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Many times!
Barton's job here is to step in IF things go south. Making a move now will only aggravate the situation. He waits to see when he's needed, staying out of sight for the time being...
Barton quietly brushes Bry aside and quietly trails Seyth trailing the two conspirators, ready to save the day (if needed)
I...I like it. It’s tasty, I feel good!
I'm waiting to see if anyone else speaks Turtle...
If none of us speak turtle, we may need outside help. I can go get Rolly.
Barton tilted his head, perplexed. A reptile? Where is he? We should meet with him at once.
Barton joined the conversation in progress, missing the first part but understanding the "gist." He clapped his hand on Frie's shoulder. I once knew a mouse who experienced addiction. Terrible, terrible thing. He tried to quit cold turkey, but lost his nerve and started using just a little. To take the edge off, you know? And then a little more, and a little more. Because the edge got wider and wider. Soon he was back to using again. There are no half measures to recovery. He locked eyes with Frie But you're a strong mouse, I can tell. You can beat this.
Is this the same captain Julian who sold the blanket?
Barton scrawled down the information on the blanket.
Its lovely, thank you. I’ll treasure this sketch. Then I hurry back to the group.
Initially disappointed, Barton recognized some opportunity here. Thank you for the information. It's a shame that the Mayfair isn't coming in, I don't think we'll still be in port when they return. Casually, as if he hadn't been planning this at all, he leaned down to the little boy. Your form is strong, to be sure. You're quite the mighty pirate. But...you're dropping your blade a little too much. Leaving yourself open to a strike from above. May I? Unless the little boy shies away, Barton gently lifts his elbow a bit to bring the imaginary blade higher. He looked to the parents, reassuringly. Trust me, I'm sure you don't want to encourage him to take up a blade. Nor do I...but boys will be boys after all. And you'd want him to be safe. He found a sticks of appropriate size and handed it to the boy (unless there were stringent objections). He stood in front of him, like his father had done so when Barton was young, and drew his own sword. [b]Sword fighting is a dance. It's not about strength or force or will. It's about movement. The best way to win a sword fight is to not start one. The second best way is to never be where your opponent's blade is. Follow my movements. He takes the boy through several very rudimentary poses, more designed to spare the boy (and his family, friends, animals bystanders, antiques, etc.) injury as he whipped sticks around in an attempt to "play pirate." He'd never taught anyone before, but he'd learned before and that was close enough for his purposes.
You know...since I likely won't be here when Captain Julian returns and you almost certainly will be...do you think I might be able to buy the blanket off of you?
Barton would probably do better to wait and let them finish, but his impatience puts them all off of the idea of letting him see at all.
Barton sheepishly approaches the picnickers. Dreadful sorry to interrupt, but your blanket is lovely. May I see the pattern better?
I may be able to sway Sally, but we appreciate the advice. Barton gathered his things and made his way to The Crossings, presuming that everyone else is following. He was still feeling sore about fouling things with The Mark of Hubris and was hoping (perhaps too hard) that he could set things right at the next boat. This is almost always when things go disastrously wrong for Barton.
Barton gives the sleeping mouse a gentle nudge. "Excuse me, Frie sir. Sorry to disturb you..."
Barton nods along. "I think you're right, sir!
Barton nodded enthusiastically. Seyth, this is my good friend Rolly. We grew up together in Sprucetuck. He helped me out with that...unpleasantness with Trubba. He's a good mouse, and honest. He's a credit to the guard.
Rolly, no. I didn't mean you. I mean Daye, the bandit queen. He trained her and she went rogue. That weighs on him.
He's not. He just cares about the guard enough to only promote the best. He knows all too well what happens if you promote the wrong people.
Barton tried (and failed) to look humble and casual. Yeah, it's probably me they're talking about. I saved the greyfur from certain death by leaping onto the ol' bird. No big deal. I also captured a bandit queen!
Barton nods a bit. Yeah, that's Bry alright. He's everything they say he is...good and bad.
Barton rushes over to Rolly. My goodness Rolly! What a glorious cloak, congratulations. What brings you out here?
Barton tapped the big mouse on the arm. You're a good mouse. Thank you for your help. He heads ashore with Seyth. Not quite what I hoped, but at least we have some leads. Maybe we'll try a little of your diplomacy at the next stop?
Barton panted and wheezed. Good shot, old man, but you won’t be rid of us that easily. I promised that we’d settle our debate by blade and having lost (barely at that), we’ll leave your ship and seek more reasonable ears. If you insist on enforcing your purposefully deceptive interpretation of the agreement and make us leave the city, we will...we’re mice of honor, after all...but you left several loopholes that I can take advantage of, loopholes that will hurt you far more than leaving us in Sumac. It’s certainly up to you.
Barton slashes and weaves, counting on being faster and lighter than the wizzened sailor.
Barton scratched his chin, as if considering. Yes...yes those terms should do nicely.
Barton was a little surprised...and very pleased. Yes sir! He scampered off to challenge Dughlas to a duel. We could dazzle you with words, but you've set your heart already. Instead, perhaps we could settle our debate in a more...honorable fashion? Rapiers at dawn, to first blood of course. I'd never dream of depriving Port Sumac of one of its most prolific fishermice. I mean...unless you'd prefer an afternoon of lively debate about the tax plan.
Barton approached Seyth timidly. Sir, I have an idea, but I'm not sure if it's that I'm just trying to stay relevant for this mission, or if it really is a good idea...but what if I duel Dughlas? They'll respect the challenge and I know I could beat him. But...maybe this is just a mission I sit out and let you handle it diplomatically?
Barton throws in what meger coin his has.
Barton loves the great outdoors! He’ll save his meager resources and tuck in for the night in a comfortable spot.
When Barton finally made it down, he saw the hurt mouse was still breathing, no thanks to him. He embraced Bry. Thank you he choked out. I didn’t want to hurt anyone... He helped Bry safely move the bandit and rejoined the group. After being sure Seyth was ok, he asked We’ll drop them off with the road crew, right? We have a job to do.
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