[@sharksama] [@DriveEMOut]

The tavern was quiet this time of night, no tankards clinking, songs singing, nothing but the subtle crackling of the hearth's flame.

Claudia stood behind the bar, softly humming to herself as she wiped down a few empty mugs and tankards and set them back.  Not a soul around but her as her tired blue eyes looked around surveying the empty tables and chairs.  At least earlier it was festive as always, but alas, she didn't like that feeling, loneliness.  When she was alone, she thought.  When she thought, she remembered.  And when she remembered, she...

[i]Cut it out![/i]

She gave herself a mental slap on the wrist, resuming her lovely singing to herself while she wiped down the counter.

The door swung open suddenly, catching the woman offguard.  She gasped, her eyes dilated at the sight of the man beaten and drenched in blood.  He stood in the doorway panting, shivering, his eyes full of fear.

[color=ed145b]"Collin!  Good lord!"[/color]  Claudia looked at the man worried.  [color=ed145b]"What happened to you?  Where are the others?"[/color]

"It...it was the Enforcers!"  Collin shakily answered.  "They ambushed us!  They...they killed everyone, Claudia!"

Claudia gasped, her heart sinking in her chest.  The fools, she warned them not to get so cocky, now Brian, Joseph, and Levi...such fine young men...they were all dead, so was...  No!  She couldn't be!

[color=ed145b]"What about Etoiles?!"[/color]  Claudia grabbed the boy by his shoulders, practically shaking him.  [color=ed145b]"Please Collin, tell me she is okay!"[/color]

"She is!"  Collin gulped.  "But the Governor has her!  They're torturing her right now, Claudia!  We have to stop them!"

Thank the gods Etoiles was alive, but the news was even grimmer than Claudia expected.  [color=ed145b]"Let's hurry then!"[/color]  She broke away from Collin and grabbed the small pistol from behind the bar, cocking back the hammer.  [color=ed145b]"I'm not much of a fighter, so you will have to cover me, boy.  Can you still fight?"[/color]  She asked Collin while reaching for her red shawl and throwing it over her shoulders.

"Y-yes ma'am!"  Collin quickly nodded.

[color=ed145b]"Good."[/color]  Said Claudia already running out the door into the foggy city streets.  [color=ed145b]"Now make haste!"[/color]

Collin followed behind the woman clutching his rifle tight.  Claudia, she may not have the skill of a fighter, but she damn well had the spirit.  You could just see the fire blazing in her eyes.

Not long, the two had arrived.  "I'll cover you from the hill."  Collin whispered overlooking the warehouse.  The Governor's Enforcers were swarming the place.  Claudia was either brave...or drunk to think she could just mosey up to the pompous bastard.  "Are you sure he will listen to you, ma'am?"

[color=ed145b]"If he doesn't...then shoot him, Collin.  At least I'll die happy knowing he'll be in Hell."[/color]  Claudia stated grimly.  Down the hill she went towards the warehouse, emerging from the black shadows into the pale light of the moon.  The cold chill of steel against her bare thigh, it was a gentle assurance from the flintlock tucked in her garter.

Boldy she stepped out front of the warehouse, calling out, [color=ed145b]"Let the girl go you bastards!"[/color]