forum Looking for a Anime/Ghibli esqe Fantasy Adventure RP

Started May 19, 2022 by @FanfictionFanatic-The-Elder group

tune

“Of course. And if you need me to warm that up, just give me a call.” she winked as she headed off to make sure that things were going well before the crowd started coming in.

Rodney waved her off with a smile, digging into his meatloaf. He sighed quietly in contentment. It was easily the best he'd had since he was child. Not quite the same as his mother's but it was close enough that it still brought him great comfort.

Charlotte smiled politely as she went back to work. Quite a few customers were practically regulars who lived in town but there were always plenty of travelers coming through to keep the inn to keep the rooms open. And she was looking like she was enjoying her job at the moment, but she was still sneaking glances over at Rodney and the main door every so often.

Rodney caught her staring a few times, winking playful at her whenever he did. He knew she was just looking out for him but he found it cute that she was doing so.

Charlotte would alternate between blushing softly and winking back at him when she saw him catching her glances.

It seemed like the night was going pretty well, for the most part, leading Charlotte to start thinking that no one would actually come looking for Rodney when the door swung open and let in a small squad of local officers.

Rodney glanced over his shoulder and his eyes widened. Okay, no need to panic. Charlotte had told him about a back exit earlier. He just needed to quickly and calmly make his way over so he could escape without getting thrown in prison.

Charlotte let out a steady calming breath at the sight and walked over to the group. “Hello, officers. Can I get you anything? Coffee, a warm meal…”

“Information, if you have it.” the leader stated. “We're looking for a man who harassed the daughter of a local innkeeper.”

“Oh, dear. Well, I hope the poor girl is alright.” Charlotte said, feining believable concern.

Rodney slid from his seat, joining a crowd of people who were walking by in order to blend in so he could make his way across. He kept his eye on Charlotte and the guards the entire time.

“Well, as you can see, officers, we've had plenty of men at our inn tonight.” Charlotte pointed out with a wide gesture at the guests. “Is there anything that can be used to identify the man?”

“Perhaps it would be better if you didn't get involved, Charlie. We wouldn't want you to get hurt.” the officer smirked, patting her shoulder before pushing past her.

Rodney frowned at that. How dare they say such a thing to Charlotte. She ran this inn, she was more than capable of handling herself. But he couldn't jump in to save her, he could only keep moving.

Charlotte clenched her hands at her sides, knuckles turning white. “You know I hate when you call me that, Markus. And second of all, I am responsible for all the customers here. As well as helping the other employees.” she pointed out, trying to keep her voice from trembling.

“Perhaps. But the responsibility for the rest of the town falls to us.” Markus retaliated.

Rodney finally got a chance to break from the group, slipping into the passage that Charlotte had pointed out but stuck around for a bit. He wanted to see if they would come over here to find him or leave before they could.

Unable to come up with another argument, Charlotte forced herself to calm down as she looked back to where Rodney had been sitting and was relieved to see the table was vacant.

The officers were pretty efficient as they searched, splitting up and going to each table and customer.

Rodney stayed hidden in the passageway, his stomach twisting tighter and tighter as they came closer. But he refused to move, knowing he'd be okay.

Charlotte tried to go back to work as normal, but her smile was a bit more strained from speaking with Markus. And she couldn't be sure that Rodney was safe. In the few moments, they had spent together she thought Rodney seemed a little reckless and she knew that Markus was a very efficient officer and a hard worker. If they met… things would be very interesting and potentially dangerous.

Rodney just continued to watch, inching himself further into the passage as they came closer. He was holding his breath as they looked around, hoping to God that his luck would hold.

As it was, Markus was actually the one closest to the passage where Rodney was hiding. Sure, he was being friendly with the customers as he asked his brief questions before moving on but there was something in the way he held himself that most would believe to be self-confidence. It wasn't. It was the simple fact that he believed himself to be superior to most everyone else in the inn. Of course, since he was in line for a promotion he couldn't actively look down on them.

Rodney frowned at his cheery attitude. What a slimeball, acting like he was all that one second and then putting on a smile like that the next. Rodney always tried to be genuine, if a little over the top.

Charlotte sighed, hoping that Markus would leave soon. It was more than a little disruptive to the atmosphere having him here and bothering all the customers. But at least none of them were here when Rodney came in, so it was hard for most of them to say whether or not they saw the man.

The longer the guards stayed there, the more anxious Rodney became. It seemed that they wouldn't be satisfied until they made every single person uncomfortable with their questioning. He felt a little bad, making everyone's lives harder because of his antics but he couldn't move unless he wanted to be discovered.

Markus was questioning the customers at the last table near the back door and very close to Rodney. It wouldn't take much more for him to look over… the biggest question is whether or not he would see him. Or if he would choose to walk over and check the door.

Rodney was literally holding his breath, wondering if Markus could hear his heart pounding in his chest. Not like it mattered, he could still escape if he really needed to but for now, he was stuck here.

Charlotte barely refrained from slamming the tray in her hands onto the counter before she turned to face Markus again. “Alright! That's enough! Markus, you questioned everyone in here and obviously did not find the guy, so would you and the rest of the officers kindly leave?” she said, exasperatedly.

Rodney silently thanked Charlotte, hoping to any gods out there that they would spare him the last minute grief of being discovered before they left.

Markus raised a brow as he looked at her. “So testy today. You feeling a little more fire than normal?” he teased.

“You know damn well why. Now, get out.” she growled.

Markus chuckled and looked at his squad. “As it is, I think our investigation is done for now. And we have other locations to check. If anyone remembers seeing the man or come across him, please contact us immediately.” he added to the customers as the officers filed out.