Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
Marlena humored the man, following him down the stairs. He was obviously scared and no threat at all, and though she was annoyed at his behavior, seeming to believe she was some saint come to help him with his problems, no doubt he would end up disappointed. She traced fingertips over barrels and glass bottles as she listened to every word, rolling her eyes slightly at his plea for help.
Turning to face him, her arms crossed over her chest and she sat on the top of a large cask, one leg crossed over the other as she looked the man over. Her voice wasn't harsh, but she wasn't about to be misunderstood. He confused her with his insistence at her being one to help, and she had a few questions.
Why me? I know for a fact that the man I walked in with, hell, most of the men in the room upstairs look far more capable than I of dealing with a group of bullies such as the ones you encountered. Give me a good enough reason why you picked me, and I will consider your request. You could just hire a few men to guard the place. Sure spending profits on those long enough to deal with your visitors would be a good enough investment to protect your place?
Shen meanwhile gave the barmaid a long, scutinizing look before shifting in his seat and doing his best to relax some.
"Very well. Something strong to drink and something for my pipe."
He had no intention just yet of getting entirely obliterated, not when Marlena had offered to buy him a drink and had just as quickly been pulled away. He wasn't quite that rude, not to mention his wariness around people he did not know.
Being inebriated or otherwise influenced was fine and dandy when you felt safe enough in your surroundings. Presently, he did not.
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
"That's the strongest one. You won't even remember where you are afterwards."
She leaves for a moment and goes behind the bar. She returns with a little metal plate with some green plant material on it.
"This'll help you relax if you smoke it. Careful smoking and drinking together though. I don't want to clean up any puke."
The people sitting close to Shen seem to having a jolly old time. One group is all drinking the green drink. They are yelling about the pink elephant in the room. A different group is passing around a pipe. Shen hears one say,
"What if the world was a sphere... and we were on the inside."
Under the floorboards, the bartender looks at Marlena pleadingly.
"Everyone upstairs is an addict. They can barely hold a glass most of the time, let alone a blade."
He gave a meek look to the side.
"Why you personally? Well I had just heard some things about a girl fitting your description. I guess I was mistaken about who you are."
He kicks the floor and shifts his physically impairing weight.
"Forget it. We'll just close shop and hide for a while. My cousin might have an extra room."
Marlena raised an eyebrow. She was less than impressed with the man in front of her to begin with, and now he was trying to utilize a guilt trip to encourage her to help? Shaking her head, Marlena lifted a hand, her arm barring the way of the barkeep. She has no real expression that he can tell, simply not really caring. This tavern was a business, yes, one that kept some members of the Tryst in coin no doubt, that was obvious with what they offered, but this man was neither part of the Tryst, nor was he of any importance to her. If he wished for help, he could seek it from on of his suppliers. She speaks to him, slowly and quietly, not wanting to be misunderstood in anyway.
They are addicts, because you give them the means to be, and there are more people in this town that can be hired as muscle than those lining your pockets currently. You wish for help, I suggest you find someone who would miss your establishment.
Turning then, Marlena ignored his mention of rumors and such. Any acknowledgement would just give him reason to believe them true. He could continue believing he was mistaken, there was one other tavern in this town that offered decent food and drink.
Slipping in front of him and taking the stairs two steps at a time, Marlena reached the tavern floor, quickly scanning for the man she had arrived with. Walking over to him, her eyes caught sight of the plate in front of him and the array of drinks and she gave a soft huff as she leaned gently against the edge of the table.
I said the best... Not the most likely to kill you or make you dependent. My apologies, seems I overestimated the worth of this place. Would you humor me and follow me to one more?
Shen had turned his nose up at the supplied drink and showed little interest in the odd weed before him. He wasn't terribly fond of hallucinogenics and he had meant alcohol, not bloody poison. His face showed his ire in fact as he got to his feet, his lip's thin, scowling.
"Yes. I have no interest in this place whatsover. And I truly cannot tolerate the crowd here. Please, I'd like to leave immediately."
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
Marlena and Shen step out of The Pink Elephant. Dock workers are starting to head home. Tally men are tallying up the days haul from the ships and a group of three patrons exit The Pink Elephant holding each other up. They seem to be chasing fairies. There is about an hour of sunlight left.
Leading him through the town, Marlena planned to take him to the main tavern in Wistvale, the one she'd first stepped into. At the very least, she knew it would be void of any real trouble, and they had good food. The bustle of the streets was calming some as the day drew closer to an end, she wasn't having to constantly dodge those that insisted on not looking where they were going.
Without turning her head, she spoke to the man that walked beside her, the Tavern ahead in her sights, it was hard to miss, and the warm atmosphere in there would be more than welcome.
So, will you ever tell me your name? Or must I guess?
Shen nodded, though his expression suggested his thoughts were preoccupied. The coming dark was an interesting thing for him, it gave him sanctuary but also the vale his quarry most often used. It also made his magic that much more... precious. And harder. He seemed to snap from his thoughts and answered.
"Shen. My name is Shen miss. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
He thought on those words for a moment too and then elaborated some.
"Actually, courtesy aside; it truly is. Thus far, I find you far more tolerable than the usual yokels that plague such towns as this."
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
Hand reaching for the handle of the door, Marlena's head lifted at the sound, her eyes narrowing slightly at the words she heard. She debated ignoring it for a brief moment, but in the end, she let out a soft huff of breath and turned to look at Shen. Smiling sweetly, she began to step backwards towards the darkened space between buildings
Go ahead inside and find yourself a seat if you wish. I'll be right with you...
Turning on her heel, her pace remained slow and steady, there as no rush really. A hand lifted and brushed the corner of the tavern as she stepped around it, her lower lip caught between her teeth and tugged at lightly as she looked into the shadows that grew darker with the evening. Her steps barely made sound and bright eyes scanned the alley to see how many more cowards would pick on a young woman.
Shen did not heed her words, but instead kept pace with her and rounded the corner of the alley. He seemed unbothered by the commotion, but his face seemed somewhat stern.
"I'm sorry Marlena. If we're to get anywhere today, I feel it's best I help facilitate such things. Besides. I could do with a little coin and have no qualms about taking from those who take from others."
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
The thief has better than average armor. He holds a knife in a reverse grip towards a teenage girls throat. His hood shields most of his face but a distinctive scar is visible. The girl wears mostly comfortable clothing, loose pants and a jerkin. Her boots seem more functional than formal.
Nodding to Shen, Marlena stepped deeper into the alley, her eyes remaining mostly on the two figures in front of her, occasionally looking to the side for any others. She tilted her head to the side slightly, the thief's tactics were rather crude and she had no care for it. If he wished to steal from people and get away with it, he had a lot to learn. He also needed to pick his target more wisely. Her palms resting gently on the grips of her weapons, she moved closer.
No need to do that, sweetheart... The man here doesn't need it. You should run home now.
Shen stood comfortably at Marlena's side, lighting his pipe with a snap of his fingers and a tiny, intense spark of light. Enough to bring an ember to the tobacco packed within. He puffes on it and presses his glasses into place as he exhales, regarding the thief sideays.
"Hm. I do believe you'll be standing down, friend. Better you deal with us than the Sentinels be called into action."