A rickity shack lies upon the edge of several towns claimed as neutral territory in the midst of the Tiger Tavern province. Here, anyone may take up an ale or whatever drink may satisfy their thirst in peaceful slandering and taunting of skills. A sign sways in the slight, cool breeze, sporting the symbol of the Foxbow Tavern: A standing fox gripping a longbow set with three black arrows.

Chairs and tables have been set neatly within the building, two roaring fires nestled within hearths on either side of the building add to the warmth to beat back the chill winter air.

The tender of the bar is a sleek, red fox standing upon two legs leading into pawed feet. He carefully wipes down the dark wooden bar with a dry rag, taking care to keep every part of the surface clean. A female gray fox lights candles and iron fixtures on the wooden walls, while a smaller, younger, red fox sets out bowls of freshly boiled, unshelled peanuts on the bar.

Welcome to Foxbow. Home of the 'Halfing' hybrids.

A sleek, female tiger stalked into the Foxbow Tavern, making her usual rounds of the province. Red hair tossed by the winter winds framed the orange and striped fur, black leather hiding much of her other physical attributes. Two burly black panthers flanked her, looking guardedly around the bleak tavern.

"Hai, Tremont! Bring me something warm from the kitchens," the lady tiger called to the young fox before he went skittering into the kitchens. "How be this day, Maron?" she asked, turning to the bartender.

"Well, Milday Tigris. Though I can't say seeing you so early is a good thing. We've not any customers yet," the red fox behind the bar replied. Maron looked nervously at the two panthers.

"Well, you've got three now, haven't you?" the Lady Tigris said with a crooked smile. "Have a seat boys. I've a mind to tend the fire," she ordered the others as they moved to sit on barstools at the bar. The Lady moved to a fire to shake off the worst of the chill.

The young fox returned, carrying a tankard of sweet ale. "This will warm you, Lady," the little one said.

"Ah, thank ye, Young Tremont," she replied, hefting the tankard and taking a swig. The warm juice filled her throat and stomach, causing a slight shiver to shake off the chill the fire couldn't reach. "Yes, this will do nicely," she added, handing the boy a few silvers for their own coffer.

"You're welcome, Lady," Tremont replied and scuttled off to his father, Maron.

"I hope your business sets up quickly enough, Maron. This may prove some use in the kingdom," the Lady started suddenly.

"Oh, yes. We hope others will take delight in our hospitality," the female grey fox answered.

"I do hope these others will, Aleara," the Lady replied quietly, staring into the fire. "Indeed."

Created by huntess
The Omnipotent.
AIM: keyotay
E-mail: [email protected]
*poke*