Just another day in paradise...[solo]

by **Jack Morlin** on March 15th, 2012, 6:02 pm

Timestamp 8th of spring, 512 AV

Today was looking good for a change.

Well, better then most day, anyway. Jack hit it big playing cards at Johnny's, and for one was able enough pay of his debts (at least, the ones with imminent threat to his life.) and still have 100 gold mizas left over. Fat Micca from the docks was found floating belly up in the port last night, so nobody had enough dirt to blackmail him with. That meant, for the first time in month's, Jack could relax and breath easy.

It was about 8:30pm when Jack finally left the shack. Scrapper burst out the door and turned the corner before Jack even reach the steps. Jack didn't think much of it. The animal was never the type to hover over his "master", but always came home when he was ready. Until then, Jack made his way to his first stop in the long night to come; The Pig's Foot Tavern.

Jack stepped cheerfully through the alleys of sunberth, weaving past the clutter and vagrants with total ease. He navigated the labyrinth of alleys and back roads quickly, rarely stopping and never once being acknowledged by the few people he saw in his route. Though he was sure he could take the high traffic routes with little risk of bumping into someone who he owed money to, The thief felt safer in the shadows of the back roads. he was nearing the back of the tavern when he heard a scuffle on the rooftops. the sound turn in to a shadow, which turned into two more shadows. Jack took a step back and prepared himself for a fight. The Dropped down into the two-way alley, and blocked Jack's exits . With no escape route, Jack pick up a brick lying about the floor and Turned to the Shadow standing by himself.

One of the specters (too dark to tell which) said."No need for that, friend. Your out numbered. just give us your money and we won't have to hurt you too much." Jack recognized the flick of a switch blade and the wooden thunk of a club hitting the wall. But more importantly, Jack recognized the voice. He couldn't help but grin as he said"I would love to exchange money for a less violent beating, but it seems i have none to trade" the Shadow turned to each other "it's just Jack." The tension loosened up and Jack and the specters (who's names are Derrin, Kerchan and Kerlan two-fingers, muggers and thugs) had a laugh and promised to have a drink later on. One of the few benefits to being known as the poor drunk Thought Jack is that after a while, people stop coming to you for money. With the "misunderstandings" out of the way, Jack made his way through the back entrance of The pig's tavern.

by **Jack Morlin** on March 15th, 2012, 6:47 pm

Even while walking through the back door, Jack could smell the mixture of ale and sweat. It was comforting to find the locals were out, of which he owed none of them money. Jack quickly secured his place at the bar, near the end, where he could keep an eye on the people coming and going, while being incopicoious. He opened the nearest window and settled in for a long binge. He waited until Merv noticed who he was and nodded at him. The Thief returned the favor, and pulled out 5 gold miza. There was a looked of shock on the old mans face, which he covered up quickly. He made a Mug of ale and put it in front of him. Merv took the coins and look at the intensely, as if the were gong to turn to ash at any second he then gave Jack a curious look. I need a better look. Not that i don't trust you...
But you don't trust me. I understand. knock yourself out. The Barkeep disappeared into the back and Jack couldn't help but chuckle. The thought of "Bad Luck Jack" with money seemed impossible to everyone who heard of his recent winning hand at Johnny's. Jack took the mug and drank it slowly, being sure to enjoy every mouthful as he waited for Merv to come back.

Merv returned and whispered to Jack Consider your tab settled. Jack could only grin and nod. Merv brought him another Ale and went of to take care of his other customers.

At about 10, the daylight crowd had almost completely dissipated, making room for the "shadier" locals. These people of which Jack did owe money. So after a few drinks, a now inebriated Jack Chose to slip out before his new found riches catches their ears.

by **Jack Morlin** on March 16th, 2012, 4:10 pm

Jack stumbled out the back door of the bar, a bottle of ale in his hand. Drunk, and not yet ready to go home, Jack decided to do the once thing worth doing at this hour; Visit the love of his life. the thought of Elenia's warm embrace placed a huge grin on his already red face as he walked back into the Alleys, making way for Brega's house.

Even while drunk, Jack proved to have a mastered the pitch black alleyways, moving with a certain grace only achievable by a skillfully inebriated man. It never took Jack long to find the Bordello; he knew the quickest ways there from any point in the city. Jack turned the corner to see the whorehouse for all it's glory; destitute, run down, almost as bad as his own shack. He could see Brega in the frame the Doorway as he walked up; A vision of beauty and elegance. Until she saw Jack, at which point she glared at him and shook her head Oh, no you don't. Two thugs seemed to suddenly materialize behind him. I know that you've been sneaking in and out, tipping Elenia more so she won't tattle, so don't even bother unless you got 10 gold. Jack quickly dug in his pockets and pulled out 10 gold But I, as a matter of fact do have 10 gold. The thief held out the money and Brega Quickly snatched it up. You know that if this is fake, I'll see to it that you'll never love another woman again, right? Jack simply grinned. She's inside. He entered the whorehouse and was surprised to see so few people inside at this time of night. As he enters the common room many of the whores, both women and men, start toward him, realize who he is, and turn around in disappointment. he continues through the room, until he sees her at her usual spot on the couch; her beautiful brown eyes that seem to dance at the sight of him, her hair as black as the alleys he just walk through. She smiles as she stands up. Hello, my love. The thief extends his hand I wish for you heart, if only for a night. Then make there way up stairs to the largest and most extravagant room available. He open the window and climbs in to the bed.

*****************

by **Jack Morlin** on March 16th, 2012, 4:56 pm

Jack awoke to the hazy light of sunrise, Elenia's arms still wrapped around him. She seems to sense him and wakens as well. Jack stares in to her eyes. I love you she smiles and says I know, my love. He Embrace her. One day, i will be rich, then I will come for you and take from this place. We will buy a farm and raise a family, and be happy for the rest of our days. She embraced him as well. Of Course, my love. Though he said it, he knew it was a lie. He didn't love her, or her him, but the lie gave hope all the same. He kissed on the forehead, got up and put his clothes back on. He left A gold piece on the end table and left the bordello.
The sun hurt his eyes as he took back to the alleys, hardly seen by anyone. he was nearing the slums when he saw Derrin, Kerchan and Kerlan sitting on some old barrels.
Derrin raised a bottle of ale and called him over.

Good morrow, old friend. I remember we were to share a drink, yeah? Jack Could never turn down such and offer and sat down with them. They drank and talked about the event of last season, of women and of course, money.
Well we heard you've had some luck at johnny's a few days ago, yes? the comment sounded like he meant to cover up the malicious intent, but failed. Suddenly jack felt it was time to go. Kerchan and Kerlan sensed his tension and stood up, surrounding him.
Derrin still sat, confident. If remember correctly, you told us you had no coin, but suddenly, both Dalagnar and the Sun's birth seem to have forgotten that you owe them money, them we hear these rumors about your sudden luck at the casino. yet you never thought to share such wealth with us... Jack knew where this was going, and quickly stood up to prepare for the fight. Kerchan ran for him first intending to tackle him from behind.

Jack tried to turn to face him but was still side clipped by the giant thug. too heavy to throw off, the brawler reached for anything to get the brute off of him. He within his grasp a a nail, no doubt from the old barrels. As he grabbed it, bothe Derrin and Kerlan proceeded to kick him in the head and stomach. Jack took a good grip of the nil and stuck it in
Kerchan's ear. The brute howled like a beaten dog and threw himself off of jack. His intense howl threw off the other attackers, giving jack time to get to his feet. Kerchan, now bleeding from his ear, stayed down and was certainly out for the fight. Kerlan, who was only slightly smaller than Kerchan, Threw a wide swing at Jacks head. The drunk duck just in time and came up with the hardest headbutt he could muster. the shock to the brain dizzied both fighters, as Derrin whipped out a switch blade, making wide cuts to jacks torso. Jack, being too close to the alley wall, was given a clean cut across his waist and stomach, and also cut open his coin purse, in which all his remaining coins fell onto the alley street.
time seemed to stop for only a few seconds, as both parties tried to figure out if the should go for the money, or finish the fight. Suddenly Derrin dived for the gold, and jack reacted as well. As he picked up the first coin, he remebered, that Derrin was still standing. He looked up to see a club swipe the side of his face putting him out.

by **Jack Morlin** on March 16th, 2012, 5:10 pm

Jack came too a few seconds later, the muggers picking up most of the gold already. damn it... thought Jack My body's no good. still too groggy can't get up.

There was a bark and a growl. jack saw the thugs look up fear in their eyes. Shit! Derrin said as he went to pick Kerchen from the floor, Let's get the hell out of here! They ran down the alley, tripping over each other as they went. Jack turned to see who his savior was.

It was none other than scrapper.

Well i'll be. guess your not so useless after all, huh?The sheep dog just stared at him as if to say Shut up and get what's left of the money, before someone else comes along. Jack worked his way back up and spent 30 minutes searching for gold in every nook and cranny. after he was sure he got all of it. he sat down and started to count it.
Damn it all, I only got 10 gold left... disappointed, Jack and his best friend scrapper took the ale bottles left by the muggers and headed home.

Jack was broke, beaten, and tired.

Something never change

by **Archelon** on March 18th, 2012, 7:43 pm

Thread Award

"..."

And the Results!!!!:

Jack :

Would you like some extra turtle sauce ? :