The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

The Grimney Tattler is nothing but a gossip rag.

*Philomena takes a swig of firewater.*

I love a good glass of firewater,fresh from a red dragon... And yes, I'm hot but I am also ice cold.

*She laughs.*

So how good are you with that big shiny sword... What are you worth? A thousand tobran for the training,two thousand extra if he wins.

*The mermaid looks serious and lowers her voice. She leans closer and speaks so only Stark can hear.*

The duellist is a knight called Kalvos, he is fighting for his freedom from the Queen's Elite.

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Damn. He's a marked man.

*Flicks his fingers*.

Hey Bracewind set me up another two firewaters would you?

*He takes two more glasses from the barman and hands another to Philomena*.

Helping him is like dropping a black ant in a red ants nest. Not sure I wanna be a black ant.

*He gulps down his drink*.

I'm good with a sword, well known in these parts, that I can wager. But....

*Sucks in the air and exhales*.

That's some bad business you're talking about.

*He whispers*.

I mean real bad business.

What do you mean marked man? Who has marked him? What do you know?

*Philomena gulps her firewater anxiously.*

If you won't help, I will just need to find someone braver. Kalvos won't fall, I won't let him.

*She shakes her head and begins to cry.*

Not even if I have to flood half of Grimney to keep him safe.

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Damn. I'm sorry I don't want to hurt the man.

*He reaches out his sleeve*.

You wanna wipe your nose honey?

*He sighs*.

I'm not a coward. But I'm not a fool.

*He looks thoughtful*.

He's got a few powerful enemies I've heard. I'll maybe take the job, but I need to think about it first. You want another drink? I feel bad about making you cry!

*Philomena puts her head on the man's shoulder and continues to cry. He can feel her body pushed close to his and smell the scent of roses on her hair. He feels a little intoxicated.*

Please help me, please.

*She takes out a lace handkerchief and blows her nose daintily.*

He is a good man and has powerful friends. Sir Robert Pearl, Lord Devron Karn, Gideon Drake, Sir Darius Rackham and me. He is the most honourable man I know and would put his life in danger to help anyone who needed him. That is why he has enemies.

*The mermaid shakes her head.*

No I don't need another drink, I am going home unless there is anyone else in the tavern who would help me. Which I doubt.

*She stood crying and repairs her make up.*

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Damn gal. Do you have to do all that crying stuff?

*He places his hand on her bottom and pats it gently*.

Ya’ll know that a little seduction goes a long way. OK OK, I’ll take the job.

*He drinks the rest of his firewater and sighs heavily*.

But I’m not riding to Holme’s Tavern in the dark, and I sure ain’t gonna put my neck on the line for a few thousand tobran. Make it forty and you got yourself a deal.

*He rolls his eyes*.

Being good with a sword ain’t enough if you’re up against twenty or thirty armed warriors. You savvy? But I've put my cards on the table. Your call.

You're a good man.

*She smiles at him as he pats her bottom.*

More of a peach than an apple.

*She shrugs.*

Forty thousand? I spent the same on gowns last year. I'll sell a couple of diamonds... Rich men give them to be for no other reason than they look pretty around my neck.

*The mermaid pulls a cloak around her shoulders.*

I'm returning to the tavern now, will you come tomorrow?

The duel is the only thing that matters, everyone else... They are a problem that can be washed away if needs be. Who would these warriors be?

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You're fruity I'll say that for you honey.

*He smiles and winks*.

The warriors? I won't mention names unless they become aware of what I'm doing. And if they do, I may have to make like a banana. And split.

*He laughs and nods his head*.

Yeah, that's funny man.

*He whispers*.

You bet. Got a thing or two to settle up locally then I'll ride over to you. Sure think you ain't wise going back in the dark. But you're some little whirlwind. No stopping you.

More of a storm cloud than a whirlwind...

*She kisses him on the cheek.*

I'll see you tomorrow, sugar. Stay safe.

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