@rebe1rook liked for a starter!
The Cobbled Swan wasn’t crowded yet, drifting into that odd, trickling hour between day and night. Sylvie leaned back, armour creaking, sharp eyes sweeping the room. Sunlight filtered through the leaded glass in golden rays, casting warped shapes and lazy shadows across the tavern’s wooden floor. The barkeep hummed an idle tune while polishing pints for the evening, only a few patrons scattered about, huddled in their own hushed conversations
The quiet didn’t sit well with her. She felt exposed, wary of the unfamiliar faces around them. Anyone could be a Venatori in disguise, awaiting the defector who sought Rook out. It wouldn’t be the first time they’d been tailed - and there was only one way to find out.
Sylvie glanced over at Rook, studying their expression while they looked off. She wasn’t one for needless chatter, but there was a deeper silence that clung to them ever since they’d left the Lighthouse - the kind that brewed like an overhead storm. Something weighed on them - that much was obvious. Whatever it was, it would have to wait. Sylvie needed Rook to stay focused.
“Rook,” she said low at first. The second came sharper, harder to ignore. “Rook.”
She leaned forward until she was level with them, stormy grey eyes locked onto theirs.
“Busy having a chat with your special friend?” she added, tapping her temple with two fingers.