Chapter 35:A Crude Act

As the tension from the earlier confrontation slowly dissipated, Nell appeared at Elara's side, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's time, duck," she whispered, tugging gently at Elara's sleeve. "Let's get you ready for your big moment."

Elara felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. "Now? After all that's happened?"

Nell grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. "No better time, love. Nothing soothes ruffled feathers like a good song and dance. Come on!"

As Nell led her away to a small back room that served as an impromptu dressing area, Elara could feel the weight of dozens of eyes upon her. The tavern had grown unusually quiet, an air of anticipation settling over the room.

"Here," Nell said, pulling out a bundle of fabric. "Slip this on. It'll make quite the impression."

Elara eyed the costume warily. It was more revealing than anything she'd worn before, but not as scandalous as she'd feared. The dress was a deep emerald green, with a neckline that dipped lower than she was used to and a skirt that swirled enticingly around her legs.

As she changed, Nell chattered away, offering last-minute advice and encouragement. "Remember, duck, you're not just singing – you're telling a story. Make them feel it. And don't worry about the steps, I'll lead you through it."

With a final adjustment to her hair, Nell declared herself ready. "Right then, showtime!"

As they made their way back to the main room, Elara's heart pounded in her chest. The tavern had fallen into an expectant hush, all eyes turned towards the small cleared area that would serve as their stage.

Maggie's voice rang out, clear and authoritative. "Ladies and gents, prepare yourselves for a treat. The Anchor is proud to present our newest jewel – the lovely Elara!"

Taking a deep breath, Elara stepped into view. For a moment, she froze, overwhelmed by the sea of faces before her. Then, she caught Nell's encouraging wink, and something inside her shifted.

With a clarity that surprised her, Elara began to sing:

"In a bustling tavern, 'neath candlelight's glow,

A wily young maid danced with a cheeky bravado."

Her voice, clear and strong, filled the room. As Nell twirled into view, playing the part of the tavern maid, Elara felt herself relaxing into the performance.

"Oh, the wily tavern maid, her eyes like fine ale,

She served up more mischief than stew in a pail."

As they moved through the first verse, Elara became aware of the reactions rippling through the crowd. Mad Jack's men were nudging each other, grins spreading across their rough faces. Even Jack himself seemed captivated, his usual scowl softening as he watched.

On the other side of the room, Sly Sam's gang was more restrained in their appreciation, but Elara could see the glint of interest in their eyes. Sam himself wore an inscrutable expression, his fingers tapping thoughtfully against his tankard.

As they launched into the chorus, Elara's confidence grew. She moved more freely, her gestures becoming bolder as she embraced the character of the storyteller.

"Her hair, a wild cascade of chestnut delight,

She'd weave tales of pirates and moonlit fights."

Nell played her part to perfection, flirting outrageously with the patrons as she mimed the actions of the song. When she leaned in close to a blushing young man, whispering conspiratorially, a ripple of laughter went through the crowd.

"The blacksmith's son blushed as she poured him his mead,

Whispering riddles and promises of daring deeds."

As they repeated the chorus, Elara was amazed to hear some of the patrons joining in, their voices creating a rough harmony that filled her with a sense of connection she'd never experienced before.

For the second verse, Elara allowed her voice to take on a more mysterious tone:

"When the clock struck midnight, she'd slip out the door,

To rendezvous with a highwayman, swift and sure."

Nell mimed sneaking away, then meeting a cloaked figure (played by a grinning patron who'd been pulled into the act). The spontaneity of it all sent another wave of laughter through the crowd.

"Their coded messages are hidden in tankards of stout,

Love notes disguised as darts—oh, what a rout!"

As they moved into the bridge, Elara noticed a change in the atmosphere. The earlier tensions seemed to have melted away, replaced by a shared enjoyment of the performance. Even Mad Jack and Sly Sam, seated at opposite ends of the room, wore matching expressions of appreciation.

"Beneath the moon's silver gaze, they'd meet by the oak,

He'd whisper of treasure maps and smugglers' cloak."

Nell and her impromptu partner mimed a romantic encounter, with Nell suddenly breaking away to dance wildly as Elara sang:

"She'd laugh, toss her apron, and dance on the grass,

Two rogues entwined, their secrets a sweet, heady glass."

For the final chorus, Elara pulled out all the stops. Her voice soared as she encouraged the entire tavern to join in. To her amazement and delight, they did. The room filled with a cacophony of voices, some melodious, others decidedly not, but all united in the joy of the moment.

As the last note faded, there was a beat of silence. Then the tavern erupted in cheers, whistles, and applause. Elara stood there, breathless and flushed with exhilaration, as the sound washed over her.

Nell rushed to embrace her, both of them laughing with joy and relief. "You did it, duck!" she crowed. "You bloody well did it!"

As the applause began to die down, Elara became aware of movement near her. She turned to see Mad Jack approaching, a rare smile on his scarred face.

"Well now, that was something special," he rumbled. Before Elara could react, he reached out and tucked a folded banknote into her bodice, his fingers lingering a moment too long. "A little token of my appreciation, love."

Elara stiffened, her earlier elation evaporating in an instant. She saw Nell's smile fade, replaced by a look of concern. Across the room, Maggie's expression darkened, her eyes flashing with barely contained anger.

Sly Sam, watching the exchange, let out a disappointed sigh. "Really, Jack?" he called out, his voice dripping with disdain. "Must you be so... predictably crass?"

Mad Jack turned, his smile morphing into a snarl. "What's that, Sam? Jealous you didn't think of it first?"

As the two men glared at each other, the tavern's atmosphere began to shift once more, the earlier camaraderie giving way to familiar tensions.

Before things could escalate further, Maggie's voice cut through the din. "Alright, you lot. The show's over. Back to your drinks, or out you go."

As the crowd began to disperse, Maggie made her way over to Elara, Nell hovering protectively at her side.

"You alright, girl?" Maggie asked, her voice low and concerned.

Elara nodded, though her hands trembled slightly as she removed the banknote from her bodice. "I'm fine. Just... taken aback."

Maggie's expression softened. "You did well tonight, lass. Don't let Jack's boorish behaviour tarnish that. But remember what I told you – you need to be prepared for this sort of thing."

Nell piped up, her earlier cheer replaced by a fierce protectiveness. "She shouldn't have to be, Mags. It ain't right."

"No, it's not," Maggie agreed. "But it's the world we live in. The best we can do is stand together and weather the storm."

As they spoke, Elara became aware of a presence at her elbow. She turned to find Sly Sam standing there, his expression unreadable.

"My dear," he said smoothly, "I must apologize for my... colleague's lack of decorum. Your performance was truly enchanting. Perhaps we could discuss your future prospects in a more... civilized setting?"

Before Elara could respond, Maggie stepped between them. "I think the lady's had enough excitement for one night, Sam. Why don't you run along now?"

For a moment, Sam's eyes flashed with anger. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the emotion was gone, replaced by his usual calculating smile. "Of course, Maggie. Another time, perhaps." With a slight bow, he melted back into the crowd.

As the night wore on, Elara found herself in a daze. The high of her successful performance warred with the discomfort of Mad Jack's unwelcome attention and the unsettling interest of Sly Sam.

Finally, as the last patrons stumbled out into the night, Elara sagged against the bar, exhaustion settling over her like a heavy blanket.

Nell appeared at her side, a comforting presence in the quiet of the now-empty tavern. "You did good tonight, duck. Real good. Don't let them bastards make you forget that."

Elara managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Nell. For everything. I couldn't have done it without you."

Maggie joined them, her face etched with a mixture of pride and concern. "You've stirred up quite the hornet's nest, girl. Mad Jack and Sly Sam won't forget you in a hurry. We'll need to be extra vigilant in the coming days."

Despite her weariness, Elara felt a spark of determination ignite within her. "I'm ready for whatever comes, Maggie. I won't let them intimidate me."

A ghost of a smile flickered across Maggie's face. "That's the spirit, lass. But remember, you're not alone in this. We've got your back."

As they began the process of cleaning up, Elara's mind whirled with the events of the night. She had tasted success, felt the thrill of performance, and glimpsed the darker undercurrents that ran through this world she now inhabited.

But as she caught Nell's encouraging smile and felt the reassuring presence of Maggie nearby, Elara knew she had found something precious – a place where she belonged, and people who would stand by her side no matter what storms lay ahead.

With that thought to buoy her, Elara threw herself into the task of tidying up, ready to face whatever challenges the new day might bring.