Fergus' brow furrowed as everyone seemed to be a bit at odds over what to eat and who was paying. Cilia seemed to just ignore the squabbling and immediately went to work trying to earn a meal that was already going to be paid for, followed quickly by Axley. Snow followed the ladies into the Squeaky Wheel as well, leaving Sasuke and Fergus to thwir own devices outside.  Frustrated with the behavior and apparent ungratefulness of his cohorts, Fergus grumbled to his fellow patrician. 

[COLOR=FF8C00][B]"I swear... no matter how nice I try to be, the poor always seem to hate me just because I have the ability to help them. Do you get that much as a Tepet? Or is it just because I hail from the House of the Empress that I'm treated with a bit of extra disdain?"[/B][/COLOR] A sigh, then a hand motion for Sasuke to follow him inside. [COLOR=FF8C00][B]"Let's go in and get bitched at for paying for everything, shall we?"[/B][/COLOR]

Before the two patricians entered, the barkeep was treated to not just one woman trying to ply her trade, but a pair of them. Before he could formulate a response to the pair of them, a shrill yell was heard from the upper story of the building. The portly barkeep audibly groaned and said [B]"I was going to warn ye... but the missus has sharp ears."[/B] As the barkeep spoke, a middle-aged woman stormed out of one of the guest rooms and down the stairs. She got right in the faces of Axley and Cilia, eyeing the two women up before going off on one.

[B]"You tarts leave my husband alone. There'll be none of that shenaniganry in my place of business. We've all the help we need. He tends bar, the boy cooks, the girl entertains with song and flute, and I make sure it all looks shiny and clean. Now be off with you if you were lookin' fer a free meal or bed!"[/B] The look on her face was not one of anger, but of annoyance and distrust. Thankfully, it did not last.

Saving the day was Fergus, who overheard the tail-end of the apparent owner's rant toward his female traveling companions. [COLOR=FF8C00][B]"Now now, there's no need for that. I apologize. My friends here are just a stubborn pair, and used to doing things their own way. I assure you, we're all paying customers. Both for some foodstuffs from the delicious-smelling kitchen as well as some soft beds for the night. We've... been walking for a while."[/B][/COLOR] Kicking his toe against the floor at the end of his little speech to bring attention to the dirt caked onto his otherwise very fine boots, Fergus then flashed a few pieces of lesser scrip to show he had money to back his claim.

The woman's demeanor shifted almost immediately to that of a cheerful barmaid. [B]"Well why didn't you lot say you were customers? Have a seat! JARRA! WHAT'S ON THE MENU TONIGHT?!"[/B] the woman literally shouted toward the kitchen. A few seconds later, the voice of a young man shouted back: [B]"RABBIT AND POTATO FRITTERS, FRIED ONION BREAD BALLS, OR TURNIPS AND RICE WITH RED SAUCE! ANYTHING ELSE, MA?!"[/B] The woman ignored the last bit and returned her attention to the group of strangers in her establishment. [B]"There ye have it. If none of that tickles yer fancy, we can see if we have anything else. But thems what's we got ready for quick eats."[/B]

Taken aback by the quick shift, Fergus then turned his gaze to both Axley and Cilia, his eyes giving a silent plea to not do that again. Taking a seat at a table near the bar, Fergus leaned over toward the barkeep and asked the man if he could get five mugs of beer. Rolling his eyes at the little display his wife put on, the chubby man seemed glad to have an excuse to get back to work and began pouring the drinks for Fergus' table. [COLOR=FF8C00][B]"PLEASE sit down, my friends. Let's get a good meal in us before we cause these fine folks any more trouble."[/B][/COLOR] A friendly wink toward the owner put a smile on her face. Being a lawyer was as much knowing how to sway people as it was knowing how to present a case... and Fergus was making use of that talent tonight.

As the barkeep brought the beers to the table, Fergus began to order his meal. [COLOR=FF8C00][B]"I'll have..."[/B][/COLOR]