Jourin Trouble

[Artemis Black]

Artemis watched the woman with all the projected calm he could muster. It felt almost like watching the waves lap against the docks. Nothing changed but it remained interesting in it's own way, and then suddenly there was another peek of what lay beneath. He decided when he had a bit more in him he'd try to see how long he could make that intriguing smile last.

"Jourin," he muttered faintly, trying and failing to get a feel for the name. His mouth was too dry and his stomach too roiling to do much but make the sounds. Instead he looked to Dáire and felt a small measure of warmth. The man, his guardian, clearly took his title seriously and it made Artemis skin tingle like the afternoon sun's caress.

Most of these thoughts fell away as they began to hear, smell, and see the signs of the dumping ground. He'd never liked these sorts of places, but he knew their worth and the Hall couldn't afford the sort of questions the watch would ask just before an inspection.

He felt a chuckle at Dáire's consideration of the tight space and their massive beast if burden. Unfortunately, all he managed was a choked wheezing cough for several seconds. When his lungs recovered, he'd waved off help immediately while trying his best to grimace in annoyance at his body, he answered the unspoken question.

"Get the fools down, take their boots and belts, anything else leather or metal, and toss them as far in as we can. Make sure we do it at the same time, then get scarce as quick as an alleyway woman's morals," he said the instructions with the hint of a laugh, but they were deadly serious things. They didn't have the fire and tools to fight back the swarm and years of reinforcing behavior had taught the rats what the wet thump of bodies meant.

When the men were properly divested of their tougher materials, a nice belt came out of the deal, Artemis backed Sir Francis down the alley and got the mount spun around before giving the go ahead to toss their short-lived friends. The sudden silence of squeaks and scrabbling claws was deafening under the clomp of the trio's boots as they moved away.

When they'd turned a somewhat distant corner Artemis held out his hand to call for a stop just before he near collapsed and vomited all over the nearby wall. "Fucking tonic," he groaned through his teeth after several spits to clear the lingering bile. "I need real food," he added softly as he rose and frowned at the mess he'd made. Thankfully none of it had gotten on his pants or skin, but he was beginning to see just how much his eagerness would cost him.

[Ksenia]

“It’s cozy but it’s not a bad little room, Deb,” Ksenia said to the Korcai, who had flipped her hood back after they’d entered the tunnel. The heavy, multi-layered garment was designed to protect her for short trips in the sun; in the underground tunnel, it was mostly just a bulky annoyance. “He should be around somewhere. I have a key he gave me, so we can still get in if he’s not.”

Coming to the box wall, Ksenia moved enough boxes to make a doorway. She’d move them back once Deb and Robert left. Beyond the wall, the impromptu bunkhouse was fairly tidy, though perhaps more out of necessity than any desire for cleanliness given anything left out would be an obstacle to the crew.

Reaching the door to the room, Ksenia tried the handle out of habit; to her surprise, the door clicked softly and swung open. She took a step back. “That’s very unusual. Artemis always locks it, even if he’s just in the workyard,” Ksenia explained. She stepped in and slid the lantern open.

Sheets and blankets lay in a tangle on the floor, dumped off the bed hastily. The smell of flowers, sweat, and sex hung over the small room like a miasma. A dark glass bottle of oil sat on the floor next to the bed along with a mug that Ksenia recognized as the one Artemis had last night. The beds had been shoved together and both mattresses mended and filled, though now marked with streaks and drops of oil.

Ksenia stood still, shocked enough that Deb pushing by her didn’t even register. “Well, well, looks like they had quite a good time last night,” Deb said, a cheshire grin on her face. She flung herself onto the mattress. “You were right about the fleece mattresses, lover. They are terribly comfortable.” She stretched out with a decadent purr, twisting and wiggling playfully to get situated.

There were words she was supposed to say, Ksenia was sure, but none of them seemed to be making it to her mind or her mouth. “What the actual fuck,” Robert said, squeezing in through the door. He walked over to the bed and pushed his hand into the mattress. “That is nice,” he admitted, as he turned around to sit on the bed. His toe bumped the collection of containers, causing a small vial to roll across the floor. He picked it up, studied it, and laughed. “How do I get to the workyard, Ksenia?”

Mechanically, she stepped out of the door and pointed at the ladder at the end of the hall. “Trapdoor at the top there,” she said, pointing up. Robert nodded and made his way up the ladder, swinging open the trapdoor. Deb patted the bed next to her and Ksenia was just thinking of a way to refuse - it stank of sex - when she heard Robert’s voice.

"Craftmistress, can you come out here?" Robert called. She turned and saw him with his hands up in surrender at the top of the ladder. "Your friends are looking testy," he added, not looking away from the open crack of the trapdoor.

Ksenia came up behind him. Several of the crew were facing the trapdoor with tools or pieces of wood in hand and all looked worse for wear. “It’s fine, he’s with me!” she called. The crew was slow to respond, eyeing Robert suspiciously. “Robert, climb down and let me up first,” she said. “Then you can follow.”

Robert slowly stepped down and Ksenia rushed up the ladder. The crew were normally friendly; being menacing wasn’t their usual manner of greeting people. “What happened?” Ksenia asked, looking around. Everyone had cuts, scrapes, and the beginnings of bruises. Lynwood was holding his arm awkwardly and Ksenia grimaced. “Where’s Artemis?” She looked around, mentally checking off faces. “And Dáire and Amalia?” Icy dread lanced through her chest. “Are they hurt?”

"Amalia's probably still out with Hannah, Boss is out with Dáire and some woman, dealing with the aftermath. They said they'd be back before the hour," Jacobus said, scrubbing at his face. "Thugs came in with weapons, I was off talking to the cook and Lynnwood here sounded the alarm and charged like some fairytale knight. Then some crazy armored woman came in and we beat them back." Jacobus shrugged as if unsure how to convey everything properly.

‘Some crazy armored woman’? That sounded like a heap of trouble the Hall didn’t need. Ksenia shook her head, wide-eyed and sighed. “Okay. We’ll figure out what to do when Artemis gets back. For now, let’s get you all patched up.” Robert came up behind her, scanning the people in front of him.

“You with the arm, and you there with the cut,” he said pointing to Lynwood and Otis. Blood had dripped down Otis’ shirt some, leaving a thin trail from the cut on his shoulder. Ksenia undid the buttons on his shirt swiftly and carefully pulled his arm through, leaving his shoulder exposed. Jacobus brought over a bundle of cloths and a pail of water. Ksenia gingerly wiped the area around the cut with a wet cloth, cleaning the dirt and sweat off Otis’ skin as the man blushed furiously. Robert nonodded, and Ksenia moved to Lynwood.

“Cuts, scrapes, any bleeding?” she asked, concerned but businesslike. Lynwood shrugged his shoulders and winced, holding his arm. Ksenia studied him with a worried frown before she moved on. Kent and Gregg both had wicked-looking bruises; the one on Kent’s head gave her the most pause due to its location. Eddie and Sid had only a few small scrapes and bruises on their arms and legs. Fortunately, no one appeared to be severely injured besides Lynwood and Otis; Jacobus was basically unscathed.

“Bite this,” she heard Robert say from behind her, and then a pained sound from Lynwood with a muffled click. “Keep it in a sling for a few days, stretch it carefully. You don’t want that popping back out,” Robert said. Ksenia came over to see a grimacing Lynwood taking a piece of rag from his mouth as Robert tied a folded cloth behind Lynwood’s neck to create a sling.

“Kent took a good knock to the head,” she told Robert as Lynwood shuffled over to one of the crates to sit. “Gregg’s also bruised,” she said, continuing. “And I still don’t know where Artemis or Dáire is.”

“That idiot is probably puking in an alley somewhere. Midwife’s helper mixed with drink works well, but would give you a hangover that’d make you wish you were dead,” Robert said, as Kent stumbled over. He looked over the blossoming goose-egg on Kent’s head, frowning slightly. “Look at me,” he directed the carpenter. Kent stared at the man, a bit dazed. Robert sighed. “Rest, no alcohol for several days, and try not to get hit on the head again any time soon.”

Ksenia heard footsteps outside and she jogged over to the door to look. Sir Francis was coming into the yard, dragging a sort of makeshift sledge, along with Dáire, who was all but carrying a clearly-ill Artemis, and a tall woman with leather armor. Ksenia’s eyes narrowed. She squared her shoulders and marched out to the group. Nearing Sir Francis, she reached for the reins to take from Dáire. “I’ll take him. Get you and Artemis inside. Robert’s in there, toward the back,” she said in her best imperious Mam imitation. “And who are you?” she said, turning to the mysterious woman and raising her eyebrows.

[Jourin Argall]

On her own, Jourin could have transferred the bodies one at a time from the sled to the ground. If either Artemis or Dáire were inclined to help she wouldn't insist on handling the task alone; she was merely prepared to do so.

Continuing to follow his instructions, the deceased were stripped of any metal or hide. She gave any and all items of interest to one of the two men to determine if it was worth keeping or not. Items of obvious value like loose coin had already been plundered by Artemis, but these things might serve a purpose yet. Jourin could appreciate the pragmatism.

The bodies were dumped unceremoniously in a spot that bore traces of a dozen or more similar disposals, some of which must have occurred in the recent past. Jourin departed swiftly with her companions when it was done, unwilling to test the voracity of the rats even if the contents of her stomach remained undisturbed in her guts. By comparison, Artemis did not fare nearly as well, but it did not bother her to stand and watch their respective backs while he bent his and purged.

A little later, the trio entered the work yard of Hall again, some a little worse off than others for the journey they just undertook. Jourin was searching up and down the street for uniformed guards when Ksenia approached. She swung her eyes forward again just in time to meet the half-elf's commanding gaze when she demanded to know who Jourin was.

Jourin paused and considered this new, diminutive person. Like the others had been, she appeared wary but unafraid. She carried herself as if she were a foot taller than she really was and planted herself like a tree in Jourin's path, as if to hold her back if she proved to be a threat. There was nothing to suggest she was a combatant of any kind but the resolution in her eyes said quite clearly that she would not be cowed -- not by anyone or anything.

Just as she had been all morning, Jourin conveyed no thought or emotion externally while the two women took one another's measure. At length, she inclined her head and answered in her oddly accented voice.

"Jourin. As of today I am at the service of Artemis Black and anyone he deems worthy. So Iodrah wills it."

After an intense beat, she tore her eyes from Ksenia and placed them firmly on Artemis. The silence radiating from her was expectant while she waited for him either to confirm or deny her claim in front of everyone.

[Artemis Black]

Artemis winced as Ksenia turned on Jourin. He’d been woken to battle, lost what should have been his breakfast, and then immediately dismissed like a naughty child. He just stopped himself from immediately offering a rebuke or barb, suppressing the fire tickling at his chest. ‘She’s just worried. This is her home too,’ he thought as he pushed down the ire he felt. Instead, he rose to his full height and gave himself a small shake.

“There was an attack, thugs, with knives and truncheons. Lynwood gave the alarm, and rode Sir Francis into battle. Jourin-” he nodded to the woman, making his lingering decision firmly with the motion. “She came in when things were taking a turn for the worse. Came in like a battering ram and got us through it.” Artemis moved a step away from Dáire and opened his hands for a hug.

Ksenia stepped in, giving him a tight hug before stepping back a bit and studying him. “You look - horrid. I’m guessing that’s from the fighting rather than last night. By Cecelia’s tits, what happened to your chest?” she exclaimed, looking him over. “That explains the vial Robert found.” She sighed, shaking her head slowly.

Artemis leaned back and grinned faintly, his eyes glittering as he noticed a particular mark on Ksenia’s neck. “I’m fine mother, and Robert’s here? I assume about the banishing. Maybe I can get him to give me something. Can you find Lena? We need breakfast I think, something extra today.” He lifted his hand to gently release her grip on him. “I see you got some attentions of your own,” he added softly as he moved past her and into the Hall.

Ksenia glared after him. She hadn’t thought about Deb leaving her marked up since usually feeding didn’t leave much, if any, evidence. She’d go find Lena, and then tell Artemis what she thought about his crack about acting motherly and remind him what that meant in her mind. She growled as she stomped to Lena’s house.

Artemis turned and caught Robert walking out into the workyard. “My dearest friend-”

“No. Your heart would explode and you owe Marcy still,” Robert said deadpan, but the smirk on his face said he was enjoying himself. “You’re Dáire then, he did something really stupid to keep you around, make sure he rests some.” Robert gave a last look at Artemis’ haggard state, barked a laugh, and ambled his way out of the yard towards the Goose.

Artemis stood stock still for several seconds before giving himself another shake. “Right, I’m going to go lay down until breakfast. After that we get to the bank. Jourin, stay up here maybe? No sense in shoving everyone into my tiny room. Crew, say hello to Jourin, she’ll be working with us,” he said before looking back to Daire and motioning with his head. Then he went over and carefully made his way down the wooden ladder into the hallways below.

[Dáire]

The brief adrenaline rush that had been coursing through him only moments before; died just as quickly as it had come. Dáire scrubbed his face wearily, all the aspects of his hangover returning with a vengeance, his head screaming at him for the sharp movements that had saved them as they’d evacuated the rat infested alleyway.

Guilt hit him in the chest like a fist as he watched the thief doubling over, his insides trying to make a bid for freedom as wretched at the side of the road. He hadn't known what it was Artemis had taken last night, but it had evidently not tangled well with the alcohol in the long run.

Wrapping an arm around his thief’s shoulders, he made a weary attempt at delivering a comforting touch and pulling him closer, very aware of the angry bruise wrapped around the lean torso; the insane man had come out half naked. Dáire became increasingly aware of the bracing wind that skated through the many streets and alleys of the city along with them. The weak summer sun no longer capable of chasing away the chill of the long dark nights. Reaching down, he took the reins from Artemis’ cool hands and began meandering back towards East Hall. “If there’s nothing at the hall, I can go fetch you something Melda.(beloved)” he said softly, kissing the top of the smaller man’s head and all but ignoring the presence of the female that still accompanied them.

Dáire took a step back so to speak when they got back to the hall, Ksenia storming out of the hall like a mother bear ready to reclaim her cub and see off the stranger had given him pause. He watched her in utter fascination, the change in her since their last meeting was unexpected. The quiet and reserved girl who had avoided eye contact with him had been replaced by a compact spitfire. He watched her leave in a flurry of skirts, the actions only backing up his earlier bear comparison. He’d not been totally aware of what words had been exchanged but he didn't really need to know, his head was still foggy and body still feeling the travel fatigue.



The mention of his name had his head snapping back to the front, he frowned slightly, the man before him no one he knew anything of. He didn't respond, he could feel the colour flood his cheeks as the guilt struck him again. He wanted to deny the truth in the words, even if not out loud all while knowing in his heart that had Artemis not acted so; he would have stormed back to The Hart, had his stand off with the owner and fled the province the very same night. His thoughts kept wandering on him he noted, watching now this human cross the yard and disappear from sight.

The sudden voice by his side brought him back to the present with a slight jolt, his head going blank as he followed his thief back through the small trap door without question. Cold stale air chilled him from the inside out as they trundled down the corridor yet again, his mind was wandering again, that was until he nearly flattened Artemis in the doorway, the small man having stopped just inside. “What-” He managed to grumble out before his eyes locked on a stunning beautiful blonde that lay back on the bed, keen golden eyes watching languidly from her position amongst the sheets.

"Hello, boys. Care to play?" she purred, caressing the stained sheets with her outstretched fingers. “You’re already mostly dressed the part,” she added with an exaggerated wink and lick of her lips.

Artemis shook his head after a moment and grabbed Dáire’s hand to pull him into the room. “Deb, move over. I’m going to get as much rest as I can,” he said, somewhat grumpily before he stopped at the edge of the bed and yawned. “Besides, you already ate.”

--
Dáire’s heart sank just a bit at the familiarity Artemis obviously had with the woman. Not that he had a leg to stand on really - it was a foolish gut reaction, and he immediately berated himself for having it. He didn't really know this man after all, and wasn’t that a cold dose of reality now dumped on his head as well. “Do you want me to come back later melethron?” He said a bit flatly, watching the woman on the bed shuffle over and managing to make even that movement one of allure.
“No, in fact, Deb will leave us alone. She’s a horrid influence, as much as she’s gotten me through dark times before,” Artemis said after a short moment of thought. “I want you to hold me, Taynacd.” He slumped onto the bed, sideways and wiggled his way to the correct end with slow grunts of annoyance. Settling behind him moments later, Dáire wrapped the exhausted thief carefully in his arms, tucking him to his chest and holding him securely within a warm embrace as sleep swept in and claimed booth within minutes. All thoughts of the retreating woman forgotten.

[Artemis Black]

"So… are you like a mercenary or…" Lynwood asked vaguely moving his uninjured arm as he let the words hang in the air. The rest of the crew was looking on, clearly not fully certain what they should be doing. "Boss says you're sticking around and all. Can you maybe teach me a thing or two?" He grinned half-heartedly. "I mean, after this gets better and all," he added, wincing slightly as he accidentally shifted his slinged limb.

"How'd you even get here? We're not exactly near anything important and you don't look the sort that wanders the East District for fun," Kent added, his voice and demeanor conveying more curiosity than accusation.

Ksenia reappeared in the work yard, waving to catch attention as she preceded Lena who carried a basket of bread that roiled with clouds of vapor in the early morning chill. The crew jumped into action, pleased to have work. Before the next hour there was a stew pot of simmering beef and vegetable being ladled into wooden bowls to pair with the loaves. Each person got a generous helping and a mix of light ale and fresh water was passed around.

Ksenia acted as if nothing was amiss and it was merely a particularly busy morning as she gathered two bowls and headed towards the trap door. Lena deftly avoided the subject of the alarm bell and acted her usual self as she gave out extra portions and chatted with the still off kilter crew.

⁂

Artemis felt his body relax as soon as Dáire embraced him. He'd been surprised Deb had been so compliant. 'I must really look a wreck if that's all the teasing I'm getting,' he thought just before the warm comfort of his lover's breathing lulled him to sleep.

His dreams were rapid, disjointed, and entirely forgotten as soon as they passed. All he remembered was a feeling of safety, warmth, and belonging. It left him with an unfamiliar sense of calm when he woke.

He stretched slowly as he reoriented his thoughts to his surroundings. Ksenia was there, setting delicious smelling bowls of something on the table.

"Kessy, sorry I've made another mess," he said softly, looking at her back and frowning slightly. "Didn't want to lose him too, did something I shouldn't have, paying for it." He caressed Dáire's arm slowly, enjoying the warmth and firmness of the muscle. "I- I know this is sudden, but I really haven't felt like this before. Help me out while I figure things?" He asked, giving her a hopeful smile.

"You are a mess," Ksenia said, as she turned to face him. "But I get the feeling yesterday was difficult for you both. I'm not sure what I can do to help, but I'll try."

"Be kind to Jourin. She really did save us, and if she wanted trouble we couldn't stop her. I don't know about the fate stuff, but she's welcome as long as she helps." Artemis pressed his cheek back into Dáire's arm and sighed softly. "We'll come up after breakfast and I'll get the sheets washed," he said before closing his eyes again.

"Get some rest then, and try to eat before it gets too cold," Ksenia said. She turned and walked out the door.

[Ksenia]

Ksenia had left bowls of stew with Artemis and Dáire; even a little sleep had seemed to help Artemis’ coloring shift away from pale and vaguely green. She shut the door behind her. The condition of the mattress showed her just what they might do when left alone and she didn’t really want to hear that.

Taking a step toward the trapdoor, Ksenia felt a shiver run down her spine just before cool fingers wrapped around her wrist. The restraint stopped her and she turned to tell Deb she had work to do. Her words died on her lips as the Korcai's tongue snapped out and delivered a firm slow lick to the side of Ksenia’s neck, trailing down toward her shoulder. The cool liquid left a lingering tingle along the pin pricks she was suddenly terribly aware of from this morning's feeding.

Immediately, she began to push the other person away, before she heard Deb purr into her ear, “Surprise, lover.”

“Deb?! What - the crew - I have work,” Ksenia sputtered, before she caught Deb's eyes glinting in the dark hall. The Korcai's mouth returned to the side of Ksenia’s neck and she shivered. Using the distraction to her advantage, Deb stepped closer, holding the shorter woman against the wall. Ksenia whimpered softly as Deb tipped her chin up slightly.

Ksenia felt the air stir ever so slightly as she closed her eyes, expecting Deb to lean in and kiss her. The anticipated pressure of Deb’s lips and body never came. Puzzled - and more than a little disconcerted - Ksenia opened her eyes. She could just barely see the smirk on Deb’s face. “What -” she started to ask, a touch breathless.

“Later, lover,” Deb purred softly as she disappeared down the hall. Ksenia stared after her - or at least the direction she would have gone - for more than one moment. Feeling terribly uncomfortable in ways she couldn’t place, Ksenia shook herself before resolutely climbing up the trapdoor. She hoped her cheeks weren’t as red as their warmth felt - although, thinking, Deb had been much cooler than usual. She hadn’t really noticed in the moment, but Ksenia figured that was part of Deb’s hunger and hoped she’d slake her thirst soon.

[Dáire]

Dáire kept his silence as Artemis spoke to the young halfling, feigning a peaceful sleep while the smells of a hot stew or broth found his nose.. His stomach wasn't on the same page as his thoughts in regards to the silence though, growling angrily into the tranquil silence that’d been left in Ksenia's wake. He wasn't ready to brave the waking world and talk though, sleep still had a strong hold on his mind, making it slow and sluggish to process much. A soft groan slipped past his lips as his muscles flexed and then contracted, pulling his thief closer against him. The feeling of rightness, and soul deep contentment that came from that simple embrace should have worried him, but it didn't anymore; somewhere through the rolling dreams he'd travelled, that fact has ceased to matter.

"I'm sorry you felt you needed to do what you did, just to keep me around melethron.” He mumbled sleepily, nuzzling the man's neck lazily. "Don't do it again, please. My lover in pain is not a sight I relish”. Daire stayed there for several minutes, his body more relaxed than it had been in months, the steady rise and fall of Artemis' chest threatening to pull him under again, allowing his mind to quieten and forget all the things looming in his near future. Somehow through his contented haze he managed to formulate some tangible thought, "As much as I dislike the idea of moving, Kessy is right, you need to eat before the food chills Artemis.”

Artemis pouted softly and snuggled back into Daire’s chest. "I- I understand, I was worried I’d lose everyone again,” he said faintly and sighed. "You’re here now though, and I don’t suppose being difficult about it will make the food any more delicious.” He grinned faintly at the tightness of his lover’s embrace. "You will need to let me go, or is this the plan? To admonish me but keep the soup out of reach?” he asked with a chuckle.

With evident begrudgement, Daire relaxed the unyielding hold he'd resolutely kept around his thief since they'd lain down again. In a sudden burst of energy that required a whole lot of willpower, he Pulled his body up right, legs haphazardly folded under him as he scrubbed both hands down what he suspected was a rather haggard looking face. Slowly but surely, the mazey mists in his mind cleared sufficiently to take note of Ksenia had left on the small table across the room for them.

Making sure to avoid the other man' legs, Dáire carelessly threw his own over the side of the bed, grumbling to himself as his still tired body objected to the demands of movement and then bearing weight. Shuffling to the old table, he found a hearty stew steaming gently, the aromatic mix of well cooked root vegetables, meat and whatever herbs the cook had used were enough to make a hungry man weak at the knees; not to mention reminding him so much of his childhood home. Shaking those thoughts free, his stomach grumbled again loudly and his mouth quirked at one corner, there was no hiding this need any easier than there bad been last nights.

Artemis managed to grumpily arrange himself on the end of the bed, doing his best to pretend this was the first time he’d awoken today. He watched Daire move, enjoying the smooth precision even when the man was dealing with a rather nasty hangover and battle fatigue. It was pleasing to the thief in a way only a professional could appreciate.

Sweeping up both bowls and some of the soft, warm bread that'd been set behind and out of their view; Daire brought the delicious smelling offerings back to the bed. Flopping down on the edge of the mattress, "Wouldn't want to be accused of keeping sustenance from my lover, now would I?” He said with mock seriousness, but the smile tugging at his lips spoiled the attempt. He was a poor liar, always had been.

An amused smile crept onto Dáires face when he twisted to Artemis, the gently steaming stew and fragrant bread in hand. Catching the sleepy and somewhat grumpy expression that clung to the man's face probably shouldn't have provoked that reaction from him, but he was enjoying seeing all sides to the young human who he was only finding increasingly intriguing the longer they shared company..

He bit his lip, holding back the teasing remark that threatened to escape and would probably poke the proverbial bear. Mentally shaking himself, he began to make short work of the food they'd been left. The warm meal heating him up from the inside out, while the subtle combination of flavours played over his tongue and made him wish he'd taken advantage of the multiple opportunities he'd had over the decades to learn to cook with more finesse.

He gaze travelled around the room, seeing everything and yet not really taking it in. The past twenty four hours seemed a little surreal. He still had Aurae and her lies to deal with, collect his meager belongings (which mainly comprised of more blades and a few trinkets) from his standing room at the Hart and then he'd to find somewhere else to stay. A voice at the back of his head kept saying 'What then?' on the heels of that thought; and the prospect of the answer left him a little cold. The sudden awareness of the silence that had fallen on the small room, brought him back with a bump, derailing that troublesome train of thought off for a time. Head back in the present, food consumed while he’d been lost in his musings, "We should go up, it sounded like they're waiting for you." He said distantly, rising to his feet with a soft grunt. The morning would hopefully serve to distract him somewhat, and allow him to ignore that problem for a while longer.

Artemis had silently decided to lump the morning's attack in with the prior day. The entire series of events had him thoroughly unbalanced and a part of his mind idly noted he was losing more of his composure than he likely could afford. He'd downed the delicious food while hardly tasting it. The need to ensure it wasn't taken, that he got it all, bubbling up from years without the comfort of regular meals. He was so deep into his mire of thoughts that when Dáire suddenly spoke to him he jerked as if struck. It took him a moment to catch up and he nodded before looking down to their empty bowls.

"They can wait a minute longer,” he said as a wicked grin spread across his face and he took the Kerasokan's bowl to join his own on the floor. Then he wrapped his arms around the man's neck and pulled him down to kiss slowly and deeply. "I need to make sure you're warm enough for the chill morning,” he whispered in the breathless moment before diving into a second deeper kiss.

Dáire allowed himself to sink into the pleasure of the intoxicating kisses, cupping the man's cheek in one warm hand as his mind cleared and all he could feel was the warm skin under his finger-tips and the heady taste of his thief. He grinned mischievously as they broke the kiss, their chests heaving lung-fulls of air into their deprived bodies. "Cruel man, causing me to become all hot and bothered before going into company,” he said breathlessly, nipping the man's bottom lip before withdrawing out of his reach and willing his own heart to calm.

Grabbing Artemis' hand a moment later, he tugged him gently towards the closed door. As much as he wished to stay there in that moment with him for a lot longer, life was moving on around them and he didn't doubt Ksenia would come looking for Artemis if they took too much longer.

[Jourin Argall]

By Artemis's decree, Jourin became an ally of their group if not an outright member. Trust was too much for any of them to ask for this early on, but the proclamation might reduce tension generated by lingering suspicion. There would be a lot of sidelong speculative glances, but hands would not creep towards weapons quite so readily.

Jourin watched Artemis descend through the hatch in the company of his companions with mixed feelings. She knew well that attempting to follow him would not endear her to anyone, no matter how fervently she believed in her cause or pure her intentions. They wouldn't appreciate it. That didn't make her any less aware of the growing distance between herself and the individual sitting solidly at the center of her fate.

Before her mind could run completely away from her, a few members of the crew called her back to the present moment. Jourin forcibly moved her eyes to the individual speakers, acknowledging them each in turn. She turned her body towards Lynwood to answer him first.

"I was," she said simply, "but I'm not anymore." Leaving the somewhat cryptic answer as it was without expanding further, she eyed Lynnwood's arm in its makeshift sling and nodded. "Yes. I think that I can."

Kent's assertion that she didn't look the sort to wander dangerous places for fun would have warranted a flat look if she wasn't already wearing one. Everyone had treated her like a potential threat until Artemis bid them not to, and she couldn't imagine how they had come to that conclusion if she didn't at least look the part.

Putting that aside, she answered his actual question, shrugging one shoulder. "I walked."

When Ksenia and Lena appeared with victuals, the atmosphere in the yard changed subtly. Battle had a way of making one hungry -- either for flesh, for food, or both. The group's interest in Jourin waned rapidly and the subject shifted to what needed to be done for the meal's preparation. 

Everyone found something to do, including Jourin. Long planks of wood were laid over the tops of crates and barrels to create benches and tables. A cooking fire was erected for the large cast iron pot someone dragged from storage. The upheaval caused by the early morning's events was temporarily forgotten in everyone's haste to fill their bellies.

A little later, Jourin accepted a heaping bowl of stew and a hunk of bread from Lena. She nodded her thanks and found a seat at the end of a table already accommodating Lynwood, Kent, and a few others. If any paused to look up from their meals to acknowledge her presence it was only for a moment, and she didn't return it in any case.

The passage of time had not escaped her notice for all that she had been occupied -- first with picking up the yard and then with shoveling food into her mouth. Jourin's gaze continued to stray towards the hatch, watching for any signs of her erstwhile charge. Other people came and went, including the half-elf Ksenia, but not Artemis himself. She dipped her bread in the broth, bit into it, and tried not to be impatient.

[Artemis Black]

Artemis pulled his hand from Dáire’s grasp and raised an eyebrow at the man. "So you say, but you’re the one dragging me to the door in nothing but too tight trousers." He swept his hand down his mostly naked chest before turning away and deftly wiggling out of his trousers. "Help me get the lowers on and I can look like a proper business man," he said, moving to open one of the top boxes and tossing his armor plate filled suit onto the bed with a muted clank.

Dáire glanced over his shoulder before turning back fully into the room. He sighed deeply, scrubbing both hands down his face, as though he could wipe away the sleepy haze that still seemed to be clinging to him. The dull clunks that came from the very formal looking suit as it hit the mattress, drew his attention sharply back to the present. His face fell into a frown, "You needed to have a suit plated?" It was an idea that had never crossed his mind. Granted he wore minimal such protections but those things tended to be stuffy enough without weighing however many times more than the original garb.

Artemis' words finally penetrated and his eyes drifted to the mostly naked man parading before him. For his part, the thief spun slowly in place and wiggled his way into his tights with slow meticulous care. When he’d gotten them as high as he could, he pushed his backside out towards Dáire.

“Yes, I get stabbed more than I should apparently and my tailor took offense. Now, the last bit please, tug them into place proper and afix the buttons. The knife sticks out like a lump otherwise," he said, motioning with his hand before looking back and grinning.

Dáire smirked, stepping in close behind the smaller man and allowing his hands to slide down the bare skin to the resisting waist-band. His breath skating over the man's neck and shoulder as he spoke, "A lump you say," his said, voice soft and even as the words filled the silent room, "a visible protrusion- well that wouldn't be very fair. Such a tease my melethron." Deft hands tugged the snug fabric over warm skin as he spoke, then slipping around and fastening the buttons in unhurried and deliberate movements.

Artemis groaned softly and pressed back into the man behind him. When he felt the final button slip into place he used his hands to push off the bed and into his Guardian. "I can do the rest well enough, Melda," he said, trying out the word he’d heard Dáire use in the alleyway.

Dáires brows rose of their own accord at the unexpected use of his earlier endearment, "I will have to teach you to speak Kerasokan friend, lest you say things you don't truly mean." He said in what he hoped sounded like a casual manner. He briefly embraced the man as he pushed back into him, letting go and allowing the thief to finish donning his armoured disguise of sophistication.

When he’d tucked his final knife into the hidden sheath of his top hat Artemis shook his shoulders and settled the hat atop his head. His expression melted from a bright and playful grin to a neutral and somewhat distant mask. His muscles relaxed and his stance shifted, everything he projected outward changed to a carefully manicured facade as if a cloak settled on his features.

“I would appreciate that, and I believe I meant what I said if I caught your tone correctly when you said it." He whispered and shrugged slightly before pulling down the bottom of his vest. "Well then, let’s get to business." His voice came out in a slightly bored sounding tone. It was something he’d been practicing, given he’d likely need it more and more. Vague hints of the upper class, but more heavily leaning on the bored merchant’s mild disdain.

He let the words hang in the air for a moment before stepping over and putting his hands out to pull Dáire’s lips once again to his own. "I could grow used to these," he said softly, his regular teasing smile plain on his features. It slipped back into the mask just before he released his hold on the taller man and started for the door.

“The sun is too bright," he said, breaking his mask and frowning as he held his hand up to shield his face. Despite his protests, he still managed to step away from the ladder’s exit. When Dáire had joined him upstairs he cupped his hands and shouted across the open hall. "Ho there, I have instructions.”

He made his way over to the makeshift tables, noting that they would likely have real ones if the crew managed another day or two uninterrupted. "I need two to go to the surplus for more equipment, after we find Amalia. She’s joining you, I have a particular task for her," Artemis said as he came to a reasonable talking distance for the tables. "I’ll also need Jourin, Dáire, and the Craftmistress with me to the bank and Healer’s Hall." He looked around to see if there were any immediate questions before continuing. "We’re going to see if we can convince an apothecary to come live here."

“And what’s this particular task, Boss?" Amalia asked, striding into the hall as if she’d simply been around the corner.

“Ah, welcome back I-" Artemis stopped mid-word as he spotted the telltale signs of rope marks on Amalia’s wrists. His eyebrows raised several notches and a grin spread across his features. "I need you to coordinate teaching another member to drive the wagon as deftly as you do."

He looked away from her, coughing slightly before continuing his instructions. "We’ll have a rental, and we want a full set of five long tables and benches. Planning to encourage some folks to hang around and pass the time," he said, intently not looking at the woman.

“I can invite some friends too if you’d have them," Hannah said, moving up beside, but not atop, Amalia. Artemis looked thoughtful and then nodded sharply.

“Yes, add another set of bunks and the necessary trappings. Take these, don’t lose them," he said, snapping his hand out and flipping a pair of golden coins to the joiner. "Foreman, you coordinate from here. We should be back before mid afternoon."

Artemis stepped back slightly and looked across the arrayed people. "Everyone else, work on your crafts, coordinate with the neighbors. If we can get more people out and about we have more reason to not fear.” After letting his words hang for a moment Artemis turned and headed towards the stable. He was not looking forward to walking great distances today, and hoped the rest would be enough to allow him to ride at a slow pace instead.