The morning sun filtered through the fogged windows of the Ravenhold Tavern, casting a hazy light across the dimly lit interior. The low murmur of patrons enjoying breakfast and ale filled the air. At a corner table, Khelgar—a large, imposing figure with a grizzled beard and stern eyes—stood out from the regular crowd. His coat was weathered from years at sea, and his presence commanded respect, if not outright intimidation.
14:53
Khelgar scanned the room, his gaze sharp and unwavering. His debtors—the crew he had assigned to work off the damage they'd caused—hadn't been seen for days, and he was beginning to wonder if they'd taken the chance to skip out on their obligations.
*"grumbling to himself as he eyes the patrons one by one* Blasted scoundrels... Where could they have run off to? Thinkin' they can dodge their debt—fools have no idea who they're dealin' with."
Khelgar's gaze settled on Roddrick, the tavern's rugged owner, who also served as its bartender and local blacksmith. Roddrick often had his ear to the ground and knew most of what went on in town. Figuring he might have heard something useful, Khelgar approached the bar, his footsteps heavy and resolute.
*"crossing his arms as he leans on the bar* Seen the crew I set on goblin duty in the mines? They owe me hard work and coin for my ship. Haven't laid eyes on them, and Zero—my right hand in all this—hasn't reported back either."
*"sets the glass down, thinking* They've not been through here lately. Mines aren't a friendly place; maybe they're still tied up in that mess. Or maybe they thought vanishing was easier than payin' their dues."
*"his fists clench, his scowl deepening* If they think they can slip away, they're dead wrong. Zero knows better than to go off-grid like this—if they dragged him into their mess, they're gonna regret it."
*"chuckling slightly, amused* Sounds like you've got yourself a chase on your hands. Haven't heard a peep about 'em, but if they do show their faces, I'll make sure you're the first to know."
*"grunts in acknowledgment, his expression set in determination* Good. They've got debts to pay, and I'll be damned if I let 'em slip away without what's owed."
Khelgar cast a final look around the tavern before nodding at Roddrick, his mind set on finding his wayward crew and his missing enforcer, Zero. If they thought they could dodge him, they would soon find out just how wrong they were.
Khelgar's booming voice cuts through the tavern, silencing the chatter and drawing all eyes to Valorie and Axel. "You two!" he bellows, his face a mask of fury. "Don't you move a muscle!"
15:01
Valorie and Axel freeze, their eyes widening in surprise as Khelgar stomps towards them, his heavy boots pounding on the wooden floor. He stops before their table, his imposing figure casting a shadow over them.
"Well, well, well," he snarls, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look what we have here. A cozy little rendezvous while you're supposed to be working off your debt." He leans closer, his eyes narrowed into slits. "Or perhaps you've decided to skip town and leave me high and dry?"
"Quiet, you!" Khelgar dismisses Axel with a dismissive wave, his focus fixed on Valorie. "And you," he growls, turning his attention to her, "I thought I made myself clear. You're supposed to be earning your keep, not gallivanting around town with your fancy friends." He leans closer, his voice low and menacing. "Or have you forgotten the hefty sum you and your crew owe me?"
Ugh, it's called a breath mint, Captain. Use one. And I AM doing what you told me. Can't go in Swords Swinging. It's reckless. We're strategizing the whole time we've been gone.
Backhands her. "Careful who you talk to like that, lest I need to remind you again. And planning, you say?" Khelgar raises a skeptical eyebrow, his gaze fixed on Valorie. "Planning what, exactly? Planning how to make a quick escape with my hard-earned gold?" He leans closer, his voice low and menacing. "Don't play coy with me, girl. I know your kind. You're quick with a dagger and even quicker with a lie."
*slap me again. that was hot...* Planning to, yknow, NOT GET KILLED?! If I'm doing this, and I am, I'm not going in unprepared. I am TRYING to make up for what I've done, but you're NOT. LETTING ME!
"Trying?" Khelgar throws his head back and roars with laughter. "Lass, you've been gallivanting about town for weeks, living the high life while I'm out a ship and a hefty sack of gold. Don't insult my intelligence by claiming you're 'preparing.'" He leans closer, his voice low and menacing. "You're stalling, plain and simple. And I'm not falling for it."
*laughs darkly, his voice dripping with menace* "More time? You’ve got exactly one week, girl. One week to deal with those goblins and start earning back what you owe me."
"If you’re not back by then, I’ll come find you myself, drag you from whatever hole you’re hidin' in, and sell you to the highest bidder. I’m not above human trafficking if it means getting my coin back."
He straightens, giving Valorie a last, withering glare before stepping back, his face set with grim satisfaction at the threat left hanging in the air.
*raises an eyebrow as Axel abruptly transforms Valorie into a rat, his lips curling into a cruel smirk* "Well, well, seems you’ve found a way to keep her in line. Clever trick, I’ll give you that."
With a dismissive flick of his wrist, he drops her into a nearby mug of ale, watching as she splashes into the frothy drink, the squeaks bubbling up through the liquid. He chuckles, thoroughly amused, as Valorie struggles to stay afloat in the dark amber depths.
*smirks as Axel’s “accidental” spill sends Valorie skittering under the mug as he flips it, trapping the rat beneath it* "Oops indeed, old druid. Humble as they come, I’m sure."
Khelgar chuckles, watching the mug sit overturned on the bar, the faint scratching of tiny claws barely audible from within. Satisfied with this makeshift cage, he gives Axel a nod of approval, a glint of amusement still in his eyes.
With a final, menacing look, Khelgar strides out of the tavern, leaving the rat-Valorie still trapped beneath the mug, her muffled squeaks the only sign of her predicament.
