Bobbin Snakes [Bob Barton/Pig's Foot]

[Jahssasyuri]

TIME STAMP - 35th of Fall 512 A full moon gleaned beautifully, light peering through the cloud covers. Wasn't much walking around being done, the simple chatter of neighbors in their home or the laughter in the pub was the main action tonight. Sitting down in the corner farthest from the door, close to the bar and stools, was Yuri as she laid back in her chair. Its wooden frame against the wall, her feet on the table where a mug of beer laid untouched. Her view was unhindered except for the occasional man standing up to illustrate a tale or a woman catering to a customer. Tonight, the tavern was packed. Yuri was one to frequent rumor mills, gossip circles and the intermittent notices of "Smiling Jack" had given her an idea of why it was so full. The festival coming up soon, others were coordinating plans to make it memorable for themselves and others. Some plans were of good-natures, some were of the not-so-good nature, but it was going to be good nonetheless with what Yuri had been hearing. The recent killings weren't anything to scoff at, Jack was one hell of a murderer, professional grade from what the stories were saying. "Meeting him without dying wouldn't be bad," she thought to herself, looking onward to the room as she kept a watchful on the activity. But, 'course, herself was suspicious and probably would attract unwanted attention. She wasn't on any sort of official business, so the thought didn't bother anymore as a fly would a tree.

[Bob Barton]

The Pig's Foot. It was one of the few places that a person can consider themselves relatively safe here in Sunberth. Now even more so as Bob found out. For some reason, people have been crowding around. Sticking together in the streets and tavern as if they needed the numbers. it was not like the usual gang mentality, it was more like it was mutual protection. Like they were afraid of something and here Bob was alone, on his own like some very vulnerable target that will stand out to it. Yes he could have brought some people with him to make sure that he was more safe like everyone else but he wanted some time alone. If anything else, knights as companions may be even more dangerous in Sunberth. No Bob has spent two seasons in Sunberth in the past, relying on his own wits and abilities to survive. If he needed to rely on other people, it would mean that he was slipping.

And slipping would not be allowed. One mistake was the difference between life and death in Sunberth but Bob probably was already in one when he asked for "the tastiest and the cheapest." He forgot that this was no longer Alvadas that had tasty yet cheap drinks for even the children. This was Sunberth where the poor people needed something to escape their horrible lives. Obviously he was going to get something like theirs, tasty as it was for Bob to ask for "another" still oblivious about what he was putting into himself. Why would he care about the drinks when there was other things that were more interesting. People were always talking and with the amount of them in the Pig's Foot now there will be plenty to overhear, as long as they were not already going over each others. Bob tried to filter through the noises so he can hear the voices of those closest to him but among it all he heard one thing in common...

Smiling Jack.

It was a name new to Bob but the way he was talked about, the fear the tough patrons of the tavern had in their voice when he was discussed. He knew that this was the type of person he did not want to meet or maybe he should...then kill him and get the respect that he deserves. The alcohol was acting up even while Bob did not realize it yet thinking that he just needed an outlet for his frustrations from the last season. So what if Smiling Jack killed a few people and others in the slums? They could all be weak slum dwellers as far as Bob knew when he pieced what he heard together. "Pfft" he snorted hearing the grave retelling by one of the men who had the chance to find a body. Smiling Jack sounded more like some showboater than an actual killer. Bob was probably right. The man was nothing to worry about if all he was going to do is pick people from the slums.

[Jahssasyuri]

oocMeeting would be preferred ? Unless you can find a way in the middle of the brawl for them to actually care enough to stop each other from getting banged on. But, whichever one is the more interesting scenario The life of a mercenary was precarious, thoughts roaming in her mind as she grabbed the mug. "Might as well not waste it, 'tis not a time of the year to refuse cold drink especially in these hard times," said Yuri to herself, seductive lips touching the brim of the cup as she raised it to let the liquid ride down her throat. The blunt noise was sharp, mug hitting the table, being drowned out by the rowdy patrons having a good time. The biggest problem was going to be who could hold their drink. Not an uncommon scene at bars, a young lad trying their hand at a few too many and going around doing stupid things under the influence. Does the stupid thing to the wrong person, bodies in the street or a serious brawl is the possibilities of results. Whether the fortune was considered good or not, it was a group of rough-looking thieves getting a bit too loud. It was all in good jest up to that point, the hyena-like laughter being similar to a mosquito in your ear. They were wearing similar colors ; forest green bandanas with a beige leather jacket and black undershirt. A ragged group of wanna-be mercenaries was Yuri's first thought. Never have once seen them around, no name had been connected to them as far as she knew. If they thought they could just rise to power in Sunberth by making noise in a tavern, it was fool-hardy. Either Yuri would get a contract to take the leader out or the goons of existing gangs roaming around would take care of them. The life of an underworld agent. Another sip of the beer, hands folded with elbows on the table. She didn't make any attempt to stop the tomfoolery, with her stoic expression staying firm. Underneath was a deep desire to slit their throats to bring herself inner calm. Twitching of the tongue as it flickered quickly like a snake and popping right back in, her slitted eyes focused on them. She was analyzing for scars, previous injuries was the objective. Tonight, someone was going to die. By her hands or Smiling Jack's, didn't matter to her. The feeling wasn't easy to escape.

[Bob Barton]

Apparently the men did not like Bob's remark. It was Smiling Jack they were talking about! Who in their right mind would not be afraid of him? They were right to be afraid. The infamous murderer remained unknown but his work has either been seen and talked about ever since. Then there was this outsider coming in, having his nice drinks and thinking...a little. Thinking was a borderline crime in Sunberth but it was one of the best crimes for Bob. As soon as he was told that he should be afraid of Smiling Jack and the rest of Sunberth or the Green-whatevers will show him why, he got to thinking. These idiots reminded him a lot of those yellow canaries the last time and he ended up having to fight them. Without a doubt the same would happen here only he did not have his friends along this time but...they were only pulling him back as the intoxicated man would think. What he could do now as he always would is run away as soon as things started instead of staying to fight, enjoying the chaos he caused afar.

Which only leaves things to be started since it was inevitable and in his experience most brawls were won or lost in the first blow. Bob looked at the leader of the green heads who was still trying to intimidate him in words that he could not care to understand before looking around him for the route of his inevitable escape. A lot of people around who could block him off, or join in but either would work to his advantage since it will also apply to the gang. It was the alcohol talking when he said "yeah Smiling Jack would but first, lets play a little game" and finished off the rest of his drink before he started. The game was called "catch me if you can." Mentioning it, Bob sent his hand with the tankard right on the leader's face and hopefully nose. While it would not be satisfying with the lack of an audible sound, the yell of pain and the profanities that followed made Bob happy before he ran like a rabbit hearing a falling tree in the woods. Not cute and white but still small, hopefully fast enough to escape.

Bob was weaving in through gaps among the other people as he saw them that caused him to go off course and add more time. He had planned this poorly because these green people were kind of good but still, they were not him. Every so often looking back there would one right behind him ready to attack but he would dodge it by running behind or to the side of a bystander adding yet another person into the brawl after they took the hit meant for him. It was not easy having to take so many variables into account when he could barely keep track of them being like a blur when he sprinted through. In the one moment he was distracted between choosing the gap under the legs of the big man and the gap at the side of the bigger man, he was down. Not by any of the greens sadly enough, but because he tripped. Bob was no rabbit because those animals fit only for food would have even more sense to run properly or avoid the confrontation all together.

Now where is that door...

[Jahssasyuri]

A little man with a big heart was an admirable sight in Sunberth. Either was a fool or one hell of a fighter once a sly comment came out of his mouth. A smirk appeared, delighted to see such a soul. He looked scruffy, but not a stranger to peril. Underestimating him because of height was a grave mistake of many. Where he lacked in size and strength, ingenuity, cunning and agility was most likely his forte. But he seemed to be drunk, slight slur of a word in his first sentence that might of been noticed. It was going to be a pain if Yuri was caught in the middle of this, but with her "field of work" and luck, she barely had any to use anyway. Now it was a game of cat and mouse. The man scurried furiously around the tavern, not stopping for a breath. The group of men were sloppy in the beginning of the encounter, falling over themselves or the feet of other guests. Even on an occasion, the brutes would hit each other by accident instead of Barton. Smiling now, it was almost a comedian act, the first few seconds of seeing them run around like a chicken with its head cut off. She had never caught herself smiling in the majority of her lifetime, almost a mental slap as she returned to a stern look and only a raised eyebrow remained of the fun-loving expression. Arm arching over her back, the end of the arrow shaft was held in her hand while the bow in another. Stringing the projectile with the quickest draw possible, she kept her aim steady, facing straight ahead. Barton had fell about 15ft away from her table, now one of the goons standing above him for a moment with a dagger in hand. Yuri just let him walk into her sights, letting the arrow loose. The twang was heard by mostly everyone in the building, except for the arrow just cutting through the leather and lodging very deep into the man's body. It almost popped out from the other side, or you would think with the amount of arrow inside of him. A smirk and a glance at Barton accompanied by a nod was all that was said.

[Bob Barton]

In his intoxicated state, Bob missed the sound of the arrow being fired. However he would not be able to miss the yell of pain that followed since it was a lot louder than the excited exclamation "Aha!" he made especially when it pierced his ears like that. Bob looked at the source wondering what was going on with a stupidly dumbfounded look in his face to show the rest of the other people that had theirs in a mixture of shock and fear. At first he misunderstood, thinking that somehow the one they were afraid of was him until he realized that they were not looking at him. They were looking behind him and when he did the same...he was still looking.

She gave him a smirk and a nod but Bob knew he never met someone like her while he was in Sunberth. He was not so drunk to forget a woman looking like that especially when she seemed to be someone who can hold her own in Sunberth or, she would not have dared to fire. Merv was here and he would stop things before it became a little bit too exciting which was why his place was one of the safer places in Sunberth. That and he did not like weapons but since it was one of the gangsters that drew his knife first the woman probably saved the trouble for him but how long will the surprise last? Bob peeked to the side where the door was now that he has stopped knowing that he has already lost his advantage and that if he left now he would be grabbed and stabbed. The only way he would get out of this now is if he could find some other way to stop the gang of greens from getting to him now.

So he stood up trying his best to do nothing to show that he knew he was walking on shaky ground, even more when he was smiling as he headed to his new protector that looked too good for a place like Sunberth. He gave a "hi!" as he pulled out a seat for himself mentioning "I'm wondering what someone like you would want with me" since he knew the way things worked in Sunberth. Honestly Bob had no clue himself since the only thing she would know about him is that he was trouble after what he did today unless she really did know him before but...that is not possible is it? All he knew was that he needed to stay with her at her table until the time was right for him to leave but why did she help him? Was it for fun or his drunken capabilities he displayed? Bob not really looking forward to the usual jobs Sunberth provided decided on the next possibility, that she was amused because of that smirk she gave him.

And amusement was something that Bob could give in return for protection. Practically his whole being was based on humor, when it was not serious like the remark that "I was told not to follow attractive womens anywhere till the third date" as he relaxed himself on the chair ignoring the angry glances why the gang that was nursing their man's wound at the other side of the tavern. "if we think of this as our first" as bad as it turned out "maybe we should skip to the second, without the unpleasant company?" giving a look at the gang to hint what he actually wanted. To get out of course. After all that it would be a shame to not walk out without the company of the woman, that has proven to be capable enough to keep the wannabe gang at bay even if a slightly drunk Bob would not be a comparable return for someone like her.

He was watching her attentively for her response, his smile being insufficient to mask his concerns to her if she was paying enough attention when he made a look at the gang and the door. Other than that it would look just like what it was at a glance. A drunken dwarf making some passes at the woman who got his attention at the tavern.

[Jahssasyuri]

A gory scene was unfolding, a trail of blood following the panicked grunt. Tears flowing with a quickened jog right out the door, this must of been the youngest of the group. Him wailing in pain, shouting curses and calls for help went unanswered, his comrades running after him with not faces of concern but greed. If he were to die from the arrow, easy pickings off of his corpse and somehow find someone to sell the body too for profit. Everything was for profit and only a common goal would keep an alliance together for lengthened amount of time. Wasn't any different for Yuri, dagger-like stare directed to the short, stout man. He had made himself comfortable by pulling out a chair, apparently confused on the Dhani's motives. Before she could speak, a mug broke against the counter top. The focus now being on a deceptively frail old man, intimidating look. Tapping fingers on the wood was a gesture that meant he was thinking, analyzing the situation. Looking directly at Yuri, he spoke, "I prefer not to have blood in the place. But everything is on the house for tonight due to your help," as the tavern roared and cheered. Quickly, the volume of the establishment had risen about twice as much as before, signalling a renewing of the festivities. Then, Merv's gaze lowered to Barton's eyes, a type of look that meant to make sure he wouldn't cause anymore trouble. Shifting her attention, a slight nod once more was sent to the dwarf. "Please," she started as her hand formed around the handle. Lifting it up and seeing the dwarf's eyes with the corner of hers right before she pulled it up to her throat, "I did not do it for you. I simply had an urge to shut up those hooligans and you provided a beautiful distraction," she finished to state as the beer washed down the thirst she had obtained. Admiring the agility and quick reaction, she kept that sort of thing to herself. Yuri wasn't keen on giving compliments, it tends to make cohorts complacent or believe that they have gained trust. A rare chuckle emitted from the snake's vocal chords, mentally praising his mother's wisdom and sense of humor. Yuri was steadily coming to a realization about the man ; her laughter, smiling and what she thought were forgotten emotions were coming back. She seemed to lighten up a little, find certain things funny again. Things that brought back the curling of her lips, forming a smile last seen by her mother years ago, back when she first learned to turn into her human form. The pride shown by her mother was something beautiful, this man didn't know what he was doing at the moment, but it was a crowning moment. "She seemed to be full of wisdom, but you mustn't think like her apparently, causing all that unnecessary scenario," raising an eyebrow as she said the words, turning to her mug once more for a slight sip as she didn't mind the company for now.

[Bob Barton]

It must have been a very exciting time for Bob because he could not understand what the woman was saying. For starters people do not really go causing trouble in Sunberth for no reason unless they knew they can survive any retributions or, they really needed to like Bob. Bob Barton was a believer of the chaos theory, that wherever he went trouble would follow which was why he might as well start it since he would have to suffer through it. But her, she just wanted to put down an annoyance. That was a privilege reserved to the strong in Sunberth. Bob could tell that she was quite the dangerous character despite all her friendly smiling. Even her compliment, if it could be called that was directed more to his actions as the distraction and not Bob himself. Pretty much as he thought, she would make good protection for him at the moment.

And he was going to need all the protection he can. She would be right in thinking about it was all for a common goal because that was all it was for Bob who pretty much forgot all about his usual interests. Merv may allow a good brawl in the Pig's Foot but once the weapons come out he is never happy. Here Bob made two weapons come out but fortunately everything ended in an arrow and without damage to the tavern. Anymore and probably a look from the old man would be the least of Bob's worries but as it was he was more worried about the way she was acting. At least she was in the mood for conversation and allowed him to stay for the moment at least. He took another peek to the side finding that there were less of the gang with the green bandanas. It was good for him then. He would only need to talk to her a little longer and if she was not interested, he would just excuse himself before her bow turns on him.

However he needed to know what the topic at hand was. The first was about the green people he knew and at least "we seem to work well together though?" implying that she might have wanted him to do something. Bob was also not one to shy away from giving compliments to people who deserved and to women so saying "your shot couldn't have come at a better time" should not be unexpected. "Although sometimes I wish I was the one saving the beautiful woman instead of the other way around..." Bob was only testing his companion now. Whether she was some sort of anti heroic figure that suited Sunberth and whether Bob in hinting at not being capable in some things would make her turn him away. It should be important to know, probably since it did not look like she was interested in anything with that cold demeanor of hers. Nothing other than her drink.

Or whoever it was she was talking about. "Her...?" Bob asked not being able to understand. Who could she mean? Did Bob mention about anyone that told him about the advice he mentioned, probably just another story he made up? At least the woman is smiling so that might be good. Deciding not to be specific with anything he said "she might be but wisdom is only useful when exercised. Would you say that was unnecessary?" it was simple when he thought about it if someone would actually believe that Bob was thinking in that moment. "They were looking for trouble and decided on me. Might as well get to it when I still have the advantage." Now that she knew what got him to do it, he gave a grin asking "what about your shot?" An urge was a good starting point but was it necessary enough to actually do in a crowded tavern? Maybe Bob already knew the answer when he asked with a chuckle if "it was to make sure that we get a chance for our second date right?" but "seriously, I'm grateful for your intervention. Not many people would do that in Sunberth for nothing" hinting again that he was wondering if she expected the usual Sunberth tradeoff.

[Jahssasyuri]

She paid no more attention to her drink as she used the back of her hand to push it away from their side of the table. The beer had gone back to room temperature due to Yuri's neglect to drink it within reasonable time. Her lack of haste ruined a good beverage, but it had ran through its purpose for the time being of a relaxer without dulling her senses. At this point, mild conversation wasn't at all in her interest. Yuri wasn't sure what was her intentions now, other than being a "protector" of sorts. The patrons were conversing, gossiping between themselves. Surely one of them was going to exaggerate a detail or two about this event, but that would just better her reputation. Whether it would cause her trouble or not, she would find out within time. Turning her head to the dwarf again, "If thats what you want to call it. Your a fast little bugger though, I will give you that," she noted, a slight compliment with the initial intention to insult. It wasn't necessarily teamwork, since no work went towards them looking like a team. She couldn't deny that he either was stupid, courageous with no plan but good at improvising on the go, spontaneous thought. Supporting role if you will, surely combat not being his forte. She'd explore the possibilities, and somehow survive through the ocean of useless banter. She just listened to his futile suggestions of a romantic night, interest ebbing slowly. Heavy sigh, smell of beer permeating around her nose, "Quite unnecessary. With your height and speed, taking their weapons and stabbing them with it would of been more effective, given the circumstances. But answer your question for why I shot, its because I had no other means of inflicting damage while still holding onto the element of surprise," she said, calm demeanor throughout the dialogue. Hands now folded with her elbows on the table, chin resting on the back her hands. She took seldom glances at the dwarf as she spoke, now head turned towards the door and observing her surroundings more. The people who did stay had slowed down their drinking, mugs half-full as people began conversing more with less energetic movement. It was evident that the night was getting longer, as more tables were empty whilst the bartender took time to sit down to read some notices or catch up on a wood carving or two. "Other than that, I only have a bow and arrows on my being for personal reasons. Besides that, I like making a scene as to bring notoriety to my name and letting people know who to come to or who to stay away from. So no need for me saving you, its an illusion of heroism if you will," she began to ramble on herself. Hoping it would put him off or something. She didn't like talking this much either, but she would have to play her role and gain atleast some type of information out of this. The man seemed to be enthralled with her, so Yuri would have to take advantage. " 'Tis is who do I owe the pleasure of this conversation ? I am Jahs."

[Bob Barton]

It was quite obvious that the woman, or his protector was all work and no play. She was being very objective in her conversation with him unlike the other patrons of the Pig's Foot around them. Although Bob should be paying more attention to his benefactor he somehow found the time to try and overhear what the people had to say. Already they were talking about what had happened when Bob overheard the key words like the derogatory references of him, arrows and the praise for the woman. Giving a mental sigh and looking at the woman who was going to gain a lot from the exaggerations, even more than Smiling Jack, Bob felt himself quite fortunate that he was only going to be in Sunberth for a short while. He was not interested in being put out as the perfect victim, the one that had to be protected by a woman even if that was what he was using right now.

Better if he put his efforts on her instead since it was already proven she was more likely to help him than the rest of the people unless they happened to be pulled into the brawl like he tried to earlier, if they were not going to hold what Bob did against him. In Sunberth there were those who loved to fight like her and then there was Bob who realized that "running is an important skill in Sunberth to survive don't you agree?" He no longer bothered to be move jovial or happy unless he really felt like it, not when she did not appreciate it. A right mentality when he realized "but you don't really need to run do you?" especially with that overly elaborate plan that she proposed Bob try to do. Maybe if impressing her was in his mind when he set out to start the brawl, he might have tried doing it but it was too late for it now...or was it?

Perhaps he had a less threatening chance now, seeing her actions that seemed to imply interest in his response to her. Bob got off the table she put herself on opting to lean on the chair so that she can properly see him when he explained why even if "I could do that, turning their own weapons against them" it will still be a bad idea. "They just wanted to cause trouble" maybe as a poor method to get their name out. As the woman had implied, one method to make a name is to show your strength on those you know are weaker but what if "it'll backfire. Me escaping by making fools of them would only hurt their pride. They'll try to avoid a repeat" until they inevitably forget about it in a season but still "its better than me hurting one of them. That'll damage their reputation, force them to put all their efforts in hunting down the dwarf to fix it." Bob had enough to add looking over his shoulder for green bandana'd wannabes.

Speaking of hunting, Bob leaned forward to get the woman's attention for the warning he gave in a low voice to "watch yourself because they might not like what you did either." She proved she was good with a bow, and if she had a sneak attack but what happened if she got what she wanted and people came to her because of it, only for the reasons she did not intend for? Thinking that, why did Bob even want her as a protector? It was not like she wanted to be a hero though "I understand if you don't want to be known as a hero in Sunberth" illusion or not and Bob, he knew illusions and how annoying they can be. Not that he will tell her anymore than he needed to since he still did not know anything other than her name, "the pleasure is all mine Jahs. You can call me Bob" and that was all there was until he took her less cold introduction as a sign and started smiling a little.