RP:Ambush; The Aftermath
Part of the Tales from the Row Arc
Synopsis: The runner's crew regroups to assess the cost of the failed operation and plan how to move forward with recovering their lost contraband.
Characters: Finn, Hanan, Terra,Lita, Alaine, Will.
Location: Kelay; Smuggler's Den
Hanan was on crutches, godsdamn crutches, ambling through the woods outside the perimeter with her right leg utterly useless. Bend at the knee too much? Pain. Bump it into any of this bramble? Pain. She'd been tired of hopping around on one foot in the den, tired of being useless, just damn tired; as soon as her man from the ship came in with the crutches she'd slung her crossbow across her chest, shoved the cursed wood underneath her armpits, and started rambling. Maybe she could stand guard. They hadn't shot her nose out from under her.
Finn’s presence would be announced by the slow steady crunch of gravel under hoof, Rekkur’s slow and steady walk, as opposed to run or trot, a general reflection of the smuggler’s state of mind. The red head was sitting low and relaxed on the saddle, reins wrapped only loosely around his fingers as the stallion picked his way home. Little would be betrayed by the male’s carefully wiped expression, though lines of fatigue were evident on his rugged face. The dust of a night and day’s travel clung to him-he’d not returned the previous night..not stopped to rest. And he had little but a search of fallen bodies that had yielded nothing to show for it. Eyes flickered ahead, into the cover of the shrubbery that hid the disguised trail to the hideaway. So much unfinished business lay up there, not the least of which was with an abused sparrow. A shadow flitted across his eyes. He couldn’t afford the distraction..not with a prisoner to interrogate. The sound that escaped him was almost a sigh. Almost. The sound of grumbles and muttered curses caused him to reign the stallion to a halt, there was something familiar about the tones. “That you Cat?..” Exhaustion threaded his voice.”
Terra had been on a walk, deciding to follow Mahri to the edge of the forest, wishing her the best of hunts. Their conversation had done nothing to put ill mind to ease. That frown is still present, even more apparent at the sound of hooves that managed to drown out the muffled words of Hanan. Wait... Hanan? That thought encouraged her return and the sight of the the Lady on crutches did inspire a quick smile. She hadn't missed Finn but she would act otherwise, easing towards the captain with hands up in idle surrender. "Should you be up already?"
Hanan ::"Red!" The sound of cursing was interrupted by the uttered name--odd, it sounded suddenly happy--and the crunching of leaves and twigs under a suddenly hurried foot and crutches. Hanan emerged onto the trail not far in front of Rekkur, a white bandage wrapped fast over the tattered remains of her right pants leg and crutches shoved under her arms, but otherwise not much different than normal. She'd had a good night's rest, passed out like that. "Where the hell have you been?" That had been shouted, the voice edged by more than exertion. The great black horse got a quick pat on the neck when she reached the runner, though the brown gaze that brushed over his had hardened during the closed distance. "Thought you might've been taken in the night, y'know." She paused. "I doubt I'm the only one." Hanan turned her head when Terra spoke, the vampire getting a brief nod for her trouble. Hanan had bigger squirrels to fry.
Terra remained tight-lipped while Hanan conversed with Finn, attention diverted to oooh... was that a chipmunk? Probably not but she'd pretend.
Rekkur shifted slightly under the runner, a skittish step taken in retreat from the raucous undead as sensitive nostrils flared to that scent. “Whoaa..” it was a husky, fatigued murmur and the gentle press of knees to flank that would bring the beast under control again. “It’s just the hellcat mate..” he murmured as fingers found the length of the black’s neck. Whisky gaze lifted then, at the sound of Terra’s voice, looking over the captain’s shoulder and lingering on the elf who was no doubt the subject of Hanan’s far from implied insinuation. “Reckon it’d take more than the lines of that bastard to take me down captain..” he said, almost emotionlessly. Almost. The eyes that came to fall on her becrutched form warmed slightly, came to life with the ghost of his former self. “Seems the same might be said of you..” He’d fall silent then, eyes trailing to Terra where she stood again, wary almost, in the manner of one aware of some wrongdoing and not quite sure how to make it right, or if he could even afford to. Yet. “ You didn’t sleep..” It wasn’t a question, his own implication evident. She’d disobeyed his directive. “ Should be in bed..”
Hanan growled, she couldn't help it really. Her eyes were burning again, not in the good way, in the get-the-kindling-away-and-find-a-wet-blanket-before-our-house-goes-up way. "Don't ruttin'…" She shook her head, shuffling--well, no, hopping on one foot sideways--a step away from that uncomfortable horse. "Your men put their lives on the line out there, with you in charge, right? Well, the job went sour and you left, up and left without telling them all why. Even with some of them bloody." She rolled her shoulders somewhat. "That's ruttin' incompetent, Runner. I don't know how you operate on the Row, but if I pulled that shyte at sea too often I'd have a mutiny on my hands. You've got a loyal core here, but watch yourself about the goons." She turned, then, gave Terra a proper grin, though it only half reached her eyes. "Thanks for plugging the leak. I owe you."
Terra watched the imaginary chipmunk scamper deeper into the forest. It's just a matter of seconds before she'd look towards Hanan again, the crutches eyed. This was bound to put the captain in a poor mood? How would she manage with that crippled leg? That thought seemed to entertain up until she looked to Finn, caught his gaze and then the words that followed. The inside of her cheek is sucked closer, chewed on as she contemplated the response. "Should follow your own advice." By this point Terra is too tired to really summon any bite to that remark. She'd allow Hanan her moment, silent until addressed and even then she can't find a proper response. This was uncomfortable. She liked it when they died and couldn't praise or when they paid and moved on. "No, we're good. Just ... protect yourself."
Finn wouldn’t respond to either female right away. Instead, he’d pause and dismount the stallion with still fluid action, coat settling on the stirred air currents around him until he was standing at the shoulder of his companion. Another moment of quiet, comforting communication with the creature and he’d look up again, this time seeking the eyes of the elf who had spoken latter. “I intend to..” it was conversation likewise lacking in bite, and ripe with his own weariness. “After I talk to the Hawk..He awake?..” The fact that he could mention Gideon without exploding in fury was surely a sign that the runner was headed in the right direction when it came to getting a grasp on his reaction to the mishap. A lazy, almost amused glance was slid Hanan’s way then, appreciative of her concern. Even if it was misplaced. “Got a lot to learn about how I work Cat.. Reckon if you hang around long enough you’ll know what they do.” The runner marched to the beat of his own drum. Even if it’d beat him to his grave. It came with the turf..and they all accepted it. Didn’t pay to get too attached. Ever. Gold flecked gaze shifted then, as if prompted, away from both females and toward the shelter of the den. “Should get in out of the cold..” said to no one in particular.
Hanan ::"So what exactly does runnin' off in the night like a kid after curfew do for your operation, Red?" No, she wasn't done; her fingers were tightening on her crutches. Damn him, she liked him. She even liked him when she was being argued with. It was a testament to like that she put up with this, regardless of that angry furrow in her brow. "Goons don't matter, but they talk, Red. They learn secrets, they get drunk, and without a good reason to keep mum they spill. And besides that, a man spills blood for you, you owe him." Speaking of owing… she breathed an exasperated sigh and turned back to Terra. "We're good, but I still owe you a favor." Hand fished into the deep pocket of her peacoat, found her flask, began unscrewing it. "You're good with a needle, that's why. I've had sloppy jobs before." She took a swig. "I like a neat seam."
Terra just blinked at Hanan. Was that a compliment on her ability to stitch? Either way, the vampire is a little flattered though remained uncomfortable during the duration of the conversation. It's unclear if it's a result of Hanan's responses or Finn's lack of. Mention of getting out of the cold and back into the comfort provided by the dying flames seemed to attract her attention. In silence she would agree and she'd actually wait for Hanan to get her legs under her - so to speak - before heading for the entrance. At the start, one foot already on that stone path, she'd pause and wait for Finn. When he passed she'd grab his sleeve, only for a moment. She's still not happy, far from it, but in her stubborness she had neglected herself leaving behind a tired, cranky vampire who was in no way fit for this war. Not tonight.
Finn was already making strolling strides toward the shelter that lured just beyond the cover of shrubbery, guiding the horse along the way..a convenient barrier perhaps, between himself and the two females of whom he was, in his own estimation, dangerously fond. Intonation directed Hanan’s way would be dry and resigned. Was she aware just how much like a fish wife she sounded right now? His lips twitched at the idea of Hanan being -anyone’s- wife. Maybe the rat bastard who’d taken his stash. Assassination by fish wife, he’d never see it coming. “Trail would’ve gotten cold Cat..if I’d waited for morning. Don’t take more than one man to read a track..no need to risk more blood than had already been spilled. My men have families..” his silence was almost pointed at that point. He had none. He could afford to risk what was of value to no other. “And they won’t talk..” The runner’s share of generic goons was fairly limited. In his line of business he needed loyalty more than muscle, and had made a point of surrounding himself with it. He’d handed Rekkur off to a hand, and was about to enter the cavern when he felt it. Terra’s touch..had it been days? It felt like days. He couldn’t..not yet. There were no words..but when had they ever needed words? Fingers lifted of their own volition to cradle her jaw with a fleeting touch. A thumb brushed at a still encrusted blood spatter on her pale cheek, before falling away as he stepped into the warmth beyond. “I’m starvin’..any grub around?”
Terra would avoid answering yet another one of his questions though this wasn't out of spite - this time. It was because she was gone, having wandered off in the direction the lycan had headed.
Hanan shook her head, again. No, she had no idea how much of a "fish-wife" she sounded. To her, her words sounded like common sense. In a way that was more damning. She gave up. Flask was stashed, crutches realigned; she began following after the two, planting her crutches, swinging her good leg forward, then repeating, like some kind of gimped arachnid. Fine. Let him be an idiot. She'd just have to make sure her and her own floated at a safe distance. Once inside she leaned her crutches against the wall, doffed her coat, and retrieved only one of the wooden props. "Anyway… that guy leadin' the raid, I've seen him." Food? She didn't know where food was, just the flask that had found its way into her hand as she crossed the room to take a chair at that table. "You know the one. Goatee, big cleaver, last one followin' the cart. He was drinking at the Barrel, near me and Yas." She stretched her injured leg out, slumping back in the seat, flask to her lips briefly. "He had intel, alright, I'm sure that's why he went. You might want a new gatherin' place."
Finn’s head turned to watch the elf depart, gaze distracted for just a heartbeat. He’d not offered more than he was capable of giving in the moment, and it was to be hoped that she could accept that. Thoughts were dragged back to the present moment however, with Hanan’s words and one would not have been far off the mark to say that the runner’s jaw fell almost slack with surprise. He froze in place, whisky gaze boring into the captain where she stood at half mast, stunned confusion that rapidly bordered on frustration sparking to life in his gaze. “The hell..” his curse was muted. “Been on the road the whole night tryin’ to track the bugger down, an’ you’ve had a bead on him this whole time?” Well that just showed him, didn’t it? “The Barrel you say..place has always been as porus as piss. Never talk business there. If he found out..it wasn’t there.” Auburn brow furrowed as he moved over to the same table to drop into a rough hewn seat. No one else knew about the job, or the route..even his men had only been informed at the last possible minute. The only time he’d discussed it aloud had been with the sparrow at the townhouse that night. The townhouse. Could the bastard have been there? In or outside? The thought made his blood run cold in fury..and something else. Terra would be there, alone..for much of the time. Eyes flickered to the captain. “Could have happened somewhere else..but you’re right, in any event, about the Inn..” Hadn’t Terra said something about.. “You movin’ in with the sparrow I heard…”
Hanan snickered. Oh, she couldn't help herself; it wasn't a mean sound, more mischievous than anything. A cat was allowed to purr. "I would've told you right after I woke up if you were here. You went and left while I still had a damn arrow in me." She shifted somewhat in the chair, fixing Red with a softer look. A dark lock was pushed behind her ear; the hat was elsewhere today, and the wind had left her hair a right mess. "This was before I even knew about this job. I rather liked the bastard. He had the look of a guy that likes fun… Damn flirt, too, took a shine to me." A small smile, there; small enough she didn't notice it." Said he's called the Razor of Cenril, killed eighty-seven men. Didn't ask for a name besides that." Wait, what was this about moving in with Terra? At that she'd blinked, blinked again, then erupted into a chuckle, bending slightly over her thighs. The flask was set down on the table; her grin was back and solid. "Me? Live with Terra? First I heard of it. I sleep on my ship. I heard she was movin', offered to help with boxes… you confused, Red?"
Hanan snickered. Oh, she couldn't help herself; it wasn't a mean sound, more mischievous than anything. A cat was allowed to purr. "I would've told you right after I woke up if you were here. You went and left while I still had a damn arrow in me." She shifted somewhat in the chair, fixing Red with a softer look. A dark lock was pushed behind her ear; the hat was elsewhere today, and the wind had left her hair a right mess. "This was before I even knew about this job. I rather liked the bastard. He had the look of a guy that likes fun… Damn flirt, too, took a shine to me." A small smile, there; small enough she didn't notice it." Said he's called the Razor of Cenril, killed eighty-seven men. Didn't ask for a name besides that." Wait, what was this about moving in with Terra? At that she'd blinked, blinked again, then erupted into a chuckle, bending slightly over her thighs. The flask was set down on the table; her grin was back and solid. "Me? Live with Terra? First I heard of it. I sleep on my ship. I heard she was movin', offered to help with boxes… you confused, Red?"
Finn was pretty certain he’d not been mistaken. Terra had gone so far as to joke that the place would need to be Hanan proofed during their tour that night. A soft chuckle escaped then..an almost odd sound now, given the stresses of the last 24 hours. “Reckon you’ve got a thing or two to learn about the sparrow too..” he drawled idly, cryptically and left it at that. If Terra had gotten it in mind to have the captain’s company, there would be little enough Hanan would be able to do eventually to avoid it. The smile faded however, as consideration of what the implications of the remainder of her speech sank in. Another dammed Cenrili moving in on their action. First it was the dammed mystery corsair on the water, and now he was being hounded on land runs. It was past time their ‘friends’ in Cenril learned a lesson or two about staying on their side of the fence. Hell. Lost in thought for a moment, he recovered his senses enough to glance her way. “Took a shine to you did he?...” The phrase lingered, thought filled. That might have its uses..but offered equal risk. If Hanan was going to be at Terra’s place any bet the rat bastard would be hanging around too..welcomed or not, if he’d taken to huntin’ the cat. “Reckon you can take a shiner to him..” a dry grin tugged at his lips. He’dseen her right hook.
Hanan ::"I think we'd kill each other. I don't think a 'hellcat' and a sparrow could get along too well together. Cat wouldn't fit in a sparrow's nest, anyway." Oh, she was lying. She rather liked Terra. But the idea of living someplace beyond her boat gave her pause. The boat felt like home, and it was hers; she was in Charge there. Besides, if someone's slashing sails she'd stand a better chance of finding the culprit if she were there. She lifted her old steel flask, tilted her head back and took a quick swig. "Take a shiner to him, eh?" She lifted a brow, raised her hand to her face and thumbed her nose. "I could kick his ass, the damn brute. Gods, I wish it wasn't him!" She was staring a bit beyond Red, now, brow furrowing again. "You know, I was going to recruit the bastard, if I saw him again. I could use another good fighter on my ship." She gestured vaguely to her thigh. "Rutter gimped me, though. So what now? What do we tell Larket, now that they're not getting all those blades?" She paused, some gears clicked together in her head, enough to interest the Fox anyway. "Got a good enough inventory, Red, and you could figure out the bastard's network… Send some feelers, see where they end up…"
Lita had been in and out of sleep for- How long had it been? She would feel like she had slept for days. But everytime she woke at some new voice or sound, it was all still the same. Maybe the problem was that she was still lying in the same spot? This place was unfamiliar. Where was she anyway? She remembered the Fox- but a little turn of her head showed that she had gone too. Her side ached, but at least the stabbing pain had been reduced to a throbbing ache. And the pain in her shoulder had dulled too. All in all, she just felt sore. But she was grateful for the blankets, if nothing else, knowing she'd need to be finding a new wardrobe soon. And the runner was around... somewhere... so was that damn cat... "Runner..." she half growled in a sleepy daze. Her throat was dry, her voice hoarse. Hopefully he'd hear anyway, otherwise she'd need to find something to chuck at his head.
Finn’s lips would twitch then, but he’d remain silent before he leaned back in his chair to extend legs before him, crossed at the ankles. For the first time eyes would slowly sweep the confines of the space, unseen since the mayhem of the hours of early morning. Eyes cooled slightly as they passed over the still prostrate body of the Blackhawk agent, before moving on to seek other, shadowed corners. He had no idea if the other injured members of is crew had remained at the den, or been taken to seek the care of a healer elsewhere. Hanan’s words pulled him back into the moment. “I intend to..” he drawled for the second time that night. The custom weapons would surface on the black market. They had to, and when they did, he intended to hunt the bastard back to his lair. “Might not hurt to make nice when you see him again..” He’d go no further than that. He had not missed the hitch to her speech or the expression on her face when she spoke of his appeal. Be dammned complicated to put her in a position to choose sides. Hell, choose? Hanan wasn’t even really part of his crew. She had no true obligation to pick his interests over her own. Aye. He’d walk a careful line on that one. As for what now? “Reckon I’ll make arrangements for the last batch to be picked up from a neutral site..and we’ll get the hell of this rock. Miss the smell of the sea..” It was then that the dry croak reached his hearing, and head turned to track its owner in the once place he’d not thought to look. Directly behind him. “Bout time you woke up witch..” he said, not ungently. “Still in one piece?”
Terra had learned to accept. That or she's better at letting go of grudges than most... or maybe she's just that tired. It's not hard to hear her as she stepped in, sure to kick around a few rocks in the process. Her hair is still damp, clinging in wet clumps down her face but the vast majority of the blood had been cleaned off. The only reminder was the hard to scrub tims still around the beds of nails. When she entered she'd take up a spot near Hanan.
Hanan ::"Make nice?" Hanan looked back to the runner, incredulous. "Make nice? The rutter put an arrow in my leg!" Simple attraction could only go so far; she was too busy listening to the hole in her thigh to obey any stirrings elsewhere… for now, anyway. Damn the bastard who shot her. Damn that rugged… "Anyway: I'll be glad to get off the mainland, no mistake. My ship will be ready as soon as your cargo's together. My crew's ruttin' antsy." Signs of life from Ace returned her smile; Terra helped affix it. She offered the blond her flask, leaning her elbow upon the table. "Why the hell's Red talking about me moving in with you? I never said that."
Lita pulled herself into a sitting position, leaning back against the wall in the process. Probing fingers found the new burn mark and an ugly pink scar to boot, a stark color screaming across her left side. Gross. She made a face and grimaced, muttered under her breath. "Find me something warm to wear?" It wasn't quite a question, but still directed at the runner as she tried to rub sleep from her eyes. She was itching to move, not sure how long she'd been passed out on the floor. Her hands were already starting to shake, having crawled out from under the warm pallet of blankets. But her muscles were itching for a good stretch and quick stroll 'round the den, maybe a mile's run or two while she was up. And Kahli. She had to check on the mare too.
Terra said to Hanan, "Oh. When your ship breaks apart. Which, with your luck, might happen before I can even get situated."
Hanan said to Terra, "That thing's never breaking apart. It's solid. Wouldn't be so old otherwise." She lifted a brow, then. "Why the hell do you want me living with you?"
Terra bit her tongue, literally, to refrain from mentioning the recent breaks of said ship. "We've been over this. I'm not staying there alone."
Hanan leaned back, smirked some... pointed her chin Red's way, and cast Terra a silent, questioning look.
Terra returned that look, sparing another glance Red's way and then back to Hanan. "Yes, but..."
Hanan leaned a little closer, tan handrising flat to shield her lips.
Terra frowned at that, even as she finally accepted (stole) Hanan's flask. Under the guise of returning it she'd whisper again though not entirely sure why she bothered pretending she wasn't. Terra whispered something to Hanan. Hanan rolled her eyes, then.
Finn’s attention had refocused the moment Terra walked into the hideout, eyes taking in her evident effort to wash away the stain of the night, though she could not wash away the strain. None of them could. Whisky gaze traced her progress to Hanan’s side, noted that she had made no attempt at contact, and accepted it. He supposed it was deserved..and he wasn’t sure he’d know how to react to it anyways, granted he was seeing the world less through a haze of red at the moment. An eyebrow inched on his dusky face as his head rolled on strong neck to angle in Lita’s direction. “You’re cut darlin’..not dead. Reckon that about the only time I’ll be caught fishin’ around for clothes to dress a woman,” he drawled. There might be the ghost of amusement in his tone. All the same, the eye of a lackey was caught, and Lita would find herself offered the warmth of a blanket at least, with which to fight the chill. Finally, to Terra he would speak, if only with his eyes. A gentle nod offered, an olive branch..if not a plea for forgiveness.
Alaine nodded to the guards upon entering the den, slender arms holding steady in the basket's transport. Sterling gaze swept over the nest, offering a smile to the familiar faces surrounding as booted-treads led her to the beaten wooden table, setting the load to rest with a 'thud'. "Ello all!" Lithe hands began removing the basket's contents, spreading it about the table in an organized, yet hasty fashion to display the feast the elf had been retrieving in her absence from the den. "Picked up some nourishment." The beaten oak was soon covered in an array of treats -- apples, biscuits, cheese, grapes, cuts of ham, an assortment of liquor of course, and even several makes of cookies. "Thought we might need 'em, eh?" A wink was cast to Red before The Fox made it a point to grab a fresh blanket, a small bag that crinkled upon being snatched, and a new velvet gown especially chosen for the sea witch now being approached by the artificer. "Your top got pretty torn last night… Thought a fresh gown might cheer you up." The items were gently handed to Spade with a warm smile in offering, brows raising with content, "Oh! And look in the bag! I picked up something special, just for you." Should Ace follow the suggestion, she would find three freshly-baked muffins picked up from the restaurant along the way.
Terra pretended to tip an imaginary hat in Hanan's direction. "Aren't we all?" It was then that she realized Finn had nodded her way during the course of conversation with the Lady and had to duck her head a moment, tired eyes falling closed but there was the slightest hint of a smile. He had earned a salute once she recovered from his treaty of sorts.
Will emerges into this secluded nook that belongs to the band of rogues he is loosely affiliated with in a manner best described as charasmatic. A charming smile is armed and held at the ready, should any lady wish to bring him harm. Twin optics of an enchanting cerulean hue peer out from beneath a half-worn hood as he fully enters the Smuggler's Den.
Hanan glanced in Lita's direction--simultaneously lifting her left leg with a wince and propping it up on a nearby empty chair. "Ace--I've got my peacoat hangin' up in the corner. You can borrow it if you need it." She raised her flask in an answering toast to Terra, just as Alaine walked in. The artificer would get an odd look for her efforts. All that damn failure, and here she is buying food? That was... oddly nice. Yes. This warranted a smile. She did. Booze.
Terra smiled at Alaine's arrival and the items brought but wouldn't indulge in any of it this evening. "Thanks," murmured to show the appreciated in some form. She'd push away from Hanan then, make a brief pitstop at Red's side to murmur something that left her walking away with a quick wave tossed over shoulder.
Terra whispered to you, "You and I tomorrow? Jack's place. Sleep well, Red."
Lita watched the mockingbird's entrance with a faint, albeit uninterested smile. Hanan was offered a smile in greeting but mostly she'd remain quiet to attempt to dispose of her headache. The runner was given a mocking glare before the entrance of a Fox would distract her from all else. There were lovely smelling treats in the basket she carried. She groaned under breath as she pulled herself to her feet, but her head swam for a moment. She stretched her arms over her head with a little yawn, pulling her muscles tight as she rolled onto her toes for a moment. As the Fox approached, she'd roll back onto her heels and greet the woman with a warm smile. She took the gown offered with a smile of glee. It was a bit girly and flashy, but anything was better than what she had on- or having to go shopping, for that matter. She wouldn't be choosy. So she leaned in to plant a kiss on Alaine's cheek and quickly shimmied out of her old gown. She wasn't one to care too much of privacy. The new gown she slipped over her head, letting the fabric settling easily. She passed Alaine a 'What do you think?' look before opening the bag to have a peek inside. She bit her lower lip with a bigger smile and plucked one of the muffins out. "You're the best, know that?" She managed, hugging Alaine around the shoulders.
Lita glanced to Will with a curious smile. The bard hadn't been around much lately, and she wasn't sure why, but she didn't think she enjoyed his absence. "Nice to see you 'round 'gain, Jack. Missed a helluva fight last night, you did, though.
Finn noted the smile. It was enough. At least when others were present and it seemed that was indeed the case, ad would only become moreso. The Fox’s entrance with food was heralded with a salute of is own of sorts. “Read my mind Fox..the captain here was particularly useless on the subject,” he drawled almost amused. Will’s arrival was noted with the inclination of a brow, a quick look flickered Lita’s way. She’d told the man about the hideout? That, or he’d been particularly astute with his own intelligence gathering, he wasn’t sure which disturbed him more. “Evenin’ mate..” he offered huskily to Will as he shifted in his seat to turn to face the spread. A glance was offered Terra, and the nod of his burnished head, in acceptance of her murmured offering.
Alaine offered a nonchalant shrug to Spade's claim, smiling and looking to the ceiling in quick dismissal to the eluding compliment. Eyes soon popped in surprise as form was pulled down by the witch's embrace, chuckling softly and offering Ace a delicate squeeze. Once hold was released, the artificer spun to face the new arrival; it was a known face, but hadn't been seen in quite some time. "Hmm… Jack, yeah? Last time I saw you, you were takin' one of Finn's girls home from the parlour." An amused grin played softly on smooth lips, quirking her brow in playful manner. Lita returned Finn's look with the roll of her eyes. Of course she'd told the bard of the den. How else was she supposed to coordinate a meet? Shouldn't have been too much of a surprise. There had been quite a few new faces around lately. At least Will had agreed to play a part in their little troupe. Lita hooked her arm through the Fox's and tugged her over to the table. She took a seat 'cross from the runner, tucking her right leg 'neath her frame. She winced slightly as she settled in, but all sign of pain was erased as she pulled a bit of muffin apart and popped it into her mouth with a grin. Her gaze then settled on the bard as conversation of his own exploits arose. She shouldn't be surprised, and she stifled a cough as best she could before returning her attentions to the runner. "What's the damage then, runner?" She was hurt, like he'd said, but she wasn't out. There was still- as always- work to be done.
Lita returned Finn's loook with the roll of her eyes. Of course she'd told the bard of the den. How else was she supposed to coordinate a meet? Shouldn't have been too much of a surprise. There had been quite a few new faces around lately. At least Will had agreed to play a part in their little troupe. Lita hooked her arm through the Fox's and tugged her over to the table. She took a seat 'cross from the runner, tucking her right leg 'neath her frame. She winced slightly as she settled in, but all sign of pain was erased as she pulled a bit of muffin apart and popped it into her mouth with a grin. Her gaze then settled on the bard as conversation of his own exploits arose. She shouldn't be surprised, and she stifled a cough as best she could before returning her attentions to the runner. "What's the damage then, runner?" She was hurt, like he'd said, but she wasn't out. There was still- as always- work to be done.
Hanan had absolutely no idea who this character was, at least not untilAlaine mentioned the name "Jack." Jack, where had that come up--oh! Jack-of-Hearts. This must be the rutter with the rediculous nom-de-plume. She smirked, leaned back in her chair, and had another sip from her own flask. Sometimes, silence can be fun.
Finn was himself digging into the provided feast. Had it really been a full 24 hours since he had eaten? He was surprised he’d not keeled over. Tanned fingers reached out into the spread, a hunk of cheese and slices of ham procured before a pair of biscuits made sandwich of them. A few bites were devoured, half an ear paid to the bard’s commentary, before he made to answer Lita. The subject matter alone helped to take some of the mellow out of his mood. “Lost one crate of blades, and one of armor. The third was armor. Reckon we can still arrange delivery on that. But we’ll have to absorb the losses-unless we find a way to recover em.”a not impossible task with the team they’d assembled. Once they knew where the contraband was stashed. But he was getting ahead of himself. “And it seems our friend..Razor.. has taken a shine to our hellcat here. Workin’ out of Cenril apparently. Feckin’ sick of that joint by now..” He all but growled.
Alaine was pulled to the table by a certain witch, though not completely reluctantly. Slender form was quickly seated beside Ace, brows furrowing in response to the audible wince from the woman now at her side. Once settled, Fox scanned the assortment and settled on a biscuit, a chunk of cheese, one of the cookies, and a bottle of rum of course, scooping up the items and pulling them to a proper proximity a'front the elf. As the feast began, ears intently regarded The Runner's declaration of their losses. Biscuit was eagerly bitten in to, a delighted hum following shortly after before brow quirked to Red's last words. That man was interested in Hanan? The man that had attacked them? Jaw remain slack in disbelief, improperly showing the chewed-contents of her mouth to all present.
Lita thought in quiet contemplation as she finished off the first muffin and tore a chunk of the second to pop into her mouth. She'd been hungrier than she thought. Sleep did that, apparently. She reached a hand over to the Fox and touched a finger under the girl's jaw, returning her mouth to being properly closed. She then turned back to the runner with a smile. "We'll get it sorted, no worries. Glad you're in- well, better moods than the night 'efore." Oh~ She'd forgotten she was supposed to check on the mare. "Kahli, did she make it in alright? I thought I saw her, but-" she cut herself off then. She was supposed to remain unattatched to the animal. The mare wasn't hers, after all, at least not just yet. But her eyes were trained on the runner, silent questions lost in those eyes as always.
Hanan narrowed brown eyes Red's way. Had it really been necessary to tell everyone all that? Really? The food provided her with a means of delay--cookies, she loved cookies, always would, she leaned forward to grab two, wincing at the pain in her leg before slumping back into her seat. "What Red means is, he flirted with me. Once. At the Barrel." Of course, she'd flirted right back. The captain took a bite, chewed; got an eyeful of Alaine's dinner, rolled her eyes. "Razor's likely a name he gave himself. 'Razor of Cenril.' Says he's killed eighty seven men."
Lita raised a brow at Hanan at the mention of mutual fliratation. Suddenly the talk was back on interested territories. "So you like 'im then, eh Cap'n?"
Hanan had never said that! But will roll with it.
Lita reached sideways and breaks Alaine's cookie in half, eating her stolen half of the treat before the elf can complain. Stealing the Fox's was closer than reaching for her own. And more fun.
Lita was only going off her instincts, clearly.
Hanan ::"No, I didn't--" Said a bit louder than she intended, a bit more stridently than could be believed. Damn them all. She hated sitting with pokerfaces. She huffed, slightly. "Bastard seemed fun. I'll admit that. He's a brute, but... brutes have uses." She gestured vaguely toward her thigh. "Granted that was before the rutter's men shot me."
Hanan picked up 1 sugar cookie. Hanan picked up 1 sugar cookie.
Alaine had had her chin pushed up by Spade's single finger, slowly resuming the chewing of her dinner. But soon, mouth was again tempted to fall open to the mention of Hanan's mutual flirtation with the man; the Fox was flabbergasted. Silver gaze shifted from Hanan to Red, then finally settled on Ace. Slender form leaned against the witch's shoulder, only now taking note of the tiredness that threatened. She really must have been exhausted; she didn't even respond to the theft of her cookie.
Finn watched idly as the banter between the women flowed. It seemed that Jack was not overly fond of chit chat, or had come with specific purpose, for after a lean in toward Lita and a quiet murmur, he’d be gone as quietly and inconspicuously as he had come. A thoughtful expression knit his brow and he tossed a casual comment her way. “ the lads took em both in. She was here when I left last night. Reckon she’s sound..” he said quietly. “So is this gonna happen?” He tipped his head to Jack’s retreating back. The floating debate about the Razor fellow was disregarded. He only wanted to hear the blasted man’s name if it was as part of some missive that he’d been served a cup of what he’d just dished out.
Lita shook her head lightly at Hanan. "No worries there Cap'n. I of all people know the usefulness of brutes..." Did her eyes dare flicker to the runner as such a sentence was uttered? One could never be too sure. "Besides, didn't you know? Pain is just as much a flirtation as anything else. I mean, he didn't kill yah, did he? Guarantee yah his men're trained to shoot to kill. He coulda done you in a lot worse. No offense or nothin'." She gave a little shrug, but then the Fox was leaning against her. Lita turned over her shoulder to glance to one of the idle hands, then nodded over to a stray blanket. Thankfully, without words, the lad got the hint and ushered the blanket over without an ill word. Lita shook the blanket out as best she could before wrapping it 'round her shoulder and around the Fox's shoulder, only nestling them further into that warmth.
Lita nodded at the runner's comments about the mare. All was well and good then. Wondrous. Except for, you know, the loss of the cargo. Shame. She watched the bard's exit with a narrowed look, pursed lips finding her silent for a moment. "I'm working on it." She didn't want to talk of it more than that. Like the witch before him, it was becoming increasingly hard to pin down the bard, and it wasn't for a lack of trying, at that!
Hanan ::"Nah." Another bite of her cookie, another look to Red--everyone was looking to Red, only hers was an accusation, a why-did-you-make-them-ask-me look--before continuing. "There's a lovetap and then there's a godsdamn arrow in my leg--that isn't flirtation. Besides, he told me he's got a thing about killing women and children; he won't do it. Just as much chance he saw my chest as saw my face, and acted accordingly." Granted Ace hadn't been treated too well, had she? Perhaps it was a personal code, not a gang code… she didn't know. "This might prove useful, might not. Razor." A small chuckle, there. "Damned horrible name to pick for yourself."
Lita shrugged to Hanan. "Maybe he didn't pick it- Maybe he was given it."
Hanan pointed at Ace. "But it's what he introduced himself as. Damned proud of it. I'd say that's picking."
Alaine veiled sterling hues with delicate-lavender lids, breathing only softening with the warmth that surrounded lithe form offered by the blanket. Why was Hanan arguing? Too much noise… A soft sigh escaped smooth lips, grunting and turning to bury visage in Spade's shoulder followed by a few mumbled words to the captain. "He likes you Hanan. Deal with it."
Lita shrugged again. "Don't mean nothin'. Sometimes you have a name so long it just sorta grows with yah in a way. I introduce myself with my given names. Reckon it might not be in the same manners, but, it's still the same I think.
Finn found, in the middle of that moment, that somewhere between sinking teeth into his biscuit and listening to the inane chatter of women, that he was entirely surrounded by them…and that none of them were the one he missed. One, incidentally, who’d departed with promises of a meeting on the morrow..without saying where she would be tonight. The ghost of a frown shadowed his eyes. “Gonna turn in he said suddenly on a grunt. Wake me up if the black hawk stirs.” He spoke of course of Gideon, so labeled for that crest of rival Rynvalian shore scum that he wore around his neck. “Don’t reckon he can be workin’ for the Razor, not flyin’ those colors. Means we had two houses on our arses last night.” The thought soured his mood another few notches. “Gotta get to the bottom of that..” And he was up, pushing away from the table.
Finn found, in the middle of that moment, that somewhere between sinking teeth into his biscuit and listening to the inane chatter of women, that he was entirely surrounded by them…and that none of them were the one he missed. One, incidentally, who'd departed with promises of a meeting on the morrow..without saying where she would be tonight. The ghost of a frown shadowed his eyes. "Gonna turn in he said suddenly on a grunt. Wake me up if the black hawk stirs." He spoke of course of Gideon, so labled for that crest of rival Rynvalian shore scum that he wore around his neck. "Don't reckon he can be workin' for the Razor, not flyin' those colors. Means we had tow houses on our arses last night." The thought soured his mood another few notches. "Gotta get to the bottom of that.." And he was up, pushing away from the table.
Alaine pulled back from the witch's shoulder, slowly opening heavy lids to stare at Ace with bottom lip jutted out slightly, pouting like a child, "Don't want to go to bed yet… I'm not tired. Just eat more food..." Late word trailed as lithe hand lazily outstretched to retrieve a torn piece of biscuit and popping it in her mouth.
Lita let her eyes flicker up to the runner, knowing full well that it was the mockingbird who'd be weighing heavy on his spirits, more so perhaps than the attack on the caravan. Her brow knit slightly. She'd make a not to ask about that later on. She didn't need one relationship weighing on her partnership, of all things. Sheesh. She glanced sideways to a sleepy little Alaine, a smile light on her lips. For once, maybe the relationship wouldn't bother her so much after all. There was always something. Lita stood slowly, careful not to let Alaine fall on the ground. She took the woman's hands in her own and tugged her gently to her feet. "Thank you for the goodies, darl. But lets get you to sleep, huh?"
Hanan took that as her cue. She was exhausted, true; but more than that, she was restless. "I'm goin' out for a ramble," she said abruptly, lurching forward in her seat, hopping up on the good foot, and grabbing her crutch. "When Alaine sits up--tell her thanks for the food, will you?" Hop, hop, hop, a gimpy flamingo all the way over to her peacoat.
Finn was almost to the shadowed corner where his palette resided. Hanan’s words would catch his attention though, before he’d turn in, and a warning..”Don’t hop too far captain..” was drawled in her direction. “Would hate for you to become somebody’s midnight snack.” He’d not wait for a reply however, and within moments, silence and the slow sounds of respiration would betray that he had succumbed to the weariness that plagued.
Hanan , shrugging on her coat, had been about to say something really, really clever when she heard him breathing. Honest. But she couldn't waste it on the sleeping, could she? Another small huff, a nod to Ace, and she was hobbling out the door. Hanan exits south.
Alaine grumbled as hands softened in Ace's hold, lithe form tugged to its feet and eyes held open in mild attempt at composure. "Bed… Alright. That sounds nice…" Attention was first turned to the captain, weak smile somehow warm in its feeble line, "Feel better, Hanan. And Red…" Gaze shifted to The Runner, brows furrowing just slightly in worry, "I'm sure things'll be alright." And with that, The Fox subsided and allowed Spade to lead her to bed, curling up on the cot and leaving the blanket open for the witch to join.
Lita was more than content to curl up aside the little Fox, nuzzling against the female's shoulder before she'd stretch out, right arm wrapped 'round the woman's shoulder, blanket tucked neatly around them. She lifted her head, gaze flickered to the runner's direction. There was a comment there, a question. She wasn't sure how much longer she'd be prone to keeping up a business deal that could go easily sorrow if a mockingbird were to choose otherwise. The sounds of sleeping reached her though and even though she had slept for so long already, the Fox was warm beside her. She wished she'd brought a muffin though. Dang.