A crowd clapped along to the tune of another song. Played by strings, without words they sing. The bar wrenches blew out each candle, putting back what had been knocked off the mantel. The men watched Elizabeth approach and stay, all falling silent. The woman shooed the drunk away ones away, all being compliant. Turning to the man dressed in fur, firmly nodding to her. He shuffled a deck of cards, the entrance and her exit blocked by guards. The men exchanged whispers followed by snickers. But Elizabeth couldn’t decipher what they were saying. The woman then folded her hands, like she was praying. Receiving the first two cards given out. She covered her face, masking the briefest pout. Dealing the other hands much faster, Elizabeth and the ten men received their cards shortly after. The dealer stood by his treasure stack, tossing Elizabeth a filled coin sack. Elizabeth felt a reassuring touch from behind, inexplicably giving her peace of mind. Seeing a plain young maiden wearing white, hair dark as the night. The maiden smiles at the woman, then departs. Elizabeth’s hand was a six and seven of hearts. The starting bet was already set...

[color=F59898]“I hope you know how to play.”[/color] The woman finally spoke up, eyes fixated on Elizabeth. [color=F59898]"Come on boys, you know we don't have all day."[/color]