The Unpleasant Ally

THE DIRTY LILY'S vibrant, bustling scene had long become a familiar sight for Alice. The people that scattered to and fro with ales in their hands and their cheeks blushed red were all laughing wholeheartedly, not a single sliver of worry on their faces. More often than not, the patrons of this humble tavern were all delightfully jovial, never downcast. 

Perhaps it was the influence of the tavern's owners, perhaps it was just because of the atmosphere created by the patrons themselves. Whatever the reason was, Alice wasn't sure, but she was sure that she didn't mind it one bit. 

The celebratory crowd just made Rose Whitaker stand out all the more like a sore thumb.