Unusual people

It had been a morning of utter chaos, completely out of the ordinary. The tavern was usually a place of tranquility during the late mornings, a brief respite from the hustle and bustle that characterized its nightly ambiance. But today had proven to be a stark exception to that norm. A boisterous young whipper snapper had swaggered in, flanked by a gaggle of his equally disruptive companions, and a so-called 'servant' trailing meekly behind them. They had turned the usually serene atmosphere into a spectacle of disorder, leaving a trail of havoc in their wake and making an absolute mess out of the establishment's usual decorum.

The place still wasn’t completely back to snuff as the dinner rush started to amble into the tavern. He’d hoped to have it all cleaned up before Mina got in, but that sadly wasn’t going to be the case. He’d considered whupping the bastard’s ass, and were he to go one on one with Bastien, he could probably give the kid a run for his money, but Coop was a survivor for a reason, he knew when he was outnumbered, so he’d done his best to bite back most of the things that he’d wanted to say to Bastien, simply out of a survival instinct.

At the moment he was trying to juggle sweeping up the broken glass and pottery, while also serving their patrons. It was proving to be a bit much for Coop to keep up with, so he kept muttering under his breath about when Mina would arrive. He had a feeling these  hooligans would make a habit out of coming there, not that he could be certain of such, but the general feeling he got from the encounter. He really didn’t like the idea of Mina being the only one working when and if they did. He scooped up another dustpan full of dirt and broken glass and then stretched his back. Cursing under his breath about how old he feels.

She had been off earning some extra coin, wedged between two men who liked something that not just any whore would do.  Fortunately for them, she was a whore who would, and after she had cleaned herself up, she had swept in from the kitchen, having left the two gold pieces of Coop's half in on his desk.  They had paid well for what she did, and she had little shame in it, especially because it would mean better meat when the next market trip happened.  But what she was greeted with when she came in, had her frowning, more so when she realized the two men were part of the group causing a ruckus.  She quietly took another broom and helped get up the rest of the broken glass, turning her back on the table so they could see what she was saying.

"[color=#2ecc40]Have they been like this all night?  You want me to tell them to leave?[/color]"  She would.  She had very little fear of being accosted in her own home, not with Coop there, not when she knew Colt or Ruth would be along any day now.  Maybe she should mention what Colt had been asking, when they would get another set of hands.  Maybe they should, if there was going to be more patrons of this type.  Never hurt to look out for themselves.  She winced at something that was yelled out, "[color=#2ecc40]I might go put on a winter dress or an extra layer all the more rude these ones are.[/color]"

It took Coop a second or two to realise that Mina was back and speaking to him. He was relishing in his quiet mumbling and bitching about the annoying patrons. That and he didn’t like thinking about what Mina had been doing, not that he could talk since he accepted the money she gave him. He quietly assumed it was what she wanted to do, and it was far too awkward a situation to try and have a feelings discussion about it. He just wasn’t the sort to have a feelings conversation. He turned to Mina and shrugged as she helped sweep up the last of the mess.

Their ringleader seems to have left, but there’s still some stragglers. He paused, he knew Mina could handle herself, but there was something about the leader of the group that had left a worrisome taste in his mouth. He’d seen the look in men’s eyes before, back when he was just a mercenary for hire.

Bunch of entitled pompous asses. Unfortunately their drinking helps pay our bills. If they act out again though, they seem to be more followers than leaders. I don’t like the looks of the one that seemed to be leading things. Not someone I’d ever want you to have to be alone with. He explained.

She didn't like it when Coop seemed rattled, and he seemed rattled in the moment.  But at least he seemed a bit relieved that someone had left already, she would need to pay close attention to the faces there tonight so that if she say them again with someone else she'd know the face of the one that shook him so much, and do what she could to keep them apart.  She didn't like to see Coop upset, and even though he wasn't one for emotions, she hadn't seen him shaken like this since Uncle had left.  She didn't like it, and she'd make sure she could do what she could to help ease some of that worry.

Mina sat back on her heels as she looked back over her shoulder.  "[color=#2ecc40]We make more than enough without the likes of them though.  It's always an option.[/color]"  She turned back to him and then finished sweeping up the sawdust and glass into the bucket there, taking her hand against the floor slowly to make sure there were no more shards.  She'd sweep the floor well and then mop it in the wee hours of the morning, once everyone else had cleared out, just to make sure.  She was really the only one who traveled the floors barefoot at any length, but one ever knew when someone would get a little too drunk and decide they needed to lose their shoes, or pull some other sort of shenanigans.

"[color=#2ecc40]Besides, you know we make better money off the weekend crowds without a week night ruckus like these jokers.  They're nasty.[/color]"  She knew, the two she had serviced, she knew from that act just what sort of people they were, she could extrapolate out what their boss might be like.  She was fairly certain the rope burns along her arms and throat would be more apparent in day light, than fire light, and she hoped sorely that Colt, nor Ruth would be by in the next few days until they healed, otherwise she would have one or both of them fussing at her.  "[color=#2ecc40]If I see this lot come in again, I'll make sure to come wake you if you're not out here already.  Or when Colton comes, you know he'd not let anything happen to me while you rested.[/color]"  She didn't figure she needed to mention Ruth, he should know well enough that the three of them, her men, were the only ones she trusted, besides Uncle.  Herself, and them.  "[color=#2ecc40]I'll still come wake you, in case they start trying to think they can take things over on their own[/color]."

Coop wasn’t the sort that was good at talking about feelings, or really even thinking much about them. Because if he did, even for a minute, there was no way he’d let Mina continue on with the manner she made extra cash for them. He took the money of course, but somehow convinced himself it was what Mina wanted, and who was he to disagree.

He smiled at her as she helped him clean up the place, while also keeping one eye on the few from the group that remained, though they seemed to be a little less rowdy without their ringleader. He was just burning their faces into his memory, which wasn’t always reliable, as he was getting up their in age.

Yea, Colton, I’d definitely feel better about you being around them when he’s here. I mean, I know you can handle yourself, but since it’s not just a single person making trouble. He also thought to himself that he didn’t want her, uh, letting them have her service in other matters either, but she wasn’t stupid, he didn’t feel he needed to state the obvious.

Mina, too, would feel so much better if Colt was there at the moment, if she knew his thoughts on the matter.  This group was bad for business, and obviously the both of them seemed to come to the same conclusion about them -- they weren't their normal clientèle, nor were they the type they wanted to have around more often.  So now that the glass was cleaned up, and some fresh saw dust was placed down to keep the floor from getting moldy from the liquid as it dried out, she went to get back up to her feet, pecking a small kiss over on Coop's cheek.

"[color=#2ecc40]You got it Coop, I'll be careful, and I'll send a note off to Kirkwall and let Colt know about them.  Maybe he has a clue about who they are, and it never hurts to ask.[/color]"  She waited, to see if Coop would need some help getting back up, but she busied herself in checking the table right there to make sure it was clean, so it wasn't too obvious of what she was doing.  She knew a man had his pride, but she would be there with a hand when he needed it.

Coop always worried about Mina, but not like this. This Bastien had set him on edge, something he hadn’t felt since his mercenary days long ago. He didn’t trust Bastien as far as he could throw the young man, and although Coop was strong, he definitely couldn’t throw Bastien far. There was something about his eyes, a sort of voidness in them, like the only thing that mattered to Bastien, was Bastien, everything and everyone else be damned.

He gave Mina a grateful nod, appreciating her understanding and support. That sounds like a good plan, Mina. Hopefully, Colt will have some insights. With a sigh, he looked around the disarrayed tavern, mentally preparing for the next wave of guests, hoping they won't be as rowdy as the last. He couldn’t stop thinking about Bastien, he hadn’t gotten any surnames while they were there, and no one looked overtly familiar, but then even when Coop been younger and a mercenary, he never really stopped in one area long enough to get to know the people, and was a bit of a shut in these days.

We should reach out to Nathaniel as well, he might know them from his Free Marcher days. He sent a letter not long ago that said he might be back for a visit now that the Blight is over in Ferelden. The more information they could find on the hooligans, the better prepared they would be if they all came back.

Of course, maybe we should get some dogs too, Colt says there're these dogs that are super smart and the old ehlven goddess she had them too. She was happy he praised her idea. He may not have been her biological father, but Coop had taken care of her her whole life, and Uncle Nate too. Now, it was a matter of asking Colt if he knew. Maybe she'd ask Ruth too, the next time he came through if he knew anyone who fit the description. The two of them usually had connections in places that got information rather easily. One day she'd figure that part out, but tonight was not one of those nights. And it didn't hurt that Colt was around more often now, and she was starting to turn down some of the requests for her time.

How things could change when it came to affairs of the heart. Uncle Nate said he'd come by? It's been a whole decade since I saw him last. You think he'll bring me a gift from where he's been wandering? She teased, a little, because before Colt had told her of the sea, she hadn't really wanted to leave her home, and now she had plans for trips, a few days here and there, safely within range of home, with Colt, and soon enough with Ruth too, and all these things she was excited for. You wanna work the bar, I'll take over out here and start cleaning up the tables for the night, get em ready for the morning. I'll avoid over there until they call for some more.

She knew she should get back to work, busy to get everything back in place and orderly for tomorrow, but she couldn't bring herself to leave Coop then. She didn't get a lot of time with him, most evenings, so when she could steal a moment here and there, she did. She never knew her exact footing with him, but she loved him with her whole heart, had since she was a baby, and now that she was thinking about places away from the Back Water, the idea she might leave had entered her mind -- well, every moment she could get with him, she needed to take.

I'll make sure to keep an eye on those men. If they start causing trouble again, I'll step in. We can't let them run this place. Coop said, looking determined. He was not the type to back down easily, especially when it came to protecting his home and his family. Mina might not be his blood, but he was determined that he wasn’t going to make the same mistakes with her that he had with his wife and son.

You know, it’s our anniversary coming up, the day you were left on my doorstep. I was thinking we should do something special. He wasn’t sure what that would be, he wasn’t the best at coming up with ideas on the sentimental side of things. The fact that he even remembered the date showed how much he cared about Mina, since he’d never remembered dates where his ex-wife was concerned.

The fact that Coop remembered the day she was dropped on his doorstep could be taken in many different ways. Mina liked to think it was because he loved her, after all, the man was her father, in all intents and purposes. But there were days that words from a past client came back to her.

He only remembers because that's when his life actually ended and he was stuck with you.

She knew none of that was true, at all, but at times, it still raised it's ugly head and made her doubt for a few moments, before she swept it aside again. Coop had been a warrior in the past, him and Uncle Nate both, if he hadn't wanted her, well, he would have left her out to die at some point. So it was love.

I could bake a cake, and we could go to the pond and do some fishing. Do you think when the tailor comes through on the way to Kirkwall, I could buy a bolt of cotton? I.. I want to make a nice dress. She said nice, but what Mina meant was one that covered her better. With Colt being around more often, she didn't think the tied on silks she normally wore were going to be appropriate too much longer, especially if she consciously stopped taking as many clients. For the day, a nice one that has sleeves and buttons and no slits up the sides. Maybe to just below my knees even, and then I could make you a new tunic from what was left. We should have new clothes for the day.

Cooper smiled warmly at Mina, the memory of their past anniversaries bringing a soft glow to his eyes. He reached out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. He probably wasn’t as fatherly as he ought to be, but he had just never been that good at showing his emotions. His past often haunted him, the ptsd interlaced into his brain.

New clothes, huh? That sounds like a wonderful idea, Mina, he said, his voice filled with affection and pride. How about we make a day of it? We can go to the market together, find the best cotton we can, and maybe even stop by that little café you love for a treat.

He paused, his eyes twinkling with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. And you know what? Let's make it special. I'll help you pick out the fabric, and maybe we can even find some trimmings to make your new clothes extra unique. I want this anniversary to be memorable for both of us.

@Wilhelmina

New clothes. She reiterated. She knew she couldn't keep going like she was going. Eventually being a whore would cause them trouble, but it was the best paying job she could have. But Coop never seemed to worry about money, they were poor, but they were good to one another. They'd make it with what the tavern and inn brought in without her extra curricular activities in the evening and early morning hours. I think I'd like a day, the place where Colt took me over in Kirkwall right?

It had been one of the few places she had been so far, since Colt and Ruth had started taking turns trying to show one another up in who could take her to the most magical place yet. So the idea of getting to go out to eat in the closest town, was an immediate thing to want. That, and not having to wait for the traveling merchant to come through, being able to go over into the town and get some extras, maybe some nice buttons, to do it up right, respectable clothes. I'd really like that. A nice lunch out, a small sweet treat for us both, and then some fabric to bring home and make us some new clothes out of for our anniversary. I like this idea a lot. Not that their anniversary wasn't memorable for them, it always way, but this one, this one was starting to shape up to be more memorable than others, already.

@Cooper Maxwell

Cooper scratched the back of his head, his eyes avoiding hers as he struggled to find the right words. He was never good at this, expressing how he felt. But for Mina, he’d try.

New clothes, he repeated, nodding slowly. Yeah, I get it. You deserve 'em. A day out sounds... good.

He paused, fiddling with a loose thread on his sleeve, his mind racing. He knew how hard she worked, how much she sacrificed. The idea of her having to continue her line of work pained him more than he could express. He cleared his throat, forcing himself to meet her eyes.

Kirkwall it is, then. We’ll head to that place Colt took you. Sounds nice. He managed a small, awkward smile. We’ll have lunch, get some treats. Pick out fabric. Make a day of it.

Cooper shifted his weight from one foot to the other, unsure how to convey what he wanted to say next. You, uh, ya know, you don’t. I mean if you didn’t want to. The tavern, it’s enough. We’ll manage, like we always do. You don’t need to carry all that weight. He swallowed hard, feeling a lump in his throat. Proud of you, Mina. Really am. You’ve grown into... well, you’re just... you’re something special.

@Wilhelmina

She read the deeper meaning in his words. You like Colt well enough, right? She asked, setting the sawdust aside to keep her hands free. I think I like him a lot. He treats me right and not like, well a whore. And if the tavern is enough, I think I wanna try and give him the type of woman he deserves. No more whoring. She thought a moment, and then nodded. No more whoring but I might still take a lover now and then until something more.. permanent is decided between me and Colt. She wouldn't confirm who, if asked, she was sure Coop knew that she saw Ruth simply for good sex.

But it was his next words that brought tears along her lash line, a frog in her throat, and a staggering breath.

Mina had simple wants in life. To be loved, for her the man that had been her father her entire life to be proud of her.

So when those words finally settled in, when meaning finally set in to the deeper recesses of her brain, to her heart, she couldn't stop the tears once they started.

She had needed that. Her entire life, she had needed that. To know that Coop was proud of her, because it meant that he loved her. She couldn't stop it when she hugged him, burying her face into his sternum. Her words were slurred with emotions, muffled by his tunic, but there was a very real possibility that she said, I love you too dad.

Cooper scratched the back of his head, his eyes avoiding hers as he struggled to find the right words. He was never good at this, expressing how he felt. But for Mina, he’d try. Colt, huh? he started, his voice gruff but gentle. Yeah, I like him well enough. He treats you right, and that’s what matters. Seems like a good man. Honest. Strong. Someone who’d stand by you.

He paused, fiddling with a loose thread on his sleeve, his mind racing. He knew how hard she worked, how much she sacrificed. The idea of her having to continue her line of work pained him more than he could express. He cleared his throat, forcing himself to meet her eyes, but it was also a bit awkward hearing her talk about taking lovers until she was sure with things with Colt. Well uh, er, you know, whatever you think is best, just uh. Well, make sure you’re up front with Colt of course.

Cooper's eyes softened as he held Mina close, feeling the weight of her emotions and the sincerity of her words. He gently patted her back, his own eyes misting up slightly, though he'd never admit it. I love you too, Mina, he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. We'll get through this together, just like we always have.

@Wilhelmina