RFC-Mini Arc 4: Night Life-13 (Patreon)

“Gentlemen,” I call as I enter the dwindling fray. Aidan tenses on my approach. I think confusion alone keeps him from attacking as I put a hand on his shoulder. Too late to escape now. “Cloud, break it up.”

She obeys, kicking Jude away and rolling to her feet. Her arms are spotted with blood and her shirt is shredded to the point of being indecent, but she’s in good shape. The same cannot be said for her opponent. Jude is covered in scrapes and red bruises that are sure to hurt in the morning. “Saints damned lunatic,” he snaps, spitting out a wad of spit and blood. “What kind of a woman attacks a man like a wild animal?”

“You are much more fragile than I thought, though you have some impressive tricks.” Cloud rips off what remains of her shirt, showing she prefers the older method of binding her chest with a long white cloth as opposed to more modern undergarments, and wipes away the blood. “You should focus more on your training, man of stone.”

Hickory scampers over. “S-sit, please.” He urges Jude to sit at the side of the road. He pulls a rag from his pocket and a small flask from inside his vest. Wetting the rag, he begins to clean up his friend. “You know boss told us not to start anything. You’ve already been hauled in by the guards three times this month. The captain swore he would arrest you next time.”

“Yeah, well, that blue-blooded donkey’s ass should have left well enough alone.” Jude winces as his cuts are cleaned. “Besides, those cowards aren’t going to get involved unless they absolutely have to. Which they don’t, thanks to her.”

“Were you referring to me?” I ask, enjoying his frown. Didn’t think I could hear you, huh?

“Yeah, you and your attack dog.” He winces again. “Saints, does she have claws?”

“No need to thank us for stopping you from making a terrible mistake.” I shove Aidan toward his friends before facing the blonde lord. His eyes aren’t glowing anymore, which is a good sign. “They said you started this?”

“For one who sent me away, you seem to desire my presence very much, Lady Guiness.” Predictably, he ignores me, having eyes only for Maxine. He doesn’t run up to her as his excited tone suggests he wants to, a quick glance in Alana’s direction explaining why. “I—”

“Was just leaving. Unless you want to fight her too?”

I gesture at Cloud and she grins at him, the menace enhanced by the balled bloody shirt in her hands.

The young lord frowns. “I will have to decline. However, I do expect reparations to be made. Those two burgeoning bandits assaulted my men and caused them great injury while disrupting public order. If needed, I can take this matter up with the city’s law enforcers.”

“Is that supposed to scare us? Go ahead and swing around your name to convince them to arrest us. I’ll go tell Marquis Guiness about the fly buzzing around his daughter. See how that works out for you.”

His lips twist into a petulant frown. “I never asked for your name, your ladyship.”

“I’m a lady now, huh? Not just a member of the entourage?” I snicker at his souring expression. “Lourianne Tome. T-O-M-E. In case you are thinking about seeking retribution, let me assure you that I don’t give a damn about my relatives and if you come after me personality, you’ll end up worse than your goons.”

“I’ve taken your words to heart, Lady Tome.” He gives the injured parties a glance before visibly dismissing them. “Should you have opportunity to visit Fort Victory, I would be happy to play host.”

A very noble way of saying ‘watch your back, I won’t forget this’. “Thanks, looking forward to it.”

We stare at each other for a moment before the young lord walks away. Alana steps up beside me. “Did he really just leave his people behind?” she asks.

“He did, didn’t he? Well, don’t look at me. I’m not responsible for them.” I wave in the direction of the closest guard, still keeping an eye on us. “There, people who get paid to deal with troublesome situations. Have them handle it.” Geneva? How about the other half of our group?

[They have agreed to leave early. Cynthia demanded one last dance. They are currently making their way out of the building.]

I hear Cynthia’s laughter before I see them. She’s clinging to Kierra’s arm this time. “I don’t see why we have to go all the way to the Myriad Zone to get a few drinks. It may not be the most palatable place but our current location does offer convenience.”

“We might not have the choice,” Miss Alyssa mutters, her eyes taking in the scene with quick glances. She speeds up, marching toward me. “What happened?”

“Hey, why are you giving me that look? This isn’t my fault.”

I feel my offense rise as her eyes narrow. Really, what does this woman think of me? “Those three approached us, the one with the dark-haired angling to reel in a golden fish. A young lord tried to butt in on his catch. It got a little heated so we chased the both of them off. They decided to settle their differences in the street. We got involved when Hillory over there came crying to Cloud for help. Can you stop looking at me like I’m some kind of saints damned plague?”

“That animal next to her needs to be caged!” Jude shouts before being quickly shushed by his friends.

“Ignore him. He’s a little upset because Cloud cleaned the road with his face.”

“Looks like it. Oi, you three! You with the Steelskins?”

The three young men jump, watching the redhead with a caution they hadn’t even used with the young lord. “Yes,” Aidan answers for them.

“Who’s your squad leader?”

Oh, they’re really nervous now. Humphrey whispers something to his teammates but a hiss from Jude cuts him off. “Bearskin Steel,” Aidan says carefully.

Miss Alyssa bursts into laughter. “That old bear? He’s going to eat your asses for causing a mess in the street like this. I know he likes nothing more than fresh meat like you three.”

“Ah, there’s no need to tell him about this.”

“Sure, sure. As long as you do something for me.”

Miss Alyssa approaches the boys with a sinister expression but I’m distracted from the conversation by my wife leaning against my back. “Really wasn’t my fault.”

“Are you sure?” Kierra says lazily. “You have a knack for attracting trouble.”

“I can’t help fate’s fascination with me,” I huff. “Did you have fun?”

“Cynthia is quite the dancer. Incomparable to my elder sister but good. Though the most enjoyable part of the night was watching Miss Alyssa fend off suitors. I believe that this dance hall is merely a pretense for horny adults to find someone to rut for the night.”

“No, we’re going there later.”

“Ah, but such a place lacks the thrill of the hunt. I could practically taste the excitement in the air as the men scoped out their targets and proceeded to strut before them like a bird flaunting its plume. Most unaware of the women playing deeper games, playing the men against each other and sabotaging their fellows. Their judgment and restraint compromised by alcohol. Quite an amusing place.”

“So that’s a yes. Good.”

“Aren’t you going to ask me anything?” She leans down further to whisper in my ear. “Don’t you want to know about the suitors I’ve been fending off?”

“I don’t need to ask.” Geneva’s been watching you all night. “We agreed.”

“Yes. Tonight is for you.” She kisses my cheek.

“Good. Ah, she’s done.” Miss Alyssa is walking away from the boys who look like they’ve been handed a royal conscription to Fort Victory. “Let’s get out of here.” Geneva, I need you to do something for me.

[Of course, Lou.]