[center][img]https://i.ibb.co/2d9VK9D/Finlay-Banner.jpg[/img]
[color=ed1c24][b]FINLAY DOUGAL[/b][/color] :+: [color=ed1c24][b]RED HOOD[/b][/color] :+: [color=ed1c24][b]INTERACTION: RYDER, [@Duoya], [@Tenma Tendo][/b][/color][/center]

	Finlay stood up from the head of the table and moved slowly to the empty spot beside Ryder before plopping down theatrically and looking at the fellow Red with eyes that screamed out curses, but a face that wore a mask of reservation.  Ryder sat there with a a leg of meat in his hand, a plate of grease where the meat once soaked set in front of him, and some freshly served ale in a mug just caddy corner to his plate.  Ryder could already get a sense for what this was, a size-up, and chose not to make the first move.  He simply continued to pull meat off the bone with his teeth and gulp it down as if nothing was the matter.

	"[color=a9a9a9]So, there, Ryder,[/color]" Finlay finally chimed in.  "[color=a9a9a9]I've only got two real rules for our little 'partnership', ya follow?[/color]"  Ryder dropped the meat, letting it fall to the plate with a loud [i]clank[/i] before turning all of his attention to Finlay, wearing his agitation on his sleeve.

	"[color=f7976a]No, Finlay, I [i]don't[/i] follow because you haven't actually said anything.[/color]" The tension was palpable and Ryder's attitude was not helping matters.  He looked on at Finlay, his eyes drawn to the massive scar that decorated his face, a parting gift from some monstrosity, no doubt.  Ryder found himself wondering what Finlay actually looked like out on the field.  He'd never seen him in action but the man was not terribly large or muscular.  And yet, there was seldom ever an ill word spoken about Finlay amongst the Hoods.  A rarity.  In an organization that demands working in close quarters with people whose survival depends on the amount of aggression that you can exert upon beasts of evil, it's not uncommon for toes to get stepped on and grudges to form.  Ryder was convinced that Finlay was about ready to take a flying leap onto his toes right now.

	"[color=a9a9a9]Right. Rule, the first: If any o' my people die on a mission with you, you better fookin have died first, ya hear?[/color]"  There was no room for interpretation there.  Finlay looked at Ryder with pupils that could bore into the latter's soul.  The message was clear and understandable.  Ryder regretting his sarcasm earlier and gave a solemn nod.

	"[color=f7976a]What's the second?[/color]" he finally asked after a beat.

	"[color=a9a9a9]While we're partners, we operate like partners.  Share information.  Lead as a unified front.  Partner stuff.  Y'know, '[i]what's yours is mine[/i]' and all o' that.[/color]"  Finlay then stood up and grabbed Ryder's ale before chugging it empty within seconds.  After a lengthy and abhorous belch, he added  "[color=a9a9a9]but what's mine, don't fook with.[/color]"  He then haphazardly dropped the finished mug back in front of Ryder, the remnants of saliva and foam splashing Ryder's face as the thing fell to its side.  "[color=a9a9a9]Oy! Fairy lady![/color]" Finlay called out, his once stern tone reverting back to a jovial one as he regarded Loona, his joyousness perhaps enhanced a little by his drink.  "[color=a9a9a9]I bet you got some fookin' stories!  It's Loona, right?[/color]"  With a laugh, he moved down the table toward the fae, leaving Ryder with his soiled face and bruised ego.

	Ryder looked across the table, his eyes landing on the nearest person who happened to be a teenaged guy with an outfit that had a little flair to it, before blurting out, "[color=f7976a]I swear, that fucking guy.  I've done literally nothing to him.  I'm following orders.  Does he seriously think I [i]want [/i]to be here?[/color]"  He caught his tongue before going further and took a big breath in through his nose before letting it out slowly through his mouth.  He looked to the young man once more after regaining his composure.  "[color=f7976a]Sorry,[/color]" he said a little sheepishly.  "[color=f7976a]Anyway, you look a little young to be in this line of work, kid.  What's your name?[/color]"