Kingdom Of Ethieven

The sun slipped behind the gently rolling hills and sturdy trees of the Ethieven countryside, as the fine spring day (which is to say, there was only a bit of soft rain in the early morning) came to an end. The western horizon was still a thick band of red and orange in the sky but the fading beams of sun were giving way to the deep purples and blues of twilight. The village of Corwen, roughly two day's light ride from Wycombe on the Taunton road, bustled with travelers, finding a place to stay for the night, in one of the three coaching inns the settlement boasted. The Lost Yoeman and The Teamster, were both built in the village proper but The Dog, perhaps the finest of the three inns, was settled just a little northward, a warm beacon for anyone coming south along the road. Not so far away, that it wouldn't be counted as part of Corwen but far enough that it was a little too far to walk in the dark.

Jack Hunt sat with both his brother and business partner, at a table in the back, left corner and fought the urge to slip a finger under the well fitting wig, to scratch a growing itch. Normally the thing, black as pitch, with a curl at each temple and a tail for the nap of the neck, didn't brother him but for some reason, it itched tonight. He was sure that it had picked up a flea or two from a coachman, when they held up Squire Gosebourne the other night. Determined not to give in, if only to spite the man they had robbed for the pitiable haul, he picked up his nearly empty tankard and took a pull of the good brown ale The Dog served.

While William, his younger brother, bartered softly with Braith, over the price of the good Squire's pocket watch, the older highwayman glanced about the common room of the inn. The heel of his left boot scuffed over the floor, as he shifted a little, eager for the night to get on. It had been over a week ago, when Braith, maybe the slipperiest man in the underworld, had come to them with a job. Apparently, old Duke Cyril of Starford, would or already was coming down from his vast northern estates, for the wedding of his eldest daughter and he was bringing her dowry with him. It was hard not to drool over even the lowest estimates, of how much the old buzzard might be bringing in his coach.

Of course both of the Hunt Brothers had been interested in the prospect of lightening the load, those poor horses would have to pull but there was a small problem. The Duke was a smart man and would have more then coachman and a driver with him on the way to Wycombe. He'd have more men then even the bold pair could take on and live to tell about. They would need more robbers for this job, a small gang of their fellow knights of the road and while that meant smaller shares, it would mean they could spend the money. However, most of the men they used to run with, were either awaiting trial or buried at Harrow Hill.

So they had sent out the word, through the system of fences, less-then-completely-honest inn keepers, whores and other members of the underworld, that the Hunt Brothers were planning a big job and wanted some help. Anyone interested should show up at The Dog in Corwen, after sunset on Tuesday, the tenth of April. Look for the men wearing a red and black cockade on their hats.

Now all they had to do was wait. The Brothers did have a bit of a reputation, which might turn aside some of their fellows. After all, Black Jack and Bill had robbed more then one army officer and been chase by more then just a sheriff or the local yeomanry but by the cavalry. While not the most infamous of highwaymen, they did go after those who were more capable of killing or driving off mounted robbers. If they wanted hep, how dangerous was this job and how much could it be worth?

Jack raised his tankard, wordlessly and politely calling for a serving women, while keeping his eyes on the door.

Frank Reed had been on the road for about two days now, only stopping to get fresh water and rest a little. He was travelling to Corwen via the Taunton road heading for a small inn on the outskirts of the town called The Dog.

His contact in Wycombe had been asked to deliver a message to anyone in his line of work. A pair of brothers were planning a big robbery and needed some help. Reed had grabbed his things from the inn he had been staying at and set of immediately. He had heard off these Hunt brothers, they seemed to be making a bit of a name for themselves and he was tired of running solo.

When he finally reached the town of Corwen he slowly made his way to the inn where the meeting was supposed to happen keeping a watchful eye in case this was a set up. He watched the inn for a short while until he was satisfied it was safe. He tied his horse to a stall next to the inn and entered the building.

It wasn’t that crowded and was easy to see most of the people inside. He went to the bar and ordered a drink before scanning the room to find who he was looking for. He spotted the men he was looking for they had red and black cockade's on their hats and were sitting at a table at the back of the inn. He caught one of their eyes and nodded in their direction before moving over to sit down next to them. “Ma names Reed, you must be the Hunt brothers”.

It had been the stupidest idea that she ever had done but somehow it freed her from the place she considered as prison. Having exchange a good petticoat for a dirty pair of trousers, starched white shirt and moth ball smelling vest that was done so poorly that it looked like it was sewn by a blind tailor.

That was all she could afford as of the moment- or rather that's all that she wanted to wear. It was the best identity she could claim, an orphan lad who had no where else to go. She had to thank the gods for giving her a taller than the usual physique despite being a lady, it helped her avoid being dragged into welfare. The government would want nothing to do with orphans too old for the orphanage as it would require too much to spend at and honestly they would rather keep the extra shillings than spend it to on a no good wallygagger.

She did a final look at her reflection, she did her best not to puke as the strong pungent smell of the men's room enveloped. It wasn't the greatest place to be but Georgina Laverence had to make sure she hid all the signs of being a woman and set her game face as a thief. Of course she's a rookie when it comes to being one but she spent most of her life hiding, snatching and keeping some things she considered as her personal treasures. No one really bothered whether the young Georgina would spend her day smelling like a boy or getting messed with mud- all that mattered to her family and the world was Elizabeth, her twin. The prettier, better dancer, more graceful, more lady like and the pride of her parents while the family's helps made sure she stayed out of their way. Sometimes she wondered if her mother even breast fed her or assigned that task to her nanny while she nursed Liz.

There's no room for regret or jealousy now, she had to step up her game and prove herself. She let her hands run on her now short brown hair, poorly slashed with her dueling sword in order to make her look more manly. She missed her long and soft hair. She held back the tears. She's a man now and a man never cries.

George hid her hair under the bonnet she had stolen, it wasn't much but it was perfect. She gave her hidden bossom one final check and made sure it wasn't visible under the band wrapped around her torso and a final check to her knives and most especially at the dagger that she guards with her life.

Soon after, George was more than happy to be breathing second hand smoke from the Dog's customers and their tobaccos rather than the musky smell of urine inside the room she was in earlier. She tucked in her stomach and acted like a strong man as she went on the look out for the two men she had intended to talk to. The very reason why she came to this place even if there was a risk that she her identity would be known.

Looks like one man had already approached them so George decided to let the man approach the brothers first. It would attract attention if she would do the same and George can't really afford that.

Instead, she slipped into the bar and faced the maiden. She seem to be really pretty- how she envied that the maid freely moves with her skirt while she feels stuffy and uncomfortable with her get up. She raised a finger, a signal for ordering a mug of their best without having to talk while her other hand held a pair of precious gem stone earrings. A loot she saved in case she needed to bribe the brothers, actually it was more of a loot- it was a gift from her grandmother- the only person who showed her compassion while the others preferred Liz.

The butler together with the helpers of the Fourneaux Mansion rushed and panicked as one of the Duchess' footmen announced her plight. One should never be caught wandering or not paying attention to Lady Elizabeth or it would be a week's worth of food. The women rushed to make sure every furniture and marble floor was spotless. Liz would never tolerate dust or dirt, since a little girl she could never understand why and how her sister became so fond of playing under the sun much less getting soil all over her. And now even if she is more than happy to get rid of her, she continues the man hunt for her or rather the priceless heirloom she keeps in her hands.

Elizabeth was rather parched from the few minutes she had spent on the massive customized coach her husband, Duke of Svenshire- Jacques Fourneaux, as a gift when she celebrated the day of her birth for the 16th time. The healthy beams of the Spring sun had made her travel less comfortable than she wanted it to be, she should have brought some helpers to keep her cool.

Two of her footmen had opened the coach's door and each offered a hand to escort her off, taking one each as she forwarded one foot gracefully on the step and then another until both of them were stable on the stone path in front of their mansion. Soon, the waiting party of the house helps bowed in respect as she made her way inside. Her butler, rather being useful, offered her a tray of water with a sliced lemons. She took a wine glass and sipped on it in a very lady like manner then spoke, "Where ever is my husband? I bring him good news." She dabbed the sides of her lips gently with a piece of only the fine kerchief.

The butler answered with his head still bowed, "Milady, he is spending his afternoon tea in his study. Should I summon the Master?"

"Non, I'll seek him myself," She placed the glass back on the tray and sashayed her way towards her husband's lair.

The afternoon sun sipped into the large french windows, bouncing off the great Diamond necklace she favored to wear for the morning tea and lunch with the Duchess of Starford. She was one of the few ears who were able to have the pleasure of hearing the engagement of their eldest daughter and the Duke of Starford's plans to transfer her daughter's dowry in the coming days.

Her pale yet porcelain like skin was adorned with little make up but somehow the heat of the season brought her cheeks to blush even more. In fact, it had spread through her bossoms as her cleavage boasted from the heaves of her fine made dress. She knew men coveted her for her looks which is why she used to her advantage to hook the Duke of Svenshire into marriage. Last time she checked, he was more than happy to consume their marriage as she brought him to paradise and back with her talents in love making.

Without knocking, she burst into the Duke's study and announced, "Darling, I have the best news."

"Ahhh Liz, my love, I wasn't aware of your arrival. Champagne?" He stood from his oak wood chair and welcomed her with a sultry kiss on her neck.

"No thank you darling. This is far more important. I'll be needing the best dress I can get for the Duke of Starford's eldest daughter would be wed soon and the Duke and Duchess had personally invited us." She welcomed his kiss and wrapped her dainty arms around him, letting him savor her body's musk and skin.

He continued to kiss her until his lips found the middle of her breasts. Fumbled with the strings of her gown and mumbled, "Who could out do our wedding my Love? But nonetheless I will see to it that you will be the belle of the ball" His hands then found a way to remove her clothing, dropping them one by one on the study's floor as they started to get on a steamy scenario despite the warm weather. Soon the two were naked in each other's arms.

After hearing about the Hunt Brothers big heist from some of his fences and favorite pub owners he began to travel to Corwen. Although Valentyne knew all about the Hunt brothers and their adventures, which actually just made him want to do it more. Robbing an army officer and being chased by the cavalry? Nothing sounds more fun to Valentyne then living as close to the edge as the Hunt brothers, and the promise of money isn't a bad thing either.

Valentyne rode into the town of Corwen on a magnificent Black Stallion the day before the designated meeting time. Now that the sun is setting on the tenth of April he makes his way to The Dog to meet with the Hunt brothers. As he walks into the Pub, a sly smile on his face, he pulls out a crumpled up piece of paper where he wrote Look for red and black cockade hats He lowers the paper and after a moment of scanning the Inn and spotting them in the back.

He strides over to a table near them and sits down with his back to them. He smiles at the serving wench which brings him over a mug of ale, he pays her with a double crown, more then what the drink costs and with a smile he waves her away. After he finishes his drink he stands up and turns towards the Hunt Brothers, he notices another man has joined them and figures now would be the time to introduce himself. He walks over with his cocky smile still on his face and stops next to the tables. "You must be the Hunt Brothers, I must say that i am a fan of your work." He slides a chair over and sits. "I want in on your next big heist." He says taking off his hat. He looks at Black Jack and Bill. "Black Jack, Bill, it will be a pleasure to be on your team."

“Black Jack and Bill? Rooster, what in God’s name are you getting me involved with?” Gwen hissed harshly to the man beside her as she tied down her horse and began walking towards the Dog. Rooster had been adamant about setting her up with a job before leaving to tend to his “private business”, (which of course referred to his yearly month long gaunt down south where he’d attempt to publish his poems) though until now had been rather unforthcoming about the details of the job he’d found. Black Jack and Bill had quite the reputation for daring antics, and that was just when it was the two of them. If they were the ones sending out the word to form a gang, this had to be big, which in the way of robbing was not always better.

“Loot m’dear, as always, with a side of adventure. Do try to look more enthused by the prospect.” Came Rooster’s retort as he sauntered into the inn and began eyeing the crowd for their quarry. “Besides, word is they’re planning to rob a Duke, but if you’re not interested…” He left the last part hanging, brown eyes shifting over to Fox’s face to gage her reaction. He saw the schooling of her features, obviously she was trying not to show any emotion, but she couldn’t quite hide the hardening of her eyes. “I’m in.” She replied with a calm he knew she did not feel.

“Of course you are. Let us not forget who is the brain behind our merry little band.” Rooster boasted, to which Fox merely scoffed. They both knew that Rooster might have been the audacity behind their duo, but Fox did all the planning. “Aha, and there we have them.” Rooster remarked as he spotted the pair of cockade decorated hats. They made their way over to the pair, noticing they were no longer alone . “See Fox, you’ll hardly be lonely a’tall whilst I’m away. I take it you two are the ones putting out that ad about town yes?”

Lavinia was at the bar per usual her father was in the corner passed out from drinking half the day away already. She shook her head as she wiped the down a tankard in her hand. She noticed as a pair of men came in that had frequented the inn as of late, but Lavinia just chalked it up to having a new couple of regulars. When one of them motioned to her, she set down her towel and went towards him. She couldn't complain too much the men always paid their tab in full by the end of the night. "What can I do fer ya sir" she said as she when she made it to the table in the corner, they looked to be related and the other was scratching his head under his wig. Two other men came up and introduced their selves as Lavinia tried to stay out of their business she proceeded to go back to the bar draw up around of pints.

Seamus snorted in the corner and shot up like he had been touched by a ghost, "Get off yer arse da an get over here and help me serve these" Lavinia said as she stood at the tap. Seamus nodded and made his way over to the bar where his daughter was "Good Lord child what are ya makin such a racket fer, my heads a spittin" he said. "Not my fault you spent the day drinkin serves you right. But I have a large order to fill and tis aint easy to get all done quickly by myself" she said in a slightly agitated tone of voice. It was her fathers inn and tavern you'd think he'd do a bit more to help "No wonder Ma died young ya worked her ta death" she said as she set another tankard down in front of someone at the bar who had asked for a drink. The person looked very feminine to Lavinia but she wasn't one to judge.

Nestled in one of the darkest corners of the Dog a group of haggard drunks were rabble raising nearly the loudest of all the bars patrons. Small pouches filled with coin clinked and jangled as they were tossed across the heavy ale soaked oak table, bets shouted for everyone to hear on the ill-advised five finger fillet game which centered around a wobbling man with his head on a lazy swivel. It was clear he had drank away his coordination several hours ago, each thrust was off time, the blade hung precariously from limp fingers, narrowly missing the crooked bony fingers. Clack-clack-clackclak-clackclackclack-clack. Guffaws and cheers rang out from the onlookers. In truth Baxter was quite capable of doing this parlor trick with his eyes closed, and from beneath the overhang of greasy matted hair he peered about the bar, watching idly as the others flocked to his potential employers.

The Rat wasn't one who took pride in knowing things. He wasn't any kind of mastermind, didn't worry about competition or the exploits of others. It simply didn't concern him. Loyalties were temporary in this business, passing opportunities for the greater gain. His entire career had been made up of such situations, drifting between groups and heists looking for the next big haul and great thrill. Instincts and professional detachment were everything. Still, even he hadn’t escaped all murmurings of the Hunt brothers reputation.

Thieves after his heart those two were. ClackClack-Clack-Clack-ClackClackClack-Clack.

But the others they were attracting…. That was another issue all together now wasn’t?

For one they seemed to have very little qualm with waltzing right up and making their intentions known, even with the meager wig disguise, eyes had been drifting over toward the Hunt’s table all evening. Now with a handful of equally nefarious characters filling up their seats; people were bound to take notice. The self-righteous powers that be had spies too, and with the Dog being a hot spot for illicit activities, that was bound to cause problems on down the line. Clack-ClackClackClack-Clack.

Secondly, they seemed soft, amateurish. They lacked the hollow gleam of raw determination which The Rat sought in his companions. With the exception of perhaps the thinner of the duo which had most recently joined the table. He seemed young, the curve of his face was too slight, the round of his hips to wide. The oddly shaped boys body language oozed reluctance, and it was clear his friend was the motivating force of their volunteering. But the eyes; they read of something much different.

Third, and most important of all; it meant taking a much smaller piece of the pie. His lips curled, the speed of the knife increasing. Would he simply content himself with sharing the spoils when he would no doubt have to pick up their slack?

Thwump!

He buried the knife in the already heavily scarred wood between his thumb and ring finger his jagged mouth twisting into a pleased grin.

“You lot are lucky ta ‘uv found me in sucha generous mood.” He stood, all feigned intoxication vanishing in an instant as he spring-boarded himself off the booth and over the table, leaving his muddy boot print across the abandon winnings.

In a few, over-flourished steps he was upon the group, jostling in between the duo and elbowing them out of the way. With a theatrical spinning of his hands The Rat dipped his head in a shallow bow. “Lo’ dere laddies. ‘eard you may need ta be getting’ tru a lock er two.”

"Give me the right amount this time." Markus said in a hushed and threatening tone to the man who gave him his payment every time he dragged someone into the jailhouse of Corwen, dead or alive. "Unless you want to be the next one on my death list that is." He grinned one of his chilling smiles as he said that, his exposed right eye gleamed it's emerald stare. A bag was tossed in his direction and he counted the total from the last bounty he dragged to the jail cells.

"Alright that's thirty shillings for pay to capture, two for advanced expenses, and finally forty shillings for the bounty in and of itself. That's seventy two shillings all together, thank you and good day." He said as he walked out of the jail house with one threat from the man who was tied up in the cell barking after him as he left, "Rot in hell Black XII!"

Markus sighed as he wandered towards the village square. "Now, where to now?" He said to himself. He looked about the settlement he was at. "Well if I went to the Dog I'd be attracting too much trouble and dusk is settling in. I'll probably make my way towards the Lone Yeoman or the Teamster, better then the Dog where I could get drunk with all the pompous rich traders and traveling nobles." He said rolling his eye and spitting to the ground. "I despise pompous rich men. Less of them means less poor people."

He thought it over and over again about the Dog's perks, The food, the drink, and the women. he twitched his eyebrow as the look on his face turned to disgusted to slightly interested. "But the Dog does have the best drinks. Even though it attracts both the scum and the rich, I say, 'Catch 'em on the road then drunk in a tavern or inn.' Otherwise the hunt wouldn't be as fun." He said chuckling to himself as he wandered the road towards the Dog. "Probably just gonna end up sleeping outside the inn due to no room anyway so let's waste time by walking." He silently rubbed his bandana that covered his left eye and cheek at the thought of it.

Jack couldn't help the appreciative grin, spreading across his lips, as the graceful serving girl slipped out from behind the bar and walked towards their table. She was more then very pretty, even in her patched and slightly stained cloths. Unlike his brother, he didn't know her name but you didn't need that to enjoy her beauty, it might be helpful if you wanted to woo her though. He lifted his empty tankard, his hand wrapped around the body o the drinking vessel, so the handle was free to grab, as she asked what she could do for them.

"I seemed ta have run dry" said the elder brother, as his younger looked away from their business partner at the sound of her voice, "Could ye get me another, my bonnie lass?"

"And some supper" added William, giving the girl his most charming smile, as his brother went back to watching the inn's common room, "If ye could, Miss Lavinia."

Black Jack smiled slightly, as his pretty (as more then a few lasses have told him) blue eyes caught a man at the bar, looking at his hat before giving him a nod. Cloaked as the fellow was, he could blend into a night forest better then a shadow. Of course just because he looked like the kind of man they were looking for, didn't make one and it could just been a friendly gesture, one traveler to another. But the fellow came walking over, sitting down before claimed his name was Reed and knowing their last names. So this was the first of their brethren to answer their call for comrades, not a bad start, he looked like a professional.

"Aye" said the elder brother, smiling in a knowing fashion, "That be us. Ye a gentleman out on the road Reed?"

As Reed affirmed that he was a Gentlemen of the road, a highwayman, a mounted robber, another man appeared in the doorway and after scanning the room, made a beeline for the table, with a cocky smile. Apparently not a fan of introductions, the newcomer professed to being a fan of their work and claimed a seat at the table, before naming the brothers and expressing a desire to work with them. William, who had returned to his bartering as the lovely Miss O'Connell went to fetch drinks, looked away from Braith again, before he almost agreed to a ridiculously low price for the pocket watch.

"Well you know us lad" said the younger Hunt brother, his tone light, "But who be you?"

Before their new friend could say his name, more people arrived. A duo, an older rogue with a young boy, maybe his apprentice in tow. While the older of the pair seemed to let out an energy, which made the brothers take a liking to him at once, the boy (who it seems was called Fox, or at least he was by the older man) didn't seem to want to be there. It also appeared the older man wasn't interested in the job, something about the boy having company while he was away.

"Aye" said Jack, as his brother hurriedly closed the deal with Braith, "That was..."

Before he could finish, an almost sickly thin man pushed between the duo, his shabby and ill fitting cloths fluttering around his person, as his hands danced and he bobbed his head. A mouth full of terrible, broken and misplaced teeth was displayed, as he hinted at being a lockpick and not introducing himself either, the forth to do so this evening.

"Locks we might not have the key to" said Jack, "Might be in our future. Why doesn't everyone sit and we'll talk about business?"

Valentyne just smiles. "There is a lot i would say in public, but my name isn't one of them." Said Valentyne. "But don't worry if this sounds like something worth doing you will know my name." He says with a kind smile. He thinks he gave a plausible reason as to why he didn't say his name, although it was a flat out lie, he simply forgot his manners. "But because i have no doubt about this being worth it, you will know my name soon." He says continuing his lie. He moves his hand back and frowns as the sickly thin man slams the tip of a knife into the table and pushed his way into the conversation with a over dramatic bow and wave of his hands. Valentyne doesn't smile again as he gets serious when Jack mentions business. "Yes, let us talk business. What do you have planned? Something exciting enough to make us prime targets of the cavalry perhaps?" As he finishes his question a smile creeps back onto his face, revealing his excitement.

Just then George thought of a better plan than introducing herself the old fashion way. After downing her drink and slamming a few coins on the bar, she stood up and fixed her clothes. She eyed the whole bar and planned her "attack" quietly. After a minute or so, she did her best not to be seen or noticed.

As quiet and as quick as she can, she went around the Hunt Brother's table when everyone has settled on a chair- which was now a bit crowded- and like a mischievous monkey she "accidentally" bumped into younger Hunt's chair and apologized, "Pardon me," she said with the deepest manly voice she could do.

She returned back to her seat at the bar and looked down at her loot, George had managed to steal the younger Hunt's golden watch. It looked cheap compared to what her father had brought when he was at his peak as a Treasure hunter and collector but nonetheless it was her key towards the Brothers.

George placed it back inside her coat and looked at the busy table of the Hunt's with her peripheral vision, ordered another drink from the bar maid they called Lavinia and waited until the party would exit the bar.

She hopes for the best that Bill still has no idea that she now has his golden watch, she needed to keep it until they got their full attention. It's the only way she can become a part of them and there's no way she can out bid the others and hopefully her plans would work. Looks like she won't be needing to risk her grandmother's heirloom earrings anymore. She continued to down her drink as a small sly smile appeared on her face as she continued to watch the round of men with the Hunt Brothers.

Elsbeth stood in the shadows near the inn. “Why am I doing this again?”

Brennan did not work in a group. She knew that was exactly why she was even considering doing this. Well, that and the substantial payoff that the job promised. Dowry for a Duke’s daughter and there was a need for more hands to deal with the guards. Elsbeth would have scoffed if word of this job had come from any other source. Thing was, it was Braith Alwyn who had put out the call and for the Hunt brothers. Both parties had good reputations, at least as far as those who moved in this circle could be considered good.

Elsbeth adjusted the coat, ensuring the collar and scarf came up to cover the majority of her face. Blue-grey eyes looked out from under her hat. Brennan of the Grange had a reputation of his own as well and she hoped it would be enough to convince the brothers and Braith that her guns would be a good asset to their little scheme.

“Off we go now...” Standing tall Elsbeth entered the inn.

The Dog had a good reputation for its ale and for being the better of the three establishments that served the area. It was reasonably busy as expected. Groups huddled around tables drinking, talking and gambling. The innkeeper seemed already well into his cups and a pretty barmaid was serving tables and the bar. Elsbeth watched her as she moved towards one of the tables. A voice had called for another drink and some dinner.

Around the table sat an odd collection of people. Scanning each, Elsbeth’s eyes spotted the red and black cockades in the hats. The Hunt Brothers. Both men were broad shouldered and had the look of hard working men. There beside them, blending easily must be Braith. She had heard of his reputation for being very unassuming at first glance but charming once his mouth opened.

Moving to a side table, Elsbeth sat and looked over the rest of the group. Two men were sitting, one sharply featured but shadowed and the other square jawed and tall. Two others were standing at the table, their backs to her and yet another pushed his way through them to the table. Elsbeth huffed a little. For highwaymen that should be keeping things quiet they seemed an obvious group of sorts. They were all men it seemed. No. Elsbeth focused on one of the standing figures. Female, shapely too. Even though this woman wore a coat that was too big, Elsbeth could tell. Elsbeth straightened a little. It was easy to pass herself off as Brennan, Elsbeth did not feature any soft womanly curves that so many others of her sex had.

The group seemed to be settling in to discuss business. Elsbeth stood, if she wanted in on the job she had to get over there. Movement from the bar caught her attention. A dirty looking young man moved quickly and bumping into one of the brother’s chair offered an apology then moved away again. Elsbeth cocked her head. Something was odd about him. Shaking her head slightly, Elsbeth drew her focus back to the table. Moving to the far left, she approached from the shadows.

Stopping beside the table, Brennan sat in one of the few empty chairs. The hat dipped as Brennan nodded to the table. Cold eyes stared out at the group. Gloved hands opened the fasteners of the coat, allowing Brennan to sit comfortably. Elsbeth had learned to sit like a man, not that she did it often as Brennan was a man on a horse not one of leisure. Two pistols sat just inside the coat, Brennan’s trademark.

From this angle Elsbeth could take in the faces of those that were standing. The pushy one, skinny to the point of corpselike, had the look of one who crawled out of the gutter. There was no stopping the ill feeling that crept up her spine as she happened to catch his eyes.

Her gaze went to the other two. One, the man seemed overly outgoing and friendly. From this angle she confirmed her suspicion that the other figure was in fact a woman. Hair was tucked into her hat but there was no hiding the soft face.

All attention was on the brothers. Like Elsbeth, they all seemed to be waiting to hear what the scheme was and of course, what the cut would be for each. “It had better be a good haul...” She wondered now, with so many involved if this had in fact been a good idea. The advantage was she hadn’t signed onto anything yet, if the deal wasn’t good then Brennan would walk away and that was the end of it.

Braith chatted with the younger Hunt brother. Having worked so long with the brothers Braith knew the price that he would be paying for this watch. However, Bill was always very earnest with his haggling and Braith did not want to take that away from him. Truth be told, Braith enjoyed the game as well. He always loved talking to people. It was also a nice way to be able to appear occupied while watching the strangers pile into his bar. The Dog was one of Braith's main haunts. He knew all the regulars by name. Each and every stranger who walked into the bar this evening was carefully noted and catalogued. Braith knew they were coming. He had been keeping his eye on the group of strange drunks in the corner. Nothing too odd about that, yet.

Braith kept the haggling up while he watched the tall, blonde man step in and order his drink. He sat quietly, pretending to inspect the watch as Reed introduced himself. Still holding the watch up, Braith looked Reed over and inwardly nodded. A good start.

The next tall stranger took a seat near by and overpaid for his drink. Braith grinned slightly at the boldness of this one's announcement as he turned and addressed the brothers.

As the couple walked to the table Braith smiled with satisfaction. There will be no shortage of recruits it appeared. Though it appeared only the one called Fox might be staying. He looked him, no, wait. Braith looked more carefully as he placed the watch on the table, yes, a her. Braith nodded, diversification was never a bad thing.

Ah, the drunks, here came one now, but not nearly as drunk as he played. As he pushed through the others and offered his skills Braith shuddered. This one looked capable of acts that matched his countenance. Though, this job will take all kinds, so it's better to have him on our side.

Another stranger, a boy by the looks of it, entered the bar and ordered a drink after taking a hesitant look toward the table. Another interested party.

As Jack ordered another round and the pretty barmaid distracted Bill, Braith chuckled quietly. He decided to have a bit of fun with Bill and made a firm sounding offer that was severely under priced. Bill almost agreed to the price and Braith smiled at him before shaking his head. He was not about to take advantage of some of his best partners. Still, he liked to keep them on their toes.

Another stranger entered the bar and looked the place over. Paying a bit more attention to this table. Though this one looked vaguely familiar to Braith. He racked his brains for the memory but couldn't quite place it. The stranger sat at a table beside the wall and watched the group.

He listened as Jack set about trying to gather the diverse group to order and set a final price with Bill. As Braith reached out to hand Bill the coins for the watch and Bill reached to hand the watch to Braith, they were bumped by the recently arrived boy. Braith nearly laughed out loud as Bill no longer had the watch to conclude the deal. As he was about to address the missing watch the newest stranger began to make his way over. He boldly sat down without making any type of introduction. Braith watched as he sat and raised his eyebrows at the exposed guns. He nodded, that seals that.

At the mention of business Braith perked up, "So, it appears I will have to look up to this crowd." He grinned. "And now that we have a wonderfully large group I think Jack has said the key phrase, and business is at hand. Welcome all to my offices. We have even brought the famous out to play." He nodded in the direction of the newest arrival.

"The interested parties have all made themselves known and we should begin with the most interesting details. It might be best, though, if we all sat close." With that he waved the boy at the bar over, "Please, my boy, come over, join us. And don't worry, I'll adjust the amount of your cut for that watch. I would prefer that you and I talk though." He grinned and winked.

He smoothly turned back to the table and smiled warmly, "I am Braith Alwyn. I'll find you what you need and take care of what you find. The Hunt's run this show and I provide the information. Jack, my lad, why not take the show from here and tell our new friends what kind of excitement you have in store for them. I'll start calculating the division of the shares so you'll all know what you stand to gain, roughly."

Jack flashed a quick smile, as their first unnamed guest claimed he wouldn't give his name in a public tavern. An almost paranoid precaution to keep one alive. Unless a victim, who knew both your name and face, was sitting close enough in the common room, to overhear them talk, your name couldn't hurt but if thats what helped keep you breathing in this line of work, well who was he to comment on it. Besides the name seemed like it would be forth coming and he was eager enough to hear about the thrill and danger of the job they had planned. A fellow with a taste similar to his, never a bad thing when riding out to tackle a job that would take balls of brass.

Before they could get down to business, a young man, squeezing around their table on his way to the bar, bumped into Bill. The younger of the Hunt brothers flashed him an annoyed look but left it at that. There were plenty of reasons a fellow might not want to walk through the middle of the common room, seeing as it was filled with roguish looking fellows, coachmen quick to take offense and possibly someone he might have offended before. There had been times the brothers, had to slink away from a past victims, least they be recognized by voice.

However, there was the issue, of the missing watch. It was really rather clumsy, to grab something out of a person's hand. His frown grew, as he noticed that Braith looked like he was about to laugh. He couldn't figure out if the fellow was new to the life of crime, just plain stupid or looking for a fight. He would be willing to fight, if thats what he wanted but they'd have to head outside, he didn't want to wreck Lavinia's common room. He almost got up but then Braith called the fellow out about it, in a rather friendly way.

Jack watched as a man, or at least he looked like a man, it was hard to tell gender with their face hidden under a scarf and a large coat on, rose from a nearby table and took a chair among their gathering of jolly rogues. No word of introduction, not a question about the job, he just sat down with a nod and opened his coat a little to reveal the butts of a pair of pistols. Jack took an instant liking to the man, it took a certain amount of boldness, to just step out and have yourself counted among a crew of outlaws. There was something about him, like he should know the stranger's name. Not that they had worked with him before but those eyes, with a pair of pistols, it tickled his memories a little.

"Well" said Jack, as their last compatriots joined them at the table, "Black Jack Hunt is me name and me brother Bill is the one glowering about a missin watch. We called this jolly gatherin' ta see if any of ye were interested in aiding the poor horses of his lordship, the Duke o' Starford. Ye see, 'em beasts be hauling the dowry of his lordship's oldest daughter, all the way from the north and they must be gettin tired. It would be mighty kind, if we went and convinced the Duke, ta let us lighten their load. O'course, the Duke and his cronies might not agree, if we just go and talk with 'em, bein cruel enough ta do that to their poor horses in the first place. Goin' ta have ta persuade 'em."

Both of the brothers smiled broadly at the table.

As he got closer to the Dog, the more he heard the music and the laughing ringing in the air. Markus sighed at the sounds of the nighttime revelry, thinking about the time in his own village, when his father would take him down to the pub so he could share the stories he had and the jokes he'd tell. He smiled inside but kept his neutral face as he walked to the entrance of the Dog.

He'd go and sit down on a chair that was situated outside the entrance and looked out at the gathering dusk. "What a magnificent sight." Markus muttered to himself. He'd hum to himself a song to try and get a small amount of shuteye, as he had not slept since three days ago due to catching one of the bandits about the forest-side. He hoped no one heard his humming and mistook the Black XII for being of a merry soul.

The poor fool that would say that out loud, if he had a bounty up to say the least, would be dead on the ground as quick as you can say 'haggis'.

Valentyne watches as a man comes and bumps into the table. He sees a glint of something gold as she takes something from one of the Hunt brothers, most people at the table seemed to have noticed the slip. "Well, that was.... ungraceful and poorly planned out." Valentyne says with a smile playing at his lips, loud enough only for those at the table to hear. "Although the bravado was commendable, it was a poor performance indeed." He leans in close. "If you want i can take car-" He stops short as the man the Hunt brothers were bartering with calls the would be thief out on his failed act of crime. "Never mind then."

Valentyne eyes the newcomer who loosens his jacket to reveal two handles of pistols. "Now that was well played." He says across the table to the man with the pistols. "You just sat down and expected people to let you in, I like your style." He says to the man whose face is covered. Valentyne likes people who are bold and good at it, not those who try and fail.

Braith Alwyn, the man that the hunt brothers stood up and started talking business, shutting Valentyne up right away. So this guy will be cutting up our shares? Very well, he seems competent, nothing worse then a bad fence. Valentyne listens intently as Black Jack Hunt starts to explain the job. Valentyne's face betrays no emotion as he mulls it over in his mind. Stealing from d Duke? Why, that would be the best thing i have done in a long time. Valentyne smiles and looks at the Brothers. "My name is Valentyne Elfrith, please consider me apart of this deal. I promise not to disappoint." Valentyne's smile comes back to his lips. "It will be an honor to work with you on your fine adventure." Valentyne leans back in his chair. Out of the corner of his eye he spots another man comes in and sits by a window, obviously not wanting in on the deal. Valentyne notes that he doesn't look like someone who is a honest citizen.

Georgina had clearly made a great mistake, thinking she got her stealing perfected - she went ahead and pursued her plan. She should have known better than to do something amateurish in front of the best heard of bandits.

As one of the men called her attention, she quickly blushed from embarrassment and from the looks she had received from the few other people from the table it looked like a few more had seen her act.

"Please, my boy, come over, join us. And don't worry, I'll adjust the amount of your cut for that watch. I would prefer that you and I talk though." He grinned and winked.

It was rather a joke for most of them but it George took offense at their mocking. But nonetheless she had to swallow her pride, after all they are the people she had intended to seek. So with heavy shoulders and a bowed head, she went ahead and approached the group. She can't fully understand as to why they had to meet in a public place such as the Dog- they might as well announce their plans for the whole place to hear. She doubt that the brothers didn't have any money to reserve for a private parlor where they can hire someone to administer the people who wanted to join. A deep hush hush of a password can be spread through common thieves who wants to share the news, only brave souls dare to follow the Hunt Brother's footsteps anyways.

She fumbled with the golden pocket watch in her hand as she walked towards the table, her lips pursed and her clothing somehow still dirty. She looked around the table then placed the thing she bravely "Stole" earlier. She didn't say a word but instead turned her back from the group and walked towards the exit. Of course, they'd think twice to even accept her.

Braith poured through the estimated numbers as Jack talked about the job. As Valentyne introduced himself Braith thought that it was about time. This group was understandably anxious to be meeting in public. Obviously Braith needed to make them all aware that this place was as safe as any. The Dog was Braith's normal place of business. He knew the place well and the regulars knew well enough to leave him to himself. He looked up just as the boy with the watch slumped over. "Ah, we've embarrassed the poor boy", he thought. Braith knew he needed to set people at ease and reset this business with the watch.

"My boy, don't be so quick to leave us," he started in a friendly tone. "We all recognize that you wanted a way to approach us. I believe I should clarify our current surroundings. No doubt everyone here is wondering, why meet in such a public place? Well, the fact is that this place is my place of business and it's well established that the regulars here know well enough to leave me to my business. Also, would it not be even more suspicious for a group the likes of us to be slinking around in the dark places, trying to hide what we're doing? If we're out in the open, we can't possibly be planning something nefarious, can we? Not that we are, of course. As Jack said, we are here to only offer our services to the Duke. We are nothing if we're not helpful."

"As for the watch. My boy, if you wanted this watch, it would be best to wait until Bill and I were done haggling over it. Rather than lifting it from us as we are concluding the deal I would recommend you wait until the deal was finished, then lift it from me. Much less noticeable. As a matter of fact, I would like to talk about the possibilities of you hanging around my next order of business. The next item I sell to another person, not in this group of course, would be welcome back in my hands." He looked around with a genuine smile, "I do enjoy the idea of selling the same item multiple times and every time you lift the item and bring it back to me, I'll cut you in on the selling price."

He smiled warmly at the boy and once again stated, "You should sit and join us. You wanted our attention enough to risk stealing something from me, in my place of business. Obviously you want to be here. Don't leave so rashly. We shall further discuss our side deal another time. For now, listen to Jack's plan. It's a good one, if I do say so myself, and it will result in some nice rewards for us all if you all can pull it off."

Gwen wrinkled her nose at the sheer smell of the man who had wedged himself between herself and her partner with a flamboyant display that would have given Rooster a run for his money. Whether it was from the smell, or the rather blatant show of disrespect, Gwen wasn’t sure, but there was something about the man she didn’t care for. She let it go however, as the Hunt brothers were ready to get down to business, and she was disinclined to give the pungent little fellow the satisfaction of a response. Others joined the party, but Fox kept her focus on the two brothers and the man they’d started the night with, Braith, and caught a similar calculating look from him. She wiggled her eyebrows at him for effect, letting him know she hadn’t missed the appraisal. Jack, the older one as far as she could tell, was undoubtedly the more commanding of the two, and she couldn’t help the small smirk that spread across her pert lips at his colorful description.

“Well I am quite the equine enthusiast, so how could I refuse such a noble cause.” Gwen quipped back once Jack had finished his pitch. “I go by Fox, and despite my associate Rooster’s high handed tendencies, I’m quite capable of handling my own introductions.” She said sticking out her hand.

“I do however, generally give then men I get into bed with, for business or elsewise, the courtesy of a first name. I’m Gwen, call me whatever you prefer.” Gwen said, mask firmly in place with her confident smirk and quirked brow. She wanted in on this job, which meant she was going to be spending quite a lot of time with these people, and Gwen was far too curvy and delicate of feature in the face to pass off as a man for any extended amount of time up close with people. If her gender was going to be a problem for them, it was best to find out now.

George stopped on her tracks as the man who had earlier called her attention had once again called for her's and invited her over the table. Should she accept or should she swallow her pride and hope for the best? She took a deep breath and followed the latter decision. She might as well learn from the best to improve herself rather than risking her life doing small thievery and landing back into her sister's unforgiving hands.

She held her bonnet, turned back towards the table and without raising her head she spoke, "I have no interest in the watch- I've seen greater beyond compare but you got my intention right on tha' spot meyster. I have come and seek the brother's for I've heard great news and I humbly ask to be a part. I maybe dumb and young but I am fast and small," She boasted of her qualities, doing her best impression of a skallywag and changed her accent. Just then a woman dressed as a man spoke about her identity and intentions as well.

Gwen she was called. How Georgina wished she can come out and proudly say that she was of the same gender but alas- she thought about her sister's extended ears and eyes that might be on the look out for her. It was hard enough to go through the slashing of prized lock of hair, she couldn't let her sacrifices go banished because of a small woe.

She then raised her head, turned to look at the brother's Jack first then towards Bill- but how her heart skipped a bit when she saw the younger Hunt's face. There was a rugged yet attractive look in his eyes. Georgina blushed as she realized how different the feeling was when she would come face to face with him. She cleared her throat before looking at Braith, offered her gloved hand, held his hand firmly as manly as she can and spoke, "George, but they call me Monkey for my swift hands and tree climbing expertise. If me presence is still needed I'd be happy as a horse in a graze field to stay and learn. I may come in handy as we would never expect."

Georgina then stayed silent and hoped for the best as she waited for their verdict.





OOC: George tries to sound like a man, just the same as Mulan's voice trying to be Ping (see Youtube)

The Rat’s grin twisted up his ragged face at mention of business. It was clear he had enough opening approval to earn a seat at the table. His attempts to bring a rise out of the pair and perhaps scare away the added fluff he noticed around the table proved largely fruitless. Drawing little more than a few batted glances, a weak shudder from their organizer Braith and a passing look of disgust from the younger of the duo. Perhaps these men weren't the squishy fools he sized them up for initially. Flipping a chair to face him, The Rat plopped down with a swish of his coattails, eager to hear the details of their high-profile quarry.

He remained largely silent, contenting himself with picking food from his festering maw and further assessing his would-be squad mates. Before Braith could launch into his briefing, another pair of interruptions, perhaps even more brazen than The Rat’s own took place. A clumsy extraction of a pocket watch from one of their employers pockets. Disbelieving looks were passed between the seated thieves, one jumping to offer his services to “deal with it.” In the commotion another joined their midst, silently seating himself several to The Rat’s left; giving the vile man a direct view of the fancy pair of cannons strapped to the mysterious strangers ribcage.

A handful of the others seemed to buy the bravado, commenting on the newcomers no-nonsense attitude. Braith even going so far as to indicate he was a name to be known and a face to be recognized. Being ignorant as he was The Rat was having none of it; writing it off as an elaborate act. The fancy guns, the wordless entrance, it was akin to a peacock attempting to woo a mate with a glittery flash of its tail. A belief made even more ridiculous by the mental gymnastics necessary to justify his earlier entrance.

Braith paused momentarily to invite the amateurish pickpocket who had busied himself at the bar. A questionable decision at best in The Rat’s opinion; the piece of his money pie shrinking in minds eye. Still couldn’t hurt to keep some fodder around as a decoy should things get out of hand…

One of the taller men at the table, looking several years The Rat’s junior, was the first to leap at the Hunt brothers prospect of raiding the Dukes dowry. Offering up his name, Valentyne Elfrith, in the process. He seemed overly enthused at the mere prospect of being seated at the table and it was clear he was perhaps lacking in the area of experience. Soft. The teen’s promises to not disappoint did little to quell the look of skepticism Baxter cast in his direction.

In short order the next piped up, the young boy and half the pair he had split earlier. A well crafted retort for Jack’s horse humor. The Rat had a certain appreciation for witty repartee, making a mental note to verbally prod Fox should he grow bored. The realization of his mistaken identity took several seconds to register as the boy introduced himself as Gwen; The Rat’s highly expressive face furrowing as he gave Fox another once over. Were he capable of embarrassment he may have felt a pinch that he hadn’t seen it to begin with. Still, contrary to the outlook of many of his peers, sex was of little concern to the famed lock picker, his earliest years with Rabbit had taught him that. There was no arguing that women were more than capable of towing the line in this business, and a dagger to the gut will still spill blood no matter who holds it.

His perverse hollow eyes wheeled across the crowd, sensing his opportunity to introduce himself. And he would’ve too, had the golden watch not been placed almost directly in front of him by the would-be thief. After casting a disgruntled look in their direction, as Braith warmly accepted the feminine lad into their midst and explained their location.

The thought hadn’t even crossed Baxter’s mind. It was all the same to him, he’d as just as soon planned the event from the pews of the Duke’s wedding. Jump out from beneath the bishops robes, maim the bride, cripple the in-laws and steal the cake. He simply operated in a world where the law didn’t apply, with the entirety of his adult life having been spent at odds with the powers that be it was second nature.

Braith having spoken his part and the pickpocket invited to sit, The Rat wasted no more time.

“Well den, Duke o’ta Starford yew say? Colour me interested in savin dem poor wittle horsies.” He gave the group another gnarled grin that could curl the blood, “Say ‘ello to da Rat, chums.” he jeered giving the table a hearty slap with a grubby palm “Gawtz a feelin we gon’ be makin beeyootiful music tagether, I dew.”

Brennan simply looked at Braith as he welcomed everyone, a small jest at his height compared to the group at large. With a nod in her direction he acknowledged what Elsbeth had been hoping for. He knew of Brennan’s reputation and that would play well for her.

Cold blue eyes gave nothing away as Elsbeth watched Braith call out the boy for having stolen a watch. She realized now why the boy’s behaviour as he had bumped the table seemed so odd to her. He had swiped something and apparently had been caught. Braith welcomed him to join the group.

Brennan looked over at the tall man as he commented on his appearance at the table. Eyes pierced into him as he commented that he liked Brennan’s style. Elsbeth desperately wished she could say something; her tongue was firmly lodged between her teeth. Instead Brennan gave the man the slightest of nods before looking back at the brothers.

Turning talk to business as the boy decided if he would join them or not, Jack introduced himself and his brother. She almost let a chuckle slip as her eyes turned to look at Bill. The look of annoyance on his face was amusing; perhaps he wasn’t used to having someone steal from him or at least not so obviously. Jack began to lay out the plan and Elsbeth listened intently. Scanning the table she counted numbers. Large group and if even half of them were capable they could pull this off and divide the dowry. It did not take much for Elsbeth to decide she would do this, her guns and good shot would come in handy. Besides she needed the cut from this. It would be larger than Brennan’s normal take even when divided between the group at large. Braith and the Hunt’s seemed honest enough for thieves.

Around the table most were quick to speak up, agreeing that the horses were indeed being treated cruelly and it would only be prudent of the group to help them with their load. The woman, Fox agreed to stay. Elsbeth thought it interesting that while Rooster seemed the more outgoing of the two, Fox was the one to speak up. She instantly liked the woman’s backbone.

The boy with the stolen watch approached the table. He looked like he was trying hard to save his pride. Elsbeth felt a bit of sympathy for the poor lad. Getting caught was never a good feeling. She almost frowned as the boy simply placed the watch on the table and walked away. Braith had welcomed the boy to join and he was taking the jest of his skills far too personally.

Elsbeth was a little impressed as Braith, sensing the boy’s embarrassment at having been caught called him back again. He could have let him walk out and talks would have continued. Braith’s reputation for having a charming tongue was well earned as he set the table at ease about the location of the meeting, the watch and the job. Yes, smooth tongue that worked perfectly with the Hunt’s reputation for well pulled off heists.

The boy, appearing to hesitate for a moment agreed that he would like to be a part of the job. Reaching out he shook Braith’s hand in introduction. A slight sweat broke out on her back as Elsbeth wondered how in the world she would be able to accept but not speak. Her appearance was easy t hide but her voice was not. No matter how she tried, Elsbeth could never get a convincing male voice. It had always been Brennan’s way never to speak; his actions did that for him. “This...this is why Brennan works alone....this was not smart.” Elsbeth's mind raced.

Taking the pressure away for the moment the last bandit at the table spoke up. Everything about him unnerved Elsbeth. He smiled, something that made Elsbeth gag just a little and introduced himself. Everything about Rat, as he called himself spoke of acts that Elsbeth hadn’t thought human beings capable of.

He slapped the table and Elsbeth gripped her legs slightly in order to stifle her urge to jump up from the table. Her heart pounded in her chest and as she willed it to calm, Elsbeth looked at the group again. She wondered slightly if they were a traveling menagerie rather than a group of bandits. Rooster, Fox, Monkey. Rat.

Brennan turned to look at Jack and Bill. A gloved hand went out. They would have her guns if they shook on it with her. It was the best she could do without saying anything. Elsbeth hoped that Braith would know enough of Brennan of the Grange to convince the brothers to shake and seal the deal.

If one looked closely enough to Markus as if face to face, they would notice the darting of his right eye underneath his eyelid all around as if he was dreaming. On this particular night, he was. Dreams for Markus O'Cyrus was always the same. The same nightmare, the same horrors, and the same shattered dreams from long ago.

He dreamed of walking along a road he remembers clearly, the road to the home of his birth. He went up over the hills to discover it all in flames, with brigands riding out from there. He watched as they rode past, he then saw the heads of his family on the leaders waist, like they were some kind of prize, they all seemed to be looking at him and crying out for him to save them and wake up from the nightmare he was having.

His sleeping body quivered and shook in the chair he was sitting upon, then finally, his one eye snapped open, his forehead was starting to sweat from the dream's horrid visions, he wiped the more visible part of his forehead, sniffed and sighed. He had enough shut eye for the while. He got up and went into the Dog Inn to find an empty chair at an empty table.

Markus found such a table at the very corner of the room, much to his relief and longing for further isolation from the world that took his family and hope to be a more simple man then one of the most fiercest bounty hunters in the kingdom. The world was more simpler back when he was a boy. He thought he wanted his lust for vengeance to be quelled, or simply wanted a pint or two to wash away the horrors for a little while longer.

He decided it was a beer he wanted and called out. "Pint of Bourbon! Make it stout and foamy." As he said this he set eight shillings down, showing his money on the table for the barmaid to pick up when his pint was brought over.

Braith accepted the proffered grip of the boy and nodded, "Okay, Monkey. Though we have a Jack, nimble and quick has its uses." He appreciated the boy's willingness to come back to the table after being called out. It showed a developing character that experience should tune into a fine pick pocket.

He looked at Gwen as she offered her hand toward the Hunts and winked, "Fox seems quite fitting. Bold, yet cunning. Though I, for one, appreciate the offer of a first name. For business. Or elsewise, as you state." Gwen's boldness caught Braith's attention more than a little, and with a playful tone and smile, "There are aspects of this business that could use a feminine touch. I would welcome one such."

Braith turned his attention to the man who called himself the Rat. "It is heartening to see such care for the downtrodden animals. I can already imagine the fine symphonies we will compose." Braith, while slightly put off by the Rat's general appearance, knew the man would be useful for any distasteful tasks required. Not having a sure hand in a tight spot was the common downfall of these operations. Braith had no doubt Rat would not be queasy.

Braith was taken a bit by surprise as a hand shot out in front of him. He looked down at the gloved hand with a grin, "Another glove. This crowd is quite wary. It's enough to think I've started associating with thieves."

He looked to the brothers, "This one's a quiet type. Brennan of the Grange it is, though. The pistols and the eyes." He turned to look at Brennan, catching the man's eyes. "Yes. Jack, Bill, if you need a shot, there is none more accurate." He watched Brennan with respect as he introduced him to the Hunts. He had heard the exploits of this lone bandit. The stories of his riding and his accuracy made it through many of Braith's informants.

With introductions completed Braith thought the group would be capable of the heist. The Hunts' planned their operations well. With another welcoming smile on his face, "Jack, you've gathered a fine group of animal lovers. I suspect we would all like to hear your plan."