Staying sober is not something I seem to be good at, Gorlen wished.
The Pony would have been quiet if not for the group of mercenaries by the corner. Might have been a peaceful evening. Some of the patrons might have frowned at the lot, condemned them silently, give them burning glares one reserve for the unsavory folk. There were four of them there, one sitting on the pile of logs next to the fire while the other three stood in front of the counter.
Gorlen didn’t know the other two that were with them. He knew Taala, alright. However, the other two proved new to his ever inquisitive eyes. The man next to Taala introduced himself as Seaver. The peculiar lass with them was Ana, she said. The poor lass, though, had a most unfortunate turn of events happen to her. What transpired made Gorlen cringe in sympathy: There was still a scar where a blade marred its mark on her head; it was barely visible till she showed them. But by the looks of it, he didn't blame her for being a bit.. gone for three months. A bit late to deliver a letter, he agreed. But for fuck’s sake, give the lass a break, he'd reckon.
It was within that time when Taala messed some of her drink in between the banter and laughter that Piperel came through the door. She looked as lovely as ever, Gorlen thought as he placed his mug on the wood beside him and pulled her over. There was talks of a job being handed to The Bloody Dawn from Ered Luin, taking them away for about 2 months. For a number of reasons it didn’t sit well with Gorlen, at least he’d have Pip with them. And, Gorlen thought, if that bastard brother of hers, Corrben, comes and even thinks he’d be able to stop her from leaving, it’d be the last thing he does.
After a while the drinks ended, cups ran dry and laughter subsided and the group made their way to their beds.
