"Aye, that 'as a close one, Jim," whispered Tedmin in Jymson's ear. 

The big oaf roared with laughter, almost doubling over. "Close?" He snickered, "you seen me closer to trouble than that, you knave." 

Tedmin shrugged his shoulders, just glad that the situation had resolved itself without incident. Jymson was indifferent, and back to his charmingly gruff ways before the Lord had barely turned from him. Life was cheap in Deliar, you either got shanked or you didn't; this was Jymson's reasoning. He'd seen many things out on the streets, and inside the very room in which he now stood - things that would turn the stomach of a sheltered man, and twist the piety of a stalwart priest. You got one go in life, and death was all you got as a reward, no matter how you lived. That being the case in Jymson's eyes, ale, mead - but never wine - were admirable companions, and of them he was very fond. 

Chucking back perhaps his eighth tankard of [i]Sunset Parapet[/i], and chasing it down with a chunk of stale bread, he sighed heavily, as if just completing some monumental task. Lord Valfunde returned to him then, and Jymson felt an odd delight in the thought of thrashing the man over the head with Peace Keeper. Seldom had he battered a Lord, and the blank paleness of his left eye reminded him that acting rash did not always respond with a live-or-die ultimatum.

[b]"I apologize for the damage this arrest may have done to thee. I am glad I found no reason to haul any man out of here, least of them ye."[/b] said the Lord, bowing his head.

[i]Get fucked, prickless high born.[/i]

"Ahem," Jymson cleared his throat, and bowed his head slightly in return. "No apologies required, my Lord."

[b]"I sent a runner to ensure the soldier responsible's been found. I am sure he will love the stocks in your stead."[/b] Lord Valfunde said, pausing to point a Robin with his thumb. [b] "And another round for the pikeman 'ere and his lads. There's been too much turmoil here lately."[/b]

"You do me great honour, my Lord," replied Jymson gruffly, feeling slightly vindicated. He gave a wink towards Robin as thanks for getting his back. Turning to Tedmin, Jymson cupped his mouth and shouted. "More for Rob and his boys, you useless whoreson!"

Tedmin, who was standing only three feet away, jumped at his friend's booming voice, spilling a tankard of [i]Deliar Blues[/i] all over the bar in front of him. He scowled at Jymson, and for a moment the oaf finally thought he'd pushed his old friend over the edge, but then Tedmin's twisted features lessened and before long both of them were powerless to form words as their chests heaved with laughter.