The sun's light that had been a blazing golden light during the day was now slowly but surely going into a bright orange glow in the evening. Finally it was possible again to look straight at a building without risking blindness. Not that many had come out to begin with, the locals knew better. Those people without the luxury to spare a day or two were finishing off their business of the day. Among these were the unfortunate skeleton crews of the docked ships nearby, though not a word of protest passed their lips. Futhermore there was the occasional dog sniffing and looking for treats in the fishmarket and the girls giggling and pointing at the newcomers into Pelargir. The last, being these newcomers, all stood at attention in the central plaza of the market. Amidst the stalls and the stink of fish that had been laying in the heat all day. Geirdrifa blinked away a fly that attempted to settle on his face.
"Alright boys!", the officer shouted at the hundred or so soldiers present, "The shining lords have decreed that we won't set sail just yet. The man kept hard eyes on them, he gave a scratch through his short black beard while he did, "Everyone here.. I relieve from duty for the next four days. Reassembly shall be on the fifth day from now at first rise of the sun." The troop was silent. "Do not get yourself in too much trouble, our reputation might be at stake here. Dismissed!" Hardly a heartbeat later men were cheering and slapping eachother on the back, going into all directions. Looking likely for a cool place to sit down. Only a handfull stayed in place. "I do not like seavoyages.", Halsarn said without emotion. His eyes were fixed on the docks. The others gave a glance to the ships and Geirdrifa was first to laugh, "And they say you are a man of the north like I, haha! Come on, let's go find a place to drink before the others drain the city dry." A third called Adbudar and a fourth Holsa came along, they were a sight to see how they went through the streets. Moving with the swagger of priced fighters and the cheer of mischievous louts they inspired fear and excitement altogether in those nearby. Girls had to fan themselves as they had gone by, .. merchants gave them wary glances and stepped out of the way. "I heard there is a tavern nearby where they serve cheaply.", Adbudar said, his southern accent laying heavily upon each word. Holsa grinned a little, the man's face tended to remind one of a ferret. One that is about to steal eggs from a coop, "Is everything cheap there?" Adbudar didn't hide his disgust of Holsa and Geirdrifa's eager smiles, "They will likely raise their prices as soon as they see you walk in the doorway." Both smilers started to laugh! Halsarn on the other hand was just staring ahead of him with dim reluctance, he spat on the white street, "It had better be good wine."
They entered the place that the southern man had pointed out for them, within was a deep warm glow that remained from the warmth of the day. As the four men looked about themselves they saw that a dozen or so of their comrades had found it before them, already emptying their purses with drinks or gambling with the locals. Geirdrifa and Adbudar moved between the crowd of men and women, sitting on rich pillows or dancing with one another. The tune that was being played was dreamy, but urged one to move. Those whom had drank their fair share atleast. The tavernkeep was a tall and broad man. His belly was of some size and his arms the size of hammocks, he was just uncorking the next bottle until he saw the swarthy man. He placed his hands on the counter and leaned his sweating face forward, "We do not serve Umbar here.", he said fearlessly. Adbudar rose his shoulders, "Is that so? You fat pig." Silence. Their eyes were locked at one another and tension could almost be cut from the air. Geirdrifa had been about to grab the man by the collar and pull him in! Then though out of nowhere the innkeep started to laugh loudly, "A wine old friend? Hahah, I did not know you were in the city! How long has it been?! Come on, this round is on me!" The southron smiled, "Too long, far too long friend. Give these men their round and let us talk."
"What took so long?", Halsarn said with a dour expression by the time Geirdrifa returned. A bottle and several tankards he set on the table, "Nothing at all! Here, brought you a cure for that sour face of yours!" Holsa had already been filling the tankards, he leaned his head near the others, "Better start head on, this is going to be a night to remember!" They all grabbed the iron tankards and pounded them together, "To the Queen boys!" They all necked back their drink, Halsarn's landed first on the table, "You two still can't drink for shit.", he uttered, his expression starting to mellow just a little.
The evening went on and several empty bottles now lay strewn over the table. Geirdrifa had met two maidens that now found a rest on his lap. The three of them were cheering at Halsarn whom had started a contest of armwrestling with some of the other soldiers. It was titan's match, Halsarn's quivering arm was pushed back slowly, still the look in his eyes gave the impression he was of the mind to win. "Enough Halsarn, end him now!", Geirdrifa laughed before one of the girls pressed herself against his face! He lost his balance and the three went down on the floor, at the same moment as the hand of Halsarn's opponent bumped on the table, "You are strong. Now pay up, my drink is almost emptied!" "Next time I'll get you.", the opponent said, then they embraced like brothers while another roar of the crowd went up as the next song began to play.
