Aerer – 23 Bells, 24 Chimes. Petch, could this night go any slower?
Sunberth, 12, Fall, 514 A.V
The merchant caravel was laid up at anchor, floating idly in the stormy waters where a handful of men, Aerer included, had carried unmarked goods off the vessel and into a nearby ramshackle hut. He had envisioned a hurried operation followed by an even quicker payout but the updated request to guard the doorway and discourage potential visitors was effectively destroying his keen strategy of ogling loose women and consuming drinks.
It seemed simple enough. Look threatening. Don’t consume said beverages until off the clock and put a pressing halt to anything abominable from happening. Otherwise you will be seeing a significant drop in pay. He was pretty certain that was the exact threat, down to the letter.
A yawn escaped his lips, fingers drove through unwashed ebon locks while picking out unpredicted discoveries as he swayed from side to side impatiently.
“You think this is going to end soon? I honestly don't even know why they need us sitting around looking pretty. Pay didn't seem all that great in the first place and I could really use a petching drink” He griped to Viles, who seemed accustomed to Aerers bemoaning. Well over six foot tall and with a few hundred pounds on Aerer, Viles the behemoth let out a yawn as well, kicking at the gravel near his feet while giving his blade a practice swing. “You always need a petching drink, Aerer. Should slow down on that shyke, gonna leave you a petching jake, wandering around the slag heap wondering where you left your breeches.”
“Theres gotta be something down near the slag piles worth dropping my breeches for, aye?” Aerer stuck a finger in his ear, attempting to clean out whatever surprises might be found in there as well. Flicking the end result onto the ground, he resumed combing fingers through his hair. “Someone to feel sorry for poor, drunk Aerer, yeah?”
“Not unless you want your piece bitten off, I wouldn't recommend it, friend. That, plus I'd imagine the Vagik strench might drive you off long before you see any action.” A rare chuckle from Viles, who continued swinging his weapon about. “You ever learn what was in those crates?”
“Was told to mind my own business, I was. Not a clue. Maybe something fun and enjoyable. Maybe they'll throw the scraps to us dogs after they're down sorting it out.” Aerer scoffed, scrunching his face up to a look of disdain and released a gob of spit at the ground. “You know how much longer were suppose to be here?”
“Early morning, I wus told. You got your dice with you? We could...” Viles body froze, his eyes growing narrow as his voice descended to a muffled growl. “Heard something or someone ranging about nearby. Quiet now.”
Gods, he really could use that drink. Aerer shifted back, attempting to blend in more with the shadows near the docks. There was little style or talent if a fight broke out tonight. He could only hope he was faster then the other guy.