Plans

Siv wakes up in the windowless inn room she had rented out late last night, or early morning. The tavern was closed when she reached it, but thankfully, she saw the Inn just a few meters away. Needless to say, she had a hard time sleeping. Whether it was because of the uncomfortable bed, the cold room, or her thoughts, she has no idea. She lies on her back and stares at the dark ceiling for a while.

'Can I just stay in bed for the day, or better yet, forever?'

She sighs before sitting up in the lumpy bed. She looks down at her nightgown and sighs again. Clothes are number one on her to do list. She pushes to her feet and washes her face using the ice cold water in the basin. She avoids her reflection in the scratched mirror hanging on the wall before wearing her cape and wrapping it around her body.

As soon as Siv steps out of the Inn, a chill runs through her body. The weather has been getting colder lately. She really needs some clothes before her limbs freeze and become ice. She walks through the town that is starting to come to life. She looks around for a clothing store and finally finds a shop that sells men's clothes.

'Perfect. I am sure they will have my size.'

"Good morning." Siv is cheerfully greeted by a young woman, the daughter of the owner from what she gathers. She helps her find some clothes that fit her, and even offers to dispose of her nightgown. The encounter gives Siv a little boost of energy.

"The woman's smile sure is contagious." She smiles to herself before heading to the tavern.

The Blue Tavern is finally open, empty but open. The only person Siv sees when she enters is the large man from the other day, Erico. He stops mopping the floor as soon as he sees her.

"We are not open yet." He informs her.

"I am here to see Ragna." She says but seeing that he doesn't react she offers more information. "I am looking for someone." No reaction still. Siv is starting to feel nervous under the gaze of the man. "Gary? I am sure you know him." She adds. Erico stares at her a bit longer before motioning to one of the tables in the far corner.

"She'll be here shortly." Is all he utters. Siv walks to the table and takes a seat.

"I swear, these damn taxes are going to be the end of us." Ragna complains as she enters the tavern. She is carrying a few boxes stacked in front of her. "If they want to go to war, why don't they use their own damn money."

"Sweetheart." Erico calls her. "You have a visitor."

"A visitor?" Ragna peaks from the side of the boxes. She hands the boxes to Erico and walks to where Siv is sitting. "Hello, visitor. Do I know you?"

"No, but I am looking for someone and I was told you might know where to find them." The busty woman narrows her eyes at Siv before sitting across the table from her.

"Well, I do know a lot of people, being a tavern owner and all." She sits back in her chair. "Who are you looking for?"

"Your friend Gary." Siv answers. She can immediately see that the redhead has gotten suspicious.

"And who are you, again?" Siv almost slips and says 'Siv'. Funny how she got so used to being her.

"I have a message for him from his friend, Siv." Ragna seems to relax her shoulders at the mention of Siv.

"I'm Ragna." She extends a hand that Siv takes.

"Gene."

'Might as well use my name.'

"Nice to meet you, Gene." She smiles at her.

"Likewise."

"Well, I am afraid I don't know where Gary is right now, but I know that he will stop by the tavern later."

"Oh?"

"You can come back-"

"Would it be alright to wait for him here?" Siv asks. Her request sounds more desperate than she intended it to. Ragna eyes her for a moment.

"Be my guest."

Siv spends the next hours sitting at the tavern, waiting for Gary. A few men come in, drink, and leave. Others have been here for hours, just drinking. Siv orders food when Erico makes roastbeef.

'Damn, this is good.'

Siv enjoyed every flavored bite of the meat and vegetables. She orders a drink after that and tries to stay patient. But in mid afternoon, her patience runs out. She stands up and walks to the bar. Ragna throws her an apologetic look.

"Sorry dear, Gary is quite unpredictable so I have no idea when exactly he will be here." She answers her unspoken question.

"I see. I will just keep waiting, then." When Siv turns to walk back to her seat, she notices a board full of papers and walks to it. There are announcements about everything from job offers to advertisements for inns and transportation.

"Anything caught your eye?" Ragna asks as she joins her.

"I actually need to hire someone."

"Oh?" Ragna's eyes sparkle as she senses a business opportunity. "Well, just to let you know, I get 5% of the cost upfront if I connect you with the right person you need."

"That sounds fair." Ragna gives her a peculiar look. Nobody has ever called her cut 'fair' before. Everyone usually complains about it.

"Alright, so what are you looking for?"

"I need transportation."

"By land or by sea?" The tavern owner asks. Siv feels embarrassed that she has no idea.

"I am not sure." She mumbles.

"Well, It depends on where you are traveling to, I guess." Siv feels her face heat up.

"I am not sure where I am going." Ragna frowns at her. If not for the blush, she would have thought the girl was pulling her leg.

"Alright, then where do you need to go?"

"Bluevale." The woman's eyes widen.

"Did I mishear you? Did you just say… Bluevale?" A loud crash comes from the kitchen, the sound of a few plates breaking, but Ragna is not phased. Her face is pale and her eyes are as wide as saucers.

"Umm, no you heard me right. I did say Bluevale."