"I'll get the coffee." River says, standing. "I'm better at making drinks anyway. You two relax and try not to do anything too embarrassing in public."
Talk! He mouths at his sister as he follows Blaze, presumably towards the kitchen. Once there he has no compunctions about getting the ifrit to heat the water for him until its just right for coffee.
Once they are alone, Gale clears her throat. ”So, uh, last night was fun...”
"Err.. yeah, you had fun? Think I might have drunk too much though." She bemoans, holding her head in her hands. "You think I'd learn but no...never change!"
Sipping a little water, she clears her throat awkwardly. "Sorry I wasn't there when you woke up. I...." She stops, not know what to say to explain that away.
Gale puts her hand on Crystal’s. ”It’s okay. I understand. We can take things at whatever pace you want.”
"Oh..are we...I did have fun last night Gale...its just..." She stammers, taken aback by Gale's response and starts over thinking this, which again makes her clutch her head in her hands, her head thumping with her headache.
Does she think we are together again after just one night? Things don't change and get fixed that quickly. But she said we can go slow too, what does she mean by this?
"Ok." She says, eventually settling on a simple answer. "Let's just enjoy each other as friends today. I've missed your company and yesterday really reminded me of that. But last night was fun." She says, not quite making sense through her foggy mind. "I'd be open for another night like that sometime."
Gale nods. ”Okay. Well, you know where to find me,” the sylph says with an awkward chuckle.
"Don't worry, I won't forget where to find you." She says, holding Alorea's gaze for a moment before breaking it again to look towards the kitchen.
"So...those two think they're being sensitive and understanding by giving us some time on our own...feel up to playing a bit of a trick on them?" She asks, a sly smile on her lips.
Gale matches the smile. ”What do you have in mind?”
In the kitchen River feels a shiver run down his spine...
"Well they're expecting us to have a fight right? How about you hide behind something around here and when they come out, I'll pretend you're under the table repeating that thing you did last night." She suggests, fond memories rushing back to her. "That will surprise them and then you can jump out. Fun for us and might teach them that they cant outsmart us?"
Her suggestion may be a little crude, but at least Crystal finds it amusing. The fact that she thought so quickly about that particular moment from last night is rather telling however.
Gale nods and finds a good hiding spot!
Crystal prepares herself for her performance, ready for the boys to come back out of the kitchen. She pulls the ragged table cloth down slightly so that it could "hide" Gale, who is not actually there and leans back on her chair, pulling her sleeves off her shoulders to hand loose a little as if they had been pulled down.
Once there he has no compunctions about getting the ifrit to heat the water for him until its just right for coffee.
Blaze doesn't even blink and just takes the kettle in both hands, slowly warming it. However, there were places to go and people to tease, so cheating was in order.
All he needed was some way to increase his body temperature a bit. Usually embarassing thoughts did the trick but there was also that one time of River in her swimwear on the beach and-
He looks down as the water was boiled in a matter of seconds.
"So, now that they're sort of a thing *again*, are you up for that old game we used to do? You know, betting on the awkwardness we're going to walk in on, from a scale of one to 'ancient wyrm disaster'? I kinda miss that. Care to place a bet?"
Smiling wistfully, perhaps slightly theatrically, he reaches up the shelf for a heart-shaped baking form. "Though we could also add to things by 'accidentally' making heart-shaped sunny-side ups. If you're feeling evil enough today."
He nods towards her, mischief abound on his features.
"Plan!" River replies with a grin. "As for the disaster... I'm going for a six. I'm feeling hopeful today! And evil." He adds as he sets to work on mixing the coffee just right.
When they walk back in River sees Crystal, looks for his sister and then does a double take as he takes in her relaxed expression and the tablecloths odd positioning...
"Does Gale not want breakfast?" He asks confused, before realising that this presents a wonderful opportunity. "Or is she eating already?"
"All right, guess I'll go with the ancient wyrm disaster! Never underestimate Crystal, I'd say."
He continues to make some of the heart shaped eggs, toast and a few sandwiches before returning with River.
After taking one look at the situation, he simply turns to River. "So, about that bet..."
Crystal continues her dramatic performance, pretending to not notice the boys' entrance. "Oh..Gale, you're a wonder!" She adds breathily for extra effect.
A wind brings Gale’s whispers to the boys’ ears. ”You like it there? Or... here?”
"Really?" River mouths at Blaze. He seems caught between amusement and shock.
"Yeah. And here I was pretending not to notice when I took a shower yesterday..."
He facepalms. "So do you think we could look any less professional to the boss right now?"
While breakfast (and its related shenanigans) are going on, Larur starts approaching the bar with one of the dwarven workmen in tow. The workman is dressed in modest working clothes and carrying a ledger in one hand.
Larur's eyebrow arches in the same way Blaze has seen it arch when he's caught sight of someone trying to pull a fast one at the Ghoulette table. The workman, on the other hand, notices Crystal's... gasps of pleasure with wide eyes and a bewildered scratch of his head.
Larur lets everyone know of his presence with a polite *ahem*.
Blaze quickly steps forward. "Okay Lar, listen, I know this looks pretty bad. But you see... Crystal has a this exotic skin disease and Gale is just applying some ointment to it. It's like really, REALLY ichy. And disfiguring, the kind of stuff no mortal should ever see. The guy deserves a medal, all right. let's just let him work in peace?"
He glances down at the food. "Actually, you hungry Lar? We have some great..."
Heart-shaped eggs
"...Sandwiches I'm sure you'd like!"
"Of course she does." Larur glances underneath the table, then over to where Gale is hiding. "Though, if I may offer some honest critique, her technique would be a lot more efficient if she actually used her hands."
At the mention of breakfast, Larur politely waves Blaze off. "No need. Already had some before you woke up."
The ruse uncovered, Gale emerges from hiding, giggling hysterically. ”Hee hee! We got you boys! Pretty good, huh?”
River just sighs. "Eat your eggs." He says, pushing heart-shaped food at both of them. "Nearly a hundred and one and she still acts like a child." He says pointedly to Blaze, although both Gale and Crystal can tell there's no heat in his tone.
”I know you are, but what am I?” asks Gale, sticking out her tongue.
"Not making yourself useful, for one." Blaze answers Gale, rolling his eyes with the weight of a full century of putting up with this. "And not half the man your sister is."
He briefly grins at River and sits down. "Still, touche. The two of you did get us. Now let's eat and see if we can help out around here, hm? Don't want the boss thinking all we think about is sex."
”Oh? You mean you think about other things?” Gale jibes Blaze. It’s clear the sylph is in a playful mood today!
River sighs again, when Gale is like this she's like the playful breeze that keeps stealing your hat. You just have to do what you were going to do anyway and try to smile along the way.
Crystal snorts as Gale reveals herself. "Now that was worth every second!" Seemingly her spirits have been lifted somewhat by the distraction as she is no longer nursing her head and has a grin plastered across her face.
"Thanks for the breakfast guys." Crystal offers, picking at her food and gulping down the coffee eagerly.
"So what's up today then?"
Blaze doesn't deign Gale's quip worthy of a verbal response and sighs in tandem with River.
After eating, he nods at Crystal's inquiry. "Good question."
He leans back to see if he can spot Larur somewhere. "Hey Lar!" he calls out. "Anything around the place we can help with? Do the craftmen think we can open tonight, or are we free for today?"
"Right. To business." Larur waves off the workman.
"I'm quite happy to say that the repairs to the Goblin's washrooms and roof are going apace. Cost us the entirety of the tournament's prize money, but at least we won't miss an evening of work today." Larur's tone turns business-like. "Your first shifts will be starting when the sun goes down, so if you have any business you need to take care of before then, it'd be a good idea to do so."
"Also, with how last night ended, I'm damned certain we're going to have an influx of angry customers looking for their money back. I'll need you all to stay vigilant--if someone looks like they're about to start something stupid, don't play hero. Get a bouncer." The dwarf smooths out a wrinkle on his tailored green jacket.
"One more thing--Saul's always looking for new ways to drum up business for the Goblin. If you can think of any, he'll be more than happy to hear them."
"Just a thought Boss." River says. "Who's the bartender here? I don't think I remember them from last night and a good tender can really make a show - get people buying more drinks just to see what happens."
He proves his point by stealing a half empty cup of coffee and tossing it up into the air. He snags the cup and then, with a flourish collects the twirling streamer of coffee that falls behind it in lazy spirals.
"See? Imagine what I could do with cocktails! Let me set a little bar up on the street and hand out a few free drinks this afternoon I'd wager we can drum up some custom. Feel up to doing special effects Blaze?" He adds.
Larur chuckles as he watches River's coffee-bending trick.
"The barkeep's a scrawny boy--name's Tamar. Bit of a lazy one, but he's never failed to report in for a shift." The dwarf replies. "Got him dirt cheap after his old crew left him behind for the Devil's Elbow."
"Mind if I have a chat with him?" River replies. "See if we can work something out?"
Blaze chuckles at the trick. "Not bad. Could always have you serve flashy drinks if you get tired of manning the gambling tables."
At the mention of business opportunities, he sits back and thinks. "What about sponsoring that Sarenrite church the Pauper was in? Think the only reason they allowed the pauper in was because the Father had no choice. At the very least, it's good PR, might draw in a few clients, and we could hang a sign somewhere that says a portion of the profits go to good causes. Might make people spend more?"
He looks back at the bar where Tamar works. "Don't think he'll be seeing that crew of his again soon. That island has some pretty vicious monsters. Though somehow, people keep going there, convinced there's lots of treasure... 'suppose rumors can kill if they're enticing enough."
Larur shrugs. "If he's awake, certainly. His home's at the mouth of Dawn Alley, a couple of streets down."
"What about sponsoring that Sarenrite church the Pauper was in? Think the only reason they allowed the pauper in was because the Father had no choice. At the very least, it's good PR, might draw in a few clients, and we could hang a sign somewhere that says a portion of the profits go to good causes. Might make people spend more?"
The dwarf runs a hand through his beard. "Hmm... most folk who come here are trying to escape their problems. That being said, if they're certain their gold's going towards a good cause, I can see them being inclined to spend more."
He nods in agreement. "Sounds like a good idea. And perhaps we can hire a few of the unfortunates there, too."
"You'll have to run that by Saul, though." Larur adds, his face turning a bit somber. "He's a stingy one, he is... had to fight him tooth and nail just to hire proper contractors to fix the Goblin."
"Sure. I could do that."
After a couple of knocks on Saul's office door, the man emerges while puffing away on a cigar. "Yeah?"
"So you see, Lar just tasked us with finding good business opportunities for the hall and I was thinking..."
Saul listens to your idea, taking a drag on his cigar when you mention the possible public relations opportunities for the Goblin. Perhaps out of courtesy, he blows his smoke away from you.
"Some would argue that that old eyesore should've been torn down a long time ago, y'know." He wrinkles his nose. "But I suppose it can't hurt..."
He gives an ambivalent shrug. "If nothing else, it'll send a message that I'm sincere."
"Glad you agree, boss. Will you contact the Father yourself or should we do it? I think River mentioned the operating costs for the church are around five gold per week."
"Maybe you should speak with him." Saul waves Blaze off. "He's bound to be more familiar with you than me."
Blaze nods and rejoins his friends. "Right. So the boss agreed to sponsor the church. He's leaving it to us to work out the details. And it seems River has a plan for Tamar as well."
He leans back in his chair and regards the railing of the hall above. "If what the boss suspects is true, there could be another fight tonight. Probably a good idea to go shopping and make sure we're ready in case we're dragged in anyway."
"I need to stay here and investigate the bar and what survived." River says, "Still." He disappears upstairs and returns with a bag of coins. "For you all, birthday girl get yourself something nice and let me pay if Blaze and Gale need something too, ok?"
He gives Crystal a hug to go with the bag of coins. "You crazy kids have fun! I'll have a new drink for you all to try when you get back."
"That I can absolutely do my friend!" She replies enthusiastically reciprocating the hug with a strong squeeze. Come on Gale, let's go spend your brother's hard-earned money."
Heading to the market square, Crystal relishes the chance to do something normal - spending money frivolously. "Ear-rings, Gale. I think I need a new pair. What about you? Can I tempt you with a new bracelet? On your brother of course!"
Taking Gale's hand, she drags her to the closest stall selling cheap costume jewellery and women's accessories. "This, or maybe this. What about these ones?" She says, pointing from one pair of ear-rings to another. Eventually, she settles on a pair of mismatched geometric stud earings. "I think this would suit you too, it'll really complement your skin-tone." She says, picking up a fine silver-coloured chain with a lightning bolt charm and passing the seller the few gold that the fake-jewellery is worth.
"Maybe if your brother keeps up his luck, we might get something real some-time.
Blaze, who'd been an awkward third wheel during this shopping trip, frowns at Crystal's last remark and throws a worried look at Gale. "...Is that right? ...Well, seeing as you both seem to have fun, I'll go and sell the pauper's stuff for things that'll be more useful to us in a fight. If either of you is against buying that armor wand or one with lots of healing magic, now would be a good time to speak."
Not really expecting a response when Crystal was busy picking expensive jewelry with River's gift, he still lingers at the side for a while just in case, then heads for the closest Ye Olde Magic Shoppe he knew.
Gale grins at Crystal's enthusiasm, letting the monk drag her around the market to the various stalls. "Oh yes, those look nice... Those do, too... I don't know, I can't decide... Do you really think it looks nice?"
The sylph dons the necklace Crystal picks out, touching the lightning bolt charm. "It's perfect. Thank you!"
'Guess I'll sell the lot, buy these two wands and keep this other one for myself. Shocking people might be useful in a pinch."
After doing his purchases, Blaze leaves the store and heads towards the church to discuss the sponsorship deal, then he returns to the bar to see if he could help River.
The day passes by in a blur of activity, with shopping, negotiations and preparations for another night at the Goblin come to fruition.
Father Padrik is confused at first by Blaze's overtures of sponsorship, but when the conversation gets underway it doesn't take much convincing for him to see the wisdom in accepting. Eventually, an agreement is reached: ten percent of the Goblin's profits will be donated to St. Casperian's Salvation for as long as the deal holds.
River's investigation of the bar reveals that its stores of alcohol have survived the accidental arson attempt--most of it is a cheap local beer called 'keel rot', but some higher-quality liqueurs are available to discerning customers. Tamar comes in not long after River finishes investigating--he's a young-looking man with shoulder-length hair and a full beard whose plain-looking clothes are wrinkled from many nights of being slept in. If he has any objections to River's ideas for bartending and bringing in more customers, he doesn't make them known.
----------------------
At last, night falls, and the Gold Goblin opens its doors once more. The air buzzes with murmurs of wagers, cheers of triumph, jeers of failure and the ever-present *clinking* of gold and chips exchanging hands. For today, it appears the disaster of yesterday has been forgotten...
"OI! SAUL, GET YOUR CHEAP ARSE OUT HERE!"
...at least, by most people.
Barging through the front doors of the Goblin are four men, each dressed in shabby clothes and swaying about like ships with two sheets to the wind. Their apparent leader, a bald-shaven man with large mutton-chops and a walrus moustache, strides forward and yells into the crowded gambling hall.
The casino floor goes quiet.
"YOU OWE US OUR MONEY BACK! YOU THINK THAT WE'RE JUST GOING TO BEND OVER AND LET YOU CHEAT US OF OUR MONEY?!"
River puts down the drink he's mixing and flows out from behind the bar to join Crystal as she confronts the drunks.