Snippet #2326940

"Good evening, welcome to the Ha'penny Pie," the serving girl said pleasantly, "What can I get for you?"

Lawrence thought for a moment, her eyes roving around all the meals currently being eaten by the other patrons. After a bit, she decided on a good, hearty meal that would keep her full for awhile. "I'll have your best steak with a side of potatoes and greens, and a mug of ale." At the same moment that she finished her order, a large man and a small, severe looking woman descended the stairs; their appearance had an immediate effect on the atmosphere. It was suddenly more tense and the air was thicker.

"Next!" The older man bellowed, his voice reaching to every corner of the Ha'Penny Pie. Lawrence sat up a little straighter, wondering who was next, and for what. She noticed a man nervously stand and follow them up the steps.

"Yes, miss." The serving girl mutter absentmindedly, walking away to fulfill River's order. Lawrence glanced at her, offering a quiet thank you.

With the strange old man and young woman gone, the atmosphere returned to normal and everyone began talking once more. Lawrence took the time to observe the people around her, noting the ones with weapons. Her eyes, however, were drawn to the bar as she heard a man yelling for something. Her eyebrow arched at the way he addressed the barkeep and demanded food. "Bastard," she muttered quietly.

River's stomach rumbled as her server approached with the food, the warm smells making her mouth water. "So what brings you here?" The serving girl asked politely.

Lawrence wasn't sure if she meant the city or the Ha'Penny Pie, so she decided to go with the more general answer. "I've been working and travelling a lot lately, and decided it was a good time for a break. Have a little time to myself, you know? And the beautiful city of Barberry was as good a place as any." She attempted a smile, but it fell a bit flat on her face, the expression not used very often. "Can I ask you a question? Do you know what that man and woman are doing; the ones that were just on the stairs?"