RP:A chance meeting in the Broken Barrel

From HollowWiki

Background

This is part of the A Not So Jolly Hollow Holiday Vacation story arc.


'Captain Cornelius - Gentleman Reaver' pops into the Barrel to check if any messages have come in for him.

A chance meeting occurs with the Lycan Mahri and the sailor Andrei which offers the prospect of fun and profit

At the Broken Barrel Inn

Cornelius strides into the tavern, straight up to the bar where he whispers something to Simon. The bartender shakes his head with a shrug. Cornelius smiles, looking slightly relieved, the smile tugging at the freshly-healing knife wounds on his right cheek. He glances around the tavern then, to see who else may be drinking at the Barrel

Mahri has herself another hated sip of the water in a glass she's not sure is entirely sanitary. Then again, she could just be crabby.

The sound of the Inn door opening and closing as another entered didn't really pike Andrei's attention, it was the sudden hush to conversations and something intangible woven through the air. No magic was this, but something more earthly and natural. The red haired head, long stringy strands held at the nape with a leather thong, turns to inspect. Nothing but a woman, but the way these men he had scuffled with not half the candle mark of an hour past gave their own forms of respect and greeting was something he was used to seeing doled out to hearty fighters. A hand strokes his trimmed, long goatee as the man saw something off upon a closer inspection. The woman carried herself about like one pregnant. Was she a respected wench around these parts who had lapsed in preparation and got pregnant? Could be or about a million other things. At least the lass had enough wit to not poison the poor lad before he took first breath. A hand dips into the pouch hanging from a black swath of cloth he used as a belt and out was pulled a cigar and two striking stones. One end of the cigar is ripped off with teeth before the being put between weathered lips. Then the stones where smacked together until enough sparks lit the other end of the cigar. A few puffs ensured it wouldn't fade out and the puffs of bluish smoke billowed and clung along face and hair before drifting up to the ceiling. Andrei didn't spare a thought about it effecting the woman or what she though about it for the child, if indeed she was really with seed. Net, if the woman chose to enter a place of shabby standing, she had better be prepared to suck it up or turn her pretty little behind around and back out the door. Yup, he had lingered on that swaying figure for a while!

Cornelius allows himself another smile as he spots the clear liquid in Mahri's glass. Vodka wouldn't be treated with such disdain. Water then. He flicks a slight salute her way as he turns to Simon again "Some of your brandy, old bean, the one distilled from apples. It's a pleasant change from the usual." He hands over some coin as Simon fetches a clean glass and pours brandy into it from an elegant glass bottle which seems slightly out of place among its plainer, more functional brethren. He turns around, still perched by the bar "Hello there, Mahri M'dear. What news?". One hand twitches as he almost moves to straighten a cravat that wasn't there - instead the gorget was still above his cuirass, both emblazoned with a spread-winged raven, in place of the usual fine waistcoat he was known for.

Mahri soon tires of making up stories behind thick scars and leans back in her seat. In doing so, she notes Cornelius speaking to Simon and, when he's done, catches the Captain's eye with a raise of her glass. The smell of smoke drifts over, over the musk of unwashed bodies dipped in brine--sailors-- and sweat mixed with body fluids--the wenches. It wasn't unpleasant, per say but it did start her temples throbbing. With a wince, Mahri settles on finishing the water instead of complaining.

Mahri said to you, "Oh. This an' that. Come closer an' I might tell ye."

Cornelius chuckles and strolls over to her table, shouldering some of the drunker patrons out of his way now that he doesn't need to concern himself with the welfare of an expensive waistcoat, keeping half an eye out for drunken reprisals. Here in Rynvale he was known as the 'Man who beat Glaive' and now the captain of the Wave Cleaver, so he did not hesitate in playing up the role. He pulls out a chair for himself, saying to her "Your wish, of course, is my command, dear albatross."

Andrei turns his eyes for a second toward a man who came in all pish posh to take up a drink and strike up words with the woman. Eah, he wasn't the type to get lonely so far as his needs of a man where given company every now and then. It was the mans drink that dark eyes lingered a bit longingly on. Temptation was a sour mistress and Andrei would have to find solace in his other vice. A large puff is pulled, sending the cherry at the cigars tip to burn bright, before being inhaled deeply. Really those stuffy wealthy folk who turned their noses up at inhaling it where a bunch of pansies. The best part came from the slight light headed feeling and relaxed state a good smoke could put in a man and was this a good smoke. Andrei leaned against the back of his chair, one arm cast over the backs top, as his attention shifted without focus about the room.

Mahri leaned closer to Cornelius, though her voice might still be heard, "Lookin' at pulling off a big job with a few of Red's crew," here her voice would lower and anyone who wanted to hear more would have to move closer, "Got an old friend, suggested hittin' three banks at the same time. Problem is..his plan ain't gonna work so well." Glancing towards the stranger all comfy-cozy at the fire, Mahri frowns slightly, "He wants to start a war, we just need a distraction."

Cornelius sits himself down, and leans in slightly when Mahri's body language signified the need for discretion, responding in a whisper of his own, paying careful attention to whoever may be taking a closer interest than warranted. "A war eh? Jolly good fun. And three banks? I like the sound of it. I imagine I won't get all of the details in such a public place, but colour me interested. I could use the gold. A ship often has hidden expenses." He leans back, with a chuckle and voice at normal pitch for those paying attention "Now really, that was uncalled for! I was hardly responsible for that little debacle. Blame the hired help! You never mentioned they had to be kept alive, you know."

Andrei let out a little yawn, making sure the rolled tobacco was in had first, and slowly got to his feet. Even though his attention had been waining he had long training to pick up certain words and phrases. Big job was near the top of that list. Money always intrigued him, but mostly cause he needed it to take his pleasures out of life. Good drink, superb cigars and a clean wench. Most of which Andrei had not had in the amounts he was used too. Not since getting stranded on this island. Looked pretty enough on its surface, but just like any place it cast a shadow and all it took was one who knew what to look for to find it. Now he had ambled up to the bar under guise to hear a bit more and smacked the counter with an open fist. "Got any free drink back there Da?" The barman, Simon, just gave him a 'Get the hell lost' kind of look. "Come. I do round of bouncer work. Look like you man need break." His voice was deep and thick accented with heavy spoken consonants and soft vowels, but Simon seemed to be thinking it over now.

Mahri isn't quite sure..oh. Right. Cover. "Puh. Hired help can't be blamed for everything you know. After all, you hired them." Slanting a silvery gaze towards Andrei, Mahri jutted her chin towards the hulk of a man, "Like that, see. Simon's rethinkin' his hiring of the other guy and this one wants drink for payment.." Letting her gaze slip back to the Dandy Captain, Mahri's lips twitch upwards and she gives a slight jerk of her head towards Andrei, "Hired muscle," she mouths hoping that among some of Cornelius' talents, reading lips would be one of them.

Cornelius grins as he reads the message her lips deliver. As amusing as it would be to misinterpret for fun, profit came first. "Well, you've got a point, old salt. I imagine a man who'll work for drink will appreciate gold better, even if the work isn't as frequent." He turns towards the bar with a cheerful "Oi, Simon, don't hog the talent around here for a pittance. Send the gentleman our way, there's a chap." He nods at the large man, and gestures towards one of the empty seats "If you're looking for work, we may be interested in hiring. You've experience in a brawl, then?"

Andrei is just getting a nod and words of approval for when something brushes against his high booted leg. Head tilts down and eyes narrow at the finding. "Chyort voz'mi!" was cursed in Ruslva. It was Frisket and the lynx had slipped inside. A unheated kick is aimed its way, but the feline had already darted off under a table. Too bad it was the one which Mahri and Cornelius where at. Andrei grumbles some more in his native tongue while sticking the cigar back between lips and striding over to the table. Did say an 'excuse me' or 'just one second', nope the bear of a man just went on up before bending down at the knees and shoving a hand under dingy table top. Now Frisket was thinking of having some fun when he spotted a bit of hanging string of one of the occupants leggings. The sudden fastening of Andrei's hand on its stubby little tail startled it and so one of the people got an unpleasant amount of sharp claws grasping at leg and cloth. "Come. You outside Da?" Andrei tried to pull Frisket away. It was given up when the fancy done up made spoke directly to him. Even crouched his head reached over the level of the table. "Da." Deciding it would be better to stand, to show off his physical attributes to better effect, Andrei crosses his arms before his chest. He had more experieance than just brawling, but he would hold his words until there was something in it for him.

Mahri is about to look under the table because all she'd seen was a huge furry thing streaking towards her and Cornelius. Unfortunately that happens to be the time that the oddly accented stranger grasps the lynx and pulls. It also happens to be a string on her shirt the feline's interested in. And, furthermore, it's Mahri's leg that gets clawed. Cursing a blue streak--a few folks may have blushed with how inventive the woman can get, especially when it comes to things being uncomfortably placed in certain orifices in impossible angles, she jerks back her chair and kicks at the cat but not before it's whisked away and outside. For once, Mahri bites her tongue against changing her mind about the lout and simply glares at a point just beyond Cornelius instead.

Cornelius does not let himself laugh, oh no. He is a gentleman of the old cloth, and would not add to a woman's discomfort when fate added to her catalogue of woes. Thus it is that his eyes merely twinkle above a carefully bland expression as she swears blody murder at the feline flyin' out of the way of her boot. He turns to the potential muscle and draws a pouch from his satchel. It makes a heavy clunk-and-jangle sound as it hits the table, drawing the attention of several patrons. He sends a cold glare their way before speaking to the 'applicant'. "Quite simply put, old bean, we have need of additional muscle in a venture we are pursuing - one which does not have a, shall we say, legal standing. If you don't mind a bit of law-breaking, then this gold is your downpayment. However, we will need to meet again to discuss the details. Yes there will be danger. Yes there may be killing. But that is all I will say here: too many eyes have seen us, and now their ears are pointed our way too. I am Cornelius Von Penzance, captain of the Wave Cleaver, and I can be reached by message to any of its crew. Now tell me, old salt, do we have an accord, or do I look for other applicants for this task?" His gaze is level and cold as he looks up at a man both taller and broader than he. But then Glaive, the Wave Cleaver's former captain and now First Mate is taller and broader again. He awaits Andrei's response.

Cornelius dropped 100 gold.

Andrei watches the goings on between the woman and Frisket for a second. He didn't offer an apology by the end. One, such a thing would ave to be beaten out of him. And two, he didn't really claim the lynx even as useful as it could be in a fight. It just had taken to following him around. Though he had to say he was impressed with the string and cleaver cursed descriptions of maiming. Some of the best he heard since his child years and coming from a lass was the real kicker. A curl of smoke slowly spirals up from the corner of his mouth. Andrei focuses back to the table as the unmistakable clink of coin is heard. Brown eyes then sweep up to the man. A hand unwinds from the other and strokes at his long red goatee in thought. Law breaking and danger wasn't anything new to him. Eyes sweep once more to the bag to make a guess at the amount within. If it was in gold coin it was a nice retaining payment indeed. Andrei's gaze moves to the woman to see if he could judge anything there before moving back to the mans face. It could all be a set up by port guards, but he had strong doubts with the way the other scallywags and misfits of citizenry treated the two. Still, nothing risked nothing gained. "Andrei, and da I'll do it."

Mahri watched all this with what appeared to be mild interest. As expected, gold was the draw. The root of all evil as it were. Pushing her chair back, Mahri presses a fist to the small of her back to ease an ache in the muscles. "Aye, well. Now that that's done I'll be headin' home." Eying Andrei, Mahri doesn't give her name. She simply nods before giving Cornelius a small smile of sorts, "The tower to the north east of here is where I'm stayin' now. You can come along or not, but that's where I'll be." So saying, the obviously impregnated woman makes her way to the door and out.

Cornelius watches Mahri leave, then turns back to Andrei. "Glad to have you aboard, Andrei. We shall meet up again in the near future to make all the arrangements. We shall get word to you when the time is right, so long as you are within the Rynvale, Cenril or Kelay areas, and are not in hiding. Otherwise, a message left with my crew shall get to me, and I'll be able to get a message to you in return. All the wharfies know the Cleaver, so there'll be no troubles there."

Andrei watches the unnamed woman take leave, eyes lingering on the sway of hip and ass. It only shifts back to the man when the door of the Inn closes and the view lost. "Da." was all the man said. he was mostly a man of little words when it could go by. the less likely to slip a secret. Andrei then takes the coin filled bag and tossed it a few times before taking a look inside. His guess was right it was gold! A toothy grin splits the mans face then and he calls out to the barman. "Room and a bottle of rum sent up by your best wench!" It only took a few moments more to get his key and head up the stairs. It looked like his luck had turned by the nights end and Andrei was going to celebrate to its fullest.

Andrei picked up 100 gold.

Cornelius grins to himself after Andrei has left, and wonders what Mahri has got him into this time. He gets up and strolls out into the fresh coastal air.