Getting caught off guard was becoming a nasty and unwelcome habit in this town. Ama didn't like it.
Once she'd recovered from the initial shock of seeing the old man and the guard, the Haisheth gal drew her blade and postured threateningly, letting her dissatisfaction show.
"You'll get nothing from us...except a right royal beating." There was no smirk, only a deadly, scornful glare. "Now, I suggest you fellas turn around and run back to whatever sow-of-a-mother you were birthed from before I feel so inclined to separate you both from the male species."
Ama pointed the tip of her dagger at the old man's family jewels, hoping to deter at least one of the men from making a foolish decision...although, in hindsight, calling their mothers pigs was probably not the best thing to say.
Preparing herself for the worst, the demon girl's eyes scanned the two men for any exposed areas that she could take advantage of.
It was then that Ramir stepped forward, his own eyes ablaze and muscles taught. He looked ready to beat the living crap out of both men, but instead simply raised his arms. He spat the words through clenched teeth and seethed as he gave into their dirty game, but it was better that neither he nor Ama ended up on a bounty poster.
"Shut the flarb up. We've been set up not once, but twice today and we've had enough. Take your damned coin and be gone and let that be the end of our troubles."
Ramir tossed the coin pouch at the face of one of the men, who only caught it once it bounced off. There was a awkward silence for a moment as the guardsman summed them both up, then his his cowardice behind a sneer and a petty laugh.
"Very good. On your way citizens, we've work to do."
Ramir didn't move, but stared them down still as they walked away, his hands bunched tightly. When they were out of sight, he let out a hissing, exasperated breath and looked to Ama.
"Look, I'm sorry about this. What a bloody mess. But we won't be having the law on our tails at least. A good thing, if we're to stay in town a while."
Ama had been holding her tongue while Van decided to take control of the situation. Her eyes portrayed clearly her unhappiness with the outcome of this little confrontation.
"How corrupt is this town? Are we going to have to bribe everyone who holds just an ounce of power over us? I feel it would be easier to live outside of these walls in the wild."
The demon girl's shoulders dropped, her frustration losing the battle against exhaustion. The dagger she held now dangled lazily in her hand at her side.
"I can't abide bullies, Van. I really think I would have slit their throats before handing over that money - OUR money - and faced the consequences later."
Ama looked squarely into her friend's eyes, her own on the brink of welling up.
Vandal wasn't often a sentimental person. He had a long line of one night stands and dangerous flings that didn't bother him in the slightest, he'd grown up with that kind of promiscuity being the done thing.
But upon seeing her being upset, truly upset, he slipped an arm about Ama (whether she lets him is another matter) and smiles, knowingly. Standing this close, he produces a handful of gold coin and presses it into her palm.
"No. You just have to know their rules. I can't say they'll enjoy those rocks..."
Vandal laughed aloud as he urged her to leave the area with him. He'd had enough running for one day.
Ama's emotional defenses had dropped lower than what she was used to. She rarely came this close to tears over something she thought so trivial. The events over the past few days, on top of the initial journey to Wistvale, had finally caught up to the little demoness.
Van's arm was not resisted and she reveled in the comfort it gave. His sleight of hand trick even produced a smile and, as she held the coins, her love and respect for her new friend grew.
"Alright, princess. Enough coin for food and a warm bed. I might even get in a hot bath to soothe my muscles. Let's see if we can't stay out of trouble for just tonight, yeah?"
And with that, Ramir led the way, having little idea of where he was headed and with less care for where they ended up. So long as his new friend was happy, he'd be content with his lot in his new life.
(It's great to catch up mate and you write her very well. I look forward to reading and participating in future adventures. I'll update your thread with rewards )