?" Abel asked, turning forward again to inspect the not quite ready cocoa on the heated oven.

Bambi grinned at his musing, shrugging again. "It is a place that brings people together, would not have thought it was empty at this time of day." Fingers lifted from her lap to paw for the edge of the bar, grasping onto it briefly before sliding forward so she could prop herself up on her elbows, chin nestling betwixt her palms. A double nod at his inquiry. "I am, how did you know?" She cocked her head to the left, oil black waves tumbling across the snowy facade of her arm.

"Shop, sewing, two words commonly associated with seamstresses. But you can never really know in Rhy'Din." That thought sparked a grin that was wide indeed. Abel set the wooden spoon with which he was using to stir the cocoa and turned to reach up for an empty mug from one of the shelves. Close inspection revealed it to be clean.

Low, tinkling laughter rang out. "I have never heard such a truer statement." She felt the grin from his voice alone, and she grinned in turn. "I also make hats." Like her own special issue, small, yukle-like top with white lace curling from its brim. "What do you do?" Bambi inquired, tilting her head to the other side as she asked.

Vinny poofs in. "Hey. Am I too late to make the Wednesday night fever music club?"

"Oh, I do a little this and a little that." He shrugged; using a metal ladle he found hanging nearby to fill the mug with the stovetop cocoa. It was set before her on the bar, then, and slid within reach. "I don't really have a single job." As Vinny poofed in, Abel shrugged. "Not that I know of. You're just in time for some cocoa, though."

Vinny meanders over to the bar, pulling up his usual stool. "Thank you, but no thanks. I've never been a big fan of cocoa."

"Shame. It's fresh." Abel shrugged it off, though. "Anything you'd like while I'm back here?"

Hands fell away from her face as she rose erectly, coiling around from her perch to look blindly in the direction of the voice. Brows lifted from beneath the lace veil at his comment, but Bambi chuckled nevertheless. Footsteps on the porch had her turning toward the sound, to the door. Sounded mean, and leerily looked back to Abel. "Oh, Jack of all trades, then?" she offered for a way to describe. She felt the radiating warmth of the mug, icicles stretching out blindly to curl around its inviting circumference. "Mm, it smells delicious. Many thanks, kind stranger." The blooming smile read fully of eternal gratitude.

Vinny decides to curtail the magics while someone was offering. "London sour, on the rocks."

"That's one way to put it." Abel offered to Bambi before nodding to Vinny and turning to fetch a glass. It would take him a few minutes to find the mint, orange, and lemon; this was his first time behind this particular bar. Once he found it all, however, the drink was quickly prepared and set before the man. "Enjoy." Then he turned to Bambi once more. "I'm Abel, by the way."

Vinny nods, taking a long, slow sip. "Thanks. I'm surprised at how quiet it is in here tonight."

"Just said something similar." Abel replied to Vinny's comment. "When I walked in it was entirely empty."

Hm. Well that was interesting distractions. Back to Sour, Bitter thoughts. Sax bared her teeth in a wildcat grin. The type that spoke of cats that stripped canaries of their feathers, feather by feather and then skinned them alive. Make them bleed make them cry, all those pretty things inside. It made her step quicken on to the bar. The constant snap of Zippo finally silenced.

Lofty, mirth filled chuckle before she lifted the mug to her lips. She inhaled the aromatic scent of cocoa, sighing happily as she tested it with an experimental, diminutive sip. "Mm, it is delicious," murmured into the mug as she drew another sip from it. At his introduction, she gasped bashfully, "Oh! Many apologies," Bambi stammered, lowering the mug back to the bar. Feeling it safely settled, she gracefully extended a hand outward in general. "I am called Bambi of Eyrie," conducting her introduction formally. A sideward tilt of her head, toward Vinny, at his words. A chuckle.

"Kind of figures," Vinny comments, "The night I actually show up, very few others do."

"Maybe they got the memo." There came that grin of Sax's. Sharp and quick.

The hand was taken for what he assumed was an intention to shake, and shaken it was, lightly. "Nice to meet you, Bambi. Just let me know if there's anything else I can get you." He glanced over at Vinny. "Same applies to you." Then as another patron joined the inn, Abel ticked his chin up in greeting. "Still back here, still serving. You need a drink?"

A little glare Sax's way from Vinny. "Who made you the authority on social trends?"

Belatedly, he released Bambi's hand and waited for Sax's reply to the offer of a drink.

In through the back door came the ninja, with a pause to look around a moment. He then looked over his shoulder as the door opened and the Awesomeness herself made her way inside. Wearing a black hoodie featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, black flared hip hugging jeans, and those Chucks. Ever present lit clove between smiling lips as she came in behind Shadow and peered around him, "Geeze...Tough crowd love." She said with a grin.

"Who made you the authority on ruffled feathers. Chill." Flick of those mercury gray eyes to assess Vinny. An up nod to Abel. "Somethin' sour. Give him something too. To match his mouth." Sugary sweet smile of a viper.

More and more people. Phew. Dark and Darcy were both greeted with more upnods. "Drinks" I'm about to step out from behind here."

Long, spindly digits were as cold as Death itself, and the curled around his hand lightly in a brief shake, though she didn't complain nor recoil when he didn't let go immediately. "Well met, Abel." Kind smile before she withdrew her recently released hand. It returned to the comfort of the warm mug, though she tilted her ear toward the sudden influx of voices, and not all kind.

He chuckled to that. " A small one, but not that tough. " He smacked Darcy's rear, before shutting the door. A hand to the small of her back as he moved towards the hearth. She jumped slightly and glared mockingly to her lover, "You behave ninja." Then hearing ABEL she smiles all huge and friendly like, "Screwdriver light on the Vodka if you don't mind." Clove was ashed and given a drag as she moved with him thattaway.

Vinny being an authority on many things, he just snorted and went back to his drink.

Her voice was all gravel and blues. Lift of brow and that grin cut broadly as Sax looked to Vinny. Waiting. Yes. While waiting that smashed pack of cloves was pulled from back pocket and one tapped out. Zippo snagged and flicked open to bring flame. Murmur around the clove. "That's what I thought."

"Comin' up." abel turned, preparing the drink as quickly as an inexperienced bar tender could. He then eyed Sax. "That for you?" Because the "him" through ABEL off. And then to Bambi, in a momentary reprieve from serving drinks, he offered. "How long have you been a seamstress?"

" Never. " Looking down at Darcy as he plucked the clover from her lips, then so crushed it under his foot. She exhaled the smoke and this time her glare wasn't mocking, "Damn it Shadow you're lucky that I love you otherwise I'd kick your ass every time you smash one of my cloves." Then smelling a clove she eyed Sax, "Hey can I bum one off of you? My ninja boyfriend here keeps destroying all of mine." Jerking a thumb to the ninja behind her.

"One for me. One for sunshine over there." Sax murmured, pointing to Vinny, before Darcy eyed her. Gun metal bright those eyes for a moment. The pack held out in offer. "Sure, Cherry. Need a light?" The Zippo already flicked open and the flame struck. Bambi remained silent for a few moments, sipping idly from the mug as she listened to the on goings in mild interest. Turning back to Abel, she lowered the mug slowly. "Professionally' Not very long. I have always sewn, though, since I was a very young child. It was custom in my home village to sew your own clothing and gear."

Dark smirked to Darcy. " You love me and what I do to you in the bedroom. " Said as he ruffled her hair a bit. Darcy took the clove gratefully and slipped it between her lips, "A light. Thanks." Lips twitching in a bit of a smile as she inhaled. Cherry. That was a new one. She exhaled the smoke and looked back to the ninja, "This may be true but it doesn't mean you gotta be bustin' my cojones. It's not like I'm gonna die of cancer or something." Now she rolled her eyes.

Abel He glanced at "Sunshine," snickering. "Right." Then proceeded to fetch the ingredients for a whiskey sour and set one, then a second on the bar shortly after the screwdriver was placed there for Darcy. He then grabbed the ladle, filled a mug with cocoa, and rounded the bar to take a stool by Bambi. Safe! "Off duty." He said aloud, just in case anyone asked for another drink. "And how long have you been in Rhy'Din?"

Oh boy. Bedroom talk. And this was why Sax stuck to the grave and the morgue. Styx and Stonze just would talk about rendering and pulling people limb from limb. "No prob."

Another slap to Darcy's rump on that. " Perhaps not...but you are with me. and under my protection. So be a good little girl for once in your life. " The Screwdriver was there and she had a moment of bliss. It was picked up and given a sip as she chased it with a drag from her clove. Smoke was exhaled as she looked to Shadow who had smacked her rump but she ignored it, "I haven't been a good girl in a very very long time. I lost that innocence long ago darling." She said in a serious tone as that old soul swam up to the surface of those pretty eyes.

Bambi amused herself with listening and sipping while Abel busied himself with order. Feeling his warmth as he slid into the stool beside her, she tilted her head his direction and smiled. "Hello again," she mused, before replying, "Nearing on a year if I remember correctly." Small frown tugged downward on the corners of her maw. "What is the date exactly?"

"January Sixth." He replied, leaning with his side against the bar. Now that said bar wasn't blocking his line of sight, he took a moment to add more information into the database called his brain by giving the woman a quick once over, guessing at a variety of things like weight and height, though he'd long since given up trying to judge a person's age off of appearance in Rhy'Din.

Another prompt nod at his reply. "Yes, nearing on a year." She left the exactness in the air. The mug was lowered to the bar again as she turned in the stool to face him, leaning against the bar on her side. "Have you always been here, in this strange land?"

While she answered him, he lifted his drink for a sip. Abel was thoroughly pleased with the taste, rather proud of himself for so effectively tackling the task. The mug was lowered to his lap while he thought on an answer. "No. I haven't been here for very long at all."

Bambi nodded, considering his words and mulling over them for a few moments. Distant look came and passed before she spoke again, earnestly, "And do you like it here?" Head was tilted to the side again, curls cascading over her shoulder.

"I can't say yet." Abel admitted with a shrug. "I've been here not even a full week now and been mostly working. It seems...interesting, to say the least."

Low, tickling laughter. "Ah, I see. Interesting it is, at the least," Bambi nodded agreeably, fingers crawling along the surface of the bar in search for her mug. Upon finding it, they curled around its handle and carefully lifted it to parted lips for another timid draw. Lids closed heavenly, muscles relaxed and she sighed contently. "Mm."

"Anything I should know about it before continuing on here?" He asked, his head tilting to the side as he regarded her. "Names, places, events, what have you."

Another ringing of laughter. "There is much to know about this strange land, too much I do not think I could share readily." A slight shrug of her shoulders, lowering the mug. "One big event is the Beltane festival. Almost everyone comes out for it. That happened right around when I found myself in this strange land." Beltane, Abel knew what that was, though was surprised to find such an odd place celebrating it. "Well, I'll just have to wait and see what surprises come up, then."

"I suppose you will," she agreed mysteriously. The mug, lifted to her lips for another draw, obscured a telltale smirk on her lips. "I do not get out much, so I am sorry to say I am not of the most help in such an arena." Though, she heard all about them in the shop, men and women tittering about scandals and upcoming events.

"Shame. You should get out more." His drink was set on the bar while he turned and faced it more. "Well, maybe not just yet. It's too cold." If she hadn't guessed it from his initial greeting, she was sure to get it now. Abel wasn't a fan of the wintertime.

"Perhaps," agreeing with him again, and then tinkling with honey-thick laughter. "Oh, it is not so cold. It could be worse, trust me." She seemed to know, though it mattered little, she was indifferent to the cold. Then, registering like a light bulb over her head. "Oh! Leans forward, nearer him as she lowers her voice. "You do not like the cold, do you?"

"Not in the least." His nose wrinkled in distaste. "I was born in a warm town. We were lucky to get an inch of sleet during the winter. So, cold climates and I don't mix well."

Bambi wished she could see his facial expression, because the sound of his voice brought tinkling mirth to her voice. "Oh, that is unfortunate. I will be frank with you; I do love to bask in the sunlight." A light shiver caressed her form; the distant look returning, longer this time as she thought about days on the grassy flanks of the mountainside, basking in the sunlight. But the winters were just as harsh as the sun's rays were warm.

"I'll take a sunny beach over the cold any day." He remarked with a bit of bitterness toward the cold in his tone. "Just much more comfortable and relaxing." "It is," murmuring in assent as she returned kindly to the present. Pushing away thoughts of old, she smiled softly for him. "You must be miserable, then."

"Borderline." He shrugged. "But I'm a survivor. I'll make it, I think." His grin had returned by that point with the light hearted conversation.

Another soft bubbling of laughter as she lifted the mug for a diminutive sip. "Mm, survivor" Only the strong survive," she remarked, tilting her head at him as if she could make out his contour, and perhaps she could with all this sound bouncing around now. "Are you big?" she asked suddenly, curious about the man's countenance.

A curious brow quirked up at her question. "What do you mean by big?"

"Are you tall, broad, pleasantly plump?" listing off several replacements for the word 'big'. "Do you have thick muscles, like a warrior?" That was what she was most interested in. He sounded big in her head.

"I'm tall, I guess. Not far over six feet." He glanced down at himself for a moment, inspecting. "They're not really thick, no." Abel admitted, shrugging. "Not tiny, either though. Healthy is the word I'd use."

"Hm," murmured as she lifted the mug for another sip before lowering it slowly again. "You sound healthy." Telltale signs of the beginnings of a teasing grin. "Tell me about where you hail from, Abel. I am most intrigued."

"The town I'm from is called Moywark. It's a pretty small and unremarkable place. In the south where it's nice and warm. The beach isn't too far away from it, either. So that's a plus." A pause was in order so he could have another taste of the cocoa that was waiting within reach. "What about you?"

"Moywark?" she echoed, fumbling over the words thoughtfully. "I admit I have never heard of it, but it sounds pleasant," Bambi offered with a tentative smile. A dip of her chin at his inquiry thought it took several moments for her to reply. It was hard to think of Eyrie in words, to describe. From what she remembered before the pillage, it was a myriad of colors that had fallen lost on her sightless soul. "Well," she began with unease in her voice, "It is a nation full of loud, vibrant colors. Everything was a vivid shade of its associated color. I remember tumbling in the soft, lush emerald green grass. Little white flowers dotted the mountainside in the springtime," she recalled fondly, lifting the mug to her lips again as she debated whether to continue or not.

Abel listened in closely as she described her home to him. His attention was just as much on the tone of her voice as it was the words themselves. "Sounds like a great place to grow up." He mused during her pause. "What's it called?" A pleased smile flickered along ruby red flesh at his comment. "It was beautiful in every aspect." Lowering the mug again, she continued, "It is called Eyrie. The mountain range my ancestors and I resided in surrounded a nation teeming with people. We were there protectors, defenders, Seers. They looked up to us, literally, where lived, the dark shadows of the mountains framed against a cerulean blue sky. Our stars, one a lush, lime green and the other a smoldering red-pink, kept us warm from the vicious weather when able. Even the snow, when we received it, was blinding—sunshine or not." She sighs softly. "I cannot help but feel like everything in this strange land is a dull color."

"If vivid is what you want, try the forests." He'd passed through them. "Now may not be the best time, most of the trees are grey and leafless." He turned and glanced toward the door for a thoughtful moment. "It's my understanding that the realm called Twilight Isle, is rather bright in color."

"Oh' I have heard vague recollections of the Glen, which I know where many of the festivals are held." Nods at his comment of the trees current state. "Yes, yes, they are most likely rather drab." Ruby red tugged downward in confusion. "Twilight Isle" I have heard of it in passing, of course, but not of its color. Have you been there?" she inquires excitedly, eager to know if it is as colorful as he has heard.

"Can't say I have. I was talking to a fellow in the market who says he goes there to watch the duels sometimes, said it was a pretty place. You should try and make your way there some time." He suggested helpfully.

"I do not think I could get there on my own," she admitted in a small voice, then brightening as she remembers. "Oh, the duels! That is another big thing around here; if it is in your interest." Wistful sigh. "I wish I could be a full participant."

Abel figured her getting there would be a problem. He pondered this for a moment while she spoke of the duels. "I'm curious about them, I'll admit." He then tilted his head and turned to look at her. "Well, I hear they have duels pretty regularly. If you'd like, I can take you there."

Light laughter spilled pleasantly. "You never fought as a boy?" Asking with a tilt of her head as she seemed to 'gaze' right past him. "They do, every night of the week, if I am not mistaken." Nodding sagely. Then there was a sudden blush. "Oh, would you?" her voice going small and not at all strong like a warriors. She still felt at unease at the idea of being helped, but sometimes it was necessary. "I fought, sure. They were little scraps with less rules than duels, I imagine." He shrugged and studied her reaction, nodding silently for a moment, regardless of whether or not she could see it. "If you want, yes." He replied. "I've got plenty of time still." She missed the thrill of a raging war, the nobility of defending one's honor. In an even smaller voice, she asked, "Would it be of too much trouble to ask you to give me a play-by-play account?" Sometimes she could see vague outlines as sound bounced off....But it was never too clear in regards of what she was 'looking' at. Some Seer she turns out to be.

He paused in order to enjoy another mouthful of the cocoa, so her question went unanswered for a moment. "I can do that." It wasn't difficult. He turned to look at his coat and scooped it up, slipping it back on just in case they decided to leave soon.

A beaming smile blossomed. "Oh, I bless you with my eternal gratitude, ABEL," Bambi gushed, obviously thrilled with the prospect. To live through the eyes of another. Lifting the mug again for another draw, she grinned into it foolishly, like a child on Christmas morning.

He couldn't help but laugh just a little bit. "Just say the word and I'll take you there." His attention turned to his drink, which was lifted for the final sip and drained of its contents.

"Tonight?" sounding surprised as she turned to him sharply. Her mug was empty, she realized with the last sip, and she cautiously adverted it to the safety of the bartop.

"Tonight, tomorrow, a week from now. There's no rush." He shrugged, rubbing his arms slightly. Even now, it was a little cold to him.

"Oh," she murmured, pleased by the response. Tonight felt much too soon, and it was snowing. She wouldn't want to make him succumb to such brutal circumstances. "I would rather go on a day that is a little nicer than it is now. I know you do not like the cold." Small grin for her companion.

Abel laughed a little then. "How considerate of you." He sat back and peered into his empty mug then. Abel also noticed hers now sitting on the bar, and leaned in to take a peek. "Would you like a refill or something else to drink?"

"I do try," sheepish grin. Then looking back to the bar in general, though it was meant for the mug. "Oh," thoughtfully, "Well, if you wish a refill, then I do. If not, then I am fine, many thanks." Another appreciative look for the man.

He nodded and stood, taking her mug. "One second then." Abel slipped past her, the other patrons, and through the break in the bar. He went back to the still heated pot that held the cocoa, grabbed the ladle and stirred it a bit before filling their mugs once more.

Beams upward for Abel, fiddling with the cloth of her simple, stark white dress. "You are too kind," she murmured to his retreating form, though not immediately aware he had left except for the wind of his movement.

He returned just a moment or so later and took a seat beside Bambi once again, setting the mug down before her. "Only good thing about winter is this here drink." Abel commented offhandedly while lifting his own for a sip.

Looking back toward his person as he returned, long fingers sought out the mug blindly but carefully. Curling around its circumference, she brought it up toward her bosom, as if sucking in the heat. "Mm, warm," murmuring softly, before chuckling at him lightly. "I concur, it is a most pleasant way to warm up."

"And it's chocolate." Which was a large win in his book. "And don't tell anyone, but..." He paused, leaning over to whisper as though this were an incredibly big and life altering secret. "I have a weakness for sweets, especially chocolate."

Brows rose at him, and she leaned forward as well when he lowered his voice. Then she broke into a singsongy laughter the spilled out and across the inn. "Oh, is this true" Does it bring you to your knees?"

"Not quite. But it's a great way to start." He replied, grinning while he leaned back once more.

"Well," in mock seriousness, "I have heard the way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Where she is from, a man's heart is his weakness.

"It's definitely one of the stepping stones, that much I can tell you." Abel continued to grin wide with mirth, turning to the mug of cocoa to lift it for a savory sip.

Grins from behind the rim of the mug, lifting it for a long pull from it, though remaining silent for the moment.

He studied her for a moment before continuing. "What about you? Any weaknesses I should know about?" It was only fair, after all. Turning her face back to him, Bambi grinned with humor. "The eyes." Blind humor for you, a twisted smile before she erupted into light, tinkling laughter. "I have a weak spot for good conversation."

He chuckled the first time and even more when the truth was revealed. "I'm out of luck, then."

Someone in the background began yelling like a madman. Bambi winced at all the yelling, temporarily forgetting what she was going to say. Long fingers moved to cover her ears. That second time seemed louder than the first. When it is safe again, she withdraws them, smiling sheepishly for Abel. "Many apologies....And no, you are not out of luck. I have had one of the most pleasant conversations this eve than I have in a long while."

"Really?" A brow rose inquiringly. "Then I hope the next time we talk that I'll continue to do as well." Abel paused briefly. "I must admit, finding myself holding a conversation here is a pleasantly unexpected surprise. I'm generally a listener."

"I have every belief it will be just as well, if not better." Encouraging smile bloomed for Abel as she retracted a hand from her coffee mug to reach out to him uncertainly. She was aiming to pat his hand, but in this instance could end up patting any other body part, so she waited instead for him to take her hand so she could squeeze it. Soft tittering. "Is that so' Well, every butterfly comes out of a cocoon," stating with a broad smile, now.

He reached out for the outstretched hand and took it. Another laugh was sure to escape him at her latter comment. "I like to think of myself as something a bit larger than a butterfly."

She grinned, squeezing his hand lightly, though not immediately removing it, either, as icicles basked in the warmth of his touch. "I should hope you are, but I was being metaphorical...Unless, you did come from a cocoon?" Tilting her head curiously at him, ending with a questioning tone.

"I suppose you could call my mother a cocoon, though I imagine she'd object." He replied, his grin evident in the tone of his voice. Their first handshake was made while he was distracted, the cold touch of her hands was thus, overlooked. This time, however, when his attention was on her, it became apparent. "You're awfully cold. Do you want to sit by the fire?"

Bambi chuckled, realizing the humor behind that. "Cute," she remarked, smiling nonetheless. A careless shrug at his comment. "I am always cold when the big star is not out." A slight frown cut across alabaster features. A tilt of her head as she regarded his suggestion. "I would not mind sitting near the hearth. Fire is warm." Child-like look as she looked out across the inn dubiously.

"Always?" He quirked a brow, unable to contain his curiosity. "Why?" Even as he asked her, he was slipping from his stool, hand still in hers. "And come, let's go to the hearth."

She nodded. "Always, and why' That I do not know," somberly as she slid gracefully from the stool. Another squeeze to his hand and she momentarily forgot all about her staff, which was leaning against the bar. Her other, free hand was occupied with the mug, which she still held close to her bosom. "Okay," she replied to him, prepared to follow him blindly across the inn, but she felt safe. Turning her head to him. "I feel safe with you."

"That's certainly better than uneasy." He said, offering a quick smile as he carefully led her across the inn from the bar and to the hearth. He made sure to pick the most straightforward path he could find, lightly easing empty chairs aside with his foot in passing.

Her steps were cautious, for it was just as strange to walk without the staff as it was with it. She'd become dependent on it and not even realized it. She chuckled nervously for Abel, squeezing his hand again. "Many thanks," she breathed out, and she meant it.

"Anytime." He offered in return as they neared the hearth, surrounded by couches, chairs, and small tables for drinks and other effects. He chose a pair of chairs nearer to the flames and guided her to them, stepping to the side while he set his drink down on a nearby table to free a hand. The emptied hand took the back of the chair and held it. "Here."

Another grateful smile for him as she delicately turned sideward, trusting him enough to lower herself uneasily onto the chair. Fingers squeezed his for support, hoping she wouldn't find herself on the floor. When she felt the cushion of her seat, she relaxed her fingers and exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Nervously chuckles again. "Oh, many thanks," she murmured bashfully, looking down at the ground shyly.

He picked his mug back up and nodded to her. "No problem." Then he took up the adjacent seat, stretching out before relaxing into the cushions. "See" Much better." Because the fire would stop the pesky cold dead in its tracks!

Bambi smiled coyly, leaning back comfortably into the cushions before curling bare feet up and beneath her. She tucked the dress around her legs, added warmth coupled with the heat of the flames that managed to lick cold flesh into a feasible warmth. "Mm, you have many good ideas, Abel," remarking before lifting the mug up for a lip, smiling for him.

"I like to think so." His remark was accompanied by a pleased smile, the drink resting in his lap being lifted to hide the expression quickly as he craved another taste of one of his ultimate weaknesses; chocolate.

She would have to remember to bring chocolates with her next time she saw him. Soaking in the warmth and momentary quiet, she draws from the mug once again.

"Back home, there wasn't a great deal of color until the summer. Our town was a farming community, there were fields everywhere. I can't recall seeing something so green. And the trees were taller than some of the houses, ancient things. Odd flowers would sometimes bloom on them, pinks and purples." He told her while sinking back into the cushions. "Only during summer, though."

Leaning toward Abel with a small smile, she tilted her head in a pleased manner. "It sounds like you experienced beautiful weather. Do you miss it much?" "Yes. But traveling has always been a fun and interesting experience for me. I go back still, visiting my family when I can." Abel explained, turning to look over at her. "Been about half a year now, I believe."

"Oh, are you a migrant, then?" Cocking her head the other way. Travel for pleasure was a foreign concept; she'd always been in only one place until the siege. Then smiling softly. "Tell me about your family." A forlorn look flittered across her face briefly. Just another thing she had lost in the war.

"My mother quit working after my brother and I were born. My father was one of the few in the town who didn't work on or own a farm. He was the mechanic, so we lived within the town itself. We were all relatively normal throughout that life. It wasn't a very eventful existence. My brother joined the military of Ankre'wa when he was twenty and was killed in action four years later."

Bambi smiles, listening to his words, but it falls into a crumbling frown at the end. "Oh, no. That is terrible, terrible. I am sorry to hear that." Reaching for his hand again for a genial squeeze.

Abel smiled at her and shrugged. "Ah, but he died a happy man. Not a message or letter we received from him indicated anything other."

"That is good. He died honorably, then," she smiled for him before lifting the mug to her lips to muffle a small yawn.

He nodded, then quirked a brow at her, smiling again. "Tired?" He asked, setting his drink aside.

"I am a little," admitting guiltily, before rushing to say, "Not that I do not utmostly enjoy your company!"

Abel laughed and shook his head. "No. It's fine. You should go and get some rest." Then, with a grin, he added. "Not that I don't enjoy your company."

Surprisingly serene smile at his words. "If you insist..." Seeking to grab for her staff, mug still in the opposing hand, she realizes she left it at the bar. She looks unseeingly back across the inn, biting her lip. "You know I....Um..." Flushes crimson. "I seem to have forgotten my staff," sheepishly.

He glanced around to see if it had fallen somewhere, then stood and looked over at the bar. There it was, leaning and waiting. "One second, I see it." He then crossed the room to go and fetch the staff for her.

"Many thanks," she murmured after him, fingers avidly clawing out for the side table. When fingers finally brush along it, she slides them across to rest the mug on top of it. Uncurling from her seat, she stretches idly, biting at her lip absently.

It wasn't long after he'd departed that he returned with the staff and lightly tapped Bambi's leg with it before holding it out to her. "Here."

"Oh, you are a godsend," she smiled up at him, limber fingers curling around the staff. Using it, she slowly rises from the chair. Empty palm pushes forward, fingertips reaching out hesitantly for his form so she could press against him in an one armed embrace. Soft whisper against his shoulder. "I am eternally grateful."

As she stood, he chuckled. "You give me too much credit." His arm lifted to return the light embrace while he continued to display mirth in the shake of his voice as he spoke. "Anytime." "No, perhaps not enough." It was rare for strangers to show such kindness to the unfortunate. She was living proof of that. A small smile for him. "Until next."

"If you don't mind..." He nodded toward the door. "I'll accompany you on the way out. I think it's about time I got back to the hotel room."

"I would appreciate that very much," Bambi beamed for him, holding her free arm out for guidance. It would save her a lot of trouble of getting to the door.

His arm and hers would loop, and then he again took to guiding her through the inn via the least cluttered path available. "When would you like to go to the Isle?"

"I have many fittings to finish before the end of the weekend," frowning noticeably, "So Tuesday' I believe that is a big magicks night."

"Tuesday, then." He nodded, marking the day off in his mental calendar. "Tuesday will work fine. Where am I to meet you at before we set out?"

"We could...We could meet here or at the shop," blushing again. "We'll have to discuss it later on the week, then." He nodded. "That's assuming I'll see you again her sometime?" His brow quirked, but he remained focused on the path to the door. Once there, he reached out and opened it, letting in the very unwelcome, cold air.

Bambi nods to him. "Yes, more than likely." A slight shiver as they met with the cold air. "Brr," grinning up to him. "If you do not see me here, you can always find me at 'The Mad Hatter's Boutique'."

More to be stored in that ever expansive mind of his. "Then I'll come visit you if I don't see you here before then." He replied, the door behind held open with an arm as Abel stepped out with Bambi in tow.

Bambi smiles for Abel as she steps out blindly into the cold night with him.

(( Many thanks to Abel's player for the play, but also for help with editing! ))