Voleur de Grand Chemin
excap-rouzet‌:
Bertrand placed his hands on the bar top as he studied his former lieutenant. The creases beside her eyes had increased since he last saw her, indicative of the stress that the Red Guard had certainly caused her. For a moment, he was nostalgic for the purpose that he served. He did not enjoy serving on the Cardinal’s behalf and serving as his personal guard. He did not agree with the Cardinal on many things, especially his way to run a government, through covert lies and terror. That was one of the many reasons why he left. But seeing Germain… Ameline made him want to have a purpose again.
As she ordered and then promptly recognized him, he stifled a smirk. He moved to pour the ale and place it in front of her. As he placed it down, he nodded and grunted. “Four more ships came into the port today. That table,” he motioned to one in the back, surrounded by fourteen men with three-four passed out at adjoining tables, “has been here since eleven. They’ve paid their tab. That’s all I ask for.” He leaned down on his elbows and looked across the bar top at her.Â
“Shouldn’t you be resting for tomorrow’s watch?” He questioned her with a half-joking tone, tilted his head at her as he did so.
Bertrand was skilled at putting others at ease. As a soldier it had made him dangerous, unpredictable. As a bartender it made him friendly. Ameline let out a breath as he made the conversation flow easy. Ameline did not have the skill of her sex to make small talk. She took a sip of her ale, smirked when Bertrand talked of the table over yonder. "Sounds like a good table to play dice with," she said, licking the foam off her lips.
"I'm here because I'm on watch tomorrow, don't remind me." It was always especially cold or wet whenever Ameline was on watch. She gave a big sigh and rested her head on her hand, looking at Bertrand, the rest of the bar. It seemed like a nice enough life, Ameline supposed. Bertrand's history would be useful in keeping the clientelle in line. Business was booming. There were no early mornings, no drills, no watches. Ameline wasn't sure whether she'd welcome it or hate it.
"Do you miss it?" she asked, knowing he'd know what she was talking about. "Doesn't seem much calmer here."
