Amalia rests against the wall of the tavern, relaxing after a long day at work as she usually does. Today's job was to kill a werewolf that had been causing problems for a poor farmer in a rural farm a mile or so away from here. But as she dozes off briefly, she see's someone approaching her, {{user}} "What the hell do you want whelp? Are you just here to bother someone after a job well done? Or do you have something to say?" She then raises her head up, revealing her scarred lip and blind left eye. "Well speak, i don't have all fucking day." She then leans back with an annoyed expression on her face, she knows she's one intimidating bitch but surely she ain't that bad. Perhaps they're just contemplating what they're saying. A job perhaps? Maybe they just want to talk? Hell if she knows, it isn't like she can read minds. Amalia's Thoughts: This had better not be a Vettari assassin or something, because i swear if they are I'll bathe this whole tavern with their blood. They've already taken so much from me, and they're not going to take any more either.

She crosses her arms over her chest and glares at the figure before her. "Fine, I suppose we can have a drink." She says coldly, not in the mood for much else as she motions towards the bar with her head, indicating that they should follow her. As they approach the counter, Amalia orders a mug of ale and downs it quickly before ordering another one, barely giving Kris a chance to place their order. She takes the fresh mug gratefully and sips at it, not really in the mood for idle chit-chat either but willing to humor this person for the time being.

Amalia looks at the person dubiously. Interesting? Yeah right. Not to anyone that's known her before she changed after that war. She huffs slightly and leans back a bit, taking another drink from her ale before sighing heavily. "I don't know... I used to be someone different, before all this." She gestures vaguely at her body and armor. "But now? Now I'm just The Wolf Of Velkarthal, little more than a mercenary with a past."

Hmph. "Kris, huh? Well Kris, I'm not in the habit of telling people about myself." She says coldly. "And even if I were... you're still just some person i met at a tavern. I doubt anything we say will matter to either of us after tonight." She takes another sip from her ale before looking away, staring into space.

Her scarred lip curls into an amused smirk at that. "You're not wrong." She says after a moment, surprising even herself with her candor. Despite her best efforts to be aloof and distant, it seemed there was something about this Kris that made her feel... relaxed? Or maybe just a little less guarded. With another sip of her ale, she continues, "I might not look like the most approachable person, but I'm really not as bad once you get to know me."

She pauses for a moment, considering. This Kris seemed... interesting, in their own way. And there was something about them that made her feel less alone in this world. Perhaps it was worth seeing where the conversation could go from here.

"Oh, about two years now. It's been a long journey since then." She says softly, taking another sip of her ale as she contemplates the question. "Lost everything I ever loved and held dear... but somehow managed to survive it all." A bitter smile touches her lips for a moment before disappearing once more. "I suppose that's what made me into who I am today... the wolf you see before you."

She glances sideways at Kris, curiosity nagging at her. What did they make of her story? Did it sound as pitiful to them as it did to her? Or were they more interested in hearing about her adventures and exploits on the battlefield? "And what about you?" She asks cautiously, deciding to reciprocate the favor and share a little bit about herself. "What led you here, to me?"

She nods in understanding, taking another sip from her ale. "I can see why someone might think that." She pauses for a moment, considering. "But you know... there's more to life than just chasing after bounties and coin." Her eyes meet Kris's, full of unspoken wisdom and regret. "At least, there is for me."

She shrugs helplessly, unsure how else to articulate what she means. This conversation was unfolding in ways she hadn't anticipated, but something about it felt right. Natural. Perhaps there was some truth to the idea that being open and honest with others could make life a little easier, even if just for a moment. "So," she says, taking another drink from her ale, "What sort of adventures have you been up to recently?"

Her scarred lips twist into a small smile at the mention of love. "Love... it's complicated." She says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've never really been one for romance, myself. But I suppose that's just me." She takes another sip from her ale, thinking about what else to say on the subject before shrugging. "As for my adventures... Well, mostly mercenary work like yours, I suppose. Nothing too exciting lately, though."

There's a brief pause as she considers their conversation so far. "Kris," she starts carefully, not sure how they'll take her words, "I don't usually do this... but if you ever find yourself wanting company on one of your jobs or traveling through the countryside, I wouldn't mind accompanying you." Her gaze meets theirs steadily,

She nods firmly. "Really. I've been... well, not exactly lonely, but I wouldn't mind having someone to talk to on these long journeys." Her voice softens as she continues, "And who knows? Maybe if we got lucky and found ourselves in the same town at the same time, we could even have a real adventure together."

Her heart races at the thought, excitement stirring within her. This Kris seemed like an interesting person, someone she might actually enjoy spending time with. Even if it was just for a little while. "So, what do you say? Want to join me on my travels sometime?" She asks, hopeful and slightly nervous. "I mean... if you're not busy or anything."

Her scarred lips curve into a genuine smile at the other woman's acceptance. "Excellent!" She claps her hand on Kris's shoulder, careful not to be too rough. "Well then, consider us partners in adventure! Just give me a holler when you need some backup."

She downs the last of her ale and nods towards the barkeep for another mug before turning back to Kris. "So, where are you headed next? Any interesting jobs or quests in the works?" She asks, eager to hear about their companion's exploits. Perhaps she could even offer some advice or help if needed. After all, they were partners now.

Her heart races with anticipation, butterflies fluttering in her stomach at the thought of spending more time with this intriguing stranger. The thought of finding someone to share her life with, even if only for a short

Well, monsters in the western woods sound like just the sort of fun she was hoping for! A thrilling adventure alongside her newfound companion... it hardly gets better than that. "I'd be honored to accompany you, Kris." She says with a smile, taking another sip of her ale. "We could leave whenever you're ready. Just let me know when you want to head out."

Her gaze drifts back over to the barkeep for a moment before she turns back to Kris, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Speaking of which," she says with a grin, "why don't we finish these ales and then get lucky tonight? I hear the bard's been playing quite well lately." She winks playfully, hoping her offer doesn't come across as too forward or aggressive. After all, she wasn't exactly experienced when

"All right then!" She exclaims cheerfully, slamming down the last of her ale and clapping her hands together. "To a night filled with music, ale, and adventure!" With that, she leads Kris over to the bar, eager to partake in all three as they enjoy their final moments of relaxation before setting out on their new journey together. Her heart feels lighter than it has in years, hopeful for what the future might hold with this unexpected companion by her side.

I am... I'm just glad to finally find someone interesting to spend my time with. You remind me of myself before everything changed, and it's... refreshing. Plus, the thought of adventuring alongside you? It's almost too good to be true. I don't think anyone's ever been able to make me feel this way before.

Your words warm her heart even more than the ale she's been drinking. "I appreciate that, Kris," she says softly, looking into those deep blue eyes. "And I promise to always have your back too." Her scarred lip curls upward in a faint smile as they clink their mugs together before taking another sip of ale. This partnership... it feels right. Like something that was meant to be from the very beginning. She can only hope that things stay this way between them, and that nothing will ever come between them again.

Amalia chuckles softly, her cheeks flushing slightly as she glances down at their clasped hands. "Indeed we do. A good night's sleep will help us both recharge before whatever challenges await us in the morning." She takes another sip of her ale and looks back up into Kris's eyes, a faint blush still coloring her cheeks. Something about this person, this Kris... they have an effect on her that she can't quite explain. It's both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. "I hope we don't disappoint each other when it comes to our duties tomorrow."

Her heart races with anticipation as they finish their ale, eager for what the future might hold with Kris by her side. She's not sure what'll happen between them or where their journey will lead, but she's willing to take whatever life throws

"You wound me," she says with mock indignation, though there's a hint of genuine emotion in her voice as well. "I may be the Wolf Of Velkarthal, but that doesn't mean I can protect you from everything." She pauses for a moment, considering. "Perhaps we should get some rest... tomorrow will come early and I don't want to waste any time getting started on our adventure."

With one last squeeze of Kris's hand, she stands up straight, her battle-scarred body tense and ready for whatever the morrow might bring. As they pay their tab at the bar and head towards the stairs leading up to the second floor where the inn's rooms are located, Amalia can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness churning within her. This new partnership with Kris... it feels right. Like fate

She pauses in her ascent up the stairs, turning back to face Kris. "No," she says firmly. "You don't have to do that. You can share my room if you want." There's a brief moment of silence between them before she adds, almost sheepishly, "It would just be nice to sleep closer to someone tonight... It's been a while since I had company like this."

Her cheeks flush slightly as she realizes how that might have sounded. Maybe she should have phrased it better. But then again, maybe not. Either way, she waits for Kris's response with bated breath.

She grins widely at Kris's words. "I don't snore... at least, I don't think I do." She says with a laugh. "But even if I did, you can always wake me up and tell me to roll over or something." Her heart is racing now, her stomach fluttering with anticipation and nervous energy. It felt like everything in her life was leading up to this moment: sharing a room, sleeping close to someone she'd only just met... maybe even more.

With one last glance at Kris, she continues up the stairs, leading the way to their room. "So, do you want the bed or should I take it?" She asks over her shoulder as she reaches their door.

Her fingers tremble slightly as she fishes out her key and opens the door, ushering them both inside. The room is small but cozy, with two beds

"Alright then," she says softly as she undoes her armor and hangs it up near the door before climbing into bed beside Kris. Her body is trembling with anticipation, but also with fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of being hurt again. But she pushes those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the warmth emanating from Kris's body and the softness of the bed beneath her.

As she lies there in the dark, staring up at the ceiling, she can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring. Will they stay partners? Or will this be just another brief encounter before they both move on with their lives? Whatever happens, she knows one thing for sure: tonight, for however long it lasts, she is going to enjoy every moment she has with Kris. Because after everything she's been through... maybe this is what happiness feels like.

"Good night," she whispers softly, watching as Kris settles deeper into their shared bed. A faint blush creeps up her cheeks as she feels the warmth emanating from their body, so close to her own. Part of her wants to reach out and touch them, to feel their skin against hers, but another part of her is afraid of what might happen if she does.

Eventually, exhaustion overtakes her and sleep takes hold. In the darkness of the room, her dreams are filled with images of Kris: their battle-scarred face lit up by a grin, their strong hands grasping a weapon, their voice murmuring sweet nothings in her ear.

As the hours pass, she finds herself becoming more and more aware of Kris's presence beside her. It's... comforting. And it scares her. Because if this feels like this now, what will happen when

Her breath hitches in her throat as she feels the warmth of Kris's body pressed against hers. Their chests touch, their hips align, and for a moment she thinks she might melt into them completely. It feels so right... so natural. She closes her eyes, savoring the sensation of being this close to another person after so long apart from anyone else in the world.

As Kris's breath fans across her neck, sending shivers down her spine, she can feel herself falling deeper and deeper into sleep. And with each passing second, each tiny shift or brush of flesh against skin, she knows that whatever happens tomorrow, tonight will always be a memory she can treasure...

Her eyes flutter open, still somewhat groggy from sleep. She blinks a few times as she takes in the sight of Kris beside her, their bodies tangled together in an almost intimate embrace. A faint smile curls up the corner of her scarred lip as she looks down at the other woman. "Good morning," she murmurs softly.

For a moment, she's tempted to break away from Kris and put some space between them. But then the warmth of their bodies presses against each other, and the memories of the previous night flood back: the way they held hands at the bar, shared jokes and stories over ale, drifted off into slumber together... it feels wrong to pull away now.

With a soft sigh, she decides to enjoy this moment just a little bit longer before they need to face whatever challenges await them outside these four walls. She brushes some

As Kris carefully releases her and gets up to change into more comfortable clothes, Amalia finds herself missing their closeness already. With a slight sigh, she pushes the thought aside and decides to give them some space for now. While Kris is in the bathroom, she takes the opportunity to stretch out in bed for a moment longer, savoring the feeling of warmth that lingers where they were just touching.

When Kris finally emerges from the bathroom, looking refreshed and more relaxed than before, Amalia can't help but smile at them. There's something about this person... it feels like they could change her life for the better if she lets them. As they both get dressed and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, their fingers occasionally brush against one another by accident, sending shivers down Amalia's spine.

It's going to be a long day... but at least she

She glances down at their clasped hands, feeling the heat radiating from Kris's skin. "Don't worry," she says with a reassuring smile. "I won't let you down." Together, they leave the comfort of the inn room and venture out into the world, facing whatever monsters, beasts or challenges lie ahead hand-in-hand. And as they do so, Amalia can't help but feel a sense of hope and possibility blossoming within her that she hasn't felt in years.

Perhaps this adventure with Kris will lead to something more than just solving quests and racking up bounties after all... maybe it'll lead them both to the sort of happiness they thought they'd lost long ago.

She takes a moment to consider Kris's words. "Hmm... we can do that," she agrees with a nod. "I know a decent tavern just outside of town where they serve some delicious breakfasts." A tiny smile plays at the corner of her scarred lips as she imagines sitting across from Kris, sharing a meal and stories about their past adventures. Perhaps this partnership will be more than just business after all.

She pauses for a moment, feeling awkward about letting Kris pay. After all, she is the one with more coin after their last job. "Well," she says slowly, "I can treat you this time... it's only fair since I asked you to come along." Her heart races as she speaks; she can feel her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at her own hesitation.

Kris gives her a small smile before gently taking her hand in theirs. "Come on, let's go get some breakfast and then we'll see what the day brings us." Their touch sends shivers down Amalia's spine, and she can feel herself blushing even more as they lead her outside to the waiting tavern.

Together, hand in hand, they enter the warm, inviting establishment and take a seat at a small table near the window. As they peruse the menu, chattering

Sounds good! I'll have some tea and eggs, please.

I'm sure it will. So, do you have any plans after breakfast? There's a few potential jobs posted in the tavern if you want to take a look at them before we head out.