[Thenamir]

Laevin observed the interaction between Mia and her rude customer with a shake of his head. He had no "intentions" toward Mia himself, but he liked her (and almost everyone else at the White Horse) and disliked anyone trying to take advantage of mistress Bethberry's help. The White Horse was no ale-soaked tavern where lusty serving wenches toyed with the men and vice-versa. This was a respectable establishment, and he intended to make sure the newcomer knew it.

When the beefy-looking stranger glanced his way after receiving his rum, Laevin smiled at him and motioned for him to join Laevin at his table. Planting an elbow in the center of the table with a hand in the air arm-wrestling style, Laevin said, "You're a healthy-lookin' lad. Care to have a go?" The stranger looked smug, for he considered himself to be quite strong indeed and accepted the challenge by grasping Laevin's hand from across the table and waiting for the signal to start. Most of the crowd were watching the children on the stage, but a few regulars noticed the exchange and looked with interest toward the imminent contest. Not that the outcome was in doubt, but they knew what was likely to happen and anticipated only the aftermath.

Laevin counted slowly, "Three, two, one, GO!" With that, the man across the table strained with all his might to force Laevin's knuckles to the wood. He might as well have been pitted against an arm of solid and immovable granite. Laevin toyed with the man for a few seconds, even feigning a bit of lost ground before he put forth the full strength in his mighty arm, sending his opponent's hand crashing into the tabletop. The defeated man cried out and tried to wrench his bloodied knuckles away, but Laevin gripped the hand vise-like and mashed it into the tabletop even harder as he leaned into the man's face. In a low and steady voice, he looked the man in the eye and said, "This is not the place to be pawin' at the ladies, mister. I'll thank ye to leave your lecherous eyes at home and enjoy your meal in peace. And be sure ye leave Miss Mia a generous tip." The stranger nodded quick assent. With his free hand Laevin gave the stranger a light push, releasing his grip and tossing the man his napkin with which to bind his wound.

No sooner had the stranger resumed his seat than Mia returned with Laevin's beef and parsnips. She had not witnessed the exchange, but she did notice that the stranger was exceptionally kind to her for the rest of the evening...

[ June 30, 2003: Message edited by: Thenamir ]