Los Paraisos: Pellagio Casino: Blackjack Table
“Big Bro,” Dylan began, exasperated, left in disbelief at the staggering result of Don’s first betting that ended miserably in failure and a bust. “Do you even know the rules of the game?”
“Huh? That’s a silly question, Lil’Bro!” Don winked back. “It’s to collect all the cards, isn’t it? Hit me again!”
The card dealer, Serena, cast her eyes in Dylan’s direction, wondering if there might be some help forthcoming from him, or if the weird greased haired man in front of her was just… deranged. Was he a bit off kilter in the head, or drunk? If the latter then he should be escorted off the premises. If the former then… the hotel’s casino would be happy to take his money, but for her that was…
“Hey, why’re you taking my cards away?” Don asked as Serena took the cards back.
“Er… sirs… would you like me to explain how the game works…?” The polite woman offered.
“C’mon little bro, sit down! Let’s play!” Don laughed, gripping Dylan’s shoulder and pushing him down in the next available stool. He flicked another chip onto the table. “Hit me!” He called, before he’d even been dealt his first two cards.
“WHAAAAT?” Estelle screamed back, Trixie’s distant screaming indecipherable amongst the loud, flashy sounds from the surrounding slot machines, the general excited murmur amongst patrons and the clinking of chips from winning payouts. Trixie also seemed to be heading away from Estelle and Xandra, and moments later her words were completely inaudible to her even more.
“Rats!” Estelle swung her arm. “Now we’ve lost Trixie too! Oh well, she’ll find us okay.”
Xandra could only look in disbelief and wonder how these people possibly operated. She knew Estelle, Trixie and the rest were all Guilders, but now she also wondered what rank they were. Did Tiberius send a bunch of new rookies to help solve the troubles of Los Paraidos? Because she couldn’t imagine Guilders her rank or above could ever act like this. Then again, Aria and Thunderhawk…
"Hmm, Estelle, if you were Marcus where would you be?" Xan asked as she quickened her pace and walked beside the swordswoman, her personal questions amongst the various occupants of the casino about as effective as asking them with regards the missing women. If it wasn’t the people not knowing Marcus, it was also not caring, the people instead being much more focused on their games of chance instead.
“Oh! Oh that’s a good idea!” Estelle’s eyes widened and her hand slammed her palm as if a lightbulb suddenly flicked on. “Good idea, Xan! Now… hmm… if I was Marcus, I’d be… I know! Follow me!!”
Without warning, Estelle suddenly sprinted off, leaving a flabbergasted Xandra to follow behind.
“And that, bros, is a king, jack and ten on the flop.”
“Heh.”
Los Paraisos: Pellagio Casino: Texas Hold'em Poker Table
Situated in the Poker section of the Pellagio’s casino, a familiar wind mage sat comfortably rested at one of the many tables, his hands folded on top of one another as the three first cards of the current round were dealt out. Many of the table’s five players carefully rechecked their hand whilst making sure that prying eyes could not witness, before a new round of betting and raising was made. The stakes were high and the pot was quickly growing quite sizeable, but Marcus was fairly confident in his abilities, even despite his and Estelle’s limited funding. Marcus was actually pretty good at playing cards, wearing a proud smiling poker face no matter how good or bad a hand he was dealt. And so far, from the few rounds he had already played, the competition wasn’t much. At least, not much apart from one player on the opposite side of the table to him.
Rugged good looks, beach blonde hair and a sharp tailored suit, the man wore just as much of a grin as Marcus did. But whereas Marcus’ was pleasant and polite, this man came from one that was dominant and assuring. A real charming, ladies man. Already Marcus had noted a lot of the casino’s passing women had eyed him up, and he even had the sole female player on the table constantly stealing glances in his direction, to which he’d slyly wink back.
“Ah, bro, you’re not allowed to smoke at this table here, bro. Wrong section.” The card dealer spoke up, as the man inserted a white stick into his mouth.
“Nah, don’t you worry none, buddy,” The man grinned back, pulling it out to reveal a lollipop. “I follow the rules, alright. This just keeps me going inside, I wouldn’t want to smoke amongst all you fine and dandy people. Wouldn’t be nice.”
“Can I get any of you gentlemen and lovely lady a drink?” Asked a waitress in a fetching and revealing outfit with a notepad and tray, empty glasses propped on top.
“Get me a rum&coke, sugar, and something nice for yourself too. Thank you.” The man tipped a couple the lady a couple of gald, and received a most very grateful smile in response, as he leaned back into his seat again and casually raised the growing pot without reassessing what the table’s situation was. He exuded complete confidence.
Marcus couldn’t keep his eyes off the man either, albeit for different reasons to the love stricken women and jealous men.
This was going to be an interesting game.
Marcus called the bet.
