[past] Where the wild and weird roam

The tavern door swung open abruptly, slamming against the wall with a resounding thud. Danny strode in like he owned the place, his thick boots echoing on the wooden floor as he surveyed the scene with a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Blimey, it’s colder than a Frostback's arse out there, he announced, his voice loud and sharp enough to cut through the tension like a well-honed blade. He stomped his feet theatrically, shaking off imaginary snow, though his piercing gaze was already locked on Bastien.

Danny clocked the atmosphere immediately—the way the room was brimming with Bastien’s smug bravado and Maika’s restrained fury. His grin widened, all teeth now, as he sauntered over to the bar, completely ignoring the pack of lackeys hanging off Bastien like fleas on a mangy dog.

Ah, Bastien, mate. I didn’t know you’d stooped to terrorizing bartenders for a bit of fun these days. Running out of people to torture, are we? Danny’s tone was casual, almost friendly, but the razor-sharp edge beneath it was impossible to miss.

He slapped a hand down on the bar, nodding at Maika. Pour us a round, love. Something cheap for me. Wouldn’t want to waste the good stuff on this lot. He threw a pointed glance at Bastien’s entourage before leaning in closer to Maika. You alright? Didn’t think I’d walk into *this* circus when I came looking for Cooper.

Without waiting for an answer, Danny turned his full attention to Bastien, stepping in just close enough to make his presence unmistakable. Now, I don’t know what this little pissing contest is about, but it seems to me you’re wasting your time, mate. Maika’s got better things to do than stroke your fragile ego. So why don’t you and your merry band of clowns drink up and bugger off, eh?

Danny leaned on the bar, his stance deceptively relaxed, though every fiber of his being screamed readiness. His grin was still firmly in place, but his eyes... his eyes dared Bastien to test him.