Jayse catches the look of interest in the girl's eyes when she looks at the fight. Bill… i see you're steering me right.
He cuffs Jofram on the chest with the back of his hand as he steps towards the fight announcer, "On second thought, Joffram…" his accent - usually a soft, indiscernible thing at best - is thick with the sound of the Bollini, "… a man should place his money on the foreigner this night."
Still smiling, he approaches and pulls the sleeve of the announcer, "Where can I sign up for this King of the Hill?" He smiles as if telling a joke, pointing to his head, "This head was meant for the crown."
Grinning at the large beast and his jovial friend in turn, Jofram imagines a shower of gold coins from his potential winnings. "Bear wrestling? If that doesn't impress the ladies, I don't know what will. Still, I think you may have a point with that King of the Hill match. It's probably easier taking on a heap of men, than a single bear."
The dandy looks at Jayse, coming to terms with the dichotomies, even while he's taking Ushari's money. "Friend, there is no 'sign up'. When one man gets carried out, you are free to step in if someone else hasn't beaten you to it." He gives the somewhat upscale monk a thoughtful look. "Just a word of advice, since you're new, you might not want to step in the ring too early. I've seen hard men brought low after 5 or 6 back-to-back bouts. When you look tired, they won't give you a breather. That's just a suggestion, of course. Take it or leave it."
He turns his attention to the crowd. The betting seems to have dwindled. "OK, the bets are in! The grudge match can begin. Remember the rules, boys. Give quarter if it is asked and don't get too mean or I'll have Mogu snap your bloody necks!"
With the crowd's roar the human and half-orc square off, circling, looking for weakness...
Unfortunately, the half-orc spots it first. He moves in and lands a powerhouse blow that knocks the confident smile off the human's face. Though he tries to rally, the human never gains the upper-hand and with a second hammer-blow to his shoulders, he hits the ground and elects to stay down. Satisfied the half-orc leaves the ring and goes after his 'soiled dove'. A rain of betting stubs hits the sand in the ring.
1: Human | 1/2 Orc -
2: Human | 1/2 Orc -
3: Human | 1/2 Orc -
In the tavern proper, the grunting and grinding of knuckles and wood announce the beginning of the arm-wrestling competition. The first two challengers look like they rent their arms out for buggy whips. It is an epic battle, at least to them. The winner squeaks his victory cry and then is soundly defeated by the next challenger with musculature similar to the slender gnome... which is to say, not much muscle at all.
The band strikes up a lively tune to build tension at the arm wrestling matches. Most of the crowd watches the sweaty, gasping bouts. None of Jayse's ladies show any interest in the matches. Focused as they are on the bloodsport in the main ring, Levitan and Silnavar seem unaware of any other activities. Counter to this, Raymor shows far more interest in chatting jovially with the other men at the bar as he periodically casts his eyes over the crowd. He sees Ushari and gives her a complimentary nod while waving at her dress. Perhaps he thinks her fashion sense is impeccable. Eustus sits at the bar and observes all the action with a wry smile - watching the people, not the games.
--> #2
--> #7
--> #8 Leader
Girl Group B
--> #3 Leader out
--> #5
--> #6
Levitan (1/2 Elf) out
Silnavar (1/2 Elf) out
Raymor (Human)
Eustus (Human)
With a loud ahem THEY enter the tavern - slinky dresses, bodies that promise heaven for a lucky few, devil-may-care grins, cool aloofness, bold yet appealing horns... and tails that twitch free of their skirts revealing flashes of their creamy thighs. The only thing going through your minds is... absolutely nothing.
Jayse is quick to recover having experienced the bewitching power of a Tiefling before. These two are like Milaflora from Forestal in that they possess an unearthly, inhuman, beauty. And if Jayse were being truly honest with himself, he'd have to acknowledge that both women eclipse his one time lover. But unlike Milaflora's approachable warmth - sensual and playful - these two have a cold porcelain perfection to them. He watches how they move through the room. It is masterful choreography - a look here, a dropped shoulder there, a coy laugh, a knowing smile. They work the room like skilled operators.
Following in the wake of the Tiefling heart-breakers are their friends. Their light complexions, gently sloped eyes, and hints of pointed ears, through their dark tresses declare them to be half-elves. They follow their friends to the reserved table with less flash. If anything, the taller half-elf is nearly as gorgeous as the Tieflings though in a more regal way. She moves smoothly through the crowd of adoring men. She is shadowed by a smaller and bright-smiled relation of some sort - a sister or cousin perhaps. She is quite a beauty but, next to the other three, she seems almost plain in comparison.
The women allow 'suitable' gentlemen to seat them before making it clear that the privilege isn't an invitation to stay. The men mill about, jockeying for favor while the Tieflings 'hold court'.
The wolf-pack has arrived.
OH...MY...GOD...
Ushari cannot help but stare at the entrance of the beauties, along with the rest of the male clientele. As she continues to watch the entrance of the georgeous women, she cannot help but feel a sense of burning envy as she sees the other men making fools of themselves for just a glance. She looks down at her dress and feels her body, while lean and athletic, could not be considered lush and shapely, not to mention inviting in any aspect. She feels hopelessly inferior to the quartet of buxom beauties; of course she is unaware of the fact nearly every other woman in the Slattern feels identical to her.
What am I doing here? I am not that ...that beautiful. And I lost my five gold as well. I hope this evening picks up.
She drains her wine glass in one gulp and feels a buzz in her head, due to the alcohol. She glances out in the crowd looking for Raynor wondering if he is one of the smitten men by the Quartet of Beauty.
Of the men Ushari watches, Levitan's handsomeness seems to make him immune to the effect of the beauties... or at least he knows how to feign indifference brilliantly.
Silnavar practically salivates, his glance never far from the quartet.
Raymor watches them with interest but doesn't hover or seem fixated on them.
Eustus smiles at the women but his eyes quickly move off them and back to scanning the crowd.
Silnavar (1/2 Elf)
Raymor (Human)
Eustus (Human)
Straehan watches Ushari's reaction - her nervous glance at her own body says it all. With a small dose of sympathy, he observes, "They have warty asses and bad breath - I'm sure of it."
Ushari glances at Straehan, amazed at how easily he read her and also knowing the right things to say.
"Yes, I am sure they do, I just WISH...well I know none of those men will ever find out the truth of that satatement."
"Well if you hear shrieking in the middle of the night, someone is discovering the truth the hard way." He chuckles, sips his drink, and looks at the quartet like a jeweler planning how to split a gemstone.
Ushari notes the gnomes interest, and cannot help but smile. "Well, Strae, if you do find out the truth, then I hope you will be discreet!"
Their light complexions, gently sloped eyes, and hints of pointed ears, through their dark tresses declare them to be half-elves. They follow their friends to the reserved table with less flash. If anything, the taller half-elf is nearly as gorgeous as the Tieflings though in a more regal way. She moves smoothly through the crowd of adoring men. She is shadowed by a smaller and bright-smiled relation of some sort - a sister or cousin perhaps. She is quite a beauty but, next to the other three, she seems almost plain in comparison.
The new additions catch Jofram's attention, and his mouth goes dry. Working enough moisture to form words proves difficult for a moment, and Jayse seems focused on the Tiefling women, anyway. Nodding to the Half-Elven beauties, he finally manages to speak a few words to Jayse. "Wow. I certainly wasn't expecting that! Didn't know you had an eye for the Tief - Their tall Elvish friend is more my style, so hopefully we won't get in each other's way."
"I'm always discreet. If I'm very lucky, I'll pick the least warty girl and therefore have no reason to be indiscreet."
"Wow. I certainly wasn't expecting that! Didn't know you had an eye for the Tief - Their tall Elvish friend is more my style, so hopefully we won't get in each other's way."
Jayse is quick to pull his eyes from the group of women , "Not a problem. I tend to get sick of people who are their own biggest fan. That lot is all yours."
As he watches all the men stare at the new-come women, though, an idea strikes him, and he heads over to the table of women he'll be spending his effort on. The right amount of attention at the right time can often be worth much.
The three ladies at the table are distracted by the fight and the oh-so-popular women, so Jayse remains unnoticed for a few moments even though he stands just a few steps from them. With a smirk, he clears his throat before addressing the three women. While he initially looks and speaks to the human girl who was so engrossed in the fight, he lets his eyes and smile include all three, and his foreigner accent once again is obvious, "So a man looks and a man listens for some help with the night's fight event. A man would be the King of that Ring, and noticed a woman's attention to the fighting. Surely such a woman would have some advice for such a man?" His smile widens as he looks at the three of them with an attempted mix of shyness and charm, "The beautiful company of three of the establishment's most attractive ladies would surely be an excellent experience for such a man. A man would love to buy these beautiful ladies a drink for their time and warm conversation and advice."
Ushari waits until the commotion caused by the arrival of the vixens has died down to a dull murmur. She also notes both Jayse and Jofram have started making their moves. She sighs inwardly, It is time for me to do this, while I still have my liquid courage in me.
She waits until the current band members have finished playing their tune, and she rises to her feet and glides to the stage. She gives the band members a sultry smile and a wink, asking ”Is this an open stage, and also do you take requests?” Once she has been cleared to get on the stage, she stares across the common room, and feels a sensation, deeply buried in her subconscious, a feeling she recognizes as ‘stage fright’.
I have performed before…
Once the band has struck up a lively tune, she starts to sing along, her voice rising above the din of the crowd. While she does not remember the exact words of the old sailor’s ditty she had requested to start out with, she decides improvisation would be her best friend here.
The leader, Lena, looks Jayse up and down - twice. She says slyly, "A man should be introducing himself before a wise and proper woman would let him sit down and buy that woman a drink." Despite her words, she gestures at an empty chair for him. "I'm Lena and this is my sister Beax and our dear friend Alladria."
"If you are here to win the battle and not just ply us with wine... then watch that one." She indicates a bulky looking bruiser with stubble for a haircut and studded leather bracers. "He will be among the first of the better fighters. Until he enters the ring, you have some time to entertain us."
Jofram casually watches the regal half-elf and her short relative among the lupine Tieflings. She is enchanting and just slightly ethereal. Like a seasoned ranger, he stalks his prey without alerting the game. But there are other hunters in the field and a few of them spot their competition, the calculating half-elf.
Focused on the game and his rival stalkers, Jofram almost misses the quavering female voice that starts to rise over the din...
Being an attractive woman, Ushari draws the attention of the male patrons regardless of the quality of her singing. The sea chanty appeals to the hard-bitten dregs who leer at the pretty girl in the fancy dress and bang the tables with their tankards in time with the simple tune.
She isn't sure if it is her nerves or perhaps the subject of her song, but Raymor frowns and Levitan seems ambivalent to her voice. And Silnavar only has eyes for the Tieflings. Of the men that have attracted her attention, only Eustus watches her performance with any interest.
When she finished her first song, she's met with a roar of approval from the sailors in the crowd.
Silnavar (1/2 Elf)
Raymor (Human)
Eustus (Human)
The band looks to Ushari. "What next, Miss?"
Billu scans the bar and frowns, he leans over towards Jayse and speaks a word in his ear.
Straehan watches the beauties keenly and surreptitiously for nearly a quarter of an hour, nursing his drink. He observes the interactions between the women and how they handle the endless throng of 'suitors' who are lured close then brushed away. There is a constant stream of drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and small gifts coming to the table.
The gnome says to no one in particular, "They are cleaning up - just on the hopes of those poor bastards."
The Tieflings coolly observe the crowd. As newcomers, your group draws their periodic glances. Straehan makes a point of acknowledging the looks with a polite nod but otherwise feigns little interest. The Tieflings' hints of smiles suggest they are well aware of the gnome's observations.
Another half an hour goes by before he makes his move. He exchanges a set of looks with Salli. The proprietress fetches a conical package from behind the counter and meets the sorcerer as he rises from his chair and straightens his vest. The gnome pushes his hair back over his shoulders and musters a winning smile before launching himself like a ballista bolt at the wolf pack of beauties, followed by Salli.
Ushari gives a wave of thanks to the bawdy sailors who appreciated her performance, if not her singing. Then she pauses to take another drink of wine to wet her throat.
All in all, she felt her performance was OK. What will I sing of now? She looks over the crowd, and for a moment simply cannot decide what to sing. Then she decides to sing something for not the crowd, but for herself.
The band looks to Ushari. "What next, Miss?"
She walks over to the band members and talks quietly to the leader, asking him a couple of questions. Once he has answered her, she then calls out, Thank you for your kind words! Now this is a song near and dear to my heart, so bear with me..."
Her voice rings out, and she then sings of innocence, of love...not of the carnal variety, but something more similar to the love a girl shows to a man. Then the betrayal...the loss of innocence....the despair it leads to in one's heart. She then breaks into a more hopeful and upbeat tone, speaking of second chances and of the healing of the heart.
As she finishes, unsure how her performance will be received, she wonders whether she would be retiring early or whether she would be booed off the stage....
Pushing through the crowd of suitors with Salli's help, Straehan arrives at the wolves' lair. Rather than waiting politely to be acknowledged by the studiously disinterested women, the gnome gives Salli a small signal.
"Ladies, may I present Baron Sir Straehan of Polkepi, gentleman adventurer. Sir Straehan, these are Goneril, Regan, Neivane, and Antigone."
Straehan bows formally. "A great pleasure, ladies. May I present a gift to match your respective beauties." He signals again to Salli who pulls from the odd conical package... a single violet - a pretty but common flower. Straehan presents it formally to Goneril. She looks at the flower oddly and compares it to all the expensive gifts and food on the table. It doesn't even compare.
Goneril's smirk suggests she is about to dismiss the gnome with a curt quip. Straehan forestalls her judgment by pulling yet another common flower and presenting it to Regan... and yet another to Neivane. The eyes of each woman mocks his 'gifts' though Neivane's disapproval is more muted.
Straehan reaches into the conical package one last time but comes away empty handed. It cannot be said if Antigone would have had the same reaction to the hackneyed and miserly gift of a single flower. But the absence of any gift causes her to look glum... and puts something of a smile on the faces of the Tieflings. It seems this is not the first time that the short and less pretty girl has been overlooked in favor of her friends. She takes the slight stoically.
The sorcerer gives a radiant smile to the small woman who still would tower over him if she were standing. He pours on the charm.
"I confess Mistress Antigone, there is no flower that can do you justice. I am humbly hoping that you will permit me the great pleasure of spending my entire evening attempting to entertain you... Would you?"
Antigone finds her mouth saying "Yes" before her head has a chance to consider... due to the gnome's seeming utter sincerity compounded with the novelty of being picked above her more beautiful friends. For once, she is the belle of the ball.
Antigone glances at her friends and sees the icy looks of irritation. Being compared to common flowers was a bitter slight. Being 'runners up' was something they'd never experienced. Deep in her heart, Antigone enjoyed their vexation just a little bit. Might as well enjoy this while it lasts.
"Yes, Baron Straehan, I'd be pleased."
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Straehan breathes a sigh of relief and gives the pretty half-elf a huge smile.
"Please, call me Straehan." He takes the young woman's hand and pulls her free of the table and heads toward a more private table in the bar. "I hope you haven't eaten yet. Miss Salli has gone to some pains to prepare something special for us. Rumor has it that you enjoy dancing. I hope you'll honor me with a turn around the floor this evening..."
In the wake of Straehan's and Antigone's departure, the trio of irritated lovelies are inundated with hangers-on asserting that the gnome has poor taste and that the true beauties are under-appreciated.
As the bolder men try to press their advantage - claiming they are complete opposites of the crazy gnome - Goneril, Regan, and Neivane grow more irritated with their suitors... giving Jofram an opportunity to step in, if he wishes.
Ushari launches into her second song but the drama at the wolves' den steals much of her thunder. Still, it is a complex song and something about it catches Levitan's ear. He begins to pay more attention to the what's happening in the tavern rather than the fighting ring.
Silnavar (1/2 Elf)
Raymor (Human)
Eustus (Human) already in
Jayse has the presence of mind to slightly blush as he bows in the Bollini style, "Of course a wise and proper woman is correct. A man's name is Jayse, and a man would love to join Lena, Beax, and Alladria. What would these beautiful women like to drink?" When their order preferences are given, Jayse calls over a serving woman and makes the order. Just before she turns to leave, he stops her, leaning in to give her a whispered message.
When the serving woman nods at the whispered message and the drink orders, Jayse smiles and nods, tipping her more than is customary for a drink order.
"A man begs the ladies' pardons for the secrecy, a man would watch his friend's back when he can."
"If you are here to win the battle and not just ply us with wine... then watch that one." She indicates a bulky looking bruiser with stubble for a haircut and studded leather bracers. "He will be among the first of the better fighters. Until he enters the ring, you have some time to entertain us."
She's direct… I like that.
Jayse turns to watch the man for a few moments, looking for clues to the fight that will inevitably happen between them before he turns back to the group with a wink, "Then a man hopes this stubbly-headed fighter won't take the ring for a while yet. A man would like more time to ply these beautiful women with wine." He looks the women over, obviously trying to figure them out, "So a foreign man is happy and surprised to find this table of smiles in a small place like this, and a man remains curious. Lena, Beax, and Alladria must tell a man of themselves. What do these women do when they are not being bothered by strange men with strange accents on a nice evening?"
Seeing that some of the rabble are a bit confused by Ushari's last song, the band steps in with an odd little ditty that every cutthroat in the tavern knows well...
Jayse's effort find a VERY receptive audience which surprises and delights him. The women quickly warm to the quiet monk, his exotic accent, and his self-deprecating ways. He orders them another bottle of wine and shares it with them.
Maybe the trick is listening instead of talking?
Jayse's headway is cut short when, after half an hour of banter with the ladies, he sees Stubble enter the ring and systematically pound the previous challenger into the ground. The man is strong but comes on like a bull, lacking any subtlety. There is a moment of silence after the beating as other would-be contestants gauge their mettle and see who will step into the ring next.
Ushari finishes her song up, and is not surprised by the muted response to her song choice. As she looks across the tavern where the wolf-pack has been skillfully disarmed by Straehan, she feels a sense of vindication. Good for you, Strae. Those vixens needed some humbling.
She leans back against the stage and waves the server girl over, requesting more wine. As the band starts to play on without her, she takes the opportunity to see what other effects her performance had on the crowd. As she notes Levitan looking in her direction, she gives him a smile, not especially flirty but in appreciation of his interest in her singing. Perhaps she would take some singing requests later…plus the dance floor looked inviting…
Jofram considers his approach when a serving girl taps him on the arm and points to Jayse surreptitiously, and quietly says, "A gentleman asked me to say 'A tattooed friend has heard a rumor that the quarry values its own pelt far more than is good for the hunter, and is sure to make the hunt that much more difficult."
Ushari's song and lack of a flirty smile for the handsome Levitan piques the half-elf's interest...
He calls a serving girl over, writes a quick note, and send the girl off with it. She delivers it to Ushari at the edge of the slightly raised platform that passes for a 'stage'.
It reads:
- I'd appreciate hearing you sing again...
preferably not a sea chanty despite
their appeal to this crowd.
~L
Ushari quickly reads over the note, then folds it into her dress pocket. She glances over at the handsome half-elf and catches his glance. She again gives him a pretty smile, again knowing she cannot try to be someone she is not. I have no demonic blood coursing in my veins!
She wonders what to sing of to honor Levitan’s request. She sits back against the stage trying to decide on a good song. Then inspiration struck her…
She steps back on the stage after informing the band players of her latest request. As they start to play a soft ballad, Ushari’s voice rings out low and soulful, and then she weaves a hopeful note into her voice. She sings of starting at the bottom, and then being granted a second chance, a chance to be free and to start a new life free from burdens of past.
As she completes the song, she is not surprised to feel tears glistening in her eyes.
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Jayse sees Stubble pummel his opponent and sits back to see if anyone else is quick to jump in.
When he realizes his opportunity is now, he slides his chair back and begins to stand, "A man is very sorry to interrupt the fun, but a man must go see a certain stubble-headed fighter for a face-punching." Before stepping away, he grins, "A man would ask these women to be his luck, but a man has found luck to be a fickle thing. A man would instead ask to find his three beautiful new friends waiting for him when he returns from the ring. A prize will make a man fight harder when a man might otherwise fall. For the right prize, a man can fight all night and for a day beyond, with the energy to celebrate afterwards." The last is said with a certain level of mischievousness, and as he backs away, he gives a whimsical version of the same Bollini bow before stripping off his shirt and leaving it on his vacated chair. Then turns and throws a hand up as he shouts to the room in general, "A MAN WILL FIGHT!"
Ushari doesn't know where the inspiration comes from but she manages to sing better than she ever has before. Even the rowdy patrons quiet as her voice climbs and falls. Several find an element in her song that somehow reflect something in their own lives. Even a couple of working girls stop their shilling to listen.
When her song fades, like an old memory, she is greeted by silence and then growing applause - even from some of the hard-bitten sailors. Ushari waits for her eyes to de-mist before looking at the crowd. Loudest among the clappers is Levitan followed by Eustus. The half-elf looks thoroughly impressed. He sits down at a table with a second chair open, two glasses, and a bottle of expensive-looking wine. Catching Ushari's eye, he makes a gesture, offering her the open seat.
Silnavar (1/2 Elf)
Raymor (Human)
Eustus (Human)
The dandy-announcer claps his hands and looks at Jayse. "Excellent! We have another contender! Who will remain standing - the exotic, tattooed, outlander OR our battle-scarred ring veteran? Here's a man of unknown skills versus a man who has defeated countless opponents! Place your bets, folks!"
As Jayse steps into the ring and begins to look at the man up-close, a familiar voice is heard over the crowd singing a hauntingly beautiful song.
Wait... is that... Ushari? The distraction is just enough to give the big man the edge...
Jayse is barely in the ring before Stubble charges him, trying to knock him out of the ring with a single smash to the jaw. He lacks style and finesse but not power. Thankfully he isn't as precise as he needs to be to connect with the agile monk. Jayse neatly sidesteps the blow.
Ushari feels emotionally drained after that song, as if she left a part of her soul hanging in the air, echoing in the hearts and minds of those who listened to her. She gives her audience a heartfelt smile and curtsies gracefully in thanks.
”Thank you all very much!”
She smiles radiantly at Levitan, and motions to him she will be right there. She only takes a few moments to freshen up her makeup, before she glides across the common area and next to the proffered seat. She keeps her gaze lowered, but does say in a demure tone, while holding her hand out, palm extended for him in greeting. Trying to keep the note of nervousness out of her voice, she murmurs ”Thank you very much for your kind invitation. I am Ushari,…Pleased to meet you, Mister...”
The dashing half-elf takes her hand and kisses it before seating her. "My name is Levitan, Ushari. It's a great pleasure meeting a singer of your skills here, of all places. Wine?"
Ushari may not know a lot about wine but she can tell an expensive bottle on sight.
Straehan breathes a sigh of relief and gives the pretty half-elf a huge smile.
"Please, call me Straehan." He takes the young woman's hand and pulls her free of the table and heads toward a more private table in the bar.
Jofram is perturbed as he sees Straehan walk away with the target of his interest."That little bastard! Ah, well."
Jofram approaches Neivane’s table, sporting a casual grin. Sending a meaningful look toward the departing gnome, he addresses her in the tongue of the Elves.
Deprived of their new singer, the impromptu band falls back on playing light music suitable for dancing.
Time to make a statement, Jayse thinks as he sidesteps the man's ugly bum-rush, sliding his leg out in the process in an attempt to drop the brute to the floor. As surprise register's on the brute's face, Jayse slams directly downwards with a fist into the soft of the man's back below the floating rib. The flurry of attacks is equally as brutal as his opponent's, but far more practiced.
Jayse sidesteps and, with a single motion, uses his muscular shin to sweep the legs out from under Stubble. His follow through brings his leg up and over to slam into the small of the big warrior's back and drive him into the floor with a thump. The of air exploding from his lungs is satisfying... as is the follow-up toe snap to Stubble's temple.
Stubble rolls over, clearly stunned and barely conscious. Through gasping breaths he yells, "I give! I give!" before passing out.
There is a moment of stunned silence and then the room explodes in cheers and betting slips. The dandy signals for quiet (and men to carry Stubble out) and says "I've never see a man downed by a fellow only using his FEET before. Where the hell are you from, friend?"