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Bang, bang, bang.

“Please don't do that, madam."

“I will do what I want." Lydia rapped against the metal bars again. Bang, bang, bang. “Hurry up with the pay. I am sick of standing in this building. Sick of dwelling in these fetid lines. Sick of-"

“I understand, but you must wait."

It had been several minutes, perhaps half an hour, of standing in a line with several other eager adventurers pushing and shoving to work their way to the booth. A tired, greying man sat behind the iron bars, twiddling away at several bits of paperwork that flowed in at a constant stream.

“Please excuse my friend here, she's been having quite the day," Ava replied. “Take all the time you require."

“I would have imagined that doing this every waking moment would help you improve, but-" Lydia was cut off.

“Don't finish that sentence. Don't do it, dear. That's the alcohol talking." Ava settled her hands on Lydia's shoulder. They were quickly shrugged off.

“I will talk how I please. Liquor or not." Norton could only stand there quietly, not wanting to goad on any negative behaviors. Had he known Lydia would react so negatively, he would have chugged her entire glass and dealt with the miserable consequences. It was too late for that now. All he could do was wait for the storm to pass and tread carefully.

“Do understand that your contract has to pass through several other confirmations from far too many officials to speak of," the attendant replied quite plainly.

“And the more you speak of them, the more of my time you waste," Lydia shot back. The worker shook his head and returned to his writing in a huff. Ava opened her mouth, but was quickly shut down by Lydia. “I do not need to hear anything from you either. We finish this and you can fritter away your funds. Perhaps pick yourself up another toy." Norton desperately wanted to disappear.

“Quiet now, my little knight. You'll be asking for my forgiveness soon enough and tear my ear off with apologies," Ava replied with a smile. Disdain dribbled from the sides of her toothy grin. She immediately turned to Norton, who was still in the depths of his mind trying to figure out how to make himself invisible. “Give her an hour or two. Just make sure to be nice when she apologizes." Lydia glared at Norton from over Ava's shoulder. He gave a vague nod of the head in response.

“Here, your payment," the teller said suddenly. Three separate sacks were set on the table with a very audible clink and thud. “Two thousand a piece."

“Well, goodness! That's more than what I bargained for," Ava said. She rubbed her hands together in jubilation.

“A piece?" Norton asked. “I was separately contracted under additional assistance. What's this for?" He stepped forward to examine his share. A small sense of curiosity was trampled over his natural excitement over large sacks of money.

“Uh-oh," Ava whispered.

“Uh-oh?" Norton turned back to look at Ava.

“That is what it reads here. A piece. It was a short notice change, but it's here within the listing," the teller said matter-of-factly. He tapped on an illegible document in front of him, filled to the brim with black ink. “A piece. I suppose the employer wants you to come back for seconds?" Lydia punched the metal bars. “Easy!" Norton backed away from the teller as smoothly as his body would allow.

“Lydia. Not here. Not now," Ava commanded.

“He believes some pocket change will help!" Lydia reeled back her hand for another punch. People began to stare and chatter from a distance. What was once a line abuzz with aggressive greed had eased back into quiet observation. Norton quickly grabbed at the feline's elbow. His whole form screamed, begging him to do otherwise and back off. “Release me," Lydia growled.

“I understand, Lydia, you don't like this, but-" Norton started. His brain rushed to finish the rest. “But. This wouldn't be getting back at him. This only hurts everyone else. We just take the money and uhm..."

“Do something utterly pointless with it," Ava chimed in.

“Forget it." The cat retreated from the teller and walked off. The crowd immediately cleared her path and then quietly shuffled back into place. Norton shook his head and took a deep breath. Ava nodded towards the teller. The two approached the man behind the bars.

“Sorry for the trouble. We'll be taking our pay now. Do you need anything else?" Ava asked. The older man shook his head. “Good." He slid the bags forward and lifted a smaller gate to push them through. “We'll be leaving now. Come on, Mr. Norton." Norton nodded and gave the accountant a weary smile. The wolfess picked up two bags, while the apothecary took his own share. Not that he wanted to. The bag of money now felt like an explosive waiting to go off.

_

Lydia had settled herself against one of the large columns that rested against the building. Ava and Norton cautiously approached her and stood there in silence. The trio merely stared at one another. Despite the hustle and bustle all around them, the atmosphere was absurdly tense and worrisome, at least for Norton. Ava seemed more disappointed than angry. Lydia softened somewhat into a plain annoyance.

“Ready to apologize?" Ava asked. Lydia only stared at her. “Fine, I'll leave this here." She plopped the bag next to the feline's feet. “Then, when you've relaxed, we can go buy a nice dinner. Hm? Yes?" Ava paused. “Yes? No?" Lydia looked away. “Fine. I'll go with Norton, then."

“As I would expect from you. Going off with your toy." The 'toy' grit his teeth.

“Excuse me?"

“How is it that my only reward is this rotten gold?" Lydia gave the bag a kick, causing it to tip over and drop some of its contents. “My lot in life is receiving pity money from my father. And what of you? Receiving string-free payment, on top of a regular man who would fall for your every word. On to the next adventure." Norton looked down to the ground before snapping back up to Lydia.

“You are being very rude. I suggest you shut your mouth." Ava slung her bag over her shoulder, her free hand fell squarely on her hip.

“How did you do it? Even with a appalling gash across your face and your embedded criminality, you managed to manipulate someone else into being your servant." Lydia turned her gaze to Ava. A crude, smug smile was splayed across the cat's face. “Go on. Tell me. Sexual wiles?" Norton's gaze drifted down to his feet. His mind latched on to her words far too tightly.

“I knew I should have stopped you from drinking that. We're done here." Ava leaned forward. “Tend to your money," she mocked. The wolf woman spun around on the spot and walked away without another glance. Norton shifted on the spot, trying to figure out what would be better or which one would end without a broken arm. He turned to follow after Ava while still keeping his eyes locked on the cat woman. He gave her a nod and a wave, but felt that wasn't enough. She looked away with a shake of the head.

Norton followed after Ava, who took up an annoyingly happy jaunt. “Are you sure you should have said that?" the Apothecary asked with more sting than he wanted.

“Hah, after what she said?" Ava sneered. “I should've done worse. I should've taken her share too!" Norton moved through the bustle of the city without much thought. “You of all people should have- Well, maybe not, but you shouldn't give her an inch."

“How can you say that? It's clear she needs some help. I mean was she..." Wrong? Norton rubbed his eyes. “I think she needs someone to talk to."

“So? Why didn't you stay?" Ava asked with a shrug. “I'm sure she would love to hear all about her woes coming from you, hm?" Norton didn't have an answer. Well, he did, but not one that he was happy with. “You give her an hour or two and she'll come to her senses."

“It's not like she was drunk."

“Ohohoho, she was very much drunk!" Ava plopped down onto a bench. “When's the last time you saw her take a good hearty swig of alcohol?" Norton pursed his lips. “Exactly. Now come on, take a seat." She beckoned him down and crossed her legs. “We can wait it out here." The man looked about for any sign of an angry cat woman and sat down hesitantly.

The town of Hull was probably the most civilized he had ever been to. Perhaps he could go so far as to call it a proper city. Several extravagant buildings stood proudly, soaring over more squat and broad sturdy constructions. The city had a slight gleam to it, brought on by the white masonry that decorated most of the city. Little bits of greenery stuck out between the roads, adding some level of nature to what otherwise would have been a sprawling, but pretty, mess of stonework. A shame the experience had to be so soured. Norton's expression darkened.

“So what's on your mind?" Ava asked with a playful shove. A smile was plastered on her face as always.

“Just admiring the view." Norton clasped his hands together and leaned onto his knees

“Yeah? Just like you did when we walked in, huh? Did a lot of admiring then?" She snickered. “So what's really on your mind, dear?" Instantly she crossed her legs and scooted closer to him.

“Was she really wrong?" Norton asked somberly. “All of this. Us. Was she wrong?" He couldn't bring himself to look at Ava. A long pause came.

“Even if she can be a bastard, Lydia is rarely wrong." Norton could see Ava's legs shift around. “I pushed too far. I know." She sighed. “But that's behind us now, isn't it? I would like... it to be."

“We'll have to see, I suppose." Norton looked down at his hands, trying to ground himself in the moment. Behind them. Could it be so simple with a few words and a kiss? “I would like it to be too," he mumbled.

“Glad to hear it," Ava replied. Norton smiled slightly. He chided himself silently for forgetting beast-folk's hearing.

“You think Byron is going help with Miriam?" He shifted back onto the bench properly.

“I don't think he can afford to send out a whole troop after her. Why do you ask?"

“No reason." Maybe that would be a convenient enough excuse to stay. Just for a little while.

“I see." Those words hung in the air, not followed up by any sort of probing or a jokey punch to the shoulder. “So then. What do you want to do in the meantime? I mean, I love hauling around money as much as the next gal, but we're starting to get some curious stares."

“I don't know. What does Hull have? Haven't spent much time here." Norton looked about the area. As pretty as it was, everything was looking very similar and nearly confusing. “You probably know this place better than I. Anything good?"

“I know a bar or two nearby, but how about a nice walk down the city? It would uh, help pad out the time, you know." Ava nodded and motioned over at the adventuring center.

“Alright then." Norton stood up. “Where to?"

“Not going to offer your hand?" Ava fluttered her eyes. Norton sighed and stuck out his hand. The wolfess happily took it up and stood alongside him. “Thank you." Her hand was firmly stuck to his. “Come on then." She pulled him forward with long strides, giving him little time to relax and enjoy the city. Not that he could possibly focus on the world around him. Instead, his thoughts immediately latched onto the fact that the pair looked like a couple. At least, it seemed that way to him. Perhaps that was his own pathetic desires speaking.

Through the rolling waves of people, Norton could only see Ava in front of him. Her bushy tail a cute beacon as the way forward. He shook his head at his desperation and tried to look elsewhere. The aggregation of people around him were mostly humans, with some beast-folk dotting the crowd. None of them gave even a wayward glance at the duo, but a slight fear that someone would nagged at his mind. As ridiculous as that was. His attention then turned to the massive buildings around them. It appeared more homey and residential, with people chatting idly at entrances, overlooking balconies, personal affections decorating windows, and bounds of clothes freely flapping in the wind to dry. A few children ran boundlessly about as well. The man looked between all of these things, trying to occupy his thoughts.

“You're like a puppy. Relax," Ava said back to Norton over the crowd. He nodded and found himself focusing on her once again. It was all for naught. Not that he minded one bit. “We're almost there. How do you feel about ale?"

“I can't say I'm partial to it."

“Oh you will be, believe me. The bottle is the best comfort." Ava slowed down for a moment after saying that, then returned to her burst of speed. “Aren't much of a drinker, are you? Good. You can carry me back." She giggled and sped up further.

As they continued forward, the buildings started to shrink, becoming smaller and more cobby. The flow of the population had slowed down to a casual stroll. The buzz had faded and been replaced with a shallow hum that was a nice change of pace. Businesses dotted the structures. From equipment stores with sharpened blades to casual bars that served fresh food. What they all had in common was their eagerness to exploit the constant stream of adventurers coming and going.

Ava came to a halt. Norton nearly smashed into her, having been mindlessly marching forward. He looked up to see what their destination was. “Catching the Gulper?" he asked with a laugh in his voice. “Is this where we're going?"

“Something funny about the name?" Ava asked sarcastically.

“No, no, nothing at all."

“Good. Let's go then!" Norton started to move forward, but was quickly yanked along by Ava first. Straight into the bar's front doors. It was reasonably lit, with wooden chandeliers decorated by tons of little was candles. Smaller tables stood on the main floor, in neat rows that implied some level of housekeeping. A sparse crowd was seated, with a gentle murmur filling the air. Like most bars, a long bar counter was positioned at the far end of the room. The scent of alcohol was present, but not overwhelming, instead being joined by the aromas of cooked meat. It became clear why Ava was keen on this place specifically.

Without stopping, Ava trotted over to an empty table and practically whipped Norton around to the opposite side. He stumbled into his chair and the wolfess dropped into her own. They stared at one another. It was more one-sided than that, however. Ava looked into his eyes while Norton struggled to return her gaze. It was brief, but felt like an eternity. Ava then shook her head and suddenly let go of Norton's hand, letting it limply drop to the wood table. “Sorry." She cleared her throat and looked away. “Service! Hey, service over here!" Her arm stretched out and waved wildly. The man considered asking her to stop as he worried her gauze might come undone.

It wasn't long before a waitress came over, gussied up in a generic bar-wench outfit Norton had only heard about from lonely friends. She was all smiles, though her cheery expression soured for a moment on approach. “What can I get you today?" she said in overemphasized happiness.

Ava set her haul of money on the table with an audible thunk. “What do you suppose I could get with this?" She stifled a laugh.

“Ava, please," Norton whispered.

“Alright, alright. One ale for me. One ale for my friend. And a big set of dragon ribs." She set the bag down on the floor.

“Ava."

“What? We have the money," Ava said. “OK, OK, just regular ribs. Whatever animal you've got. Make it good." She casually waved away the waitress, who was all too willing to speed away without another word. “Believe me, you'll love it. The meat practically melts in your mouth."

“And what about the ale? I can't imagine that being smooth."

“Not really, but that's part of the fun." Ava propped her arms on the table. “You do like fun, don't you? I'm starting to wonder, honestly."

“I do. Just without drunken stupors is all." Norton shrugged and folded his hands. “I prefer remembering the fun I had, you know?"

“All too funny to hear it coming from someone else. Well, it would be, but Lydia isn't the best storyteller." She quickly grimaced in exaggeration. “You know."

“I can imagine." Norton refused from elaborating further, as saying anything more risked death.

“Don't you hate this?" Ava asked suddenly.

“Hate what?"

“This?" She circled a finger around. “We can't talk about anything. It just falls flat."

“Um," Norton started, “what would you like to talk about?"

Ava propped her head on a hand. “Why not tell me about yourself?" She smiled. Something was awfully familiar about this scenario.

“That's awfully broad. Could you scale it back?" Norton rummaged through his mind for anything vaguely interesting to talk about.

“Hm, OK. How about where you live?"

“Lived."

“Pardon?"

“Never mind." Norton shook his head. “A small collection of hovels without a name. Somewhere abouts the shining forest." He tapped on the table.

“Sounds lovely! Yellow leaves year round, hm?"

“It's alright. Too blinding sometimes."

“Come now, it has to be better than that."

“Not really. There's a reason I'm here and not there. You don't get any restaurants like this back home. Maybe one." That sense of familiarity hit him again.

“Surely you get homesick though, right?" The barmaiden silently walked over, placed down a candle and lit it. “Oh, thank you." Ava didn't glance at the waitress.

“Maybe in due time, but not right now." Norton shrugged. “Every time I close my eyes, I can still see those blinding leaves."

“Well, at least you can close your eyes." Ava chortled. Norton crooked his brow. “I'd like to visit it some time. When there's less killers on the loose, of course." She nodded pensively. “A whole forest of yellow."

“Anything else you would like to talk about?"

“That's not how a conversation works." The wolfess grabbed his hand. “You have to come up with something naturally!" The waitress approached their table, with a large platter in-hand. It then occurred to him what exactly what was going on. The food was lowered onto the table. Ava looked down in clear excitement and let Norton's hand go. “Thank you!" A couple of full mugs were lowered onto the table. This was a date.

Roasted, juicy meat that glistened under the candlelight. What seemed like mounds of sauce dribbled down onto the plate. A sudden sense of hunger smashed into his growing embarrassment, causing his stomach to knot up. “Well? Dig in!" Ava quickly ripped a piece free and tore into it with wild abandon.

“Any forks or knives?" Norton's hands hovered near the meal. Eager to begin and yet worried about the mess. Ava gave him a smile and returned to tearing into her food. Carefully, the man moved to a lone piece of meat and gently pulled it free. His stomach continued its battle itself, with hunger winning out in the end. He cupped his portion and chewed away as delicately as the dripping morsel dribbled away.

“So"—Ava swallowed—“enjoying yourself?" Norton chewed some more and nodded. “Good. Good. That's the best part of a job, relaxing with all your honest-gotten gains." Bits of sauce ran from the gash in Ava's mouth. The man quietly tapped on his cheek. “Hmm?" He shrugged and leaned forward, swiping away the offending juice with a finger. “Oh, thank you, sweetheart." Norton paused and eyed his finger before giving it a small lick. Sweet. He sheepishly went back to eating.

“Do you think Lydia is-"

“Don't. Let's not sour this right now."

“Alright then."

“Let's talk about anything else. Anything."

“OK then, uhm, how about you then?"

Ava ripped a strand of meat free from one of the ribs and slurped it up. “It took you long enough!" She giggled, licking her fingers clean and held them up. “My favorite drink is Chambord. I like the color red." A finger fell down for every object. “I'm from the north, and I prefer the cold. There's not a food I won't try once. And I can play a lute."

“That's nice." His eyes looked around the room as if he could find another topic amongst the scenery. “Uh, where in the north specifically?"

“Just the north."

“Just the north?"

“Mhmm, just the north."

“Is that the name of a place?"

“No. I don't know where in the north. Just the north will do. Makes me more interesting, doesn't it?" She nodded.

“Definitely. More interesting than shining woods in any case." He paused to think. “What's a Chambord?" Not that he particularly cared.

“Oh, this lovely raspberry drink. It's cognac and- You don't know what that is, do you?" Norton shook his head. “Hah. We could try some if you like. We have the money." Ava nudged the sack next to her. “Hm?" She raised an eyebrow.

“Let's just finish our ale first, shall we?" The murky fluid sat in the corner of his eye.

“Right, I nearly forgot." Instantly, Ava dropped her food onto the plate and snatched the mug, downing it voraciously. She slammed the cup back down and let out a satisfied sigh. “Good stuff. Have a try." She motioned towards Norton's drink with her own, sending some droplets spattering all over the wood table. The man looked to the other patrons fearfully, but no one seemed to give even the slightest care to Ava's outbursts. He took his mug and peered into its depths. “Go on." Norton sampled some and let it rest on his tongue. He struggled to stop himself from wincing and swallowed. Bitter. Beyond bitter. “Well?"

“Not the worst," he lied.

“So it's good!" Ava took another swig. “Maybe we should get you something a little more refined. Humans like that, right?"

“Do they?" Norton raised an eyebrow.

“Well you're the human! What do humans like?"

“I don't know. Doesn't seem like we differ all that much." He took another bite. “Don't you like refined things too?"

“I will soon with our payment." She giggled. “All the pleasures I could want." She swirled her cup around and then set it down. “Won't have to work a while after this."

“Good thing, I suppose."

“Yeah." Ava looked down at her plate. Her nails ran around the rim of her cup. “So have you decided?"

“Decided? Decided what?"

“You know. If you're going or not. I don't know if- Could you?" She started scratching the side of the cup. “I think Ms. Grouchy was right." Norton realized she hadn't gone too far during her perimeter search. “Little stuck. Right? I don't know how far away the shining forest is but, um, it can't be too out of the way. I don't know if Miriam can- Never mind."

“I think I'll have to stay. I can't say I'm the biggest powerhouse around, wouldn't be an apothecary if I were." He chuckled softly. “I'd probably have to rely on you two."

“Only on me. We'll see about the pussycat when she apologizes." She sped up her scratching ever so slightly. “You'll be staying then? With us, that is?"

Norton paused to think on it again. “I don't see how I couldn't." It seemed too easy. He gave in too quickly, he thought, as if there were really any other option. He pulled away fruitlessly from his lonely desires, but was pushed back into place by the brutality of circumstance. “I guess that's that." He shrugged and took a sip of ale.

Ava withdrew her hand from the cup and went straight back to chowing down on her food, quite energetically. “That's that," she said between bites. “Care for seconds?" The plate had degenerated into bones and sauce, with few bits of meat scarcely stuck to the ivory.

“I'm good, thank you. Had fun?"

“I should be asking you that! And besides, who says we're finished? Maybe we should ask for the chef's special, and you can comment on his handiwork."

“Again, I'm not the best cook. It was more of a side job."

“Maybe I should just have you cook me something and we'll see once and for all." Ava nodded with a 'hmph', then broke back into her regular grin. “Come on, ease up, you look like you're going to petrify. Live a little! If you don't, I'll have the rest of your drink." Norton shrugged. “Ahhhhh, forget it." She waved a hand dismissively. “What do you do for fun? You have fun, don't you?"

“Sometimes. It gets harder as you get older, you know." He sampled his drink again. It hadn't improved. “The forest provides little entertainment."

“You're in a city now. No complaints. Shows, fights, plays, and more. We're at the more part, if you didn't know." Ava loudly slurped up another round of ale. “Though, I think we're running out of more." She peered into the mug.

“I haven't been to any of those. Are they good?" Norton tried to imagine what those looked like, but aside from travelers and books, he had little knowledge to go on.

Ava opened her mouth and paused. “I... don't actually know. I've never been to them either. Lydia's not one for sitting still for an hour unless it's hunting or sleeping." She shook her head. “Look at me, bringing her up again."

“It's only fair since you're such good friends and partners." As soon as Norton said that, an odd pang of jealousy struck him. “I would hope."

“Not that fun having a white golem for company. Not all the time. Just look how she drinks." Her eyes ran up and down Norton. “Look how you drink." She snickered and rolled her eyes. “You ever think I could talk about men with her, or share deep secrets?"

“You've talked about me with her, haven't you?" He rubbed his neck.

Ava pulled back a little. A hint of befuddlement worked its way across her face. “That's true. That's true. Still. It's hard to hold a conversation with her sometimes."

“Maybe you should ask her what she would like to talk about. A warrior like her has to have a few stories."

“Yes, I imagine they would. Unfortunately I can't even get one little snippet from her. Years of traveling and killing people, and she doesn't have even the slightest courtesy to open up."

“With how she reacted, I can see why. I certainly wouldn't do that to my father." He smiled and immediately felt bad as a result. “Ahem. It can't be good, in any case."

“My life isn't all sunshine either. As my dashing good looks show." Ava turned her head to accentuate the shredded flesh along its length.

“Right," Norton said flatly. Her scar was little more than a blemish to him now.

“So let's keep this conversation going." She turned away for a moment and help up her mug. “Waitress! Another few rounds!" Ava quickly looked back to Norton. “Now, I would like to know how you ended up as our little medic."

“Well, I—" Norton was quickly cut off by a familiar gleaming sight stepping up behind Ava.

“Room for one more, I trust," Lydia said. Her eyes were narrowed, but didn't seem to bear any malice, which only worried Norton.

“Lydia," Norton croaked.

“Lydia," Ava huffed, not looking up at the feline.

“That is indeed my name." The knight stepped around the table, moving to its side. “I see you are both enjoying a lovely candlelit dinner."

“Yes, one without you," Ava replied. Her eyes trained on her mug. “Unless you've come to apologize. Hm?"

“I can save that pleasantry for later." Lydia flicked her hand.

Ava perked up, face slightly aghast. “Lord above. You didn't." Norton looked between the two, trying to figure out just what it was he was supposed to be terrified of.

“Aren't I suppose to live a little? That's always what you tell me. I am living now." Lydia plopped her sack of gold onto the table. She pulled a rickety chair from nearby and placed a foot on it, then rested on the raised leg. “Norton." He froze. “I would like to know what it is like."

“To... To what?"

Lydia tilted her head and smiled quite crudely at Norton. It was like a feral animal trying to be as polite as possible. “What it is like to kiss a generic. Heart of civilization you are." Her smile soured for a moment before returning full force. Ava shot daggers at her and opened her mouth, but before she could interject, Lydia grabbed the human by the shoulders and lifted him up into a kiss. If it even was a kiss. The feline mashed his face into hers, trading spittle and forcing her tongue against his, invading his mouth. Norton was too baffled to react, and clearly outmatched. The strong scent of alcohol hit his senses quite suddenly as she sighed into him.

And just like that, it was over. He was plopped back into the chair without a word. Lydia wiped her mouth off and blankly stared at Norton. Ava was now standing up, teeth bared. “Better than I had expected. Better than a hugger, at least." She shook her head and let out a curious giggle that sounded something like a repeated hiss. Norton was still lost in confusion, unsure how to react.

“I suggest you leave. Right now," Ava growled.

“Something wrong? Tend to your meat." Lydia shook her head. “No, not the human." She smiled again. The knight jerked back as Ava swung at her, barely catching her balance on the chair. “Easy, you would not want to dirty your pet."

“I'll do more than that, damned cat."

“Please. Stop," Norton said dryly as she stood up. Naturally, worried patrons began to stare at them. “Lydia doesn't know what she's doing."

“That doesn't make it any better! I'll beat her into sobriety if need be!" She snapped at the air.

Norton gripped the sides of the table. “Ava, please. You don't want to do this." He pursed his lips. “I don't want you to do this."

“Not here, not now, hm?" Lydia scoffed in mocking agreement. Norton refrained from talking her down. Who knew what the drunken brute was capable of. “How about I take the apothecary off your hands while you cool down?"

Smack.

Lydia slowly reeled back and shook her head. Norton went wide-eyed and his heart dropped. The feline gently touched her nose as a stream of red dribbled down her face. Norton quickly grabbed at Lydia's arm and tried to pull her away, but was effortlessly shoved off, sending him stumbling away. “I see now," she hissed. The two smashed into one another instantly. Ava might have been faster, but Lydia was far stronger. The cat easily took every glancing blow that came her way and returned it tenfold with a glance to the wolf's stomach, causing her to deflate and shakily crumple. She tried her damndest to stand back up. Norton gulped and ran back in, throwing all his weight onto the armored beast. Lydia pushed him back without so much as a look in his direction. “Not now, generic. I have no qualms with you." Lydia hefted up Ava and placed her into a headlock.

Norton only barely registered all the other bargoers filing out, only making the situation worse. It would probably only be minutes before any law enforcement would rush in. “Lydia, please! Let her go!" he pleaded. Ava struggled fiercely against Lydia's iron grasp, kicking and swinging. Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately for her, her blades were squished firmly up against Lydia's armor, disallowing access.

“Maybe if she apologizes," the cat replied casually.

“Go to hell!" Ava grunted through her teeth.

Norton gritted his teeth. “Damnit Lydia. I know you aren't having a good day, but that gives you no right to kill our friend!" He pulled on her arms again with all his strength. “What has gotten into you?!"

“Hm." Lydia's blank stare dragged across Norton down to Ava. “I wouldn't kill her." She hefted the wolf up, causing her to snarl. “It would be such a waste."

“And yet you would still doom her with a prison sentence? You've only just freed yourselves, don't ruin it now!"

Lydia's tilted her head, thoughts clearly working through her inebriated mind. Her grip loosened just enough for Ava to pry herself free, stumbling back to Norton's side and pulling knife free. Norton quickly grabbed the wolf's wrist, much to his own surprise. “Very well. We can settle this later," she replied with a sneer.

“Try it again and you'll be apologizing with no tongue," Ava said grimly. She jerked her hand away from Norton and menaced Lydia with her knife.

“How then would I explore your pet's mouth?" Lydia asked, that crooked smile returning.

“Shut up and leave!" Norton shouted. The two looked at him, causing his nerves to jump, but he held his ground. After a tense moment of staring, the two walked out. Lydia took the lead, with Ava following far behind her. They might have had it in with power here, but Norton didn't want to abuse that. Even a father's actions can only extend so far. He turned back to their table. The sacks of gold sat there, untouched. He hefted a handful of pieces out of his own bag and onto the table. “I apologize for their actions. I hope this covers some of it," he yelled out. No response. Reasonable. Norton then took up the two bags and trudged after his feuding compatriots.