<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span></div></div>Adan had already noted the stares, and so he eyed Corbin instead, hiding a thin smile behind his chunk of bread.  “I don’t know about pretty, but you<em>are</em>pleasing to the eye,” he commented before taking a bite, hoping to temper the demon’s contempt, if only slightly.  He was beginning to feel uneasy, and caught a murmur or two that prompted him to slowly gather his things.  The notebook he’d been scribbling in was put in his bag and, at the mention of his supplies, so was the capped bottle of ink and quill itself.  He was careful about body language, not wanting to move too quickly and put one of the other patrons on alert.  Damn it all, he did not want to travel in the rain, but risking soaked clothing was better than being assassinated.  Or worse… burned at the stake.<br/><br/>He slipped the map from the makeshift weights, rolled it up, and placed it back in its protective sheath, which was also secured into his pack.  Adan turned his attention back to his meal, wanting to get the most out of it while they had the chance.  Not the best quality or preparation he’d ever experienced, but it sated the belly, and he’d spent more coin on it than it was worth.<br/><br/>The room was scanned while he ate, not to looking at anyone in particular.  He was mapping out an escape route if there came a need for one, as well as who he would have to engage should they pose a threat.  At least four men sat between them and the door, though none of them wore armor.  Locals, then.  And they would likely stick together if they decided an assault was necessary.<br/><br/>Speaking of… A female voice cut through his concentration, compelling him to turn his head and look toward the figure at the front of the tavern.  It wasn’t quite the sound of her that drew his attention, though it was lovely, but the words, and the intention behind them.  In a way, he thought the proposed tale she offered was for Corbin’s and his own benefit, and it seemed he wasn’t the only one who got that impression.  She was immediately assaulted to ensure her silence, and witnessing her rough treatment set her blood to boiling.<br/><br/>He looked to Corbin, his expression all that he needed to convey his intention, and nodded.  “Been a while since we’ve had a good fight, huh?”  Adan was already scooting out of his chair, his eyes remaining on the woman and the crowd forming around her.  She surprised them all by lashing out her own defense, and he knew he needed to act quickly before the men were able to properly retaliate.  This was all their fault.  If they had only kept their head down and found a private location to wait out the storm…<br/><br/>No.  Adan would not accept responsibility for the actions of an ignorant few.  He would, however, enlighten them on how to treat a lady.<br/><br/>He left his half-eaten meal and pack at the table with full confidence in the small ward protecting his things, then went toward the fray.<br/><br/>“Aye, Gents.  Would you handle your mother’s that way?”  The air whistled just before a sharp crack split the air as wood connected with bone, and the man who had hold of the woman suddenly bellowed as he fell to his knees, sending her to the floor as he crumpled.  Someone ran to his side, who was met with a jab in the belly with the end of his staff, just as another was struck under the chin and sent flying backward onto a table.  The tavern was filled with shouts of outrage; those who were too cowardly to join in stood back and cheered on the attackers.  Nobody, of course, yelled encouragement at the newcomers.<br/><br/>Two charged at him, and he attempted a sweep of his staff to trip them up, but one managed to leap just in time to avoid the attack, and a meaty fist immediately connected with his ribs in an undercut.  Adan’s breath hissed out between his teeth, and he ducked to avoid a second swing.  Two of the three he’d struck were beginning to stir, ignoring the pain of their injuries to get their revenge.  He didn’t want to draw blood this night, and he looked to see if the woman was alright, as well as Corbin, and then the door.<br/><br/>With a growl, he chose his next opponent.