Chilly Friendships

Max:

        Despite concealing what he could, inside the last couple of days had been rather difficult. Maxin was half there, half somewhere else, and mostly tired. Still there was work to be done, mouths to feed, and a younger man bundled in fifteen layers to keep entertained. It was cold, not cold enough to stop the markets, but cold. 

        A heavy bear pelt draped over Maxin’s shoulders, turned into a cape, with a gold claps to hold it together against his chest. Crimson eyes scanned around until he found something worth visiting to warm cold bodies- a trick that he was taught. The line gave it away, people all bundled up and conversing with others waiting for the cider to be poured. It was steaming, and it had a particularly sweet smell in the air. Maxin turned suddenly, gently taking Jura’s hand to tug his half-popsicle partner on over to hover in-line, a scowl resting on his face to prevent anyone from thinking they’d be interesting to talk to. He’d perfected that face, but softened it when he turned to the man hidden in scarves.

“Hot cider sound like a plan before we keep goin?”

        His thoughts were already on what they could get for dinner. The crew had off the next couple of days- so home cooking was one of two options.

Yorro and Elene:

        Following a plethora of unpleasant events, the familiarity of Faline was welcomed, even the slightly colder weather. Elenes own home was of a high elevation and she hardly batted an eye at below zero temps, however her soon to be spouse wasn't fond of it, any cold, even cold rain, prissy upbringing or something similar. Despite usually galavanting around in just a coat and no shirt he actually wore a few layers and a fur lined cloak while out and about, making her look very underdressed in a wool dress, leggings and leather boots.

        It was Elenes' idea to go wander the streets, something to get Yorro out of the house and whatever gloomy thoughts he plagued himself with, and for her to get some steps in before she was rudely ordered to bed rest. She had a month, maybe.. that was nonsense. None of her sisters or mother needed it and she surely wouldn't either. With a jovial smile she'd occasionally pat her partner on the shoulders directing his attention to various shops and stalls, just to get him saying something other than an ‘oh’ or ‘hm’. Sometimes it worked, but she found he talked more when she insinuated anything of competition or feigned being tired. 

“Stop fussing over me, let's go check out that stall!” She'd swat one of his hands away that reached for her in concern before pointing out a stall with a line. 

        There even looked to be some scary pirate man, which she was sure Yorro would like to see. Little did she know that the two were partially acquainted. He didn't seem to notice, instead moving through the crowds behind her and to a spot in the line. 

Jura: 

        Being outside, in this kind of weather? Definitely not something Jura had on his to do list. Hell, he didn't even plan to come out in the evening for his usual skulking. No. This was the kind of cold that required a well stocked fire. Maybe even a meager 20 blankets piled onto his bed, with him curled up beneath them like a hibernating bear. But Max had said he had errands, and here Jura was accompanying him. He worried about his partner, how… off he seemed lately. The barest hint of his mood being different, gloomy maybe. Max would never say what bothered him, so Jura just resolved himself to try to cheer him up in whatever ways he could. Even if that meant braving the cold of winter.

        Even now, wearing at least three scarves of various thickness, and his usual, plain gray coat lined in fur, Jura was shivering dreadfully. Trying his damnedest to focus on the warm hand that took his own and guided him along to some stand that was blocked with people. Gods he hated the crowds, but… cider, that smelled nice. Looked warm too from what he could tell with the limited sight his mask afforded.

“C-cider. Yes.” Jura said through his shivering, looking forward to something that would warm the ice forming in his blood. Hopefully, once everything was paid for or not, they could move to a quieter path, somewhere shielded from the worst of the wind.

Max:

        No hood barricaded his face from the gusts of wind that tunneled through the taller buildings. This was not his favorite environment, but he’d suffer through it like everyone else did. His horns felt like he had glued Icicles to the top of his head. Maxin cast his eyes down to Jura, shivering fiercely. He heard his teeth chattering between his words and realized he could be so much warmer. Maxin scooted him by the waist and tucked him close to his opposite side. He’d be a bit more into the crowd, perhaps even touching shoulders with someone, but it felt warmer by the other bodies. With his taller stature, he could take the brunt of the wind and cut through it like a shield. The line was moving but not as quickly as he had hoped.
“Hope that’s a bit better.” He mumbled with his eyes darting around distractedly. 

         Someone that looked a tad too familiar caught his attention. Max nearly broke his neck trying to see who it was while they moved to stand in line as well. He wondered if they’d get a better look once they had gotten cider and turned around to leave. 

        A hand rested on the hilt of his sword, the other holding Jura’s while the line inched along. Finally, it was their turn. Max exchanged small coins for a nicely sized mug and handed it to Jura, then waited for his. One with something a bit stronger in it.

Yorro and Elene:

“There's other places we can get a cider- “ 

        Yorro would start to protest waiting in line with a bunch of commoners, some who inched a bit too close, he couldn't help but think only of the cells, and as he opened his mouth to suggest a nearby reputable establishment his face was grabbed abruptly by the blond woman with him. She looked nothing but amused as she shushed him and turned his face towards some people in the crowd. Nothing of the past would dampen her good mood it seemed and with a relenting exhale he'd follow her guiding. 

“Whatwelookinat?” he'd mutter between her vice of a hand and the group of people he had zero clue about. It wasn't the cider, thay much was clear, but his attention was still lacking and his gaze would drift in confusion her way.

“ canyouletmyfacego?”

        Yorro got a smile from the woman before she shook her head no, not until he saw the pirate. She was basically angling his face that way, he just had to actually look, there was even a mouse of a person with the tall horned man, another couple from what Elene could surmise, they were cute. 

Jura:

        Jura absolutely detested bumping into anyone or so much as being touched, but he just shut his eyes instead as he stood beside Max. Mentally making a to do list so he wouldn’t be so terribly cold every single day of the winter. Work had to be done after all, and as much as he enjoyed standing in Maxin’s shadow- he couldn’t stay there forever.

        When he did open his eyes again, it was because Max had stepped forward and tugged him along in the process. A not so discreet grimace offered to the people standing nearby him before he eventually redirected his attention to the stand ahead. Oooh so close- it smelled wonderful.

        Even better yet when a sizable mug was passed into his frozen hands. He cupped it like a treasure instead of drinking it. There wasn't a chance in hell he’d do so in public after all, and turned his mask up to smile with his eyes at his partner.

 “What did you add in?”

Max:

        When the stand worker handed him his mug, Maxin stepped out of the way with Jura for the next in line. He smelled his mug and took a sip. It was hot, almost boiling hot. Maxin winced but looked over at Jura with a flash of a sly smirk crossing his mouth.

“Somethin’ strong. I’ll share when it’s cool. Guess yours is caramel. Sounds good.”

        He almost forgot to look over at the people he thought had been familiar… but his eyes traced the faces and sure enough- Yorro. Maxin knitted his brows and squinted. Was he sure? Last time he saw the guy was with the scourge. Right? What a funny place to run into him. There was a woman with him, if that even was Yorro… The guy that barfed in his cabin.

        Max raised a hand, a sort of wave- to see he would be recognized.

Yorro and Elene: 

        Elene didn’t let his face free, even more so when someone else waved, she glanced behind them before turning back and squinting suspiciously at Yorro.

“Wait-” she started, playfully accusatory, “Do you already know that guy?!” 

        She’d then drop her voice significantly to whisper into his ear. He looked shocked before searching the crowd for the person she spotted, sure enough it was Max. “NO- Absolutely not.” He’d tell her, leaning his head as far to the left until she let him go.

“Oh, okay~” The lady seemed unbothered by whatever she implied, smiling nicely as she waved with a gloved hand back at the pair. Yorro didn’t wave, instead he stared, like he was registering reality, his gaze drifting over to where Jura stood. Bet that guy still hated his guts. They still had a few people ahead of them so he wasn’t about to step out of the line if Elene wanted cider or whatever drink was sold here.

Jura:

        Sounds good. Right? He couldn’t confirm much other than how it smelled, and how pleasant it made his hands feel. He might have had something else to say, had he not spied Max waving to someone in the crowd of people. His eyes flitting from one person to the next until-

“Is that…” He said in what was hardly audible through his mask, eyes narrowed in a mingle of disgust and surprise. Faline was a big city. Why on earth was that black market rat out in this weather. In a place so far from the docks too.

        Ah. A girl was on his arm. Looking quite a bit the opposite of Yorro Mythwyr. Pretty, farm girl looking thing with bright blond hair. She didn’t look the type to mingle with a criminal- but Jura could say the same applied to himself and Max. Big scary pirate, doom and gloom rogue. Looked like the lady had the reins in their relationship. Handling Yorro’s face like he was some lapdog. Jura could almost imagine the baby talking she was doing. Regretfully he let an abrupt laugh leave him, breaking his usual silence.

“Want to leave?” He said less than a moment later. Lifting his cup as a silent cue to Maxin that he wasn’t going to enjoy his drink here.

Maxin:

“Hmm?” They met eyes, that was Yorro. Especially confirmed by the way Jura laughed.

“Leave? I think that’s Yorro… Gotta say hi. Then we can go… don’t ye think?” He hadn’t caught on that Jurra hated his guts.

        Maxin’s long tail swayed around and with a final glance over to Jura, he walked across the line and over to the pair that had been gawking. The Captain’s usual happy-go lucky features were worn away with something tired. A smile was still borrowed for the time being as he approached which traded out for a shit-eating grin.

“Well what the fuck we got goin on over here?” 

        His crude language and loud voice earned the turn of heads and a few glares but that was all. 

“Yorro and… what, your sister?” Max teased.

Yorro and Elene:

“Well that would be messed up if I was your sister.~” Elene would reply with a grin back. Despite being a noble she did look very country girl and also loved the drama of anything outside the estate. Yorro merely groaned at her response and then kept the rest of his thoughts about that comment inside.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you all away from the docks…This is Elene… Not my sister.” She’d offer an optimistic wave and another ‘hello’. Considering the man beside the pirate and then him again.

“Are you in the city for casual recreation?” He’d assume nothing ‘business’ related with how far from the waters they were, and how Jura held a cup like a raccoon without drinking it. 

Jura:

        Before Jura could try and dissuade Max from speaking to a man he would much rather stab, his companion was already walking that way. Jura tailed behind in the gap the pirate always made wherever he went. Glowering from the holes in his owl-like mask. He didn’t want to be in the cold, and he definitely never wanted to entertain so much as looking at the black market leader. If he hadn’t been in the company of a nicer looking woman, Jura might have punched him for blowing smoke in his face all those months ago. Petty grudge, sure, but he wasn’t going to get over that ever..

“Doesn’t matter why he’s in the city, like I don’t care why you are in the city.” Jura said with a rather nasty tone to his voice, as soft as it was.

         He shifted his cooling cup in his hands and shut up after that, not having the spine to see what Max thought about him being pissed. 

Max:

        Jura speaking got his attention. Maxin looked down at him and blinked with a bit of surprise at his hostility. He didn’t recall any bickering on the ship before. The two never even interacted really… 

“Uh- we live here.” Maxin replied slowly, pulling his eyes away from his cranky owl monster. “Down days I’m away from the sea… And—-“ He scanned over Elene.

        He looked her up and down, put two and two together and his eyes snapped wide open. She was either incredibly bloated or-

“…. Yorro- she pregnant?” Maxin looked back to Elene. “Are you pregnant? To this guy—?” His tail coiled excitedly.

Yorro and Elene: 

“Oh- we could be neighbors!”

         Elene would exclaim excitedly, clapping her hands together once, Yorro muttered a quiet, ‘no, they’re not’ to her, but that was drowned out by her louder voice and Max’s. He didn’t look like he was going to explain either, but Elene volunteered, just as excited, “Yes! Got something like a month to go, can’t come fast enough!~” She’d pat Yorro’s right shoulder and he’d draw his mouth into a line. He wasn’t mad at her but if her fervent prayers to Grace came true and all that random labor she had him partake in with a jacked up arm.. He’d have a handful.

        The woman basically ignored the negativity from Jura, well aware that Yorro didn’t make friends most days, so this pirate being nice was an achievement already. “I guess you’re right, darlin, none of our business, but smalltalk is nice sometimes, isn’t it?” Maybe she could be an olive branch to the owl man. There would be no hurt feelings if he didn’t accept though. 

“Yorro’s not the sharing type, but the baby is his.” 

Jura: 

        Oh no. More horrible people to run around the streets of Faline-

         Jura sighed, shifted his cup again and slowly glanced Elene up and down without so much as moving his head. She sure was round. “I try to avoid it if I can.” He said to her, wholly dedicated to ignoring anything and everything her leech had to say. He was about to say something rather uncouth and physically bit his tongue, glancing sideways to Maxin who seemed much more excited about their conversation then Jura would ever be. So much for saying Hi. Sounded like he’d be stuck here till his drink got cold.

“If you plan to talk to them, Max, can we find somewhere less awful?” He’d much prefer suffering the conversation in a tavern or anywhere else that was warmer.

Max:

“HA!” Max exclaimed with a hearty grin, slapping Yorro firmly across the back. “Well shit! Congratulations to you two.” 

        That joy sort of faded and his ears fell back at Jura’s maintained grumpiness. Awful? He didn’t like the cold but he loved this much more than drowning in sweat during the heat of summer beneath all his layers. He cast the man a bit of a look, questionable. 

“Well- what? Like invitin’ them to dinner or somethin? Guess that would get us out of the cold faster, wouldn’t need to shop for the ingredients.”

His tail swished again while he looked to Elene, clearly the saying of what goes between the two.

“Got plans for the evening?”

Yorro and Elene: 

       The fact that Jura spoke about them like they weren't there only had Yorro a tad irritable but he was also just in a mood in general. For the most part he simply listened to what Max and Elene were conversing about, wishing himself to also be somewhere not here, like a warm bed. That wouldn’t happen for a good deal of hours so he decided to not hold his breath.

“Dinner sounds lovely! Is there a place you all have been? I know some places, but I don’t think they’d allow a pirate and a masked individual?” she’d speak about Jura like a concerned mother, looking the absolutely wrapped man over just as he did.

       Yorro merely looked back at Max at his question, “Not particularly

Jura:

       Jura really never had problems getting into anywhere, he got stares sure, but it could be a whole lot worse if he walked around just showing off his mangled face to anyone and everyone. But there was another problem, Dinner. With other people. That were not just Max. That very thought made Jura sigh from beneath his wood facade. Being out of the cold was nice, but this really wasn't something he was committed to. It was a damned shame that Max had leaned into it, and the balloon of a woman did too.

“I get around fine.” He said to her a moment later, but declined to offer a place to eat at.

Max: 

       Both Yorro and Jura seemed to have a stick up their ass, he cast them both a squinted look- did they hate each other? His expression shifted immediately as Elene seemed to really be into dinner. That wasn’t his plan-- he was tired, solely wanting to flop in bed after food-- but his smile appeared genuine. Faking it was his thing.

       He took a sip from his cider and shuddered a bit, it was so sweet- delicious. 

“Well, I know a place.” 

       In the back of his mind, he kept his partner’s needs first. Maxin watched the line shrug forward a bit more and instead of awkwardly standing there, he nodded toward a quiet alley spot near the end of the market back toward the docks.

“Meet us over there when yer done here, eh?” He flipped his tail. “Gonna get out of this line before I bite someone.” 

       Max gave a short wave and guided Jura away from them. He didn’t want his drink getting cold, and maybe he could figure out what his problem was. Once at the corner, Maxin stepped back between the buildings and sighed- taking another swig from his cider and waiting for the mask to pop up.

Yorro and Elene:

       Yorro didn’t hate Jura, more the latter for some strange grudge. He’d not dwell on it, with how rarely he saw the other, nothing happened from it anyways. He had no comments on the volunteering by Elene at whatever Max had been suggesting, but that seemed to be the plan now.

       Max and Jura could slink off to an alleyway while the pair finally got to the stand to order their drinks, sans any alcoholic add-ons, though Elene swore she was fine if he got a drink.
“It’s too early for that.” He would respond before looking to see if the pirate and owl stayed where they agreed. “You sure you want to go to dinner with them?”
“Yeah! I don’t get to go out or see people, let’s go, you’ll live right?” He’d frown some, “Yeah..”
       
       The pair would start towards the others after trying the drinks and finding them acceptable.

Jura: 

       Jura was oh so glad for a moment of peace in some alleyway. Crowds got to him more than they would with other people, and having to look at Yorro didn’t make him any happier about today and everything going on. He also had to consider the quickly cooling drink he’d been clutching for dear life, and was more than happy to shift it to one hand so he could fiddle with his mask. Not before he glanced all over the place and ducked around the bulk of his partner's body to sip from the cider in secret. Enjoying the tart and spiced flavor of it just as much as he relished in the warmth it brought him and his poor shivering frame.

 “Your’s is spiked, right- can I try?” He asked, always thinking it was weird that Max tried to keep alcohol from him like he was some kid trying to get into trouble. 

       Sure, hard liquors weren’t his choice most of the time, but he did enjoy the hazy feeling it gave him. Let him sneak away from his ever present tenseness and the anxiety that clung to him like a leech. Maybea drink  would brighten his mood a little. Help him forget about the cold and having to talk to some man he’d decided to hold a grudge against for the rest of his life. Something he knew was incredibly petty, but how could anyone blame him? Yorro and his pretty wife there were born in a completely different class than him. Lived a life of luxury where he was left to fight for scraps on the streets. By principle he hated them and really didn’t care to change his mind.

       Taking another long drink, Jura leaned a little around Max’s side to make sure nobody was coming. Coast was clear so far, but he didn't think it would be for long given their awful talk of dinner. Best to finish his cup before he couldn’t and ended up walking around with a sad cold drink for the next  unknown amount of time. 

Max:

“Aye- of course. Didn’t want much just a few sips anyway.” 

       There’s was this amused sparkle in his eye when Jura chugged down most of his cider, Max took the drink from him and handed his own. He wanted to try the caramel flavored one anyway. Gods it was even sweeter. His eye twitched but he finished the last swig or two. Maybe the alcohol would do Jura some good. 

       The taller man occasionally looked over his shoulder for the pair that was supposed to meet them- they were making their way over slowly, so Max kept watch while Jura got whatever he wanted from his drink until they were practically on top of them.

“Mask down.” He mumbled, just loud enough for Jura to hear. He stepped out, stalling them for a moment in the event his boyfriend struggled fiercely with getting his mask back down. 

“Aye- just a couple blocks down actually. Not sure how busy it’ll be tonight but the food is damn good.

Jura: 

       Jura exchanged the rest of his drink for the one Max held out to him. He sniffed the cup first, smelled something strong as hell in it, and just tilted the cup up to swallow more than what was probably wise for a person of his slight stature. He wasn’t the best with strong alcohol, but given the situation, it was a necessity. Jura grimaced a bit at the flavor as Maxin keep watch, eyes widening a little when he was warned to don his mask again.

       Passing the cup back into Max’s hands, Jura tugged his owl-visage back into place. Deft hands affixing the straps he’d loosened just in time before their guests got within eyesight. He ducked behind Max just in case and double checked it wouldn’t be moving at all, and only once his concerns were abated, did he step out again beside him. No intentions in mind to join into the conversation while they headed to a favorite tavern. 

Yorro and Elene: 

“Hello again!~” 

       Elene would say in a singsong voice as the duo came into view, she’d offer another wave, which would only be stopped by Yorro taking her hand from the air and then holding on to it. She was far too excited for this lot.

“That’s not a problem.” 

       If it was busy he could just loom near someone til they fucked off, perks of looking rich even if he didnt have much on him, also had a mean face generally, and then there was also Max, Jura, and well, everyone was very weird in some way so the sight of the four of them would likely make space.

       As for the food, he hoped it was good, as Elene would probably out eat all of them and he didn’t need to stand by her throwing up in the morning more than he already did. Imagine if Ghost was there, which he definitely was never. 

“Lead the way!” Elene would possibly get hangry if they waited any longer, but at least the woman had a cup of cider she was working on. She’d probably steal Yorro’s soon too, just to have a quick taste and oops it's gone. 

Max:

       A chuckle escaped when Ellen was forced to tone it down. Jura joined them again, so he nodded in the direction they needed to go and led the way. Jura’s hand was occupied by his, holding the two cups around in his free hand until they passed an iron garbage to toss them into. Most people kept them but there really wasn’t room in the small apartment to start a cup collection.

“So, how’s the ship?”

        He started with some small talk while they made their way down the street passed an array of shiny windows with lights dancing around inside. The sign of the tavern made an appearance with four older men standing around outside chatting. Their faces turned to the four approaching. Strangely, they waved. Grey beards, weathered faces, and rough hands. Probably some of the crew. Or just fishermen.

       Inside the smell of battered fried foods made his mouth water while listening to Yorro.

Yorro and Elene:

“I haven’t been on it much, with Namarast.. And other happenings..” 

       He’d not elaborate at all, but being dragged around from the Tourney to who knows where while crammed like sardines in a prison card was nothing but unpleasant and he’d rather not remember the rest. Elene would merely walk along, humming some faint song that was near indistinguishable from the noises around them, people, taverns, rats, what have you.

“It’s in care of some of my men though, outfitted to not look like the old ship.”

        Now with Mythwyr banners and colors, some other superficial changes, lots of additions inside, including reinforced walls and secret rooms for whatever nonsense was going to be hauled in it.

“What about yours? Hauled in anything good?”
       He would also refrain from asking of repairs, it was likely done long ago if the pirate was worth his salt and wanted to earn gold. Each day in dock was money lost. Or at least that’s how Yorro saw it.

       Elene would have waved at the men if her hands weren’t occupied by a now empty cup of cider and the other by Yorro’s own hand. Instead she’d offer a friendly nod at basically everyone they walked by, regardless of how friendly or approachable they looked.

Jura:

       Monsters sure were some happenings, so Jura assumed that's what he was getting on about. That, or black market and other shady activities. Max was into something similar, Piracy and all. Of which Jura was perfectly content to not ask about. Max didn’t make a habit of asking what Jura did at night, so Jura didn’t ask about what his partner did at sea.

       If he remembered correctly, before that silver monster, before the one in Mead, Max had proudly told him of all the money he’d made selling off some deep sea terror. Seamonsters or whatever it was. Jura didn’t offer his thoughts on that thought and just walked beside the pirate till they reached their destination. A familiar place, one they’d gotten food from quite often. Never really dined in- At least Jura hadn’t. He had way too many hang ups to pop his mask off in public like that, even if he did really enjoy the food.

Max: 

       So it got a facelift. He didn’t care if Yorro burned the fucker down and sank it in the middle of the ocean. The rancid memories that surfaced even with the mention of that cursed vessel nearly made him vomit. The man shrugged his shoulders firmly. 

“Picked up some new jobs around Faline. Actually been pretty boring.”

       Not much to report but sometimes nothing new was a good thing. Maxin pushed the door open, holding it for the group to enter. Inside there was a hum of quieter voices. Old men everywhere. Must’ve been packed at the other place for everyone to come here. 

“Ah- well I guess the crew got done early today..” 

       He didn’t mind familiar faces, but they stared heavily at the company that he and Jura dragged in. There were a few random people in the mix. After a glance, he noticed Matilda. Sitting with the cook… Maxin immediately led them to an empty table on the other side of her and heard the older woman gasp. Oh this was going to be a fun evening. Max let Jura scoot into a worn booth, he quickly followed and waited for the other two. A server was running around like crazy, shouting that he’d be with them in just a minute. 

Yorro and Elene: 

“Ah, that’s nice.” 

       He didn’t really care, but formalities and small talk seemed to be what Elene wanted other than random foods on a whim, she’d swap cups with him as they entered, sipping on his Cider while he held the empty one. The place was somewhat like he was familiar with, roaming around the docks and the Mar, but Elene had never been to such a place and both of them had nicer clothing than anyone here, aside from perhaps Max’s outfit, but Yorro was biased on how great pirates looked.

       He motioned for Elene to take a seat, holding her arm as she sat the now half-full cup of Cider on the table and scooted into a seat, her other hand shielding her more apparent huge belly as she sat down. Yorro would take a seat after her, sliding the cider cup closer as he’d listen to Max explaining that most of these people were his crew. He might have recognized a face or two, but not near as much as he’d have liked. Matilda stuck out more, but sorta foggy, like a dream, she was clearly real though and he’d shove any ‘dream’ conspiracies back into the recess of his mind. 

Jura: 

Boring was good, if anyone cared to ask Jura about it. No drama, no chaos. No monster and lost people and traumatic events. He sat happily into the booth, shielded from people who probably already say more of him then he ever wanted to acknowledge. The conversation between the group was a bunch of niceties and small talk, which Jura was not one to partake in- especially not when it was between Yorro and…

Glancing from one point to the next, he caught Matilda sitting with other members of the crew. It was so weird to see her out of that tiny room that he found himself staring, one hand lifted to wave at her and only her. Even if she didn’t see his gesture, he felt it appropriate to do.

Max:

“Soo- where are you two living now?”

       Maybe this was a poor decision- he didn’t know shit to say… but the server saved the day. He strolled up, tan in hand.

“Sorry about that wait, what can I get for you?” It had literally been three whole seconds since they had sat down, but Maxin ordered a mug of rum. Go figure.

       Once their order was in- he found himself staring at the two for a moment, not sure if they had answered or not. He cleared his throat, about to ask again when a loud excited voice exploded from behind. Matilda. Max felt warmth from the brightness of her smile.

“Scooch over, boy.”

        She snuck over, ditching her date, and didn’t give Maxin an opportunity to scoot over before she smacked her hip into him. Max sputtered and very quickly made room, casting Jura an apologetic look at the haste.

“Well who do we have here!! Such lovely little faces, dear Gods above, I thought I spied a baby belly!” Matilda got comfortable, not giving a single shit about Maxin’s personal space. She even went as far as taking the sword off his hip and flopping it onto the ground so it would quit poking her in the side. “My name is Matilda, I am the healer around the ship. Such a lovely pleasure to meet you!”

Yorro and Elene: 

“North side of Faline, in the Manor owned by my father.” 

       Why was he saying this? He was so close to just walking out of there with Elene but she deserved better than some dingey house on the warf and they’d have to hide somewhere his father couldn’t reach. He couldn’t do that with her so close to the due date, and even then, the house would be his in the end. He just had to stab that bastard between the ribs. Let him bleed in that cursed study.

       Elene would ask what was on the menu and just order so much food, Yorro didn’t order anything but she tossed in an order for alcohol too, so thoughtful. He’d roll his eyes some, likely not seen by her and then watch as the medic invited herself into the seat. She was interesting… might be nice to know a healer in some event.

His fiance would take her greeting more seriously, extending a hand to the other in a friendly golden retriever manner. “Hello! Pleasure to meet you as well, Elene Guinivenn.” She’d smile over to Yorro, part of her look a clear        threat at him to actually participate. He’d not offer a hand to shake but add, “We’ve met, love.”

“Well, alright then, just making sure you’re not being a dick to a nice lady.”

        She’d turn from him back to Max and Matilda, leaving Jura to whatever thoughts he was going to have. 

Jura: 

       Jura was shoved against the wall, squished on one side by the end of the booth, and on the other by Max, whom he was quite okay with. That man was like a heater, and Jura was the exact opposite. He turned his mask to listen to Matilda speaking, her very simple explanation of her job, vividly recalling the woman giving him a mini rant about her occupation when he’d suggested her as something so simple as a healer. He half listened to the conversation between Yorro and Maxin, not so secretly debating whether it would be a grievous crime to rob the home of some pregnant woman- if not for her he would have done it in a heartbeat.

Max:

“Ah, don’t worry yourself any I work on a ship full of men.” She passed a wink to Elene, hinting that she was used to the treatment. “Beautiful name, and where are you from?” Her entire focus was solely on the woman.

       Maxin turned his gaze towards Yorro—- and then his attention was fully on Jura for a moment. He slid his hand under the man’s elbow and locked arms with him. He clutched Jura’s hand in his and rubbed his thumb against the glove. Maybe he was looking for some sort of reassurance… who knew. Or perhaps he was just being a clingy bastard for the moment.

“North side is a good distance away.” Maxin noted. “Just venture over for the market, today?” 

       Each market had some unique flavor to it, maybe they were looking for something specific. 

Yorro and Elene: 

“I live in a house of men, likely not as bad, but they do test a woman’s patience.” 

       She nudged Yorro in the ribs, the man being particularly silent today. He grimaced some, but not really out of pain.
“Skystead, far from here, north where it’s warmer. It’s a mountainous place.”

        It wasn’t that small either, and most of it was owned by her family, either to ranch or use for livestock.

       Max would get a reply from Yorro this time, with more information as he didn’t think it really mattered. He was drunk around the man, what had he shared before?
“It is, Elene likes the markets and this part of town, the affluent places are too familiar and boring or so she says.” 

       Really she’d just had him hike around town like she wasn’t 8 months pregnant, that woman was an unstoppable machine when she set her mind to something. 

Jura: 

       The way Yorro described Elene’s boredom with those places of the rich had him scowling, half distracted by Max playing with his hand, but not enough to miss that much. Good thing he had a mask on his face, and mostly kept his eyes down. The only thing that could save them in his opinion was that woman having some sort of craving for the street food… which, if he thought about it, had some bearing here. She was in the same line as Max and him, buying cider. Though he was sure the very same, if not better, could be bought where the wealthy flocked like a hoard of vultures.

       Jura gave Maxin’s hand a squeeze, for lack of anything else he could do while wedged between his boyfriend and the immovable wall. Patience slightly restored regarding this entire situation. Matilda was here too, one person he also liked the company of. He hoped she’d interject into the conversation a little more.

Max:

       Maxin raised an eyebrow in response to the richer parts of Faline being… boring. Lacking in as much criminal activity, maybe. 

“Not sure boring is a good term… can’t get more than five feet with something shiny staring you down in the windows.” Maxin chuckled. “I would recommend moving here but… well, might be safer where you two are currently at.” 

“Men are always testing something but that distracts them from knowing who really are making the decisions.” She cast Elene a knowing wink. “Sounds quite lovely!” Matilda added. “Briefly heard of the mountain towns but, well, I never venture far enough from the ship. If it weren’t for my boys I would have never left the islands.” She flashed the two shoved into the corner with a smile. “But my, you look ready to pop! Good to see you still getting out and about. I never agreed with bed rest. I worked right up until I gave birth, then got up and kept working.” Matilda smiled.

       Drinks were brought to the table and served out, then the waiter brought his tab and stood there with a smile listing off the soup and special of the day. Pork roast sounded good. Matilda lifted her hand, stating she had eaten already.

“I’ll do the special.” He rumbled, taking a swig of the rum before turning to Jura with his voice lowered. “Do you want anything?”

Yorro and Elene: 

       Yorros comments about her finding some places ‘boring’, got a look from the woman and she’d squint at him as if telepathically cussing him out. He’d turn to look at her but seemed unfazed, instead ordering food that seemed enough for  five people, mostly protein things like chicken. To be fair he was making some assumptions about prior words she had and if Grace was nice to the nonmage.. Maybe she was huge, not from a large baby, but two. Elene would puff out her cheeks some before turning away and resuming talking to Matilda.

“Oh, islands sound lovely, I’ve never been to any coast but Faline’s, but this far south it's a lot colder and not as pretty.”

        Always rainy, gray or dreary in some way, the brightest place she’d seen outside of manmade structures was the jungle farther south and that wasn’t for an evening excursion. She’d rub her stomach some as a baby stirred, making no comment on it.

       Max’s words caught her attention again, to which she’d reply, “Yorro’s terms don’t properly describe how I feel about it. The place isn’t boring.. But I’m used to the country and rougher things, it’s too pristine actually. Too many fake smiles and materialistic people.” She’d not bat an eye at being robbed either, less fortunate people and all that, she’d go farm if she had the choice, the manor like a prison aside from the company of Yorro and a select few.

Jura:

       One cup of cider was definitely enough to tide him over until he went home, right? He had to ponder that answer for a very long time following Maxin’s hushed question. Jura could never really say he felt hungry, and definitely didn't when he was in the company of people like this… but the peer pressure Max and Matilda both exuded upon him passively made him nod to his partner. He spoke up to order something very sweet, but easy to keep for a long white at room temperature- or rather, whatever temperature it was outside at the moment. Cold as hell. A fruit pie of some sort, Apples? Yeah. Good.

       Jura watched the waiter write it down. Following shortly afterwards with Elene’s order. Gods she ate like a horse, or maybe it was just her husband to be trying to make some suggestions. Food for two. That was excusable. Though he was quietly judging the amount all the same.

Max: 

       Apple pie- not exactly a meal, but alright. Maxin noted to not finish his food like the monster he was and save some for Jura later. Pie wasn’t quite a meal.  A lot of food was put in, one tab, and Matilda and Elene had apparently taken up the conversation. So, idly he returned to rubbing Jura’s hand and sticking his face into his mug.

“Oh, yes that seems to just be Faline in itself. In our city it’s quite the opposite.” Matilda beamed.

“Yeah- the subtle frowns, don’t pick up on it you either get the ‘fuck are ye looking at’ or a bottle whipped at your head.” Maxin added. 

“It is not!” Matilda snapped. “Sheesh, always looking at the negative. At least that natives aren’t like that.” She sighed.

“The sailors sure are.” Maxin shrugged and took another drink. 

“Anyway, they are beautiful. Nice and warm, lovely beaches and amazing foods. Not this… meat and potato nonsense.” Matilda’s eyes were mainly focused on Elene. “Do you have any family that lives here? Or did Yorro yank you away from your home?”

Yorro and Elene: 

“Well I don’t get any bottles thrown at me.. But looks, yes.” She was an attractive lady with some nice curves and she knew it, often used that to her advantage when swaying Yorro’s elder brothers for favors. Yorro had a few bottles yeeted at his head when he was younger and less street smart, but he wisened up quick, far before he’d even met Elene. How she liked him he’d never know.

“I hear tales of pirate towns and they seem interesting, full of something happening.” Good or bad, she’d like to see such a place for herself in the future. The enticement of pretty beaches, warmth and food not helping to sway her interests. She was also determined to see what Yorro saw in pirates.

“Oh, no. None at all, just myself. I actually met Yorro here, his father arranged our marriage and we actually weren’t fond of each other… or should I say Yorro wasn’t fond of me.” She’d smile over at him and he’d frown some, “I was stupid.” At least he could admit it, she was a nice person, he enjoyed her company now, and in the past it was more hate for his father than anything against her, though he thought she definitely smelled like a farm despite her pretty face. 

Jura: 

       Jura sat idly, allowing his hand to be pet while he declined to participate in the conversation about pirates. As far as he was concerned, Daelyn was beautiful- he just had to ignore literally all the horrible things that had happened there when Max had first shown him around after a whole series of terrible things. A certain Pirate bitch levying threats upon poor Jura and Maxin together… people drinking so late into the night that Jura had to creep about during the daylight hours like a normal person. He tried not to cringe at his thoughts and the slander everyone so gladly threw in about his birth city. Not that he really had anything to refute that with. He grew up a criminal afterall. Most of the bad talk was true.

       At least his visit to a smaller island had been nice- once he forgot the rest of the horrors.

“What did your father get out of an arranged marriage?”

        Jura asked to either of them, speaking up for once instead of sitting like a statue.

Max:

“Arranged marriage…” Matilda mumbled disapprovingly. “I’ll show that man my thoughts on arranged marriage.” Everyone knew the older woman thrived off love, though her life now was without any romance. She usually meddled in the middle of everyone else’s supplying the spicy potions, helping with partner problems… she served as the ships therapist as well apparently.

       Maxin quietly kept his thoughts to himself. He moved their hands to sit on Jura’s thigh so he could squirm his tail free from being squished. 

“Eh just don’t be tossin’ that term around here, Pirates… don’t sit well with the Navy fleet and guards. Roughians is a good substitute.” Maxin added that little comment to Matilda’s nod. “So is  that how you two met? You never… saw each other beforehand?”

Yorro and Elene:

“We met when we were a bit younger, but more in official capacity when I was 18, that’s when I moved in with their house. Usually when my father would visit for business purposes, I suppose to also discuss which of Kerrigan’s sons I’d be tied to.” She’d shrug, rather preferring to think of the fun times she had scaring the shit out of Yorro in the gardens.

“I’m sure the primary plan is heirs in case Konnwynn doesn’t produce a suitable one.. Though he’s got a daughter who’s as weird as him, and my brother Eozon doesn’t have a partner, my father doesn’t like how he turned out either. But his end goal is absorbing all of the Guinivenn land and resources into his own. Which he intended once we married officially.”

Elene would nod some, her face a bit more serious due to the current topic, “I don’t think he’ll let us delay much longer, doesn’t like the Mithwyr name besmirched by bastard kids.”

Jura: 

       Sitting here, Jura couldn’t help but wish he’d said no, gone off to his house. Max could show up later and regal him with the happenings after all- here he just sat like a mute. Staring mostly. Occasionally glancing at the man beside him. To their intertwined hands, or off into space somewhere else. A dark corner of the tavern, the middle of a table three rows over. Watching the server dart about like a little rabbit. Sometimes with plates and food in hand, other times he went with nothing but his person and a pad of paper.

       The Mythwyr head of house apparently wanted to take more land under his mantle. Greedy bastard… but Jura glossed over much of the rest. The politics of the rich only interested him so much. Nor did he find much comfort in the idea of Elene being regarded as a brood mare for their house. What was wrong with this Konnwynn person? Eozon? Yorro himself?

Max: 

 “… The fuck.” 

       Maxin looked thoroughly confused. He thought that’s what the Kings and shit did, breed anything that moved for an heir. Not normal people… He squinted at Yorro. Definitely not king material.

“That is kind of fucked.” Maxin breathed out a sigh. “So… strangers marry to have kids they don’t want… to make sure some land doesn’t go to someone else.” 

       And that’s how orphans came to be. Unwanted kids. 

“Thought that was something the Royal bastards did… and you’re old enough to have your own choices, no?”

       Where they came from, Max and Matilda, freedom was the first important. Marry whomever, fuck whomever, do whatever you want in life. Faline was so shitty in comparison… but a number of couples here he had seen were, or seemed, happy at least. Tended to their kids. Only in the poorer areas did things get a tad questionable but even then family’s made due.

       He lost a few levels of respect for Yorro. Sure if they’re happy, then it worked out but, ugh. Maybe he was starting to understand why they never really mingled with these sort of people. All weird in the head.

“Anyway- where’s the creepy guy? Ghost? Haven’t seen him stalking around.” 

       Matilda was the quiet one now. But thankfully saved by the bell, because here came the food. 

“Ah, I’ll leave you guys to your dinner. I suppose my date is getting cold.” She tossed them a wink and patted Elene’s shoulder. “If you Ever need anything darling, even to spend some time with someone without the raging testosterone- I’ll be on the ship! Rarely ever leave.”

Maxin was sad to see her go, he hated talking… but maybe the food would keep them all busy and they could slink off after.

Yorro and Elene: 

“Yes, that’s what he’s like, but it’s not why we are having kids. Elene wants children, I usually do whatever I want in term of partners.”
       She would nod, “And there’s the hope that the old fart just dies soon.”

       Yorro himself wanted the manor and family wealth, more in spite than anything, but their kids wouldn’t be controlled by his bastard of an old man.
“I feel worse for my mother, she has to have direct contact with him. At least three times..” 

       No wonder his mother didn’t say much, it was probably the same bullshit. As for Konnwyns daughter he wasn’t sure how she came about, the man never brought home any women, and one day he had some little red-headed girl who was a nightmare to say the best. Maybe he picked her up off the street for her fighting spirit?

“He’s nearby, probably not in here if anyone’s drunk.”

        Though Ghostie could surprise him, maybe he was some random man at the bar, he didn’t see anyone that matched his frame though.
Elene would nod to Matilda, sad to see her go, but at least there was plenty to stare at while waiting for the food, and it came soon enough.

Jura: 

       Jura looked around for this mysterious Ghost, though no one really stood out to him. He was sitting there doing literally nothing until everyone's food was delivered, inspecting all that was brought over- even if he couldn’t eat it. Even his second favorite person here excused herself to return to the cook. Something he had to make a note of asking about whenever he stopped by the Apallaina. What had changed?
Granted Jura hadn’t been on the boat much as of late. Busy with work… all those problems in Mead and Kree being missing-  Ah, best not to think about this in the company of strangers.

Max: 

       When they started diving into their meals, Maxin hadn’t touched his yet. He released Jura’s hand and gave his leg a squeeze. 

“Need a hole in that mask so I can shove food in there for you.” His voice was playful. Honestly, he didn’t feel comfortable eating without Jura. Had Yorro and Elene not have been there— maybe they’d split meals. 

       To keep it from getting cold however- Maxin cut his sandwich in half. The pork was marinated in something sweet and he looked incredibly happy to be eating it. 

“I’ll save the rest for you.” He swallowed and munched on some fries, too. “It’s good.” Eating now felt like he was just rubbing it into the poor guys face. 

       Maxin turned their eyes to the pair with a mouthful.

“Could just drown the guy.” He suggested with a sly smile. “Oops he slipped in the tub. Tadah, problem

 solved.”

Yorro and Elene: 

       Out of the pair it was mostly Elene eating things, Yorro took an occasional fry or small piece but he’d rather not incur the wrath of his hungry significant other. Though after a time she’d notice and shove a plate his way. 

       Like he expected Jura wasn’t taking off that mask, not even for food, the guy was dedicated, and it only cemented his idea of how jacked up the guys face probably was.  He’d take another bite of a fry and then consider Max’s suggestion.

“I’d like to stab him between the ribs and watch as he dies.” Pretty fucked up but that man abused him so horribly even now. He probably wouldn’t find solace in killing him, but he also wasn’t sure how he’d feel if someone else took that from him. Having the old man slip and drown though would be an easier thing to explain than who possibly murdered him out of a house of many suspects.

“I don’t think you should stab him.”

        Elene would state, quietly, she had her own thoughts on how much that would harm Yorro more than whatever he hoped.  As for the drowning suggestion, she’d not comment, going back to eating some of the meat on the plate. At least that was good.

       Somewhere a wild Ghostie wished he had a plate full of food too.

Jura: 

“Ah, that's nice of you Max.” he said with a slight sigh, masks with hinged jaws were on his to-do list, but constructing something that fit his features and also afforded him his much needed privacy proved more challenging than expected. A few days locked in his house with a sketchbook and some fresh supplies would probably get him somewhere.

       Jura watched his partner enjoying his food for a moment, not necessarily feeling left out, but he waited till Max was almost done to slide the plate his way, voice quiet as he spoke loud enough for him to hear and no one else-

 “Finish your dinner, I got the pie because it keeps better.” and because Jura may or may not really enjoy fruits and other sweet things.

       Everyone else began to eat, so Jura just occupied himself with listening again. Plots about murder. It could be so easy… but he wasn’t about to incriminate himself like that to Yorro of all people.

Max: 

“I like this conversation much better.” 

       Maxin leaned back and grinned ear to ear while he watched Elene eat a really interesting variety of foods. He took notes to try them later. Maybe she knew some secret flavor mixes.

“Eh, I’ll save it anyway. Might get hungry later.” 

       Maxin didn’t work too hard today to validate a massive appetite. Since work was a bit laid back here and there, he noticed a bit of squish layering over the top of his muscles. He wasn’t so sinewy anymore. Maybe portioning meals was something he needed to be more aware of… unlike the way Elene was eating.

       He didn’t know much about pregnancy other than women got huge. Maybe it’s because they ate like this all the time. He couldn’t help but gawk. 

“Another thing you could do… if you really need to jab someone, feed them to the hogs. They leave no spot of evidence behind…. I mean, or I could… just use magic on the corpse but I don’t know if I wanna get wrapped up into Rich people shit.” 

       Interestingly he didn’t consider himself one of them, despite the hoarde of gold in the belly of the Ship.

Yorro and Elene: 

       Elene seemed unfazed by anyone watching her eat, it wasn’t like she was shoveling food in her mouth, she wasn’t starved either, even if there was  a constant hunger and cravings for various foods and combinations. For the most part she’d just listen to what they talked about.

“I’d have to find a barn with hogs and possibly pay off someone..” 

       Maybe he could get his father to open a portal and kick in into it, back to whatever hellscape the man brought forth shadow creatures, let them finish him off. Though he would be paranoid that the man somehow survived if he didn’t have a corpse to bury or found the man entirely deceased.

“That’s fair.” 

       Once his father was dead, as well as Konnwyn and probably Eozon, then he’d have the family estate and assets for his own, likely finally being wealthy and not a pawn in his father’s plans.

Jura: 

       Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. As interesting as the conversation about killing some man he didn’t know and didn’t want to know- was, Jura felt very out of place. There were too many people here. Too many things that smelled so good but still weren't enough to tempt him into taking his mask off… people before him that he never would have sat down to lunch with even if he knew more about them than them being rich bitches.

“Just push him off a balcony. Old people trip and die all the time.” he said, aloud, and then promptly shut the fuck up for the rest of foreever.

Max: 

       Maxin snorted at Jura’s comment. He was done eating as much and waved the server over to get paper to wrap the left overs. The man disappeared, threw down a bill and a wrapped slice of pie and left. Maxin fished out coin to pay it before he wiped off his hands and gave Jura’s knee a squeeze, then left his hand open atop his knee for Jura to take if he felt like it.

“Good to know you’re nearby.” Maxin grinned before his eyes caught some movement.“… Holy shit, is that the guy? What’s his name… Ghost?” He flashed the man a toothy smile. “That’s the one that turned tail and ran like a dog as soon as ye started barfin’ in my cabin, eh?” He had a big grin on his face. “Ah shit, good times… I had to tear that damned rug out and replace it YKnow.”
“He like your shadow now?” He glanced toward Yorro.

Yorro and Elene:

       Yorro would turn his gaze towards the mask person generally known as Jura. Wow he could add to conversations… Push him off a balcony would be more suspicious, since while he was decently old and Yorro referred to him as an old man, Kerrigan was also a strong mage and in rather good health from what his son could tell. All very unfortunate for claiming he was old, fell and otherwise died. Not to mention the number of servants and staff around to heed his whim, and the man’s own portal of evil magic.

“That wouldn’t work.” He’d leave it at that, taking out a few coins as well for the food Elene was demolishing in her hunger. Yorro would pause for a moment as Max seemed to notice someone, turning slightly to see from the corner of his eye. While he didn’t see Ghost it was likely the guy was tailing them around. He never asked him too, but Ghost was a weird one and probably extremely bored with downtime.

“...He ran away?” Elene would ask, glancing between Max and Yorro as she was clearly missing some bits of the story. Yorro throwing up wasn’t really anything new, but she’d not think the ex-soldier would be bothered by that. All the times she’d been sick too, poor man.

       Yorro would only offer a slight wry smile at the mention of the rug. Did he puke on the floor? Probably. But he at least remembered a bucket at some point. “I don’t know, didn’t ask him to stalk me.”

“Maybe he’s stalking me?” Elene would chime in, a little mischievous smile on her face as she turned more obviously to look for the wiry man.

“GHOSTIE!” She’d call, getting a few looks and no otherwise response before she puffed her cheeks and turned around. Darn.

Jura: 

       Finally, the moment he’d been waiting for the entire time they’d been sitting here. The check. Manifested like a gift from the patrons.

       And his pie. Jura picked that up and tucked it below the table to hold onto. His other hand finding Maxin’s to hold. So so ready to leave that he hadn’t even noticed some other mystery figure dipping out of the tavern, at least he hadn’t until the conversation shifted to them. Eyes scanning, very disinterested.

       As far as their last discussion went, Jura thought Yorro just lacked the conviction and the creativity. Maybe a little knife use. Whatever. It wasn’t like he planned to say anything else in front of the guy.

       Elene on the other hand, she was a maybe. If Matty liked her, Jura liked her by extension.

Max:

       A low chuckle escaped from the lack of response Elene struck from the figure. He was like Yorro if he recalled- just as pleasant.

“Ran like he was being chased by a bear.” Maxin recalled the memory fondly. “What a bastard, he ignored you. Tell him he needs to get better at stalking if he’s not gonna join you for dinner.” Maxin also huffed and snatched the bill away from Yorro, paying both and handing the slabs with the change to the server. He thanked them and Max let out a small sigh. 

       He made a mental note to invite Elene only if they were going to be going somewhere again. Yorro wasn’t as fun as he had remembered him, he was more enjoyable drunk out of his mind. 

“Thank you both for joinin’ tonight,” he wrapped up his food and stuffed it into his coat with one hand while he held Jura’s with the other. “Not often I run into a familiar face in Faline.” Not like he knew anyone outside of the crew. “But yer welcome to visit the ship when we’re docked if we’re around. Some damn good rum.” He glanced to Elene sheepishly. “After the baby, of course.”

       Maxin shifted to look at Jura as if mentally asking if he was ready to leave. He could tell by the firm grip on his hand, he was more than ready——-

       But a loud voice returned.

“OH no! You’re not leaving so fast!” Matilda and her sing song voice—- when Max saw her, she looked a tad drunk. Just a little. A very rare sight.

       She made Maxin scooch over again with a mug in her hand and threatened to spill it when she sat. Max took the opportunity to cuddle up to Jura and lean over to whisper something into his ear. 

“Ugh my lovely little family, how was your meal! Smelled Wonderful, almost ate so much I got sick, hehe!” Matilda was beaming towards Elene. “Would you like a few things for when you get close to labor? I can knock back some of the yucks of child birth.”

Yorro and Elene: 

“Aww, he probably wanted some fries.” She’d have a few left, bagging them up in a wax paper she procured from her bag. Snacks to go. In truth the guy most likely did not want fries, but at least the pair weren’t suspicious of him being sent by someone.

       She’d seem interested in drinking once able to, smiling back at Max, Yorro seemed amused by the idea but during their current interaction he was definitely a lot quieter and less fun or even business. Existing really, maybe he’d liven up later, but Elene seemed to be willing to be social for him.

“Oh that would be lovely.~ Thanks for having us as well! I could bring the baby around sometime if you want to see them.” She was sure there was two but for Yorro’s sake she’d not poke at that for now. Matilda’s return would be greeted with an equally friendly smile, “Hello again, it was delightful.” Something about tavern and random inn food sure hit the spot and was much preferred to the fancy, and general lack of food at the estate. She swore almost all of them ate just to keep appearances, portions not even fit to feet a cat, maybe they all were really skeletons. Yorro ate the most out of any of them, but usually in private just shoveling food he nabbed from the kitchens.

       A small spoonful of food was really nonsense and at least at places like this you got your money’s worth. “Oh, yes, that would be appreciated, thankyou. I know some things from the livestock, but well,..” She’d look over to Yorro who simply grimaced slightly. Yucks of childbirth?

Jura: 

       Jura made a face that was very very grim, for once he wished Matilda had just stayed over there with her beau, let him and Maxin get back home. He turned his gaze to his partner wearily, shoulders slumping just slightly at the prospect of being here for another hour… or gods forbid it, even longer. Apparently deciding he didn’t need to sit there like a statue, Jura set his wrapped pie in his lap and leaned on his hands.

       The prospect of dealing with these very same people on Max’s ship too turned him off to the idea of visiting it as often. Tea time… could be doable if it was just the pregnant woman, but Yorro? Absolutely not. He’d rather jump into the bay in the middle of winter. “If you’ll be having your baby at the ship, please put up signs so I can avoid Matilda’s workspace.” Though he was sure he’d avoid the whole ship all the same, even if Elene just brought her babies along with her.

Max:

“Aye, rarely get to see those pudgy buggers up close.” Maxin shot an attractive smile which he fought very fiercely to keep. He was just about to scooch out when Matilda returned- oh, lovely Matilda. 

       A dreadful look came from Jura and he could nearly feel the irritation rolling off of the man. Where Max and Matilda could just be getting started, he needed to be mindful of someone else. 

“Oh, no you poor thing! Livestock is not the same… but birth is beautiful!” Matilda swooned. “I’ve delivered many babies in my lifetime but there are many things you need to be prepared for… Come by for salt baths, very relaxing… Baby’s first cry is something like magic-“

“Aye, whatever ya say Matilda.” Maxin interrupted. “Watched a chicken shit out an egg before an’ that’s as far as it gets for me.”’ Her snort of a laugh spilled a bit of her drink through her nose. “Gods- you are drunk.” Maxin sighed while he reached underneath the table and grabbed his sword that was tossed by the woman earlier. “Watch out Elene, this woman has godmothered more kids than my whole crew. I swear it.”

“Ha-! Maxin those were— Maids, birthmaids… handmades! Yes! I was a Handmade not a Godmother… but don’t you get wrapped up in that- I’m getting grandkids from you someday. Trying to leave-?” She started to scoot out of the booth to Max’s annoyed reddening face followed by his defeated sigh.

“I do, gotta be present at the ship for the third shift. Gotta do a quick check before everyone heads off.” He was lying through his teeth but she was too drunk to catch it. “You have plenty of kids to take care of.” He huffed.

       Max scootched out of the booth and tossed Yorro and Elene his attention again. 

“Feel free to stay and chat if ya want, it was a pleasure meeting ya Miss. If you two aren’t busy in eh, oh… give’er two days from now close to the afternoon, stop by the ship and Matilda can get what ya need then.” Maybe he could shove a grocery list or job to Jura or something and keep him occupied during that time.

“Max! I was going to do that—- invite, and tonight!” He sighed at Matilda’s request.

“When you’re sober. Don’t be mixin’ shit drunk.” He scowled at her and waited for Jura to follow along at his side.

       Once everything was collected, Maxin put two fingers to his lips and released a shrilling whistle he used on the ship. The loud chatter was quickly cut to silence.

“Aight, wrap your shit up, finish eatin’, get the bills paid whatever the hell ya need to do. Unloadin’ the last of it tonight then the next three days are yours. Check ins at Noon, shifts are available for upkeep. Don’t forget to leave a fuckin’ tip and stay within the Bell’s call.”

“Aye.” Echoed back from various areas of the room. It was just a tiny fraction of men from the third shift here, an even tinier fraction of men from the entire crew- but Max made it seem like he was serious about getting to work tonight.

       His crew was older and not nearly as enthused as some of the younger men, just sounded like it was all very routine for them and they certainly didn’t mind being summoned by the captain. They settled back to conversing, some men throwing down change and leaving as they were already finished and simply wasting time talking. 

       Maxin tugged Jura along, tossing a wave back to the three and making their way out of the establishment.