OOM: The Dancing Dove
It’s relatively dark in the cellar of the Dancing Dove, when they step through the door from Milliways. George offers an silent prayer of thanks to the Crooked God, that the cellar is empty. As soon as Penelope steps through, he closes the door behind them - lest any sounds from the Bar travel to the tavern upstairs.
It’s not likely that anything would, still it can’t hurt to be cautious.
Without the light from the doorway, the cellar is plunged into darkness. Not really a problem for him, but he knows not everyone has the skill of seeing well in the dark, as he does. It’s a talent that came in quite handy in his former trade. He can see a faint light, coming from the top of the stairs and the sounds of clinking glasses and muted conversation.
“Careful, there are stairs here,” he cautions.
He reaches a hand out to Penelope, to guide her. At least that’s what he tells himself
“How’s your night vision? I try to always keep a latern down here - but sometimes it disappears between my visits home.” he explains wryly. “I’d be tempted to bring a flashlight with me from the Bar, but it’s not worth it being discovered by someone from home. It’d be somewhat hard to explain..”
"Um ... it is a bit dark in here ...” she replies. He can hear a slight hesitation to her voice. “Is it all right if I cast a spell? Or should I just go without?"
He wonders if she can hear the pleased surprise in his voice. “You can make light? Really?”
"Oh-- yes. It's one of the first spells they taught us when I was at school."
He considers this. “D’you need your wand for that?”
"Er ... well, probably. I could try without, but I'm a little out of practice."
“Best we do without then. There aren’t that many stairs. You go ahead of me, that way if you stumble I’ll keep you from falling.” He says, leading her to the base of the stairs and waiting for her to take a step forward. "I'll catch you. On my honour."
She makes it up the stairs, only stumbling once.
At the top of the stairs, he stops her for a moment - listening attentively.
“Sounds safe enough.” He says, grinning in the darkness. “After you, m’lady.”
He pushes open the door and gently nudges Penelope through.
“Welcome, to the Dancing Dove.”