The free drinks seemed to mollify more than a few of the veterans who raised their tankards in salute to the crew of the<em>Wind</em>, and the male courtesan did not find himself alone for long, some men in the Navy preferring the company of men to women, so that also helped ease the tension in the common room.  It was as if a breath of air had been let loose and patrons and servers alike started visibly relax, and settled more into their seats.<br/><br/>With the atmosphere more friendly, Elena's server returned and sat back in her lap, giggling and looking up at her.<strong>"That was well done m'Lady and I thank you.   It really is additional hard work for us.   Most the men here are merely looking to forget their normal lives so free drinks go a long way.   That won't work with Craetes and his thugs, so you had best be wary when you leave, but now that you have earned the respect of many here, they will not try to start a brawl.   The odds are not in their favor."</strong><br/><br/>As if spurred to action by the server's words, the dark and fat man that their captain had stared daggers put down their mugs and left.   It seemed they were leaving without paying as the the tavern street toughs moved to stop them.   Craetes'n;s and his men started to move their hands to their weapons and once more tension rose in the common room.