"Then tell me, what have you perceived of your Capital?" He asked.
Harlon came back over with his wine and mead. "Your breakfast is almost ready, my dear."

Ataline smiled a little at him and nodded. "Well," she said slowly. "I suppose it is a little dirty, like all cities. But the people are nice enough, and the water's clean. There are fountains, all over, very pretty. And the buildings, all blue and green and purple and white."

"Purple buildings you say. How very odd." He mused softly to himself, chewing his pipe. "Harlon, you should paint this inn purple. Then maybe you could get an actual customer."

Ataline frowned a little at that, feeling like he was making fun of her, and her city. But she sipped her wine, letting it slide, for now.

Strider turned back to her. "What else can you say about your city?" He asked slowly. "Do you enjoy that much proximity with others?"
Harlon moved over with her breakfast and set it down. "Just because you have no friends doesn't mean that other people don't like to Strider."

Ataline smiled a little. "There's still plenty of space in the city," she said calmly, picking up her fork. "It's not like we're shoved in up against people."

Strider gave her a grim look. "Hm." He murmured, placing the pipe back in his mouth. He thought for a moment. "I apologize, I wouldn't know. I've avoided cities."

Ataline smiled a little and nodded. "What's that saying?" she asked calmly. "Something about... not judging before knowing...?" She shrugged a little and started on her eggs.

Strider smirked. "On the contrary judging before knowing is how you survive." He said slowly. "Are you going to stick your hand in the fire to see if it hurts? Are you going to wait until the wolf attacks before running away? I'm sure its the same concept."
Harlon sighed, giving Ataline an apologetic look as he cleaned the bar. "Strider, please do not upset the first customer I've had in months." He pleaded.

Ataline looked at him for a moment. "But you cannot judge a lifestyle that you know nothing about by a single glance a couple of rumors," she pointed out. "You don't see me calling you a 'tree hugger'."

Strider blinked, baffled. "A--a what?!" He asked flabbergasted. "That's absurd. I did not call you by any name. I was simply stating what I had heard about cities, including the capitol." He shook his head. "Absurd, you are, milady. Do not take offense to hostile-less remarks."
Harlon moved over. "Strider, you need rest."
"I do not---"
"Go. Get. Some rest." He insisted. "I'll bring you more mead."

Strider huffed and stood. "Fine." He snapped. He slipped by the man and headed up the stairs. Harlon shook his head, cleaning up after the man. "I really do apologize, I had to stop him before things got out of hand. The winter storms and being locked inside make him nearly insufferable. Thank the goddess of Stendarr it is nearly spring." He smiled a little. "Would you like anything else?"

Ataline shook her head a little with a small smile. "I am fine, thanks," she said quietly. She glanced to the stairs, but shrugged to herself and went back to eating.

Harlon sighed. "Let me know if you need a room, miss Ataline, was it?" He smiled sweetly. "I do hope you decide to stay with us. Its rather dreadful outside."

Ataline nodded a little with a small smile. "I'll let you know," she said quietly.

Harlon smiled, but at the same time he managed a sigh as he walked away. That ranger always made up a fight with his guests. And at times like these, it was the worst.