Lessons From the Devil and the Plowman [M]

[DragonSong]

"Mhm." Aria didn't seem impressed. "So, are you coming along or not? I'd rather keep an eye on you, so make the choice carefully."

[Lion]

Oh what the devil!

Will turned around right quick. "Just put that dagger away and I'll even clean the mud off your boots," he laughed and was immediately by her side.

Fuck!  "Well, I guess we needed a lackey at some point," Vance griped. Maybe he wasn't satisfied, but it wasn't all in the gutter just yet.

[DragonSong]

Aria beamed and tousled the child's hair. "Good choice, lad." She slipped the dagger back into the sheath on her thigh and looked at Vance.

"Come on then. We did the job, let's get paid."

[Lion]

How the fuck did the brat just weasel his way into her good graces!? Just like that!  Fuck, well better hold up to his end of the bargain when it came to that info of another score, or Vance would personally beat his ass.

[DragonSong]

Seeming entirely unconcerned with this turn of events, Aria led them down a few more side streets to the edge of town.

"Alright." She leaned back against a wall, pulling her flute from seemubgnt no where to begin polishing it. "He should be here soon. Act casual."

[Lion]

"You've got a real obsession with Casual, y'know that?" Vance remarked and grabbed Will by the head. "Listen kid when the guy comes along, keep your mouth shut. One peep and I'll make you regret it."

[DragonSong]

"I don't like to make a scene- unless I'm playing," she replied easily. She looked up when Vance grabbed Will but decided not to interfere.

[Lion]

The kid didn't protest and just leaned back against Vance as if he were an older brother, or even his pa. Vance disliked children, but he could tolerate them long enough if he had to.

Soon footsteps of someone approaching could be heard.

[DragonSong]

Aria's eye flicked up and she made a gesture at the two males, telling them to stay in place. She walked forward to meet the figure that came around the corner, hands shoved in his pockets and shoulders relaxed.

"Fareth."

"Rosie."

They nodded at each other and he tilted his head. "Commotion in town says you got the job done."

She arched an eyebrow. "You expect different?"

The man chuckled and in two quick motions a coin purse changed hands. Fareth's eyes flicked to Vance and Will but he didn't comment.

[Lion]

Vance kept himself in check while the pair conversed, keeping a firm hand on Will's head.  The boy didn't squirm, in fact he just stared at the stranger as if he had a cat on his head.  Or maybe he was scared of him.  Will hitched in a breath that made Vance look at him funny.

[DragonSong]

Aria slid subtly sideways, partially blocking Vance and Will from the man's sight. "Alright. You know where to find me if you need me."

Fareth nodded and tipped his hat to her, then turned and strolled away. Aria let out a soft breath and turned back to her companions.

"Okay." She held up the purse for Vance to see. "What do I owe you?"

[Lion]

"A drink first, and one for the lad. He earned it," Vance murmured. "We'll talk split in private."

Will, wasn't paying attention however. He stepped away from Vance watching Fareth leave, and when he glanced back to Aria he was white as a sheet. "You...you were doing business with him?" he asked softly, features distraught.

[DragonSong]

The bard tilted her head and frowned. "Aye." She bent to bring herself closer to the boy's level. "What's the matter, lad?" Her eyes flicked up to Vance and she mouthed, Maybe two drinks.

[Lion]

Vance squinted his eyes at the boy, wondering at his disturbance.

"That...that man is a real fuckin' demon," Will said abruptly. "You didn't tells me yer were working for him.  Why!?  WHY!?"

"Whoa!" Vance hissed, stepping inbetween Will and Aria as the kid lunged for her angrily.  He gripped his shoulder. "What the fuckin' fuck is wrong?"

"That fuck! is a bastard who shouldn't be walking this earth.  He's a monster...  And I've seen all kindsa monsters...  He..."

"Look, let's get out of here before people start looking at us weird okay?"

[DragonSong]

Aria's eyes widened slightly and she nodded, eyeing the boy a little warily. "Where do you suggest we go? We'll draw too much attention back at the inn."

[Lion]

"I know a hang out that could be useful," Vance said. "They won't give a shit who comes and who goes as long as we pay well.  So kid, how old're you?"

"Twelve, bub," Will managed to stifle out.  His face was red and he fought back the angry tears that threatened surface. "What d'ya care for?"

"Because you clearly have lived a full life for being so young. You're having a beer, kid. You need to wind down. Don't worry, we'll watch ya. Ya bastard."

"Fuck. You."  But he wiped his eyes, and seemed calmer now.

[DragonSong]

Aria hung back a bit, watching warily. Obviously the child didn't really want to be around her right now. She indicated that she would follow Vance with a quick jerk of her head.

[Lion]

Vance still didn't like the little bastard. But if it would keep him quiet and less prone to antics he figured why not. So they found their way to a dive bar, one that seemed less inclined to care if a child was in their care.

"Alright young Will. What'll ya have?" Vance asked as he took a seat at a table in the back.

[DragonSong]

Aria kept close behind them, and she drew out a chair when Vance chose a table. She angled the chair slightly so she could surreptitiously keep an eye on the door while still maintaining a presence with Vance and Will.

[Lion]

The  boy shrugged, unsure of what he could choose. He gave a grunt and gestured to Will. "You pick."

"Fine, then a beer each. I'm sure our benefactor here wouldn't mind treating a round of drinks for her compatriots."