The Tavern

[The Carrying Blade]

Sadly Courcy would not be embraced by anything close to Fenrik. Instead, It would be Ellie who had wrapped her arm around Courcy's torso. The tinier woman would be snuggled up to Courcy's body and her head would be resting close up by Courcy's chest. The dreams had gone and Ellie was now peacefully resting, not aware she was cuddling the hellion at the moment.

[stealthclaw]

Fen shot him a hidden look under her mask. Well, if he was certain the barbaric woman wouldn't be any trouble, then she'd believe him. Mordecai seemed to know what he was talking about, and he was her new teacher... So she supposed doubting him wouldn't be a smart action. She followed him along, still keeping her mask on for the time being.

Katja raised a brow at the doctor's generosity. She had come to be wary of such aspects in most men. Her temporary family of bandits had shown that being generous often led to ulterior motives shining through. However, perhaps he was genuinely excited for company. Katja couldn't fathom why. Most of the people the barbarian had come across wouldn't describe her as friendly, or "good company". So Katja could only wonder what was going on inside his head.

For now, she'd go with it, she supposed.

[Vanitypirate]

Ponytail practically bounded onto the barstool, as he emphatically gestured for the others to come join them, motioning to the seats beside him.

"Come, come! Let us celebrate our friend's generosity."

He was all smiles, and was glad to see that the others had taken to him frightfully quickly; it seemed that his conversation skills had not decayed in the long travel to this place, thankfully. Or, perhaps he had underestimated the Hamlet's denizens' hospitality. He has simply expected such a famously dangerous locale to harbor equally as dangerous people, but this hunter was rather overjoyed to be proven otherwise in this tavern.

"I thank you, Mordecai. I shall purchase the next pitcher." He told him with clasped hands.

[black379]

"Mrm?"
As the limber arm of Ellie wrapped about her, Courcy furrowed her brow. She shifted slightly, peering through tired eyes at the girl. Her heart sank. That her subconscious would so betray her, with the impression of lying with a lover, Courcy felt cold and nauseous. She wanted to flee from the bed, but she didn't move, so as not to disturb Ellie.
Instead she reciprocated, resting her chin on the other woman's head and cradling her in a warm cuddle.

[The Carrying Blade]

Courcy would faintly hear a noise coming from Ellie, thanks to the position she was in she was snoring. Her arm around Courcy would no longer hold on to the hellion, instead it lay limply, allowing easy escape for Courcy if she wanted.

[rumsztyk]

"Yeye, calm down you show-off!" George chuckled, motioning to the table. "Sit down, let's get to business."

"Y'see, we've got some firearms in the armory. Can't say how good a shape they're in, seem okay. Got'em from bandits and criminals. I've a... budget to train the guards, but the fuckin' Guild Hall trainers are expensive as shit. So, you gave me an idea - why not save a few coins? You'd show the boys and me how to shoot that thing, maintenance, all that shit - for a good price. Sounds alright?"

[relentless]

Duval took a moment to relish the offer in his mouth, swashing it in his mouth and giving it a taste before he swallowed it; letting it digest before he came to a conclusion.

"It'll be a walk in the park!"
Duval cackled, taking a sip of his glass before throwing out a handshake for Duval.

"Sides, I could get to shoot you. That'd be funny watching you get your padded chest shot to test what these babies can do!"
Duval added with a exotic laughter of joy, flashing a wicked, mocking smile at George. Though it was one of merriment and the like.

[Kidney]

Place was dead, definitely. Of course all the drunkards and pisswads around kept to themselves, which was the most boring thing Clance could think of. He got up with a grumble, moving over to the other side of the table, grabbing a deck of cards from the side, and walked over to the bar. He checked it, some men sat, dejected. But some were asleep, and one with a quarter-full glass. He scooped this up, along with a partially crushed roll from the wood, stuffing his face with it and washing it down with a sip of ale. He surveyed again, looking around at the other mercenary-men and locals of this strange Hamlet. At this point he saw what appeared to be a man alone, drinking. Little did he know this man was Baltazar, but the guy was alone, Clance was bored, and that screamed for a conversation. He moved over there quickly, pulling out a chair across from the man, setting down the glass and the cards. "You know how to play Blackjack?"

[rumsztyk]

"Shoot me? The fuck you will!" George retorted with a stern glare that hid glee. "Remember who's payin' you now!" He wagged the finger at him mockingly, then grabbing his hand in a firm handshake. He clasped Duval's hand in both of his.

"Anyhow, glad to have you. Drop by my office, like... whenever. We'll discuss the payment 'n things, you'll see the weapons. But!" He released the grip, going straight for the glass. "That's for tomorrow to be worried about, innit?"

[relentless]

"The fuck I will indeed! It'd be a good laugh, trying to see where the bruises are on your chest after I've hit you with a grapeshot!"
Duval cackled mockingly as he shook the mans hand happily, exchanging a wry smirk and grin with a glint in his eye. He would also release his hand, taking his own glass and sipping it again before he nodded safely at George.

"Aye! Aye! Good thinking George. Best to leave the serious buggas for the dirty work no? Sides! I think you'd perform better with acting chief of ranged armaments, Nick duval, at your side!"
Duval says, drawling the last parts on as he inspected his left set of nails before cracking a smile at George.

"Can I drink with the prisoners? They usually know joe to play blackjack... though they seem to use teeth as betting chips."
Duval wondered, stroking his beard in thought at the genuine question.

[relentless]

Baltazar was busy stroking his nose with his eyes closed, obsessed with the darn thing for hours on end, very self conscious about his appearance. The sudden rap and tap in his ears caught his attention, and he spared the man a glance.

"Eeerrr.. no, never tried it."
Baltazar informed as politely as he could, forcing a smile at him though it would falter as he looked away.

"New here?"
Baltazar asked as he raised his glass, the whiskey flowing into his mouth as he questioned Clance without even sparing a glance at him.

[Kidney]

This was already underwhelming. Clance smiled too, the gigantic gaps in his shattered enamel open as he settled down in the chair. He took another swig of his ale, and opened his hands to the man for clarity. "Well, it's easy to teach. Now you see, you draw two cards from the deck and look at them. The point is to count up the numbers to twenty-one." With the grace of a lynx, he pulled two cards for himself and then slid two to Baltazar. "But you can't go over now, cause that means you lost. Simple game, i'll deal for now."  He looked at his two cards, his poker face faltering as he drew two twos.  He sneered for a moment before coughing to cover it and looking back up, locking his eye in the space between Baltazar's. "I've been here two days. Got a feel for the folks here. Lots of sad people, it's why it needs people like me, to approach strangers with card games."

[rumsztyk]

The occultist decided to entertain himself with a walk though the Hamlet. Readjusting his turban and sheathing the scroll, the duo left the Tavern.

-To Hamlet Streets-

[stealthclaw]

Fen took a seat beside her new mentor, leaving her mask on for the time being. She, however, pulled her hood down and leaned back, arms crossed before her on the tavern's countertop. She was a little more at ease, growing accustomed to Mordecai's presence. She would need to, as she would probably be around for some time. The young woman found his demeanor to be a little off-setting at times, but so were a lot of others. The barbarian definitely had her on edge still, just at the fact that she seemed to be armed constantly, and itching for a fight. Again, she wondered briefly if the woman could be metaphorically put on a leash and be let loose when they were in danger... What an interesting thought.

Katja sat down beside Ponytail, not looking the most comfortable now. Seeing the expression being anything but anger or annoyance was a startling sight. Perhaps she was not a fan of getting to become friendly with others? Or was it the crowd within the Tavern that had her on edge? It was hard to say, truly.

[black379]

Courcy inhaled deeply and stroked her fingers through the girl's locks. She didn't know Ellie, but she needed this closeness. It was not even strange to her, to embrace and cuddle with the smaller woman. Her mind was elsewhere, her eyes fixed blankly on the empty wall. Silently she dreaded for Ellie to wake, and ruin the contentment of their bodies sharing warmth.