<hr/><strong>Tagged:</strong>Aurora, Joy<br/><strong>Location:</strong>New Amsterdam, Hotel Cigüeñal<br/><hr/><br/><br/>Cigüeñal wasn’t exactly the nicest place to stay in New Amsterdam, and that was saying a lot for a city full of flophouses and dives. At this point in the day, the bar was quiet, most of the patrons still up in their rooms, sleeping off whatever drug cocktail they injected into themselves last night.<br/><br/>There was one large table in the back, away from the bar, where a loud game of “Gut Knuckle” was being played. A dice gambling game favoured by bandits, traders and smugglers, it was unique for being the only game to actually have a points penalty for stabbing another player, as it so often happened before the game was done.<br/><br/>It wasn’t long before voices raised louder, becoming an actual argument. Dane had been having a good run at the table today, and when he announced his intention to leave with his winnings, one of the smaller, mouthier players objected. Thought he still had a shot at winning his money back and wanted to retain that chance. The sound of wooden chairs scraping against the floor, one crashing to the ground as the two stood up - one a mountain of a man, wide-shouldered and tall; the other a wiry fellow with a blade half his size settled on his hip.<br/><br/>A moment of silence, Dane and the twitchy fellow regarding one another, before the larger man spoke. Although he did not raise his voice, the deep tone rumbled low, clear to the ear.<br/><br/>“I have an appointment to speak with someone. It would be rude for me to keep them waiting. And for you to do the same.<br/><br/>Now sit. And excuse me from the game.”<br/><br/>Dane’s tone remained even and soft, but the other player dropped into his chair on command, as if a well-trained dog. The demand to be excused from the game was an olive branch of sorts, a way for the man to save face before the other players. But there was no doubt that it was a demand, however diplomatically presented.<br/><br/>The man mumbles something to effect of “you’re excused” and once again, Dane is all smiles. His winnings collected, as well as the straw hat he had settled beside him, and he is making his way towards the bar while tucking the money into his pocket. Straight to one of the seats beside Aurora. Settling down beside her.<br/><br/>“You are from the team, yes?”<br/><br/>It’s his guess. She doesn't look like a regular at the hotel - too many teeth. He had not yet noticed the woman sitting at the far side of the bar.