A smug grin was on his face as he watched the other man retreat before heading back to his own, this time being sure to summon a different waitress who was more familiar with the proceedings. Jesgil, after nodding to her assistant's "apology," (more like her savior's hint that things were worse than it seemed), gave a bow before heading away, though her eyes still flashed back over to the tale every now and then.

"Looks like he was at it again," Another waitress muttered as she walked over to the Draconian's side, though the sudden voice did make her hop a bit in her heels. "Looks like you did pretty well in escaping his clutches thanks to that gentleman."

"Are you saying this is common?" Jesgil could not help but ask, being sure to keep her whispers mostly drowned out by the ambience of the noisy crowd.

"Yeah. Sterric Stronbone, member of the Killum family. The family itself is often known to be really protective of their family members, and Stronbone there is one of the few that takes advantage of it. He makes sure no one else in the family really sees it to call him out, and the public often go through a pointless fight trying to find them. Even if they can get a link, they are often taken care of first due to 'being a threat to the family.' It sucks, but that's the underground for you."

Jesgil nodded lightly before the other was called towards another table, giving a wave to the greenhorn waitress before taking care of the new business that came up. A crime group, huh? Most likely their place is not on this ship, so he gets to have run of the place. Still, it meant she had to keep  her eye a bit more open on what was happening, placing her shift a bit more closer to the poker tables.

Raile played out the next few rounds with his eyes focused on how the drunkard was playing. He was belligerent in his playstyle, risking his chips pointlessly. But, of course, if one could simply cheat their way into a night’s winnings, why would you ever be careful?

The merchant one the next few rounds. During that time, he gleaned the name of the man, Sterric, from the conversations that were beginning around him. It was commonly known that he cheated, and as such, the other players in the casino were gossiping on how Raile would end up losing everything. That merely made the merchant smile as the next hand was dealt.

And here. We. Go.

The next round, Raile lost. The cheat was as obvious as the moons in the sky. A trade off with a waitress as she poured him a drink. Four of a kind to Raile’s two pair. Already, he could have called Sterric out, but that would have let both the drunk and the dealer know that Raile was paying attention and might cause a scene too early. This was where the tricky part started to come in.

While mostly a merchant, he did have a few secrets that he had kept from the twins. It was minor stage magic, at best, but in instances like this, it came in handy. As the next hand was drawn, Raile took a gamble of his own, playing out the hand normally, raising the stakes much higher than before. Sterric was practically jumping at the chance for his chips, and once again the play was made.

Hooked.

Raile sneezed, suddenly, dropping his cards on the table. The dealer looked at him with minor concern, mostly hoping that he had not made a mess on the table. After seeing that Raile was fine, he went back to watching the game. But Raile had done something to his hand. The sneeze, while it had brought attention to him, took attention away from his hand. When he picked it up again, he had a completely different set of cards. Specifically, he had a straight flush.

“Straight flush,” Raile said as he dropped his cards. Sterric paled as he dropped his own hand. Another set of four of a kind. He hadn’t gone high enough, thinking that four of a kind would win again.

“I must have the Goddess watching over me,” the merchant said with a sly smile, collecting that round’s earning. “If this keeps up, I could make out like a bandit tonight.”

Everything was quiet in Jayou and it made Kalina a bit nervous. By quiet, she didn’t mean the hustle and bustle of the city around them. No, she knew that beneath the pretty garnish this city had there was an underbelly with nastiness brewing. Bringing the mug of ale up to her lips she drained it and was caught off guard by her younger sister Lyla.

“Kali?” It was that concerned voice she did whenever there was something supremely wrong. “I think Raile is in trouble. I just got this… feeling that something is really wrong.” The half-elf’s senses were sharp and Kalina knew not to take it lightly.

“Ah… hell what has that man got himself into now,” the tall blonde half-Rosenite pushed herself up and forcibly took her smaller sister up over her shoulder holding her by the back of her legs.

“KALI! PUT ME DOWN!” Lyla beat at Kalina’s back as the older sister began to walk through the tavern after throwing a few silver pieces at the barkeep.

“Keep the extra for good hospitality.” She vaguely recalled the ship that Raile would be on so she jumped up the buildings to get a better view. Once her seafoam eyes landed on the ship she got a running start and Lyla shrieked so loud the city appeared to freeze as they watched the two sisters leaping through the air.

Shifting magic into her feet Kalina managed to crash through the roof of the ship and luckily landed near Raile.

“WHAT THE HELL?!” The mafia man shrieked as he fell back. Kalina’s eyes went to Raile and then to the man who was clearly up to no good just by his aura.

“I told you to stay out of trouble Raile,” Kalina’s voice was rather stern as she threw Lyla at him. There was another scream from Lyla’s lips as she was whipped at the merchant.

“KALI!” Lyla squealed as Sterric pulled a dagger and came at the older sister.

TSK

Kalina grabbed his wrist and twisted it to a point that a loud crack filled the air. “I would think twice about this friend. Right on the money as usual Lyla.” At that point, there was a crowd of what could only be described as this man’s following. Kalina dropped the pathetic man to the ground as he mourned his wrist. The elder sister started to crack her knuckles and even went as far as to loosen her shoulders. Soon the men were coming after her and Kalina was pummeling them with her fists.

“That’s enough,” there was a loud authority like voice that shot over the fighting. Kalina threw one more good punch and knocked one of the members into a wall that was quite a bit of a distance away showing she wasn’t playing. “I should have known the troublemaker was you, Kalina.”

“Oh, for fuck's sake,” Kalina looked at Raile with an angry glare. “Of all the god damn ships in this godforsaken city you had to get on this one?”

Pushing aside men and stepping over and on the wounded was a short petite blonde woman. She had eyes like emeralds and her clothing wasn’t all that shabby either. Definitely way more put together than Lyla or Kalina. “Easy little sister… This isn’t one of mine. I was just visiting.”

“We don’t want any trouble Cassia. We’re just retrieving Idiot number one from here. We’re doing contracted work for him and Lyla got one of those premonitions she has on occasion. Good thing we showed up too… Your boy was probably causing trouble.”

“He’s not mine… but I know who he belongs too…” Cassia had this sickly sweet voice to her as she kicked Sterric. “We’ve been watching him… and it’s probably a good thing you did show up. However, I should charge your contractor all the money it will take to repair this ship… BUT because I know you are talented… You do the repairs and I’ll let you off the hook. It will require you lot to set up shop here while you fix it… top to bottom.”

Cassia’s eyes landed on Raile. “What a bunch of talented little creatures you find yourself with. A good business decision… or a bad one considering how off the rails Kalina can be. In any case,” Cassia looked at the other men who seemed to scatter. “I’ll be talking to the leader of the Killum family about this incident. While you are allowed protection you aren’t allowed to have your run of the place.” Cassia kicked the man again and Kalina put her hands on her hips.

“Are we done here? Dock the damn ship as we can get off.” Kalina began to tap her foot.

“All in good time… I would suggest you get cozy until then.” Cassia waved her hand and left.

“She is scary,” Lyla looked up at Raile.

“She is a pain in the ass.” Kalina huffed.

Suffice to say that two women crashing through the ceiling of the ship, allowing the shimmer of the night sky through the hole to gleam through, was certainly an eye-catching situation for everyone around the tables. In fact, by the look of things, it seemed even one of the two that barged through was in shock herself about it! The chaos only got worse from there as Jesgil watched the the read-head to get handed off to the man who assisted her before to berate the mafia man verbally and physically. It was a brutal presentation of power that flooded the air before the words of another choked it down, as if to take control of the situation, though it seemed more because personal reasons than the safety of the crew and riders.

How could get things so out of hand so quickly? Jesgil asked herself as the obsidian decoration began to shimmer through the volcanic glass. As she tried to process things, thoughts were slowly being dripped into her mind. Thoughts on how to gain control over the chaos. The more the thoughts dripped, the more her eyes shifted yellow, slitting by the glow of candles and stars as her ears began to draw point and ridge. It was when the other left did Jesgil make her approach, serving platter all but abandoned at a table.

"I must thank you for taking care of such issues that seemed to have cropped up," Jesgil stated bluntly, eyes darting at the blonde blacksmith as ice mixed with her breath and words, "but such bargings and brutality we cannot condone. However, if you behave yourself and cooperate, you will be free to stay here under watchful eyes until we reach dock after the next rotation."

Without waiting for a response, the Draconian wandered over to the knife the mobster had and took it in hand. "Now then, we shall accommodate all forms of weaponry from both parties of the skirmish and you will assist me with moving these bodies to the medical bay." She locked eyes with the blonde Rosenite once more when she finished it with, "Do I make myself clear?"

Raile had it in his hand. He hadn’t even needed to cheat to get it. A perfect hand, the chances being one in a million. The luck that he witnessed that day was immediately offset the moment he slammed the cards down.

“Royal-” There was loud crash, followed by a familiar scream. There were more screams that followed as Raile witnessed all hell breaking loose. Kalina and Leilah had landed in the middle of the floor, having just crashed through the roof. Next thing Raile knew, Kalina was beating up random thugs, and taking on the drunken cheater on the other side of the table.

“W-wha…?” Raile was still sitting at the table, his eyes darting down from the royal flush on the table back up to the chaotic mess that was being caused by Kalina. And just as quickly as it started, it ended. Someone who commanded authority had demanded everyone stop, though Kalina tried to make a point and threw at least one more punch.

As Kalina glared at Raile with a hostile gaze, Raile sneered back, “Excuse me for wanting a single night away from you two!” He glared at her. “Calling me the idiot? Says the one who just crashed through the damned roof.” Still, the argument was cut short as the new Rose, Cassia, commanded the floor.

The terms were made, and Raile suddenly found himself once more at the mercy of the Rose family’s decision. Just my luck… And to make matters worse, the woman that he had decided to help suddenly shifted in attitude. No longer a waitress, she seemed to have an aura of a leader, though a cold one at that, and started rattling off instructions.

Raile stood up, looking down at his royal flush. The luckiest hand he had ever been dealt.

“I’m surrounded by crazy women,” he uttered under his breath, nearly in tears.

Despite his mood, Raile moved to help as much as he could with the cleanup. But, at least he had a secured shop. There was his silver lining.

Sort of….

“Raile…” Leilah looked up at him from his lap and tears were forming at the corner of her eyes. She was the more sensitive of the two women. She didn’t mean to make his life so hectic.

Everything with Cassia distracted the older twin for now as there were negotiations made.

Kalina stared at the woman and huffed a bit. “It’s less damage than what would have happened trust me.” Though it looked like she would cooperate a bit more. “I don’t need you to mother me now that I have a debt to my sister.” Honestly, that’s exactly how Jesgil was sounding to Kalina as seafoam eyes looked around. “A Rose never backs out of a deal even if the deal sucks. Leilah can heal these fine people.”

After they moved about to help start cleaning Kalina came over to Raile and punched his shoulder lightly. “You need to talk to Leilah. You hurt her feelings. She had nothing to do with this. Also, she found something for you and was excited to show you.” With hands on her hips, it appeared like Kalina was being the best big sister the other twin could use.

Leilah was drawing alchemy circles on the ground surrounding those who had been injured by Kalina. From her hands was a deep sea green magic. The circle responded to her as magic filled the ship healing those who needed it. They would still need to seek actual medical attention but at least they would be able to move. “That tired me out.” Leilah plopped herself on the floor and Kalina rubbed Leilah’s red curls.

“You did well Lei.” Grabbing Raile, Kalina pulled him over. “You wanted to show him what you got right?”

Leilah’s seafoam eyes looked up at Raile and she tilted her head a bit. “Oh!” She pulled out several gemstone teeth. “They are from wraiths Raile. Each one is worth a lot of crescents!” She seemed really happy. “I managed to get them off of one of my cousins passing through. You should be able to supply a shop with this. I was going to use them in a potion but thought this would be better for you.” Especially since it looked like she had ruined a good game.

Kalina took a sigh and looked at Jesgil to Raile. “We should explain why I crashed through the roof. Leilah has this thing where she can see things every once in a while. While fortune-telling is illegal for most of the Rosenite race except for the oracles there are exceptions. Prophecies are given through dreams or feelings from the Soul-Stream of Sularia to those who need it. Only certain folk are able to read the magic wavelength these visions come on. I’m not one of them but Leilah is. She saw you in trouble and that’s why we crashed through. Or more so I did and Leilah was forced. Though Leilah didn’t say what she saw.”

Leilah who was still plopped on the floor taking breaths from the amount of mana she had used looked up. “I saw a win and then I saw blood. It came with a feeling of negativity so I associated it with Raile being in trouble. I’m sorry…”

A smile decorated Jesgil's lips as the blonde girl agreed to her remarks, though faded quickly as the girl who was taken with her and the guest both got up to assist with helping get the mess situated. "Oh, I'm sorry, but there is no need for you to help as well. You haven't done anything wrong."  Still, her words were easily brushed away as an alchemic circle was being prepped and brooms were handed out to brush away the debris. It was nice to see them help the grew, even if they were caught in the mess, and the feeling of control slowly returned to the room. She smiled once more, the light from the shard round her neck fading away as she brushed the speckles of ice that formed around her lips.

As those injured were mended with a healing mist from what she can only call alchemic magic, Jesgil took the time to check the bodies of those injured, taking whatever stowed away knives and knuckles she could find on them and handing them over to the guards that started showing up before taking the injured to the infirmary, under careful watch just in case. Unfortunately for Kalina, one stayed back to keep an eye on her from a distance, just in case the waitress' decision was a bad call.

When everything was nearing completion on getting the mess cleaned up, Jesgil (with her eyes now been returned back to a red-brown gleam and rounded ears) sneaked her way into the storehouse to pick something up really fast before returning to the scene, when the blonde wished to bring something up to the two: namely, the red-head known as Leilah and her gift. "While it was certainly not the most pleasant way to keep those close safe, it certainly was effective. All I can say about that is that I hope you don't plan to use that at the tables. I am sure many people would not want to play against someone who can foresee a good or bad hand," giving a light chuckle to hope it would not be too intimidating.

"Still, I am happy to see you come to the aid of those around you even when I said it was not necessary. It is not much, but please accept this as my thanks," she told Leilah before stepping forward and handing out a bottle of spiced mead. Not exactly a big bottle nor the most high quality, but it was most likely their closest version to a simple drink.

Taking her steps back, Jesgil gave them a bow once more before telling them, "If you ever have any more needs, be sure to call out my name: Jesgil. I will be sure to handle most needs that you request. If everything is fine as is, I will take my leave, unless any of you need something right now." What rested on her face was the confidant smile used to handling rough situations and many strangers, hoping to do them well if needed.

There was a chill down Raile’s spine as Leilah started to cry, but there were too many conversations being had to take the time to console her. He would have to take a moment later to pull her aside and talk to her. He sighed. While it was true that they did make his life hectic, he did enjoy having the twins around. His life was definitely more interesting.

Finally, Raile had the chance to talk to Leilah as Kalina pulled them both aside, practically forcing the point. “Listen, I-” Leilah’s mood had already shifted, and she seemed in a much better place. She excitedly handed him the wraith teeth, and told him their worth. She wasn’t wrong. Sold to the right person, they were worth a pretty crescent, and that meant that he should have no issues furnishing their shop and the like. With a wide smile, he hugged her tight spinning her around. “Yes! This is perfect. Thank you!” He kissed her cheek real quick before letting her go.

“And I’m sorry. Yes, you two make my life a tad hectic, but it’s worth it. Believe me…” The cleaning resumed, and Jesgil offered them a bottle of spiced rum. Raile looked to Kalina and Leilah as Jesgil offered her services once more, and he grinned. “Oh…I have a plan…” He glanced between the three women, clasping his hands together as he did when he had a scheme.

“It’s simple really…” There was a gleam in his eye.

“I would like a game of cards….”