A man named Finn - Pt. 2

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Rosila gasped when she saw the large dome like building. It was made from wood sitting next to the small river she had seen earlier. It sat away from most other buildings creating a small open field between it and everything else. It had a stable around the side and windows facing out over the river.

"Because the tavern can get pretty noisy, it sits apart from everything else. Plus, I find this field is great for drunken brawls, so the tavern doesn't suffer damage." He explained with a smile. Rosila was quietly wondering how many drunken brawls he had been in, frowning when he wasn't like any royal, she had met before.

He didn't have guards and he dressed like a fellow merchant, blending in with the crowd instead of standing out. And there was the thing with everyone knowing him and calling him Suzy. She would have to ask about that.

He smiled but didn't slow down as they entered the tavern. It was large and noisy on the inside, making Rosila cough at all the smoke. Now she saw why it sat away from the rest of the market. Suzy gripped her hand tighter as he tried to weave in and out of the groups of people there.

Once they cleared the crowded entrance to the bar, the room opened up making way for a large stage and some tables with chairs. The building was two stories with a second-floor balcony filled with more tables and chairs that sat vacant on a Tuesday night.

Someone grabbed Rosila's butt making her squeak and glare at the man who laughed. He didn't laugh for long as Suzy punched him in the face sending him flying over the table. The room grew quiet as Suzy shook out his fist. They shuffled nervously as the angry king glared at them.

"Anyone else want to touch my girl?" He growled at them. They shook their heads in easy surrender, deciding now was a good time to leave. They scattered quickly leaving the bar.

"Damn it, Suzy! Those were paying customers! Where the hell do you get off?" A chubby looking man hissed. He came to a halt when he saw Rosila. "Ma'am. Didn't realize there was a lady present." He grumbled embarrassed as he bowed his head in an apology. Scratching his bald head, he turned back to Suzy.

"What did you bring her here for? Why do you have a girl with you any ways? That's unlike you." The man said calmer now that he could see what was going on.

"Sorry Don. It was an urgent matter of business. She needs to see Finn. Where is he?" Suzy asked mostly ignoring the man's quizzical looks. Don shook his head and pointed to the top floor.

"Room 19 this time. He changes it every year. I would be careful though. Man's drunk and not too friendly with others at the moment." Don told them looking around his empty tavern. They would make their way back in an hour or so when they were sure Suzy had calmed down. At least that gave Don time to clean up a little.

"Thanks Don. We'll be fine." Suzy told him, leading the way up the stairs. Never letting go of Rosila's hand. She followed quietly glad that he couldn't see her face as he led the way. She was worried about her growing affection for this man. 

A king no less. He walked quickly to door 19 and knocked loudly on the door until someone opened it. The man behind the door was unwashed and smelled of booze reminding Rosila too much of home.

"Go away Sue I'm busy." He told him with a hiccup. He tried to shut the door, but Suzy shoved his way in pulling Rosila in quickly behind him. The man stood by the door swaying slightly giving Rosila a chance to look around the small room. It provided a bed two nightstands and a small sitting area. It was still larger than her apartment back home though, making her fret.

"The bar doubles as an inn for travelers. That's why they also have the stable off to the side. Very convenient for business." Suzy told when he noticed her look. She nodded a small thanks and turned her attention back to the man still standing by the open door. Wondering how Hank thought he could help her. Suzy was right. The king would have been better than this drunk.

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