Diego had gone into this resigned to the idea that there was going to be a fight, either between just the six of them or with the whole tavern joining in.  Something told him this woman was hardly this group's first victim (if she could be called that).  Perhaps the bitter relatives of another deflowered maiden would jump in to take their own revenge once properly riled.  But, it appeared he was going this alone.<br/><br/>Or, perhaps not.  With the change in music to a faster tempo and harsher tone, Diego felt any semblance of buzz from his prior drinks evaporate and a rush of clarity clear his mind.  The scene came into sharp focus and he felt as light on his feet as if he'd just dropped a set of heavy weights he hadn't even realized he was carrying.  The red-headed lout lunged forward, hollering something about squashing him, but Diego easily side-stepped him and ducked under his arm, letting the oaf blunder into a table behind him.  For a moment, he considered drawing his weapon and even laid a hand on the hilt, but ultimately decided against even the threat.  Played for not, these bastards knew what they were doing and clearly had a beating long overdue.<br/><br/>One of the thugs managed to get around behind him and grabbed Diego around the torso, locking down his arms, while another took advantage and reeled back for a kick to his twig and berries.  With his newfound clarity, however, Diego's reaction time was such that he could easily see the telegraphed blow coming, almost as if it were traveling slower than normal.  Kicking out at the thug's knee as his leg came forward, Diego stopped the attack cold and threw his head back to impact against the nose of the man holding him, hearing a sickening crack and a spray of warm fluid on the back of his head for his trouble.  "Oi!  Whatever you're doing, keep it up!" Diego yelled to the minstrel, momentarily taking his eyes off the fight.