The Swinging Ax

Yoranda smiled up at Birger before he left. She sat patiently at the counter, taking in every little detail of her surroundings. Whenever she spotted Birger playfully glaring at her through the window, she couldn't help but to giggle, giving him a little smirk accompanied by either a wave or a wink each time. She was surprised by how immediately friendly he was to someone who was going to work for him. For all he knew, she had shit work ethic. It wasn't an unpleasant sort of surprise, though, and she had a feeling that she was going to thoroughly enjoy working here - not just to admire him physically, but also to joke around with him like this, assuming that would continue.

A few hours went by and he had enjoyed himself with Yoranda. He got to know her a good bit and he was comfortable with her and having her sing here. "So you think you can handle the famous life when you become a star? You even notice me." He pouted and pretended to wipe a tear. "It all starts when you start to work for me. People will come in. You will sing. Someone will sweep you off your feet and you will sing somewhere else. And when you think back I will be... just a long lost memory." Birger cried. A customer shook his head. "You are so damn old you probably be dead before she makes it that big."

Birger glared, "I am only freaking thirty! It won't take her fifty years or so to get that famous. Have some faith in her.... it will at least be half that." He joked and winked at her. "Honestly though, she will bring in some good people and then I am going to really need to hire Haera to be a bouncer or something." He sighed and the patrons laughed.

Yoranda laughed as Birger talked about being just a memory to her. She'd really been enjoying talking with him. He was sweet, and he was funny, and it she didn't know any better - because he was her boss now - she'd have thought that she was detecting some almost flirtatious undertones in his voice. "Make this job worth my while and I won't forget you," she teased, amused that he'd already made her feel comfortable enough for jokes like that despite not having started work yet. "Haera would make a great bouncer. She seems tough," she remarked, though her interaction with the blonde that Birger seemed to think would capture her brother's heart had been minimal thus far.

Birger liked the kid, she had a spunk in her that he knew would take her far. Almost instantly he had been drawn to her and the hours that had passed seemed to prove that she was a keeper, in his tavern that is. He knew he was being a bit on the flirty side, but he honestly couldn't help it. It was like she drew it out of him. Birger knew she was a good bit younger than him and she would never be interested in an older guy, but he like the teasing back and forth and that aura of her's was interesting. He couldn't help but be drawn to it.

Birger laughed, "Oh make it worth your while? Damn, guys she is going to forget me." He said and they chuckled. "Ahh yeah... she was literally trained to fight people, well we were. I trained with her." He said. A part of him wanted to gently tug on her hair and another part of him wondered what was taking Haera so long. "I have never seen your brother fight... can he?" He asked her. If she had to pick up his slack they both could have gotten hurt and he was starting to worry a bit.

Yoranda laughed along with the men when Birger said that she was going to forget him. If she was here any decent amount of time, she highly doubted that she could manage that. He seemed like a great guy. She listened curiously when he said that he and Haera had been trained to fight, and when he questioned whether Istrain could fight, she could immediately tell what he was thinking - he was worried about them. "Istrain's a good fighter. He can hold his own," she replied confidently. "I mean, he tracked down and killed the guys who murdered his best friend, and every last one of their associates...that's kind of bad ass," she said softly. "I'm sure he and Haera are fine."

Birger nodded, "Good, because I am not worried about Haera taking on many people. We fought in a war together, but your brother... he is a trader and most traders only know the basic so they can't easily get robbed... but if he has done as you said I shant worry about that... only you stealing my customers." He smiled and went tend to a new group of people that came in for drinks. "If you wanna rest I can take you to my quarters up stairs and you can lounge about that." He said, looking over at her from where he was.

Yoranda giggled as he again returned to the topic of her stealing his customers. When he proposed taking her up to his quarters to rest, she blinked in surprise but then nodded. "I'd actually really appreciate that," she said softly. "I know you're busy and I have a feeling you'd be in trouble with Haera if you let me leave on my own," she continued with a giggle. She was a bit worried about her sisters, though, as Istrain was obviously with Haera and that left Barynn and Unarelle alone at the shop. They had a dragon, of course, but they were probably worried about her and about their brother. She just wasn't sure how she'd get the message to them that she was still at the tavern.

Birger nodded and went around, lifting her, before telling a patron he trusted to watch over, and then went up and placed her on his bed. "There you go... sadly the bathroom is up stairs." He chuckled. "I am sure you can find a way up it though." He said. Birger pointed out things if she wanted to eat or drink and then he turned back to her. "Need anything else?" He asked softly. It was evident that she was a bit worried about her family, "I can get someone to tell your sisters about you being here if you want." He said.

Yoranda let out a surprised squeak as Birger picked her up. She likely wasn't going to be getting used to that any time soon. She carefully held on to him while he carried her upstairs. She smiled up at him as he laid her down. His room smelled good. "I don't think there's anything else I need," she told him. "I would appreciate having someone tell my sisters, though. They're probably worried - especially poor Una, she's not used to being away from me for very long," she added with a laugh and a shake of her head.

Birger nodded, "Will do." He said. "I will come and check on you every now and again. Gods know what else you gonna steal." He smirked before heading down and getting his sister who had just walked in to go and tell Barynn that he will be bringing her back after he closes shop and she looked at him like he was stupid before saying she could run the bar while he was out and he nodded. Birger hadn't thought about that. He went back up. "My sister is here, so she can take over." He said and held his arms out. "Hop in." He joked before picking her up and going back down, except he went out the back door instead of through the tavern.

"I hope your brother sees me carrying you." He chuckled. "Istrain is going to go all big brother mode and be like 'put her down or I will beat you blah blah blah'. He is very... blinded when it comes to your sister's flaws in the relationship with Luther... Luther didn't want to enable her by always bringing her food and what not. He wanted her to learn responsibility. I can't blame him though, no one wants to have to deal with someone whose head is that far up in the clouds. Then it was the thing with your brother. Luther cares deeply for Barynn, so when she got attacked he got really worried and it didn't help him none that your sister is... like I said... lacks responsibility, even when it comes to her own safety.

"So when your brother came looking beat up and he, as always, has that attitude Luther went on the defensive and your sister claims she was trying to keep her away from him. Which... I don't appreciate a liar. He had no idea he was her brother, if he knew he would have happily let him in. And it is probably different down where you all come from, but up here... well..." Birger shrugged. "And Luther has his flaws too, the man can be a bit controlling, like with getting her a dragon without at least easing her into it. That is like shoving a baby right into her lap and saying here... take care of it." He said.

Birger sighed, "But me and Luther are alike in many ways. We both can't be with a woman who can't take care of herself. Unhealthy habits might be fine now, but in the long run it does damage. We both have seen it for ourselves and we won't stay there and watch it happen to those we care about. We are going to leave before that happens. Oh and then there was this thing about the dresses... dear god... he bought her some more... dresses and when they got in that argument she complained that he bought dresses that weren't her, but apparently she still took them and wore it." He got to the shop and set her down gently. "Your sister can be a nice woman, but she sure doesn't know how to communicate and take responsibility for her own actions. If she doesn't want something, say so. Don't blame the other person. Anyway... don't let her or your brother paint Luther into a bad guy... because he isn't." He said and waved. "Gotta get back... see ya." He said and walked off.

Istrain gave a small nod when Birger questioned his having kissed her. He frowned slightly when Birger commented that he'd have to find a girlfriend. "Not likely," he said softly with a slight shake of his head. She obviously hadn't felt the same way given how quick she'd been to dismiss it. He smiled a bit, though, when he saw Birger put half the money into Yoranda's tip basket.

Yoranda grinned when Birger put the money in her basket. "Thanks!" she chimed before his interaction with Haera. She watched quietly, a little torn between amusement and discomfort - and, perhaps, a pang of jealousy? She'd been having so much fun laughing and joking with him, but Haera obviously took precedence. She couldn't help but to wonder whether there was something more to their relationship than friendship. Perhaps that was why Haera had been so quick to brush her kiss with Istrain under the rug and act like nothing had happened. Then again, Birger was the one who seemed to think that Haera and Istrain were going to fall in love, so what was the deal there? She quietly turned her gaze towards the basket, thinking about what she'd sing that night.

Haera looked back at Yoranda and smirked. The young girl looked conflicted about her and Birger's interaction. She was too young for Birger anyway. Young fool she was. Haera walked over to Birger in the back and leaned in. "So what was that all about between you and Istrain?" She asked. "Who knows, Miss Kiss and Don't Tell." He said. Haera sighed and got Yoranda's food order and went bring it to her. "Enjoy!" She said and walked over to Istrain. "I think Bir is getting you food... we have a new chef! He is good with his hands." She said and winked.

Yoranda smiled when Haera brought her food to her. "Thanks," she said, and started to eat right away. She figured she had enough time to finish and then relax for a few minutes before it was time to get started. She was excited, but also a bit nervous. She knew that she could perform well enough, it was just a matter of whether the crowd would enjoy her music. She also hadn't had a chance to grab any of her instruments from Barynn's shop, having come straight to the tavern from Istrain's hotel room, so she'd be performing only vocals that evening. She'd have to hit every note perfectly since she wouldn't have the accompaniment of her music.

Istrain glanced up when Haera approached, smiling a bit. "Great. Maybe you should send him my way," he replied, though he wasn't much in the mood for flirting. Or for joking around with her, for that matter. He was just tired, likely from his injuries, but he wanted to stay for a good while to see Yoranda performing before he headed back to his hotel room. It didn't help that he was still confused and disappointed after the strange events last night, and seeing Birger playing around with Haera hadn't much helped.

Birger went about and helped his customers before eyeing the two love birds in the corner. He could tell he wasn't feeling well and he could tell that Haera was worried a bit, but he didn't bother them and kept on with his tavern. Haera on the other hand leaned in and whispered, "You okay? You don't look so well." She was clearly worried. There was something she could get to ease his pain, "I can get you something to ease the pain." She said softly.

Istrain sighed a bit when she asked whether he was okay, shaking his head slightly at the question. "Not looking so well and not feeling so well, either," he replied. "Something to ease the pain would be great. And booze. Something strong would be real great," he added quickly.

Haera nodded and went go get a brownie from in Birger's room and a strong drink before returning and then looked at the booze before downing it and handing him a couple brownies. "There... you don't need to drink when you are hurt like that, but the brownies will make you feel real good." She said with a goofy smile before sitting back down on the futon with him. Haera had been thinking all day and she felt like they couldn't move forward if they didn't. She was stuck in this awkwardness and was worried it could just drive their friendship to smitherines. "We have to talk... when you are feeling better that is... and not high." She laughed softly.

Istrain couldn't help but to smirk when he saw her approaching with the brownies. This definitely wasn't what he'd been expecting when she'd offered something to make him feel better, but this was more than welcome. He frowned a bit when she downed the drink and he all but snatched the brownies from her. "We do," he agreed calmly before taking a bite. It was a great brownie, all things considered. "Did Birger make these?" he asked, smirking at the mental image of Birger baking brownies.

Haera shook her head no. "My cousin makes them since a she shells the herb and all. If you start giggling like a girl I am never letting that go, so be warned." She smirked. "These are strong stuff though...so pace yourself, okay?"

Istrain smiled a bit, nodding. "Will do," he replied. "And...thanks, Haera," he added before taking another bite. Meanwhile, Yoranda had finished her meal and was almost set to perform. She turned her attention to Birger, smiling. "Where do you want me?" she asked him. She was excited to start, but of course, she was also nervous. If yesterday was anything to go by, though, then she had absolutely nothing to worry about. "And you've got something for me to sit on, right? And I'll need you to keep the water flowing, because I'll need to drink between songs," she added quickly.

Haera looked at him, completely innocent. It was a rare sighting to see that face on her, but he seemed to be doing that lately. "Hm? Oh the brownies? No problem, you needed them. I wasn't going to let you sit there and suffer." She said and smiled softly before looking over at Birger and Yoranda. Birger nodded and showed her to her spot. "I was going to say you could always sit on my lap, but I have to serve people. And water... got you. I will keep tabs on that. Good luck." He said and smiled before walking away. Haera watched the people look at the tiny girl with awe, "Bir is gonna kick someone's ass everything night she sings... I can feel it." She sighed.

Yoranda's cheeks went red when Birger commented that she could sit on his lap. "I'll have to take you up on that offer some time," she responded teasingly before sitting down where he'd indicated. She smiled as she saw the people turning their gazes towards her, and she gave a quick wave to Istrain and Haera where they sat in the back. She turned her attention towards the people with a grin. "Evening, everyone!" she chimed sweetly. "For those of you who weren't here yesterday, my name's Yoranda and I'm going to be singing for you guys tonight!" she continued. She paused for their reaction, figuring that there would probably be some combination of cheers or whispers, and then she smiled. "So...I hope you like it!" she said. She paused again, taking a moment to catch her breath, and then she started to sing.

Istrain, sitting in his corner with Haera, was quiet while Yoranda introduced herself to the crowd and then got started. He smiled a bit as he realized that this was going to be Haera's first time hearing his sister sing; she'd been at Barynn's shop berating him while Yoranda had interviewed with Birger, so if he'd had her sing for him - which he'd have to have been a damn fool not to - then Haera would have missed it. Yoranda already had the job when they'd walked in. He knew his sister's talent, but seeing her here - in front of a crowd in his favourite tavern - made it seem all the more real, and almost better, to him. He could easily listen to Yoranda sing all night, she had such a pretty voice.

Birger was at the bar, listening to her sing. Her voice was beautiful and she had spunk to her that he liked. Birger noticed that he had been thinking about her a lot lately and as much as he wished he wouldn't, Birger couldn't help it. People watched her or simply sipped their drinks while listening, but it was clear they loved her. When she was done with her first song they cheered and asked for more. A few people tipped her, like he knew they would. He glanced at the two in the corner and they both watched her and when she was done with her song Haera clapped and smiled, like she would if it was her own sister. He couldn't help but chuckle. They were dwarfs and she considered them friends. Birger went over and place a stool next to her with a glass of water. "You sounded beautiful." He whispered before hurrying off and filing drink and food orders.

Haera listened and clapped. she had talent. The girl was going to do well here. A crowd of people came in and filled the place up, murmuring that they heard the voice and had to see who it was. She stayed quiet and swung her hanging feet as she watched and wondered what Yoranda was going to be singing next.

Yoranda was absolutely beaming by the time she finished her song. It was clear that singing came naturally to her and she felt most in her element when she was performing. The way the crowd cheered and asked for more made her feel fantastic, and she softly thanked those who came to put tips in her basket. She grinned when she saw Haera and Istrain clapping for her, appreciating it, but for some reason, the comment from Birger when he dropped off her water seemed to be the one that had her feeling the best. She picked up the glass of water, taking a few small sips while the crowd settled down. Once they had, she began her next song.

Istrain clapped when his sister finished her song. He loved listening to her sing. He also loved the fact that Haera seemed to be enthusiastic in her clapping. She'd obviously appreciated the music, and he was glad to see that tough Haera was able to appreciate the arts. He'd been listening to Yoranda's singing since she was small, from his late childhood right up to adulthood, but he was still able to recognize and enjoy how much talent she had - plus, it had been a while since he'd heard her sing, so it sounded almost fresh to him. Almost. Still beautiful, though.

The night went on with cheers, tips, water filled the glasses, and more. By the end of the night the place had been packed to the point Haera had to move people out the way for Istrain to see. Once people started to file out Haera blinked, "Fuck... I forgot to tell Codon I needed him to take you home." She sighed. Birger shook his head. "He can sleep in my bed and I can sleep on the futon and the in the morning I can bring him home." He said. Haera looked over at Istrain, "You okay with that?" She asked him. Birger went to Yoranda and smiled, "You did great tonight, really brought in a crowd." He said.

Istrain chuckled a bit when Haera commented that she'd forgotten to have her cousin come to take him home. He didn't mind. After the brownies, in fact, he wasn't concerned about much of anything. He felt very relaxed, and he'd found that not only was the pain gone, but he had also enjoyed Yoranda's performance much more than he thought he'd have been able to had he not had the brownies. He felt very content, despite still being acutely aware of Haera beside him, the girl who'd kissed him last night and thought nothing of it...he had half a mind to kiss her tonight and then blow it off as nothing in the morning. "I'm fine with that," he told her.

Yoranda was absolutely glowing after the night came to an end. She was exhausted, but it had been totally worth it. She'd downed several refills of her water over the course of the evening, and had taken a short intermission in the middle to use the washroom and step outside for a breath of fresh air, but otherwise she'd been singing the entire time. She grinned at Birger when he came over. "Thanks!" she told him. "Obviously from now on I'll be bringing one or two of my instruments with me. I can sing continuously, but if I do that for too many nights I probably won't have a voice left, so musical breaks will help," she added with a laugh. "I'm really glad that you liked it. If I can steal you, I won't have to steal your men away from you. You can just come with them," she added with a giggle.