One Eternal Ember

Chapter 2

"Kasdeya? What an interesting name." Jax replies, glancing at me then reaching his hand out. "Anyone is welcome in here as far as I'm concerned. We take care of Folks." I reach out and shake his hand gently, taking note the lack of callouses on his palm.

He releases my hand and continues to hold eye contact with me. "Where you from Kasdeya?"

I open my mouth to speak, but Lilith interrupts. "She's from Hendrix. The Port North of Elandra. Isn't that intriguing? I knew she wasn't from here just by the way she walks. She's solid on her feet that one."

"I am right here you know. I take pride in my even footing and balance. It takes a lot to work on a ship during storms." I shrug adding some casual movement to my statement. "Besides the ropes from the ships will burn the skin right off your hands if you're not careful." Lilith plops down on a stool at the bar, as I follow her lead and sit down next to her, resting my elbows on the counter.

"I've heard being on ships is hard work. I've never done it though. I grew up in this Tavern so it's only right I bartend here after my Pops passed." Jax says, turning away to retrieve two glasses. He turns back and sets them on the counter in front of us. "So what will it be tonight ladies?"

"Oh c'mon Jax, you know my order. I get the same thing every time I come in here." Lilith complains, waving a hand in the air.

"Ginger Tonic. Minimal ice if you can. I don't enjoy nearly breaking a tooth." I respond shifting in my seat to keep watch on the door.

"A Ginger Tonic girl? I like her already Lil." Jax grabs my glass and scoops a small amount of ice into it setting it on the counter once more. He then grabs the Tonic and pours it in the glass, sliding the glass back to me.

"Thank you." I say as I grab the glass and turn to face Jax, taking a sip of my Tonic. He moves to grab another bottle, and a larger glass. Then he scoops the ice into the glass, and places the glass under a barrel. Flipping the nose, he fills the glass up then flips the nose down to stop the flow. He slides the glass along the counter to Lilith, who stops it with one hand.

"Thanks Jax. Say, have ya had any new customers?" I watch as she lifts her glass and takes a giant swig, grinning like a man and slams her glass on the counter.

"I've had quite a few actually. Some very nice looking ladies came in last night and had four rounds of drinks. They tipped real good too. Some gentlemen as well, but they're all ruffians lookin for a good time for a night."

"Ah, so no one I'd find interesting?" Lilith asks before chugging some more of her drink. "What is that?" I ask watching her slam the glass down.

"Only the best beer in this damn town." She says with a grin only meant for mischief. "I suppose it makes sense that you would drink beer." I reply smiling and taking a sip of my Tonic.

"That's what I said as well." Jax says chuckling quietly.

"Ha haaa. Atleast I got the guts to drink this crap. You can believe that."

"Oh we know you do Lil." Jax replies glancing at the men at the other end of the bar. "I'll be right back to y'all." Then he moves to the gentlemen at the end and starts engaging in conversation with them, while pouring them drinks.

"Say, I'll be right back. I need to use the restroom. Don't leave without me, kay?"

"I wouldn't dream of ditching you Lilith. Take your time I can always get a refill."

"Yeah yeah I'm sure you will." She replies, standing up and walking to where I can assume the restroom would be. I lift my glass once more, taking a sip of my Tonic. I enjoy the burn as it slides down my throat slowly. I deserve the burn after leaving home the way I did. My brother will never forgive me. As for my parents? I could care less. They only ever tried to control me and monitor my every move. Leaving home was the best thing for me. Even if it tore my family apart, and had me banished. A crooked smile forms on my face just thinking about my step mothers angry red face, twisted out of anger. She always did look like a rotten tomato. I was barely Nineteen and still wasn't free of my family. It was embarrassing. My abyss colored hair, and greenish blue eyes with a hazel ring around my pupil, made me easy to extinguish from the crowds at home. My cloak now covers my hair thankfully.

My attention snags on the Tavern door opening, as two men walk in. One with brown hair and distinguished hazel eyes, high cheekbones, full lips, and a straight bridged nose. He was about 6'4 if I could put a guess to it, with a built frame and well balanced feet. He looked like a fighter. My eyes move to the man standing next to him and snag on the scar hovering along his jaw and down his neck. This man had the same frame, but a sharper jaw, piercing blue eyes, and dirty blonde hair. He too was well balanced but leaned more on his right foot. I removed my gaze, picking up my glass, not completely dismissing them. I knew they were looking at me and I couldn't help but smile. They knew I was a threat.