Open [The Rearing Stallion] A Cold One, Please!

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal, Fall 13, 512 AV It had been a long day at the works and Tourmal needed a few dozen or so drinks in him. He was famished and hadn't eaten since twelve bells. It was now twenty bells in the evening and the man had finished his daily wash when he made his way over to his favorite spot to finish a day. He wondered if there would be some fresh game as he always hopes. The walk was short due to his quickened pace as he approached the building seeing the candles lit and the fire burning. When he arrived at the door the warm are engulfed him sending off the crisp chill of the autumn evening. When he entered he quickly scanned the room just in time to see his friend Orion raising his drink to someone near the fire by the looks of it. As he approached the blue eyed man he looked over to where he was looking to figure out what happened. It was a girl. A ravenous beauty at that. Wow starting the night early aren't we. Tourmal went to his normal spot next to Orion, the two had gotten into quite the habit of drinking side by side giving each other the play by play of what was going on in the tavern. As he sat down. Tourmal asked “Who is the filly you have your sights on? Looks like a ringer that one does.” he said with an approving nod. Maybe a little bit of trouble too. That's never scared you away before though.” he paused as the man answered him. “You know if yer scared I can always take her off yer hands” Or try to Tourmal often was overconfident in himself having many a rejection in his life. “I don't mind getting my hands dirty... What have we here?” he said half to himself and half to Orion. At that moment he eyed another beauty walking in Nice milky white smooth skin. The man had met her before They often sharing their company when something was needed. Their relationship was mostly one sided. Whenever she needed something from him she kept him company. He didn't mind This often led him to giving her a discount on his services. A mutual partnership without making anything too complicated. “You know what, I think I'll go for Maeva tonight.” Before the six two drykas could even stand up, a man with pointed ears and a cowl walked in and sat near the beauty in the cloak. “You better watch out doctor and make your move. This one looks like he has his sights on the same one as you, and by the looks of him he is sure to be a dead shot” With that he stood up and walked over to greet the newcomer. As he approached Maeva he motioned to the barmaid to follow him to where she was sitting. Luckily a few of the lightweights had left opening a seat right next to her. “Good evening fine lady” he said to the pale temptress listening to her reply. “I'll have a few loaves of bread and a quarter wheel of cheese, And make sure that the ale flows all night. Make it dark need something filling please.” As he spoke he pulled out a gold miza and placed it on the counter for the barmaid“Oh and while you are at it take care of this ones next drink and the man who just walked in.” That would leave a half dozen drinks left on the GM he had just given her. He retuned his attention to his new companion “Looks like someone is looking for trouble tonight.” he said with a smirk and a wink. “Despite how cold it is you brought the girls out with you.” the man pointing his eyes at her breast raising an eyebrow. “So do you got any dirt on this guy?” he nodded at the cowled man sitting near the other beauty. Who just said something to her, but he couldn't hear it over the talking of the crowd. Just then It hit Tourmal that he had not yet even scoped out the place to see if there was any other talent in the room. With a few scans he realized why he hadn't in the first place. Because there was none. Boring well partially. It was never boring when Maeva was around. He wondered if Orion would keep sitting there while this invader raided his territory. Tourmal didn't really care what happened however as soon as he saw him he decided it would be good to promote some competition. Orion thought too highly of himself and the smith loved seeing his friend lose at the chance of a lifetime. When the man looked over as the barmaid told him what he assumed was that he had just paid for the newcomers next drink. He smiled and raised his chin approvingly. “I sure hope he doesn't think I'm interested in him.” He said to Maeva. OOCSorry so long I had a lot to catch up on and don't worry about working me into your story just say that I came in while you were watching the fire or something. Oh yea Orion has some work issues so he can't post anything for a while. He literally has to work for 36 hours straight not sure if he will have time or energy to post.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion oocSorry for the delay, but I should be back and reliable now. I'd like to maintain a posting order if at all possible. Myself, Sybel, Viper, Maeva, Tourmal, if no one has any complaints? Orion watched half interested as the barmaid went over to see to his request. It was lazy, yeah, but what if that's how he felt? No matter how it went, he'd have a better idea of the woman he was sizing up after her response. Before he how'd she react, the tavern found itself quickly becoming more interesting. There entered Tourmal, a old friend of the doctor's. They'd spent many a drunken nights at this very tavern, doing just what Orion was trying to do this evening. He was an expected sight though. The others that entered were new to him. He nodded in agreement with his good friend. "I suppose I might get punished for going with the indirect method this evening. I'm still kinda reeling from you know who, though, so I'm not sure what I'm really wanting to do tonight." Sipping slowly from his drink, he glanced over again to the woman with whom he'd been sharing exchanges with, an ever so brief look of annoyance adorning his face. "Dunno who she is." As if on cue, the barmaid returned, passing the little bit of information she'd been able to obtain. "And there you have it. A foreigner. Who would have guessed it?" Orion quickly realized that Tourmal's attention had shifted away from him, not that the blue eyed man would fault him. Another looker had made her way into the Rearing Stallion. Skin painted white contrasted by hair of midnight. The young doctor felt like he should have recognized her, but he had this feeling they were kindred spirits of sorts. That never led to anything good, he'd found, so she was all his Drykas friend's. Glancing back at the man who'd sat over by the desert woman, he couldn't hide his disdain. Orion could be a selfish one when it came to these things. Even if he didn't want it, sometimes he just couldn't let someone else. For now he would bide his time, grinning over at the woman as another man was vying for her attention, his eyes dancing in amusement. He was always able to pick the popular ones.

[Maeva]

At the sound of her name, Maeva turned back towards the bar. It took a few moments for her to remember the name of the young man who had just spoken to her - I remembered it well enough when we were rolling around together, naked. ”Good evening, Tourmal.” Her attention turned to him completely, and she took a step closer to Tourmal, a hand resting on the crook of his elbow just long enough to be flirtatious, but not too long as to make herself seem completely available. He was a slightly cocky guy, if Maeva remembered correctly, and typical in the sense that he believed that he was in control, that it was he who led conversation and action that went on between herself and him. She smirked slightly as she recalled his personality; like a puppet on a string. She took another sip of her wine and flashed him another grin. ”There is always trouble where I am.” She paused, just for a moment, ”If I remember correctly, we tend to create even more trouble together.” She chuckled slightly at how direct he was - she remembered now, that was one trait of his she appreciated; there was no waste of time trying to be coy. ”The ‘girls’ must have known that you were coming here too.” Yes, I think that you’ll make good company for tonight, she decided. ”I have no clue who that is,” she said in answer to his question regarding the man near the fireplace. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders when Tourmal commented on the stranger potentially taking the free drink as a flirtatious signal, ”You know what they say,” she purred, leaning even closer to his ear, ”three’s a party.” she laughed, and took yet another sip of her wine. ”How are you, anyway? It’s been a while.”

[Sybel]

"So what's the joke, if you don't mind my asking?" At least someone knew how to use their words. It was almost a relief. There was a reason she didn’t enjoy playing ‘relationship’ games, she thought sourly. It was the anticipation of a prize in the end. That level of objectification ruffled her feathers. People were people and things were things. Individuals who couldn’t discern between the two always found themselves dissatisfied. “Nothing in particular, just a private joke.” She responded with a grin. “I have this tendency to laugh at myself. You could call it a bad habit.” Her voice was low and accented, communicating her identity in every syllable. The little cat-and-mouse game she’d been playing with the mysterious stranger was becoming tiresome, so she’d simply give it up. What was the point? Really, she’d just come to drink and forget her long ride in. Even if she felt herself victorious, what would she win? “I do believe I’ll need another drink,” she said to no one in particular. However, before she could even gesture, the server was back. Despite her previous quip, the lady must not have forgotten Sybel’s generosity. There was that adage about money talking and cow dung walking, she reflected. “I’ll have a drink, please. The same as before.” Sybel smiled up at her briefly and went back to watching the patrons. Another man swept into the mix, quite tall with caramel colored hair. He was fine looking, but the way he sized her up made her feel like a side of beef. Just another predator on the hunt, it seemed. What struck her as significant was seeing him sit next the cloaked man who’d been toying with her. That rang a loud bell. So the guy was a player, huh? The door closed on that brief flirtation. Sybel was many, many things but bed warmer was not one of them. She looked the masked individual over surreptitiously. His interested was a little marked for her taste, but he seemed nice enough. It would be someone to talk to, at least. “So where do you hail from?” She asked conversationally, crossing her legs. “You don’t seem like a Northerner.”

[Viper]

As she began to reply, he finally removed his mask completely. He was no longer cold, and certainly didn't need it while sitting by a fire and talking to a new acquaintance. Once removed, his appearance revealed him to be a younger man around his mid 20's. His emerald green eyes however, depicted someone who, despite his younger age, seemed to have seen and been through a lot. He pondered her initial comments for a moment while taking a long draw from his own mug of ale once more, finishing the cup.

"A bad habit you say? Oh I don't know about that. Seems this world could use a few more people that don't take themselves too seriously." He paused for a moment as the lady ordered another drink, wondering if his comment was a bit to forward. To be honest, it was how he really felt. But looking back on it, the comment would probably be taken wrong. Sighing to himself as she asked her question, he was about to order himself another drink as well when a second barmaid approached. "Excuse me sir, but the gentleman at the bar ordered this for you." She said cheerfully.

Taking the drink from the barmaid somewhat confused, an eyebrow raised as he turned to see who it was. Catching a glimpse of the man she pointed out, he couldn't recall having ever met this man in the whole of his life. Then suddenly a few details captured his eye. The red shirt, long blonde hair, more importantly the golden strider brooch he was wearing. He was a fellow Drykas like himself, but most likely from the Ruby Clan if the shirt was any indication at all. His confused expression disappeared as he silently sighed in relief. Assuming the woman he was also rather closely standing next to was his actual "target" for the night, he was confident the gesture was only a friendly one and not flirtatious. Raising his mug to the man, he brandished a thankful smile before turning back to the woman he was now talking to.

With a nod back toward the man, and his tone warm and friendly, he said, "He's a fellow Drykas like myself. Speaking of which, please forgive my rudeness in not introducing myself sooner. The name is Viper. And no ma'am, not a Northerner. I hail from Cyphrus, Emerald Clan to be more precise." His pleasant smile showed the pride he had in his home. Continuing on with a sort of 'trying to figure it out' expression, he said, "Though I'm fairly certain I could guess where you are from, how about yourself. Where do you hail from?"

ooctbh...i'm not a fan of posting orders. *shrugs* it makes it possible for the story to keep moving if someone happens to get busy with RL without a set order. but i'll stand by the popular vote or whatever the thread creator Sybel decides.

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal, Fall 13, 512 AV “I know my place, and it is not as a spy. If I were to participate in a war it would be as a line breaker. They would see me coming from a mile away” He smiled “I say let them know what you plan to do and do your best at it.” He knew that his friend was much more different from himself. But skirting around the bushes was too much for him just dive in and see what you flush out. That way was more fun now wasn't it? The man shook his head in reaction to his friends comment on not knowing if he wanted any tonight. “Well now is the time to decide. Otherwise, why did you come out?” When The woman he had asked a question to replied to his greeting, he turned his head and nodded to her. When she spoke of trouble he acknowledged it. But her next comment on it caught him in the middle of a drink and he coughed a bit before catching his breath. Recollecting on their first engagement he had completely controlled the whole thing giving him the bravado to come up to her so non nonchalantly. None the less, indeed there was trouble when the two intertwined. As the man nodded to him in recognition to his purchase, he lifted his mug taking another swig. He followed it with another chunk of bread with some cheese and another draught of his heavy ale. Her mere mention of three being a party threw him for a loop and nearly killed him. Was she into that? If so why this new guy? He didn't know anything about him. And no, the idea of seeing another mans business was too much to handle in that sense. "Three may be a party, but that will have to be a party that I never remember, and no one else does either." "Me?" Flattered he replied. “I am fine the Works has kept me busy but that doesn't explain your disappearance why haven't I seen you in a while. You know I have missed you and your girls presence too right?” The large man whispered in her ear after drawing his finger across it to move her hair out of the way. “All the hammering of iron and steel has put a knot in my right shoulder. Can you help me with that?” He requested her aid just to get her hands on him, hoping that his physique would be enough to bring about a rise in her. The man was hungry and was tired of waiting for things to progress. So he nodded to Maeva and Orion to follow him. The man had a knack for being impatient. Figuring that his night would end with Maeva anyways, he was interested in where the competition between Orion and this other man would go. So he walked up to the two sitting at adjacent tables, grabbed ahold of the one in front of the newly unmasked man. “Do ya mind if we joined you two. Not waiting for a reply as he often did. The man had a tendency of being forceful when it was appropriate for advancement in his own internal storyline. And with his right hand he dragged the table to the females and adjoined the two. While pulling up a few chairs for his company to sit in. He motioned for the two to sit at their respective seats. Knowing he probably threw off the green masked mans schedule. Then he walked back to the bar and brought his meal over. “Would any of you like anything to eat? I am sure I can not finish this alone. Cheese bread and a drink for each if you are up for it?” He looked at the new female and male who he had just joined. With a look of concern “sorry If I interrupted anything. But where are the two of you from?” Not knowing weather he should reveal his friends secrets or not “I am from Cyphrus originally, but I've lived here for nigh' eight years now I think. Yea eight years and two seasons.” The main waited for each to respond. “Let me just tell you your skin is beautiful, reminds me of Ahnatep, you aren't from the desert now are you?" He knew the answer to the question but not sure of where she came from. At the same time he hoped he hadn't upset his probable bed partner only bringing up this to start conversation. "Don't you guys think so?" He looked at the other three and waited for a response. As he looked at the unmasked man he thought he recognized him from somewhere but not sure where he decided to keep it to himself. No reason to hinder a man who could provide Orion with some competition. He thought. Truly despite the challenges he planned to invite to the engagement. He hoped for Orion to win. However if he didn't then it was his own problem for not rising to the occasion. Therefore he had no shame in bringing up anything the rest of the night. At which point he waved to the barmaid to come for another order. OOCI understand your reservation but three days isn't that much to wait. Most people wait two weeks before skipping pre-existing people in a thread. Seems like a lot to me too but patience is a virtue. And if it keeps an assimilation of order to the thread I would rather that than no order, and first come first serve. Otherwise I would have this thread covered replying after every post. I do however agree that the creator has the ultimate decision. So it is up to you Sybel.

[Orion Michaels]

oocSo here's what I'm going to say about the posting order, all while trying to not sound like an ass. There are 91 days in the season you can thread in, with more for flashbacks, depending on your race and age. That's a lot of opportunity for threading. Waiting on someone to post in a thread with five people doesn't seem like a big deal, since there are several more threads you can do. A posting order makes sure that there is continuity within the thread so there isn't someone reacting to every 5th event or something. Just my thoughts, but as you've said, it's all up to Sybel.

Orion He chuckled at his friend's bluntness. Why had he come out, indeed? He was in a bit of a funk, that was for sure. Maybe he was just here to drink. Tourmal had his companion for the night it seemed, and by the look of disgust that came from his own target, he'd played it all wrong. "Ah, you make a good point, Tourmal. Maybe I'll figure it out before the night is through." He stood at the tall Drykas' invitation to the table of the desert woman and other Drykas, walking over with a mug in hand. "Speaking to another man while flirting with another, hmm?" The young doctor took a seat at the newly pulled up table, setting down his drink while allowing his gaze to shift back and forth slowly between the woman and the newly unmasked man. "Bold. And I really appreciate you Drykas," he continued, smirking all the while. "Always straight to the point. No time for foreplay." He traced his finger slowly around the rim of his drink, speaking slowly and deliberately. "And yet I have this feeling," Orion said, his eyes resting on the woman who had only chimes before bought him a drink, "Yes, I have this feeling that you share that trait with the horsemen here." He glanced over at Tourmal and his companion, nodding. "I swear, this city is starting to crawl with your people, my friend. While I suppose it's not impossible, it's unusual for them to be here in this season. I wonder, are you really the exception, Tourmal?" He gave his friend a gentle smile, though his eyes had wandered over to the beauty next to him. Orion had been burned by many a her type in the past, and if he was drunk enough, would likely be burned again. Not tonight, though. Not tonight. Yet, those ruby red lips were certainly tantalizing...

[Sybel]

OOCHey, so here is where I'm at on the posting order issue:
I think everyone has an equivalently valid point. I would say that because there are so many people in this thread, there should be a posting order. From here on it should look like [Sybel, Orion, Viper, Maeva, Tourmal.] Otherwise it's going to be a free-for-all. That can be problematic with so many people involved. Cheers, guys!

"A bad habit you say? Oh I don't know about that. Seems this world could use a few more people that don't take themselves too seriously." Sybel raised her new pint in response to that. “I’m of the same opinion.” She replied simply, drawing from the amber liquid. Fresh drinks always had that rich quality she adored. The night was improving it seemed. Well, that was until the wolves chose to descend. “Do ya mind if we joined you two?” A deep, distinctly male voice broke her reverie. Reflexively her head snapped over to the man who now towered above her. It was the fair-haired hulk from earlier. He'd managed to drag his passive friend along with him in addition to the dark beauty from the bar. Sybel’s instincts began to shriek. They were very lucky she was without a weapon. So much for not feeling vulnerable. Her position was weak, so naturally she sought out the closest ally: The other woman. If there was anything she knew, it was her own gender. The two of them were about to have an unspoken dialogue. It was a language every mature female understood. Sybel raised an eyebrow in her direction to see if the doll-face was truly a willing victim. It meant to say: “You okay?” That much would be enough for the moment. The man sat without her consent. Her teeth involuntarily clenched. So it was going to be one of those nights, eh? “Sorry If I interrupted anything. But where are the two of you from?” Oh sure he was, she thought bitterly. It required effort to keep her countenance neutral. Her fuse could be rather long, but at the present moment it was growing ever shorter with each passing word. “I am from Cyphrus originally,” The man trekked on, “but I've lived here for nigh' eight years now I think. Yea eight years and two seasons.” “They were lucky to have you.” She replied ironically, hiding her face beyond the rim of her cup as she sipped. This situation was maneuverable, but it’d take some work. She prayed to Ovek that this vain gentleman would at least have a sense of humor. “Let me just tell you your skin is beautiful, reminds me of Ahnatep, you aren't from the desert now are you?" He had to be credited with persistence. "Don't you guys think so?" He added, apparently trying to bring his companions into the fold. The guy was trying to be polite. It was almost working, too. “I am, though think a bit further to the southwest.” She shifted her weight to the opposing side of her chair. “Your friend would know more about that.” She remarked, directing her focus to the mystery man. "Speaking to another man while flirting with another, hmm?" The young hothead inside was begging for a chance at his throat. This guy was rich! He hadn’t uttered a single word to her before that moment, and suddenly he was staking a claim? Her blood boiled, neutrality holding on by a thread. If he pushed too hard, she’d push back. "Bold. And I really appreciate you Drykas,” he said, still blazing his trail into the realm of stupidity, "Always straight to the point. No time for foreplay." Oh, that was repellant. Was he kidding? Sybel looked him over to make sure he hadn’t already been drinking. It didn’t seem so. Shifting her eyes to the other woman, she discreetly shook her head as if to say: Are these guys serious? "And yet I have this feeling," the guy wound up, staring her down with vivid blue eyes, "Yes, I have this feeling that you share that trait with the horsemen here." That was it. She really couldn’t hold it in any longer. The feeling was bubbling over, taking control. Deadly serious, she raised her hand – And began to laugh uncontrollably. “Are you kidding?” She asked, breathless. “Look at you,” she interrupted him – he seemed to have moved on to another left handed comment, “You’re already salivating over your friend’s girl, and you literally just tried to play me!" Her expression was a mixture of pleasure and disbelief. “You all are great fun. At least your comrade from Cyphrus made some pretense of conversation before he got all hot and heavy.” Rising from her seat, she looked toward the lady at the horsemen’s side. “Good luck.” She whispered conspiratorially. “I’ll be over at the bar.” Still giggling to herself, she walked off to be seated in a more spacious area of the room. Men could be such idiots.

[Maeva]

Maeva couldn’t help but laugh at Tourmal’s reaction to her comment about a bedroom-centred ‘parties’. Fair enough, not every was into such experiences. Maeva, herself, had had her fair share of such experiences, and had some fond memories. Her arms hovered over his chest slightly before she leaned up to speak quietly into his ear again, ”Looks like it’ll just me us two tonight, then.” She wasn’t the sort of woman to be coy; she was direct, if nothing else. Hell, when I want something, I’ll go for it. She almost rolled her eyes when he asked for help with the apparent knot in his shoulder. You are such a fool. she thought, but your so easy to play. She gave a tiny groan as Tourmal brushed her hair out his way - that should be enough to make him fell the ache of lust in his loins. ”I’ve missed you too… And I’ve been here, hoping to see you.” She pouted slightly, knowing from experience that most men found it hard to resistance the whole ‘pouty-damsel-in-distress’ act. She followed him to the two strangers by the fireplace. It was getting colder in the tavern, especially as more and more people entered, creating an almost constant blow of cold wind from outside. She chose a seat next to Tourmal - so her hands could get him aching with desire without any of the others being aware. Her dark eyes shifted from the unknown man, to the woman. The golden skinned beauty opposite raised her eyebrows just a fraction - and Maeva had to conceal a smirk. Oh, how she missed female company, especially the unspoken communications between women. Making sure none of the men were paying her attention - or at least, nothing ten inches above her breasts - she rolled her eyes to the other female: I’m fine, just playing their little game. They’re harmless. Afterwards, Maeva noticed the friend of Tourmal’s - the one with the striking blue eyes - was looking in her direction. I’ll try to remember your face for another night. She smiled kindly to him and extended a hand for him to shake, ”I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Maeva -- I assume that you’re a friend of Tourmal’s also?” Then she leaned back in her seat, one hand secretly on Tourmal’s thigh as she sipped at her win glass, watching the scene play out before her. It was a talent Maeva had learnt over the years - watching who portrayed themselves as what, and so on. That way, she’d know who to work in her favour most successfully. She gave a light chuckle at the blue-eyed-boy’s comment about avoiding foreplay. ”Fair point,” she murmured softly, but she gave Tourmal a somewhat warning glance, ”although don’t get any ideas.” Hey, she was still a woman, and enjoyed the warm-up to any physical activity. The other woman’s sudden laughter came over somewhat as a shock. What do you expect men to do? She pondered to herself, watching as the other female said her piece and began to leave. In such behaviour, Maeva had little in common with other woman; she preferred the directness of men. We all know what they want, it’s just a case of deciding whether to give it to them.

[Viper]

OOCSorry for the long read, lot's to respond too. side note: -4 CM mug of ale.

His small smile remained on his face as he listened to her reply. The serenity of the evening however, was suddenly shattered when his fellow Drykas came over and so presumptuously pulled up tables and chairs for himself and his friends whom he had noticed earlier. He was quite taken aback by the display, but not completely apposed to the idea of them joining the two...at first. In fact he was more so simply confused than anything else.

His confusion was short-lived however when he heard the comments from the trio. So what had meant to be an evening of relaxation, drinking, and what seemed to be the start of a pleasant conversation had turned into him apparently encroaching on someone's "turf"? So that's what this was all about...

He sighed inwardly at what he considered to be an increasingly horrifying display of rudeness and lack of respect toward the lady he had begun to talk with. He appreciated directness as much as the next person. But that approach did not fit every situation. Not to mention they seemed to think these ladies were like horses or cattle…something to be inspected and then purchased. The comment on the beauty of the woman's skin though, caused him to glance back her way. When he turned, he looked intently to her expression, to try and get an idea of how she was taking this. Interestingly, she seemed to barely be keeping it together.

His friendly smile returned at her comment about him knowing where she was from. “Your friend would know more about that.” The remark was not lost on him. More than ever he was certain she was of the desert people that resided just to the south west of his people. When he noticed her focus turn to him, he said in what he was assuming was her native language Shiber. "Indeed. But I must agree...quite beautiful." He struggled a bit with the wording since it was not the language he spoke most often. And his expression was playful, yet sincere. But a moment after he finished speaking and flashing a small smile, he turned back toward the trio.

He really was quite amazed at the brashness of the group…well maybe except for the other beauty. To her credit, she seemed to still be able to handle herself politely …considering the circumstances. The man that was with his fellow Drykas though was unbelievable. He butts in on the duo's conversation and doesn't even have the decency to say hello or even give a single glance acknowledging Viper's presence? He had just about had enough when the woman he had been speaking with burst out laughing and walked away after a couple remarks. Well at least she seemed to be able to maintain that pleasant disposition. He was somewhat surprised since he was thinking she was actually about to get angry.

As she walked away he likewise stood up. Somewhat sarcastically he said, "Smooth boys. Real smooth." Turning toward…Maeva was her name?, he smiled and gave a slight bow. "It was a nice to meet you ma'am." Turning toward his fellow Drykas he said, "Thanks again for the drink. I'll have to return the favor some time." Turning toward the final man, his smile faded some. "Excuse me." With that, he left the group to their devices and headed to the bar.

As he walked, he considered his options. It was doubtful she would really want to talk to anyone now. Looking across the room, he noticed a couple people readying instruments. Perhaps he would simply listen for a while and have a couple more drinks. Leaning against the bar table next to her, but not close he said, "I'm sorry we weren't able to continue our conversation in peace. If you would like to continue the discussion however, I'll be right over there listening to the musicians. And if not, then I hope you have a nice evening, and it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He displayed a friendly smile once more before turning toward the bar tender. Handing over some money, he nods gently toward the woman whom he'd yet to get a name from. "Her next drink is on me." Returning his gaze toward her, he gave a quick nod and began to walk over to a table near the musicians.