[RP] The Inn of Peace - IoP (Open to all)

[Azana Brown]

((Okay, timeskipping my characters since I've gotten a wee bit behind...))

Azana emerged from the kitchen a good while later, apparently having lost Layla to conversations with others. She couldn't blame the kid; Zulma was interesting, far more so than the tedium of chopping and simmering. Still, she wound up with a decent sized pan of shepherd's pie. "Still hungry?" She asked to no one in particular, setting it down on a trivet.

Tyler, meanwhile, had gotten the ClifNotes version of the situation from Sosol, and was now looking through the contents of the case in a relatively empty corner for safety's sake. "Gadgets, gizmos, vials of unknown compound...whoever she ran from was busy." He glanced up to Sosol from his seat, pointing at the vials.

"You know I hate chemistry."

"Yeah, and you put that aside to help James with a Grogain cure," he shot back, pulling up a chair. "I don't get it...you can learn pretty much anything. What's your hang-up with chemistry?"

"..." Tyler shook his head. "I guess it's similar to why you don't go prying for that answer yourself. Risky business."  

[Layla Marsivi]

Azana Brown

((Okay, timeskipping my characters since I've gotten a wee bit behind...))

(It is alright. I kinda had her run out after hearing the microwave yelling and griping about its face (door) being slammed shut so much XD *soft voice*
on another note around those she knows she is more talking. C= )

Layla looked up to see Azana. Blushing and looked down. "I'm sorry....I got scared when the microwave kept yelling about its door being slammed." She said in a soft voice. Hugging her tiger again until she felt centered. "I got nervous...I...the other things might start talking in there." She said softly. She looked up. "I'd love some food." She said with a smile. Hoping that Azana wasn't mad. She looked up. "I am getting calmer and more relaxed here." SHe put her tigher on the counter. "Minus slightly setting Ti on fire...ish." She said. There was slightly darkened fur areas. "I got really nervous earlier." She said. Blushing more and pulled her tiger back into her lap. It was her treasure.  

[Zero Nehoshi]

Mikila crawled until she managed to grab something to pull herself up. She looked around and wondered whether she could get herself food. She hurried along quietly but then she heard a woman say food. She rushed in that direction. Stopping as she saw Sosol. Waving to him. "Sosol. Hi!" She said. Waving her hand then off towards the food she smelled she went. The little kid looked around. Giant wasn't here? Oh well. She had a feeling she'd see Giant later. She looked around and started climbing whatever objects were nearest to the counter edge hoping to get to the counter so she could have food. "Scuse me...I want some food pwease." SHe called out in her adorable little voice. Flailing and fell from her foot up climb onto her butt. Sniffling and wiped her eyes. Trying not to cry. She was very young minded for a kid her age due to her upbringing. Then at other times she knew things kids shouldn't know.  

[Azana Brown]

"Don't worry about it," Azana shrugged, glancing to the singed tiger plush as she served up a hearty piece. "I get that you're new...but there's really no need to be nervous here. Everyone's pretty friendly, and those that aren't won't hurt anyone."

That's when Mikila approached, having waved to Sosol. She asked for a slice, her voice childish in sound and vocabulary. "I did make it to be eaten," she replied, shaking her head with a smile regardless. She was no babysitter, but their customers had been of every age.

Sosol waved to Mikila. "If she were human, she'd remind me of Emily," he muttered quietly to Tyler. "I hope she's doing okay with Eleanora."

Tyler already had one of the items entirely dissembled, giving a rather flat look in reply. "You could always check, couldn't you? You had a link with her...'Uncle Sol'." His gaze lowered, and softened to an almost wistful, empty look at one of the components. He was an uncle, too, but had only seen his nephew in pictures.

The moment passed, though, and he began to work on the next. It was pretty clear what each was, but without knowing where they came from, there wasn't much he could do but cannibalize the parts and figure out how to safety render the vials inert.

"...sorry. I forgot," Sosol apologized to Tyler. "Want a slice? I bet you'd enjoy it."

"Okay," he answered vacantly, once again absorbed in his work.  

[Zero Nehoshi]

Mikila looked at Layla and tilted her head. Then shrugged and looked back at Azana. Waiting patientlyish. She might not be able to see mommy and daddy anymore cuz they would never wake up but she'd not forget the many things they taught her. Even if more than half of it was things a kid should never be taught or need to know. Disassembling and reassembling firearms...probably not something you'd normally teach a kid. She only knew the "songs" and "games" they taught her so she'd know how to do them. Without those she wouldn't know how.

She heard the answer and clapped her hands. "Yes ma'am but daddy said to ask before helping myself to other peoples food." Forgetting her fall prior and managed to get one with further struggles. "Thank you!" She said. Eating it before jumping down. Running over to Sosol and Tyler. Looking at them. Wondering curiously what they were doing. Moving closer and sat down on her hands and knees. Watching Tyler silently as he worked. It was rather relaxing to her...watching the work. She was used to that and so that made her feel at "home" so to speak. She would always watch daddy as he worked various things while mommy cooked. She didn't move or make any sounds just watched Tyler as he worked.

When a ghost wisp came near her she didn't even acknowledge it. Right now she'd be ignoring the grumpy ghost boy if he showed up.  

[Layla Marsivi]

Layla smiled at Azana. Taking the food. "Yum! This looks delicious." She said with a grin. Blinking a bit and looked at her. "I know. Something just happened and it triggered a traumatic memory from the war." She said. "I'll get over it with some more time. I know everyone here is good people." She said with a smile. "I am not feeling as shy as I normally do around other people." She said honestly. Eating more of the food.  

[Azana Brown]

"I'm glad..." Azana answered to both of them. The surprising power of a good meal to bring people together...it made her wish she actually bothered to take Home Economics back in school. Then again, extra phys ed credits had come in handy.

"If you want some help getting over trauma, Sol is pretty good with that. And there's a girl named Violet...she's been through a lot. Maybe she could offer some pointers." Azana looked to Sol as he approached, stealing a kiss and handing off two pieces. "So, anything fun in the case?"

"Nothing that I could understand, but Ty seems to be having fun." Sosol grinned, setting down the plates and catching a couple of floating glasses. "I kind of hit a sore spot, though...inadvertently brought up his nephew."

"Ah." Azana watched a couple bottles drift past to the bartender's able grip. "Peace offering, then?" The answer didn't even need to be said.

Ty continued to work, but it didn't take long for those young eyes to burn their way into his awareness. He had tried to ignore it, but those subtle old habits of paranoia just wouldn't let him let it go.

"...this was your case, right?" He asked, still focused on the work at hand. "Well, one you stole, at least. You can keep the case when I'm done emptying it properly."

A young lady walked down the stairs, clutching a sketchbook to her chest. She dressed very modestly, long pants and long sleeves, a hat...and in a vast departure from the norm, two tidy braids where her hair had previously hidden parts of her face and her entire neck. As far as features went, she was cute in her complete, average plain-ness. Not too short or tall, now not as skinny as she had been but not quite chubby, either.

She sat at a table, looking over the bustling Inn and beginning to sketch.  

[Zero Nehoshi]

(the heart wrenching times when a nightmare filled teenager screams out blood curdling in the night XD I feel for poor Maxi but now I'm wide awake lol)

Mikila just watched silently. She didn't realize she was unnerving him. She scooted backwards and just stared at the work. "nope. It was the blood covered mad scientists who I escaped froms." She said. "I took it because important things should not be left with bad people." she said. Looking up at him. "Stole? Mommy and daddy retrieved knowledge for money all the time. Or other things. Cuz of their job with Crimson Shades. I don't think it stealing to take something important and dangerous from evil crazy people in blood covered labbies." She said softly. Getting thoughtful. "Is it?" She said innocently.

Staring down at the work again. "I w'on't be a bother...I used to watch daddy work on things. It made me calm and happy. I won't get to see daddy work anymore cuz he won't ever wake up." She said. Falling silent and stared at the man's work not him. "Nuh uh...I give case sleepy time in ground. It is haunted." She said. "It screams when I touch it...like the place I was held. All those peoples..." She said. Not even truly fully understanding what she was saying. She thought she saw a lot of imaginary friends at some points. Others she knew they were ghosts.  

[Gren_Eckener]

Gren, who'd been lingering in the hallway upstairs, decided that perhaps another quarter-hour with his husband might not go amiss, and slipped back into his apartment. Blood-covered mad scientists were not what his stomach needed.

One pair of ears, however, that seemed wholly undaunted, were those belonging to a tiny orange creature, half-velociraptor, half-humanoid, a grand total of two inches high. Tottering up to Tyler, he cheerily plonked down to sit on the man's hand and patted his cheek. "Yuu nato fuudo." he reassured.

(For reference:
)  

[Layla Marsivi]

(KAWAII gren heart (= so cute that chari is XD)

Layla smiled a bit. Continuing to eat. Her ears listened to her speak and tilted her head. "I don't know." She said softly. Still enjoyin this meal. She watched them interact then saw another woman enter. Wondering who she was. She didn't know. She looked back at her stuffed tiger. "I think I need to learn to control things better...and get over the trauma." She said softly.  

[Azana Brown]

"..." Tyler listened, his hands growing idle at her explanation and defense of her actions. After she was done, he adjusted his glasses slightly and looked to her.

"I never said you weren't right to steal it," he said at last. "You did good, kid." He of all people knew morals were far from black and white. The heart of the matter was more than the action. As for the source of the case, that was a different story. "Zippo," he greeted, guiding him off to the side and suddenly getting an idea. Chibis could eat pretty much anything but chocolate, right?

"Want a drink...? Pick a color," he offered, pointing to the vials before addressing the girl again.

"...can you remember where you took the case from?"

"...you're thinking of going after them, aren't you?" Sosol lightly accused, setting down both food and drink for the resident mad genius.

"Maybe," he answered vaguely, still at work. "Busting an arms ring just isn't quite enough of a challenge for my mind. Going toe to toe with shady scientist sorts? A bit closer to my heart...and after the Bengali brothers, well..."

"I've got it," he sighed, patting his friend on the shoulder. "Just don't go rushing off on your own. You're brilliant at strategies; remember your resources."

"That kind of stuff takes time," Azana admitted with a nod as she chewed over a bite of her own. "I'm still a bit claustrophobic, and that happened over twenty years ago..." She looked over to the artist.

"Violet over there...she's got a strength to her. It's only been a couple years, and she's improved so much."

The artist glanced up only momentarily, now hatching out the slightly singed fur of a plush tiger.  

[Zulma san]

The nurse laughed at Amir's comment. "I like how you speak." she teased the cleric before turning back to Jacoda.
Her cheeks blushed slightly at the kiss on them but her eyes widened at the peck on her lips. She opened her mouth to protest but they were already heading out so she had a silent chuckle. She smirked but did not say anything until they left the room.
((EXIT))

Zulma had seen the entire scene and simply shrugged. Celine could take care of herself, even with a drink or two. She would however keep an eye on that pirate boy.

The innkeeper's eyes turned to Tyler who had started working on Layla's things. She had a tender smile then went back to cleaning the counter and behind the bar. She did not mean to take Sosol's job, she just needed to keep herself busy. She smiled at Amir's question. "Jeff is usually one of the people who takes care of supplies. Maybe Sosol would know." she added as an afterthought. She realized that for the daily routine of the Inn, she did not know much anymore who did what when.


Lin nodded. She understood. He was not looking for any blade, he wanted his blade back. "My apologies and my sympathy for your loss." she said as if the blade was a real person.
When he thanked her, she blinked then remained silent, trying to understand why he was thanking her. Although none of them moved or spoke, it seemed as if they were continuing their conversation without a word. Anyone else would have been feeling awkward by that silence, but Lin did not.


Jeff walked back into the Inn. His sword was in his back and it was obvious that he had been training. By training, he had been releasing energy and trying to calm down his anger. Why was it that he felt always so much anger and rage in him.
When the teen stepped into the Inn, Zulma left the counter and walked immediately to him, everything in her posture showed that she meant business. Jeff stopped but did not look down, he held her gaze, holding his ground.
"What?" he said.
"You know what Jeff. Do you need me to spit it out?" said Zulma calmly but her golden eyes were hard on the adolescent.
This is when Jeff saw Violet sitting at a table and his stance shifted slightly. He did not want to be scolded at like a kid, especially in front of her. He clenched his jaws.  

[Zero Nehoshi]

Mikila looked at him. Tilting her head and let out sigh of relief. Hearing his words she crawled over and gave him a quick hug aroundt the neck. Scooting back quickly and stayed wary in case that got a bad reaction. Looking at him with a proud smile from the older male saying she did good. She stayed out of the way and looked at Zippo. "Oooo hi. Hi. I'm Mikila. Who you?" She asked. Eyes wide in curiousity at Zippo.

He looked so tiny!!! She felt big now. She giggled and stared at it. Lifting her gaze to hm. "Uh huh got papers? Daddy teaches me to puzzles." Puzzles for kids were like mazes that could be translated into detailed maps made by children if you knew how to read into coded messages pictures or otherwise. She listened to them speaking then heard Giant. She sat up and clapped her hands. Getting up and rushed over to Jeff. "Giant! Hi!" She hugged his leg again then let go. "All better?" She asked hopefully.  

[Zulma san]

The conversation between the Innkeeper and the teen was stopped when the little girl clamped around the adolescent's leg. Jeff looked down and so did Zulma, both staring an instant at the child. Her hopeful eyes and childish question brought a sigh to Jeff's thin lips.
"Yeah Shrimp, better." he lied with a pale smile. His hand brushed Mikila's hair like one pets a dog's fur.
Then his forest green eyes stared again at Zulma who had not moved, only crossed her arms.
"I'll be back Shrimp." he said and walked to Layla after casting a quick glance in Violet's direction. They hadn't seen each other in so long. He wanted to go talk to her.
"I am sorry about earlier." he said to Layla, visibly not at ease with the situation.

Zulma tilted her head and when Jeff spoke to Layla, she looked at Mikila. "Giant? Does everyone has a nickname with you?" she asked with a gentle smile.  

[Zero Nehoshi]

Mikila didn't entirely believe him but he had more of a smile. "Ish." She said with a giggle. Adding it to the end of his better with a big smile up at him. She was okay with the brushing of her hair like a pet. To her it was a sign of affection from Giant. Giant didn't seem to show much facial expressions. Her mommy had taught her that it was the little signs of affection that showed the caring and warmth that you saw not on a mask of stoic. She giggled and nuzzled her cheek against his hand in her own sign of affection. Giggling happily. "Happy to see you again Giant." She said honestly.

She watched him walk off and looked to Zulma. "Yep. He called me shrimp so I call him giant. It our happy names." Meaning nicknames or terms of affection. "He is so taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall." She said. Standing on tippy toe to demonstrate and stretched her arms up as high she could. She giggled. "Or in magics." She said. Cutely moving her arms up and down as if to emphasis they were in the making. She then rushed back over to where she had been and knelt down. Crouching down and watched Zippo and Tyler.