Ray was singing a raunchy little ditty under his breath as he approached the tavern. He was actually quite pleased with his recent acquisition and with the price he paid for it. And with the 'negotiation.'

"When I was 'prenticed in Lendr'a/ I came to see my dear..."

She was quite willing to let it go for free, but Ray had more respect for the instrument than to take it for free. However, he couldn't go spending his money willy-nilly like before. He had to budget what few funds he had left, at least, until the StarDusk Pirates could bring in a nice haul. 

"The candles all were burning/ The moon shone bright and clear..."

[i]That's what life is going to be from now on, isn't it? High larceny with the occasional side order of slaughter.[/i] As a pirate flew out of one of the tavern's windows, he added to himself, [i]And bar fights. Especially bar fights. Can't forget the moment that I signed onto this crazy adventure. Well, actually...[/i]

"I knocked upon her window/ To ease her out of her pain..."

Entering the tavern, he deftly dodged a barstool and sidestepped a pair of grappling brutes, all while carrying the viola case. He saw a glimpse of the captain in the fray, but not much of her, being obscured from view by the larger men. [i]She can handle more than this, no problem.[/i] Their eyes met for an instant, hers bored and his flashing with a wink.

"She rose to let me in and then..." 

He stepped over to the bar, nicked a bottle of gin and navigated his way out of the fight and tavern. [i]If I'm a pirate, may as well act like one, and what better way to start than some petty larceny?[/i]

"...she barred the door again."