Just another afternoon at the Stag & Shark.
After awaking from one of those midday naps he swears he never takes, Jacques started down the steps from his room next to the Master Suite. Comb in hand, the Connlaothian brushed what little white hair he had to make himself look presentable to the largely unpresentable crowd who considered themselves patrons of the inn. The tavern, which served as the inn's common room, was moderately busy, quite normal for this time of day. Most sailors would still be halfway through with ship duty, sweeping the poop decks, at this time of day and it was only a matter of time before they poured in through the heavy, dark wooden door to get their daily fix of rum and mead.
"Oi! Jackie, still not dead yet ya' old sea fairy?!" Called out familiar, annoying voice as Jacques finally entered the common room.
"I still 'ave that date with ya' motha next week, Kenzie. What tavern she wenches at, again?" Sure, it wasn't the best comeback he had, but he had not yet fully awaken from his brief snooze.
The old man made his way to his seat at the bar, where a batch of shrimp and potatoes Kevin had whipped up was waiting for him. As he took his first spoonfull, he nodded for Neville, the bartender and Kevin's twin brother, to come over.
"When are ya' two leavin' me for some sailin'?" Jacques asked in his very nasal accent of Common.
"Sometime next month I suppose. Don't worry, me and Kev will let you know well before boss."
"Aye, you two sea fairies won't be hard to replace anyhow."
The McCain twin could only laugh as he walked away to attend to another patron. In truth, Jacques was both happy and sad to see them go. Happy because they were young, just a minute under twenty-five or so and much older than when he started sailing. Sad because these boys were almost like grandchildren to him.
They would always have a seat reserved for them at the Stag & Shark Inn.
"Kevin! Bring me some cherrywine!"
