[Flashback] A Die in the hand's worth two on the table (Bob)

[Tessa Poe]

She wasn't sure if she trusted herself to reply to Bob's thank you, she did know his name now at least and it was better than calling him ‘the little one’ all the time. She simply contented herself with nodding in reply instead, still making the effort to keep the smile on her face. She wasn't sure if she should be grateful to him for stopping the drunk going any further or angry with him for provoking the bastard in the first place... and her cheek still hurt! If she'd lost a tooth she knew she'd not be quite so forgiving. All she’d wanted was a nice quiet game, no fuss, a few rolls and then back to the inn, and now…

Back in the game Tessa, back in the game, ignore the two of them making fools of themselves and just...

As if in answer to her thoughts the strumpet leant forwards even further, to the point where she was practically hanging off of Bob now, pretty much drooling over him as she giggled and leant forwards to whisper something in his ear, and the only thing Tessa was sure of was that she didn't want to know what it was. At least Bob seemed to be paying some attention to the game, she’d have gone mad if it got held too long by the pair of them flirting with each other. He made his bid, of nine sixes? It wasn’t that risky she supposed, she was sitting on one, and there were two under the drunk's cup which were still live if he could be trusted to see straight. He must have been sitting on a couple at least to make that bid, didn't he? Or he was just hoping people wouldn't notice in the confusion after the little incident. That must have been it, and there was no way she was going to let that slip by.

"Bullshyke." She said flatly, staring at him across the table, trying to lock her eyes with his, to get a read on his face. She figured it was a safe call to make, and there was a lovely gold riding on it. If she hadn't have made the call one of the others almost certainly would've, and for a change she wanted to win. Well not win, just to take some of Bob’s money, just once. Alright, so she hadn’t quite forgiven him just yet.

[Bob Barton]

So whatever Bob did with the strumpet, he must have did right because she just kept coming back for more. Chuckling a little at what she told him following her giggles as an indication eventhough he did not know what was half the things she was trying to say. Catching Tessa staring at him when she called his bluff, Bob whispered to the strumpet but loud enough for Tessa to catch it "Be right back beautiful, it seems someone is not happy that she is not getting enough of Bob. You should learn how to share good things." smiling cheekily at her before leaning back on his seat.

Back at the seat Bob counted in his head. "Three plus two plus three should be eight..." convincing himself of his bid. "But one more shouldn't hurt just to be safe..." Bob thought to himself as he pointed at Tessa with his hand faced up and started coiling his finger. The act was not actually to taunt her though it could be seen that way but was actually to mask what he was really doing. Using the gesture to help him imagine controlling the res already on the die roll in its spot and face upwards with the one face. But no matter what he wanted or did, he felt no difference in power the way he normally felt when he did his reimancy. It was then he realized what was wrong. In all that excitement with the drunk and the strumpet Bob must have lost his concentration at one point and lost his control over his res.

Curses...this was bad but it was no time to show any signs of weakness. Bob could feel the eyes of the other players on him waiting expectantly for him to show his dice. But his eyes were on his own cup as his hand slowly reached out to it. Trying to keep his hand grasped on the cup Bob removed his cup to reveal his dice. The three one's were somehow clumped together for all to see like some sort of main course while the five and the four were just the side dishes. Bob looked from the ones and then at Tessa. "Don't feel too bad, I'll make it up to you. Say...dinner after this?"

[Tessa Poe]

Tessa cursed silently, eyes flicking round as the rest of the cups were turned over. With his three wilds, her six, the drunk's two of them and the merc's three Bob's bid was good. It had been a stupid call to make. She should have known the merc would have stayed true to form and not been bluffing, but something about Bob and his leering grins was getting to her. The little crook of the finger taunting her, and the snide little comments, hadn't helped in the slightest either. It wasn't the money that bothered her, win some, lose some, it was all about the game in the end. It was just the fact that it was Bob's bid that'd been good. She couldn't figure him out, at all, did he actually like her? Or was he just playing with her? Tessa felt her cheeks heating again, though she wasn't sure if it was irritation or embarrassment, she had no idea what to do now, he was just... maybe it was time to call it a night and head back to her camp? The sting was fading from her cheek, but it was being replaced with a spreading ache that starting to get on her nerves. She sighed and stretched, working her neck from side to side to try and dispel some of the pain.

Ahhh she was being silly, maybe it was just the fresh headache that was making her think like this. She really shouldn't have called him out, but... win some lose some, always another round afterwards, right? She was reaching for her stack of silver, ready to throw her stake in for next hand when Bob made his unexpected offer. Her hand froze over the pile of silver at her elbow, a look of stunned surprise painted across her face as she stared across the table at him.
"Wh...wha...what?" Tessa's irritation vanished in the swirling confusion and shock, she had no idea what she was supposed to say, or do now. Did he just want dinner? Or was there something else to his offer? What was she supposed to do? All she’d wanted was a quiet game! Now she was stuck with Bob and his offer of… she didn’t know what, and the drunk, if she hadn’t managed to take that step she had down backwards it would’ve been a lot worse. Tessa’s hand reached up, gently rubbing at her temple, trying to get her thoughts straight.
"I... ermmm... that is… no? No thank you?" All of Tessa's composure had disappeared, replaced by stammers, blushes and general awkwardness. She started to chew on her lip worriedly, hand shaking as it dropped to her stack of silver and threw her stake into the pot with a metallic jingle. The dice, they made sense at least, they were fine. Best to play another round or two, she didn’t want Bob or the others to think that he’d driven her out of the game. That would be best.
“It’s you to bid, Bob was it?” The merc spoke up, quite possibly the first words he’d said since he’d sat at the table. It was a shame that Tessa wasn’t listening, lost in her own world of worry and confusion.

[Bob Barton]

Bob waited patiently for Tessa's decision. After all, it was an offer and not a demand. A woman needs to pick a man freely or their relationship will go sour. Though Bob did not want something long-term to tie him down. Maybe a little fun for a night, coming back for more every now and then when he was in the neighbourhood. No harm done and everyone wins. Bob gets his fun and the woman his attention.

It looks like that his offer was all that was in Tessa's mind now. She started to get a little testy and distracted. Everything about her from expression to her shapely body spelt confusion. Had Bob really done that? Did he find out her weakness so soon? It seems like her weakness was Bob himself. "I knew it! No one can resist an attractive man like me." Bob said in his mind as he watched her.

Bob was having two dices on his hands now. Doing some sort of strange juggling in his hands as he waited for Tessa's final answer. While he did that he tried to put his res on the dice again. Everytime in their movements the two dice touched his skin, a little bit of his res which he released from his palms will stick on to them while making their way to the top of the dice. That is to say the face value of one. Bob looked at Tessa when he rejected him. No hard feelings but like the drunk maybe he will push her more. If he was really lucky he will get the two favorable results. More mizas in his pocket and Tessa's company for the night.

The smile on his face turned into a frown as Bob slammed the dice on the table disappointed. "Well, there is always next time Tessa." Bob said to Tessa. Then he turned to the strumpet and smiled at her "How about you? Would you like to accompany me tonight my lady?" Though that offer was directed to the ravishing strumpet, the djed in its words went to Tessa. Her own mind was a mess, but it was not like the drunkard from earlier. Tessa's mind was torn between Bob and the game and the djed went towards the part which was on Bob. The djed went to work, putting one of the most primal urges of humans into Tessa. Jealousy. Jealousy of the words, jealousy that Bob has now given his attention and offer to the strumpet.

The merc brought Bob back to the game. His gruff and harsh voice getting his attention. It was not that Bob had anything against the man, for all he knew the merc might be a nice guy. But he was focused on the lovely ladies and the merc just ruined that. Bob was still smiling but his voice was a little cold to the man as he threw the silvers at the pot. "Thank you uhmm...my friend." Bob took threw the dice into the cup and started to roll. "Clink! Clink! Clink!" it went until Bob put the cup on the table. Opening the side it revealed a good set of numbers(22:49:14) ChatBot: Bob_Barton rolls 5d6 and gets 5,6,6,4,6. again. One of the women here is definitely his Lady Luck and thats the one he wants to go back with. Grinning again he said "Why don't we start where we left of? ...Eight sixes!"

[Tessa Poe]

"Maybe, I haven't quite made up my mind yet, Bob." The strumpet practically purred his name as she let her fingers wander down his arm and for some reason Tessa was getting... she wasn't quite sure what she was feeling. Maybe it was just the headache from the drunk's slap, but the back of her head felt sort of fuzzy, like there was this pressure building there, and she had no idea why. This is what she'd wanted wasn't it? To be left alone to just get one with the game, so why... why was she...?

But just what kind of a man was this Bob, who did he think he was!? Practically jumping down the strumpet's top as soon as Tessa turned him down? How dare he!? Just because she wasn't the type to get all giggley and go weak at the knees at the first sign someone was interested in her didn't mean she wasn't interested at all. But maybe she should be following the strumpet's example? With those big brown eyes flashing behind fluttering lashes, the low cut dress and outrageous flirting? Was that what she was supposed to be like? She'd look ridiculous trying it though, it wasn't fair! Why couldn't she be more like her? Then maybe people would like her more, maybe Bob wouldn't have suddenly stopped paying attention to her like he had done. It wasn't sodding fair!?

She ground her teeth, suppressing the urge to just growl and leap over the table and teach the other woman a lesson. How dare she steal Bob from her with her brazen attitude? She wouldn't get so far with him if Tessa kicked her bloody teeth down her throat now would she? Ohh without that pretty smile of hers she'd be in all sorts of trouble now wouldn't she? Bob wouldn't want her, no-one would want her, especially if Tessa spread her nose over her face at the same time.

As everyone else rolled and put there cups down, all peering under them to see what they had to work with Tessa's grip tightened on hers, jerking it back and forth before slamming it down loudly on the table. Her lips had compressed into a thin line as she barely peeked under the cup, seeing a pair of sixes and that was about all she noticed, before locking her eyes back across the table, staring at Bob and his admirer and refusing to look away. How dare that whore take her Bob away!? One more word, just one more word out of her and Tessa would teach her why you didn't try and steal someone else's man from them.

Bob made his bid of 8 sixes, starting out high and for a moment the strumpet looked all sorts of worried, before hesitantly bidding nine. The grunter pushed it to ten with no-one calling leaving the bidding with Tessa, who had lost all interest in the, just sitting there silently, still staring across the table, her hand's clenching into fist, her knuckles turning paler as the strumpet leaned over to whisper something into Bob's ear again.
"Well, I guess if all you're interested in is a whore, Bob, then that's what you'll get. Just don't come crying to me if you get an unpleasant, and itchy surprise in the morning." Tessa finally spoke, giving voice to her thoughts as the strumpet looked back with daggers in her eyes, her mouth opening to reply before she took in Tessa's expression and hesitated for a moment, glancing at Bob to see what he'd do in the face of her naked anger. Tessa was practically quivering in her seat, her lips twisted with a half voiced snarl, it just wasn't fair, everyone always got what they wanted except her!

[Bob Barton]

The strumpet purring and playing around Bob reminded him of a cat. Cute little cats, everyone loved them. They may be selfish loners but so feminine and attractive. Even the strays, their freewill made them so charismatic. This strumpet was no different and Bob was getting quite drawn to her. He purred back "Don't think to long, you might regret it for the rest of your life." and smiling he edged his seat closer to her so that her fingers may travel further.

Bob's attention was all over the strumpet now. As much as Tessa had his attention earlier she is probably a thing in the past. The strumpet knew the game well. She knew how to get a man and if all Bob wanted was a good night she would be definitely a better choice then Tessa. His eyes travelled all over her, looking down that low cut dress and liking what he saw. But just for a few moments. Bob hurriedly looked back to those brown eyes again. Women didn't like it when you look at their assets too much even if it was part of their business. Again he leant closer and whispered to her "So how about it beautiful? You and me tonight?" All he got was a giggle in reply. Still no answer for Bob. Was this woman toying with him just as he did with Tessa?

Bob was lost in thought thinking that, missing what the strumpet whispered to him. Did she say yes? Bob just smiled. Having went this far with her it would be a shame to lose it all in a stupid mistake. But where the strumpet failed, Tessa succeeded. Bob was brought back to the table with the harsh words of Tessa. Bob could only think "Hell, I went too far with this one." seeing the way Tessa's fists were clenched and the strumpet glaring back at Tessa. Not good. While he might like women around he did not want them fighting, even if it was over him.

There was nothing to be done. If he did not do anything, they might have a catfight right here on the table. Bob had to try and calm them down. He started to look at both women, first at Tessa and then at the strumpet. Arms open as he gave his offer "Please ladies lets not fight here. Why don't we settle this issue through the game. Since I may have accidentally offered you both thinking you were not interested Tessa, winner takes Bob?" As he looked at them both he sent some djed through his eyes and pierced the women with a calming sensation to soothe the situation. Hopefully they were not too emotional to the point that his hypnotism will no longer have effect.

[Tessa Poe]

Tessa put her knuckles on the table top, getting ready to stand and move round the table again, but this time it wasn't to stop a drunk from hitting Bob, but to stop him hitting on a girl, a girl that wasn't her. Why wasn't it her!? She knew she wasn't ugly, lots of people had called her pretty, a couple had even called her beautiful before, so why...? It still wasn't fair! And then Bob made his stupid joke, gambling for his affections, what the hell was she supposed to make of that? Would he really risk not taking her home, all for, for what? It didn’t make any sense, but she knew what she had to do, all she had to do was get rid of the strumpet and then she’d have Bob all to herself.

Tessa tensed, ready to... to... wait, what was she thinking? What the... why had she been so, so worked up? What in the hells was going on here? What was wrong with her? She'd been about to... none of this made any sense! As her thoughts started to clear again her fists relaxed, she'd been clenching them so tightly that they actually hurt. Was it just that that drunk had hit her? Maybe that'd mixed her up? She couldn't quite believe she'd been about to go for that girl. This was insane, she didn't even like Bob! But... it didn't matter though, it was alright, she was alright, nothing had happened, but it was probably time to get out of here. She'd head back to the inn and get some sleep, and when she woke up this'd all just be like a bad dream, though she'd probably still have the headache. She took a deep breath, and then another, doing what she could to keep her head clear.
"I'm sorry, I... don't know what came over me. I think I'm going to go now, I'm just... sorry... keep the stake."

Tessa got to her feet, the fuzzy feeling in her head threatening to knock her off her feet for a moment as she wobbled in place, before it cleared and this feeling of immense calm washed through her again. It was all fine, she'd apologised, left her stake in, now she could get out of here and get some rest. It really seemed like she needed it. She still couldn't quite believe her quiet dice game had turned into this strange evening. Tessa turned to make her way through the tables towards the door, for once actually glad to be leaving.

[Bob Barton]

Tessa stood up and Bob let out a moan. Oh no, things are not working out and here was one very crazed woman thanks to his hypnotism. The same woman who rushed to his aid against the drunk. Even a morally deprived gambler like him understands gratitude and what he just did was nothing like that. Bob knew that her target would either be Bob or the strumpet. The merc, he did nothing but play the game. For all Bob knew that man was the best player in the table. Even with all the drama he was still able to focus on the game.

Like Tessa, Bob stood. Not to run or anything like that but to prepare himself to stop her from doing something she'd regret. He moved up to the strumpet putting himself between the two women. Waving his hands at Tessa he was really running out of options thinking that the hypnotism did not work. And he has used it a few times in succession already. Any more and he might risk overgiving. "Now, now Tessa. Why don't we just calm down and play the game?"

She finally calmed down somehow. Bob didn't know how but he was thankful for that at least. She started regretting her actions and said some words, going to leave and that the group should keep her stake just like the drunk. A dishonourable departure for her. Something Bob felt he deserved and not her. Before she passed through their table he reached out his hand to make a grab at her arm. "Really sorry what happened...but I will still take you to dinner if you want. Maybe tomorrow night when you feel better." He said it as sincerely as possible to make it up to her, but whether she took the offer was up to her. Finishing his words he took back his seat at the table to continue.

"Ten you say? Lets see it then." Bob said holding on to his cup. His face no longer held the happy and excited expression he once had with the shame. Even with the fawning and gushing of the strumpet Bob was emotionless. With all her words about Bob he wanted nothing more than to scream at her "No! I am neither brave nor am I your hero!" but what difference would that make now? Maybe he deserved that unpleasant, itchy surprise the next morning if he really gets it.

[Tessa Poe]

"Hmmmmm? She seemed distracted as she turned back to Bob, her eyes blank as she looked him up and down, as if she wasn't entirely there. That was mostly because she wasn't. She couldn't seem to grasp her own thoughts, every time she tried they slipped away and out of reach, hiding behind the fog that was filling her mind. It was kind of nice in some ways though, not having anything to worry about. Everything was fine, she was fine, Bob was fine, everything was fine. Even her headache seemed to be fading for some reason, and that was just fine too. It was time to go though, she'd decided that, hadn't she? Time to go and get some sleep.

"That'd be nice Bob, I'm staying at the White Swan, come find me there?" Her voice was flat and lifeless as she gave him just the slightest hint of a smile, her eyes were still glazed. She gave him a nod and turned away again, wandering dreamily away towards the doors. Calls came for her to join some of the other games, a couple of people offered to buy her a drink, but they barely registered with her, all she wanted to do was leave, and that's precisely what she'd do.

Continued Here: [Flashback] Scary lady is scary! (Tessa)

[Growl]

Appreciation Time! Name: Tessa Experience: +3 Gambling, +3 Rhetoric, +2 Interrogation, +1 Seduction Lore: The Spinning Coin (Basic), Getting in the Way, Growling About Strumpets Name: Bob Experience: +3 Gambling, +3 Rhetoric, +2 Hypnotism, +1 Cane, +2 Seduction, +1 Interrogation Lore: Butting In, Strumpets, Winner Takes Bob Additional Notes: PM with questions or concerns.