RP:Of Rats and Men; Chatnu Hires the Runner

Part of the Tales from the Row Arc

Synopsis: The Fermin theief Chatnu meets Finn at the Broken Barrel, and hires him to find and retrieve an object of sentimental worth to her. She offers the use of her own skills and unique abilities in partial payment for the job.

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Chatnu had been leaning against the wall outside the tavern for almost an hour. Hiss was doing a bit of recon inside, staying hidden thanks to all the junk that lined the Inn's walls. A man passes her and after a few moment, Chatnu follows. Dark red ratish eyes peer from the soft shadows cast by a drawn up hood to take in a number of things. Such as where everyone was at and what their body language was giving off, plus like any well practiced thief, all exits. coming upon the table that the man had taken the fermin clutches her cloak tighter to her oil black furred body. An uneasy silence stretches until the man clears his throat nervously and whispers something to her.

Terra had been upstairs in the parlor, learning the ropes of one of the many games that inhabited the floor. It was after she had won a hefty sum of gold that she'd venture down before she could be accused of cheating or worse. The door of the guest room is pulled closed to offer privacy to whoever still lingered inside of it and she'd venture downstairs alone, counting the coins as they clinked from one hand to the next. That man Chatnu spoke to seemed oddly familiar so she'd wave in polite acknowledgement before studying the fermin, her stare unapologetic and probably rude. Was it that cold in here that someone required a hood? All of her winnings are stashed away and she'd pass them towards Simon so that he'd keep them below the bar, safe from tricky fingers.

Chatnu slowly held out a brown paw between then, the dark claws that tipped each finger catching the fire light. The man fumbles with his pouch before placing a small object in Chatnu's hand, careful not to touch her. He had heard things about this fermin female and the rumors chilled his blood. It was the reason they where meeting in such an open place. He hoped the fermin would be less likely to 'deter' from their agreement. Chatnu felt eyes upon her, causing her fur to ripple and rise. Though she had very poor eye sight, her ears and nose had tracked the entrance of a new arrival in the room. Hiss slides from behind one object to another as he moves to a better vantage point. The man give a small greeting to Terra, but he was currently occupied and didn't want to let his attention wain to far. It was better for his well being at the moment. Long slim fingers close around the object in hand as images flicker in and out before Chatnu's eyes, but there was no sound or smells nor tastes or touches. A grinding of teeth is heard a moment before a dagger suddenly appears in the mans chest. No magic was used, the throw had just been done very fast and stealthy. "Elven back wash. You can not fool me!" the chirping hiss came out from the hole of the hood.

Terra would like to make a correction; she -knew- the guy that sat at that table, recgonized his face, but since he's got a new accessory protruding from his chest it was unlikely that she would know him further. There's a slant to her lips, trying to best decide how to respond to this situation. Murder is wrong, she knows, but that's a little hypocrticial 'round these parts. So she's forced to sit there and watch, exhanging a silent look with Simon who rarely forced arrests in fear of it harming his reputation with the normal client base. This required a drink so that's what she ordered, turning back to the scene as though it may have changed within a those few seconds. "Did you have to kill him?" she'd drawl at last, attempting to sound bored with the entire thing until she could decide a plan of action. "In public like this?"

As the man slumps from his chair and hits the floor, Chatnu swings her head in the direction of the new voice. "And why not? He tried to cheat me." the voice now held none of the accent from before. Her prehensile rat tail wraps around one of the mans wrists and the fermin takes a few minutes to drag him out and dump his body into the sewer where her pack mates would see that it was never found. Upon returning into the tavern, Chatnu sees the blood smear but just steps over it to take a seat at the bar. Which she had to jump a little to reach since she was only around three feet in height. The dark hood falls back due to this and reveals a rat face who's maw was covered by a dark armor piece. Those large beady red eyes look over at the blurry shape of the woman who had spoke to her. "Any good drink here?" her persona changed dramatically and now sat a seemingly happy go lucky patron that would easily fit in at many of the table that had drunk glee men and women singing old sailor songs.

Terra saluted the mermaid in Chatnu's absence and managed to polish off that entire glass, was working on the second, and had convinced herself to pretend that nothing was ever amiss. Then the fermin re-enters and she felt obligated to acknowledge her when that hood fell backwards, revealing the fact of a fermin. Ah, the sewers were nearby weren't they? Had she dropped the body down that dank corridor? Honestly, Terra doesn't want to know. There are some questions that are better left unasked. "Ask most and they'll tell you rum. I'd stick with whiskey if you're looking to get your head empty." And after that scene she'd played witness to, she'd very much enjoy an empty head. "How'd he cheat you?"

Chatnu nods her head and beckons the barman over with a finger. "A whiskey bottle and glass if you would." was said to him before giving attention back to the woman. A pout, made grotesk by her ratish face, preceded her next words, "Tried to pass off a replica of something I've taken a fancy to." The bottle and glass were set before her with a soft thump against the worn wood. Filling a glass, the fermin then holds it out in a silent offer to top off the other woman's glass. By the faint smell of death, and iron Chatnu's guess was that the woman was either a vampire or a high thrall. Either way, the information did little for her now so it would be tucked away into the dark corridors of her mind.

Terra can't tell she's pouting. Not only is it hard to tell when a rat pouts, it's even harder when it's wearing a mask over mouth and has just murdered someone before having a few drinks. Is that normal behaviour on the shores? Then again, that thought caused her eyes to roll upwards where a certain being resided as evidence enough that yes, it's fairly normal for these parts. Her glass is polished off and nudged towards Chatnu in acceptance. "You looking for something in specific? I know a few people who are pretty good at finding and uhm, delivering."

Chatnu oval ears twitch slightly as the only evidence her words interested her. After topping off the glass, she takes a healthy swallow of her own while thinking. How much to give away? Coming to a conclusion fairly fast the fermin replies, "Just an object that hold fond memories for me. Has turned out to be ..." Pausing, Chatnu scratches her chin with a claw choosing the best descriptive word, " elusive..."

Terra is starting to think that her friendship is easily bought. All it took was refilled glass that she's taking drinks that are too long, too full to be considered sips as she sat in silence listening to the rat think of the proper word to describe the state of this object. "And it's a jewel of some sort? Looked like that's what he gave you." She can't say for sure because up until the murder part of it all, she hadn't been entirely invested in their business transaction. "Where was it last seen?"

Chatnu took another swallow of rum. Her years drinking sewer water growing up and eating questionable things had made her stomach hard to upset and the alcohol wasn't kicking in quite yet. A few more glass would see to that, but Chatnu didn't intend to reach that point. A clean head makes for clean work, or so the black coat proverb went. Instead the fermin would keep the woman's glass full to her liking. "No gems, though gems are in it. They have no worth though. As for it's where abouts, last I heard it was being keep in a library."

Terra can't be too sure but she's starting to think that Chatnu's objective that evening was to get the vampire tipsy because she just kept pushing that glass back towards her when it tilted in the direction she took to mean was an offer. Honestly, she doesn't know why more people don't try this route. It's far more entertaining. Still, she's feeling good enough to nod along towards the fermin's talk. "Rynvale's library?" There's a crease in her eyebrows now and it takes more thought than normal to try and place the location of the library. "What is it exactly? See, I'm not entirely sure but I think that red-head that sits around these parts? I think he can find it. There's not much he can't find." She's rambling and she's going to brink that on the alcohol. Or Chatnu, since she kept suppling.

Leodarkheart coughs and tries to wave off the smoke that accompainied his entrance. Speaking to himself he says, "I sure wish there was less intrusive way to get here or there, not sure how mych longer my lungs are gonna take this." Leo decides to find a nice dark corner to take a seat, nodding in Terra's direction as he makes his way through.

Terra raised her glass towards Leodarkheart, entertained by his entrance as well as his seat selection.

Chatnu eyes catch the fire light and glisten, reflecting on her inner mood. Alcohol seemed to be this woman's weakness for loosening her tongue, as was many's in this city. A smile takes over her face to show her large yellowish incisors and a few small fangs around them. It was not shown in threat, but seemingly joy. "Ah yes that's the place!" In a slightly quieter voice she asks, "This red-haired man... would you be able to bring him here to meet me?" There was an eagerness in each of her words.

Chatnu oval ears turn upon hearing another enter, but she was too wrapped up to take much notice of him.

Terra had several weakness', thankfully this one was the least harmful. Tonight, anyway. That smile is a little unnerving. Mostly as a result of the fangs bared and whoa, when a rat smiled it was intimidating. Her own smile is a little timid as though she doesn't understand -why- they're smiling to begin with. "He's ... around now." her eyes rolled upwards as though to explain his location and then back towards the ground. Had she heard slithering? "Did you hear that?" She frowned and glanced around again then back towards Chatnu with a slight shrug as though dismissing it. "But yes. More than likely he can. Run the details by me and I can pass them on? We ..work together."

Chatnu didn't see the upturned eyes since the woman's face was a blurred mass. Therefore she did not get the subtle hint at his wear abouts. That gnarlish smile faltered a little at hearing the man would not becoming, then turned full again. A shrewed look is casted at the woman as equally wry words are spoken, "I deal with my employees direct. Cuts down on misunderstandings you see." A swallow finishes off her first glass and Chatnu takes her time to fill it back up to let the woman think it over.

Terra figured that the bottle Chatnu held was getting near the bottom and motioned towards Simon again in order to get a refill, on the entire damned bottle. Her legs cross neatly at the knee as she turned away from the bar. "Mmm, you'll see him soon enough. I'd imagine it won't be too much longer." Simon let the bottle drop on the counter and she'd work on uncorking it. "So what's your name?"

The muted click of that upstairs guestroom door opening and then closing again would be lost to all but preternatural hearing, though the soft thunks of booted soles against the rough wooden staircase that led to the bustling taproom below might be more easily discernable. The runner appeared at the foot of the staircase, burnished hair picking up and reflecting highlights picked up by the dancing of flames in the fireplace. There was about the male, an air of relaxed satisfaction-perhaps in part derived from being in the familiar comforts of his world again, perhaps in part residual effect of the hours spent in the company of a certain blonde vampire before she had disappeared to, of all places the parlor while he got caught up on paperwork accumulated in their absence. It had been the length of her own absence that provoked him finally from that haven or retreat, instinct leading him below, and from his place at the stairs whisky gaze swept the room seeking her out. She was easy enough to spot, though her present company garnered the raising of a brow. Lazy strides took him across the room towards the pair. A feather light touch on her nape when he reached her side would suffice for the contact he craved before he'd turn to the bar, nodding his request to Simon. "Was wonderin' where you'd gotten off to.." he drawled idly. "Who's your friend?.." curious and slightly wary gaze flickered over the fermin female.

Chatnu nods happy with the answer and just when she is about to speak, she hears the same slithering again. Though she had ignored the inquiry about it earlier this time she looks up and barks out, "Damn Hiss, if you make anymore noise a death man would hear you!" This of course caused a black serpent to drop down onto the bar top before the two. It head hung in shame. "Bah, don't look at me like that! I swear sometime I think you would have served better as a belt." Chatnu now holds a paw out to the woman. Since a man had joined them she included him in the greetings also. "Chatnu and that's Hiss." Her snout tips towards the serpent that looked just like any other snake except for the white flame mark it had between the silvery eyes. Even with her bad eyes, the red hair was seen vaguely. So this much be the 'red-haired man' the other woman had spoke of.

Terra looked up again at the sound of movement though it's just another gesture that may have went unnoticed by Chantu. What didn't was the slow slither of a creature moving across the ... walls? She can't be sure. But then it's there! Thank Sven for the whiskey because she is pouring another glass. Could this day be full of even more surprises? Just as that tension started to rise between shoulder blades, there's a brief and light touch that caused her to breathe a slight sigh of relief. Chatnu answered the question that Finn had supplied so she'd accept the paw in her own hand, marvelled briefly at the presence of the black fur and then towards the snake. It honestly would not have been surprising if it had hands to shake as well. "This is our newest business partner. She'd like you to locate something for her... It's all hush hush right now but what I do know is that she'll kill for it." Her tone is pretty light, likely thanks to the several glasses Chatnu had so willingly supplied. As though she realized that, or maybe it's just the fact a snake fell from the sky it seemed, she'd push her half-full glass towards Finn. "Not that I saw anything..."

Finn 's drink had been half way to his lips when the snake dropped out of the rafters and onto the bar not feet away from his hand. Eyes flickered to the creature and then back to the fermin who was its master. "Ahh.. interestin' ..pet." he drawled huskily. Snakes. The runner was not particularly fond of them. Likely because Rekkur wasn't, and a spooked horse was bad news for his rider as he'd learned the hard way on any number of occasions. Seemed harmless enough, though looks could be deceiving. Attention would be drawn from the unusual presence however, by Terra's words which caused wary light to be replaced by a lingering, assessing one. Another swallow of his drink, and a lazy "Oh aye?.." directed the fermin's way would be an indicator that she had his attention. "Reckon that somethin' worth killin' for..is somethin' worth payin' for..provided that it can be found of course." Eyes flickered over the fermin. The hell could a rat want worth killing for, and where was he likely to have to go to retrieve it? "What are you lookin' for mate?.."

There was a moment of tension about her eyes as she took the woman's hand in her paw. Flickers of her past ignited and died before her eyes in a vision of sorts. Well, well... some of that was most interesting, but the link was severed before she could see to far back. Her eyes looked to the man now with a knowing look about them. The snake slithered its way over to the woman and flicked its dark tongue upon a finger, taking in her scent. Chatnu though turned her smile into a grin, though not much different as it was just one side of her mouth showing teeth instead of both. "Its worth is only in sentiment I'm afraid. I just don't take kindly to being swindled." Though she had no qualms with doing so to others. Sure she would do a job to the others satisfaction, but past that, all was up for grabs. Finishing her answer to the man her whiskers twitch slightly. "Rynvale Library. It is a locket made from black gold and shaped like a flame." It was a vague description, but more wouldn't be given until she had 'officially' hired them.

Hanan was actually trying again. She must have been, because there was the stiff high-collared blue naval officer's jacket tossed on, over an ironed (!) white shirt open a couple buttons extra at the collar, tucked into clean trousers, which were in turn tucked into high black boots that had been polished recently. She'd even swept her dark hair back and tied it into a neat, low ponytail with a thin red ribbon, rather than just shoving her old knit cap over it. Then again, there was the crutch tucked under her right arm, her right leg slightly bent; perhaps she was compensating. "Hello all." She hobbled to the bar, ordered whiskey.

Finn canted his head slightly on the utterance of the female, gaze growing ever more thoughtful with each passing moment. "Mind if I ask..if you know what it is..and ..where it is, the hell is stoppin' you from just walikin' in there and getting' it yourself?" he drawled dryly. It's not that he had a problem working a job..but it paid to know what one might be getting into. It'd affect price. "Got a feelin' for some reason..that getting' what you want, is not a problem." Finn had not forgotten the female at his side, but terra knew well enough by now how the man was when there was profit to be had. Still, despite focus on the fermin, and words directed her way exclusively, calloused fingers would be tracing idle, lazy patterns on the bare flesh of the elf's forearm, though not in a manner that was overtly noticeable..much less by one that happened to be half blind. The captain's arrival was noted with a nod her way. "Cat.." it was a low, idle greeting, the man's attention still on the prospect before him.

Terra is alarmed. No, not because a good portion of her secrets had been exposed to a fermin (though Terra would have been, had she known) and not because they're likely planning a library heist if this deal continued. No, it was because a snake had licked her. She watched as the split tongue of the serprent rolled back into its mouth and then looked down to her own hand as though the touch left behind a visible mark. That same hand dropped to Finn's knee and while it may have looked to be an affectionate gesture, it's more than likely a way to wipe her hand off. What he didn't know... "I make the best of friends, no?" Speaking of, Hanan arrived and like it or not that's what she had come to refer to pirate captain as. A low whistle served as her greeting as though praising the look of the Hellcat.

Yasmine entered the bar once more, her intent this time for a drink without disturbances, like earlier. That bruise on her jaw still smarted, and even against her dark skin was present. She could imagine the colors that speckled it. She beelined for the bar, not caring much for the conversation going on around her, more wanting something to numb the soreness in her cheek and on her neck, a cut he had given her. "Double please." Off handedly given to Simon as she sat down, head in her hands.

Hanan nodded to Red… gave Terra a weird look, a quirk of the brow, as she turned from the bar. What was it about that woman and clothing? Half of her actually wanted to put on a dress and walk in again, just to see if vampires could have heart attacks. She'd rock it, oh she would--Oh, hey, it's Yasmine, with her head in her hands. "Hey…" A tan left hand landed on her shoulder, gave a light squeeze as the injured captain gingerly sank onto a barstool, leaning her crutch against the counter. "What's going?"

Chatnu ears twisted and turned atop her head as several others made their way in. Scents and sounds wove together to give the Fermin an idea of what was going on in the room. Though the subtle touch the man gave the woman wasn't one of them. Maybe if there wasn't so much noise in the room, she would of heard the whisper of skin brushing skin. One scent in particular caused Chatnu to turn her her head away form her current company and track that of the lycaness. A pitty that night had ended so soon. Coming back to the topic at hand the fermin says with a sigh, a look of embarrassment overcoming her. "Sadly, I am not skilled enough to find it. As much have I tried. The blasted thing is well hidden." A paw grasps the end of Hiss' tail and pulls him away from the woman, her fear was a strong scent in her tan nose. "Now you stay put. I've enough of hunting you down." This was directed towards the surly snake.

Yasmine lifts her head up from her hand and offers a weak grin, "Lots of things." Tipping her face a bit more so she could see the large, colorful bruise on her cheek. The gash would come later. "Getting into trouble as always." Clink of glass against wood caught her attention. Happy to take up the glass she downed quite a bit. "How about yourself? Doing well?" A dark eyed glance along with a small nod is offered to Terra and Red.

Hanan lifted her hand from the woman's shoulder immediately to her face, hesitated, then lightly brushed her thumb over the discolored skin. The gash on her neck got an abruptly angry glare. Cuts on the neck meant whatever had gone down was more than a brawl; "Who?" Simon came with her drink--she leaned a bit to the side. "Hey--got some bandages out back? I've gotta patch this one up."

Yasmine laughed, a bit half heartedly especially for the mere fact that Hanan wasn't the first person to comment on the wolf's lack of care taking. A waving motion was made to the question of who; names didn't matter. "They learned their lesson well enough." The glass is pressed to her lips once more, downing the rest of the glass quite hastily. "You never how you were," Grinning, "And all dressed up too."

Finn wouldn't miss that dip of Yasmine's dark head, but his attention was currently wrapped up in unraveling the mystery that was the fermin's pize. Another swig was taken, before glass was carefully put down. "Library's a big place..don't reckon on wastin' manpower lookin' in every book and cranny if I can help it. Got -any- idea where it might be stashed? Why its in the library to begin with?" Gold flecked gaze was fixed on the fermin. "If you'll pardon the qestionin'..just got done with..one unpleasant surprise. Not lookin' for another."

Terra doesn't miss Hanan's weird look and just shrugged towards her as she settled into the seat near Yasmine, the very same lycan who would earn an appraising look from the empath has she conversed with Hanan. This woman had a knack for trouble, didn't she? It nearly brought a smile to her face. Since Chatnu seemed content to chat with the snake she'd give it a go, or rather, the several glasses and nearly a bottle of alcohol would. "Hello Hiss." She blinked. Yup, that felt too weird, so she'd glanced back towards Finn and caught the 'all-business' look he sported. That left eavesdropping which she's all too happy to do. To both pairs gathered near her.

Hanan ::Was Terra talking to a snake? The fermin wasn't too out of place--but t here was Terra, liquored up and talking to a damn black snake. Huh. She stared for a moment, shook her head, and returned her attention to Yasmine. There was Simon, there was the requested roll of bandages. Said a lot about this place that the bartender hadn't given her a funny look for asking. "What? I can't look ruttin' nice? Not much… bumped into the guy who led that raid, up in Cenril…"She lowered her voice, then. "Name's Razor… and he's taken a shine to me. Asked me along on his job transportin' what he stole from us as 'eye candy.' I'm going… figure I can see where he stashed it."

Chatnu reached over the coiled black mass of Hiss to take up her drink again. "Good questions. Only to be expected from anyone worth paying." She gained a few more moments to think over the mans words while taking a lingering sip. Lowering it, the other hand wipes off a little rum that had slipped over her chin and catching in her inky fur. "Well, it's not in the front few rows. I got that far before... well lets just say I'm not so welcome there now. Don't know if it is even in a book, could be under a floor board all I know. As for why it is there, it was stolen from my pack a number of years back. Made its way here after changing hands quite a few time." There's is a pause as Chatnu looks intently at the 'red-haired man'. "It doesn't like to stay in one place for long." She then noticed that Hiss had wondered off again. One of these day's she would get a leash it couldn't slip for it. Indeed Hiss was venturing across the floor, tongue flickering as it followed the same path as Terra. It winds around her leg upon finding it and makes its way up to hopefully rest in her lap. Seemed like the thing was taken a liking to her for some reason.

Yasmine shook her head, this time smiling, "I like it. You look nice." While eyes were focused else where she snuck in a brief kiss to the captain's cheek. The grin that slip her lips was a bit deviant in nature, especially when she turned to Simon and ordered another drink, for them both. The last bit caught her attention, a mix of interest and slight bit of worry crossed the wolf's features. Her own voice lowered, "Alone? Sure you don't want an extra set of hands." Nomadic by nature and dress, she wasn't inept when it came to looking the part, besides there was that ridiculous dress her sister had bought for her when the wedding date came.

Finn 's gaze flickered up and over the fermin's shoulder at the word 'Razor.' The name was burned into his awareness. He figured he's hear it if it whispered a mile away. As engrossed as he was in the current matter, he'd not note the details of the conversation the hellcat was having with the wolf, but he'd make it a point to intercept the female later to get to the bottom of the matter. For the moment, beady eyes were fixated upon, a sigle word uttered. "Sentient?" If the item 'didn't like to stay put' that implied a consciousness..which made it rather like the recovery of a person, rather than a thing..whole different ball game. "Don't reckon you toy much cares where its been buried..unless its more than a toy.." The male shrugged suddenly. "Doesn't matter..if it's there..we'll find it, there are ways." Especially if it left a magical signature. He didn't figure the fermin would go to this much trouble over an inanimate object. "Got a timeline on this?.."

Terra caught Hanan's stare and waved, mistaken the look. She had been chatting with a rat for the better part of the evening so why not her companion who just happened to be a snake? Things that she would regret in the morning...Right leg twitched suddenly as she felt the initial brush even beneath the layer of her stockings, the pressure over the knee-high boots. Where was that snake? It was no longer visible. Was it...? Was there a snake on her? Oh, Hiss' head would appear at the side of her thigh and continue to crawl upwards until its scales and tails were settled in her lap. Finn would feel an alarming amount of pressure on his thigh, probably nails, maybe even blood. "Well, I can see why you lost that item... looks like you're losing your snake too." Other than that she's pretty calm. Really. She just watched the serpentine figure curled atop her legs with eyes that were wide and a little red.

Chatnu grained again and nodded when he said 'sentient'. Another sip of rum is taken as the man makes a quick movement to look over her short stature. It seemed the name meant something to him, but now was not the time. Perhaps it could come in handy later. The fermin waited until she had his attention once more before continuing. "Just like to move around and stay undetected. I would say there's no more than one week before it moves again." Fear tickled her nose once more, laced with the scent only belonging to the woman. At the woman's words Chatnu huffed a squeak while pointing at the floor with a clawed finger. She didn't mind searching the woman for her snake, but somehow knew the act wouldn't be welcomed by her or the man. "Hiss you get down right now." Hiss raised it's head and stared at the fermin a moment while letting out a long "Shssssssshsss". Chatnu frowned. "Fine then. I doubt she will gut a crock and blend its intrells the way you like." A black head looks up at Terra, almost as if expecting an answer of some sort.

Yasmine raises a dark brow to her, hand creeping over the gash in her neck. "Doesn't matter. I handled him. Give it a couple days to heal." She hardly wanted to know what Hanan would have thought of the large scar on her side, or better when it wasn't so much that small of a cut. Sure as hell bled out quite a bit. "Eh the brutes bore me. I prefer a challenge and intelligence," Dark eyes shined with a grin, "Make for a more interesting time."

Hanan snickered. "You don't know too many brutes, Yas. Some of 'em are too smart." She lifted her glass, took a gulp, set it down. "Now, let me see that neck." She took the bandage, unrolled a bit of it. "I'm no healer… might have to wrap this all the way 'round your neck, unless Terra sobers up." Snicker became a broad grin. "That alright? Won't be too pretty."

Finn grunted quietly, whether it was from the discomfort afforded by the claws of a vampiric female being dug into his flesh, or at something in the communication offered by the fermin, it would be unclear. "You got a way of trackin' it down if it's moved again? Don't reckon I'll have the resources to go in within a week. Workin' a job that might keep me busy for the next few.." Glass was tapped against the surface of the bar for a refill, as glance was offered finally to the discomfited blonde elf at his side. "You all right darlin'?.." Wary stare was offered Hiss again.

Alaine rammed the door to the familiar Barrel with vigor, shoulder glaring to its owner at sudden intense-impact; was that really necessary? In The Fox's mind, it was. She had been searching for those auburn locks all day; he was such an elusive creature. Booted-steps hastily carried her to The Runner's side, leaning in toward his ear and placing a warm hand 'pon his shoulder in recognition as a gust of wind only now graced his form in her abrupt halt.

Shale again appears down the staircase from one of the rooms above. Her last shift had been pretty dry, and she was quite ready for a drink. Before the little elf searches for familiar faces, she makes her way diligently over to the bar, eyes directed at the ground the entire trip because she did not feel like tripping at the moment. Managing the journey safely, she hops atop a stool and orders a gin. While one of Simon's girls is off fetching it, she finally turns her attention towards the main interior of the establishment and spots two faces she knows and even more she recognizes. Terra and Finn seem occupied at the moment, though, so Shale keeps to herself at the bar.

Finn lifted his head at that murmur, gold flecked gaze sparking to life in an instant. Speaking of jobs that might keep him busy. "Where?.." his eargerness could not be disguised, even by cool clipped tones, and the sudden tension that crept into his frame.

Hanan ::"Alright." The wound looked clean enough; she'd spare the wolf pouring vodka over it. Rather she simply took up the bandage and began winding it snuggly around the woman's neck, covering that cut in the process. "You really need to learn to guard your throat; you've got that old scar, there, too." Yeah, she'd noticed.

Terra is not only not sober but she's making friends with a -snake- and not in the way that Hanan is sure to mock. Now Hiss is looking up at her and that alarmed feeling has returned, has her shaking her head because she's convinced that the creature is capable of understanding conversation. "Nope, can't do that." Not that she'd want to, especially not if it meant winning over Hiss in this apparent competition they had going for the snake's affections. She's all too happy to have them bestowed upon someone else. Alaine's presence has the claws, formerly known as fingers, from Finn's thigh and she'd give a segment of the snake's dark body a slight pat as though that would erase any hard feelings. Again her hand would rest on Finn's arm, business or no, because now she has to get rid of the sensation it had left. "I need another drink," mumbled to herself and a glimpse of that bright hair has her glancing towards Shale, and snake or no snake for a lap ornament she'd wave merrily.

Yasmine tentatively reached up to touch the scar, her midnight eyes dimming for a brief second. "I'd have guarded from that," Fingers still lingering on the light tinted line, "If I had had the chance." Details, places, how long and such were completely left out. One small sigh and she pushed through that old memory. "Besides if wounds mean I get a bit of tlc from you I don't think I mind so much." Another wink to follow the jest as she sipped at her second drink. Curious about the slam, dark eyes landed on the dark haired elf. What a way to enter. Another glance was afforded to the other elf, the red head she had seen on a couple occasions.

Shale 's sharp ears picked up Terra's comment and, as quickly as she returned the woman's wave, also gestured for the barmaid to bring a second drink. When delivered she promptly moves towards Terra's table and sets down the gin with a wink. Glancing into the vampire's lap where there was apparently a large snake residing, she quirks a brow, but doesn't question and moves back over to the bar.

Alaine caught the glimmer sparked in whiskey gaze at the new development, grinning in response and quickly assessing the bodies present before leaning in once more to whisper just two words to The Runner.

Chatnu scratched a furry cheek as red beady eyes turn from Hiss to watch a new woman take place beside the man. A few sniffs at the air as ears turn her way tell the rat the basics. "I do have a way ... but it takes a lot of time to catch up with it. This is the first time in a while." Hiss flicks its tongue once more at Terra before stretching up to slither across the bar back to Chatnu and between the opening of the black cloak. The fermin gives her waist a little pat whispering to it a few words in fermin.

Terra heard something, somewhere, about not mixing your colors. If that lesson had been learned in the past it is now forgotten when Shale brings over that drink and she'd breathe a grateful sigh. "Bless you." But then their Firefly appeared to be flitting away and she'd frown. "Hey! You can't sit over there." Now that her lap is free she'd bounce a leg, debating moving so that Alaine could have her seat in order to continue quiet conversation.

Chatnu suddenly felt a change about the man and the scent of excitement reached her. Whatever was whispered to him was something the man was eager for.

Hanan went all sly, even as she continued winding that bandage. "Terrible Lusty Carnality? I can do that." Finished, the fastened the bandage with a press of her hand, which lingered just a bit too long; she turned, lifted her glass--noticed Shale at the bar, gave the stranger a nod--before taking a sip. Gods, she loved whiskey.

Finn leaned back slowly in his seat, eyes flickering, for whatever reason, Hanan's way as the pair of words were murmured into his ear. "Ahh.." It was a single breath of a sound, as gears began to turn over in his mind. "He works quickly.." It was all but a murmur. It had taken him two days just to get reestablished on the Shores after the incident. If the Razor had accomplished his feat in the same time, and their intel was accurate.. "Reckon it's time we took a sail then..." A grim smile caused lips to twitch.

Shale grins, downs her drink in one sip and moves back towards Terra, "You guys looked busy." she says upon re-approach.

Alaine grinned to the last words that escaped The Runner's lips, nodding in agreement. Sterling gaze, too, glanced over to Captain Hanan, a mischievous grin toying at the elf's features as a question was directed to the man at her side, despite lack of eye-contact, "How long?"

Terra is not entirely unaware of the conversation going on alongside her. It was impossible not to listen but she's trying to at least pretend that they have their privacy so she'd grin in response to Shale's own, scooting over in her own chair so that she could share the other half with the elf. "He's the busy one. I just like to pretend that I am so he thinks I'm contributing."

Finn said to Chatnu, "I suppose I could put some of the lads on it. Even if he had to travel, there were others to whom the task could be delegated. "It'll cost you though..rarer the item, higher the fee.. Just the way business is. Five thousand pieces of gold." Said with a blunt finality. She could take the offer, or find another procurer. "But you'll get your bauble for the price.." If he had to have the dammed building torn apart from the floor boards up.

Yasmine quirked a dark brow, "The part of that I can't agree with. Not too sure you're terrible." Reached up to take a hold of the hand pressed to her neck for a moment before releasing it. Her own glass was taken a hold of but she didn't quite sip at it, instead her midnight gaze settled for a moment longer on the vampire.

Finn said to Alaine, "Soon as the Cat can sail, or Kae." He'd not missed the suggestion that Hanan might end up engaged on another front. No pun intended.

Shale had already summoned the barmaid back to refill her glass before she takes Terra's offer of a shared seat. She glances about the room and then leans in to whisper to Terra.

Chatnu considered the price. It was far higher than she was willing to pay any other. Especially since only she would be able to track it once the locket decided to move. The thing only left the faintest of traces that so far she had seen no other save herself possessing. "How about half that and I can do a few 'jobs' for you. "

Shale whispered to you, "What's with the snake?"

Terra has had a few too many, isn't entirely aware of Chatnu's choice in profession and cast the fermine a sideways glance at the mention of jobs. Hmm. And then one to Finn. Hmm.

Terra was distracted by Hanan for a moment. Was there something in her eye? Why were they doing that? But then she's close enough to Shale that she could murmur a reply near to her ear.

Terra whispered to Shale, "That rat there, it's her pet. It likes to roam. Watch out."

Yasmine leans more on her arm that had rested on the top of the counter, a curious look to her features at the odd sort of flirtatious move, "Damn distracting huh? Never really done any work around ya, so I'm not too sure." She cracked a grin just before sipping a bit more of her drink. Setting the glass aside, she leans in a bit closer, her voice hushed, "I can be quite the distraction as well."

Alaine bit her lip in quick estimation, nodding once before patting Red's back with an assured smile. "Alright. Sounds like a plan." With that, the elf skipped back up into a stride, though not before giving Terra that much-needed and always-adored parting embrace. A grin and two-fingered salute was given to the familiar batty-eyed captain before the elf slipped out the exit, off to tinker away in the foundry for the upcoming trip.

Terra, to her credit, did not flinch when Alaine gave her yet another hug. Dammit, what was with this woman and physical contact? She had plenty of it going with Shale in that moment, given their seating arrangement. "Yeah yeah, can't wait to see you again either." And then her glass of gin is empty because she had to drink to that, even in Alaine's absence.

Shale glances ever so breifly at the fermin, then to a few other random patrons as to not seem obvious. "Hmm." she says, then turns back to Terra and shrugs, smiling.

Terra felt the shrug and turned back to Shale to see why and felt the need to explain. "The snake is Hiss. I think it's in her coat now." She had just spilled the beans on their topic of hushed conversation, that snake, and she'd smile easy enough. "How are you?"

Terra is most definitely drunk. Hanan, sipping drinks with her finger raised? Talking snakes? A smiling Finn after those last few grim days? This surely is a joke played out by an inebriated brain, surely.

Yasmine laughs at the pinkie gesture, shaking her head. "Ah well then thats good. Business is kept quiet, not like the Inn has got to know what I do." Another brow was raised as a grin trailed over her lips, "Your gold isn't what I'm after." The glass was picked up once more and downed.

Chatnu let out a strange sounding snort at the red haired man's words. Her eyes skipping down then back up his seated body. A 'takes one to know one' look about her face before being banished into a smile. Chatnu finishes off her drink before leaning towards him to whisper only for his ears.

(Garramit, Terra didn’t log the whisper!)

Hanan ::"Then that means..;" Hanan leaned back, planting a hand theatrically in the center of her chest. "My virtue! You harlot, you're goin' after my virtue!" A gasp. "What will I do without my innocence?"

Shale nods to Terra about the snake. She then grins as more gin is set in front of the pair. "I'm doing well, glad to be back on this little island, I think." she says, nodding a bit. "How about you, how're you faring?"

Terra eyed Shale for a moment. Was she in on this with Chatnu? Was the agenda to see how many drinks she could have? If so, they're doing well in keeping her supplied and quite happy. "I'm good! Better now. Had a rough go of the last few days." She'd then lean in towards Shale again.

Terra whispered to Shale, "Finn's caravans got ambushed on the way. It's like a war lately."

Chatnu did not see Shale’s glace at her, she was almost blind after all. However, Terra;s comment gave her a guess at what they had been whispering. It passed without notice from Chatnu.

Shale wrinkles her nose as Terra with a slight frown, "That's no good." She also downs her gin.

Terra concurred if that quick nod is anything to go by and then lightly tapped Shale's knee twice in apparent excitement. "You should come with us then! I know you're happy to be back but ... sounds like we're leaving soon."

Hanan ::"Bu-bu-but..;" Oh, she was loving this. "You told me you were an untouched flower!" She heaved a sigh. "Perhaps, if you were..; gentle?"

Finn said to Chatnu, "Mhmm.. " the male leaned back to eye the fermin with speculative look. It was a fair offer, her gift a specialty that would be more than useful in his line of work-unique, really. "You've got a deal.." the slight inflection to his tone betrayed the failure of his short term memory. What was her name again? "Red..pleased to be of service.." A wicked grin flashed across his lips."

Yasmine grins, this was getting to be very entertaining. "Oh that, everyone wants to hear that." Making a dramatic waving gesture. A smirk trailed over her lips as she canted her head, leaning a bit closer to the vampire so she could whisper a few choice words into her ear.

Enzo wanders in, hood raised as is his wont, but the one particular woman in the tavern that has seen him before might notice an addition to his attire; a stylized yet functional looking set of robes. Where had he picked those up? Perhaps the same place as the vambrace on his left wrist, also different from the one that very same woman has seen before. But regardless of his changes in attire, he is in the tavern to partake of alcoholic beverages, and at first he finds himself confused on why he cannot get any service. But then he notices the mermaid hung in the net along with a man saluting her before placing his order. He smiles to himself as he chuckles, shaking his head at the whole thing, but he salutes anyways. Ah, that does the trick, and soon he has a glass of wine in his hand. He meanders as he sips on the drink, hard-soled boots thudding evenly on the floor of the tavern. Yes, his boots thud, for he has no elven or feline blood in him, is untainted by lycanthropy or vampirism. He is purely human, this one...and he almost feels like he fits in with the tavern full of criminals. "Molto bene," he mutters to himself as he plants himself in a chair, lifting his legs to rest his feet on the table before him, his left arm draping over the back of his chair, and his wine glass never too far from his lips.

Chatnu 's dish like ears picked up the trailing off of his words, obvious he couldn't remember her name. Now supplied with a name to call him, though the fermin had doubts about the authenticity of it, her brown hairless paw is extended to him none the less.

"Chatnu." She supplied him. "Shall I go get the money now to solidify the agreement?"

Shale grins, "Maybe I should." She glances at Finn, she wasn't sure where he whether he wanted her in the gambling pit, the shop, or on the ship with them...doing whatever they'd be doing.

Yasmine chances a peek over at the new figure in the tavern, having recognized his scent from multiple encounters. A nod of recognition is offered to him, but she would not bestow attention he'd rather not have.

Hanan 's lips parted, then curved upward before she spoke; fingers brushed almost subtly at the other's forearm, hoping Yasmine was in the way of any onlookers. Poor Simon, though. "I really do think you're after my virtue;" Afterward her voice would dip again.

Chatnu ears turn back at the sound of a new patron entering, but her attention remained firmly on the man named Red.

Enzo lifts his glass as he spies Yasmine's nod, a silent toast and a grin given in response to her attention to her surroundings. And maybe some sense of niceties. He's not a simple brute after all, this killer. No, not at all. He's a noble brute...if such a thing exists.

Yasmine leans in a bit closer, keeping out of the line of sight of any who might be paying attention and brushed her lips over the other woman's cheek, a cheeky light in her dark eyes. She returns the whisper with an air of something more.

Hanan ::"I, uh;" Her face changed rather dramatically after that last whisper; she was now giving the lycan a very strange look. "That's not the kinda thing;"

Yasmine lifts her gaze up to the male once more, a broad grin offered to him, glad he had found his way to where she had suggested. A brief nod is made towards Red with a dark brow raised. Enzo would know what she meant.

Yasmine raises a brow to the vampire, "Then what were you suggesting?"

Finn shook his head in the negative, even as he extended his hand to take the offered claw. "No need Squeak.." the moniker rolled off his tongue without the bat of an eyelash. Not his fault she was a rat, who had to operate by sonar..if his astute observation was to be trusted. His dismissal of her given name, in favor of one of significance to himself, would be noted by others as the small step of acceptance into his circle that it was. Though she might, as others did, protest the unwelcome gift. "Reckon I don't take payment till I deliver the goods." he said huskily, grin surfacing again suddenly. "Eliminates temptation.."

Finn 's ever observant gaze would flicker up then, to follow the progress of Enzo into the room. Strange faces garnered his attention easily. Swift assessment was taken of the male, and he was deemed..for now, no threat.

Hanan had not looked so relieved since Terra tugged an arrow out of her thigh. She took a good gulp of the whiskey Yasmine had poured her, cleared her throat, and smirked. "Alright, then. Didn't know you were the resident expert, wolf. Maybe I should start askin' for written critiques."

Terra ran a hand through her hair and settled back against it, pulling her arm into her lap so that Shale could maintain her position without being jostled by the movement. "Should be an interesting run. I just don't want to get stuck above deck alone." Had some bad experiences with that, it seemed, if her facial expression was anything to go by.

Enzo follows the lycan woman's gesture towards the man speaking of delivering goods before he returns the lofted brow stare at the woman. So this is who she referenced earlier, then. The foreigner doesn't make a move to address the man however, for now, unknowingly mirroring Finn as he makes a cursory assessment of the man. Certainly a roguish fellow, the way he speaks, at least in mind. But the assassin has seen many in his days who have held a rogue's mind, but the capabilities of a slug.

Yasmine downs a bit of her drink, casually at some point brushing the back of her hand over her mouth. "Not expert. She had just asked if I had and I said yes." The whole rest of that story would remain well, between the two of them. Their friendship and sisterhood had started out in an interesting fashion. A sly grin traced over her lips, "Why written when I can show?"

Shale nods, "I'd love to keep you company." she says, still smiling, "All just depends where he wants me." she says, gesturing her head over towards Finn. She shrugs. She had been half paying attention to the attention Hannan had been having with Yas and couldn't help but grinning over some of their comments. Again, her tone is hushed so that, given their extrememly close proximity, only Terra coud hear her.

Terra could not help but be amused by that statement and glanced towards the pair currently under discussion though it was doubtful either would notice. Who, exactly, did they think they were fooling? Hell, Terr's pretty sure she could take them in a poker game if that was their attempt at bluffing. After a slight giggle she'd lean towards Shale again, to reply.

Chatnu grained and took Red's hand in her own. Her red eyes tensed slightly like they had when shaking hands with Terra and just as then, images grew and burst before her minds eyes, like many bubbles. She know knew for certain just what kind of business the man ran along with a few other things. Just recent events since thee contact had been brief. "I think I'm liking you already." It pertained to getting the gold after. This way she wouldn't have to worry about being double crossed. A quick glance is given to Terra. That woman had already seen how she dealt with such. It seemed the nickname didn't bother her, after all she did do a lot of squeaking. it was her nature, and why fight nature? You always loose. "Just drop a message down the sewers with my name on it .. or squeek would do... it'll find it's way to me." Downing the last bit of rum in her glass, Chatnu tosses a few coins on the bar top before hopping down from the chair. "Seems like you have other 'things' to attend to. I'll take my leave." With that the fermin drops to all fours and scampers out of the inn with a parting wave of her tail.

Terra whispered to Shale, "Hanan has on her coat. I think she wears it when she's trying to seduce her."

Yasmine leaned back a bit more in her seat, her back pressing into the wooden counter as she finished off her own drink. A shrug was offered up, but the grin still lingered in her dark eyes, "Thought I'd offer." A dark brow quirked, "Doctor? And experiments?"

Finn had leaned back in his seat again, fingers coming to rest idly on Terra's knee now that the most pressing of his business seemed resolved. a quick glance was offered Shale's way. He enjoyed the Firefly's company, and she had more than earned a break. It was not like the girls couldn't pick up her slack. "Reckon' you'd be more than welcome aboard darlin'." he drawled, eyes moving past her again to the assassin. He knew when he was being observed, and how. It was par for the course in their world. Glass was lifted to his lips for a long swallow, the action coincidentally happening to cause the panels of his coat to fall open. The custom sheath for the wicked teeth of serrated dagger sitting low on his hip would grin out at company present, before disappearing behind the facade of civility again.

Hanan ::"A joke." She couldn't quite hear them, but her predator ears could certainly hear them, the giggles. She just didn't care. Let 'em giggle. "Do I have to make everything obvious, huh?" Her brow echoed Yasmine's, what with all the raisingness. She suavely adjusted this, her favorite jacket. "I can only be so obvious in the barrel. Remember the Fennec incident?"

Yasmine smirks, leaning in a bit closer than comfort, "I was quite entertained by that incident though." Drawing back a bit more she glanced to Simon, "Another double please." Attention returned to the vampire, the wolf couldn't help but still grin. "I know what you meant. Just though I'd try to see if you would be more," Pausing for a moment before nipping at her bottom lip, "Forward."

Shale continues to giggle along with Terra, the two were like excited children when they got together. When Finn speaks she nods, then grins back to Terra. "Guess that settles that."

Enzo keeps his eyes on Finn for a few moments, especially when he exposes that wicked blade of his. Enzo's own primary weapon is far from inconspicuous, his black-bladed saber hanging brazenly from his hip, and aside from that there are nine throwing knives plain on his person; three at his shoulder, three at his waist, and three tucked in his left boot. But there are others unseen, and had anyone, for some unknown reason, a mind to ask Yasmine about the man's arsenal, they would certainly find out about his vambrace. A pity she doesn't quite know the extent of it, either. The killer, however, is in no rush to expose his entire set of tools, and so he turns his attention away from Finn for a while. Yasmine is watched, simply because she is a familiar face, and her antics with Hanan are regarded with a raised brow. "Huh. I never would have guessed." Naturally, with a foreign language comes a foreign accent, and Enzo's is quite thick as he talks to himself.

Hanan ::"I…" Ruttin' gods and saints and anything up there that's holy. Why was she biting her lip at her like that? In public? It made her want to do things. Things that she should not do… in public. How the hell could she be more forward? There were gigglers here! "You… just." Oh look, her whiskey. She took a mighty gulp. "You've got no appreciation for subtlety, wolf."

Finn , instinctively and without thought, lowered his head to meet her own, the claiming of her lips occurring whether invited or not. He was not much one for talk. Lips slid to the shell of her ear.

Yasmine stops with her lip biting and returns to grinning, quite pleased with herself, "I only appreciate subtlety when it matters." The wolf chuckles before taking up her drink and sipping a bit more of it. Her free hand trails it's dark digits through her raven curls as she glances over to those she knew, especially the man who she had caught something sounding of words muttered.

Terra is somewhat surprised though when he moved to whisper she's all too happy to oblige with the request. She'd look back towards Shale then, squeezing the same knee she had abused previously. "It's settled!" And that is enough to keep the grin on her face as she relenquished the seat to Shale with a wink. "Let's see how long it takes him to seperate us after that." But for now, she would actually do the seperating by tugging at Finn's coat sleeve and moving towards the door. She did stop once to lean in towards Hanan, feeling a little bold after several rounds. Keeping up with the theme of the evening she'd whisper.

Hanan was sipping her whiskey again, about to say something sly to Yasmine--instead, she nearly choked, eyes widening at Terra a moment before her mouth cracked into an absolutely cheshire grin.

Hanan then snapped her head to Yasmine, not bothering to whisper. "It works!"

Finn was more than satisfied to urfurl lazily to his feet, a large predator, with a sparrow in his sights. There would be no denying the hunger alight there. A casual nod would be offered to those who remained, an almost sharp, "We need to talk Cat.. Pop by the shop in the mornin'" offered the captain, before he was following the vampire out the door and into the night.

Yasmine cants a slightly confused look to the vampire, "What works?" Eyeing Terra with a look of curiosity before shaking her head, she wasn't sure she wanted to know.

Shale nods to Terra once more then watches the two leave with a gentle smirk playing on her lips. She crosses her arms and orders another drink before grinning and wagging a few taunting fingers at the couple to say goodbye.