Vivian and Crystal worked well into the night. The rowdiness of the knights increased as they received more drinks.
Vivian was shocked that the men could handle so much liquor. She was even further shocked to see the different spectrum of emotions these men could go through in minutes. First, they'd tell stories of their adventures, then argue about details, then be friendly with one another again as if they hadn't been exchanging insults seconds prior.
The knight that seemed most popular with the women was a white-haired man with grey eyes; he appeared to be in his 20s. Women sat to his right and left, holding drinks for him. One was even so bold to attempt to sit on his lap until it started a catfight. The women pushed back and forth and pulled at clothes and hair.
One of the men shouted upon seeing the frenzied women fight. "Come on, third commander, save some women for the rest of us!"
The bar attendees howled in laughter.
Vivian and Crystal stood side by side watching the spectacle unfold.
The third commander ignored the man's comment and spoke to the three women arguing over him.
"Ladies, please calm yourselves. You're tearing at each other's clothes… that's something I'd rather prefer to do." He winked, then smiled, revealing his deep dimples.
The women calmed at his suggestive tone. One piped up, "I don't mind sharing!"
"Me neither!" Replied the other two in unison.
The same man who spoke previously howled in laughter again.
"Third commander, how do you do it? Share with this fool your years of wisdom!"
"I have no wisdom to share, Ramon. I am simply honest with my intentions and stay true to my word… like now, for instance…." He turned his attention back to the women, "I believe I said something about clothing removal."
The ladies giggled and batted lashes at the inuendo. Vivian couldnt help but roll her eyes as she circled around the room to deliver drinks.
Ramon shook his head at the man.
The third commander and the women made their way from the tables to the bar to pay the tab and pay for an upstairs room.
Crystal approached Vivian and whispered to her after watching the interaction.
"These knights seem so much more attractive sitting upon a horse with their mouths shut… did you just see that gross exchange? What a philandering moron!"
Vivian smirked at her friend as she was thinking the same thing but couldn't respond. Balancing the drinks in her hand, Vivian approached the table, with the man, referred to as Roman, sat.
He was a heavy-set muscular man who appeared to be in his 30s, his tan skin and dark hair showed slight signs of aging, but he was still handsome. The man rubbed his beard, and his brown eyes cut their focus from the third commander retreating back to Vivian.
"All jokes aside young man. Choose love over all else….I wonder how many women one can embrace before they lose their soul…" the far-off look told Vivian that he wasn't talking to her anymore but seemed to be reflecting on something himself.
Vivian nodded in agreement and turned to grab the empty mugs and put down a new set.
She returned to the bar with the empty mugs. Gerald wore a deep frown on his face.
"We're nearly out" He wove his hands in his hair and sighed.
Vivian nodded and waited for him to continue.
"Luke, I don't suppose you want to pipe up and tell them we're out of booze?"
Vivian shook her head vigourously. She felt these men highly valued a drink, and she wouldn't want to be the one to want to step in between that.
Crystal and Lynn returned to the bar with empty mugs and well, and he repeated the same issues to them.
"How about the cellar?" Suggested Lynn. "We're out of beer, but surely we still have wine."
Gerald perked up at his wife's suggestion. He turned to Vivian. "You're a strong young man. I'm sure you could help me carry the wine from the cellar."
Gerald didn't wait for a response and headed towards the staircase below the bar. Vivian hurriedly followed as the man seemed to be in a rush. She ran downstairs to the lower level, following him.
On her way down, she faintly heard what sounded like the door to the bar swinging open. She made no attempts to listen in as, throughout the night, men stumbled in and out of the bar.
Unbeknownst to her, an essential member of the knights had just arrived.
Some of the men stumbled to their feet and attempted to sober up in front of their authority figure.
"Sir!" One of the more high-ranking knights spoke up. "We didn't expect to see you here tonight!"