*/*/*


On the Horizon

Vesli watched from the sidelines, observing. He was apparently early for training with Face today. Or this training session was running a little late. Darcy and his hound were quite the pair, moving in sync together as they attempted to best the old man-at-arms. So far, Face was casually holding them off, clearly holding back. The barking and snarling from the spar didn't so much as ruffle Creature, the not-kitten content to snooze away in Vesli's lap. The man hadn't intended to bring the not-kitten, but Creature had decided to tag along regardless.

Vesli returned his attention to the two sparring. Calmly, Face side stepped a rush from the hound, her teeth barred in a snarl that turned to a yelp, the canine rolling in the dirt as she tripped. Poor dog, whose name he simply couldn't recall, needed better aim. Taking advantage of the dazed animal, Face got his boot under her side and tossed the beast out of the ring, signifying that the Houndmaster's partner was no longer part of the duel. Vesli felt a little bad for the canine who was giving apologetic whines.

Turning back to the glaring Darcy, Face grunted, "That all ya can do?" Vesli recognized the goading tactic from his own spars with Face. With a roar, the Houndmaster charged, spiked cudgel swinging with admittedly surprising speed. Poor fool had fallen for it, it seemed. Even still, Face was able to read the attacks and dodged them, each dodge paired with a quick blow or a cutting remark. Vesli memorized a few of his favorites for later use. Finally, Darcy went for an overhead blow with the cudgel. Reacting quickly, Face met the cudgel with the mace, the two striking weapons locked in a standstill with their masters. Vesli arched an eyebrow. Rolling his eyes in irritation, Face ended the stand still by quickly and brutally shield bashing the Hound Master in the face. Vesli couldn't help his wince as metal met flesh and Darcy went down. Ouch. "Tha's tha end o' that," Face dusted off his hands.

Vesli decided applause would be rude and freed himself from being Creature's throne. The cat looked offended that Vesli had dared remove his lap. Ignoring the feline, Vesli went over to Darcy, who Face was helping back up. "You got him to a standstill. Better than I can manage," he nodded.

Darcy sheepishly ran a hand through his red hair. "He still handed me my ass on a platter."

"Face does that to everyone," Vesli assured.

"Speakin' o' which Whelp, it's yer turn," Face cracked his neck.

Darcy and the hound, Alis, stayed to watch the sparring session. Naturally, Face handed Vesli his own ass as well, though at least it wasn't as much of an ass kicking as these training sessions had been.

"You fight well," Darcy spoke up after the training.

"Thanks," Vesli winced, nodding as he rubbed the sore muscles in his neck, "I can say the same to you and your partner." Referring to the hound as a partner clearly pleased the canine and her master as they made their way back to the tavern. There was something familiar about Darcy, and it wasn't that Vesli had met him before. Vesli couldn't place his finger on it, but he'd figure it out eventually.

"So, how did you start getting training from Face?" Vesli asked.

"He saw me fighting, insulted my form, proceeded to kick my ass, then offered to help me fix my problems as I wasn't as hopeless as most here. What about you?" Darcy tilted his head in an almost canine like manner.

"Same damn thing," Vesli grunted, dropping into a chair as a barmaid brought them both a pint of ale. Watching the Houndmaster drink from the tankard Vesli let out a snort, "I can't believe you drink this swill at the tavern."

"I can't believe they serve this swill at the tavern!" Darcy grinned at him and held the tankard between them as if giving an academic presentation, "What is the Hamlet coming to?"

"Then why do you drink it?" Vesli deadpanned, having silently asked that question any time he saw someone actually drinking what was served here.

"I can't stop," The other man laughed and took another swig. "With each new sip, I think 'It can't be that bad, can it?' Before I know it, I'm analyzing the nuances of its flavor, observing its effect on my nausea. I end up in a catatonic trance, fueled by the stench of the Hamlet's disgusting ale."

Vesli couldn't hold back the amused snort, "Or you're a drunkard with terrible taste."

"Eh, eh, eh!" Darcy chides "Alcoholic connoisseur… but fair enough." Chuckling, Vesli raised the mug in a mock toast before pouring it into the Houndmaster's mug.

"Then, oh wise connoisseur, let me top you off," Vesli smirked.

"First off, well played. Secondly, I really hate you right now," Darcy sulked at his newly renewed cup.

"I'm used to it," Vesli shrugged.

"You're not what they want you to think you are," Darcy set the cup down to meet his gaze.

"Doesn't change their opinions on the matter," Vesli responded.

"Well, you're alright in my book," the Houndmaster gave a warrior's nod of respect. This was accompanied by an agreeing bark and the thumping of Alis' tail against Darcy's chair.

"You're not so bad yourself," Vesli returned it.

*/*/*

For lack of anything better to do with himself, Vesli wandered the Hamlet. Jingle. The noise had his strides slowing and his eyes scanning the surroundings. There. Bird was crouched and quickly scribbling over her note pad, the vibrations from the rapid hand movements causing the bell to sound. He approached, craning his neck to see the object of her interest. "A… frog?" he questioned.

"Amphibians disappearing from Hamlet. Hope that recording specimens will explain the cause," she answered. Bird somehow managed to tuck her pen behind her ear. How she accomplished that with her mask on, Vesli didn't know. The motion was a cute one, a very Bird-like motion now that he considered it. It was obvious why that talkative asshole Bounty Hunter Gael was after her. Seriously, why couldn't he communicate in snorts and silent stares like Bounty Hunters were supposed to do? Despite the irritation directed at Gael, Bird's motion had a small smile finding its way across Vesli's face. Then he realized that Bird was looking right at him. There was no way she didn't see the stupid grin on his face. Fuck. Distract!

"Any hypotheses on the reason?" Please work, please work.

"Started with the noise," Bird's hand waved about the air to indicate the now ever-present hum that made Vesli think of insects. The man had to physically restrain the sigh of relief that his avian companion was easy to distract. "But unsure if it's correlation or causation. Sketching specimens and observing for clues."

"Sounds… fascinating." At his words, Bird laughed. It was almost a giggle and Vesli couldn't stop his startled blink. It didn't help matters when Bird's gloved hand game up and patted the top of his head. Their height difference made it a bit difficult for her, but she managed to accomplish it.

"You don't need to pretend interest," she reassured. There was a smile under that mask, he could sense it. Though Vesli really wished he could confirm if he was correct.

"Then it sounds like I would be bored to tears. But more frog studies for you, then," Vesli gave a slight smirk. At least this time the expression on his face didn't make him feel like a fool.

"Will find something I can discuss with you where we are both interested," Bird tapped her chin. Or at least the chin equivalent of her mask. "What do you enjoy?"

"Me? I'm a man of simple tastes, my lady," Vesli chuckled with a shrug. "Just give me good food, good company and a roof over my head."

Bird poked his chest with her index finger. "You are more complex than that."

"Perhaps, Doctor. But wouldn't you enjoy figuring me out for yourself?" The grin on his face turned mischievous despite Vesli's best attempts to look innocent. "I am merely being a good friend by presenting you with the challenge after all." It was only fair, considering she had done the same for him. Even if perhaps hers was not as intentional.

"Sometimes wonder if encouraging you to not be sulking in a corner was a mistake," Bird withdrew her hand before heading towards the barracks.

Vesli's gave a deep chuckle and nudged Bird lightly as he fell into step beside her. "Come now, Doctor. You know you'd be bored without someone to spar wits with."

"That's what Caillot is for," came the swift return.

His hand went to his heart in mock injury. "How cruel you are, Bird. I am not sure I shall ever recover from your cold words." Vesli was rewarded by Bird lightly shoving at his shoulder, and his returning laugh was heard a good distance away.

*/*/*

The moment Vesli and Bird entered the Barracks, they were greeted by a voice. "Just who I was looking for!" Vesli's eyebrow arch up at being approached by none other than Dismas. He'd liked the rogue after that mission together, but he didn't think they were nearly close enough for the Highwayman to greet him and much less Bird with that sentence. "We need more players and you two aren't going to talk my ear off about the evils of gambling. Or larceny." Dismas waved a box of cards that the Highwayman had very likely stolen from the Tavern. Ah. The greeting made much more sense now.

"Have nothing else to do," Bird's answer came first. Blunt as usual, Doctor. "What are you playing?"

"Poker of course," Dismas drawled as if it were obvious.

"Sure, why not?" Vesli had a coin or two to spare in a friendly game. Besides, the lull between missions needed to be passed somehow. Dismas and Tirel had set up in one of the 'common' areas of the barracks. This one had a few spare rickety chairs, and one very wobbly table. Understandably, the place didn't see much use. Vesli and Bird gathered chairs for themselves as Dismas worked on roping in anyone he could into the game. They were shortly joined by a Jester named Neot, followed by Darcy. Aela and Caillot somehow got finagled into the game as well. Vesli couldn't hide his surprise when Face just looked at the table and sat down without Dismas needing to try asking. The last addition to the table was Courci before Dismas noticed they were running out of chairs. The Highwayman slipped into one of the few remaining before shuffling and dealing cards and chips with the speed of a master gambler. The game began, and conversations with it which were often interlaced with swearing insults when chips exchanged hands. Vesli found himself squarely in the middle when it came to gambling abilities. Aela, the poor Hellion, was absolutely hopeless. She had tells a mile wide but at least she was having fun despite that. Courci, surprisingly, was only slightly better. The arbalest's face was poker worthy, but her hands just couldn't seem to sit still. Joining Vesli in the average range of gambling abilities were Tirel and Face. All of them were decent enough players but they were outmatched. Dismas of course was one of the most dangerous gambling opponents in the Hamlet. Caillot was a surprising contender, with the Occulist adopting a nearly flawless poker face and smooth movements that masked his thoughts. Neot, while possessing about Vesli's gambling abilities, had an absurdly lucky streak that helped him keep pace. Then there was Bird. Right now, the round was down to her and Dismas, neither giving anything away. Dismas finally grumbled and folded. Bird gathered the chips with a hum and revealed her cards. A hand full of nothing that cause Dismas to swear up a storm.

"Alright, Doctor, another round to-" Dismas started before getting cut off by a commotion outside. There was screaming and the unmistakable sounds of fighting and violence. The adventurers all abandoned the table and ran either to grab their gear or out various exits. Vesli was the only one of his team currently full armed, and he rushed through the nearest door and came to a dead stop, nearly getting run over by Face for it. The Hamlet was bathed in orange. Sulfur blackened the air, and clogged Vesli's nose. Flames cloaked the horizon. And there, in the distance, practically on the Hamlet's doorstep…

"Vvulf," Face snarled.