high_seas | Here there be monsters...

*Once Faye had bowed out and taken her winnings, there was a round of applause for her, and she performed a little curtsy. Though she was done, Faye sat back in her chair to continue watching the remaining round of the game. At least now she could give more attention to seeing where Thash got to. Leaning to look through the crowd, Faye finally caught sight of him, and some pretty red-head sitting talking with him. Grinning to herself, she looked back at the game, deciding she didn't need to keep an eye on him any longer.

The dancer smiled sweetly at Thash's response, glancing at the spare seat beside him*

Oh? Well, thank you very kindly, sir.

*She blushed slightly, and blinked her big blue eyes at him, then smoothed down the skirts of her dress*

Mind if I take a seat here? All that dancing is pretty tirin' work...

[Thash noticed when Faye bowed out, happy people actually clapped for her rather than getting sore about it like last night. Even the guy that had stabbed him was still around and clapped for her, seeming to have no grudge against her at all. Thash thought that was a little weird, but maybe he was just being paranoid. Since she was done playing and nobody had tried to mug her, he felt comfortable enough giving a little more attention to the attractive woman talking to him]

[he glanced at the seat she gestured to and nodded] uh, sure. Seat's open.

[he watched her closely as she presumably came and sat, thinking about how strange and unlikely this was. He willed himself to calm down, even concentrating on making sure his tail didn't thump]

*Faye seemed to manage as she was, watching the poker, then retrieving the cowboy's hat afterwards. She could spend plenty time flirting and drinking.

The dancer took the seat gracefully, certainly a dancer with the way that she moved. She crossed her legs slowly, her calves brushing with his leg as she did so. Bashfully, she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, then moved her chair in closer to him*

I'm Jessica, by the by. You can call me Jessie, if you like.

*Her eyelashes fluttered and she smiled sweetly, looking at him so eagerly, like getting to know his name would be the best thing that ever happened to her. She licked her lips slowly, then looked longingly at his tail, blue eyes then travelling up his torso to Thash's face*

You're... a shark man, aren't you?

[Wow she was coming on strong. Just the way she moved and looked at him made Thash feel shy and excited. He still had his wariness in the back of his mind but he tried to relax and ignore it]

Okay Jessie... I'm Thash. And uh... yeah, I am.

[And, just to make sure...]

You're a human, right?

[She smelled like one, but he would be interested to know if she was some transforming supernatural thing like a werewolf, for example]

Mmm... That's exciting...

*Jessie leaned in closer, making sure that her wide, fascinated eyes never left his. She giggled at his question, winding a strand of her hair around a finger*

Yeah, I am. That's not too boring, is it? Just being a human girl?

No... that's not boring at all! My best friend's a human.

[He was talking about Faye, of course. Awww]

To be honest I'd like to know more about humans.

[He'd felt pretty isolated from them growing up... not geographically, but socially]

Oh, really? That's really sweet. I bet everyone thinks you're dangerous...

*Jessie bit her lip as she brought a hand round to touch at his tail*

And I bet you are. But I bet you're a real sweetheart too.

*Instead of moving back again, the dancer moved herself even closer, fluidly, to the point she was almost sitting on his knee*

What would ya like ta know? Maybe I can help you...explore.

[He gave a tiny jolt whens he touched his tail. It was kinda sensitive and he hadn't expected it. When she leaned in close he went kind of rigid, not able to resist the urge to lean back just slightly]

uh, well... um... [he was kind of having trouble thinking calmly at the moment but finally thought of something]

[He was pretty curious about human anatomy, buuut that didn't seem like an appropriate thing to ask about with someone he didn't know. He was mainly interested in differneces between them and aquarians and there seemed to be a lot of social differences, and differences in what they did for fun]

I've always kinda wondered what it's like to ride a horse like a human. How do you guys do that without falling off?

[He'd seen some of them tied up outside that had sparked his curiosity]

*Jessie rubbed her fingers against his tail slightly before sitting back and giving him space. Her hands were placed lightly on the ends of her knees, the fingers almost brushing against his*

Ah, so you like horses and humans, huh? How bout you come outside and see?

*The way she stood to her feet was almost a dance move in itself, and she whirled round to Thash and offered him her hand*

[He blushed a tiny bit when she rubbed his tail. It was an odd but good sensation. When she suggested they go outside, he perked up a little]

Oh, you can show me? [He hesitated a moment, wondering if he should stay just in case anyone was forceful with Faye. But, as she'd pointed out, she could pretty much defend herself. She'd probably be fine unless they ganged up on her and he didn't see that as likely in a large public place like this. The Steer Skull had been tiny and seedy but this place had more people... surely guys wouldn't be so bold in their perversion here. He glanced over to her, seeing she appeared to be doing fine, and decided to go with it]

Sure, I guess we could head outside.

[He watched as she stood up gracefully, finding it almost comical yet interesting and pretty. He put his hand in hers tentatively and stood up]

Edited 2014-06-03 20:49 (UTC)

Sure can, sweet thing. Maybe you can give it a try too. I promise I'll hold on tight.

*With a squeeze of his hand, Jessie laced her way through the crowds effortlessly, just as the tournament seemed to finally end and people cheered to think of drinking now.

Faye had got up from her table to see Thash, but then she'd seen him being lead out the door by that pretty dancer. Laughing at the thought, and hoping he wouldn't break any buildings with that tail thumping, Faye turned to join the drinkers.

Outside, it was becoming early evening, and the sun was low but the air was still warm. Jessie lead Thash just around the side of the building where several horses were lined up*

Now, which one you wanna try?

[Thash headed outside with her, glancing at Faye one more time just before they left. Thash hadn't seen who had won the tournament... all he knew was it wasn't Faye, nor the guy with the hat nor the guy that had stabbed him so it didn't really matter]

[Once outside, he looked over at the sun about to set then looked over at the line of horses she'd led him to. He didn't really know which one to try... a calm one maybe? He'd heard that horses could get scared easily so he didn't want to pick a skittish one. He saw a white one speckled with gray that was just kind of standing still, looking calm and all but ignoring their presence]

That one looks okay.

[Meanwhile in the bar, no one was really giving Faye much trouble. The guy that they'd fought with the previous night was still in there hanging around, just socializing and drinking a bit but leaving Faye alone. A different guy came and approached Faye after a while, sitting next to her]

I tell ya what little lady, I ain't seen a woman play like that before. You're a right fine poker player.

[He smirked at her from under his hat. He was good looking enough, a little scruffy on the cheeks]

In fact I thought ya might be interested in a little private game me and my pardners are havin' soon. We're all expert players- aint interested in a public tournament like the one they just had where any old bush whacker can sign up. High stakes. High rewards. Ya interested?

Edited 2014-06-03 21:16 (UTC)

*Jessie stood beside the horse Thash had pointed out, and she stroked lightly at its nose while looking at Thash with excitement in her eyes*

Whaddaya say we take this one? I'll show ya how to ride it. You can hold onto me real tight, and we'll go run to some place a little more...private.

*She drifted away from the horse to stand directly in front of Thash, placing a hand lightly on his chest, blue eyes gazing up into his, giving a look full of promise*

So? Wanna come ride with me?

*Inside, Faye listened carefully to this guy's proposition. It was better than the ones she'd had so far, which included men using her money to show her a good time, or taking her shopping to buy her something to dress up in for the night. Or, flat out offers to go home and have a 'good time'. She smirked softly at him and tilted her head, fingers touching the edge of her hat*

Oh yeah? I could be persuaded, I guess.

[he didn't really know what she was implying by going somewhere private so it confused him a little] Hm? I don't care if where we go is private or not, but sure. [he blushed a little when she put a hand on his chest] y-yeah, I'd like to learn.

[the guy sitting next to Faye grinned] well all right. Some people might be afraid ta come play poker with the big boys but clearly we have here a women who can handle herself, heh. The game starts when the sun is fully set, so...in thirty minutes or so? When it gets close I'll take ya to where we're playin'. It's just a little down the street.

Edited 2014-06-03 21:42 (UTC)

*Jessie just laughed sweetly at his comment, then moved round to the horse, though not without allowing her hand to trail down his torso before walking away. She untied the horse from its post, making no comment on if it was even hers to do so, and lead it round to face Thash*

Okay, and this is how we do it.

*She puts a dainty foot in the stirrup, then lifts herself up onto the back of the horse, rearranging her dress when she gets up there*

Now you do the same. You can sit behind me. Or in front, if you're feeling brave.

*Faye grinned at the man and took a slow sip of her vodka* Is that right? You're right. I can handle myself. I can handle the big boys too, so I'm not worried about them. The tournament today not enough...excitement for you?

[thash looked up at her once she was on the horse] Hm, okay. I'll try sitting in front. [mostly because if they were going to be holding on to each other he didn't want to squeeze the poor women to death. At least if he was up front he'd be able to hold onto the sadldle better.]

[he put a webbed foot in the stirrup and hauled himself up, being a little rough and off-balance. The horse snorted in irritation but allowed it. Thash managed to get in there eventually] heh, sorry. So I just sit like this?

[the guy next to Faye chuckled a bit] nah. This public stuff where amateurs can join and the reward is chump change ain't my style. [Faye had won quite a bit of money that night, so if he was referring to it as chump change, then he had to be talking about a considerable amount of money as a reward for winning this private game. He didn't really look rich, but maybe that was intentional] I mostly came tonight to see if there was anyone playin' who'd be good enough ta join us. The guy that won refused, so he's a piece o' chicken crap obviously. I could tell ya weren't gonna be a coward, though. Ya got a presence about ya.

Yeah, you got it. Like you're a natural! Jus make sure don't crash inta anythin. I'll help you with directions, don't you worry.

*At that Jessie put her arms around Thash's waist, nuzzling herself close to him and smiling. Then she tappedd the side of the horse with her foot and they were off, headed in a direction that Thash and Faye hadn't explored yet*

*Faye's interest was definitely piqued by the way this guy was talking, but she appeared aloof, only casually raising a brow* No cowards allowed, huh? Is it as dangerous as it sounds?

Alright....[Thash was a little uncomfortable with being cling to and nuzzled by Jessie and he stiffened up a bit, but then reminded himself that she was just hanging on so she wouldn't fall off the horse...right? Right. So, he calmed down and headed off with her, learning how to control the horse as they went along. They'd ride around for at least another twenty minutes or so before it started to get darker as the sun set]

[meanwhile, the guy next to Faye explained that he'd meant the guy was afraid of losing his winnings, not necessarily afraid of physical harm. He said he and his friends didn't typically get into fights or anything and the worst thing anyone had lost besides a lot of money was pride and maybe some watches or any other valuable item they'd bet to stay in the game. One guy had even lost his best horse once, he explained. He'd talk to her about it up until the sun started setting]

Welp, we'd best be on our way, ma'am. Won't do ta be late. Ya ready?

*Jessie could feel his body tense beneath her hands, so she leaned back a little since it seemed to make him happier. She didn't want him to change his mind and get off the horse, after all.

Faye listened carefully and sipped and her drink, smiling and nodding at his stories in all the right places. Then she rose from her seat, double checking she had all of her things - hat, gun holstered, small pouch of money*

Alright. Let's go.

[Once they'd been riding for a while, the thought crossed Thash's mind that maybe he should go check on Faye... but nah, he thought, she didn't need him around all the time. If someone was going to do something to her it probably would have been done already. He was enjoying himself anyway, having pretty much gotten used to controlling the horse at a walk and a trot] So, how do you get it to run? [He finally asked]

[The guy with Faye stood up and led her not out the front of the building, but the back of it. It took them to a pretty wide alley and he turned right, heading towards the outskirts of town] So, where'd a sizzlin' woman like you learn ta play, huh?

*Along the way, Jessie pointed out little pieces of interest, like the post office, or where she bought her fruit from. Until, gradually, more and more civilisation was falling away, and they were getting closer to wide, empty, wasteland*

To get it to run, tap his body with the side of your foot a bit - that should get him going fast enough.

*As she spoke to him, Jessie sat up so that she could lean against his shoulder, speaking softly into his ear*

*Faye glanced around them, and walked along with the guy, chuckling quietly when he used the word 'sizzlin' - that was one she hadn't heard in a while*

Oh, you know. Here and there. Everywhere, really. Good practise makes perfect.

[Although such a tour might be boring for most people, Thash found it very interesting. He had asked her to explain what a post office was, and how humans cultivated fruit to sell. There were some similarities between that stuff and Aquarian civilization, but a lot of differences, too. When she explained how to make it run, he nodded] Alright, I'll try it.

[He hit his heels against the side of the horse firmly but not too hard. It snorted a little and picked up speed until it was in a slow gallop. It was a lot harder to hold on during agallop than trotting or walking so Thash grabbed the saddle, sort of clinging to it with the claws of one hand] whoa! This isn't as easy as you guys make it look...

[The guy nodded] Heh, true. Well then, just a little further... [Faye probably expected him to stop at one of the buildings on the egde of town at this point but he just kept walking until there was only one or two more buildings they possibly could stop at. That's when they'd start hearing the pounding of horse hooves. The guy looked to the left calmly, watching as five guys riding horses approached. As they got near they started yipping and shouting and just generally making a ruckus, even firing a couple of shots into the air with pistols. The group of horses circled around the guy and Faye, surrounding them. The guy didn't look alarmed or even surprised, simply glaring at them] Took you long enough.

[Now that they were stionary, Faye would probably recognize them as the men her and Thash had fought with the previous night. One more guy came riding up behind them, pulling his horse to a stop as he neared... the stabbing guy]

Hey there little lady, heh... now, me an' the boys just wanna talk a little bit, so why don't ya throw me your pistol and we'll chat it up, hm?

There! Perfect! You're a natural!

*Jessie laughed softly behind him, a dainty music in her voice*

It takes a bit of practise. That's all. But we've got time. Plenty of time, now that the sun's down...

*Meanwhile, although Faye had heard and registered trouble, the guy she was with didn't seem fazed, so neither did she. She figured they were nearly at their destination, so as long as those guys making the noise weren't her opponents, then everything would run just as she'd been told.

But then she was surrounded. Faye blinked, keeping her eyes closed for an extra moment while she cursed herself for getting into this stupid situation. When she opened her eyes, her gaze swept over all of them, and she tilted her head as she smiled*

That's funny. Didn't think you needed my pistol so you could talk. Turns out that I can't talk without it either. So I'd like to keep it, if it's all the same to you...

*Sounding as casual as possible, though she was suddenly rather frightened of the possibilities of what might happen next, her hand already reaching for her gun, resting at her holster*

Yeah... [Thash smiled a bit at her laugh. But then he heard the faint sound of gunfire somewhere. It sounded like it had come from the other side of town] What was that... did you hear that? [His voice sounded concerned. He looked back towards the small town, trying to see what could have caused guns to be fired]

[The stabbing guy smirked smugly up on top of his horse, pointing his gun at her] Sorry sweet thing, but it ain't all the same. We'll have your pistol. We've all got our own so we don't want ye gettin' any cute ideas... ya fire that thing and you're dead.

[The guy that had led Faye out there glanced at her with an unapologetic shrug and walked out of the circle of horses, leaving her. One of the other guys on a horse, one of the ones she'd kicked rather hard in the groin, spoke up angrilly]

Listen girle, a lot of us were plannin' on goin' to that tournament today. We would have won lots of cash, but instead we get robbed by you AND can't go today thanks to bein' in pain [Yet somehow the morons weren't in enough 'pain' to avoid riding horses] so, ya cost us a lot of money. Why don't ya give us what's rightfully ours now?

Hmm?

*Jessie made a small motion of turning her head, but then she lightly shrugged her shoulders*

No...No. I don't think so. Maybe just a few of the guys having some fun after that tournament.

*Her hand rubbed gently at the centre of his chest, just to let him know that she was still really enjoying herself, that there was no need for them to have to turn back anywhere*

*Seeing a pistol pointed at her, Faye immediately pulled out her own, cocking it ready to fire. But she was certainly outnumbered, and running wouldn't help, given that they all had horses*

Rightfully yours? I won it all. Fair and fucking square.

*Okay, maybe not so much the first time, but today she really had*

Maybe if you weren't all cowardly dickheads, we wouldn't be in this situation. So no. This money is mine, and I have every intention of taking it away with me, to spend on whatever the hell I want.

*Turning around and leaving wouldn't make sense either. She eyed around the horses, figuring out what she could possibly do to get away. Her pistol pointed at each of the men in turn*

Though you had enough of a kicking yesterday - surely you don't want beaten up by a woman twice in two days?

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