Brok's Rest.(Nyermersis)

[Cherri Rowandyn]

Dia listened to the Lt. with an easy smile on her lips.  It amused her how different and diverse people were.  Apparently these three were out with their Lt. for some reason.  Dean was the overly showey one.  'Not really my type, but he could make a really good friend.' Dia thought to herslef.  Then the Lt. mentioned Manik and how he was the opposite of Dean.  Some when might overlook the quiet ones, but Dia thought they were the most interesting.  Dia turned her attention to Manik as the Lt. mentioned him and saw the look in his eyes that said he didn't particularly like the way the Lt. was making him sound.  Dia smiled more at that thought and when the Lt. was finished talking Dia only laughed and with her eyes never leaving Manik she said, "I have usually seen that the soft spoken ones, Lt., are the ones who are the most interesting and seem to suprise everyone with what they do and can accomplish.  I am sure that is the case with Manik." Dia gave Manik a warm and seductive smile that caused her upper lip to slightly curve up.  

Dia looked back at the Lt. as she continued talking.  "And as far as ya looking, I have no problems with that.  Not like I could stop ya anyways." Dia said with a laugh in her voice.  She liked the three men at the table and hoped that she would see them many more times to come.

"It's the toucing that can get bothersome sometimes." Dia stated still with a smile, but a bit more of a serious undertone.  While the other barmaids allowed pinches and slaps on there bums, Dia did not.  Sometimes it cost her good tips, but she wasn't something that a man could fondle for a few coins and made that point well known to any that tried.

Dia turned her attention to Dean.  She did not want him to think she did not like him for being so blatant and eager.  It was something she liked actually.  She liked to know where she stood with people and did not care for the games that some peopled played.  "Dean is it then.  Hmm, I would say that since you and Manik here have just graduated then there should be some sort of celebration then.  More than just getting treated to lunch by the Lt. here.  I mean no offense Lt."  

Dia heard her name being called by a nearby table and excused herself from the three men she was enjoying getting to know.  She quickly made her rounds through the tables and filled each's request only stopping to chat with those who were more familiar to her.  Dia heard the cook in the kitchen call her and knew that the Lt., Dean's, and Manik's food was ready.  Dia excused herself from the table she was presently at.  As Dia turned to leave one of the four men reached out to pinch her bum.  Dia saw the movement from the corner of her eye and grabbed the mans wrist quickly.  She never turned to face him and as the man laughed thinking he was the strong of the two, Dia applied pressure to a certain point on his wrist that quickly drained him of his stregth and sent sharp shooting pains up his wrist and through out his arm.  

"Ye may look, but not touch.  I am not fer sale, ya got it?" Dia said quietly and let go of the mans wrist.  Dia made her way through the tables quickly and into the safety of the kitchen where she leaned back against the wall just inside the door.  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm her nerves.  She was partially scared for she knew the man or men with him could easily overtake her at any given time and partially angry that men like that thought they had to right to touch a woman however and where ever they pleased.  The cook looked to Dia and asked if she was feeling alright.  Dia slid her eyes over to cook without moving her head and with a wry grin on her face told him that she was feeling alright and that was the problem apparently.  WIth a knowing nod of the cooks head he told Dia she had to get back out there before the food grew cold.  

Dia let out a large sigh as she recalled her past positions.  It was always the same, she worked, men pinched or proded, she didn't allow it, she lost her job soon after when the customers complained about her.  It was only a matter of time before the same happened here and then she would be off in search of another town and another tavern.  She really should change her line of work, but when she was an entertainer it was even worse.  What else was she skilled to do, nothing.  And who would take the time to train her and teach her another way?  No one, Dia answered herself inwardly.  

She hefted the tray laden with food and made her way back to the Lt.'s table never missing a step and with a smile on her face an in her eyes.  There were advantages to this line of work Dia thought, and there sat one in front of her now.

Personal Page
Cherri Rowandyn
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer"

Edited by: Lady Cherri at: 5/7/06 17:13

[Capher]

Lt. Farell noticed the stranger enter the inn and sit down at a table next to where he, Manik and Dean sat even as Dia took their orders.  He did not say anything...yet.

Dia chatted up a storm and answered his questions with a very infectious laugh and smile.  He smiled back, " I agree Dia, sometimes, the soft-spoken ones can surprise you. Take Manik here, last night he was on patrol down by the river front, and tried to stop two drunken sailors from killing themselves, not knowing of course that their friends were just itching for a fight with the city guards.  Fortunately for him, and the two that were with him, nothing seriously happened, but it goes to show you how the soft-spoken ones can surprise you."

Lt. Farrel did not mention the disobeying of orders, or the punishment Manik received for disobeying those orders; he decided that was not something that should be discussed among civillians, besides he wanted to put Manik in a good light with Dia, who seemed to really like him, nor did he mention that Dean was one of those who were with him that night.  That was up to Dean or Manik if they wanted to tell.

Dia was called to another table and the Lt. watched as one fellow tried to touch her inappropriately, and then his eyebrows arched, as just as he was about to do something, she grabbed the man's wrist, whispered something into his ear, the man nodded, and Dia let his wrist go.  The man kept on shaking it and looking at Dia as she went on her way. She knows how to take care of herself, he thought.

He then turned his attention to Manik and Dean. "I asked you two to come with me for a special reason and I think I have seen someone who can help. Excuse me for a moment."

He rose from the table, went to wear the stranger sat, held out his hand and said, "Excuse me, I am Lt. Farrel. I believe you are one of the mercenaries training with Nelavarine.  I would like it if you would not mind joining me and my fellow soldiers at our table.  I had some things to discuss with them, and I think you can help them understand a bit better."

Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Dia had returned with their orders. He said quickly to the stranger, "Excuse me, but my dinner has arrived.  I hope you decide to join us."  Farrel then left and sat back down in his place.

OOC, in case you did not understand, Lt Farrel was speaking to you Xaod    

Capher.

[Manik Targin]

Quote:Dia only laughed and with her eyes never leaving Manik she said, "I have usually seen that the soft spoken ones, Lt., are the ones who are the most interesting and seem to suprise everyone with what they do and can accomplish. I am sure that is the case with Manik." Dia gave Manik a warm and seductive smile that caused her upper lip to slightly curve up.

Dia’s forward stare made Manik’s face heat, though it didn’t show. Her smile was intoxicating, and he returned it in kind. Their eyes locked, it would be doubtful Manik could look away even if he had wanted to.

Quote:" I agree Dia, sometimes, the soft-spoken ones can surprise you. Take Manik here, last night he was on patrol…  … but it goes to show you how the soft-spoken ones can surprise you."

Again Farrel was trying to be the helpful friend.

Dean spoke up interrupting that thought. “Yeah, he did that, and he got to scrub outhouses and got the feathers beaten out of him b’cuz of it. He held his own yeah, but eventually I ‘ad to save his arse.” The statement was directed more at Farrel than anyone. He gave Manik a jab in the side, causing Manik to wince. “See.” Realizing Dia would be lost, “Long story,” he said with a shrug.

Another helpful friend, Manik didn’t know how to react. After both Farrel and Dean going through the recent events, he wasn’t sure at who or if he should be mad. It was still sinking in, when Dia addressed Dean.

Quote:"Dean is it then. Hmm, I would say that since you and Manik here have just graduated then there should be some sort of celebration then. More than just getting treated to lunch by the Lt. here. I mean no offense Lt."

Dean was formulating something to say when Dia got called off to another table. He had spoken with Vanin, everything was arranged for the night out. He was relieved to not have to answer Dia, as he didn’t want to risk spoiling the surprise.

Manik decided to shrug off what Farrel and Dean said before, but wanted to get one thing straight. “Hey, I am not soft-spoken. Just so we are clear,” he said in a loud whisper, looking from Lt. Farrel to Dean.

Then the Lieutenant started to explain why he had asked to speak with them, but paused to inquire to the man sitting behind them. Manik listened at first but was distracted as he saw Dia coming to the table with their food. The aromas that hit Manik’s senses made his mouth water. Manik was hungry for food, but as Dia glided up to their table the way her hips moved aroused another hunger. Manik gave her a broad grin, “Why hello there!” he said in a playful tone.

Dean clapped his hands together and gave them a quick rub “Mm-hmm-mmm-mmm, smells good!” he exclaimed as Farrel returned to their table.

Manik Targin

[Capher]

Farrel returned to the table, sat down and thanked Dia for the food and drink. "I hope that the young man over at the other table will join us, just to help maybe explain a few things I am about to tell you."

He leaned forward and whispered, "First, Manik, being soft-spoken is not a bad thing. Our Earl is very soft-spoken, it is when he speaks the softest is when he is the most dangerous.  Now that, that is out of the way there are somethings I am going to say and I do not want you to breathe a word of it until it becomes official, understood!"  He said eyeballing both Dean and Manik.

"I mean it, it could mean my job, more than likely my life! if it what I tell you becomes known.  No more childish behavior, we must act and behave like men!"

"This morning, Capt. Melfus and I along with General Versalias had a very interesting discussion.  Shortly now, probably even as we are speaking, our troops are sharpening up their tactics and skills. It will probably take a month for them to be ready and by that time the ground and weather should be ready.  Ready for what, you ask?  Ready for us to attack and go to war with Voldar."

He paused as he let that information sink in. "The reason I picked you two out of the rest is because you showed me, Sgt. Lynch, Sgt. Henderson, and the Captain that you were willing to die for each other if needed be.  That is how mercenaries, at least that is how I think they believe, I may be wrong, but what is most important is that mercenaries work in small groups, kill or destroy their enemies and supply lines, and then slip away in the night."

"It has come to our attention by our Earl and especially by our General that though mercenaries are essential to any war plans, they are also very expensive.  So we have decided to pick out certain individuals whom we think have the necessary aptitudes and natural abilities to learn the skills that the mercenaries know and use and teach them to create our own specialized units.  We have not decided what to call them yet, but we will."

"In the meantime, you two have been chosen to work side by side with myself and the two best Sgt's we have in experience and training in this sort of warfare.  We will train apart from the rest of the army. We will live, eat, sleep, and everything else together until we all can almost think like the other, until we become a cohesive unit, a killing unit, much like and hopefully better than the mercenaries, at least that is the General's and our Earl's goal."

"Oh, I forgot, this is a purely a volunteer unit.  If you decide not to become part of this unit, tell me now and I will put you in with a regular army unit, no questions asked and no stigma attached for not joining.  So first things first, do you wish to volunteer for this unit and specialized training?"  Farrel asked, looking at both of the young men before him.

Capher.

[Xaod Shadow]

Xaod raised his head as he heard footsteps approaching. Ignoring the hand offered him, he listened to the man's proposition. As he finished and turned his back, Xaod replied in a soft voice: "As you wish." Pushing himself up from the table, he followed Farrel.

Hooking his foot under a chair, he pulled it out and flung himself into it. The bright light of the tavern sent a flash of red shining out from under his hood until he hunched over and listened. He had already suspected much of what Farrel revealed, though he still listened intently. Putting his boots on the table, he leaned back in his chair and scratched the short black beard under his hood. Glancing at the two younger ones at the table, he awaited their reactions.

---------------
I am the Shadow that clings to you like death
I am the Silence behind your back
I am the Stalker following your every move
I am the Slayer that ends your life without hesitation

 Xaod Shadow

[Manik Targin]

Manik sat in shocked silence as the information sank in. So some of the rumours were true, they were going to war. Swallowing hard, Manik let out a sigh, and tried to think of something to say. Nothing came out and he sat back in his chair. Dean looked to his friend and saw that Dean was looking back at him, the look he wore told Manik he didn’t know what to think about it all either. Dean’s gaze shifted off to settle somewhere in the middle of the table as he stroked the bit of stubble showing on his face.

Manik looked to the man who had sat down, but didn’t find anything in his expression. Then he remembered Dia had served them their dinners. The pork medallions look absolutely delicious and he would have got right to the work of devouring them had Farrel not shared his news. Picking up his knife and fork he cut himself a piece of pork. It tasted better than it looked, topped with a sauce that complemented perfectly. Manik thought the situation over as he ate, spearing some green beans that sat besides his pork.

After finishing those, he looked up and asked, “So we will be training like all day, every day? Well until the war starts I mean.”

If that was so, then it would be a huge opportunity. Being in intensive training with an elite group would certainly accelerate his skills. And he needed those skills if he was ever to get promoted. It was true that most likely he would be in a more dangerous part of the war, but it certainly had its benefits.

Taking a swig of his beer and then chewing on more of the succulent medallions, Manik stared down into his plate mulling it over in his brain.
“Can we have time to think about it?” He asked looking up.

Dean had been quiet the whole time as well, deep in his own reverie, but spoke now. “So what do you think of this?” he asked directing his question at the stranger who had joined their table.

((OOC- cherri it seems your presence got overlooked, but feel free to jump in or do something))

Manik Targin

[Cherri Rowandyn]

As men joked and laughed and Dia made her little comments that made the table laugh her eyes kept sweeping back to the table where Manik, Dean, and the Lt. sat.  She was killing time until she could find an excuse to make her way back over to the table without being too obvious.  'Even a girl like me has got pride.' Dia said inwardly.  Then a sly and seductive smile swept over her features causing her upper lip to slightly curve up as another thought crossed her mind in reply, 'Even that being so, there are some things that are worth more than pride.'  Dia excused herself from her present table as she watched the newcomer move over to join the Lt.'s table.  Her steps faultered as she read the seriousness of whatever was being discussed.  Dia watche intently the Lt's lips as he spoke, but could only make out one word, War.  With that Dia made her way to the bar and ordered drinks for another table that had grabbed her attention as she was making her rounds.  When Manik began to eat and the table fell quiet Dia thought it safer to venture over.

Dia's grin was bright as she approched Manik's side of the table.  And then just as quickly frowned as she saw the 'guest' with his boots upon the table.  Dia gestured to the stranger's feet and sweetly requested, "Sir, this is a fine establishment and I do not think that others would find their meal as tasteful if they find stray bits of dung upon the table as they eat.  Wouldn't you gentlemen agree?"  Dia asked raising an eyebrow.  "Please remove your feet from the table and I will most happily fetch a drink for you as well as a fine meal."

Personal Page
Cherri Rowandyn
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer"

[Capher]

Lt. Farrel was also a bit annoyed by the newcomer, but he did not say anything until he was finished.  When he waited for Manik's and Dean's replies, Dia had come back and requested that the man take his boots off of the table.  Farrel watched and waited to see what the man would do.  His actions would prove to Farrel whether or not he wanted to involve these mercs anymore in the armies plans. In his mind, a man, whether merc or not, should act like a gentleman, and any who did not, was not worth his time, effort and caused that man to be brought down in esteem in the Lt.'s eyes.

Capher.

[Cherri Rowandyn]

Casually enough Dia knocked the man's legs from the table with a strong quick shove.  Her fiery green eyes became fixed upon those of the patron and spoke of the dangers of raising her ire, unlike her tone of voice.  "I asked politely enough the first time for you to remove your legs yourself.  I am not so patient to do so a second time." Dia watched the others face and saw that certain thoughts about his pride were getting ready to rise to the surface, but her green eyes were strong as steel and sent a warning that only a fool would ignore.

Dia turned her attention back to the rest of the table her friendly smile revealing white straight teeth.  "Now is there anything I may get you gentlemen?  Refills anyone?" Dia stood casually resting her slender hip against the back of Manick's chair while she waited.

Personal Page
Cherri Rowandyn
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer"

[Capher]

Farrel's eyes flashed quickly betwee Dia's eyes and the mercs when she knocked the merc's feet off of the table.  He did not know what kind of reaction was going to happen, but he slowly drew his daggar from his pants beneath the table and readied it.

The merc was annoyed and almost jumped up, but he held his ground and temper. Why? Maybe it was because Dia never backed down, or maybe he thought it would not be wise to kill or hurt a civillian.  Whatever the reason he did nothing to Dia, but he did look at Farrel, Dean and Manik, laughed comtemptously, "I have trained all my life to be what I am and you think that you can take these two children and train them to be like I am? Your dreaming pal."  He then pushed away from the table, gave Dia a menacing look, "Sweet thing, when your finished with children, give a man a call.  I will be around."  He then walked over to the bar and ordered a drink.

Farrel, put his daggar away and looked at Dia, " I think another round will be fine. Thank you Dia. A bit of a warning though, I would watch yourself very carefully, you made an enemy, a very dangerous one today.  He may just forget, on the other hand...you never know.  I will tell the city guards to keep an eye on him for a few days, just in case."  

Capher.

[Manik Targin]

As the encounter with the mercenary unfolded Manik and Dean sat in watchful silence, tensing when he rose quickly. When the man was gone having marched off to the bar, Manik let out an audible huff, “Well, that was different.”

Manik was intrigued by this other side of Dia, she was obviously one who was confident in her ability to take care of herself. He liked that. Manik heard her tone, but with his focus on the mercenary he missed the steel in her eyes. He craned his neck to make sure she wasn’t flustered, and was pleased to see Dia’s beautiful smile return the gaze.

Dia offered refills, and the lieutenant replied yes with his added warning. Manik had to agree with Farrel, knowing that the man was part of the elite mercenary group he had seen earlier.

After Farrel finished there was a pause and Dean decided to fill the void, “So anyways, what about Manik’s questions? And what if one of us wants to accept but the other doesn’t?”

Manik Targin

[Capher]

Farrel sat back a bit relieved that nothing else occured then Dean spoke. Farrel had forgotten the question and he paused trying to think of what Manik had asked. He looked at Manik, questionally, as he racked his brain, and then he remembered.

"Yes, you will be training every day and probably most nights as well, as you will need to know night fighting skills as well.  He paused as he remembered that Dia was still there. He turned and looked up into her eyes and face. "Dia, I hope that what you hear, stays with you. Promise me you will never tell a soul what you have heard; for your sake and ours." Farrel assumed he could count on Dia's silence.

He then shifted his eyes to Dean; "It is entirely volunteer. If one or even both of you decide this is not for you that is fine. Then this discussion ends.  And yes, you have time to think about it, both of you. But not much time, I think a day should suffice. Is that ok with you two?"  Farrel asked.

Capher.

[Cherri Rowandyn]

Dia felt the air about the table change as the tension broke but a new tension came to rest above the three men like their own personal storm cloud.  Dia nodded at the Lt.'s compliance with another round and his warning.  Dia knew the man was different than others.  He carried himself differently.  "Your words will not go unheeded, and while I have taken care of myself thus far I am not foolish enough to question why a guard would be necessary.  I trust your judgement."  Dia was about to go place the order for another round when the Lt. spoke to her about her silence.  A quick glance around the table proved it was no joking matter and she silently complied with the briefiest of nods.  She knew how to keep secrets for she had many of them herself.  

With a wink at Manik and a squish of her hips Dia was standing at the bar placing her order and then making her rounds gathering dirty dishes, clearing empty tables, gathering tips and evading the men's pinches and slaps that were directed toward her rear.  While Dia made her way quickly around her tables and found herself at the bar picking up Manik's, Dean's, and the Lt.'s drinks, Dia looked around at the other women and only shook her head.  How they allowed any man to put his hands upon them for an extra coin Dia wondered.  Some did even more for less, this thought caused Dia's stomach to churn.  Loading the guys' drinks onto a tray, Dia hefted it to shoulder level balancing it perfectly on a flat palm.  Deflty she turned on her heel and her eyes finding Manik's for a brief moment she made her way back to the table and placed the drinks accordingly.  Waiting for a break in conversation Dia found her place resting against Manik's chair a slender hip a hairs breath away from his arm.

Personal Page
Cherri Rowandyn
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer"

[Manik Targin]

Manik couldn’t help but grin at Dia’s wink.
War.
The conversation was entirely sobering. Not that Manik’s aching body didn’t help the matter. Lt. Farrel’s reply to Dean and his questions was what Manik was looking to hear, but he needed more. Thinking it over, he looked up and met Dia’s eye as she walked back with drinks. The emerald facets seemed to pull him in.
War.
He needed to know why. Why was a big question with war. “Why are we going to war with Voldar? What is it we are trying to accomplish?” Dia slid up beside him resting against his chair. He got fuzzy goose bumps with her so close. Stretching slightly to the side, Manik lightly brushed against her. He felt childish.
War.
Manik sat in a casual posture and tried to concentrate on the conversation.
Dia.
It seems concentrating even on something as grave as war can be extremely difficult when you have a pretty maiden by your side. He thought it interesting… depending on the circumstance and which way you looked at it, this fact could be either a deadly mistake or a cherished blessing.

Manik Targin

[Capher]

Manik asked a fair question; "Why are we going to war with Voldar?  Lt. Farrel looked into Manik's eyes and shrugged his shoulders.  "It is a fair question private, but one I do not know the answer to.  I was just told to prepare for war and to head up this special unit and find volunteers.  You should know by now Manik that a soldier does what he is ordered to do, no questions asked.


************************************************************************

The door to Broks opened and Christian walked in with Sammy at his side.  Several patrons, especially those closest to the door, turned to see who had walked in.  When their eyes quickly became adjusted back to the relative darkness of the inn compared to the bright sunshine outside that had come streaming in when Christian and Sammy came in, the conversations slowly stopped and people stared.

The inn keeper who had been buisily washing dishes noticed the quiet and looked where everyone else was looking and immediately rushed forward.  "M'lord, I...I am pleased to have you visit my humble abode," he said wiping his hands on his apron and then bowed slightly.

"As you are Master Innkeeper.  I came in here searching for someone and I have found him. Thank you."

Christian walked toward the table where he saw Lt. Farrel sitting with what seemed liked a couple of privates and one very pretty waitress standing at their table.  People moved out of his and his wolf's way as he walked to the table.

************************************************************************
Lt. Farrel took his tankard of ale, leaned back in his chair and took a drink when all of a sudden he noticed Manik staring behind him and even Dean seemed to go chalk white, Even Dia's eyes went wide, as well as the room becoming almost deathly quiet.  Farrel thought that the merc had come back and was looking for trouble, he drew his daggar and then quickly swiveled on his chair, rising as he did so with the daggar at the ready.

He heard the growl....

OOC Sammy I will let you take over from here.  Just do not kill the Lt. Ok?

Capher.

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