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[Rosaleen Quinn]

It was a relatively quiet day at the bar all considering. Sure it was only 3 o'clock, but who the hell cared? People wanted drinks, and a place to relax, maybe rest a while. And the Bards Dream was just the place for this to happen. Rosaleen was laughing at one of Michael's stories, her green eyes bright yet.... distant. It was as if she saw you, but didn't see you. Her flaming red hair flowed about her shoulders as her father interjected, causing another roar of laughter to ensue as the merriment grew. Lord he always had such fantastic tales. "Ye dead serious? He suspected nothing?" She asked, glancing up as she heard the pounding of someone wanting another round. "Nay! He was just too proud!!" Michael answered as he watched her walk easily to the other side of the bar for the man's glass, her laugh bursting into the air.

Her normal boots thudded against the wooden floorboard, the alkahestry circles embedded within them as she sent out "pings" to the Dragon's Pulse, receiving a sort of sonar idea of where everyone, and everything was. It was the only way that she could really see now without truly being able to. But it was better than before, FAR better. Shifting over to the pumps, her flowing sleeves hid the strong muscles that she kept up despite having been medically discharged years ago. It made no sense to fall out of the shape that she had been in before, after all if a fight were to ensue in her pub, she'd throw the bastards out herself! Everytime she took a step it sent out a ping, tapping her heel against the floor to know when to stop filling the glass up. "I swear Michael, ye should do some kind of comedy act with all the stories ye got to tell." She chuckled, a warm smile upon her features as she handed the man his drink, holding her hand out till she got the money required. Excellent.

So it was in their little town of Athenry. Peaceful, homely, and surely rowdy should you catch it upon the wrong night. Or have too much Guinness, whichever came first. "Aw nay Rosaleen. What I do vote for is some of yer singin' though. Aye? Do I have some agreements?" Michael called, the entire pub cheering at the prospect. Rosaleen blinked and shook her head with a small chuckle as she held up her hands. "Come now, I don't think-" "Have some fun lass, give the lads a song." Her father whispered in her ear as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Well there it was. Now she definitely had to do it. "Fine ya goddamn bastards. But my choice of song!" She called as her brows furrowed with a smirk, walking around the bar towards the stage that they had set up should anyone wish to play. From the front door, it was to the left and further down, booths lining the walls and tables out in the open space. With each step she sent out a ping, receiving an idea of where things were, avoiding each obstacle with ease.

Sitting down upon the stool, she placed her hands upon her knee's, her forest green skirt rather fitting to her motherly aura. Her entire outfit was in earthen tones from the brown corset like vest to her dress, even the brown apron over top of her skirt just... worked. Taking a deep breath as the pub grew quiet, she decided to sing a song that befit their town, the Fields of Athenry. Her voice lifted up in a beautiful soprano, the pace slow, yet not too terribly slow. Everyone loved a ballad, but if it was the pace of a funeral dirge, it was just.... borin'. So no sense in it! She could sense that some of the men were swaying, the smile that had risen to her fathers face. She knew how he loved this song. Aye, she did not doubt that later in the evening she'd be singing again, and that was quite alright with her.

[Gavin Etheridge]

The day was more than lovely for leaving the confines of home and mingling; over the years everyone had come to accept that their king would always have a hard time staying put as long as it was within his own beautiful country. And as much as he hated to mix business with pleasure, that was part of his job. The world outside of Carraig was becoming a much more dangerous place, and though they generally left Carraig to her own devices, Gavin greatly feared that it was a reprieve that wouldn't last. Tensions and armies were building all over the mainland. Normally, nobody would care; the issues of the mainland rarely involved Carraig or her people, and in more recent decades when they did, it just meant everyone in the factories were getting fatter paychecks. War was good for business, but made for uneasy sleeping.

Gavin inhaled deeply, the faint smell of the sea carried on the breeze, leaving the car parked in a public parking area, not terribly worried. The car was small and very plain, and save for the somewhat discreet sticker on the back window to flag it as a government car, nothing about it would denote whom it belonged to. It was a nice afternoon for this. Athenry was really something lovely in the summer, but really not as beautiful as it was when the fields were ripe. He knew whom he was looking for, and sources had informed the young king that she would be exactly where she'd started; The Bard's Dream.

He looked over to Artemis as he walked, a faint smile gracing his lips though he was deep in thought. Ms. Quinn had been an excellent soldier and left the Creig miltary with honors after her last mission left her blinded. From what he'd heard, she'd returned to work as a bartender. Military disability would always be provided, but sources said she was doing quite well for herself. Gavin pulled his speech aide from his pocket, fingers quickly moving across the pad. "If we are lucky, Rosaleen will be willing to come back to work, the aide said, its voice human yet stiff as it played each recorded word. "Since this is a friendly visit and not official, you're welcome to relax a little." God only knew how the tall, gorgeous creature at his side worked harder than anyone knew. Really, without Artemis, Gavin feared the country would fall apart.

The door pushed open slowly, the King trying to make as little noise as possible as he walked into the pub. It was plenty full, but it was a decent time of day. The Bard's Dream's crowd was quiet though, all sitting and listeing as their publican sang. The tune was soft and not too high, the Fields of Athenry holding each of its residents almost spellbound. Gavin motioned for Artemis to stay quiet a moment, wating for the tune to finish before joining the patrons to applaud Rosaleen. "That was lovely."

[Guest]

Artemis stood behind Gavin as normal. She could rarely relax when the two left the castle or any government building. Her training had taught her to stay vigilant always. "Since this is a friendly visit and not official, you're welcome to relax a little." She couldn't help but laugh slightly in her head. He should know that escorting the king into a busy area was never something he could relax....and how the hell was she meant to relax when she was carrying a set of nu chucks between her breasts and several other weapons on her person.

Soon they entered the pub and her sensed went on overdrive. Taking in the sights, smells and all the sounds. While taking in the exit's she let the music drift into her ears. the voice was soft and soothing like a mother lullaby. As Gavin clapped and complimented the bard she stood behind him once more. Tall and professional.

[Rosaleen Quinn]

"Low lie, the fields of Athen Rye
Where once we watched the small free birds fly~
Our love was on the wing,
We had dreams and songs to sing.
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athen Rye."

The notes hung about the air before drifting into silence along with the words, her ears having already heard that someone had entered into the establishment. She just didn't know who. Everyone that was there she knew how they walked, exactly how much weight and such. This.... she didn't know these two people. Standing up, as her heels clicked against the floor she sent out another ping, soon receiving back an "image" of the two. Ah.... A man and a woman then. She curtsied at the applause and smiled, listening to the cheers that reverberated about the room.

Her head tilted slightly at the strange sounding voice that peeked out amongst the rest of the noise, noting which direction it had come from. She noted the sudden sounds of chairs scraping against the floorboards and the whispers that went about. Taking another step forward, she sent out another ping and realized that everyone was now bowing to the person that came in, her brows furrowing. Now her pub was eerily quiet, the only sound coming from her boots as she stepped forward, her green eyes focusing on the general direction that these new visitors must be standing. "Thank ye sir. Welcome to the Bard's Dream, I'm Rosaleen Quinn. Is there anything that I could get ye?" She asked of them, bowing at a 45 degree angle from the waist in greeting as a hand touched her stomach to go along with the motion.

The fact that she remained so casual must have allowed everyone else to relax, turning her head to nod to people so that they would be at ease. She had a few guesses as to whom it could be that would cause such a reaction, but she wasn't absolutely positive. So for now she would remain the gracious host and try to make these people feel at home. She noticed that her father had moved since she was now walking back behind the bar counter, her red hair curling about her shoulder blades as she turned her head. "Or are ye both here on some sort of business?" She added carefully, cocking her head to the side as she got a glass of water for herself.

[Gavin Etheridge]

Gavin smiled gently to the pub patrons as they all suddenly stood and bowed, giving a gentle nod after a moment to try and urge them all back to being relaxed. Even after years of working on it, he'd just have to settle for there always being that small, awkward moment when he walked into public places unannounced. His gaze drifted to the publican as she bowed, the patrons slowly resuming their drinks. So this was the Captain... He'd seen her file, of course, but there was always something in meeting your soldiers face to face that he loved; it was like meeting someone that he knew deserved his thanks on behalf of everyone else. Fingers flew across the keypad as he stepped closer to Rosaleen and stood in front of her bar.

"Captain Rosaleen Quinn... It is very nice to meet you in person. As your King, first I would like to thank you for your years of dedicated service." Gavin placed the aide on the polished wood of the bar, looking directly at her face as she filled her own glass with water. The file said she had resigned after she was blinded, but he was more than impressed at the moment; she got around as though there were nothing wrong at all. It showed just how strong her spirit was; a trait Gavin loved to see in every Creig. That unyieding resolve. Even though he knew she couldn't see it or properly convey the sincerity from the speech aid, he smiled warmly as he held out his right hand to her slowly, shaking hers firmly.

Letting go, Gavin stepped up and took a seat at the stool in front of him and resumed typing a moment. He felt himself relax slightly, knowing that Artemis wouldn't leave his side for a heartbeat, even if he himself felt there was presently nothing to fear. "And as your patron, I would like a bottle of Smithwick's, please." It was a friendly visit just to ask a simple question; simple questions could be asked over ale.

[Rosaleen Quinn]

It was quiet for a moment, giving the smallest extra tilt as she heard the sound of a keypad being typed upon. Then footsteps. This.... Could it be... If this was the case, why were they here? Her appearance did not falter or shift, as hard as that was. She did stand a little taller, her pings revealing he was holding a pad. Then he spoke. And she was addressed by a rank she hadn't used for years. Standing to attention, she saluted, her hand remaining at her forehead. It was as if her entire bartender persona had been cast aside, the soldier within her flowing into her body once more. Finishing the salute, her hands lowered to her side as she relaxed, bowing her head once more to the man that was the King. Dear lord... the king.. here. It was so unexpected. "Thank you sir. I would give all for my home and its people." She spoke, that warrior within her retreating for the moment as the pleasant bartender returned. Shifting her weight, she pinged the Dragon's Pulse once more and noticed his hand was extended, taking it with a firm grip of her own.

She could almost sense the way everyone was behaving around the pub, turning her head as if to glance to them each in turn. Then the normal volume of noise arose around them. Ahh... all was as it should be. Well, except for this surprise sitting at her bar. Once she heard him typing, she allowed herself to take another sip of her water, brushing her bangs from her eyes. "Of course sir." Her smile bloomed upon her lips, turning to where she knew their Smithwick resided. Shortly a glass was placed before him, the cap being pulled off with a resounding 'plick!' The red-golden liquid flowed into the glass with the precision of a master.

"Your Smithwick..." She drifted off as she placed it down before him, raising her deep green eyes to meet his gaze. "So what brings you to Athenry my lord?"

[Gavin Etheridge]

Sitting at this woman's bar and watching how she moved, the world seeming to flow with her intrigued him completely. She seemed to know whwere he was to shake his hand, find what she needed... never faltering, never unsure. He'd definitely chosen right to come and see Rosaleen. Even if she were to say no to his request, being served a beer by such a rare person of this calibre was more than worth the trip. Gavin smiled, patting the stool next to him for Artemis to take a seat. He knew she wouldn't relax or drink with him here in public, but when they got home he certainly owed her a glass of something at least.

"So what brings you to Athenry my lord?" Gavin picked up the pad and turned the volume down a few clicks to make his voice more suited to speaking privately with his bartender rather than announcing himself in the room. "To be perfectly honest, Captain, you do. Gavin paused, taking a sip of the ale, loving the beutiful colour of it. The dark stouts were good for a filling snack, but some days with gorgeous afternoons just needed ale. Fingers steadily flew across the keypad, the voice speaking only a few words behind what was typed.

"You have already given so much for Creig and I thank you for it... But I have come here to ask if you would consider returning to duty on a special assignment. The mainland is in a bad state right now; I would not risk my people for their idiocies. However I cannot turn a blind eye to the new alliances forming during all of the tension. Again, you have served well and given much already, so taking it would be entirely up to you; if you say no I will still leave here honoured to have spoken with you."

[Rosaleen Quinn]

The scrapings of a chair.. Turning her head towards the sound, she took the smallest step forward and pinged the dragons pulse, seeing a man leaving his money upon the counter. "Take care ye hear?" Murmured the man before he headed out the door, Rosaleen's smile following him. "Thank ye sir. Have a good one!" She spoke, the money sliding into her hand and then under the counter as she slipped it into her apron. It would all get put away somewhere later, but not now. Not with such an important guest before her.

Another ping, another image. Her unseeing eyes focused upon him once more, glancing briefly down to his speech aide. It sort of made her smile on the inside. The fact that such a person of power also shared a disability was somehow... reassuring. As if she hadn't gotten over that hump when it popped up. Oi that had taken a while... But such matters were past! Wait... he came here for her specifically? Her hands paused as they were about to finish drying out a glass, her brows furrowing in puzzlement. That so? Whatever for? She had been discharged. Unless..... Patience Rosie. He'll get to it. She told herself, resuming her drying of the glass as her ears perked up to the sound of his typing. Lots of it.

And so she had her answer. As he explained further and further, she just plain stopped. She almost dropped the glass. Aye, almost let it slip right out of her hands onto the floor she was so stunned. She... She could return to duty? Touching a hand to the counter to steady herself, she put the glass down before she dropped the damned thing, disbelief on her features. This wasn't a cruel joke... This was real. Blinking a couple of times once he had finished, she straightened up and saluted him once more. No way was she passing this up. "I'd be honored to serve my country again sir. I'd gladly take this assignment." Was her response, her hands lowering to her sides once more. Oh she could sense her fathers reaction in the other room, but they could talk later. He'd understand, she knew he would.

[Guest]

Artemis after scanning the pub for the twentieth time slowly sat beside Gavin. She ordered a juice to drink while he talked politics with this woman....Julie was it? Then again she couldn't be sure if that was her name or not. she lent back to take a sip when she paused. The man on her other side was starring at them. she finished her drink and frowned. Why was he staring? Artemis frowned and looked over. It was clear that Gavin was the king. Even though she had told him time over time to disguise himself in public but the man was almost too trusting.

She gave the man a glare moving closer to Gavin. "Gavin." she hissed into his ear. "You should of worn a disguise...." Huffing slightly she worried for her dear sweet kings safety. Looking to Rosaleen she smiled slightly. "Please try and wrap this up quick." she added before sitting back down giving another glare to the drunk.

[Gavin Etheridge]

The enthusiasm of the former captrain was marvelous to see and exactly the answer that Gavin had been hoping for. He smiled, relaxing again and taking a long sip of his ale. He smirked faintly, letting out a soft breathy sound that would have been a laugh and skaing his head as Artemis downed her juice and practically growled at one of the patrons as she complained about his lack of a disguise. Really... What was he supposed to disguise himself as? A pirate? Though that would be pretty cool... He might have to get Sorcha to program his aide to include the word "Yarr".

"Please try and wrap this up quick." he took another small sip as he typed. Though he knew she couldn't see it, Gavin gave Rosaleen an apologetic sile and then glanced at the patron that his guard seemed to be getting riled up over. "Don't worry, Artemis. We will be done shortly. Now, Captain, there are a few things you should know about this task. First and foremost that you will not be sent anywhere too dangerous alone, and that given the sensitive nature of it, and of current affairs, this mission will for now be off the record."

He couldn't disclose all the details here in the pub, naturally. Much as he would like to and as relaxed as he felt, Gavin knew better. But He also knew that the woman would at least need to know that much. Courtesy never hurt. Gavin downed the last of his ale, looking very satisfied. "So tell me, Ms. Quinn... How is your singing in Cretan?"

[Rosaleen Quinn]

Unfortunately Rosaleen didn't realize that one of her patrons was staring so rudely at Artemis and the King until she could hear the guard whispering to him. Her other senses were much stronger than they used to be after all. Another step, another ping, now just what was the issue? She couldn't have this in her-- Oh, her father was tapping a man on the shoulder, the two speaking in low tones as he helped the drunk man out of the door. Good on ya dad. Ah... Old Marty. Least he was harmless, he'd been going to their pub for many a year. Nodding to her father as his footsteps reverberated near the bar, he sat down on the far end just to keep an eye on things. She also suspected that he wanted to better hear these details that would involve his daughter. Her smile was faint, but at peace even as that rush of excitement still flowed through her bones.

Aye, their smiles were lost even though she could tell that they were looking at her again. One thing she needed to work on was increasing the level of detail she could detect with her pings. Facial expressions and even small movements if she didn't ping often enough, just gone. Unless she wanted to ask for their permission to touch their faces, but that didn't really seem proper given the situation. So instead she listened to their exchange, her chin lowering slightly as he began to speak to her once more. Off the records eh? Sounded shady, not that she really cared or minded. She was sure to be rusty despite how she'd at least kept her body in shape for the past few years.

Glancing to the other patrons with her sonar-like abilities, she saw them paying close attention to their ale or their own conversations. Good. She didn't want to have to ask everyone to leave just for this. Briefings would be received at a later date with more detail. Thats usually how such things went. Public places were good to blend in, or to deter from interference but they were always risks. He was in good hands here though. Blinking at the odd question, she brushed her bangs from her face, green eyes resting upon her king. "Well I might be a bit rusty with the language, but it should be good as it is in Creig. Just a matter of using it again." She answered, picking up that she may be going to Creta. Now what could she be doing..... Hold the phone.. infiltration of some sort?

[Gavin Etheridge]

Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, Gavin pulled out a wallet and a small envelope, the red wax seal pressing it shut. It seemed archaic in a time of e-mails and cell phones that you could video chat on, but something about some of the older standards just felt timeless and that they shouldn't be put aside so easily. He pulled out a few small bills, enough to cover his ale and Artemis' juice and still leave a tip for his good publican and placed them on the counter in front of Rosaleen. Gavin held the envelope out to her, his hand near the money, knowing she would either anticipate it or bump her hand into it when she took the money.

The small envelope was a soft linen colour and blank save for the braille bumps that moved across the frong of it, its back sealed with red wax and the broadsword pointing skyward; the sword that adorned Carraig's flag. The letter inside had also been printed in braille just for the Captain. He'd brought it just in case things went as planned and she accepted the mission; the letter was not a full briefing, but would instruct her to come to the castle that Friday to listen to her objective. Even at that point she could still say no, but something about the way the woman's inner soldier sprung forth without hesitation told him that wouldn't really be a concern.

There was a quiet moment of tapping with his other hand. "I will look forward to hearing it, then. You have been a most excellent hostess, Ms. Quinn." Gavin turned his gaze to the man at the end of the bar who had been watching so keenly and whom had redirected the other patron a few moments ago. He'd been told that the pub was owned and run with her father. Gavin typed another moment before looking at Mr. Quinn with a soft smile. "You must be very proud to have such an incredible soldier in your family, sir. On behalf of Carraig, I thank you both."

[Rosaleen Quinn]

Sensing the movement, she remembered that she had her glass of water and took a sip, glancing in the direction of her father as he drank his own glass of ale. Aye, he was concerned. Even if he knew better than to worry. Cocking her head slightly at the rustling of paper, another ping told her what it was. An envelope and the required pay... Reaching her hand forward, she slid both beneath the counter with a single fluid motion, a small smile on her lips. Nodding to him, she made a note to read it later, realizing rather quickly as she placed it down with the cash that it was typed up in braille. Wow. That was... unexpected. She supposed she should had known he might have something like this, but the fact he had taken her blindness into such consideration was very touching. It was as if her patriotism swelled within her bosom, her other hand reaching for his empty glass so that she could clean it.

Stepping over to the sink, she started to rinse out his glass, her ear almost seeming to twitch as she picked up his tapping. "Of course sir. Oh thank ye, it was an honor to serve ye my lord. I will be sure to answer post-haste." She spoke with a warm smile, the fact that she had just served the king of her country weighing down within her. That wasn't exactly something that happened everyday, and especially not with consequences like this. 'Twas truly an auspicious day.

Her father? Pausing as she was wiping down the glass, her head turned in the direction of her father, green eyes seeming to rest upon him. James Quinn straightened up from his stool and saluted Gavin with a rather serious expression upon his face. But it was clear that he was positively glowing with pride. "That I be m'lord Etheridge. My wife, god rest her soul, would be as well were she here. Thank you for giving her such an opportunity to serve her country once more. Can't tell ye how happy this makes her." He then gained a rather broad smirk, relaxing as he brushed a few gray hairs from his face. The warmth that radiated off of him in an aura could be clearly identified within Rosaleen, his shocking gray eyes still twinkling with laughter that never really seemed to die.

It was good to see her father speak, and... well... He was right. She truly was EXTREMELY happy to be able to do this! Though it would be strange to be away from her father again so that she might serve, she knew that they would readjust to how they had been before when she was off on missions a lot more. And boy was it going to be quite the interesting task. She didn't know then, but she would soon be the new addition to a bar in Creta, gathering intel on their neighbors as war seemed to loom on the horizon. After all, forewarned is forearmed. Later that night, she would read her mission after speaking with her father before packing up and writing out her answer. Aye, she would do this. For the good of Carraig and its people that she loved so dear.

[EXIT THREAD]

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