Snippet #2497088

Isidore swayed in her seat, but quickly righted herself. "Another bottle of rum, my good man," she called out. Her seat wasn't a conventional one, precisely. It was the lap of a husky blonde city guard, similarly intoxicated, who had his head in her long red hair.

"You're very pretty," he slurred into her ear.

She laughed, responding, "Yes, I am." Her bottle of rum was presented on the counter and she threw a few pieces of gold at the barkeep, hoping that was the correct amount. He didn't know her family name, so it was likely he'd complain if she shorted him. "More rum!" she cheered, and took a long swig, offering some to her companion who took some with gratitude. To her right and left were more city guards, equally if not more drunk, cheering along with her and drinking their own bottles. She loved city guards. The contrast between the upstanding and strict citizens they were during the day versus how wild they often got in their off hours made for some fun adventures, and it never hurt to be on their good side.

The mirror in her pocket turned cold, tingling against her skin. Once she could find her pocket, she stood up out of his lap with some assistance from his friends. "I have to go outside for a minute."

"Don't take long!" Another guard yelled, laughing. "The night is still young!"

Outside, the bracing wind sobered her slightly and a quickly muttered spell unfortunately rid her of some of the effects of the alcohol. Taking out the small mirror, she straightened her spine, smoothed her hair, and answered the call.

"Mistress Blackwood?" An overly starched man in black asked, looking intently at her through the mirror spell.

"This is she," she said, trying for a professional tone even though most of her mind was still back in the pub.

"My master, Lord Ackryn, would like the pleasure of your company tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock to talk about a business proposition. Would you be available?"

Isidore nodded. "Yes, although I cannot make any promises that I am available for the job."

"Of course, understood. Thank you, Mistress Blackwood," he said, and the mirror winked out, a simple reflection once more.

Isidore looked longingly at the pub and then smilingly shrugged. She had a potion for hangovers and the night was still young, she had plenty of time to get a little sleep later and make her appointment. A cheer greeted her return, but she changed seats to mix things up. This one was a brunette.