rattle the cage

ASHE I'm not a girl.    Ashe raised her brows, her head turning to look over at Kiada. "A vulture companion -- that's something." She glanced back shortly to Auni and Soot, where the wine spider was now trying rearrange the mess of webs that dangled from Auni's antlers. It was good to see him play, and the sight of it lightened the heaviness in her chest just a little. She looked back at Kiada. "A vulture Attuned though, now that's really something," she added with a wink.    It was unusual to talk to easily to someone she didn't know, didn't trust. It hadn't been since Northaven she had tried to really know anyone. She followed Kiada as the door was opened, and her smile turned wicked. "Flirty?" Ashe breathed in the familiar scents of wine and good food that drifted from below as the door began to shut behind them. "The fucking annoying kind, or was it welcomed?"    Before the door could entirely shut, Ashe was sure to hold it open for the luxere and the spider. Whoever the barkeep was tonight would have her to deal with should he have a problem with the companions accompanying them.    Ashe headed for a table tucked near the back of the cozy bar, and her stomach gave a fierce growl at the smell of whatever was cooking as they sat. Their drinks were served from someone Ashe didn't recognize, but she was pleased when they were able to order a strong drink. With some encouragement, Ashe was able to coax Soot into dropping down to the floor, descending upon the dish of wine she set down for him. She took a healthy drink of her own, and she drew her tongue over her lips as it burned through her chest.    "So you don't normally drink," Ashe started. "I never did often, barring my issues last year... She made another compulsive sweep of the room, marking every face, every route. Old habits and all that. Her eyes slid back to Kiada. "What made you decide to today? Bad week?" I'm a storm with skin.