Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 18)

"Okay, fine, but we have to be quick," Ky murmured anxiously, gluing herself to Jerica's side for protection.

Jerica smirked a little at that, puffing up. That's right. She was strong; a protector of her sister. That felt good -- to be trusted with her sister's safety. "Sure. We'll get a drink, take a look around, then head out."

"Jer," Ky whined.

Jerica hesitated at that, forcing herself not to smile, even though that felt good. Jer. Her nickname.

"Fineeee, we'll get the drinks to go," Jerica conceded. "You clearly need one lil miss nerves."

Jerica strode towards the bar, Ky plastered to her. Neither of them saw any of the others yet.

Viol glanced up as they entered, and she nudged Helge. "Look," she murmured. "Tom's kid. And miss Stoneturner."

"What do you drink?" Jerica asked, glancing at Ky.

"I don't want a drink."

"Psh," Jerica waved her hand, walking up to the bar. "Everyone wants a drink. Stout?"

Ky wrinkled her nose.

Jerica chuckled and glanced around for the barkeeper.

The bartender was behind the bar as usual.
"What do you suppose they're doing?" Helge asked.
"No clue."

"Hello!" Jerica said with a smile, digging around in her pocket for some money. "Could we get some drinks to go? A stout for me and a... ale? Mead? I don't know, something light for her." She nodded vaguely at Ky, who was still glued to her shoulder, though now she was looking around nervously.

For every bit of easy confidence Jerica portrayed, Ky was emanating anxiety. Her gaze flicked over to the table with Helge and Viol, but then she quickly looked away, blushing. She had a little prick of anger at seeing the woman again, but didn't have the courage to do anything about it. Best to just get in and out as fast as possible.

(The last time they saw Jerica she had a ton of hidden daggers but was dressed more like a peasant. Now she'd be wearing her sword which is very fancy and clearly expensive though functional and reasonable clothes but clearly wealthier than she'd appeared the first time)

(Righto)

Viol caught her eye, then glanced to Jerica. Gods, she was dressed different. Nobly. She gave Ky a quizzical look.

Ky saw her looking at her before she managed to look away, and reluctantly glanced back at her, too anxious to pretend like she hadn't seen. She gave a quick nod and then glanced away, shifting to stand more fully behind Jerica.

Jerica still didn't notice, focused on counting out these odd Northern coins.

"Should we say something to her?" Helge asked quietly.
"No," Viol replied. "Best not to interfere. Look at the other one; she's dressed so finely. She's a noble too."

"Thanks." Jerica nodded to the barkeeper and took their drinks, glancing over her shoulder at Ky as she turned to hand her her ale. She furrowed her brow when she saw Ky's expression. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing." Ky shook her head, dropping her gaze.

Jerica raised an eyebrow, urging her to take the ale. "What happened? Did someone touch you?" She looked around suspiciously, ready to break some kneecaps if she needed to.

"No!" Ky said quickly, panicked as she heard the threat in her tone. She glanced up. "No one did anything... can... we just go?" She took the ale reluctantly. "I need some air."

"...Okay..." Jerica was confused, but she didn't see anyone near enough that could have done anything to Ky. Had she seen someone--?

Jerica looked around, sobering when she saw Helge and Viol looking at them. "Shi..." Jerica gave a quick nod and turned to leave. She was dangerously close to being caught in her lie. Maybe she'd already been caught.

"Damn." Viol got to her feet. Helge rose as well.

Ky glanced between them and Jerica, brow furrowed. But she turned too, making sure Jerica stayed between the duo and herself. "Wait, you know them?"

"Something like that," Jerica muttered. "Did they get up?"

"Yeah."

"Shit," she muttered. "C'mon. Play it cool."

"... what did you do to them?" Ky looked at her in concern.

"Nothing... Let's go."

"Ky." Viol strode forward. "Wait up, there."

Ky grimaced, glad her back was turned, but instinctively stopped. She wished she hadn’t. Wished she’d pretended not to hear. But since she’d hesitated the bit was up, so she reluctantly turned around.

Jerica hesitated half a moment, then decided to go ahead and go. No need to deal with that woman.

“Jer!” Ky hissed, looking at her in distress as she realized she was being abandoned in the middle of a place like the tavern when she didn’t even want to be here in the first place.

Jerica sighed and relented, turning back around as well and lingering.

Ky glanced at her, then back at Viol. “…hi?”

Viol reached her, then nodded to Jerica as well. "Didn't realize you knew Ellie Stoneturner here. Sorry to bother--just wanted to check in."

"Ellie--?" Ky looked at Jerica in confusion.

Jerica shook her head slightly, deciding it wasn't worth the explanation, and sighed.

Ky hesitated, then glanced back at Viol. "Oh. Uh... okay?"