PM to join [Pig's Foot Tavern] A Night Like Any Other

[Sydney Turnstone]

3rd of Winter, 512 AV She was late. Again. Rowen sighed, lazily tracing his finger along the uneven edges of his mug. The murky, and disturbingly thick liquid was apparently some kind of special beer. "Supposedly drinkable," he spat, silently cursing himself for even bothering to buy the ale. It was part of the illusion, the job, pretending he was here for any other reason than the truth. Catching up with an old friend, maybe. A date, even. Scouting out the possible victims of tonight's scam? Never. The thief scanned the crowd, seated comfortably by the bar; his part was the easiest in his opinion. Stay quiet and out of sight, and let Nadia distract the idiot he had picked. Let her spin whatever lie she would to the drunken idiot who believed her. Hopefully, an idiot with a fat purse just begging to be cut. His eyes flickered to the door. Where the petch she?

[Nadia Belanare]

She could have lied, she knew it. Said she was primping, getting dressed for the occasion. Of course it would be a complete lie. The truth of the matter was that Nadia was not in any rush. The day had been long, fruitful perhaps if one counted the men she saw having bathed more often than usual. Given all her hard work Nadia had simply decided to take some time to herself, namely lounging on Rowen's bed when he wasn't around, and eating his hidden stash of sweets he though she didn't know about. But it was neither here nor there, because she was at the Tavern now. She wore simple clothes today, more covering than what she often wore for Brega's. Breeches and boots, a muted color and slightly worn. A top that hung loose on the shoulders, and a bit too tight on the chest. The hem of the shirt itself stopped just at her hips, ensuring a bit of skin would be seen should she 'accidentally' raise her arms too far. Her hair was loose, falling to her shoulders, brushed and clean. Only the tiniest bit of makeup though. Long hours in the brothel gave Nadia a firm distaste for the stuff. It was a mask for the old, and the ugly. Certainly she didn't need it. It only took a moment to find Rowen, and with a sneaky smile she stalked right up to him. She felt eyes staring at her, or roving over her. For show she wiggled her hips a bit more than necessary, looking back over her shoulder to catch the eye of a man who quickly looked away, and still others pretended they did not look either. Let them look, She thought, The more they ogle the less they notice. she winked at one final male before turning her eyes to the man at the bar, Rowen as she knew him. Without hesitation she trailed her fingers over his shoulders, sitting in his lap as she came around and placing a kiss on one cheek as she winked and laughed, "Hello stranger. Want some company?"

[Sydney Turnstone]

"The petching whore." Rowen swore that if Nadia found a way to sustain herself off attention alone, the gods knew she would do it. The girl took her sweet time making her way over to him, sure to wink and sway her hips at anyone who looked; she was like an open flame to the moth brained drunkards of the tavern. And usually, when she decided to not sit on his lap, that's exactly what he wanted. "I dunno," Rowen shrugged, decidedly more interested in his murky ale than the woman sitting on his lap. The thief knew it bothered the whore to no end when he wouldn't talk to her directly; he was being childish, teasing her like that, but he wasn't exactly thrilled to have had waited for her -- or for the attention she was bringing to him now. "I've been waiting for someone. She's taking her sweet time, though," he paused, tapping a finger to his chin, "Know what she's been up to?" he asked, his tone bitterly sarcastic. "You're ridiculous, sometimes, y'know?" He whispered, rolling his eyes pointedly as he pushed her off his lap. He bit his lip nervously, wondering if it was even worth trying anything tonight -- the entire bar had seen them together now, and Rowen wasn't looking to be recognized as a thief if anyone caught them outside together. Not to mention the trouble it would get them into. "How d'wanna do this, now, huh?" He whispered, careful to keep the conversation between just the two, "Everyone's seen us together. You were supposed to sit with someone else."

[Nadia Belanare]

Nadia rolled her eyes at Rowen, taking his drink from him and taking a quick gulp, "She sounds like a bitch, but I am sure she had a good reason for being late." She laughed softly as she was pushed from the man's lap, pulling another bar stool up so that she could sit close to him. She rested her elbows on the counter, looking at Rowen with a smile and a raised eyebrow, "I got side tract, I'm sorry it wont happen again I promise." Just like she promised last time. She ran a hand across the counter top, pausing a moment at his hand before trailing up his arm, her eyes never leaving his as she tilted her head, "You're always so stressed. I thought having a girl in your lap would help relieve some tension. Gods know you need to be relieved." She grinned with a wink, "Though my services aren't free, I will give you a discount for our history together." Nadia inched herself closer, sliding her other hand up Rowen's leg, leaning in to whisper in his ear, "Who is it this time? Point him out," She kissed his neck, eyes looking back over the room pleased to see a couple of eyes dart to and from them, "And just leave the rest to me."

[Sydney Turnstone]

Rowen snorted, "Yeah, I bet," he replied curtly, ignoring the not-so-subtle caresses. Her hand danced playfully along his arm, teasing at the skin with a whore's touch, but the thief was only too aware at the game she was playing. Nadia wasn't an idiot, after all. She knew she'd need an excuse to leave his side, to move in on their latest victim; being a whore was excuse enough. If she couldn't sell to him, she'd have to sell to someone else -- after all, everyone's gotta get food on the table somehow. Rowen laughed, although it came out louder than he intended; he wasn't quite the actress Nadia was. "That stings," he whined, pouting his lips playfully, "You don't think I'm pretty enough to find a girl for free?" He asked, casually glancing behind Nadia. It was late enough in the evening for most of the drunks of the tavern to already be well on their way to an ale blessed sleep, and thankfully tonight was no different. "Besides," he began, shaking his head -- they needed to start quick, before Merv kicked the easier ones out for being too drunk -- "I'd think Brega might be better suited to my tastes than you," he teased, flashing Nadia his tongue. One of the older blokes caught his attention -- slow eyes, open mouth and four empty glasses screamed drunk, or at least, drunk enough to trick out of whatever money he had left. "The bald one with the big belly. Four empty glasses on his table," Thomas whispered, pressing her ear against his mouth. "I'll keep watch, wait for the signal, and I'll meet you two in the alley." Now, the ball was in her court.

[Nadia Belanare]

Nadia grinned into Rowen's collar, running fingers through his hair as she whispered, "You hurt me Rowen, you really do. Brega's taught me a lot you know. I bet I could change your mind in one evening, then all your sweets would be mine." her true motives revealed Nadia scooted off the stool, standing and wrapping her arms around Rowen's neck, pressing close against his body as she did.

Pressing her forehead against Rowen she slowly turned his body so that his back rested against the bar. Then with a hop she straddled his hips, fingers playing with his hair, "Put your hand on my hips. For once don't be shy." While he did Nadia was already looking in the direction of her real target. He was easy enough to find. Bald, big belly, way too much to drink. Like most of her clients really. Nadia returned her attention to Rowen, "Follow my lead, and try not to freak out."

With a loud, and rather dramatic gasp Nadia jumped out of Rowen's lap, brows knitting together in anger as she reared back and slapped him full across his left cheek, "Petching pig! I'll find a REAL gentleman to escort me home then. Have fun twiddling your own package tonight!" Tossing her hair in mock frustration, Nadia made as if to look around the room a moment, eyes finally settling on the drunkard with the gut. Her fury melting instantly she smiled broadly, passing by several other occupants, swaying as before to draw eyes to her, she made straight for this man and wrapped her arms around his neck. He blinked stupidly, leaning back with a confused expression as he tried to get Nadia's face in focus.

"Oh good sir, will you please help me? It's so hard to find good men in this Tavern, and my night is looking very lonely. Would you spend it with me..." Batting her eyelashes she made an awkward attempt to sit in his lap, but settled for throwing one leg over his knee and leaning the rest of her body over his the rest of his mass. She gently stroked his cheek, the man's mind finally seeming to catch up with the situation as he grinned like a stupid drunk.

Her position, half laying, stretched out like she was pulled at her clothing, revealing skin at the hips and waist line. Nadia did not bother to hide this fact, the feeling of several pairs of eyes lusting over her felt like the warmth of the sun. As the man laid a large hand on her smaller waist she shivered, and while he chuckled in pride that his touch could do such a thing, Nadia felt the pleasure of bearing the spot light of the moment.

She was content to bask in this moment until her signal came.

[Rafael Colebourne]

The warmth and buzz of the tavern enveloped him as he entered the Pig's Foot. He savoured the smell of roasted chicken for a moment, then patted his side. It was still there, his trusty dagger. Having lived on his own for a little while now had taught him how to be safe from the vultures that pried in the dark. Strutting towards the bar, he tossed two golden coins at Merv and got himself a big mug of ale. He disliked the taste, but it kept gave him warmth, courage and a sharp tongue.

At the far end of the tavern, a whore was at the centre of some entertaining drama. She left the poor sod without coin and stripped of his dignity only to try and sell her not inconsiderable bosom to a fat drunk. This was a great chance. Making a face after having quickly swallowed down the last of his ale, he moved away from the bar, refound his balance and slithered through the thickening crowd to position himself not far from the drunk fool.

There was a nice purse dangling at the man's belt, but Rafael didn't dare to simply step up and snatch it. There were too many eyes about for that. Instead, he slammed his elbow into a tall man behind him.

"Hey!"

A tall man, flanked by two sheepish looking companions, spun around and gave Rafael a shove. Exactly what he'd hoped for. Instead of bracing himself, he let himself fall and crash into the chair the fat man and the whore had been seated on. In a fraction of a tick he reached out for the man's purse and snatched it.

"I am sorry," he said as he scrambled to his feet and stuffed the man's purse under his shirt.

"You want to watch where you're going boy," the man snapped back.

Rafael nodded, relieved that everything had gone according to plan. But then, as the fat drunk raised himself to his feet, the tall man's eye fell on the bulge under Rafael's shirt.

"What's that?"

The young thief spun around, sensing trouble. He could still get away and hope the liquor would rid the bystanders's memories of his face. Instead, he bumped straight into the fat man who's face turned even redder and began waving his meaty fist about. "Shyke! Look what you've done you little pisser!" Before Rafael could react, the man's fists grabbed him by the collar and threw him into the ground. The fight would've ended there if the man's purse hadn't reappeared from underneath the boy's shirt. "My money!" The fat man cried. He kicked Rafael in his side then lost his balance and fell himself onto the planked floor.

Rafael payed no heed to the money anymore, he needed to bolt, and quick. He was up on his things in a flash and shouldered his way out, leaving the fat man and his money far behind.

[Sydney Turnstone]

Rowen's body tensed defensively as she pushed against him, his teasing smile wavering into something awkward and forced. He wouldn't resist against her, not know with so many eyes on the two, but it was obvious it was uncomfortable for him -- he wasn't Nadia, after all. He couldn't pretend to like someone. He never thrived under the spotlight, and had always withered to public scrutiny. Still, he listened. Rowen allowed Nadia to guide his hands around her delicate frame, albeit stiffly. He held on to her, his face closer to hers than he would have preferred. He nodded into her neck, trying to keep his obvious unease from spectators. Whatever she was about to do, he would be compliant, and more importantly, it needed to be believable. He looked up just in time to see her raise her hand. - "You..." - SMACK. The sudden crack of flesh on flesh burned his cheek, the force almost pushing him towards the ground. - "You PETCHING whore," He hissed, his hand rubbing gently against the marked skin. He glared, pretending his best to look both offended and irritated, at Nadia, his eyes watching carefully as the whore smoothed over towards the target. He breathed sharply, the sweet burn of magic tickling his insides as it welled inside him, surrounding the man in a glowing cornea that was his aura. He tasted the alcohol -- but only for a second. A child had been shoved into the man, the clashing auras stunned the young thief, shutting his magic down in confusion. His eyes followed as the kid snagged the money, and the thief got up to follow the kid before he made it out the door. He watched as the fat man slipped and fell, and Rowen quickly slinked out the door, nodding at Nadia to follow. "No one steals from me..."

[Nadia Belanare]

It was always a wonder to Nadia how something could go so terribly wrong, despite all of her efforts to set the proper mood. She held the fat man's attention, his small and stupid eyes eagerly looking at her curves, the skin that peeked out here and there. He was her's. His thoughts were where she wanted them, his eyes did not see anything but her, and already his mind was sluggishly working on a plan to take her home and have his way with her over and over... Well perhaps only once. Nadia doubted his stamina would last beyond one very short round. It was all so perfectly arranged that she did not even bother to look when the ruckus started, that is until it changed her own position.

The fat man's red face turned redder as she stood, shoving her off his fat belly and bearing down on a child. Stumbling back Nadia cast a quick glance behind her at Rowen, just checking that he was there to settle her sudden nerves. Then her attention was on the boy thief once more, an amateur who not only attempted to intercept another's target, but completely botched the entire opperation.

If your going to steel from us, at least get away with it. Nadia thought with a frown.

She saw the purse fall from the boy's grip as he began to dash. From the corner of her eye she saw Rowen slip out, a quick head bob indicating she should follow, but her attention was still on the fat man and his purse. He was groaning as she struggled to bend down to retrieve the coin purse, and Nadia found an advantage there. Bending down to one knee Nadia softly touched the man's cheek, a smile on her lips as her looked up in surprise.

"My hero. Thank you for saving me from that thief. Who knows what would have happened if you were not there."

The man blinked, taking a moment to comprehend what was said, but before he could Nadia placed a kiss on his fat lips. The man's eyes widened in surprise, and in that quick moment Nadia swept the purse closer to her knee that rested on the ground with a foot. Deepening the kiss she trailed her hands along the man's shoulder, reaching down with the other to scoop up the purse. Raising slowly to her feet she kept the kiss, pressing harder until she was up right once more. Placing her hand then on the man's chest she broke apart the intimate interaction, and winked while he tried to bring her face into focus, "I really hope we meet again." She blew a kiss and turned, pressing through the crowed as she pressed the coin purse to her waist with both hands.

Once outside she followed after Rowen's fleeing back, trying to catch up to him before he got away.

OOCNadia is just following you guys for now

[Rafael Colebourne]

Rafael rushed through the mist. Left turn, dart to the right, consider that alley. No take the next one. Scurrying away like a frightened mouse, he casted a few panicked glances over his shoulder. Was he still being followed? Had anyone noticed his attempts at taking that man's purse?

He hoped not, kids his age had been beaten into cripples for less and he had no intentions to end up like Mad Marley at the docks, with two holes were his eyes used to be and a wooden leg. If someone didn't bestow some self-proclaimed justice upon him, they could have other evil intentions. The slave market was still in full operation and he'd spotted boys and girls many years younger than himself in those awful wooden cages. Or perhaps the fat man would flip two coins at some drunk brute to have him mugged and strung up by his intestines. He gulped as he slipped through the snow into a dark and dunk alley to catch his breath.

Panting like a tired old horse, he sagged down against a wall, into the snow and waited for his pounding heart to calm down. Perhaps he could snatch a coin from a passerby still, but it didn't seem worth the risk. There were only poor people her, they had a few gold pieces on them at best, and at worst he'd be caught and tossed into a puddle of melted snow, piss and puke.
OOCHe hasn't noticed either of you chasing him. You can catch up to him.