Into the free. Private public houses.
18:40
I was standing still for a good five minutes, shock fixed my feet into place and my reeling mine bypassed all other functions (apart from the autonomous and fluid retaining functions).
As soon as composure was regained I quickly unlocked the door and slammed it behind me, checking it was closed.
What did I know. One; I was in trouble; I took that as read. As soon as Xanthic sent me here in the full knowledge I would be safe without him I knew I was probably in it, whatever 'it' was, up to my ears.
Two; there was no sound. Of course there was sound, birds singing, traffic in the distance, the voice: But no aura sonus (as I've started referring to it after seeing the word sonus in an old book and liking the ring of it). That meant she was human, as surprising as that sounds to me now. I'm sure there are some deep level Demons that would kill to get a presence of person or instant intimidation like that.
Three: I can still walk and breathe. I'm almost certain if she had wanted me otherwise I would already be. So just a warning then, but for what and why?
I didn't want to call Xanthic for help this early into an assignment, so, unless I wanted to return home with my tail between my legs there was only one course of action to follow and it meets with one of the best pieces of advice I had been given as a young girl. If you think you are in danger head for a crowded place. Pub it is then.
Heals in hand and once again heading out the door (obviously checking the coast was clear of any or all black draped strangers). A taxi was parked outside (O.K, I may be desperate for a drink after all of that but I'm not stupid).
The trip was short and it took me past a church, grave yard and a copse filled with ancient gnarled trees, a children's park, inhabited by a small group of hoodies which I assume had teenagers inside them and a village green. Then just as the cabbie was trying to engage me in conversation the small village square appeared. A collection of shops housed within grey stone buildings with roofs sagging heavily in the middle stood along two side and (blessed relief) a dark green painted building declaring itself to be called 'The Jolly Reaper' by means of a eight foot wide sign above the door.
£3:80 for a minute drive, I gave the driver a tenner, it was worth it for a hag free trip and not walking the stony lanes in heels.
The pub was a welcome sight, the door opened into a mid-lit grey painted room dominated through the middle with a horse shoe bar of yellow wood and brass rails and the public side stretched around until both sides until meeting a door on each side behind which was the bar and a corridor to the kitchens.
There was a collection of patrons drinking both at the bar and at table. I joined a collection of men at the bar and drew some money out of my bag. In the city it would take ages to get served and waving money around helps to get noticed, but here, well I guess the rules are different.
"What will it be?" I was asked by the barman as he ignored three young men in dirty long sleeve shirts unbuttoned to their chests showing a thick mat of hair on all of them. There was a call of dissatisfaction from the trio.
"Will you all settle down, "Said the barman, older than the three put together and a very paternal figure in at the bar. "I'll get to you all soon but the lady looks thirsty and you've been in here all afternoon."
"I'll have a glass of wine please, what do you have?" I asked.
"Um." Said the barman. "we have....." He looked over his shoulder at a small half oak barrel containing melted ice and a bottle. "White or...." He changed his gaze to the back bar under the optics and saw what he was searching for. ".....red; but I think its a 'shirtzee' if that helps."
'Shiraz' I translated inside my head and was about to answer when...
"I'll pay for that Arn." Said a male voice. I felt a warm pressure against my arm and looked to see a check shirted arm around me closely followed by a hard chest against my back. A bearded man, tanned and toned from working under the sun and still on the cocky side of 25 had stood behind me with one arm on each side resting his hands on the bar. He could be described by some ( ok most) as handsome, but right now I'll describe him as intimidating. His jeaned legs spread wide so his crotch was hovering behind my bum. There was a snigger from a small group of equally dressed and styled men sat or stood at the bar on the other side.
"Jed, remember last time." Said the barman breaking eye contact. Jed did not reply, he did not need to. The barman looked down, unable or unwilling to help and busied himself with pouring a drink.
I moved my arm to gently knock Jed's away; it was resolutely still. The smile on my face was now fixed as I thought through my options, there was no background music (other than a tinny juke box speaker), I couldn't scream (how very unladylike), I couldn't turn around and stab him (extremely unladylike and too many witnesses) and I doubt sarcasm would work (he probably wouldn't understand the concept). So, no real options but to stand here and make a bit of a fuss and hope this meathead can cool down before things get too hot. That or throw a punch and hope he's got a glass jaw.
I was saved from making a decision by the arrival of a beautiful 40 something woman whose face and appearance diffused the situation through sheer weight of sexuality and arousal. The young men at the bar quickly stood up straight, some slicked back their hair with a lick and hand, others sucking in the beginnings of rounded bellies or flexing muscles. Jed, leaving me quickly, pushed his way to the front of the group and pushed out his check. They all kept all kept a respectful distance.
Behind the new comer, following on like royal maids in the wake of a Queen, came three other women; all much younger than the first and although very pretty in their own right, paled in comparison to the lady. Teenagers, or only just not, I thought to myself, but with poise and a superior aloof of professional models. I hated them all instantly.
''Who's your new friend Jed?'' She asked with a voice as warm and sweet as honey.
''Tis no one, Mary, we were just welcoming her to the village was all.''
The girls sat around an unoccupied low table by a large brick fireplace, cold and unused in the Summer heat. Sofas came away at right angles and a straight back wooden chair with broad arms and carved legs sat between their ends, opposite the hearth. Mary saw still stood in front of the captivated boys, he was looking in my direction and I kept my gaze aimed at her because she was amazing.
Mary moved through her audience, who moved away as she passed. I noticed how each of the men stepped aside to let her pass but all touched her and allowed her body to brush past them as much as they dared; Mary showed no signs of worry. She came to me and he welcomed me to her village, she told the silent barman to put my drink on her tab (something the young men fought over to pay off) asked for a round of drink for her and the girls and invited me to sit with them.
"You must forgive the little boys, they are a little starved of company around here and strangers get them excited. If they upset you I'll happily discipline them for you.
I said they had not and that Jed was making more of a fool out of himself than worrying me and then the matter was dropped.
Mary took the throne like chair and motioned for the girls on the left-hand sofa to move up so I could sit next to her, my unlike for them did not lessen after seeing the annoyance in their eyes as they followed orders.
22:20
I had spent a very pleasant evening in the company of Mary. She was a warm and confident hostess and rolled the conversation on through a very wide spectrum of topics; nothing heavy but always involving me and episodes about myself and from my past. I began to feel self conscious over talking about myself but Mary seemed fascinated and inquisitive.
As I talked I watched Mary, this close I could see the foundation of wrinkles beginning to crawl around her rich hazel eyes and from the points where her full red lips met. Her skin glowed with a natural radiance and although he was a little over weight, the curves rolled with her rather than against her and gave her an hourglass shape that made me a jealous as Hell. I could see why all the men in the bar couldn't take their eyes off her, she was the embodiment of a Goddess, that and she was amazingly voluptuous and clearly not wearing a bra. This could explain why as soon as their glasses were empty one or more of the boys at the bar came over with new ones.
The mood sullied when, just before half ten, a group of men walked into the bar. They were of differing ages, shapes or dress; no two looked like they belonged in a group but they were all eagerly chatting and when they reached the bar they instantly dominated it through personality and confidence.
''Look at them.'' Sneered Mary in a manner not fitting my impression of her. The girls visibly bristling.
''Who are they?'' I asked curious over how one small group could change a set dynamic. The village looked too small to have a controlling gang, and whatever these men were, they did not look like a gang. they were all dressed in formal shirts for a start; police I thought.
''They are the brotherhood of the axe.'' Replied one of the girls who had been mostly silent all night in a tone of disapproval. ''They ruin our fun when we're out.''
''Don't you pay them no mind.'' Said Mary, ''But take my advice and stay away from them.''
Mary and the girls appeared uneasy and shuffled in their chairs; this was mirrored by the young men who had been so attentive all evening; now they had retreated to the furthest corner table.
''But......'' I began to ask who they actually were.
''No buts child, just do as I say. It's been a nice chat and I will see you later, but for now we will depart.'' Mary stood, as did her entourage, and as a cluster behind her they left. Jed and his troop finished their pint and followed the girls. The axe brothers (or whatever Mary called them) continued to drink their pints and laugh amongst themselves.
I was here to investigate mysteries so I picked up my drink and walked to the bar, staying a polite distance away but still well within earshot.
The conversation was complicated and confusing. There were a total of eight men, two in their 50's and the others descending in age right down to early 20's. They talked about running fires and midnights in the woods every night this week. I couldn't make out everything as there were several conversations rolling into one. The only thing I learned for sure that the younger man's wife hated him coming home in the early hours and waking the house and baby up by banging up the stairs and showering.
At eleven last orders were called. Arn seemed more forward with this lot and was part of the conversation, perhaps because they were closer to his age or he was just more drunk now, whatever the reason he came out of the rear door with a large kitchen pot of food; curry by the smell, put it down on the bar and curried off to fetch plates and cutlery. On one of these trips he noticed me and asked me to leave. I picked up my bag and thanked the barman for his service tonight.
''Eat up lads.'' Said Arn as he stood by the door holding it open. ''You'll need it if you're out playing again tonight.''
The only other thing I heard from the pub was long bolts being slid into place after I left
The moon was bright, and as soon as I was away from the lights outside the public house, the stars shone brightly; I just wished I knew what constellations they all belonged to.
I was standing still for a good five minutes, shock fixed my feet into place and my reeling mine bypassed all other functions (apart from the autonomous and fluid retaining functions).
As soon as composure was regained I quickly unlocked the door and slammed it behind me, checking it was closed.
What did I know. One; I was in trouble; I took that as read. As soon as Xanthic sent me here in the full knowledge I would be safe without him I knew I was probably in it, whatever 'it' was, up to my ears.
Two; there was no sound. Of course there was sound, birds singing, traffic in the distance, the voice: But no aura sonus (as I've started referring to it after seeing the word sonus in an old book and liking the ring of it). That meant she was human, as surprising as that sounds to me now. I'm sure there are some deep level Demons that would kill to get a presence of person or instant intimidation like that.
Three: I can still walk and breathe. I'm almost certain if she had wanted me otherwise I would already be. So just a warning then, but for what and why?
I didn't want to call Xanthic for help this early into an assignment, so, unless I wanted to return home with my tail between my legs there was only one course of action to follow and it meets with one of the best pieces of advice I had been given as a young girl. If you think you are in danger head for a crowded place. Pub it is then.
Heals in hand and once again heading out the door (obviously checking the coast was clear of any or all black draped strangers). A taxi was parked outside (O.K, I may be desperate for a drink after all of that but I'm not stupid).
The trip was short and it took me past a church, grave yard and a copse filled with ancient gnarled trees, a children's park, inhabited by a small group of hoodies which I assume had teenagers inside them and a village green. Then just as the cabbie was trying to engage me in conversation the small village square appeared. A collection of shops housed within grey stone buildings with roofs sagging heavily in the middle stood along two side and (blessed relief) a dark green painted building declaring itself to be called 'The Jolly Reaper' by means of a eight foot wide sign above the door.
£3:80 for a minute drive, I gave the driver a tenner, it was worth it for a hag free trip and not walking the stony lanes in heels.
The pub was a welcome sight, the door opened into a mid-lit grey painted room dominated through the middle with a horse shoe bar of yellow wood and brass rails and the public side stretched around until both sides until meeting a door on each side behind which was the bar and a corridor to the kitchens.
There was a collection of patrons drinking both at the bar and at table. I joined a collection of men at the bar and drew some money out of my bag. In the city it would take ages to get served and waving money around helps to get noticed, but here, well I guess the rules are different.
"What will it be?" I was asked by the barman as he ignored three young men in dirty long sleeve shirts unbuttoned to their chests showing a thick mat of hair on all of them. There was a call of dissatisfaction from the trio.
"Will you all settle down, "Said the barman, older than the three put together and a very paternal figure in at the bar. "I'll get to you all soon but the lady looks thirsty and you've been in here all afternoon."
"I'll have a glass of wine please, what do you have?" I asked.
"Um." Said the barman. "we have....." He looked over his shoulder at a small half oak barrel containing melted ice and a bottle. "White or...." He changed his gaze to the back bar under the optics and saw what he was searching for. ".....red; but I think its a 'shirtzee' if that helps."
'Shiraz' I translated inside my head and was about to answer when...
"I'll pay for that Arn." Said a male voice. I felt a warm pressure against my arm and looked to see a check shirted arm around me closely followed by a hard chest against my back. A bearded man, tanned and toned from working under the sun and still on the cocky side of 25 had stood behind me with one arm on each side resting his hands on the bar. He could be described by some ( ok most) as handsome, but right now I'll describe him as intimidating. His jeaned legs spread wide so his crotch was hovering behind my bum. There was a snigger from a small group of equally dressed and styled men sat or stood at the bar on the other side.
"Jed, remember last time." Said the barman breaking eye contact. Jed did not reply, he did not need to. The barman looked down, unable or unwilling to help and busied himself with pouring a drink.
I moved my arm to gently knock Jed's away; it was resolutely still. The smile on my face was now fixed as I thought through my options, there was no background music (other than a tinny juke box speaker), I couldn't scream (how very unladylike), I couldn't turn around and stab him (extremely unladylike and too many witnesses) and I doubt sarcasm would work (he probably wouldn't understand the concept). So, no real options but to stand here and make a bit of a fuss and hope this meathead can cool down before things get too hot. That or throw a punch and hope he's got a glass jaw.
I was saved from making a decision by the arrival of a beautiful 40 something woman whose face and appearance diffused the situation through sheer weight of sexuality and arousal. The young men at the bar quickly stood up straight, some slicked back their hair with a lick and hand, others sucking in the beginnings of rounded bellies or flexing muscles. Jed, leaving me quickly, pushed his way to the front of the group and pushed out his check. They all kept all kept a respectful distance.
Behind the new comer, following on like royal maids in the wake of a Queen, came three other women; all much younger than the first and although very pretty in their own right, paled in comparison to the lady. Teenagers, or only just not, I thought to myself, but with poise and a superior aloof of professional models. I hated them all instantly.
''Who's your new friend Jed?'' She asked with a voice as warm and sweet as honey.
''Tis no one, Mary, we were just welcoming her to the village was all.''
The girls sat around an unoccupied low table by a large brick fireplace, cold and unused in the Summer heat. Sofas came away at right angles and a straight back wooden chair with broad arms and carved legs sat between their ends, opposite the hearth. Mary saw still stood in front of the captivated boys, he was looking in my direction and I kept my gaze aimed at her because she was amazing.
Mary moved through her audience, who moved away as she passed. I noticed how each of the men stepped aside to let her pass but all touched her and allowed her body to brush past them as much as they dared; Mary showed no signs of worry. She came to me and he welcomed me to her village, she told the silent barman to put my drink on her tab (something the young men fought over to pay off) asked for a round of drink for her and the girls and invited me to sit with them.
"You must forgive the little boys, they are a little starved of company around here and strangers get them excited. If they upset you I'll happily discipline them for you.
I said they had not and that Jed was making more of a fool out of himself than worrying me and then the matter was dropped.
Mary took the throne like chair and motioned for the girls on the left-hand sofa to move up so I could sit next to her, my unlike for them did not lessen after seeing the annoyance in their eyes as they followed orders.
22:20
I had spent a very pleasant evening in the company of Mary. She was a warm and confident hostess and rolled the conversation on through a very wide spectrum of topics; nothing heavy but always involving me and episodes about myself and from my past. I began to feel self conscious over talking about myself but Mary seemed fascinated and inquisitive.
As I talked I watched Mary, this close I could see the foundation of wrinkles beginning to crawl around her rich hazel eyes and from the points where her full red lips met. Her skin glowed with a natural radiance and although he was a little over weight, the curves rolled with her rather than against her and gave her an hourglass shape that made me a jealous as Hell. I could see why all the men in the bar couldn't take their eyes off her, she was the embodiment of a Goddess, that and she was amazingly voluptuous and clearly not wearing a bra. This could explain why as soon as their glasses were empty one or more of the boys at the bar came over with new ones.
The mood sullied when, just before half ten, a group of men walked into the bar. They were of differing ages, shapes or dress; no two looked like they belonged in a group but they were all eagerly chatting and when they reached the bar they instantly dominated it through personality and confidence.
''Look at them.'' Sneered Mary in a manner not fitting my impression of her. The girls visibly bristling.
''Who are they?'' I asked curious over how one small group could change a set dynamic. The village looked too small to have a controlling gang, and whatever these men were, they did not look like a gang. they were all dressed in formal shirts for a start; police I thought.
''They are the brotherhood of the axe.'' Replied one of the girls who had been mostly silent all night in a tone of disapproval. ''They ruin our fun when we're out.''
''Don't you pay them no mind.'' Said Mary, ''But take my advice and stay away from them.''
Mary and the girls appeared uneasy and shuffled in their chairs; this was mirrored by the young men who had been so attentive all evening; now they had retreated to the furthest corner table.
''But......'' I began to ask who they actually were.
''No buts child, just do as I say. It's been a nice chat and I will see you later, but for now we will depart.'' Mary stood, as did her entourage, and as a cluster behind her they left. Jed and his troop finished their pint and followed the girls. The axe brothers (or whatever Mary called them) continued to drink their pints and laugh amongst themselves.
I was here to investigate mysteries so I picked up my drink and walked to the bar, staying a polite distance away but still well within earshot.
The conversation was complicated and confusing. There were a total of eight men, two in their 50's and the others descending in age right down to early 20's. They talked about running fires and midnights in the woods every night this week. I couldn't make out everything as there were several conversations rolling into one. The only thing I learned for sure that the younger man's wife hated him coming home in the early hours and waking the house and baby up by banging up the stairs and showering.
At eleven last orders were called. Arn seemed more forward with this lot and was part of the conversation, perhaps because they were closer to his age or he was just more drunk now, whatever the reason he came out of the rear door with a large kitchen pot of food; curry by the smell, put it down on the bar and curried off to fetch plates and cutlery. On one of these trips he noticed me and asked me to leave. I picked up my bag and thanked the barman for his service tonight.
''Eat up lads.'' Said Arn as he stood by the door holding it open. ''You'll need it if you're out playing again tonight.''
The only other thing I heard from the pub was long bolts being slid into place after I left
The moon was bright, and as soon as I was away from the lights outside the public house, the stars shone brightly; I just wished I knew what constellations they all belonged to.
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