The ale sloshed spilling out over the edge of the tattered glass. The amber color had long lost it's luster, now a dim and muddled color fighting desperately to reflect the lights hanging overhead; the glass rested on a small round table tucked away in the far corner of the tavern. The liquid ran freely down the glass pooling onto the table picking up dirt and other grime as it continued to trickle towards the edge; a drop of it broke free falling down towards the barren floor. The table like everything else in the building seemed to be on the verge of collapsing, if it wasn't for the sound of laughter and the hollow echoes of rolling dice breathing life into the air one could think this place was long forgotten. Tendrils of smoke drifted in and out among the patrons, lit cigars and pipes littering the tables, course language and cat calls mingled aimed at the scantly clad women walking around dropping off fresh ale and small platters of food. A few pinches here and there led to several men being introduced to the floor, a red palm glaring out from their face. Everyone knew that the ladies of [i]Serpent's Tavern[/i] weren't to be trifled with but new adventures and merchants always seemed compelled to try their luck.

One of these women, Aria, approached the small table with the lone drinker offering to refill the cup. At the same time the large cat under the table let out a disgruntled growl shaking his head to dispel the drop of ale that had found its way down on to his nose, waking him from his nap. A slow stretch and a nuzzle to his owner' lap assured him that nothing had changed during his time asleep, content his bright eyes peered out from under the table observing the crowded room. The hooded figure shook their head waving the young barmaid off, before returning to watching the bar. It was made of a deep oak, and unlike everything else it gleamed; dusty bottles lined the shelves behind it as worn glasses marred its surface. The burly man behind the bar laughed and smiled constantly wiping down the slab of wood, alternating between threatening to throw some of the louder patrons out and pouring drinks, joking with the flock of women crowding the bar. It was well known that the owner was a well off man, one who recently lost his wife. It seemed that these vultures merely wanted to offer their sympathies and a shoulder to cry on. 

[b]"E-excuse m-me...you're that hunter, right? The one who took out that pack of Silversnakes."[/b]

A whiny nasally voice pierced her thoughts as sharp eyes focused on the man, a low growl echoing from under the table echoing his masters disapproval. 

[b]"I might be, why?"[/b] 

Arwan made no move to remove her hood or even offer a greeting to the weak looking man, he probably wanted her to help clear out his farm, to help save his lively hood. She frowned letting out a soft sigh, honestly how many of these fools did she have to deal with before they got the idea; she didn't work for free or for food or for simple reputation. No pay, no work; it didn't get any simpler than that. Crossing her arms lightly over her chest she leaned back delicately balancing the stool on two legs, her fingers drumming on her arm. 

[b]"Ah, right sorry...will you help me? I don't have much money, just a few coins but please! My farm is all I have, my wife left me, my children are starving...please, I traveled here to find someone to help...'[/b] 

The man begged, he was dressed in a tattered shirt and pants that were ripping at the stitches, by all accounts his story would hold credible with any Hunter debating on helping him. 

Unfortunately he picked the wrong one to ask. 

[i]'Of course, another desperate farmer. Tch, if you didn't live so close to the edge maybe you wouldn't be attacked by beast.'[/i] 

Her annoyed thought echoed in her eyes, the man stumbled taken aback by the open hostility from her. Never having dealt with hunters before he assumed that they all were nice and eager to help out their fellow man. Stunned he stood there as the woman rose, a soft clink of a coin hitting the table, the shadows underneath parted as a large cat brushed past him sending shivers down his spine. Her shoulder slammed into his sending him staggering backwards. 

[b]"Find someone else."[/b] 

Her words were callous and low, floating behind her as she stalked her way towards the door, her mood ruined by a penniless idiot. 


[i][h2][u]Morning At The Western Gate[/u][/h2][/i]

Dust stirred as Fahd's tail slowly lashed out back and forth, he disliked crowds and the gathering at the plaza was by all means a crowd. His fur brushed closely against Arwan's leg determined to keep next to her and to keep others away. A leather hand reached down affectionately scratching behind his ears, the rest of her was leant up against a stall using it's awning as shade from the hot morning sun. Her head was held at a tilt curiosity burning in her eyes as she listened to the announcement. A railway deep into L.A., now that was ambitious; pair that with the promise of a large pay day and the woman was completely hooked. 

[b]"What do you think, Fahd? Go see where you came from?[/b]

Her affectionate tone drew a low purr from the large cat, a soft nuzzle to her hand was the only reply she got. She hadn't expected much of an answer, he and her were a pair where she went he would follow. The fever of the crowd was soon at full boil as everyone eagerly whispered and pushed trying to sign up or reach their friends. The taste of adventure was almost addicting, but it was the cold promise of money that had Arwan in its grip, besides it was a chance to find larger beast. The larger the beast the larger the reward. 

[i]'Seems, like I'll need to stock up.'[/i]