Dalious, at least, agreed readily to her proposal, but Lapis wasn’t sure she thought too highly of his opinion, especially as he flitted from their table over to a nearby bard with hardly a glance back. The music they made together was nice enough, she had to admit. 

Lapis hid her disappointment as Ashe, too, left the table to go gambling. Her agreement was the one she had wanted most. Well, at least the woman might come back richer. No use trying to draw blood from a stone.

She turned to Fyr–perhaps her last chance at joining this little circus. She didn’t know him well enough yet to determine what he really thought, but he did agree to repay her. It would have to do for now.
 
Lapis let herself fully smile when Ashe returned to the table, jingling merrily. [color=da5e64]“Indeed, you are lucky. I only hope you count me and Arthur here among your group and share your luck with us.”[/color]

She would have said more, but a huge brute approached the table and challenged Fyr to an arm wrestling match, of all things. [color=da5e64][i]This place sure has changed since I was here last.[/i][/color] She tried to squeeze through the ring of thugs to watch Fyr in action, but only got through in time for the screech of pain from his opponent. The atmosphere changed rapidly as everyone tensed for a brawl. Lapis could feel her heart thundering in her chest as she made brief eye contact with Fyr. Even he looked panicked, like he was looking to her for a solution. She shifted a hand to her dagger hanging from her waist and gave him a subtle shake of her head. 

To her surprise, Arthur stepped in, insisting it was all a mistake. She wasn’t sure these thugs could be persuaded, but it was worth a shot. [color=da5e64]“Oh, it was an accident for certain! He hardly knows his own strength, you see. I’m sure you’ve broken a door or two just by closing it, haven’t you? You seem a strong sort yourself. Why don’t we buy you a drink and part here as friends?”[/color] She turned her head and tried to catch Ashe’s eye in the crowd.