Closed Looking for Trouble (Tuvoy Hasslha)

[Caela Dorin]

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21st Sping 514AV

Hunger had brought her out of her quarters, that and the throbbing in her head. The dancer had had a bit too much too drink the previous night, not enough to have gotten her roaring drunk but enough to have an effect the following day. All she wanted was a drink to take the edge off and some food. Her need drew her out of her room and out into the city. It didn't take long for her to discover that the stores were shut so she wasn't picking up food that way. Making her way to the Pig's Foot Tavern, she intended to see to her immediate needs and then deal with her other hunger. She was feeling a little restless today, in need of a change of scenery. Her plan was to go exploring down at the docks, see if there was anything interesting going on down there. She thought that she might even go to the Drunken Fish and catch the stories of some of the patrons.

Merv was happy to accommodate her with some stale bread and cheese along with two fingers of gin. It wasn't a lot but it was enough to satisfy Caela before she headed in the direction of the docks with the promise of a later show for Merv's customers. She wasn't really dressed for the part of dancing anyway. Her clothing was fairly plain, just a white, almost see-through blouse and a nearly knee length skirt. They weren't her best dancing clothes she knew but they were good for seducing. They were clothes that made men gawk and made them bend willingly to what she wanted, normally at least. Good for getting drinks and information, especially where she was going but her style of dress still posed problems but that was nothing new.

The docks turned out to be fairly quiet, something that seemed unusual until she got near to the Drunken Fish. The tavern was packed to overflowing, drunken men spilling out of its doors holding wenches or drinks. It was like every dock worker and sailor was in or around that building. Much to her distaste, there also seemed to be a few street walkers around as well. She always felt pity and disgust in their presence but they also tended to make men think that all nearby women were up for grabs as well. That could be a problem once she got in there.

The young woman pushed her way into the building, squeezing between bodies reeking of sweat and alcohol and made to move towards the bar. A young man stopped her before she could get close enough to order a drink. He was attractive and his smile and stance said that he knew that he was. She sighed softly and raised an eyebrow at him. "Hello, sweetheart. Can I get you a drink?" Caela had tried to go around him but he'd moved smoothly to block her path before posing his question. Her body tensed when he blocked her, a wary look entering her eyes as she tried to decide whether to accept his offer or not. He seemed to take her uncertainty as a sign of encouragement, taking a step closer to her, his smile broadening as if he sensed victory already.

"No thanks," Caela blurted quickly, trying to retreat but he grabbed her arms and tugged her back. The girl wasn't going to stand for it so she struggled against him, hissing profanities as she tried to pull free of his grip. A few people around them seemed to have noticed what was going on but none as yet had decided to intervene. She wasn't sure that she could get herself out of this mess so she was hoping for some help soon.

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[Tuvoy Hasslha]

The night was one of chaos within the Drunken Fish. Sunberth has always found a way to lure the sailors here, be it with alcohol or with women, until the place reeked of fish, men, stank and ale. It was a scent that was not only revolting, but mildly intruiging. It lent some insight into the wear-and-tear of normal human life. Something that Tuvoy rarely had the opportunity of seeing, but he figured he would see a lot more of it now that he had chosen to stake a claim to this ruckus of chaos and strife. A town of Anarchy. Tuvoy had found himself leaning quietly on the bar, a small shot glass filled to the brim with an amber liquor that had a hoppy, smooth scent to it fitted between his fingers, even if it tasted like shyke when he brought it to his lips for a sip. The large, blue man drew little attention to himself despite his striking appearance.

He was lengthy, tall enough to raise a few heads over most women, and a head or a half above most of the men in the tavern. He had midnight blue skin and fierce grey eyes that bordered on silver at times when the darkness shaded them partially black. The bright illumination of the tavern only brought about a strange tinge to his gaze whenever someone locked eyes on him, his expression one of dull boredom and lack of intrigue.

For nearly two hours, Tuvoy had leaned against the bar, catching a few words with the barkeep every now and then when a new person would enter into the tavern. The barkeep himself was a mirrored reflection of Tuvoy, in the vice versa sort of way. Where Tuvoy was lean and fit, the barkeep was portly and loose. Where Tuvoy held a look of disdain and aloofness, the barkeep kept a keen eye on what went on and always had a few rumors to spare. The only thing they had in common was their disinterest in ale. The both of them thought that ale was a bit too... weak. The blend of sweetness and wheaty aroma it had was a brew meant for those of lesser stature. Tuvoy frowned a bit as he spun the cup in a slow circle with his fingers, looking into the liquid Whiskey that sat in the glass.

"You'll get used to the stuff." Father Manowar said with a shrug, wringing his hands out on a dry rag before grabbing a cup to polish clean with the same rag. "Let's hope." was the short answer Manowar got in return, Tuvoy's lips barely parting enough to slip out the words with a low bass rumble. The Akalak's eyes turned upwards to glance at Manowar's beaming face, his outgoing personality like a vacuum to any thoughts of disinterest that Tuvoy had. Manowar definitely had a way of drawing out the good in a person.

Drink and let's leave this place. It reeks. Tuvoy frowned, glancing about as Kein, the other soul which dwelled in the same mortal shell as he did, spoke within their mental bond. Tuvoy shook his head, nearly about to answer when the sight of a newcomer caught his eye, halting his thoughts for a mere moment. The girl didn't have much to look at in her sheer blouse and lengthy skirt, but her eyes, face and the shift in the way she walked drew in his attention in a peculiar way. Do we know her? Kein asked, a mildly displeased tone to his words.

"We don't." Tuvoy replied simply, his eyes alight with a different curiosity as he watched the girl weave her way through the mass of bodies. It was only when the woman was halted by a pretty boy before she got to the bar that he turned his attention away from the girl, as if her mesmerising looks finally lost their glamor to him. "I've a feeling we'll be leaving soon." He sighed, his words laden under his breath so that only Kein would truly be able to hear him.

The slight sounds of the woman's dulled protest drew in Tuvoy's ear, causing him to glance over again as she struggled in the boy's grip. Tuvoy's eyes narrowed a bit as he pushed himself upright from the bar, turning and making his way over to the struggle. He could see Manowar getting ready to intervene as well. Tuvoy reached out and placed a hand on the pretty boy's shoulder, the grip enough to halt the man's movements as he turned to look at who had dared to touch him, the look of indignant pride stretching across his face.

"Get your hands off of me." The boy stated with a glare that could have melted ice, but barely touched the surface of Tuvoy's rocky stare. Tuvoy's grey eyes and dark skin were startling enough that the boy stepped back after he realized what Tuvoy was. Tuvoy glanced over to Caela, giving her a once over now that the kid had let go of her before turning back to glare his dull gaze at the kid, a look that detailed how little Tuvoy cared about the child's well-being. "Run along, before something happens." Tuvoy warned, and the kid took another step back.

Sadly, though, the kid didn't think Tuvoy was as tough as he had come off. He took a step forward and sent out a right hook, catching the Akalak off-guard as the punch connected with his face, sending Tuvoy staggering back into a couple of other people, who kept him on his feet enough for him to recover. Thinking that he had the upper hand, the boy let out another punch, but this one was stopped dead when it struck Tuvoy's palm. "Sloppy." Tuvoy grunted as he straightened, twisting the man's wrist downwards and then behind the kid's back. The boy let out a growl of pain as Tuvoy stepped closer to whisper something in his ear.

Tuvoy then looked over to Manowar, as if asking what he should do with the kid. "Get 'im outta here." Manowar called over, waving the towel over towards the door before he returned to cleaning the glass he held in his hand with the rag. Tuvoy nodded, pushing him through the crowd towards the door, releasing him once he was on the porch.

"Go home, kid." Tuvoy grunted, before turning and shutting the tavern door behind him. Tuvoy paused, reaching a hand up to wipe away a stream of blood that had begun to seep from his nose after the impact. The blood sat upon his skin, a few shades lighter, and more red, than his skin. Tuvoy brought the finger up to his lips and licked away the blood before returning to Caela. "Are you alright?"

[Caela Dorin]

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The fact that she couldn't escape the man's grip infuriated her. It also reminded Caela that she needed to do something about protection so this sort of thing wouldn't happen in future. The only avenue open to her at the moment aside from struggling was trying to place her knee in his crotch but much to her chagrin he blocked her. A few people glanced at the pair with interest but made no move to help, others looked too drunk to do more than stay upright. When her rescue came, it didn't come in the form she expected at all. The dancer had thought that the barkeeper might intervene rather than permit a fight on his premises. There had also been the worry that he might throw them both out and leave Caela in the hands of this jerk.

Instead her saviour was a stranger who towered over everyone when he stood. His skin was dark but it wasn't dark brown or black, it was blue! An Akalak! The young woman had heard stories from the sailors about the race of all male warriors. They were supposed to come in all the colours of the rainbow or something though she'd never believed that such a thing was possible. Maybe it wasn't, they might only come in blue for all she knew but the one she was looking at made her gape. The idiot who'd grabbed her seemed to realise what he was too because he looked afraid. The dancer was glad but the man was truly stupid. He let her go and took a swing at her rescuer. The thump of flesh hitting flesh like that made her wince and when the fist flew again she almost didn't want to look. The formidable Akalak was going to be beaten by a pretty boy.

The Akalak's recovery and block caught her by surprise but it was certainly... impressive. She watched gleefully as he managed to put her attacker into a vulnerable position like the man had put her in. When the idiot was tossed out, it made her day. Her rescuer came back to check on her, a stream of blood oozing from his nose where the other had hit him. It was smeared above his top lip as if he'd tried to wipe it away and it made her stomach a little uneasy. She tried to focus her gaze on his own instead of on the blood.

"I'm fine now. Thanks," she told him, her eyes searching his to try to find the motive for his aid. Her scrutiny became less intense, her gaze lowering slightly so that she seemed less threatening. She watched him through her eyelashes for a few moments before moving to the bar. The young woman might be able to get something out of him but she couldn't be sure. She had no idea how Akalak thought or what interested them so she didn't know if her charm worked on them. Were they even like ordinary men though at all? She didn't know. The girl was hoping to find out.

"What can I get you?" The barkeep's question made her pause. She didn't know what she wanted. Caela definitely needed a drink, maybe something small but strong. Whatever she drank was sure to be rotten and unlike in the Pig's Foot, she wasn't likely to get much of a discount. The dancer didn't want to spend money on rot but she didn't have much choice. The Akalak might pay for her but she sincerely doubted it. "Something strong. I think I need it," she murmured, watching as the man went to fetch a bottle of the gods knew what. It turned out to be an amber liquid whatever it was when it was poured into the smeared glass. The scent of it made her nostrils tingle. The man quoted a price that made her lips press together in a thin line but she fumbled for her purse to inspect its contents. A brief glance in the Akalak's direction before she went searching for the right coin was all she hoped it would take to find out if he was willing to pay for her.

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[Tuvoy Hasslha]

Tuvoy didn't have much of a motive, if he had one at all, to saving Caela. If nothing else, he had an intolerance for men who laid hands on women, especially when it was unwanted. It was a cause for many disputes, most of which ended up in fights or brawls, and Tuvoy was quite fine with that. He had spent most of his life fine-tuning his body to be able to withstand a few punches, and even strike out with steeled punches of his own. Her gaze didn't strive much besides a simple, distant gaze back into her own eyes, his grey moons revealing little to his motives or feeling.

The princess is saved by her mighty hero! Tuvoy's other side sneered at him, cackling like a crazed wombat in the sun. The thoughts of the other half of him manifesting almost got the Akalak to shudder. When Kein was in control, things went poorly for people around him, innocent or not. The crazier, blood-lusting half was always keen to lash out at a man with lethal jabs of their Lakan, or bone-shattering blows of their fist for little reason at all.

Turning his attentions back to the bar as he returned to his seat and sat down this time, he could not help but overhear the girl requesting something to drink. "A trouble, you seem to be... for more than just that unfortunate man." He stated simply, taking up the cup he had left behind earlier to sip from, his grey orbs twisting in his skull to gaze off-handedly at Caela. Pain in the rump, more like

"Stuff it, Kein." He grumbled under his breath, turning away as if talking to someone on the other side of him, in a way that made him seem like he had lost half his mind to madness. He turned back in time to see Caela digging in her purse after being quoted a price for the sullied drink she chose to order. The look of disdain and pleading she gave to him made his own lips press together firmly. She expects you to pay for it, nimwit. Kein sneered again into the back of Tuvoy's mind.

Half a day passed and all he had to see of it was murky drinks, close-calls in combat and a woman who not only needed saving, but paying for as well. "I will take her tab." He stated with a bit of disdain of his own, not quite warm to the thought of paying for someone else, especially on his first day into the city. His gaze returned to the woman as he ignored the remarks Kein barked into his mind, giving her a tight-lipped look of appraisal. She definitely was a looker, that was for certain, even for his tastes. She had the well-rounded hips that were favorable in any woman, the tight waist that allowed her a prancing gait if she willed it and a lean torso that was not too voluptuous nor too flat. Coupled with her piercing eyes that dared to look into not only his soul, but Kein's as well and her long, flowing locks, it was not hard for Tuvoy to piece together what she was. And that, was only one of two things.

"You must be a dancer." He decided, thinking it over a few times rapidly in his head. The only other options were those that dove into prostitution or connery, but he highly doubted that a woman that showed such a weak side would be a con-artist. Although, the prior ulterior option was still a possibility. "Am I incorrect to assume?" He poses his question with a shallow-toned rumble of his deep voice.

Let's hope she's not a prostitute...

[Caela Dorin]

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It had been a gamble trying to get him to pay for her drink but it was a ploy that she'd used successfully in the past though she'd had greater control of the situation then. She'd succeeded this time as well but she could see that he was displeased by her coercion. The girl hadn't exactly been subtle about what she wanted and she knew it. Caela rewarded him with a smile, her eyes briefly apologetic before she turned her attention away from the Akalak. She picked up the amber liquor and sipped it tentatively. It was like liquid fire in her mouth, flames licking over lips, her tongue and the roof of her mouth before burning down her throat. It was a good sort of a burn once the worst of it passed. She'd asked for something strong and she'd certainly gotten it. She downed it in one.

Wincing as the fire engulfed her mouth again, the dancer glanced to the side to find the man appraising her. It wasn't a lustful gaze that she was being subjected to but rather a cool analysis. It made her feel a little uneasy. Perhaps Akalaks weren't like other men after all. If that was the case then she didn't know what to expect from him. Her success at getting the price of a drink out of him had apparently been a fluke.

His accurate guess of her occupation surprised her though. Apparently he could read her. "Yeah, I'm a dancer. How did you work that one out?" she asked curious. People didn't tend to guess her job correctly. She'd had men think that she was a prostitute before, something that she hadn't appreciated in the past. Caela had left every man who'd ever suggested it with a smarting cheek. Her eyes narrowed as it occurred to her that he might have thought the same but gone with the safer, less offensive option. If that was the case then she was glad that he had some tact. She didn't think that she looked like a street walker so why did other people think so? Dressing provocatively wasn't the same as trying to attract men for... She cut off the thought abruptly as she realised where she was heading with it.

Just a little too close to each other for comfort, she conceded to herself, before trying to pretend to herself that it hadn't happened.

"Is it that obvious that I'm a dancer or did you have other thoughts on my occupation?" the young woman, her tone become cool. She really just couldn't leave the matter alone. She wondered if she had a masochistic streak, or if she just wanted to be right in her assessment of the Akalak. If she was right about his line of thinking then she might not find it as hard to analyse him as she'd first thought.

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[Tuvoy Hasslha]

"It is obvious." He muttered over his cup's rim. "You walk like a presumptuous woman. As if you know what you are doing. But you are weak and helpless like a child." His tone could have been a bit colder, but it seemed like he was trying to be softer on her than he would be on most people. "And your dress. The figure of your body. Many things, not just your gait."

Kill her.

Tuvoy closed his eyes, rolling his head on his neck as if working out a kink in his neck. Kein's voice was an annoying sting in the back of his mind, a tantalizing thought that he could indulge. He had done it before. He reached a hand up to rub his forehead as visions flashed past the lids of his eyes. He appeared to daze off for a moment before he focused again, glancing over to Caela once more, his gaze unsettling and piercing, as if he was looking through her.

"I have had other guesses. A street whore, a prostitute or simply a lecherous woman... but you do not seem to lack the respect for yourself to be either one of those." He explained, not holding back his lacking tact for kind words. He was rather straight-forward for some reason, "Tell me, how many things have you killed, child?" He asked, frowning at Caela.

He was an Akalak warrior, one who had spent a while learning to brawl before he took his first life at the age of twelve. Kein was a major help in that part. He had strangled an animal and found a wicked glee in it. But he was calm and cool about it, putting it down to nothing more than training. He was a man of war, one who would see much more bloodshed, "How many people have you brought harm to?" He posed.

[Caela Dorin]

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Her question had been asking for trouble but she hadn't realised just how much until she got her answer. His words were hard, his tone softer than it could have been but his words were still harsh and cruel to her ears. Weak, helpless. The words hurt all the more because they were true. She certainly felt that way sometimes although there was nothing she could do about it. She was just a piece of pretty ass that provided entertainment. If someone overstepped the boundaries then there was no one to help her and no way for her to defend herself. It was something she'd like to remedy but that didn't mean that she wanted it thrown in her face like that; it wasn't exactly fair. Caela regarded him with a growing sense of dislike. He had no right to think himself superior to her.

The Akalak didn't even seem that interested in the conversation that was causing her humiliation. That irritated her more. The dancer would be glad to ditch him at the first opportunity. Just because he'd paid for her drink and saved her didn't mean that she owed him anything. She wasn't enjoying his company seeing as he was being insulting. The young woman gasped at his lack of tact, staring at him in hurt surprise. "You bastard!" she spat, turning her head from him so that he wouldn't see the threat of tears in her eyes. It was horrible to think that there was such a fine line between herself and a prostitute. The man had no sense and she didn't even think that he realised it. The girl would have slapped him if she thought that she could have gotten away with it but the Akalak had already proven how adept he was at defending himself. She doubted that she'd be let off easily if she tried to lay a finger on him. Just because she was a woman didn't mean that he'd treat her gently.

The use of child made her wince but she forced herself to glare at him rather than cower. "You think you have me all figured out, don't you? Damsel in distress, can't hurt a fly, is that what you think? I haven't killed a person if that's what you mean but that doesn't mean that I haven't got the will to do it," the dancer told him coolly. She tossed her head indignantly. "As for bringing harm that's a different matter entirely. I've harmed peopled before, not that it's any of your business." She waved the barkeep for another drink and slapped the right coin down on the bar. The dancer wasn't having the Akalak paying for anything again. He could go to hai.

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