Orel - 20 02 2009 - Meetings

Halyard Tavern: Main Room

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Halyard Tavern ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Warmly lit by torches along the walls and lanterns set upon the many tables

scattered around the room, the main room of the Halyard Tavern is an often-

populated area. One corner of the tavern is taken up by a stage, about a

foot or two higher than the rest of the floor, where live entertainment

performs, while circular tables, both large and small, are set up in front

of the stage, spreading out into the center of the room. Meanwhile, around

the perimeter of the tavern, booths are set, and, of course, the obligatory

bar rests against the far wall, a bartender or barmaid always on duty.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Early morning and the Tavern is for the most part empty. There is one figure however sat at a table, a large brown sea-rat. His clothing is tatty, his black trousers are ragged, he's got nothing on his foot paws and his torso is covered only by a faded purple sash. His scimatr and morningstart are stuck through his belt. Despite his ragged appearance and scruffy fur he's very very clean which isn't usual. It is Orel the half mad, rat with his rabbit's foot talisman dangling from his belt, a hundred other small nick-nacks and superstitious talismans hanging from his clothing. He's eating a large roasted sea bird and has a tankard of ale even at this time of the morning

A rat after Keita's heart, no doubt! But! That is neither here nor there. What is here - and there - is Charlie, coming down the stairs with a groggy paw held to her head. Ahhh, the joy of hangovers. The doe reaches the bar, slides onto a stool, and murmurs some order or other to the bartend. A couple of coin pass across the counter top.

Orel perks up and peers through the large stone that hangs around his neck. It has a hole in the middle of it and he grins lazily as he stuffs his muzzle into his tankard and slurps up some of his ale. "Darkness walks aropund ya missy! You will be the bane o all tha sail and pillage! But beware... beware the crisp of fallen leaves in the Sunset of your seasons!"

It is /way/ too early for this. Charlie receives her drink - which is nothing more interesting than water - and swivels on her stool, peering at the rat over the rim of her mug as she sips. "... What?"

Orel lifts his muzzle from his tankard, foam dripping from his scraggly whiskers. He drops the stone so it dangles from around his neck again and smiles before burping. "Mmm scuse... yes! You heard me! Lassy doe ya'll be the scourge a corsairs.. I've seen it, the blood and gore, wading through it with spear and paws...." he nods and then seemingly forgetting the doe tears into his breakfast.

Charlotte's eyebrows quirk upward. She sips musingly at her drink, just watching the rat for a time. Then she glances 'round at the bartend. "I'm going to guess it's about time to cut /him/ off," she jokes.

The bar tender shakes their head. "That's his first one this morning. He's always like this, bit crazy in the head. Washed up on the shore awhile back been in a ship wreck of some kind. Spouting superstitious nonsense all the time and saying stuff like that. He normally sleeps in an alley, begging and raving and comes in here when he gets enough coins to buy a drink." The bar tender shakes his head watching the rat eating, "Pitiful creature but pretty harmless and always amusing, just don't let your shadow touch him, I could do without him screaming."

The... what? Charlie looks at the bartender a long moment, to see if he's serious. And he seems to be! "Aaaaall right. No shadows for him, then." She turns back about in her stool, just watching the rat for a time. "'Beware the crisp of fallen leaves in the sunset of my seasons'?" she finally queries.

Orel looks up, licking grease from his claws. "Mmm yes... you die! Amidsts the crisp leaves of autumn many seasons from now." he grins. "Mmm serves ya right too... probably." he nods his head affirmatively and pushes his plate away from him. "Mmm you know Braxton?"

Charlotte just snorts. "Ah, well." She shakes her head, and then grips at it for the ache that's in it. "Ungh," she mutters. "No. No, I don't know Braxton."

Orel frowns at Charlotte as she shakes her head and mutters. "Ahh.. u should meet im, he's a nice badger... vbery friendly. Hired me tae be is rat!" he nods, "Now you... mmm barman, get the lass a tankard oh grog tae settle her head."

"What /badger/ would hire a rat?" Charlie queries. She has risen from her seat and she heads Orel's way - he's certainly entertaining. She does of course avoid letting her shadow touch him.

Orel sways backwards as Charlie approaches, eyes fixed on her, he clutches his lucky rabbits foot and cringes nervously, "Tae keep me out a trouble.. he's a king Cap'n he is. But be warned! Dinnae get tae close missy I be contagious! Me fur be all clean, he forced me intae tha sea ta bathe!"

What a curious, curious creature. Charlie pulls out a chair on the opposite side of the table, gestures to it. "May I? Aaaaand... I don't plan on getting too close."

Orel nods his head and ducks down, peering at her over the table. "Of course... just promise me, no sticking Javelins in me... I'm not a rat ya should kill! Mmm yes yes stay back! I probably have all sorts of fithly diseases now... probably caught a chill, was goodluck that dirt! Mmm very good luck, the filth from a lifetime of voyages!"

Charlotte just snorts. "I'll... somehow I'll just have to contain my urge to kill." Aheh. She quirks a brow at him. "And hey, if you're /just/ lucky enough, you'll have plenty of time to build up that dirt layer again, eh?"

Orel hunches his shoulders, "Bet he won't let me.. tha Cap'n seems quite insistant on his rat being clean." he peers at Charlotte. "Yer a nice lass.... but yer a horrid fighter! I bet ya enjoy it too! Mmm" he grins as the bar man sets down two tankards and he hands him a coin and slides one over to charlotte. "Drink! Will make yer head feel better... an we ken ferget yer dark destiny for a bit." Dark for vermin perhaps. By long patrol being the scourge of Corsairs is probably a good thing.

Really it's kind of a compliment! Charlie eyes the grog ambivalently. But she pulls it towards her in the end, taking a polite sip. Her nose wrinkles at the taste. "So what made you decide to be servant to a badger of all things? Seems a bit..." And then she laughs, shaking her head and taking another sip. "Suicidal."

You say, "I was drunk.." he admits slurping his grog, "I was drunk an... saw something about him! Next thing I know he's agreed to take me on! It might be suicidal but i figure if i'm working for the badger! he's less likely to kill me.""

- End Scene

- New Scene

Halyard Tavern: Main Room

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Halyard Tavern ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Warmly lit by torches along the walls and lanterns set upon the many tables

scattered around the room, the main room of the Halyard Tavern is an often-

populated area. One corner of the tavern is taken up by a stage, about a

foot or two higher than the rest of the floor, where live entertainment

performs, while circular tables, both large and small, are set up in front

of the stage, spreading out into the center of the room. Meanwhile, around

the perimeter of the tavern, booths are set, and, of course, the obligatory

bar rests against the far wall, a bartender or barmaid always on duty.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Orel is sat at a table at the back of the room, a plate littered with the caracass of some sort of sea bird all that remains of his meal. The shabbily dressed sea-rat looks unwholesomely clean, at least in his mind it is unwholesome to be so clean and tidy. His tail is swaying back and forth behind him as he contemplates the drink he has before him, it is not alcohol and he's not sure it's all together safe to drink.

What do you want to whisper?

The door opens and first a stoat comes in (npc), followed closely by Saug himself as another stoat comes in behind him, the rat looks about as if sniffing the room and wrinkling his nose to the scent of woodlanders. Spotting a table in a dark section, he makes for it and sits in the dark, looking about at the patrons cautiously.

Orel pushes his glass away and turns, he sniffs the air and his small black beady eyes watch the stoats and the large rat. The sea-rat's salt stained clothing is draped with a variety of items, superstitious charms for protection and well being. Around his neck hangs a cord, threaded through it is a large round stone with a hole in the middle of it. Lifting it he peers through it at Saug and cackles, "Darkness follows you all! Great darkness, destiny stalks you with her honeyed words and greatness seeks to mantle your shoulders.." he drops the stone and chuckles to himself.

Saug blinks and looks up towards Orel with a slight grin on his muzzle. "Oh y' don't say." The words apparantely haven't even phased the rat at all as he nods to one of the stoats to go get a drink and food from the bar, handing some money at the same time.

Orel sways slight and cringes back as the stoat walks past to get to the bar, "I do.. I do say yes... Orel knows.. you know it is unlucky to walk in threes right? You should never walk in threes upon the land." Beady black eyes watch the larger black rat warily.

Braxton quietly enters the tavern, trying to be unnoticed as possible. Its hard though, being about as big as a small tree. He just wanders to the bar, orders...tea...and sits down somewhere, alone. He doesn't Notice Orel, nor does he really care at the moment.

Shrugging, Saug replies back. "Well, t' those that believe in such, it hasn't brought me bad luck yet." He stops and nods as he gets his ale and freshly cooked bird and takes a bite. "But if it bothers y' then why not join us so that at least my meal will be lucky with four."

Logan steps in from the frozen outside, his huge body blocking out the light for a second until he is past the door. His normally cheery face is a little stern as he sees the two rats and automatically is on guard. He gives a nod to the badger and a smile to the doe before walking over to the bar and ordering, leaning against it while he waits.

Orel watches the badger warily, he drums his claws on the table and then seizing his drink scoots over to plonk himself down in a chair opposite the other rat, "Much better... we don't want bad luck on this place! Not with all these others around..."

Braxton hms and glances up at Logan, just returning the nod slightly. The other's in the tavern get a glare to kill. Saug gets the most glare for the moment before finally he minds his tea with a quiet hm.

Saug gives a sly grin while some bird meat hangs from his mouth. "Y' make y' luck really." He swallows and swigs some of his ale as his guards tuck into their meal. "So y' from around here I take it?" Looking at Orel carefully.

Orel shifts nervously, "Not... originally.. but.. washed up on shore while back.. boat went down..." he fingers his lucky rabbits foot, "An luck... luck ken be made stronger! If'n ye know ow and do tha right things.. but I been living in this ere town fer a bit now... begging, scraping by... tae get something to drink." he points at the Badger. "He is gud fer work ocasionally."

Braxton's eyes wander To Orel for a moment, sighing. So much for keeping a low profile about hiring that rat. He just takes a long drink of his tea and glares upward, leaning back in his chair, which creaks under his weight.

Saug slowly nods his head, noticing the look that Braxton has given him but shrugs it off as he continues to talk to Orel. "Hmm, well if y' don't mind working for them, work's work I suppose. But if y' want decent work, look me up sometime." The rat isn't able to talk as he rips off more meat from the carcass that very second he's finished that sentence.

Accepting his drink, Logan takes a swallow and slowly walks over to the badger and leans against the wall next to him. The huge buck sighs slightly, takes another drink of his drink and nods to the rats. "New?" He asks, his heavy accent not noticable in the single word.

Orel tilts his head, sniffing the air, "Wot.. sorta work... always up fer more work." He puts the badger out of his mind for now, shooting the odd glance across the room at the badger and the huge buck. Forwning through the hole in his stone necklace every now and then.

Braxton Hms and glances up to the buck. "Hm?" he asks, not having caught the words originally. Orel and Saug now get put under his watchful eye, mostly just spying on them.

Logan points his his goatee-d chin toward the rats, to whom, as a species, he has no great love. "Ah they' new?" He repeats, taking a small sip of the spirits in his massive paw. He is feeling a whopper of a bad mood at no one in particular coming on and is hoping to cut it at the bud.

Saug gives it some thought as he mutters quietly to Orel. "Then again maybe not, can't really trust those that work for any goody busy bodies..." The rat takes a swig of his ale and then wipes his muzzle. "So tell me, where does y' heart lie?"

Orel lowers his voice for saug alone, shifting from side to side as he speaks

You whisper, "I was drunk an penniless, he paid me gold. He then 'alf drowned me. I toe tha line ere... too many hares to stab me. But i'd sooner go out an... be a rat. Badger wasn't so bad. Paid well n aye got tae kill some things. fer him, but he doesn't want it spread around his hare chums." to Saug.

Braxton hrms a bit and looks over to the Rat's again, not that he actually took his eyes off them, other to get a drink of tea. "never seen them before in my life"

The boxing hare nods an sets down his glass, absently rubbing a thumb over his scarred knuckles..."Ye expectin' trouble', the'n?" He murmurs softly, black eyes dancing with the idea of a good scrap.

Saug taps a bone on his sharp incisor, tap tap tap in thought before he snaps it in half in his paws and nods his head as he talks back in a low tone only to Orel.

Saug whispers, "I see, just want an eye really. Like t' know what the mountain is up t' and especially a badger named Astrid..." to you.

Braxton nods. "Aye...I do..." he says. "Go over and see if you can listen in or something" he mutters

Orel grins at something the other whispers to him and peers at the badger and hare. He grins at them and buries his muzzle in his mug, slurping the liquid inside before speaking in those hushed tones.

You whisper, "Well interesting, tha badger thar is in love with tha Astrid. But she don't care fer im back. Mmmm mosta tha hairs buy me.. crazy soothsayer act... but it is not an act.. I could. watch an listen. Wots in it fer me?"" to Saug.

Logan grins evilly and nods softly; polishing off the rest of his drink saunders over to the counter, closer to them and orders another drink, ears tilted slightly toward them.

Saug who hasn't exactly taken his eyes off the other two, pauses in mid-reply as he replies back again in a hushed tone. "My .... and other ..... my friend."

Saug whispers, "My protection and other benefits my friend."" to you.

Orel shifts uncomfortable and suddenly stands up and jerks away from the bar, moving to sit at another chair. his shadow was way too close to the big hares own shadow. He glares at the hare and sits down, leaning towards Saug. "Then... with some... happy..."

You whisper, "Then consider me your rat. With some extra protection, I'm happy... to take some risks... if it means rewards."" to Saug.

Braxton keeps both eyes on the rat's now. He doesn't blink, and he doesn't move aside from taking a drink of the tea.

Logan reaches for his refill and tosses it down in one gulp, to hell with his bad mood. He was beginning to grow fond of it. He quickly made a glance to the door but was actually noting the weapons the two rats had...Hmm, he left his polearm outside but it wouldn't work too well in here anyhow...But then again, he wasn't a champion boxer for nothing...If it came to that, that is.

Saug grins at Orel as he looks at Logan with a slight frown before turning his head back again to Orel. "Oh I wouldn't mind .... just .... by half..." The rat leans in and whispers something to Orel directly.

Saug whispers, "Oh I wouldn't mind him, just nosey by half that's all. *whisper* Well, kidnapping, stealing, some killing, slavery... I take it y' not minding, since being on a ship once and all? And as for rewards, y' be well paid for good information mind." to you.

Braxton Watches the rats even more closely now, afraid they're plotting something. He doesn't know why he's nervous. he's pretty sure no one would have the guts to attack some beast /bigger then badger/ sized...though he's not sure. He goes to take a drink of the tea but realizes there's not left. So he stands and goes to the bar, ordering a refill.

Orel leans back in his chair, watching the two woodlanders, he pulls something out of a grimey pocket and untangles it, a series of shells threads on a string like a pendulem, he starts to shake them, causing them to clatter in a most annoying manner as he whispers to Saug.

Which Keita fills! She's just come in from the kitchen. "Comin' right up, mate." And the tea pot comes over. She pours.

You whisper, "Count me in.. slaving, killing, stealing, kidnapping, done it all. I'll even keep taking tha badger's work, keep ya abreast of what he is up to. If'n ye like."" to Saug.

Logan , although in a bad mood, still is always cheerful somewhere deep down and he smiles at Keila a little and holds up his glass. "Whe' ye doon there, Miss, could Ah bother ye fer anoother refill, please?" As he says this his ears never swivel away from the two searats.

Saug nods his head as he mutters. "If y' can stand doing soit, mate." He pushes away his eaten bird and burps slightly before swigging the remaining ale in his mug.

Saug whispers, "oocly meant working for the badger ;)" to you.

Orel lets out a sigh as he spots Keita and sits up, waving to her, "Yoo heee! Mizzz 'are! Cud we be gettin some grog o'er ere! Yer favourite rats ad imself a bath jist fer ye so he has! An he's got some coin too!" He nods to Saug, "Aye ken stand it matey. didnae catch yer name yer greatship."

Braxton ahs and takes the tea, placing a few coins on the bar. 'thank you" he smiles some, giving a nod before returning to his seat, eyeing Orel and Saug yet again.

Keita's eyes turn to Logan. She nods her head, collects Brax's coins, and moves down to him. She spies what he's drinking, fills a fresh mug. "Here ya go, mate! That'll be two coppah." And then Orel's call perks her ears. She looks up, a wry smirk lighting her lip. She raises a paw, a signal that she'll be right there.

Logan , as usual, pays with two golds then rolls his black eyes in the rats direction without them noticing and mouths: "Careful."

Saug replies back to Orel. "Saug's my name, though I won't say where I'm from, t' many nosey ears about." He looks at Keita before looking at Orel and whispering.

Saug whispers, "Y' friends with a hare, interesting. Tell me about her?" to you.

Orel twitches his ears listening to Saug and watching, "Mmm same wid me... i jist live ere, no one needs tae know where I be from. I got a shack near tha edge o town, or I sleep in an alley if aye be drunk enough nae ta care."

You whisper, ""She runs this place, one foot missing. Most a them think aye be mad and worth pitiying, so they don't mind me being about. They let me in ere tae drink."" to Saug.

Keita just grins at Logan, shaking her head. "Can't be too careful, mate, or you'll nevah have any fun, eh?" And with that she pockets his gold and scoots around the bar, but not before filling two grog orders. And over to the table she limps, her peg-leg tap-tapping on the wooden floor. She sets the mugs before the pair. "That'll be four coppahs, mates."

Braxton finally starts to ignore the rats, as he gets into a conversation with one of the LP hares that is here, off duty. Brax hardly notices anything anymore.

Saug nods as he gives a silver coin to Keita. "Keep the change." He looks at Orel. "I'll pay this time around.."

Keita is not one to /ever/ question an overpay. She pockets the coin silently, nods her thanks. "C'n I getcha anything else?"

Logan notes that Braxton has loosened up a little and follows suite, relaxing his big shoulders he leans down on the bar, crossing his arms, still holding his drink. He isn't totally relaxed though, ears still turned slightly.

Orel grins at Saug, "Mighty fine o ye yer great-ship." he ducks his head and smiles a sleezy smile up at Keita. "'lo me fine lass! Ows ye today?" he smoothes his whiskers and peers through his seeing stone at her, "Aye still see it in ye! A fine future! Cap'ns wife o a fine an fancy corsair ship! Wid yer leg an yer looks ye be a fine figure! So ses aye.. mmm jist yer fine company be enough, me fine bar lady!"

Saug ponders and shakes his head. "Not for the moment but I'm sure something will come up in the future." He gives Keita a look as he smiles gently.

Keita can't help it - she chuckles at Orel. Shakes her head. "Oh - m'fine, just fine. Glad yer gettin' along so well." Orel amuses her, so she sticks around for a moment. "So what's m'fortune for t'day, eh?"

Saug leans back in his chair and watches, sipping his grog slowly as he looks from one to the other with a slightly bemused look hidden behind said mug.

Braxton has finally gotten back to Staring at Saug. His eyes narrow as he glares that badger glare that...badgers glare with!

Orel stuffs his muzzle into his grog tankard, having a drink before lifting his foam bedecked whiskers and taking Kieta's paw in his, turning it over to examine the paw-pad, his nose twitching just above the surface of her paw. "Ye be in look, today will be a prosperous day, ye will find soomthin lost an discover sumthang new. Ye will also once more cause heart ache tae a lonesome beggar o a rat who yerns fer yer company."

Snorts outloud, albeit softly, in a laugh, he bites his lip and takes a drink of his vodka though, smiling slightly still.

Braxton glares at Orel now. "Ah, dont be hittin' on her, rat. i'm sure if her job didn't require niceness, she'd have kicked ya or something" he smirks, taking a drink of his tea.

Once again the stare has been noticed but swiftly ignored by Saug as he watches the going on between Orel and Keita.

Awwww. Keita just grins, shaking her head at the beggar rat. The fortune done, she clasps his paw in hers and pats it with the other. "Why don't I go get ya somethin' t'eat, eh?" And Brax gets a look. She wrinkles her nose at him, releasing Orel's paw. "Who says m'job requires niceness?"

Saug quirks a brow, hmm. Now this is interesting... He continues to sip his grog slowly as his tail flicks about as though it has a mind of its own behind him.

Braxton hms. "Heh...it doesn't? Okay...well.." he shrugs. "Just watch yourself Rat" he mutters before taking a nice...long...drink.

Although it is hidden by his back, Logan grins and raises his eyebrows as he drains his third glass and plunks it down with a sigh, debating himself for a fourth. If things got ugly he would actually like a large BOTTLE but that would probably cost a lot...

At least today Keita's paw hasn't come away with a layer of grease and grime, Orel still being clean from yesterdays unexpected drowning. Sorry bath. "Alack a day Miss Keita! yer be too kind... too kind tae this scrubby bilge rat! Aye'd be singing yer praises if'n ye ad it in ye tae feed this poor ole wretch a morsel o sea bird." he grins around Keita at Braxton and winks, "Aye always watch meself badger.. always dinnae ye be worrying aboot it." He peers at the badger and shudders sliding back in his chair and not looking at him as he regards Saug with a grin and a wink.

"It doesn't require it - just occasionally suggests it, if ya will." And she nods to Orel, then. "Comin' righ' up." And she heads off to sort that out, ducking once more behind the counter and into the kitchen.

Saug surpresses a chuckle, deciding it being wise to swallow some more grog for now and keeping quiet though he gives both the hare and the badger another look and then dismisses them as he looks at Orel. "I'll have t' show y' the inn I go t' one day, if y' don't mind travelling that is...?"

Braxton eyes the rats even more, the axe on his back is taken off and rested on the floor, axe-head down, paw resting on the flat bottom. "I do not understand why I carry this heavy thing around..." he says aloud, making sure its thought that he just took it off because it was heavy, when, that wasn't the only reason.

Orel twitches his nose, "Aye dinnae mind a bit o travelling." he hisses at the badger's axe and draws back, "Blood... dripping dark.. soaked.. blood soaked weapon of murder.."

Logan chuckles softly, enjoying this badger's taste of...Humor....He aims a quick wink his direction, running a paw over his mustache thoughtfully.

Keita comes back in to overhear Orel's hiss and 'prophecy'. Her eyes scan the crowd and she spies Braxton's axe. She eyes him speculatively. Her brow furrows a tidbit.

Saug gives a sly grin. "Don't worry stripe dog. I never stab or attack someone while I'm dining." He turns his head to Orel again and gives the other rat one of those weird rare to be seen by a non rat species as he looks at Orel carefully, as though it was a captain looking into those eyes to see if Orel would keep a secret, can he be trusted...

Braxton smirks a bit. "What? Am I not aloud to take off a heavy axe I carry around all the time? Hm. Rats, always assume the worse" he laughs

Logan is feeling even more outgoing than usual and he chuckles again, addressing the badger even though the hare's broad back was still turned to the rats. "Put i' away, laddy, Ah think ye be scarin' the wee blighters."

Orel shys back from Saug at that look, he stares into those eyes, for a time then knuckles his fore-head in deference to Saug. "Greatness.." he murmurs and his lips move silently before he speaks up. "I know wot I be seeing! Tha axe be a weapon o death an murder and darkness! Woe betide those who meet it on tha odder end!"

Braxton glances over to Logan. "I have no need to put it away, because I have no need to use it...Its a strain on my shoulders to keep it on all the time..." he replies, spinning the axe a bit.

Saug whispers, "Y' have t' take the blood oath." to you.

Keita comes around with Orel's meal. It is set in front of him. "There ya go, mate. And don't worry - I'll turn the badgah out if he doesn't behave." She pats his shoulder, starting back towards the bar.

Orel is watching Braxton's axe, his head weaving from side to side as he clutches his lucky rabbits foot and bares his teeth, "This ole beggar be a seein it! Tis darkness an death.." He smiles up at Keita, his clouded over eyes clearing as she pats his shoulder, "Aye be thankin ye lass! Truly aye do be!" he then tears into his meal with gusto and a negative number of table manners.

You whisper, "Consider it done Cap'n... but not ere.. wid all these woodlanders watching.. they'll not be understandin."" to Saug.

Braxton chuckles. "I'll behave, you do not need to worry about it" He smiles a bit but still keeps a watchful eye on the rats.

Keita finds her way back behind the bar and seats herself on a stool, cleaning up a few mugs while she has the chance.

Saug nods his head as he ponders and then finishes his mug quickly, downing the whole grog in one. Placing the mug back onto the table he nods and turns his head left and right to his body guards before returning his gaze to Orel and leans forwards whispering.

Saug whispers, "Fine, we go when y're ready."" to you.

Braxton eyes Saug some more. "Whats all the Whispering about, Rat? plotting something hmm? why not share it?"

Logan senses things may be heating up and he picks his head up a little, moving his one leg free of the seat in case he needs to move quick.

Saug eyes Braxton back. "Private business and everyone has a right t' it as well, unless y' like discussing y' private busines out in public?"

Keita's eyes have turned up from her washing, to observe. She clears her throat quietly, eyes on Braxton. /Ahem/.

Braxton glares and was about to say something when There was an Ahem. He eyes Keita for a moment but says nothing more, just spinning the axe as he holds up his empty glass. "Refill?" he asks.

Keita just nods. A refill it is! She comes over, pouring him one. "Stop harassin' m'customahs, eh?"

Orel sighs and licks grease from his claws, "I been telling ole Saug ere aboot tha ravishing beauty who be sat behind tha bar!" he smiles at Keita, "She be destined tae be wid me! Aye ken see it can ye nae as well ye big badger! Aye was also tellin im tae steer clear tha colour orange! It be nae ealthy fer im! It be laden wid tha scurvy if'n he does nae avoid it so!" he downs the rest of his grog and bangs the mug down.

Braxton Eyes. "When they start a fight, Don't expect me to save you" he mutters, pulling out out some coins and handing them over.

Keita's muzzle twitches. She is clearly amused. "You're not from around here, so you don't get how this works. There's just the one tavern, ya ken? Play nice or I'm cuttin' you off." And she pockets the coins, calling out to Orel. "Refill?" She's headin' for the bar again.

Saug gets up and walks over to the bar and....and...and... Oh anti-climax as he looks at Keita and smiles, handing a gold coin over. "That's for my meal and drink before y' arrived, one of y' other workers served me." He dips his head politely and a sly grin stays on his form as he turns around and walks back to Orel. "Time I was a going. Up t' y' if y' want t' stay or come?"

The tavern door opens to admit a very, very large feline. Caspian holds it open for a smaller cat to follow after him, then heads for the bar, hands sliding in his pockets, tail swishing side to side. His pace is kind of lazy, eyes half-shut, pupils adjusting to the difference in light. He eyes the other tavern-goers as his path brings him toward the counter, one hand setting on top of it, the other gesturing at Keita. "Hey 'tender, ale."

Braxton eyes her for a moment, a smile slowly forming before he chuckles and nods. The axe spins once more before he stands, raising it! and...just slides it back on his back slowly, the leather axe holder on his back catching it easily before he sits back down. Then he takes a nice drink of the tea, chuckling quietly to himself.

Logan 's head snaps up and he curses softly under his breath, eyes getting big as the two wildcats walk in. He sloooowly slides toward Braxton, just to be safe....

It's a busy day! Keita takes the coinage from Saug with a nod of thanks. And then sorts out an ale for Caspian, bringing it on over. "Here ya go, mate! That'll be two coppah," she states.

Orel sidles up to the bar and gets himself that promised refill and downs it, rather messily, managing to get quite a bit of it over his chest fur. "One fer tha road!" he grins and gives Keita another smile, "Gonna.. go... sleep it orf ah think!" he grins, "Aye'll be back tomoarr fer yer daily fortune me lilly eyed beaut!" with a hiccup he peers at Logan and starts to giggle as he staggers for the door and outside.

Halyard Village: West Square(#93069RJA)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Halyard Village ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Surrounded on most sides by short, squat buildings, none any higher than two

levels, the main square of this small, sea-side village is covered in a fine

layer of dirt, which mostly covers the old cobble stone beneath. Many of the

buildings lining the square are homes, though some are places of business -

and, of course, there are the obligatory pubs. However, pubs are not the only

staple of a small village, especially not this one. Scattered here and there

upon sidewalks and in front of stores, various fishing nets and traps lie

about, most considerably worse for wear. It's obviously a fishing village.

Beyond that, a dirt road runs north and south from the square, with a small

scattering of homes, and behind these, a backdrop of trees. Meanwhile, beyond

the trees lies the shore.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Orel has stopped staggering once he is outside, wiping foam from his chest fur and whiskers, he glances at the other rat and his stoats and ducks his head and rubs his claws together. "It be amazing wot they believe..."

Saug slowly arrives and takes a breath of fresh air, the rat muttering. "Ah, good. No more bad smell of stripedog and longears..." The rat looks up and down the road with a frown, his tail shifting about behind him. He nods his head. "Aye, they're easy t' fool." He walks up and places a arm around Orel with a grin. "Now, matey. Where's this place y' live in or y' know or a more private place that stripedog no know about? Don't want t' be disturbed with our business, now do we?"

Orel tugs at his muzzle, "mmm matey.." he looks up at Saug, cringing a bit at the touch, "It be this way.. Badger don't know where ole Orel lives." He starts to head

Saug nods and allows Orel to walk up ahead of him and follows. "Pretty wise." He looks back as he catches up and matches his space. "I know why he's been giving me a hard look now."

Orel's Shack

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This small dingy shack lies sandwiched between two warehouses on the northern outskirts of Halyard. Unlike the nice neat cottages of the woodlanders who live in Halyard this shack is shabby, dilapidated and built from various chunks of Driftwood at the front and back, closing off a space between the warehouse walls. The roof appears to be the keel of an old rowing boat placed up there and fixed in place with a lot of tar and nails.

There is a rickety door blocking off one of the walls to let the occupant come in and out. The floor is covered in a pile of half mouldy, old cushions and a couple of natty looking blankets. There is a fire pit in the centre of the room and an old battered sea chest against the wall, closed by a sturdy brass lock it looks to be quite heavy and to once have been bolted to the deck of a ship.

It is not a very clean place, the floor is mostly mud, be it dry or wet and the roof leaks at the sides where the curve of the keel meets the warehouse walls and the tar is not as thick as it should be. It smells of smoke and rat and there are strange sigils carved into the wooden walls and pendants and chains and strange circles woven of twigs and twine and feather dangling from the ceiling, old sea rat superstitious pendants for luck, fortune, health and a variety of other less pleasant charms.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Orel pads along and past all the houses to the far northern edge of the village. He

ducks down between two ware houses, the alley way blocked off by a lean-to. Driftwood boards and a grimey interior. "Oh ho? Why's tha Cap'n? This odder badger involved?"

Saug looks about with a wry grin. "Oh y' could say that. Bumped into each other the day before. Think we annoyed each other. Looks like she's at least told him about me."

Orel chuckles and once inside the lean-to pulls the rickkety door shut and sits down on a pile of manky looking cushions. "Well he's a weird one.. Think he'd had too much to drink when 'e started paying me. Was acting like one of us, until he sobered up. He ruined all me seasons o good charm too!"

Saug hmms as he looks about and makes hismelf comfortable. "Ah, y' don't say? Seems like he has a drinking problem of sorts. Interesting note t' know about at least." Saug's face becomes serious as he places his sword over his lap and looks down at it. "I want t' make something clear here and y' can always turn back. No one knows where I'm from as we've always been hidden." The rat gives a sly grin. "Though we do like t' know what others are up t'."

Orel tilts his head to one side, "Well it's not tha big a seecrit surely? A'hm frae tha islands! Sea rat an Corsair me ole life until I beeched up ere wid no ship. Made it tae first mate on me last ship! Thanks tae me gift o seeing stuff!" he eyes the sword and peers at Saug, "But ya gut a plan an ye need bodies?"

Saug laughs. "Ah no, got enough really. But before I do mention it..." The rat slowly draws his sword and holds it up with both paws as he looks at Orel. "I want y' t' swear on y' own blood that no one will ever know. We have ways of dealing with those that break such." The rat looks at Orel directly in the eyes.

Orel looks back at Saug, he then eyes the blade and reaches out, grasping it with his paw and letting the keen edge sink into his paw-pad, a trickle of blood oozing down the blade. "By me blood an tha blood o corsairs tha be in me. Aye so swear, tae naer say anudder word tae any beast about wot cha tell me. Ye be me Cap'n an this rat nae'r betrays is cap'n."

That's enough for Saug as he smiles. "Hmm, cap'n, suppose that's true but I'm known as Lord Saug... Of Danforth." The rat slowly pulls the sword away and lays it down again on his lap as he explains. "Don't worry if y' never heard of the place, we keep ourselves t' ourselves. Though we have eyes and ears. Such as we knew when the abbey was plagued as well as that annoying patrol base in mossflower." Saug chuckled slightly. "We're also responsible for the occasional kidnapping as well in there. Well, need food, furs and slaves. Only good thing woodlanders are good for really."

Orel pulls a kercheif out of a battered sea chest and wraps his sword up in it. "Well Lord Saug... well tha be one fer tha books an nae doubt. So ye be ere tae keep tabs on tha Mountain an this stinking village?" his nose twitches, "Ye really think thar be work fer a alf mad rat like me?"

Saug bites his lower lip as he responds. "We know the mountain is dangerous, so much so I wouldn't dare attack it directly. We have seen many vermin try and fail as we watch from afar, hidden, sometimes even in their own ranks. Not that they knew about it." The rat leans back against the wall. "Problem though is that one may be well hidden but one can't be permanently hidden. We like t' know our enemy more than themselves. Comes in handy when y' dealing with them."

Orel runs his claws through his chest fur and growls, "Stupid badger.. lookit this! Clean! Clean it be unhealthy I tell ya." he peers at the rat. "So .. ye want me to watch em from in side Halyard? Let you know wot I learn n all tha?"

Saug slowly nods his head. "Aye, since some of the hares go about there and all, y' never know what may be said when they're drunk or not on their guard. I'd use a woodlander for it but they're so far and few in between. So y' have t' do. Just be careful, we don't like our spies being found out."

Orel swallows and bobs his head in a nod. "Ye ken count on me Cap'n." he rubs his claws together and grins, "They do like ta talk.. an aye want ta see this ere odder tavern ye told me about sometime! A cove ken go spare stuck ere all tha time, nothing tae kill, no slaves tae take n no sea rolling beneath me paws. Gotta take me delights were aye ken find em."

Saug shakes his head. "It's nowhere near a sea matey, but it's safe place nonetheless." He gets up and looks at Orel. "Y' may not meet me again soon or not. That depends. I'm pretty much on some stripe dogs thoughts about now. Time for me t' return and lay low for a bit, get information and then we'll see." The rat reaches in and gives a gold coin. "Y' first payment, y' get more if and when the information deserves it."

Orel grins and makes the coin vanish. "I'll do me best cap'n, take care wid layin low. Ye know where ta be finding me if'n ye want tae 'ear wot I mighta learnt."

Saug nods and slips outside, leaving you be as he makes his way carefully out of the village.

- End Scene

- New Scene

Halyard Tavern: Main Room

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Halyard Tavern ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Warmly lit by torches along the walls and lanterns set upon the many tables

scattered around the room, the main room of the Halyard Tavern is an often-

populated area. One corner of the tavern is taken up by a stage, about a

foot or two higher than the rest of the floor, where live entertainment

performs, while circular tables, both large and small, are set up in front

of the stage, spreading out into the center of the room. Meanwhile, around

the perimeter of the tavern, booths are set, and, of course, the obligatory

bar rests against the far wall, a bartender or barmaid always on duty.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

With a bang the door opens and Orel staggers back inside, the brown sea-rat weaves his way to the bar and plops himself on a bar stall. His left paw has been wrapped up with a blue kerchief which is different from before, Otherwise he seems his usual self.

Keita glances up at the bang of the door, spying Orel. She lifts a paw in greeting, a paw which holds a wet and soapy mug!

"I /can/ if you want me to. Little seaside cottage? It'd be so domestic and adorable," the big tabby gruffs. He leans, bumps his nose against the side of Kaleb's muzzle, growling at him affectionately, then glances at Keita. "Any houses for sale around here? Or just plain vacant?"

Keita nods. "Oh, aye. Always. Folks're comin' 'n' goin' all the time. Ask around - you'll find a place that'll suit."

Orel smiles at Keita, "me lovely 'are lass! Tis me yer lonesome beggar rat! Ken ah be getting anudder mug oh yer fine ale?" he takes a purse out of his sash and counts out some coppers. "me beggin dun paid orf!" he peers at the cat and shivers, "Water... icky water.. beware the water... ah dinnae know ye cud get cottages! Ah gut a nice shack meself."

Keita nods to the rat. She grins a little bit, filling a mug and pushing it across the counter. "Here ya go, lonesome."

The blonde licks at the side of Caspian's muzzle, rough tongue prickling the fur there a little bit and his breath smelling like the rum that he's been drinking. There is no verbal answer to the question, though, cause Kaleb seems more interested in being affectionate to the larger tom than anything else at the moment.

Orel accepts the tankard and holds Keita's eyes, "Ah dinnae ave tae be lonesome me peg-legged beauty! We cud be a endin our lonesome days wid song an gud grog together! Ye an me, tis written in tha stars!"

Keita is leaning forward against the bar opposite Orel. She shakes her head at him. "M'not very fond of grog, sadly."

Caspian glances at Orel and kind of smirks. He pets at Kaleb's hair and ears in an absent-minded fashion, watching the doe and rat interact. "What are you, then, a soothsayer? Or just a jabbering idiot?" he asks with a chuckle.

Orel takes a long slow drink of his grog and cleans his whiskers, "Then name yer beverage! An Orel will shower ye wid it all tha days o yer life!" he leans forwards and sighs, his freshly bandaged paw holding his mug. "Ah only got me a shack an a ole black heart but it be yourn! An me prophecy tae! Tha future is yours when if'n ye will pick this rat oot tha gutter!" He peers at the cat and lifts the stone that dnagles around his neck and peers through the hole in it. "Ah be Orel... beggar an rat... but ah know tha seecret paths! Dark Forest be a callin ye if'n ye try an sail."

Just allowing himself to be pet like a housecat, Kaleb leans in and peers across at the rodent with his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Now he licks his lips in a more devilish sort of manner with both ears settling back into his pale hair. ".. look, Caspian.. It's food."

"Not in here he isn't," Keita protests. Her eyes slip 'round to Kaleb.

"Hah," Caspian chuckles, "good thing I don't sail then. Leave that to mum, heh, right Kale?" The petite feline near him has his ear nipped before Caspian's attention goes to Orel. "So hey, rat. Orel? Whatever. I'll pay you a copper to tell me something about my future."

Orel slurps his grog and smiles at Keita. "Aw ye do care! Ye do me sweetling! Stickin up fer ole me!" he peers at tha cats and nods. "Done! Gimmie yer paw?" he reaches out to take hold of Caspian's paw, his own claws grimey with grease from his earlier meal.

Instead of saying anything, Kaleb just glances to the doe behind the bar, sizing her up for a second. Both of his ears splay uncertainly as the tom offers to pay for his fortune to be read, looking like he is already not alright with this idea. It is when Orel reaches for the large tabby that the Siamese hisses out his protest, though. Fur prickles up along his back.

What do you want to whisper?

"'Ey now, no hissy fits in the tavern," Keita protests. Makes a face at Kaleb.

"Hey, hey sweetheart," Caspian croons to Kaleb, looking at him. He pets at the small cat's head and drops one hand to his neck, kneading a little reassuringly while his other hand extends to Orel.

Orel cringes and squeaks, eyes opening wide, "What Keita said! Me buxom beauty will be sore wroth with me if'n ah ave tae brain anyone!" he takes Caspian's paw, peering at his paw pad and frowning. "Domesticity.. peace n calm but darkness from before stalking you, hunting you. Beware what was left behind."

Caspian flicks one tufted ear backward. "Darkness from before? Oh you're actually rather good. Kale, hey kale," he chuffs at his lover, scritching his fingers into Kaleb's scruff, "you thinking what I am? /Darkness/? Haha."

Really Kaleb isn't afraid of being brained at all - by neither the doe nor the rat - and the only reason he doesn't lash out in a protective manner is because of the reassuring manner that the tabby talks to him. He leans securely into the thick chest of the big tom, huffing lightly. The lynx point keeps his attention firmly upon the connected hands until that is broken off, but he keeps away from the hand that was held by Orel's now. ".. I could care less." His snout wrinkles in a sneer.

Orel cringes back and squeaks, "Ye paid me gud master cat, tae tell ye wot ah saw." his eyes blink as he lifts them, blinking away a rheumy film that had covered them whilst he peered at the cats hand. "So ah did it. A copper ken buy this poor rat a drink tae drown tha sorrows and bring im closer tae his lady love" he makes calf eyes at the hare again.

Caspian digs out the coin for Orel, handing it over, then turns his attention back to Kaleb. "Why so grumpy?" he teases the Siamese, both arms curling around his waistand tugging the younger cat into his lap. Nuzzle. "Drink the rum, yeah? Then I want to go stalk us a house."

Orel makes the coin vanish and sits back, sipping his grog with a happy sigh. "Be gud grog ere, an tha town is nice! Woodlanders... but nice."

The small lynx point is easily tugged into the tabby's lap, even while pushing his palm against the inner portion of Caspian's forearm to keep that attached hand further away from his body than the other. ".. you should wash your hands." Kaleb grunts, nose upturning as he gazes down along it to the other's fingers. "I don't know why you let him touch you." Aha, but the prince is a little snob sometimes.

And Caspian says as much. "Snob," he calls Kaleb, attention all on his lover now. His muzzle presses to the side of Kaleb's neck, rubbing back and forth, whiskers scruffing against his fur. "You're such a snob." It's said like a pet-name, and he looks at Keita, asking for a damp towel - which is then delivered and he wipes his hands off. So there.

Orel sniffs into his grog. "Ah ad a bath jist yesterday ya know cat! Ya worried about me filth... gimmie a week an this rat'll show ya gud ole ealthy filth."

"I'm not a snob.. I'm just smart enough to know that rats generally carry germs." Now he goes to settle more into Caspian once his hands have been wiped off with the hot towel. A glance is sent to Orel before he shows a fang. "That's why the only ones I interact with are skinned and cooked already." He is straddling one of the tabby's thighs with as much ease as a child, both hands taken up with the mug. Now he goes back to his rum.

"Hush and drink the rum," Caspian mutters at Kaleb. His whiskers flutter and hegives Orel a broad smirk. "Heh, guess the stink on you is permanent, then," the big cat comments, and turns away from the rat. He finishes off his ale and then just holds Kaleb around the middle, comfortably.

Orel smirks back at Caspian and raises his tankard, "Ya bet it be! A healthy layer o muck keeps tha germs an bad influences away! If'n ye want some tips, jist ask."

Kaleb room-pages, "Dang the G-rating.".

If one thought that Kaleb was grumpy before, the feline just grows worse with the first thing that the brunette says to him. He sends him a glare before going to slip off of his lap, stepping sideways away from Caspian and then dropping onto a stool a bit away from the tabby. "I'm not your trophy." The blonde states, then goes back to his rum. Ah, but he's got a good buzz going now!

Caspian's ears drop back into his hair. Not this conversation. "Kale, come back here," he mutters, shaking his head a little. On second thought - he's done with his drink. So the tabby gets up, leaving his mug there, and goes toward Kaleb. The lynx point's cup is snagged away and Caspian ducks his head to kiss Kaleb full on the mouth. So /there/.

Orel watches the cats and shakes his head, taking a good swig of grog, spilling some of it down his neck and chest, before he burps. he is somewhat tipsy now and orders a refill. "well'm... mm ya two.. look.. appy tagedder!"

Is Orel saying something? Kaleb isn't even aware of it now. He is about to snap something at the tabby before he is kissed full on the mouth. The tom's tail prickles out somewhat, then he goes to sink his hand into Caspian's dark hair and deepen the liplock. They end up snogging passionately for a moment before a growling purr escapes the blonde just before he bites the older feline's lower lip harshly.

Caspian enjoys the kiss, tail sweeping back and forth, then cringes and jerks back when he's bitten. Ow. Ow. Yeah, he does this sometimes. "... little hellion," he rumbles affectionately, tongue flicking at his lower lip, tasting blood there. Lovely. "I'm going. Come on." He kisses Kaleb again briefly and heads for the door out of the tavern.

Orel watches them go, blinkily owlishly after them. "Watch out fer tha feline tha

comes! Darkness be followin! Wants tha liddle one back! They'll take im an leave ye as a rug!"

Grunt. Why do they have to move? Kaleb buries his muzzle in the mug with a crinkling of his snout before going to finish off the rum. This quick intake makes him nearly stumble as he gets off his stool. "Ugh." Now the lynx point moves to follow, but he stops before exiting due to the last thing that Orel calls out. His ears splay to the sides. ".. what?"

Caspian stops as well, near to the door. His ears pin and he gruffs a noise at Kaleb, a summons, hand out for Kaleb to come near him again. His tail bristles slightly. "Heh." The chuckle is nearly growled. "That'll be difficult to do. Leave me as a rug? Bull."

"He doesn't even know what he's talking about.." Kaleb states while pointing lazily at the rodent. "He's not even a prophet." That is the last thing that the prince states before he is tugged outside by the impatient tomcat that is leading him around. Oh well.

Orel hiccups and quaffs his new mug, looks like the rat will wind up in the alley again tonight, or crawling back to his shack dead drunk. "Watch the north! Don't trust other cats! Beware the cat from the north!" He squeaks, "I never said I was a prophet! I just read the lines!"

Caspian grasps Kaleb by the arm and pulls him to his side. He pushes the door open and they both go outside, and the tabby doesn't comment further.