The scritch scratching sound of charcoal was lost amongst the chatter of the others, and only really noticed by the artist as it grazed over a piece of parchment. Bobby, talented with word and song, was gifted in all the arts, and at this moment was capturing the image of Jackilyn, as she sat perfectly still, a smile on her lips and a dress gracing her body. He was ten years her senior, yet with a face as fresh as a daisy, and golden hair that would fall down over his brow, needing to be swiped away every time he inspected his work.
A cock sure Jack, his leg resting over the arm of the chair by the fire, spread out lewdly as a tankard of ale sat in his hand. He did not look as Bobby did, yet he too was exceedingly handsome, his jaw thick with stubble, his hair dark and wavy and his stomach showing the signs of drinking too much, yet not terribly so.
I'd do you in all sorts of poses Jacki, make sure there is a smile on that face too.
Alys spluttered her drink, sending water everywhere. Bobby, more focused on his work, lightly chastised Jacki, whose shoulders started to move as she tried not to laugh. Quentin glowered at the man by the fire.
Stay still Jacki, I'm almost done, just a bit longer.
Jack piped up again
Would never hear me say that to a lass! Stay still? I like them moving and a bit longer? All night me!
An irritable Quentin asked..
Do you ever shut up?
To be met with a...
Only when they si-
Suddenly there was a growled out snap of a response, deep, reverberating around the room so as all that heard, guilty or not, tensed and smartened up. Even Bobby, who was normally oblivious, stopped drawing.
Shut up! Understand? Shut up or get out!
Jack looked dumbfounded and held up a hand.
Alright little brother, calm down now, I was only joking!
Your jokes aren't funny.
Jack mocked him, mouthing his brothers words at Alys, who knew better than to get on the wrong side of Quentin. Silence hung in the air, eventually though, like her mother would have, she said..
Tea anyone?
..and ran off to make some.
Bobby went back to his drawing. Quentin continued to glare at Jack. Jackilyn didn't dare speak. Jack ended up staring back at his brother.
What? Going to beat some humour into me?
Respect.
Jack snorted and swigged his drink. Quentin stood up and strode over to where his older brother sat. Dwarfing the man easily, his height towering over most and his build as if cut of marble. He crouched down and stared Jack in the eyes. His tone low, almost a whisper, his words a thinly veiled threat.
Don't talk about the girl that way. Understand?
Jack shrunk back in the seat, his confidence melting away at that moment, his hand nervously warding off his younger brother.
Alright Quen, whatever you say. Just a joke alright? No harm done.
The two just looked at one another, and the longer Quentin stared, the more uncomfortable Jack became. Thankfully for him though, the mood then changed, as Jacki declared
Oh Bobby, it's lovely!!!
She rested her arm across the bards shoulders as she looked down at her portrait, then gave him an excitable kiss to his cheek. The man grinning, proud as punch at the reaction.
It was nothing! Now, for your birthday, one of Miss Bailey perhaps?
The womans eyes lit up excitedly
Yes!
Jack and Quentin looked over at the display of affection, the older of the two huffing
Queer as they come yet he gets that?
