AN EVENING WITH THE GIRLS, GINA & RUBY
"Ah Gina surely I can stay up a little longer," was the young half orc girls plaintive cry?
"Greta you know Nanny Devlin doesn't want you under foot when the Rest is open," patiently replied Gina. This was a common exchange the two of them usually had around this time of late afternoon, the time of long shadows, the early evening prayer bells tolling, with people finishing their days labour and rushing off to the warmth and security of their homes or church, temple, pub or brothel.
For Ruby's their work was about to begin, normally after evening prayers a few lonely souls would attend the establishment, as much for enjoying the company of the girls as well as their other more intimate services.
With the true dark of night Ruby's would become a party place with musicians playing, drink flowing, loud conversation, lots of laughter, singing and on occasion angry voices, arguments and raised fists. It was Gina's job tonight to ensure that didn't happen and if it did it was resolved quickly.
But before all that her more immediate problem was to get this young girl to sleep.
"But I want to hear the musicians play," responded the half orc girl looking directly into the warriors face.
"Have you finished your chores," asked Gina now going through her almost nightly list of questions in this on going ritual between the two of them.
" Yes, " was the quick reply.
"Pots and pans in the kitchen cleaned?"
" Yes, " was another quick reply.
"Nanny Devlin's study tidied?"
" Yes."
" Little Fouc...Little Bee been out? "
"Yep," replied the little girl.
" Mrs Coopers home work done? "
" I'll finish my numbers before bed, " came the young girls confident response.
"And you're letters?"
" Already done! "
The loud knock at the front door of Ruby's followed by Gina's name being called broke the spell and the young girl went running from the kitchen, up the stairs to the front door calling out to the expected musician.
"We're down here Mr Mackenzie," cried the little girl with joy at the arrival of the old flute player. Running from the communal kitchen, up the stairs she burst into the hallway leading to the large sturdy front entrance door. Gina already expecting the flute players arrival had left the door un-latched for him to enter and set up his gear in the main reception room, and so it was with great enthusiasm the young half orc ran up to Mr Mackenzie and gave him a great big bear hug.
"Hello little one where's your mother," asked the old flute player? Mackenzie was a thin small man of advanced years but seemed quite sprightly as he returned Greta's hug. His face seemed a little gaunt with a long nose, grey hair sprouting wildly from his chin, his lip and brushed back haphazardly on his head. His eyes however we're bright and blue and he was clearly delighted to see the orc child.
"I'm here Mac," said Gina. She often told the old flute player that she was no relation to Greta but he just couldn't grasp it. He would often just reply,
"You're the child's mother, it's clear for all to see," so she had just stopped correcting him.
" We open at the next chiming of Temple of Asmodeus, " the female warrior reminded the pair.
'"I'll be ready, just need a little warm up and someone to show me the way? " He 'secretly' smiled down to the young girl who returned that smile as if sharing in a great secret.
"I know the way," said Greta almost too quickly, " I'll show you the way as Gina is really really busy. "
Both Flute player and child smiled sweetly at the warrior and she knew she was beaten.
"Alright but you're in your room before the Asmodeus bell rings young lady and you Mac."
" Yes my dear. "
"You're incorrigible you rogue." Gina couldn't help but smile, and don't be giving her any 'Pullers'. "
She spied the old man's hand moving away from the top pocket where he kept the delicious sweets of sugar, honey, maple syrup and wheat.
"Lead on my little princess and show me the way," exclaimed the old musician bowing in the most theatrical way, Greta giggling at the fun of it all .
"This way good sir," she replied and led the way into the main reception room.
They'd only been here at Ruby's for about a year but already she felt at home in the company of these people. And Greta had truly come out of herself indeed it was hard to believe it was the same girl she 'rescued' just over a year ago. In that day both there lives had changed.
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She worked the caravan routes from Janderhoff to Korvosa transporting Dwarven iron-works as a guard and as one of the few female guards and was often sought out by rich merchants who wanted her to escort the female members of their families on those treacherous routes. Protecting wives and daughters from bandits and brigand but also from any unwanted advances from the male guards and other members of the caravan.
They were three days out from Korvosa when Gina noticed dark smoke rising over a distant tree-line. Quickly riding to the caravan's boss an old dwarf named Dillan-Shore Orebanks whose beard was braided and was the colour of ash, Gina pointed to the smoke.
Both Janderhoff and the Korvosan authorities expected all caravans to keep in contact with any local settlements and investigate any unusual events that might happen on the road. They often acted as messengers to deliver post to the bigger settlements, spreading of news about events in the big cities but also to keep the major cities appraised of any bandit activity on route. So it was that Dillan-Shore Orebanks sent out Gina, Jenks and Warner to go and investigate. All three were experienced, to take a quick look and report back.
"Don't go searching for trouble, look comeback," was Orebanks advice, " we'll be moving on and we'll see you tonight at the usual campsite. "
After a few hours the three guards came across an isolated burnt out homestead, buildings still smoking but burnt down to blackened skeletons. Quickly the three guards fanned out hands close to their weapons, checking the area for any signs of life malign or benign. All now seemed to be clear though the signs of attack on the homestead and the outbuildings were plain to see. The buildings were all blackened smouldering ruins, the roofs having caved in and fallen to the ground. A wagon lay in pieces burnt and broken and whatever animals may have been in the paddock were now gone no doubt stolen and possibly the reason for the attack. The most poignant, and bitter signs of the vicious assault was the bodies that appeared to been cut down defending presumably their home. A human man dressed in farmers garb was riddled with arrows , his body sprawled over an half orc female in a futile attempt to protect her though she herself had suffered an horrific sword cut to the body. All three guards though veterans and had seen many horrific things were quiet and solemn in regarding this final tableau, their heads bowed - witnessing the grim final moments of this family.
It was in that quiet moment that Gina heard a small sound, of a child crying! Making her way around the remains of the building the sound grew louder as she approached a trap door that appeared to lead to an underground cellar. Attempts to obfuscate the door had been attempted by covering it with a thick layer of dirt, rubble and leaves.
"Gina what is it," asked Jenks?
Both guards had followed her around the building .
"We need to go, whoever did this may come back," urged Warner.
Gina ignored both of her companions as she cleared the debris on the trap door. She indicated that she was going to open the door and that they should be ready. As she grasped the door ring both men took hold of their swords readying for a surprise attack. She quickly pulled back the door and as both men tensed, the sound of a child screaming in fear punctuated the quiet funereal atmosphere of this cruel and bleak scene. Gina just sat on the top step, putting her hands out to the two swords-men to stand down.
The screaming continued as Gina made her way down the cellar slowly, dropping her sword at the exit she held her hands aloft and spoke gentle words trying to calm the child. Upon reaching the bottom step she just sat and looked at the small girl child who was screaming and crying, terrified of the woman. Tears started from Gina's eyes un-bidden as she witnessed the young girls terror. The horror of the moment dawned on the female fighter, the couple they found in front of the homestead, who had been hacked by swords and shot with arrows had been attempting to protect their daughter.
They had given their lives to do it.
"Gina we need to go," Jenks quietly called down.
"I know," she whispered .
Slowly she made her way to the child, the child's screaming continued as her own tears continued still, uttering calming words and soothing phrases trying to placate the terrified monster that was the child's grief and pain.
The screaming eventually subsided to crying and sobs, to calls for her mommy, for her Daddy and pleading for Gina not to hurt her. Every cry, every word was like a nail to the warrior, she had fought against mercenaries, brigands and bandits, had killed to save her own life and that of others, but this child's pleas for Gina not to hurt her cut deep. To this child she was no different from those who had killed her parents, destroyed her home and left her in a state of terror.
Completely dis-armed she just sat there close to the young child, offering no threat, just arms held open wide. She knew she was talking offering reassuring words and sounds but later would not be able to recall any of what she said. Eventually the half orc girl came to her and clung crying now quietly into her shoulder.
Aware of Jenks warning about the possible danger they were in the red headed female whispered in the girls ear, "We need to go honey, what's your name."
" Greta."
"I'm Gina and you're safe now?"
" You promise, " asked the girl?
Gina couldn't answer she just gently picked up the child....
....and since that day she's never let go.
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Leaving Greta with Mackenzie Gina returned to her duties. First she ascended all the landings knocking on all girls doors. Very few of the girls would work the floor all night, many having regular callers on particular days. On this Toil-day only Bria, Elizabeth, Cindy and Jackson would welcome guests as they arrived. All four were expecting regular clients and so would probably end their evenings quite early.
The rest would follow later and by the third evening bell when the rest of the musicians would arrive, things would start to get busy.
After a little bit of friendly chatter with each of the girls, be it a kind word or compliment, a shared joke or private thought Gina made her way down to see Devlin.
As she descended down the various stairs and past the main reception area where a lively tune was being played by Mac to a dancing Greta who was periodically stopping to chew on a sweet she met Byron making his way up the small stairs from the kitchen and his room at the back of the building beyond the communal dining area. Indeed down there was Greta's room also where she slept when she wasn't sharing with Gina in her room on the first floor.
"Rone I thought you'd gone."
" Just leaving now Gina, you alright for tonight, " Byron asked.
" Its Toil-day so shouldn't see too many fireworks , " was the red haired woman's reply, " And you'd better say goodnight to the dancing princess before you leave. "
With that Byron made his way past Devlin's work office adjacent to the front door and into the heavily draped reception room with a bar at one end being tended by a wiry young man called Bradley for the night, stocked with many fine bottles of various liquors and ales as well as numerous plush couches, chaise longue and chairs. A number of high stools dotted the bar and a small raised area served as a stage. In front of that stage were two figures wildly spinning and jigging , one playing a flute who seemed to be all knees and elbows and a young green skinned half orc girl simply enjoying the wild nature of the dance spinning to her hearts content.
"Hey little bear you saved any Pullers for me," asked Byron as he entered the room. Momentarily the music stopped as Greta exclaimed for joy at the sight of the big man and ran up and jumped into his arms.
"Hi Mac how are you," asked Byron whilst holding the young squirming child.
"I'm good young fella, you with us tonight," enquired the old flute player?
" No down the docks tonight, bit of a gathering with some friends, " replied the big barbarian evasively.
"What he means is," piped up the young child , " is that he has to wrestle tonight. " Another thought suddenly occurred to the young girl and she excitedly asked, " Oh can I come, please let me come? "
"I think not," was the immediate response from over Byron's shoulder as Gina entered. Taking the child she continued, " Come on you lot we need to get on, you Mac need to prepare as we open shortly. "
"Yes Ma'am," was the musicians obedient response.
"Byron you need to get off to work," continued Gina .
"Yes Ma'am," was Byron's answer.
" And you young lady are of to bed. "
"Ah Gina...."
" I think the appropriate response is Yes Ma'am, " Gina stern look brooked no further argument.
"Yes Ma'am," was Greta's chastened reply .
All three just stared.
"Well let's go now, crack to it," snapped the woman and all three quickly started to move, Mac to his pipes, Byron to the door and Greta headed off to the kitchen and then to her room.
Suddenly everyone was gone as Devlin appeared.
" Gina what have you been up to, uniform please?! "
"Yes Ma'am," was Gina's immediate response. She smiled to herself and quickly hurried off.
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Gina stood sentry by the open door at Ruby's ostensibly to greet people as they arrived, complement them and welcome them to the establishment. Her uniform a dark tailored jacket that finished at the waist, double breasted with matching trousers and dark boots. Devlin insisted that all her security dress in a smart similar manner.
She wore her hair in a single braid up and out of the way. Though tall and obviously well built a number of men in the past had made the mistake of thinking of her as one of the girls to be groped or not to take her seriously when she demanded their compliance on a certain issue, whether it be to moderate their behaviour or too leave the establishment. Some had thought it a quaint advertising gimmick having a woman run security. All had found out to their cost that Gina was no pretty ornament to be ignored or pushed around. Having worked the caravan routes from Janderhoff to Korvosa for a good 10 years as a guard it soon became obvious that she could with ruthless efficiency handle herself and any trouble that Ruby's might offer.
The early part of the evening had gone as expected with a number of the early regulars turning up and enjoying the quiet companionship of the girls, the quiet ambient sound of Mackenzie's pipe playing and a few drinks. Even Jones-y and Lincoln of the Watch popped in for a quick drink before their shift began. Devlin allowed Watch members free entry into the premises waiving all admission fees. They paid for everything else but she liked having it be known that the 'Rest' was a safe environment and that it was frequented by the Watch, also helped to keep the gangsters and racketeers at a distance.
The old watch guard Jones-y had for some time taken a shine to the tall female warrior and almost daily asked her to marry him in jest.
" If only I was twenty years younger dear heart you'd throw yourself at me, " the old guard quipped to Gina.
"If I was twenty years younger you'd be in front of the magistrate for unseemly behaviour with a minor," was her easy reply. The banter with the old watch guard was a little reminder to Gina of her days with the caravans escorting iron across the from the dwarves mines of Janderhoff to Korvosa. The easy company of fellow guards who'd shared the same risks, ribbing each other, quick to laugh, easy to anger and slow to forget and always willing to protect their own. Indeed she sometimes missed the comradeship of those who had shared the same dangers....
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They managed to return to OreBanks that night in the early evening twilight before the black of night descended like a heavy blanket. Both Jenks and Warner didn't question bringing the child with them, they had all been similarly affected by what they had witnessed at the homestead. However when Gina said they they needed to bury the parents, that it was the right and proper thing to do both warriors were adamant, they needed to leave now. The danger was too great. The marauders could return at any moment. Get back to Orebanks, let the authorities know was they the best they could achieve here without risking themselves. And even as they rode out with the child Gina felt a gut wrenching stab, an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.
Holding the child to her she could see her feelings were mirrored in the eyes of her two companions. They wanted to do more, they should have done more but knew they couldn't.
Over the next few days travelling with the caravan the child would never leave the tall female warrior's side. If duties required Gina to move down the caravan or to be a way away for a time a look of panic and terror would overcome the young girl who would start crying and calling for Gina.
By the time they reached Korvosa Gina had come to the decision that she'd have to leave Orebanks employment. She been with the old cantankerous dwarf for close to 10 years but this was no place for the child. Maybe there was a family or some charitable organisation in Korvosa that would take the child. Or maybe she could try to find employment here in Korvosa and so it was she left the only real home she knew. She said goodbye to Jenks, Warner, Dillan and the other members of the caravan guard, mounted her horse, her 'partisan' a long heavy bladed spear strapped to her back, her meagre belongings in her saddlebags and the child held close she made her way into the loud and bustling city of Korvosa.
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The Watch left before the end of evening prayers and the subtle pipes of Mackenzie had been joined by a lively fiddle player creating more a celebratory party atmosphere. Nothing compared to Fireday and especially Starday where Ruby's would be packed but still a merry time.
Normally two would work at Ruby's as front of house to ensure the smooth running of the establishment. Either her and Byron, her or Decca or Byron and Decca. But Toil-days tended to be quiet so either herself or Byron would front the house welcoming regular patrons rather than passing trade. Indeed the admission fee to the house was such that it discouraged the passing punter encouraging more a long term relationship with the establishment, many treating it more as there own little private club. Indeed many of those that patronized Ruby's enjoyed the safe and to a certain degree the exclusive atmosphere that the 'Rest' encouraged.
She would guide most into the main reception after they've paid the house admission fee explaining the rules of the house. "Negotiate the fee with the consort of your choice, pay up front with Devlin, drinks to be bought at the bar, no staying over and absolutely no man handling of the girls! If they say no it's a no!"
Most knew the rules and Gina greeted them with a pleasant smile or a friendly jest, those that didn't abide by the rules - Gina's greeting wasn't so pleasant.
Now as the evening wore on the sound of the pipes and fiddle,the laughter and singing seemed to fill the street with a warm inviting atmosphere of fun and a promise of pleasure.
Most of the girls were down now and Gina chose this time to close the doors, anyone wishing to gain entry would have to ring the bell whilst she did her rounds of the reception room and a quiet check of the landings. Many of the girls now had partners and should soon be venturing upstairs, some were singing and dancing whilst encouraging their partners to buy more drinks and there seemed to be nothing out of order. One or two of the evenings guests looked a little worst for wear but nothing of any concern just yet. It wouldn't be the first time she'd have to eject someone who'd imbibed a little too much.
She decided to check the landings first. As she ventured up the stairs many of the doors were closed with a red wooden marker hanging off the door knob. Gina didn't like the doors being locked so this was the system they used to say the room was occupied and in use but if necessary she could get in quickly. Hearing and seeing nothing out of kilter she moved up to the next set of stairs.
Just as she reached the final landing Susie' s door opened and out stepped old man Parker one of Susie's regulars. A candle-maker and widower who attended Ruby's every Toil-day without fail. He early on had become very comfortable in Susie's company saying in passing the black haired voluptuous looking lady reminded him of his wife, though she didn't talk nearly as much he often joked. Quickly dressing himself as he noticed the tall warrior he gave her a smile.
"Gina, have a good evening," was the older man's greeting .
"And you sir," and before he could move on Gina stopped him and said, " If I may? "
Parker was momentarily non-plused until Gina straightened his collar and tie. "Can't have you leaving Ruby's all disheveled can we."
" Thank you Gina, " and with that the old man made his way down the stairs.
Gina popped her head round the door, " Susie you okay? "
"Absolutely fine," answered the busty raven haired woman. Though a little older than many of those working at the 'Rest' Susie was probably the one with the most regular client base.
"Old man Parker still burning a candle for you," joked Gina poking her head through the door. Susie smiled at Gina's jest.
"How are things downstairs," Susie asked as she stretch and yawned a little.
" Busy but not over run, " replied the red headed warrior, " you coming back down. "
" No Parker was my last appointment so I'll clean up here and lock the door."
"You're going to break the hearts of many down there."
Susie smiled at Gina's comment.
"I might take the back stairs and head down to the kitchen for an evening tea." At the end of every landing was a small locked door that led to an old second staircase that the girls could use to get to the kitchen bypassing the main business area of Ruby's. And as the door to the kitchen area was a!so closed on the ground floor it offered those working at Ruby's a place of solitude, rest and quiet during the loud working hours you weren't working.
"Could you look in on Greta when you go down."
" Of course I will, " replied the older woman, " would be my pleasure. " Gina nodded her thanks, gave her a warm smile and made her way down the stairs.
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"Ah there you are my dear," Devlin said as Gina reached the ground floor having just finished her tour of the upper landings, " how are things upstairs? "
"No drama's" replied Gina, " though Susie is heading down the back to the kitchen. " It was just at this moment that raised voices could be heard coming from the main reception area despite the loud and vibrant music.
" Sounds like Harker has woken up and causing a scene, " was Devlin's response.
"Let me to deal with it, he's always a bit loud when he gets into his cups, a quiet word should do the trick. Gina quickly left Devlin and entered into the main room which was lively and loud, the fiddle and pipes adding to a raucous and rowdy atmosphere. A number of guests were now dancing whilst others were leaving heading for the stairs. She passed Rose heading for the stairs in jokey conversation with a dark haired man that Gina recognised as Travis a hard looking dock worker who only occasionally frequented the Rest.
Passing Rose and her client the warrior quickly made her way to the bar where Harker was loudly arguing with Portia, and the barman aggressively demanding more drink and that Portia take him upstairs. Portia had obviously said no and now the large man who was a barrel maker was starting to demand what he saw as his due working himself up into a state. Gina quickly interspersed herself between Harker and Portia.
" Harker you're making a scene and ruining my night, " Gina quietly spoke to the drunken cooper .
" So sorry Gina to have ruined your night, " the drunk slurred his sarcasm evident," but that woman had just said no to me, " was Harkers indignant response his voice rising in pitch as he got more angry "me?" Suddenly they were attracting the attention of the other guests as the scene began to unfold.
" You have a choice now Harker, leave now of your own accord and I will allow you to return when you're sober. "
" Or what you'll call Byron," snapped the drunk?
" I don't need Byron to toss you out of this establishment, trust me. " Gina looked the lush straight in the eye, "leave now or be thrown, that's your choice."
The inebriated man for a second eye-balled Gina but he quickly backed down as his drunken resolve crumbled as he looked at the tall warrior woman who was suddenly in his face and space, her unafraid confident manner was truly unnerving.
" Sorry Gina, I've drunk to much, apologies Portia, I'll go, " and with that Harker weaved his way to the exit Gina quietly following behind. The break in the music was picked up again and the business of Ruby's continued.
After Harker's departure Gina quickly checked in on Portia to ensure she was fine after the incident, only to find her talking with another client, though she did give Ruby's resident Amazonian a reassuring smile, and then turned her full attention to her new paying paramour, a young man who seemed to only have eyes for the older woman's scantily clad voluptuous figure.
As Gina left she knew that the negotiation would be swift and indeed by the time she was back at the door, Portia's, young man was talking with Devlin who was in her little office just off from the main reception room and the front door close to who ever was on security, handing over the agreed fee. Quickly joining Portia by the stairs the young man followed as the red headed woman lead the way.
The evening settled down now into its normal rhythm, with guests arriving enjoying the reception room for a few drinks, talking or dancing with a few of Ruby's girls following a quick negotiation on fee they would follow their escort up the stairs and thereafter would take their leave to be replaced by other paying clients.
The rest of the evening continued on apace, with Gina having to do very little as the patrons were more concerned now with enjoying themselves rather than causing any issues. Gina indeed felt able to quickly pop down to check on a sleeping Greta. Indeed she found Susie there dosing in a chair in Greta's room and whilst watching the child and had fallen asleep. Gently waking the sleeping woman Gina saw Susie off to bed and then returned to her front of house duties.
With the reception room clearing and all of the girls had taken their eager clients upstairs things began to slow down as was typical on Toil-days. Both musicians had started to play more quiet ambient music as the night was winding down. Only a few guests remained by the bar nursing their drinks. Not expecting any more business Devlin had locked the nights takings and her accounts into the back office in her safe. After breakfast tomorrow Gina and Byron would be escorting Devlin into the Bank of Abadar to deposit the nights taking, the streets of Korvosa could be a dangerous place....
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.... " How dangerous is this place? " Greta whispered fearing that someone might overhear her speaking. They were two days now in Korvosa, and Gina had sold her horse to ensure they had lodgings at The Frisky Unicorn for at least the next couple of weeks. However she did need to find work and more permanent lodgings for the two of them. Over the last few days as Gina spent more time with the child she realised she could not give the half orc girl up. The image of the girls parents last stand cemented the woman's resolve. This girl had lost enough and she was beginning to feel a deeper sense of responsibility for the child. She couldn't just offer the girl up to the cruel realities of the orphanages of Korvosa, not would she leave her to the bleak harshness of convent life. She would do her best for her...for them. And to do that she needed work. She'd offered her services at the Laughing Wave, and a few other establishments as well as now heading to the Bank of Abadar to see if they needed the use of a female guard. It had been her experience that rather than being a draw back many serious establishments liked to be able to provide clients with a wide variety of services including a skilled female warrior.
Suddenly a cry of help could be heard coming from a side street drawing the female warrior out of her reverie. There directly in front of her a gang of five ecorcheres, mercenaries confronting a dark haired heavily muscled man and a much older woman. It was the old woman with a strong regal bearing who had cried for help as one of the gang was trying to steal her bag whilst the others engaged the heavy muscled man, presumably her bodyguard.
Without a moment's thought for the wisdom of her actions she told the girl to stay there out of harm's way and the warrior ran to the aid of the old woman. Slipping the partisan off her back she whacked the heavy bladed weapons shaft into the attackers legs taking his feet from under him, and as he fell to the ground reversed her weapon coshing him again in the head with the blunt end of her weapon, refraining from cutting him with the weapons wicked heavy blade.
"Thank you my dear," was the woman's immediate reply , "and please help Byron, " she indicated the heavily muscled man who was now being beset by the remaining four street bashers. Gina indicated the woman should go to the little orc girl huddled away in the shadows and then quickly went to the aid the tall barbarian.
Using the vicious looking spear more as a staff she efficiently broke the ribs and forearm of one attacker as she drove the butt of her weapon into the man's rib-cage following up with a controlled outer swing of her spear onto the outside of his arm. She could hear his bones crack as the attacker screamed in pain and backed off cradling his injured limb. From the corner of her eye she spied 'Byron' beating down on an attacker using nothing but his bare hands pummeling his assailant. But seeing that he was distracted with one assailant he had turned his back to another who looked like he was about to stab the big barbarian in a flanking manoeuvre. Taking the initiative herself she quickly cracked the man on the top of his head felling him before he could do any lasting damage. It was at that moment the big warrior turned to see who was left. Both he and Gina stood first looking at each other and then turned to face the muggers last man standing. Confronted with a blood stained barbarian and a partisan wielding woman the thug ran off, fleeing the scene adrenaline fuelling his hasty retreat. Byron made to chase after him but Gina commanded,
"Hold, let them go," stopping the younger man in his tracks, " tend your charge. " Gina indicated the old woman who herself was now holding and trying to protect the young orc girl. Byron complied but momentarily he seemed to sag as the adrenaline left his system. Gina had seen this before from other warriors who after a battle would exhibit signs of fatigue or exhaustion. Believing he would soon come round she quickly approached the older woman who introduced herself as Devlin. The older woman had regained her regal bearing looked the younger in the eye and said,
"Thank you my dear for saving us, your timely intervention saved Byron and my weekly takings."
" My pleasure. I hope you're well and not injured. "
"No I'm good. You use that wicked looking weapon well," observed the older woman.
" It's a partisan and yes I have spent most of my life using this. " And with that Gina twisted the shaft of the weapon neatly splitting it into two pieces and slipping it into a holder that she had on her back.
Byron having caught his breath approached the two women .
"And is this your child," The older woman now fully composed asked.
"She's my charge," supplied Gina .
Byron seeing the child squatted down, "Are you alright little bear!" The child quickly sought the comfort and safety of Gina in reaction to the big man. He gave her friendly smile and stood not wishing to add to her discomfort.
" Well my dear, " continued the older woman, " I'm heading to the Bank of Abardar. I was hoping you might want to accompany myself and Byron to the Bank. We'd make it worth your while. "....
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Just at that moment there was a knock at the door to the Rest. Gina opened the door preparing to apologise to the late night reveller that the 'Rest' was closing, when instead she was looking into the heavily tattooed face of Decca Byron's oldest friend and Devlin's other 'doorman'.
"Decca I was not expecting to see you this evening," was her response.
"I was down the Mermaid and I heard you wanted to see me," slurred Decca obviously well into his cups by this time of night. " The lovely Deidra told me you'd been in looking for me...so here I am! " Decca held his hands wide showing that he was in fact there, by almost falling down the stairs.
"You should have come and seen me earlier." Gina admonished the drunken tattooist.
" But Decca is here now my dear Gina, how can I be of service to you? " Decca smiled to himself and deeply bowed.
She couldn't help but smile at Decca's drunken antics, so pulling the door to she joined the inebriated sailor in the street.
"I need you to cover next Toil-Day for me here at Ruby's." Gina continued , " I don't know if Byron will be free so I need you to be here. " Gina concluded.
"Of course I can do it Gee' would love to M' Dear, " Decca responded, "where will you be?"
" Keep it quiet but I've an appointment with the Grey Maidens. Don't tell anyone, " cautioned Gina, " just want to see what they're offering. "
" Mums the word Gee' see you Toil-day, " and with that Decca began to wander down the street towards his lodgings by the docks. Gina watched him part of the way and then returned back to the 'Rest'. Inside she hit the large gong standing by the first step of stairs, a reminder that Ruby's was closing and all would have to make their way out soon. Devlin came and joined her from her office to say good bye to her clientele as they left. Bradley who was working the bar was urging his last few patrons to finish their drinks as he was collecting the glasses and drinking pots ready for cleaning.
By the sounding of the second gong most of the guests had made their way down the stairs and our into the dark night Devlin wishing them all a safe journey.
"I think that's the last of them," said Devlin just as Alice came running down the stairs screaming for Gina.
"Gina quick... Roses room!"
The tall red haired warrior moved quickly wasting no time. She knew where Roses room was and there where very few reasons that any of the girls would call for her, most of them being able to handle themselves in a tight spot.
She wasted no time in questions and realising the situation could be dire she quickly ascended the stairs. other girls hearing Alices cry popped their heads out the doors quickly following Gina. Chaos and hysterical shouting followed her as she rushed up the many stairways of Ruby's. Indeed as she got to the top landing she could not only hear the other girls, calling for Devlin or Byron or the Watch and making their way up the stairs but also the distinct sound of fighting and raised voices from the room at the end of the landing.
Taking the long landing in no time Gina tried the door, rattling the handle only to find the door locked.
"Rose....it's me Gina open the open,' ordered the warrior woman.
The girls voice took on an hysterical edge, "Gina he's got a knife!"
"Shut up bitch! " came another voice followed by the sound of a cry as someone was being hit.
And that was Travis the bastard dock worker who was doing the hitting.
Gina quickly raised her foot and kicked at the door, the doors' lock juddering in its frame from the woman's powerful kick. Screaming could be heard inside the room now as Roses cries for help became mingled with the sounds of violence. Urgency fuelled Gina's next strike as her heel struck the lock, slamming the rickety door open.
There she saw a dark haired man half dressed in pants and little else, viciously slapping the young girl Rose in the face as she pressed herself against the bedroom wall, a knife brandished in his other hand. The man turned towards the sound of the splintering door momentarily distracted from the brutal beating he was administering to the girl as Rose connected with a solid punch of her own on the assailants chin.
"Bitch!" The thug threw the girl across the room to face Gina standing in the doorway.
"Come on bitch, think you're something, I'll cut you," screamed the man at Gina thrusting a large serrated knife in front of him trying to intimidate the female warrior. Concern for the young girl who lay crumpled on the floor drove Gina's next actions as she quickly entered into the room, the large half dressed aggressor wildly stabbed with his wicked blade half hoping to strike the woman or at least to force her back. She quickly and confidently strode into the man's attack simultaneously blocking the strike with her left fore-arm and striking his chin with her right elbow. Her strike was so hard she could hear his jaw break, his anquished cry of pain barely registering as she followed through with a full on vicious left cross which shattered the perps ribs and a brutal sharp right upper cut which further shattered an already broken jaw. Gina's assault was so quick, the pain so severe that the felon had dropped his knife, all thoughts of violence vanished and was now trying to crawl into a corner as far from the angry tempest that had assaulted him.
" Rose, are you okay? "
The young girl looked up tears streaming down her face as she looked into the eyes of Gina. Fear was clearly evident as were the bruises that were now showing like a florid ugly tattoo on her face.
"How badly are you hurt," enquired Gina as she knelt to help the young girl up. Rose getting to her feet saw the huddled lump of her attacker in the corner.
Quickly she screamed with a vengeance and strode over and started to kick her assailant.
"You bastard , you fucking bastard," she yelled, " When I say you have to go, you fucking go! " Almost every word was punctuated with a kick as the man in the floor cried out in pain. Gina gently guided the girl away fearing she might inflict her assailant with a near fatal injury.
"You're okay now Rose, you're safe," Gina reassured the girl holding the beaten woman by the shoulders, " you're fine. "
Devlin entered the room taking the girl in hand.
"Gina the Watch are coming so take that piece of filth downstairs," and with that Devlin lead Rose from the room. " You'll stay with me tonight my dear and we'll sort this tomorrow. Let's see to your wounds. " And with that Devlin escorted Rose out of the room and down the stairs.
Jones-y and Lincoln the two guards of the Watch re-appeared on the doorstep of Ruby's just as Gina was none too gently escorting the limping moaning man from the house.
"What's a happening Gina?" Asked Jones-y the older of the two guards. Jones-y looked inoffensive but as a veteran of this patrol he had seen and dealt with his fair share of drama in Old Korvosa.
" She assaulted me, " mumbled the man obviously talking through a broken jaw.
"Shut up you," snapped Jones-y, "was I speaking to you?"
" He attacked Rose, beat her up quite bad, it's a job for the arbiter, " answered Gina.
"Is she okay" asked Lincoln concern clearly evident in his voice?
"She's fine now Lincoln, we had a conversation me and him," retorted Gina.
"I can see that Gina," smirked the smaller younger guard, "I'll pop by and see Rosey tomorrow?"
"Give her a day of two Lincoln, she's a bit shook up and doesn't need man handling yet." The look from the warrior-ess immediately was stern and forbidding .
"Nothing like that mistress Gina," stammered the young black haired guard blushing slightly, " just a walk out is all."
"Ask for me tomorrow and we'll see, " was Gina's curt reply.
"Byron not here, " asked Jones-y suddenly realising this situation could escalate if the big man appeared?
"He's got a bout in the warehouse district off the docks," quickly supplied the woman. "You'd better get that piece of rubbish out of here before Byron gets back or they'll be real blood spilt. "
"Not afraid of the Bear," the now prisoner uttered.
" Shut up you asshole, " both Watch-men shouted, the older man punctuated the words by slapping the thug across the face inflaming his already broken jaw, a strangled cry of pain was the con's immediate response.
"Take him and make sure he gets to Cressida, and me and Rose will see you at the arbiters tomorrow."
The two patrol man left disappearing into the night, their night lantern clearly marking their retreat into the Korvosan night. Rose's attacker would be locked into a caged wagon and the two two patrol-men would continue their beat depositing the violent thug with the arbiters court at dawn at the end of their patrol.
Gina entered the Rest shooing everyone to bed. Bradley was just finishing in the reception room and musicians had left earlier. Devlin came and assured Gina that Rose was doing well.
"I'll wait up and tell Byron," Gina said.
" I've looked in on Greta, " Devlin went on, "didn't hear a thing, she's sleeping like a doll." With that Devlin returned to here room and before too long it was just Gina...And Ruby alone.
An average night at Ruby's.
