A drink alone

[Riosa Flare]

Evening light soon turned to drkness as Riosa made her way to the tavern of the fort. She was new and she had no friends yet. Going to the squirrel bartender, she smiled sweetly and winked at him. "i'll have some o' your best nut brown ale, mate."

The squirrel gave her a mug full of the dark amber liquid, and tokk the coins she handed to him with gratitude shining in his eyes. Looking around, Riosa hoped silently that somebeast woud come up and pay her a visit.

[Taith]

Pulling the silky, night hued cloak about her lithe frame, Taith hurried into the tavern. She hung her cloak on a peg, revealing a new looking tunic of ice blue. Her now icy gaze scanned the busy pub, and saw her favored spot was taken! Well, she was just going to have to sort this out. The black ottermaid strode across the room with a dancer's grace, never making a sound on the creaky wooden floorboards. She pulled up a chair to pensive looking creature. Immediately, Taith almost felt ashamed, for she was obviously a new recruit. 'Ello there! I guess yer new here, aye? She observed her with an unintentionally unnerving gaze of dark blue. I'm Taith Trueshaft. Waving over the bartender, she ordered the usual, which most avoided because of its...strength. Taith had basically been weaned on the stuff. Yep, her early years had been rougher than most...

[Songwind and Brawn Oakbrush.]

**A tiny figure walked into the bar, intent on something less strong than she normally would. It's tail stuck out the back of its dark purple cloak, and you could tell that she was a squirrel. A yellow floor length dress graced her perfect figure, albeit a growing middle, but that was not because she was out of shape, and a smile was settled into its normal place on her beautiful face. She continued her graceful stride toward the counter. She sat, slightly out of breath. looking up, her innocent brown eyes gazed over the scene as she ordered some tea. The bartender caught her hint and carried it over to the table she walked towards. The squirrel had noticed two new beasts.** Hi! I'm Songwind Oakbrush.

[Taith]

Taith was a tad startled at the squirrel's greeting, she hadn't noticed her coming over. She nodded at Song. Ello Songwind. I'm Taith, I believe we've met before? Perhaps not, though. Out of politeness, Taith pulled up a chair for Song, her eyes now a slightley darker, friendlier blue. She flashed her notoriously impish grin. Are ye going to stay a while? Its pretty cozy in here later in the evening.

[Tasna and Willowtail Riverend]

*Tasna was relaxing, sipping at her cup of water. The otter didn't usually drink something that plain, but there was too much on her mind for any distractions-the hot temperature of tea or the taste of ale. She sighed and closed her eyes.* Oh man. There's just too much stuff going on. *Tasna opened her eyes again and saw Song sitting down. She smiled and got up. While walking over to the squirrel, she noticed two others near Song. When Tasna reached the three, she spoke in a rather excited voice.* Hello, I'm Tasna DeRud.

[Taith]

Taith looked up at the new arrival, her eyes still a dark, friendly blue. Ello, Tasna. I'm Taith Trueshaft. She lifted up her pint and took a sip. She was unusually friendly, perhaps because of her drink? 'eck no, I've never gotten even a li'tle tipsy off this stuff! She thought. I'll bet I culd still drink tha' big bloke over there under tha table! She concluded she was just in a friendly mood, rare for the usually quiet otter.