Sarah brushed an arm across her forehead, wiping the sweat from her face. It did very little, as more droplets appeared. The factory shifts had ended, and many squeezed into the tavern wanting nothing more than to drink the day's hard work away. Things were becoming worse for the people of London, for certain.
Just then, the doors to the tavern flung open, revealing a well-dressed man in a top hat and a few men in matching green clothes. Sarah, as well as the whole of the tavern, went deadly silent. The man in the top hat grabbed a chair and sat down, his arms resting on the back of it. He was very suave, Sarah thought, a hidden smile on her face.
'Go on, you poor sods, toast your noble boss. He's a thief of children, but go as you please. Or you could do better. Join me, join the Rooks.' he announced. A man in red scoffed and took a swing at the sitting man. He dodged it, grabbed the chair and broke it over the man's back, sending him to the ground. A blade appeared at his throat, and he began to beg for mercy.
'Mr. Frye, take everything! Take my money-' he began, but his opponent shoved the notes into his mouth with disgust. He got up and took a seat at the counter, in front of Sarah.
He flashed her a smile, before removing his top hat and setting it on the counter, revealing luscious, dark hair.
'Hello, love.' he greeted her.
'Jacob Frye, to what do I owe this disruptive visit? Not that I wanted you to stay away.' Sarah said, a playful smile on her own face.
'I came to ask, why you're wasting your life serving drunken blokes in London. Join the Rooks, and you can make an actual difference.' Jacob replied.
Sarah looked up from the mug she was cleaning, into Jacob's dark eyes. She'd known the man for a while now, and she had an idea as to his personality. He was reckless, but strong enough to make up for it. He was quite the free spirit, much to the envy of the bar maid. Jacob was a regular and, according to him, he mostly came to see her. Jacob Frye was a very handsome man, Sarah had to admit.
'Jacob, I'd love to join you, but I can't just drop my life like that.' she finally said. Jacob smiled, but he was clearly let down by her refusal to join him, or the Rooks.
'Maybe next time, then. Keep my seat open for me, love.' he said, getting to his feet and replacing his hat atop his head. Sarah nodded, and Jacob gathered his Rooks. She felt slightly disappointed as they vanished into the night.