Hearing the wind pick up, Rida shivered. Heavy winds usually meant storms, storms meant lightning and thunder. Both of which scared the little neko. Pulling on a pair of ankle high black leather boots, a small inch heel, he tied the laces and left his room. He knew Luce had asked him to stay, but he was nervous. The demon had been gone for a while, he was worried about him. Moving to the doorway of the main room, he faltered there, debating on interacting with the other people or just going back to his room.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the room, walking quickly towards the kitchen, suddenly noticing how hungry he was again. Passing the female from last night, he pushed open the kitchen door, looking around in wonder for a few moments before walking around, trying to think of what he really wanted to eat. He didn't think Luce would mind him being back here anyway.

Reoorik felt a strange sensation as his new demon master invoked the contract, his own eyes seemed to glaze over; the smell of Luce's blood intoxicated the room as it mingled with his own. The goblin lowered his head in subservience, in response to the word's he whispered after the begining, "I Reorik Heltooth, son of the Ghihanian tribe, swear my loyalty to you". He fell silent after the next part, letting the sting of his wounds liven up his nervous system with pain.

As the room settled to normalcy, Reorik smiled slightly, feeling somewhat different now that the contract had been sealed. Brushing his braids from his eyes, he went to dress himself; now that he was well and sober, the cold of the encroaching night began to affect him. Slipping on his shorts and the black tanktop he had worn underneath his hoodie, he left his shoes and socks off, since his feet were somewhat resistant cold; a natural trait since his species spent quite a in the crude, savage, yet beutiful wilderness. He hesitated somewhat before speaking, his eyes meeting the symbol that healed over his hand's wound, "Shall I go..... apologize to Vex?" . He honestly didn't believe she would be the forgiving type, considering he had tried to inflict a flesh wound on her.

Luce was staring at his hand, eyes filled with uncertainty again. "Reorik." For a moment, when Luce uttered the goblin's name, there was power in his voice. The demon gave no commands for his new servant, he was just testing it. Getting a feel for it. A soft sigh left his lips and he blinked, looking at Reorik. He watched the goblin get dressed. Luce's lips parted, he was about to speak, the wind picked up. Thunder crashed overhead and lightening lit up the sky. Luce jumped and flinched. Whatever he had been about to say didn't get said.

Luce hated the thunder. Rain began to pelt the roof, a steady moderate rain fall. Perhaps the storm wouldn't last long? The demon blinked, he'd been staring at the window, he wasn't sure when he had looked away from Reorik. He shook his head to clear it. "Reorik," Luce's tone was gentle as he spoke. "You should only apologize if you sincerely mean it. Something like that can only be decided by you." Luce's smile turned mischevious and a hint of lust had come into his eyes. "Now, my beautiful pet, if you will excuse me, there is a very delicious cat boy who needs my attention." Luce turned to leave and hesitated, glancing over his shoulder. "You have free run of the inn. All doors, except bedrooms that are not yours, will be open to you. Even the rooms that don't have doors." That being said, Luce slipped out of the goblin's room to look for Rida.

"Yes master....", the young goblin's voice sounded almost drone-like. Reorik bowed as Luce turned to leave, was he even genuinely sorry? Although he was truly sorry for hurting Luce, that woman downstairs had crimes to pay for, worse enough crimes that a bounty was placed upon her head. He gazed at the symbol on his palm as he walked barefoot out of the room behind his new master. Reorik began to wander, it took maybe a minute before he discovered the location of a staircase going down.

Carefully he descended, keeping an eye out for Vex, in case she would be more than a little bit grudge bearing. He peeked down, seeing her lounging lazily at the bar counter, the lightning outside illuminated his form as he hugged the wall, trying to avoid her drunken gaze. Even if he were spotted, Reorik would not be the one to initiate conversation. At the end of the room was what he perceived to be the kitchen, he made his way there.

Inside the kitchen, he found a young neko digging through the pantry. Putting a somewhat serious look on his face he approached "Did Master Luce give you permission to be snooping back here?" He placed his hand on a surface above the boy's head, he couldn't explain it, the emotion he felt was a mix of loyalty and love for Luce, and was much more intense than how he'd felt previous to Luce entering his room. Staring at the top of the cat-boy's head, he couldn't help but begin to scratch the ears with his sharp nails; doing so lightly as to not cause damage.

Just as quickly, Reorik pushed off of the surface, performing a small spin as he made his way to the fridge. Tonight would definitly be a night for an all meat meal. Inside the extravigantly decorated fridge, he found a cooked cold ham waiting, which was fine and dandy, but he really was in the mood for fish. He smirked with joy seeing a raw trout sitting in an odd space between a jug of Milk and a gallon of lemonade.

He licked his lips as he headed to a nearby waste receptical, begining to peel off the scales with the somewhat long nails of his left hand. His fingers worked like knives, and were even able to help him gut the healthy fish. Looking back at the neko; who regardless if he'd spoken, would notice Reorik paying almost no mind to him; The goblin spoke in a comanding tone "You know where the pans are in this place? " Fish dinner was perfect for a stormy night.

Luce had made a quick stop in at Rida's room. The boy wasn't there, smiling softly Luce left the room and made his way down the stairs. Luce moved slowly, almost as if he were lounging while he walked, his body very relaxed, save for the slight tensing now and then when a particularly loud crash of thunder was heard. Luce entered the kitchen only a few steps behind Reorik, amusement in his eyes and a brow raised at the tone the goblin was taking with Rida. He cleared his throat softly. "Reorik, Rida is a guest in this inn, this place is his home away from home. I daresay he has more business snooping around here than you do. Rida needs no one's permission, he is bound to none but himself." Though Luce probably should have been stern. His tone was more like the tone of a parent reluctant to scold a misbehaving child.

Those crimson eyes watched Reorik for a few moments before he shook his head. "It's a magical inn. All you need to do is walk in the kitchen, tell it what food you want, what utensils you need and they'll be there. You don't even need to speak aloud. Just think it at the inn." Luce stepped closer to Rida, slipping an arm around the cat boy and nuzzling his neck softly. Luce inhaled deeply, his attention on the neko, but he was still watching Reorik out of the corner of his eye. Of course, Luce's thoughts had turned to more carnal things, things that involved Reorik and Rida tied to a bed. Luce murred softly, and nipped gently at the soft flesh of Rida's neck. Lord of lust indeed!

It constantly rolled off Luce in subtle waves, like gentle ripples. Others could feel it, but it wasn't enough to make them do anything against their own will. No doubt Reorik could feel it now though, and it even seemed to emit from Reorik as well. Of course there were other advantages to a contract with a demon. Reorik would be faster now, stronger, more agile, his sense slightly sharpened even more than normal for a creature of his race. The changes were subtle changes though, only slightly noticeable, if one cared to notice. They were undoubtedly connected. Luce could sense Reorik's presance sharply. He would almost always know where the goblin was, the same would be for Reorik as well, it would be easy for the goblin to find Luce no matter where he might be. They were connected on a telepathic level as well, though perhaps not a very strong one, due to the fact that Luce kept shields around his own mind to ward off unwanted telepaths.

Now slumped forward onto the bar, cheek mashed up into her eye with the palm of her hand, Vex sighed. A half empty bottle of wiskey sat next to her. What? It wasn't a new bottle. Her fingers traced the edge of her empty glass as her half open eyes stared blankly ahead, boredom throwing her into a daze. She almost didn't notice the man who had tried to attack her earlier descending the stairs. In fact, although her eyes followed him towards the kitchen, she didn't realize who she was watching until he had almost dissapeared into the next room, when she stood quickly, grabbing the wiskey bottle as a weapon and taking a martial arts stance.

Vex stood that way for a moment even though the man had just seemed to pass her by, Luce close behind. She shrugged as she replaced the bottle on the shelf. People are strange, she thought to herself. Staring in the direction of the kitchen, Vex seemed to pout for a moment. What was going on in there that took everyone's attention? It was lonely out there at the bar, maybe she should look into it. Leaning against the bar again, she thought twice. She probably didn't need to go around the man who'd tried to attack her, in case he tried again.

By this time, Vex had done a peachy job of drinking away her pain, although it didn't stop the memories from filling her head any. She wondered where Cade was, if he was really looking for her. What would she do should he find her? Be happy, run away? Vex sighed. She was so tired of this life, she was tired of running, and stealing and conning to make her way, but it was too late to change now. The people after her would never stop until she was locked away forever, or dead. Making her way around the bar to a stool, she sat, crossing her arms in front of her. She rested her forehead on the edge of the bar as she stared towards the floor. How had this happened?

Rida had moved to check in the pantry, hoping to find some inspiration of what he'd like to eat, shivering and hugging himself tightly from the lightning and thunder he could hear outside. When the someone walked up on him, he pressed against the wall, biting his bottom lip. Shuddering at the feel of someone touching his ears, he barely contained the whimper, still so painfully shy.

When Luce, wasn't sure how he knew, wrapped his arm around him, the neko curled into the others side and wrapped his arms tightly around the others waist, purring lightly when the other had started nuzzling his neck. When the demon nibbled on his neck, Rida whimpered lightly, not of fear or pain. Though when another crash of lightning sounded, followed by the angry rumbles of thunder, Rida had jumped, whimpering again, though out of fear, and clung tighter to the demon, his slightly pointed nails accidentally digging into skin.

Reorik's pale green face turned a darker shade, noticing his new master was right behind him the whole time. He quickly lowered his head; noticing Vex peeking into the room for a split second, she looked almost as pathetic, as he probably had earlier. His focus quickly shifted back to Luce, the magic of their contract seemed to be almost self disciplinary. He spoke in a respectful and apologetic tone, "Forgive me master, I was merely toying with her, I meant nothing by...... Did you say he?" The young goblin was quite surprised how feminine the neko appeared.

As Luce mentioned the power of the house once more; Reorik didn't know how, but he could sense the demon's displeasure. As he turned tothe stove, he noticed a pan that had not been there previously. He shut up and started to cook the fish on the pan. His own mood seemed to lighten up as Luce's did. His dark blush continued as he walked out of the kitchen, leaving the master to fondle his boy. He waslked past Vex, sitting on the opposite end of the bar. His sharp teeth tore through the fish quicker than his nails had, the entire time he ate, he only glanced at her from the corner of his eyes.

Luce couldn't hide his amusement as Reorik realized Rida was ineed a boy. "No harm was done, Reorik, just be more gentle in the way you tease." A soft chuckle had passed his lips, and he held the neko closer. "Storms are such noisy things." He murmered softly when Rida's claws bit into his flesh some, he had tensed just slightly. His hands ran soothingly up and down the cat boy's spine, rubbing small circles as they moved. Slowly, once Reorik had gone, Luce released Rida from the ebrace but not before kissing him softly on the cheek and slipping his hand lightly into one of Ridas, fingers interlocking with the neko's.

"Are you hungry? Just think what you want, and it should appear on the counter." Luce nodded towards the counter cloesest to them. He was slightly in a hurry to get back in the main room. Mostly to check on Vex. He was just a little worried that she might have had too much to drink. Though he was confident that the inn would stop allowing her access to alcohol if that happened, then again, it might not.

As the storm roared outside, a figure appeared as it stumbled into the inn. The torn cloak could barely cover the figure of a young woman. It could barely hide her ripped dress or the wounds she suffered form falling into a briar patch. Her light brown hair was soaked and sticking to her face from the storm outside. The pale woman laid there on the floor barely covered by her light blue dress. She hadn't eaten since stepfather had chased her out of the house several nights ago. Her eyes tried to open as she lead there on the floor.

Reorik glanced up, seeing a somewhat pathetic figure enter the in. The young high-goblin continued to eat, uncaring if other patrons could see his sharp teeth. He would act if Luce wanted him to help her, although the demon was more than able to do it himself. Reorik continued to stare at the human girl as he finished off the last bite of fish.

Luce would help the girl, he would do it without hesitation. But, the demon was still in the kitchen with Rida. Waiting for the neko to decide if he wanted or not so that they could both finally go back to the main room and Luce could check on Vex. Luce could do nothing at the moment, his attention on the neko and he was only slightly aware of another presance inside the inn. Though of course the inn spoke to him. So Luce knew. He also knew that no one was helping the poor girl that entered, Vex was probably too out of it and Reorik was just...self involved. Luce could understand that, though it didn't mean he approved of it.

All guests of this inn were to be treated with kindness and compassion. Luce did expect his new servant to treat all his guests that way as well, but perhaps he hadn't really explained that to Reorik yet. Well, he'd get to it eventually. He hugged Rida gently as thunder once again crashed over head, Luce really did not like the noise it made. It was amazing, the deep connection he had with the inn, it made communicating with it easy. So very easy. The inn nearly knew what he thought moments before he thought it. Most of the time. The walls seemed to glow slightly for a moment and then gently, the tired, injured, no doubt hungry female was lifted from the floor. The girl disappeared.

Magic swirled where she had been and then above where she appeared for a few moments. The girl had simply been moved, reappearing gently on a warm bed with a tray laden of food on the nearby table, and a key with a white silk ribbon next to the tray. Already the wounds the girl has suffered were quickly healing. Her own natural ability to heal given a slight boost from the inn.

Rida nibbled his bottom lip, still quite unsure what he wanted to eat. But fish did sound good. Tilapia maybe. He recalled a recipe one of his old masters used to eat a lot, that Rida never got to try; Lemon Parmesan Tilapia with a baked sweet potato and sauteed, buttery broccoli and cauliflower. Watching to plate appear on the counter, along with the eating utensil, he let a wisp of a smile appear. Shuddering as another rumble of thunder rolled overhead, Rida hesitantly released his hold from the demon, except for the one hand that went down and laced their fingers together while he picked up the plate. Blushing, the neko looked at Luce, realizing he was going to be thirsty but didn't want to let go of the older male. Maybe he could grab it later, but he started to move out of the kitchen, almost sensing Luce's desire to be in the main room.

Hearing someone enter the bar area, Vex didn't bother to look up. It wasn't until the door to the Inn opened that she turned her head to see a young girl standing, looking to be in bad shape. She seemed to be injured, and maybe scared, but in the next moment the Inn's magic swirled about her and she dissapeared. Vex's eyes found the man at the other end of the bar as she sat up, frowning deeply. It was the man who had tried to attack her earlier. She should probably say something rude to him, or give him a good wack on the head, but instead she just watched him for a moment, studying him, wondering what his deal was and why he hadn't tried to attack her again.

The woman laid there as she was lifted off the ground and tucked into the bed. Her wounds did heal but left her scarred from the deep cuts the briars had made to her soft, pale-ish skin. She started to stir as she felt the warmth of the bed and smelled the delicious food next to her head. Her blue eyes started to open and focus as she looked around the room. The food enticed her but she wasn't sure if it was safe to eat. But she felt the hunger pains in her stomach again.

The girl blushed as she nearly attacked the food tray and started to eat with the hunger of a bear. She wiped her mouth as she looked for water or something to drink and was surprised when it just appeared next to her bed in a large pitcher with a glass. Her eyes went to the glass as she looked around to see who brought it. But her hand slowly grasped the glass and took a long drink.

When Rida's plate of fish appeared, Luce inhaled deeply. It did smell rather delicious, Luce licked his lips slightly and followed behind Rida as the cat boy exited the kitchen, still holding his hand. Those blue eyes quickly scanned over the main room, mostly to make sure Vex and Reorik were getting along. Luce gave Rida's hand a slight tug, and turned to lead him around behind the bar. Guiding the neko to a stool already set up on employee side of the bar just before he sat down on the one next to Rida. Reluctantly, Luce released the boy's hand so he could eat.

That ruby eyed stare found it's way to Vex and he watched her for a few moments, then his gaze shifted to Reorik. Honestly, Luce wasn't entirely sure what to do with the high-goblin. Leave him alone? Probably, but they had a contract. Luce frowned, his brow furrowing slightly in thought. Those thoughts soon turned to the girl upstairs. No doubt she was a little confused, probably scared even. After all, just had been in one place, and then suddenly in a bedroom. Her room key was there too, though. Surely she would venture out of the room to see what was going on, though maybe he should go up and check on her. Luce was just a bit conflicted.

She looked around her room as it seemed quiet and lonely. It reminded her of her home at night before her mother remarried after the death of her father. Her eyes started to water before wiping her tears and stood to change out of her torn dress. A lovely blue one appeared in her closet as she smiled and began to like the place she had stumbled upon that stormy night. The dress fit nicely on her womanly shape then she tied the key around her neck and liked how it looked. She brushed her hair before going to the door and opening it slowly. The downstairs seemed quiet but she decided to go down and see who was there.

Her feet led her to the top of a staircase as she looked down at the few occupants of the inn. She looked at the demon, kitty boy, other female, and the goblin in the bar. The woman clutched her dress but continued down the stairs a bit scared of those around her. Some bruises were visible on her skin as well as the faint scars from her injuries.

Cytria had been lost in thought while she had drank her drink only to be disturbed when the goblin came down the stairs. She had watched the goblin until he had gone into the kitchen. she had felt the magic earlier, anyone with any sense could have felt the magic at work, and she was still wondering as to what had caused that flux when she saw the lady walk into the inn and then disappear. "wonder where she went..."

the storm was in full force and lashing against the building almost as if trying to tear the building down and Cytria longed to go outside and dance within the storm. "doesn't get old, nor is it ever the same" Cytria thought to herself a slightly wistful look on her face as she stared out the window. she didn't see the owner walk down the stairs but she did notice him walking out of the kitchen with the boy. the goblin was also sitting at the bar and seemed to be stared at by the girl who had tried to rip her off earlier. "fine way to repay someone who was willing to fight against the goblin" she thought as she took another sip of her glass. she was glad to find out that the inn refilled the drink, and tried to accommodate its guests to make them more comfortable.

she looked back at the stairs in time to see the lady who had arrived moments before descending the stairs her wounds seemingly healed. the lady was pretty the room key and blue dress accentuating her figure. "mmn pretty woman"

Luce was silent, his gaze drifting back to Rida. Watching as the neko silently ate. After all the excitement earlier, things had seemed to have slowed down and calmed a lot. That was good, Luce didn't really want any fights to break out in the Inn. The demon watched Rida for a few more moments before glancing up. Those blue eyes swept over the Inn, and stopped on the woman descending the stairs. A smile made itself home to his lips he waited for her to get closer before he spoke.

"Welcome beautiful Lady." Luce's voice was soft and gentle, holding just a little bit of a flirting tone to it. "The bar is self service, everything is on the house. If you want a warm meal, let me know and I'll see what the kitchen whips up for you." Luce's expression changed, just slightly. Taking on a more sultry look. "And, if ever you find your bed a little too cold, I am always available and happy to help warm it."

The young woman walked to the bar and sat away from the other female and the goblin. She looked to the man who spoke to her and blushed softly. "T-thank you. Can I have some apple cider, non-alcoholic, please." Her blue eyes on him and shook her head softly. "I ate too much upstairs." The young woman was glad it was on the house, she had no money to spend. Her home was nothing like this place, not since her father died. She tucked some of her long, brown hair behind her ear as she looked at her skin. "Briar bushes got me good." The bruises weren't from a plant, however.

Luce stood and lightly ruffled Rida's hair for a moment. The bar was self service, but apple cider wasn't really a bar item, that was kept in the kitchen. "Briar bushes can be quite vicious, I don't think they fully understand how delicate warm flesh can be." He gave her a brilliant smile before moving off into the kitchen. It didn't take more than a minute for Luce to return with the apple cider, he set it down gently in front of her. "I am called Luce." He spoke the words very softly as he leaned on the bar top to get a good, close look at the girl's face. "This inn is always a haven to those that seek refuge." He spoke those words with a knowing tone, even though it was rather impossible that he knew of this woman's situation.

Luce was only guessing that she'd been running from something.

"he works fast" Cytria thought as she watched the bartender work on the woman. Cytria's eyes had also noticed the bruises on the young woman's skin, and had had guessed that they weren't from the bushes. "a little Aloe balm will help alleviate the itchiness of those scratches... and act as a sort of antibiotic"

Cytria spoke softly, loud enough for the two to hear, but low enough that it was obvious that she meant it just for their ears. she hadn't quite learned how to throw her voice a skill that could prove to be the deciding factor in a fight. she still kept an weary eye on the goblin, for all that he was acting tamed. She had found that if someone was willing to fight her they could only be trusted to do it again in the future.

"so that's two men... and maybe one woman?" Cytria thought to herself as she studied the blue dressed woman.

She nodded and traced her scars but avoided the bruises before looking at the cider before her. "Thank you. I'm Sikura." Her eyes went to his as she blushed softly as she sipped her beverage. Sikura looked at him with wide eyes as he spoke of refuge and looked down at her glass. "I can see why." The woman tried not to cry as he guessed why she was here. The woman looked up as she heard someone else speak to her. She saw another woman that seemed to speak to her. Sikura nodded, agreeing with the woman before looking down at her wounded flesh. "I'll try that and try not to be a burden this place." Her voice was soft as she closed her eyes.

Reorik could sense his master's feelings of dissapointment, and the gaze coming from the luch on the other end of the bar didn't help. Silently he stood. His lanky form kneeling below the bar and retrieving a first aid kit. He brought the box to Luce, nodding politely to the new guest as he stood before the two. He gave Vex her distance, sure she would overeact to small mistakes and miscommunication. Speaking in his usual, somewhat raspy-tone, he asked her, "would you like me to apply ointment to your wounds mistress?" He was not sure how Luce would react to his use of the word, although he could sense Luce's emtions, exact words were hard to describe. His grey eyes looked over the girls wounds, which seemed to be mainly from a barehand. He personally had not been so lucky when it came to punishment, his right hand instinctively touched his back scars, old memories danced in his mind.

Rida ate quietly, studying the people, watching Luce. The few times their eyes met, Rida blushed and looked down. He said he was going to stay, but did that mean he was now owned by the demon? Would he be wearing a collar? He liked ribbons. Hopefully the older demon would let him get fabrics so he could make his own clothes. Maybe he could make something for Luce too. To repay him.

Glancing back at the demon, the neko let his gaze linger and study the others body. Already he was thinking of not just clothes for him to wear, but clothes to make the demon. With his mind distracted he played with his food, pushing it around before picking up a bite that sometimes would make it to his lips. Other times he'd let it hang in the air.