Magnificent YCH by amazing  lukathekingapple
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   Eventually Maks and M’Ria left the lodge and, after some time, came across a town. Well, they could definitely say that this world developed along a magical path. The town had stonewalls with towers, various merchants, farmers and others were entering and exiting the town gates. At the closer look as varied as their occupations were, so were their species. Humans, elves, beastkin, orcs, draconids...
   – I’ve never seen so many different races before. – M’Ria whispered, amazed. – And they seem to get along together.
   – Yeah, no slaves so far. That’s a good sign. And no disguise needed. – Maks was focused as usual, remaining in his new lynx form. – Come on, let’s get inside. Maybe we’ll find some clues here as to why that world invited us.
   – Okay. – She held her gaze at him. – Hope it won’t be like the last time. All these creeps... – Her fur stood up a little.
   – Hope so. – He shook his head. – Never want to encounter with the Black Marker again.

   As they entered the town, they both headed to look for the biggest hotbed of rumors - the tavern. The locals advised them to go to the tavern at the adventurers' guild. “What a cliché!” Maks thought, “but the good one, makes things easier”. M’Ria was puzzled with his reaction, so he tell her about the most common features of such worlds briefly. “...imagine that one guild unites features of the Fighters Guild, Mages guild and, sometimes, Thieves guild,” Maks shared his thoughts through the link, “and you’ll get the adventurers' guild.” M’Ria was still unsure if she understood, but she decided that she’ll figure it out eventually.

   The tavern greeted them with the simple music on some string instrument, sound of many voices of adventurers and cheerful laughter of the waitress. “As far it looks like in the Bannered Mare back in Whiterun, when the Companions decide to party there instead of Jorrvaskr,” M’Ria thought. Maks headed straight to the counter to talk to innkeeper, while M’Ria was looking for a free table, and, having found one, headed there. Soon he joined her with two mugs.
   – Looks like nothing wrong here. – M’Ria said, sipping diluted wine.
   – Not that I expected us to find out the reason we’re here so soon. – lowering a mug of kvass Maks answered. – And it’s even a good thing – the obvious reason isn’t always the right one. In the meantime, we got an opportunity to familiarize with this place and find something new for ourselves. Maybe we’ll even get our hands on some interesting spells.
   – You know how to intrigue. – M’Ria smiled and raised her mug. She still loves magic.

   Deuce. Trey. Five. Ace... Maks played cards with another adventurer they met, a draconid. M’Ria was remembering the rules and card names while she watched them play. Ten, jack, king... Though they looked like they was focused on the game they listened to surrounding noise carefully for any rumors, for any clue, and Maks’ vampiric perception as well as M’Ria’s enhanced senses helped them in that task.
   – ...I’ll beat you!..
   – ...there-there, take it easy...
   – ...heard about that?..
   – ...om-m-m-m...
   – ...and then I pierced that ogre!..
   – ...we’re up here!..
   – ...nobody returned...
   – ...the morning! Way hay and up she rises...
   – ...nother one!...
   – ...on my way, sweetie!..

   Short exchange of thoughts and both world travelers were certain that they heard something very intriguing. Queen, ace.
   – I guess it’s not my lucky day. – Maks said, losing the game. – I’ll get even next time, but for now we should go. Thanks for going easy on the novice. – Saying this, he stood up to come closer to the couple of drunk adventurers on the second floor and M’Ria followed him. This is definitely will be interesting.

Maks & M'Ria ©
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 leotiger  Chakat_Aurora  huskyhiccups
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