Author: Raile, Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 10:34 PM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

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….”

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2018 8:13 PM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

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.

Author: Leilah, Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 3:25 PM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

“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…”

Author: Raile, Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2018 7:15 AM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

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….

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Thu Aug 9, 2018 1:42 PM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

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?"

Author: Kalina, Posted: Thu Aug 9, 2018 11:44 AM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

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.

Author: Raile, Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2018 9:02 AM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

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.”

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2018 11:35 AM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

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.

Author: Raile, Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 7:07 AM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

The drunkard’s demeanor started to change as he talked over Raile all high and mightily. The phrasing he used caused the merchant to reassess the situation, and upon noticing the emblem on his handkerchief. It was all starting to click together, which only served to piss the hard working merchant off more. This was a new problem all together.

Raile had been planning on settling down and starting a storefront business versus his usual travelling about. Settling down where there were shady influences, though, that was something he had not considered. Taxes, protection fees, bribes…expenditures that could ruin any honest merchant in the trade. He would have to reconsider Jayou as an option if this were the case.

Not that he wouldn’t run into similar issues wherever he went. What he needed was muscle. Someone he could hire for protection. It would require someone who isn’t a local, and who isn’t afraid of a larger organization… He frowned. Finding that would take time.

That brought him back to the troubles at hand. He had already managed to piss off one person associated with it. At this point, he wondered if it even mattered. He would either find someone to help, or not. So, I guess there’s no point in turning back now. The man wanted to play dirty…well, just because Raile was used to winning legitimately, it didn’t mean he wasn’t below cheating. After all…the rules of the game had changed.

“Ah, I’m terribly sorry,” Raile said with a fake smile. “I didn’t realize who you were. I’ll just go back to my seat then…and we’ll play some more hands.” He knew the man would cheat now. And so, one game ended and another started. He glanced to the woman, and with a smile, apologized.

“Sorry. I was a little rude to interrupt. Thank you for refilling my glass.” With a quick wink, he made his way back to his seat, and picked up his hand.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2018 6:54 PM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

The draconian was all but glad to see a similar face right now, even if he was just that to her: a face. Still, if he was willing to intervene and help get some space, she was sure to take it. "Did you leave your bottle at the other table? I will be sure to fetch it for you," she smiled, taking the moment to step away back to the blackjack table. Luckily, the bottle still rested there by the dealer. "Your replacement still has yet to come?" she asked, getting a shake a as reply as he continued to deal cards. "Well, be sure to get some rest when he does, okay?"

"Heh, esteemed? Ye right!" the drunkard exclaimed. "Look at ye, thinkin' yer all big and that cause ye got a couple lucky hands. Look, if I want a couple lucky hands, I get lucky hands. After all, if I don't get what I wish, all I have to do is let papa know, and things will be taken care of. Now, if ye think ye can interrupt my fun, I will be sure to let papa know." A smug look was mixed in with the drunken face as he locked eyes with Raile.

If Raile was sharp-eyed, he would note an item in his chest pocket: a handkerchief with an emblem sticking out of it. A family emblem. The reason why the dealer made no motion against such open cheating and hands on with the waitress was because of mafia connections, and a big one like that if such a subordinate was gazed away. It was probably something all the staff except for the new hand was familiar with, thus such a cocky attitude. No one would dare challenge him.

"Forgive me," she stated as she returned back to Raile's side, "but I have refilled your glass and rested the bottle right next to it. Is there anything else you gentlemen need?"

Author: Raile, Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2018 8:01 AM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

Raile was already having infinitely better luck after switching to poker, which was perhaps the main reason the other patron was asking for help with his hand. After all, it would be a shame for such a patron to lose to a man of Raile’s caliber. It just wouldn’t be proper.

The merchant, though, had noted that one of the waitresses had been with a patron for quite some time. That woman from before. He started to flag her, when he noticed that the man was being less than gentleman like. Raile’s brow furrowed. The merchant may have been a tad bit shady at times, but he had always had a decent moral compass.

He glanced down at his hand, and with a sigh, placed it down. “Excuse me, just a moment…” he said, standing up. “I could use a refill on my drink…” He walked around the table.

“Am I…interrupting,” he asked as he approached the two. “If you wouldn’t mind, I would like a refill…” His eyes met hers with a knowing look. “And if I remember correctly, sir…” he glanced to the obviously drunk individual. “Patrons are to keep their hands off of both the dealers and other staff. I would like to think such an…esteemed person such as yourself would know better than to break the rules of this fine establishment. However, if you are insistent, I believe I know of a few brothels I passed on the way here that would love to take your coin….”

At this point, Raile was mostly bluffing. However, just like with poker, a bluff was all confidence based, as being a business savvy individual had left him with years of skills that might be considered, well, a bit shady, if not useful.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 9:16 PM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

As the rounds at the poker table kept going, one of the men at the table waved down one of the wandering waitresses. If Raile was even paying attention, the face should be pretty recognizable. "Hey, can you be a dear and offer me a gem?" he asked her in a bit of a whisper, his eyes making sure the dealer was not paying too much attention.

"A… gem?" Jesgil was not quite sure what he meant by that? Was it some kind of specialty drink? No, probably not, considering he had half a bottle of spirits next to him, and the man did not care to waste a glass on it either. Was it a form of snack? Like a hard candy? If that was the case, then I would have known about it. Still, whatever it was, it seemed he was in desperate need.

"Yeah, a gem," he assured her, though this time being a bit more frontal once the dealer's eyes were away from her, flashing his hand to the Draconian waitress, making much more sense what he meant: a diamond. His hand was one card away from having a flush, but there was a spade in the way of his earnings. Essentially,  she wanted to help him cheat.

"I-I'm sorry, sir, but that is not a service I can provide," she kept low herself, trying to keep her smile on her face as he hugged the platter, though it seemed to have only stirred him a bit more than usual.

"Oh, really? Then how about you get me some love then. With an outfit like that, that's a service, right?" He held a free hand out with a grabby motion towards her as his face was red with ale and lust. The obsidian decoration around her neck began to shimmer as she felt some frost build up in her throat, but worked her mind to push it back. Now now, if I do that to a customer, I am sure to lose this job, she told herself as she tried to signal to the dealer. How can this man be so blind to these shenanigans?

Author: Raile, Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 6:37 AM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

The whole exchange between the waitress and the dealer confused Raile for a moment, but he understood why moments later as the dealer made an apology. The merchant’s eyes caught a new chip, and he immediately understood. Blackjack was not his normal game, so the rules fairly often slipped his mind, and in the moment he had not even noticed the error himself. I’ll have to leave her a decent tip… he thought as the waitress moved away to get his beverage.

Another hand went by, to which Raile managed a win, and the waitress returned and poured him his drink. As she poured the drink, Raile played out the last hand (a loss), and then sighed, grabbing the drink and taking a quick swig before standing up, taking the chips he had. “I’ll be moving to a different table now.” He was eying a particular game where there seemed to be some gaudily dressed individuals. Shouldn’t be too much to win a few rounds against them. The merchant was in luck: a free seat.

“Mind if I join?” he asked. As there were nods around, he sat down at the table, and was dealt in. His first hand wasn’t the worst, but he had yet to do a proper read on the rest of the players at the table. Raile would keep it small until he understood how the others played, and thus kept his initial bets as low as possible. A round went by, with Raile folding after the bet went higher than he was willing to go with his hand, and already he was almost done with his first drink.

I wonder if that waitress is still working. I still need to thank her. Of course…Leilah and Kalina might get jealous if I’m too generous… He sighed. He genuinely hoped the twins weren’t getting into too much trouble.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 10:16 PM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

Though Jesgil listened to the request of the patron, her eyes were nervously staring down on the table, watching the wins and losses getting cleaned up. What really got her spooked was the push that was on the table that was taken as a loss. She didn't want to stir up a storm with the guests, but it still felt wrong to let such an error get by. So, as the dealer got ready for a new hand, Jesgil knelt over, whispering what she saw to the man in private, causing him to hold a card midway off the deck, eyes dilated as he stared off into  this own memories, looking back on the tables. When he caught it there, panic was quick to mix in as he tried to process how to handle it.

"Very well. Please give me a moment," she told the guest as she stepped away to fetch a bottle. As she was done, the dealer finally tossed out the card he held before returning to his stack of chips, sorting through them before setting a new pile up, sliding them back towards Raile. "Forgive me. It has been a long night. Maybe a moment of moonlight would do me good," he tried to chuckle off. If Raiel went to examine his pile, he would notice a new chip was in the pile, equal to the highest value he offered in the last hand, most likely as a form of forgiveness on messing up and to possibly keep quiet about the accident. Still, he could easily win it back just as easily.

It was about another hand before Jesgil returned back to the table, a fresh bottle of spirits and a glass on the platter. Letting Raile deal with his cards before him, Jesgil went about to set the glass for him, pouring the glass full of the drink before setting the bottle next to it. "Please be careful with your drink," she assured him, keeping the smile on her face before slipping the bill next to it.

Author: Raile, Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 8:48 AM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

Raile cursed at the losing hand as the chips were exchanged, and sighed. Well, it’s not like I’m particularly amazing at blackjack, he thought. He glanced to the waitress and nodded at her suggestion. “The Baltil Spirit sounds great. I’ll take a few rounds of that. Cost isn’t an issue,” he said firmly. The cards were dealt out again, Raile found himself once more facing off against bad odds.

Sixteen. He frowned. A ten and six. He sighed, using the signal for a hit, and said it aloud out of habit. A five. “Stay,” he said, motioning his hand. There was at least some luck in the cards tonight. The fact was, though, that this wasn’t where he needed to be playing. He needed to find someone who was willing to bet a lot more than what passed hands at this table. He glanced up to see the shuffling of chairs as people dropped out and joined in other games. I’ll wait for the drink and then switch tables.

He turned back to watch the dealer draw a perfect 21, and Raile cursed again. Never mind what I said about luck…. The merchant sighed as once again his chips were taken. He was really hoping that this was not a premonition for how the rest of the night would turn out. After all, it would take an extraordinary amount of luck for him to score a shopfront. I almost wish Kalina were here. I know i told them not to gamble, but at least I’d have increased my odds….and I could have kept an eye out on her drinking….

He was starting to kick himself for his lack of forethought. When it comes to those two, you really don’t pay enough attention, do you, Raile? he chastised himself.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 8:01 AM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

When the word "Stay" was declared (even if his eyes were more looking for the hand motion), the dealer nodded before taking his queen to flip over his own card before drawing a new one to add to his score, as if working autonomously. He had signs that he had plenty of years dealing the cards, though his personality (or lack there of) was possibly one of the reasons why his table was much more empty than the others. Still, watching his hands move around the table was like a performance on its own as he sorted through the winning chips, passing them out before taking the losing claims and the rest of the cards before dealing out new hands.

Still, as mesmerizing it was to see the dealer sort out everything without an inch of worry, Jesgil had to keep her attention focused on her guests. "Many of our drinks here are local, I am assure you," Jesgil replied with a smile on her face, holding the tray in her arms in front of her stomach. "After all, with so many artisans, its easy to find a fresh brew from these local lands, and if you want strong, then I would recommend a Bahtil Spirit, brewed with high quality grains and the fresh water from the local hot springs. In fact, we have just collected a new batch earlier this morning, so I can assure you its quality."

As the new hands now laid on the table, the ship slowed itself into port, trading off passengers and supplies before taking off again. Not that anyone inside would know unless they were accustomed to ship movements. After all, despite the ship's size, there were no windows that decorated the walls, allowing the gamblers outside to peer into the outside world. All light came from candles and magic orbs that floated in the sky. In fact, some even guessed that it were the dealers who controlled these lights, as many of the floating lights hovered above the tables themselves.

Author: Raile, Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 7:12 AM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

It had been a hell of a day trying to find their way through Jayou, and in the end they had yet to find a single piece of property that was up for grabs. That, coupled with the fact that the trio had spent most of their coin just getting here left Raile in an interesting bind. As it turned out, Jayou was known for high stakes gambling, and there were quite a few landowners that participated as well. Raile had given the twins the rest of the night to do as they pleased, though with explicit instruction to not gamble, since he knew very well where that might lead.

The red haired merchant had scouted the gambling dens well, and found one that was particularly well known for its service. Good service means good alcohol and good times. Good alcohol and times lead to mistakes being made. Mistakes lead to profit.

That being said, his night had started off poorly, but in the last few rounds he had made a decent comeback. Poker was his usual games, but most o f the tables had been filled. So, while waiting for one of them to drop out, he found himself trying his hand at blackjack. The merchant sat back in his chair, eying the queen. Chances are high it’s a low card. Dealer isn’t cheating though, but the odds are definitely weird. He thumbed his facedown card, and bit his lip.

“Stay,” he said finally. It was a risk, but in the end, he wasn’t playing for anything serious. He was holding out his big bets for poker, where he excelled. He looked up to see a seductively dressed waitress, who despite her pleasant smile, seemed out of place. None of that really mattered to Raile, though, and he nodded to her question about drinks.

“What do you have that’s strong and local?” he asked as the dealer played out their own hand.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Mon Jul 9, 2018 8:15 PM, Post Subject: A Risky Gamble [R?/L:3]

"U-Um, are you sure I need to wear this?" Jesgil stammered, a bit red in the cheeks as she stepped out of the changing room that was provided for her? This day, she was not adorned by the usual wear she adorned herself in, but more of a tight one piece, hugging her body, especially at the top where a window exposed her chest maybe a bit too much. Instead of her skirt, her legs were bare aside from the fishnet stockings, and the heels felt a little too silly. At least I don't have to wear bunny ears? she tried to comfort herself, but her red face was clearly not hiding any secrets. The last thing she put on her was the black-chained necklace decorated with a small shard of obsidian.

"You wear a maid outfit all day and that embarrasses ya?" the orc in front of the dressing room cackled, "Look, all we want is to make our guests as comfortable as possible! If that means offering them a bit of eye candy to the servers, I see no issue with it."

"As long as I don't have to give any of them special services," Jesgil muttered back, though louder than she hoped considering the cackling that followed afterwards. Oh, what a poor time to get low on silver. It was always a fight to get by, and when no one really needed, she would quickly jump on whatever job came up… They just never really expected to have such a dress code as this. At the very least, it also meant free room along with her pay as long as she did her work.

With a final sigh, the Draconian sucked it back in and stepped out. "Looking good. I bet the guests would just fall for ya! I see can see your tips already! Now then, show them what ya got!" With a nod, and a swallow down of her pride, Jesgil stepped out of the back area and into the public floor of the casinos.

The halls were noisy as ever as feet wandered the halls, cards were tossed onto the tables, and dice were tossed around. Stern eyes were around for every now and then, but most of the time, it was just to ensure brawls didn't get too messy or to get the wasted back to their rooms or the couch.  Just look like you are a regular she assured herself as she stepped her way up to a blackjack table, where a game was underway. The dealer sat silent, looking unphased as the guests contemplated how they would handle their hands while the dealer sat with an open Queen and another unknown sleeping underneath.

"Greetings, sirs and madams," Jesgil stated, placing her glowing smile on her face. "I do hope Lady Shiloh has been blessing your games so far. May I offer any of you some drinks?"