[h2][color=salmon]Akilah Darwish[/color][/h2]
[hr]
The kiss he planted upon the back of her hand tingled long after his lips left her skin. The gesture caused her heart to race and quickened her breath. It spoke of the possibilities of the developing relationship between the two and Akilah’s mind couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel against more tender flesh. It would take more than a tender kiss and a vivid imagination to make her blush, but she suspected they were well on their way to accomplishing that feat. As she approached the bar, Minka was there waiting with a cloth and wet mug in hand drying off the freshly washed drinkware. There was a smirk on her face with all the smugness of a cat who caught a bird mid-flight. 

[b][color=#6495ED]"Ready to take your show on the road?"[/color][/b] the innkeeper asked slyly.

[b][color=salmon]"That is the plan, though I am sorry to rob you of your free entertainment."[/color][/b] The mage responded to the older woman's jest in kind.

[b][color=#6495ED]"Hardly! The girls and I have an ongoing bet as to how long you'll hold out for. So far, quite a few owe me some coin..."[/color][/b] Minka eyed the serving girls as she spoke. [b][color=#6495ED]"They were betting you'd have taken him to your room last night, but I pegged you to be a more sensible woman and make the lad work for it."[/color][/b]

[b][color=Salmon]"Ah well, they're not the only ones in debt to you despite your faith in my character. That old barnacle wants us at his vessel by morning and I intend to leave before sunrise. What do I owe you for my room and board as well his lunch for today?"[/color][/b] Akilah pressed herself against the counter between two empty stools, resting her arms on the sturdy wood with her staff wedged into her elbow as she asked the woman the total of her tab.

[b][color=#6495ED]”Thats two gold for two full nights for you and two silver for his meal.”[/color][/b] the older woman replied.

The mage reached for her belt purse that she kept secured to the inside of the waistband of her trousers and pulled out three gold coins. She placed the coins on the countertop and slid them over to the innkeeper. [b][color=salmon]"Keep the change. You run a fine establishment and I look forward to returning when this is done."[/color][/b] 

[b][color=#6495ED]"You're always welcome here girl."[/color][/b] Minka stated warmly, swiftly pocketing the coins before any could take any true note of the exchange. [b][color=#6495ED]"And that is not just because of your coin. Now go, the lad is waiting for you."[/color][/b]

Akilah nodded with a smile, resting her weight back onto her feet and leaving the portly woman to her work. She walked towards the exit, her hips seemingly swaying to the chimes provided by her staff with all the grace of a dancer like the ones her people were known for. Placing her free hand on the wooden door, the mage pushed her way into the warm afternoon sun. Once outdoors, she took a moment to allow her eyes to adjust to the shining star and take in the familiar scent of the sea. The seaward winds swirled around her, pulling at her clothes as they greeted her excitedly to the outside world once more, the rings on her staff chiming excitedly as they passed. Among the mages, there are whispers of those who have more primal magic where they can sense the winds having a spirit to call their own. That there are mages who could even hear voices and smells they carried. While Akilah has never experienced the latter herself or found anyone willing to attest to experiencing such a thing, she does believe that the winds are in a sense... alive and a force that deserves one's utmost respect. She had always wondered if she sat long enough with her magical self open to the elements, would the winds be willing to share their secrets with her?