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Another day of travel. Nity and Roddy had been on the road for at least a week, traveling from New City to the newest settlement in the west, Furantur. Although they made it a point to never count the days on the road, they could feel the weariness of their bodies in their aching backs and throbbing heads. They were happy to have one another to pass the time, but how many games can you play before you need some alone time? (Hint: 247)
The sun was getting lower and the woods were never ending, each turn on the faint road revealing more trees and brush and more trees…and more brush…
“Roddy, can we make camp at the next settlement? I would love an inn to sleep in for the evening and I know your back aches.” Nity rested her cheek on Roddy’s shoulder as he loosely gripped the reigns of the horse.
“Definitely.” He agreed without hesitation. “Tell me when you see something that isn’t a tree.” He grumbled.
His shoulder shook from stifled laughter. “I see a bush.” Nity whispered before immediately covering her face and giggling.
Roddy rolled his eyes, but the smile still found its way to his face. There were some things he would never tire of - and Nityna Vryl not being able to make it through a single joke without laughing was certainly one of them.
The road seemed torturous after that, the mention of pulling over seemed to have angered nature as it seemed every root and rock in a ten mile radius made its way to the center of the trail they were riding on. Luckily, it only lasted for a brief time as there was a small opening in the trees that revealed another settlement!
There were only a few buildings, it appeared to be a pub, an inn, a few homes, and possibly some shops at first glance. Although, a settlement this small rarely needed more than the one.
“As long as there are spirits and a bed, I am perfectly content to stop for the night.” Nity announced.
“I would settle for a pile of hay at this moment.” Roddy straightened his back and felt it pop and crack all the way down to his tailbone as he pulled the cart off the road. Nity kissed her partner’s shoulder and moved further into the cart. As he pulled to the side of the pub, he could hear her shuffling their packs around.
It was only two copper to store their cart for the evening, a price they welcomed after being in Nuledar for a week. The promise of rare gemstones and a view with your room apparently drove the price up.
“The names are certainly promising, aren’t they?” Roddy asked, surveying the small village and weighing their options.
“The Laughing Pub? Sounds exciting.” Nity smiled as she stared at the crumbling building. It appeared to have been made out of wood, but the color was a disturbing green that struck Roddy with the very specific image of infection.
Roddy interlocked their fingers. “Truly.”
The two of them entered The Laughing Pub, the scent of alcohol immediately invading Roddy’s senses. Only three of the seats at the bar were taken by a large bearded man and his two companions, a genasi covered in earth tones and an elf with a very long face and black hair that reached the middle of his back. The rest of the bar was populated by mostly dwarves and Leonin - in other words an abundance of hair.
Nity’s hand tightened around Roddy’s, he could feel her rapid pulse as they strolled to a tall, round table in the corner. As well-known as they are in certain towns, this was not one of them, and they knew all too well the adjustment period for Nity.
“Are you craving anything, mrimm d’ssinss ?” Roddy asked as he rubbed light circles on the back of her hand. “The oil here is sure to knock the wind out of you.”
Nity grinned, the light of the wall sconces reflecting on her round glasses. “A good oil always takes the edge off.”
“I can make something happen for you, you know. I am pretty well-known.”
“Oh, are you?” Nity’s smile widened.
“Yes, definitely.” He nodded seriously. “I guarantee you that I could fight any person in this pub with my eyes closed and my hands tied and still win.”
Nity’s laughter rang out and Roddy’s heart seemed to expand in his chest. Her joy made any trek worth it. Any stupid joke, any horrid experience, anything. As long as she was happy, he knew that he would do it again in a heartbeat.
Roddy could feel the stares from around the pub as strangers began to form their terrible opinions, whatever judgment they reserved for those that were different. The three men at the bar turned around with amused expressions, chuckling slightly as they stared.
“Stay here, I’ll go get us some.” Roddy stood and pressed a quick kiss to his partner’s cheek before striding to the bar.
The bartender was all hair, his comically large mustache and bushy eyebrows obscured nearly every detail about his face. The small quirk of the eyebrow was the only indication he gave that Roddy had his attention.
“2 pints of oil, please.” Roddy placed a silver piece on the counter, drumming his fingers absent-mindedly.
“Oi.” The large (and most certainly drunk) bearded man at the bar called out to Roddy. “You new in town?”
“Just passing through.” Roddy responded curtly, sparing no more than a glance to the men on his right.
“Not a lot of elves in this little town.” He took a long drink from his mug.
Roddy turned and nodded his head to the man’s elvish companion. “Seems that you found another one alright.”
The men all chuckled, nudging one another with their elbows like a gaggle of teenagers with an inside joke. “You’re funny.”
“I try.” Roddy remarked, he could feel their eyes on him as he moved his attention to the bar once more.
Everything okay? Nity’s voice echoed in his head tinged with concern.
Everything is great.
The big man stood and extended his arm to Roddy, their height difference becoming that much more obvious in close proximity. “Name’s Teagen.”
Roddy firmly grasped his hand feeling years worth of calluses and scars. “Rodolphus.”
“Rodolphus…” Teagen seemed to be thinking, something Roddy was surprised he was capable of. “Where you from?”
“East.” He answered plainly, too aware of Teagen’s hand still gripping his own.
“Have a lot of drow out east, do you?” He stepped closer and Roddy had to tilt his head back to keep eye contact. Anxiety and anger blossomed through his chest as Teagen’s hand moved to grasp Roddy’s forearm.
Everything okay? Nity’s voice returned, this time more insistent.
“Let go of my arm.” Roddy said calmly, not wanting to cause a scene.
“Tell you what,” Teagen’s foul-smelling breath was invading every one of Roddy’s senses. “You and your little pet get the fuck outta this pub or me and me friends here will make sure you never come back.”
A smile spread across Teagen’s face as Roddy fell silent for a moment. “Let go of my arm.” He repeated calmly.
“Make me, pretty boy.” Teagen’s grip tightened.
Roddy straightened, putting his mouth as close to Teagen’s ear as he could. “I will skin you alive with my goddamn teeth.” He growled. Teagen’s grip loosened for a moment in shock and Roddy seized the moment, pulling his hand out and putting distance between them.
“You’re gonna regret that, little man.” Teagen seemed to stand even taller, his face red with anger.
“I’d love to see you try.” Roddy taunted, adrenaline rushing through his veins.
Roddy, what’s happening?
“And what does that bitch of yours think?” Teagen stalked forward, his friends standing and moving to support their leader. “Can she even talk?”
Roddy heard Nity’s boots hit the floor as she left her seat, definitely ready to fight. “Shut your fucking mouth, you slack-jawed half-wit.” He stood his ground, letting Teagen walk directly up to him.
“Boys?” Teagen called out to his friends. “Whatdya call a man that fucks-”
Roddy’s fist connected with the jaw of the larger man, throwing his body weight forward and knocking them both off balance.
“Fuck!” Roddy yelled, shaking out his hand. “What the fuck-”
Teagen struck him, Roddy could feel his nose crack as he flew back, crashing into tables and splintering wood. His eyes welled with tears as he held his broken nose, tasting the copper of his own blood. “Not so tough now, are you?” There was a sound of someone spitting and by the time Roddy had processed that , he had also figured out where it would land.
The other man turned and began walking back to the bar, laughing with his friends. Nity rushed to Roddy’s side, her hand resting on his shoulder. “Are you okay?”
His heart burned in anger, his face was throbbing with pain. Roddy turned and spat blood onto the hardwood floor, his vision tunneling on the asshole at the bar. He couldn’t think straight now, his entire body tingled with adrenaline as he stood and began to move toward him. He lifted a glass off one of the tables, not stopping until he stood directly behind the hulking dipshit.
“Hey, Fucker.” Roddy grabbed his shoulder with his empty hand, turning Teagen’s body to face him before slamming the glass on the bearded man’s head, knocking his face down and slamming against the bar.
“What the Hel?” The elf yelled as Roddy pushed past them and punched the man again, this time he could feel the impact echo through his jaw and he knew that Teagen would be losing some teeth.
Roddy wiped his bleeding nose with the back of his hand and staggered back. “Shut your fucking mouth next time.” He spat. The tavern had fallen completely silent, every patron watching in wonder as this small, gangly elf spun around, reaching blindly for the woman he had entered with. Her hand found Roddy’s as they walked to the door, trying to appear as casual and cool as they possibly could while also speed walking for their lives.
They took two steps outside the pub before Roddy’s legs began to shake. “Nity-”
She understood immediately, wrapping arms around him and taking one more step. The world went completely black, a moment of complete weightlessness as their physical forms tore through the fabric of reality, moving without resistance. The world opened up once more and they found themselves standing in the center of the inn, the leonin behind the counter staring at them with wide eyes and a slack jaw.
Roddy’s arm was around Nity’s shoulder as his legs continued to buckle beneath his own weight. “One room, please.”
Two silver and a short walk later, Roddy was sat on the edge of the bed, his shirt discarded, exposing the horrible bruises and deep cuts on his back, while Nity sat next to him pulling shards of glass out of his hand in silence. Roddy stared at his lover’s face as she worked, his body aching with every breath. Her cheeks were flushed, her glasses were placed carefully on her head allowing him to see her eyes unobstructed.
She finished wrapping his hand and before Roddy could say anything, she had already stood and moved to the window. Her arms were crossed and, though Roddy couldn’t see her, he knew she was crying.
“Nity-”
“What did he say?” Nity’s voice wavered.
Roddy hesitated before answering quietly. “Just threats.”
Nity scoffed and shook her head, wiping her face with the back of her hand. “I-”
“I’m sorry.” Roddy interrupted, standing and hobbling over to Nity. “I know you don’t need a hero. I know you don’t need me to fight your battles. I know we could have just left.” She stayed silent. “But-”
“We are heroes, Roddy.” Nity turned to face him, her face streaked with tears. “ You are not the hero and I am not the damsel that needs saving.” Her bottom lip quivered. “I think you forget that.”
Roddy stepped forward, taking her hand in his. “If there is anything in the nine realms you don’t have to remind me of - it is that you aren’t a damsel.” He cracked a smile. “You are one of the most fearsome warriors I’ve ever met, one of the bravest and most talented mages I know.” Nity sniffled and tried to look away, but Roddy cupped her face gently with his hand, bringing her eyes to his again. “But you are also the sole owner of my heart, Nityna. And I will not allow any threats made to you to stand unchallenged.”
Nity finally broke composure as she allowed herself to cry, burying herself in Roddy’s chest. He wrapped his arms around her shaking form, rubbing small circles on her back and whispering ‘I love you’s in all the languages they knew.