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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2014 0:21:09 GMT -6
"Let's see. Take a left here? No no no. Maybe...here?" Renatus' brows furrowed and his lips pulled thin. He squinted as he looked over a tattered piece of paper that seemed to be covered in indecipherable squiggles, each step bringing him closer to Blaikfurd. Maybe. For all he knew this poorly constructed map was going to lead him even deeper into the forest where he would meet his demise. After all, one misstep - or even just a stroke of bad luck - could lead to certain death in these parts, particularly during this season of the year. A traveler was never as safe as they thought.
It had been over a year since his last trip to Domhan Tir, but it didn't feel as though that was enough time for him to have forgotten so much of the place. Of course, he had spent less time wandering the trade paths and more time in the local bars of Blaikfurd between jobs, but he got there somehow the first time. So why was it so hard this time around? Even if this map was sub-par, it had never failed him before.
He became so entranced in the map that he ran headfirst into a tree, falling to the ground with a loud thump. A fair share of curses escaped his lips as he returned to his feet and brushed himself off. Nothing seemed to be going right for Ren. He became so distracted with his ill fortune - being lost in the woods with god knows how many bandits and kath wandering around just looking for some idiot fool that fit Renatus' description perfectly - that he almost left without his map, which had fallen out of his hands on impact. Leaning down to pick it up, something caught his eye that sent his stomach in knots. Immediately he picked the map up and tore it to shreds with a cry of rage.
He had been holding it upside down.
The reality that he had just torn up his only guide through these immense, seemingly endless forests did not seem to come to Ren, who now felt himself stewing in anger. All he wanted was a hot meal, a warm bed and (if he was lucky) a tolerable-looking woman to make the upcoming night go quicker. As the sun began to set Renatus was more than capable of feeling the early-spring chill in his bones, and a wave of dread came over him as he realized he was most likely going to have to sleep in the woods, hoping nothing would ruin him in the middle of the night.
"Of all the rotten luck!" He said to himself, storming in a random direction, heavy footsteps. "All I want is a little break in life, something pleasant! But no! And here I am in the middle of-Oh!"
As he spoke he stumbled through some brush, his angry ramblings immediately interrupted by the city of Blaikfurd which had been hiding right behind the treeline for...how long? Had he been walking in circles around the city? It seemed as though his map had somehow done its work despite being upside down. With a moan of desperation and embarrassment, he stumbled his way into the city, filthy and obviously distraught. Now all he had to do was find the nearest inn and - if he was lucky - some work to keep him occupied.
"I wonder who I can thank for this lucky break."
Ignoring the glares of the locals (and the outsiders, who could see past his fair wardrobe to the filthy odd-jobber underneath) he ducked through the crowd, desperate to find some place he could rest his tired, angry bones.
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Post by Ivan Sahale on May 4, 2014 1:32:29 GMT -6
I will hunt you down... Sweeping, this is how he was spending his seemingly uneventful day, Ivan had already been here for four days solid at the Inn owned by Lelage. He had come to an agreement with the tiny Inn keeper he would work for her he would clean, pull the crops from the fields, and do anything else he could to help her around the Inn. In return he would receive a place to sleep, this had become a temporary home of sorts for him the man continued to sweep quietly his attention focused entirely on the ground as he pushed all the dirt from the entrance. It was not until he heard the gossiping whispers of nearby villagers that he looked up, Ivan was on high alert, and hearing their mention of a stranger walking into town he would instantly look up to find himself eying the one they were talking about. He was on edge because he was still not entirely sure if the bandits that had injured him in a failed hunt four days ago would come looking for him, the man would observe the wary traveler.
At first his mind told him to ignore the man, to get back to his work but the golden eyed hunter would not be able to do so without remembering the kindness that he had been shown in his time of need, when he was a bloodied mess Lelage had dragged him to her room, and stitched him up. Besides if the man was a traveler with no lodging this could bring business to Lelage, just another way Ivan could thank her setting the broom down the large hunter would stepped under the door frame as he walked out. With a few steps he made his way passed the gossiping villagers, he would aim to intercept the path of the nameless white haired traveler that was clearly not from these parts, good thing he had left his cleaver in his room otherwise he may seem more threatening than he aimed to. He would keep walking until he stood in front of the man, being much taller Ivan had to look down at the traveler.
"Uhm..." he stood there unsure as to how he would word this, "...want to stay at the best Inn in town? The Blaikfurd Inn owned by Lelage is the best in town, we have beds...warm meals...and ale made from the best ingredients" he frowned scratching the side of his face, he did not have the bouncy personality that Lelage had, and so he lacked her enthusiasm when she advertised her own Inn. With a sigh the man pointed a thumb at the Inn, he was going to do this his way "Look guy, if you need a place to stay go there, pay for a room, and you got yourself a decent bed" he said to the man adjusting his green apron that Lelage had given him to wear while he worked.
|  | words 495 tags notes Yes hes wearing an apron.
| ...escaping is futile... |
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2014 1:53:01 GMT -6
Renatus had caught himself humming a fond tune from his youth as he was walking through the streets, ignoring the whispers and glares of those around him. Despite his inner irritation, he was finding some sort of outer peace that could propel him forward until he found himself a comfortable location to rest. Now, where in this forsaken land would he find an inn...
His thoughts were interrupted by a giant of a man (at least from his perspective) who managed to find his way in front of Renatus. Shocked, the tune he was humming came to a swift and sharp halt. Would this be some sort of ruffian, here to shake him down in the middle of a busy street? Intimidated by the size and figure of the stranger, obviously a man who could hurt Renatus quite easily, his mind wandered to all sorts of ill possibilities this man could wish upon him. Of course, with a getup like that...
"...want to stay at the best Inn in town? The Blaikfurd Inn owned by Lelage is the best in town, we have beds...warm meals...and ale made from the best ingredients."
Renatus had many reactions to the large man's words in a very short period of time. Shock, relief, amusement and then the sudden onset of a grumbling stomach and the increasing pull downwards of his eyelids. Ren couldn't help but raise one brow as he looked the stranger up and down. What were the odds of a large man in an apron appearing out of nowhere to attempt to offer lodgings, the very thing he was looking for?
"Look guy, if you need a place to stay go there, pay for a room, and you got yourself a decent bed"
Ren's hand raised in the hopes of silencing the stranger from speaking any more - it was obvious he wasn't much of a talker. "Look...Guy," his disapproval at being addressed so casually was obvious in his tone, "There's no need to worry. You had me at ale. Well, that and that trendy fashion taste of yours. Is that a local thing, or is that a more global trend as of late?"
With a sarcastic purse of his lips and another wave of his hand, he looked around for where on earth this Blaikfurd Inn (Such an unoriginal name, Renatus thought.) might actually be located.
"You know, Guy, sorry about that. I don't mean to sound rude, I was just born that way. Why don't you go ahead and tell me where this place is - and maybe how much room and board cost. Oooh! And the price of the ale, please. The price of lots and lots of ale, inevitably, but we'll start small with a single mug, eh?"
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Post by Ivan Sahale on May 4, 2014 15:03:50 GMT -6
I will hunt you down... Had he not offered this man a good deal? Ivan raised a brow staring at the white haired individual that he towered over, his eyes focused on his thin frame as he remained still quietly staring at him. The man had a rude tone to his word, he was obviously not pleased with something but the man with the apron would not go starting trouble, he would just stay quiet watching this man quietly as he asked where the inn was. It seemed at least he had noticed how rude he was even, so Ivan could forgive him for the tone he had used earlier, the taller man would gesture with his head to the man so he may follow him. "Come on this way" he said with a pause turning on his heavy boots to begin walking towards the Inn that was not very far from where he stood, the tall man would lead the way. As they walked he would turn over his shoulder to the man "Ale is decently priced, Lelage would be able to give you a better price for it when we get there. She is the owner of the Inn, and the brew master" he explained as he reached the Inn. The towering Ivan had to duck his head when he stepped inside, his large frame welcomed by the eyes of the patrons that where already filling the tables. Adjusting his apron again he did not see Lelage, so he figured he would check this man in, he had done it many times before.
Ivan turned to the man near the door, "Come on, I'll check you in" he said before walking towards the counter he would open the drawer where Lelage kept all the keys for the available rooms, he knew if there was double keys the room was available, if there was just one it meant the room was taken, and this was the emergency key. Taking out one of the keys Ivan would slide the sign in book towards the white haired man, "Just sign there, and put your room number on the row next to it..." he explained setting the key down near where the man can reach it. "My name is Ivan by the way" he added at the end waiting for the man to complete the process so they could move on.
| | words 394 tags notes Welcome to the Inn!
| ...escaping is futile... |
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2014 18:43:09 GMT -6
The apron-clad stranger was clearly a man of few words as Renatus had suspected. Aside from beckoning him onward and a few passing comments about the ale which undeniably kept his attention at hand, nothing much was said as they approached the inn. Before entering Renatus found himself taking a brief pause to overlook the outside of the building. It was a quaint looking place, pleasant but not overly bold in its designs. Most importantly it looked affordable and within Ren's price range.
With the hesitation expected of his antisocial demeanor he stepped into the loud inn, glancing around at the various patrons. The men and women of Domhan Tir were hard working, simple folk, somewhat different than those of Hryst and very different than Renatus, born and raised in Aquavia. While there was an undeniably quaint charm to their culture, he had always felt the natives to the area were a bit of backwards yokels. Hunters and farmers in a world full of opportunities for higher technical learning and greater prospects for machinery. The booming voices of locals were no replacement for the grinding of gears.
Nonetheless, it was home for now, as was any place he lay his feet for a night. Whether or not the locals appreciated an outsider, particularly one with little money and few talents, was beyond his concerns, which at the moment were focused on the giant and his speak of ale which had tragically ceased. Renatus was so lost in thought that he hardly even realized it as he casually slid to the counter, peering over curiously as his divine stranger fiddled with keys and a few odd items. With his nose almost over the counter, he was shocked to feel the lodging book bump against his arm as the stranger slid it over. Sitting up straight and clearing his throat, he attempted to look innocent.
"Just sign there, and put your room number on the row next to it..."
Taking the key and scanning briefly over the book he spotted his room number. Such a quaint place. Oh well, better than sleeping in the stables. Or in the woods. That thought crossed his mind alongside images of his earlier distress at being "lost" in the woods. I should just be thankful I'm not spending the evening being hunted by the kath. He reasoned with himself, giving an audible sigh and signing the book. It looked as though these were now his lodgings for his time in Blaikfurd. He certainly hoped he could keep it with some decent work.
"My name is Ivan by the way"
Ren's attention shot upward (quite far upward, considering the height difference between men) with a certain unnameable sparkle in his eye. "Ivan, huh? I was getting comfortable with Guy. It suits you better. Ever think of getting your name changed?" Shaking his head, he closed the lodging book and pushed it back towards the stranger now identified as Ivan. "Well, my name isn't Guy either despite our introduction. In fact it's nothing like guy. Renatus. Renatus is my name. But please, call me Ren. It saves time and breath suited for more useful things."
Clasping his hands together, that glint in his eye accompanied now by an almost maniacal grin, he spoke again. "Speaking of useful things, Ivan, how's about that ale? I'm about as thirsty as a mainland desert, and you seem like the sort of man who can fix that problem. Or just locating things that are on the top shelf. Has anybody ever notified you that you are very, very tall? Or is that just me noticing that?"
Renatus was aware that Ivan would probably tire of his attitude and running mouth soon, but what could he say? It was a like a bad habit, he just couldn't stop once he got started.
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Post by Ivan Sahale on May 4, 2014 19:25:28 GMT -6
I will hunt you down... He watched as the man signed in, closing the book Ivan would set it down he had not bothered to read the name of the man he instead allowed the man to introduce himself when he did Ivan would give him a nod of the head. He would also chuckle he had to admit this mans sense of humor was amusing, it was unique, and brash although Ivan would normally not take this stuff so lightly. Ever since his time in the Inn with Lelage, he had learned to be more patient to appreciate things more, and well to be a more accepting individual of others. "Alright then Ren, sounds like a good plan" he said to the man walking over to where Lelage kept the fresh Ale in the bar,he would serve the man a glass walking over to rest it on surface of the wooden bar. He would look at Ren giving him a smile of his own, "Not on the house Ren, but since you mentioned drinking large amounts of Ale. Consider this the beginning of your tab" he commented letting the man take his drink, when he mentioned his height the dark skinned male would only chuckle grabbing hold of one of the other cups realizing they needed to be wiped down.
"Hah...my height is noticed by plenty, Lelage tends to take advantage of it, asking me to always reach things for her..." he chuckled lightly putting the wiped glass down, "...but I can't complain I owe her a debt" he commented as he grabbed the next glass wiping it down as well. Ivan had no problems with being here and working for his lodging, however he was also growing bored of being here the man was a hunter. He was used to being out there hunting down his marks, which he had plenty of to chase down up in his room he had posted scattered that were decorated with the images of his marks. Ivan knew that a few of them where here near this town, he had to make a move on them fast but he just had to find the opportune time to do so. "You are not a Domhan Tir..." he would suddenly say breaking himself from his thoughts to acknowledge the presence of the man named Ren.
"So tell me what brings you way out here to these lands?" he asked looking up from the glass he was wiping down just as he set it down, his free hand quickly gripping the third one the white cloth wiping down the see through surface.
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2014 19:47:06 GMT -6
Oh, Gods. Ale!
Rather than putting any of his focus on the word "tab" and all of its implications (Ren had enough coin on him to last some time, but certainly not forever.) he grabbed the glass and downed it almost immediately. As he finished the glass he licked his lips, and against his will gave a joyous chuckle. He really was safe! He was in an inn, with lodgings, ale, and even someone to converse with. Sure, Ivan couldn't be mistaken for a lady even with the apron and some extreme squinting, but that just meant that Renatus would be forced to settle for a hopefully pleasant conversation for the night. There were far worse things he could be enduring.
Ivan continued his response to Ren's comments unheeded as the warm sensation of ale settling in his belly distracted him from the world for a moment. At times like this, he felt like humming another happy tune. His spirits, after all, were rather high at the moment. A good fortune was his for the night.
"...but I can't complain I owe her a debt"
Leaning against the counter, he placed the glass down and gave a look to signify a deep need for more ale. As he did so, he decided to observe his new giant of a friend. Aside from the silly getup he wore (no doubt as a requirement from his temporary employer) he was a very intimidating sort. His features weren't quite as heavy as Ren's, but far more chiseled and spoke of having seen much in his life. Something that Ren could respect, considering he, too, was experienced in the world for his age. This was clearly a man familiar with combat, and someone who feared little and accomplished much.
In some ways, as he sat at that counter, it almost felt like he was looking at his brother. This Ivan did carry some resemblance to the Crevan family, and Aleron in particular. Quietly, he made note of himself to avoid getting attached to this savage stranger from a savage land. This was not his brother, and even if it was he would maintain his distance. He would be lying if he said that prevented him from some vague feeling of familiarity, however.
"You are not a Domhan Tir..."
The words snapped Ren out of his reverie and back into the real world. There was a sober tone to those words that none of the previous conversation had borne, and it made him wiggle uncomfortably under Ivan's gaze.
"That would be correct."
It was all he had to say on the matter. There was going to be no elaboration or story time. This stranger had no reason to learn of his origins. It wasn't meant to come across as rude, of course. Sharing personal information just wasn't in Renatus' nature.
"So tell me what brings you way out here to these lands?"
Now there was a question he was willing to answer.
"Work, mostly. I travel around from place to place, doing what I can to make by. It's not an easy life, but it's got its advantages. Speaking of which, if you know anybody who needs a small job done, or something fixed, or really anything like that, consider sending them my way. I may not know when to shut up, but I can get work done. Besides, I provide a good workside entertainment routine with all the nonsense I wind up spewing. With how much I talk, I could fit in with these yappy drunks any day!" He again impatiently tapped the counter, silently pleading for ale. "What about you, Guy-I mean Ivan? You don't see too many mountains of men just begging to get into the innkeeping business. Even if the uniform is form-flattering."
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Post by Ivan Sahale on May 4, 2014 22:07:52 GMT -6
I will hunt you down...
Ivan listened he was unaware of the mans internal thoughts about his striking resemblance to his sibling, but he did take interest in the man mentioning his look for work. Golden eyes would raise themselves from the glass that they focused on, settling on the face that belonged to Ren he took in every word; so it seemed this man was willing to work any task? If such was the case Ivan would have a job for this man, he would wait until Ren was done explaining his situation once that was set he would put the glass down. Ivan reached over taking the empty glass that Ren had practically swallowed the entire serving in one go, walking over Ivan would serve the Ale again filling up the glass to the very top then setting it down in front of the man again. He would ease this job offer he had in mind, make sure to explain the job carefully so as to not alarm this man too much or make him second guess accepting the job offer if the job seemed to dangerous.
"You say you'd take any job right? This job I have in mind, it doesn't require fixing...its more of a...scouting mission" he said to the man his mind putting together the many thoughts that could explain how he would word this. Deciding to just get on with it the giant of a man spoke to Ren, "It's simple, I need you to deliver a package for me. Take it to the merchant at the far end of the town, don't ask him anything, don't touch anything simply tell him it is from Ivan" he explained he would not send the man out today of course, he was worn, and tired. Ivan would give him time to settle in, and rest "You can do the delivery tomorrow. I'll give you the package tomorrow if you accept the job. You take it then, in return I pay you twenty five coin. Just don't look in the package either..." he commented as he finished wiping off the glass cups, once he did that he set them down orderly.
When the man questioned him, Ivan would remain quiet for a moment his hand working to organize some things behind the bar. The man would then look up when he was done, tossing the towel over his shoulder as he eyed Ren, "Truth?" he asked knowing he would give the truth anyways. "I am a bounty hunter" he answered despite how loud he had said that, he figured no one in the tavern had heard him they were all talking so loud his voice was probably washed away in the senseless blabber. "...I am recovering from an injury with Lelage saved me from, her kindness has put me in her debt. That is why I am here" he commented setting the towel down on the table, "As for the apron, I like to play the part" he said with a chuckle obviously easing up a bit around Ren now.
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2014 23:25:13 GMT -6
This second glass of ale was taken a bit more gently than the first, its contents idly sipped as a padding for the quiet moments of conversation. Taking the time to actually taste the beverage, he decided that it was definitely of fine quality. Perhaps not the best he had ever had, but certainly fine enough to drink out of simple enjoyment. Clearly this mystery Lelage knew her ales well enough to keep her inn stocked, for Ren could not see a man like Ivan being an appreciation of finer alcohols. He simply had too much of a wild look to him. Some part in the back of Ren's mind had to fight to keep from calling him something hilariously degrading, like "jungle boy."
Everyone in the Crevan family was at their most obnoxious when drunk, and with how naturally obnoxious he could be sober that raised quite a problem with excessive drinking. Quietly he kept this in mind while sipping his ale, reminding himself that intoxication would do no favors in his discussion with Ivan. To be honest, Renatus had already expected Ivan to be annoyed with him, to ask him to leave and wish him a pleasant day somewhere else in the city of Blaikfurd. The last thing he expected was to be offered work.
This man, this gargantuan jungle boy with his frilly apron and chiseled features, who had found and offered him a place to stay, who brought him ale like some sort of delivery boy of ambrosia, was now offering him coin. Twenty five, to be precise. And for what? A simple, questionably unethical delivery?
Forget all of the Gods. Renatus was ready to start the Church of Ivan.
Surely, a wiser or more ethical man may have asked questions. That man might even decline such an offer on the grounds of how suspicious it may have sounded. Fortunately for Ivan, Ren was neither wise nor ethical, particularly when it came to a fair amount of money for a small amount of work. Anybody who knew Renatus would have known his particular dislike for effort in what he accomplished, and his preference for a "good enough" over a "fantastic." This job seemed to appeal to every lazy bone in Ren's body.
"So you want me to deliver this package?" The idea of easy money was rolling through his mind, but came to a tragic thought as something else popped up. "Why? I mean, why trust me? Obviously this is an important package if you're willing to pay so much just to have it delivered. Why put your faith in a complete and total stranger? For all you know, I could be a lunatic. I mean, I am a lunatic. I meant in a terrible, murder-your-family sort of way. Which I'm not. Obviously. As you can tell."
Realizing that he was digging himself into a more and more awkward situation by continuing to speak, he cleared his throat and buried his next sentence into his glass of ale. After chugging the remainder of the 2nd glass in some desperate attempt to gain some normalcy, he took a deep breath and continued.
"Look, I'll do the job. Happily. More than happily. I'll do a tapdance on this counter right now if that's what it takes to prove I'll do the job." He attempted to take another sip of the ale before realizing that his glass was, tragically, not bottomless and that he had drank it all. "But you can't blame me for asking some questions. You don't even have to answer them, but I have to ask. As do we all, hmm?"
He distracted his thoughts to Ivan's speak of bounty hunting. How am I not surprised, Jungle Boy? He thought to himself, incredibly thankful that his giant friend could not hear what ran through his mind. While his occupation may have been no shock to Ren, his story of how he arrived at the Inn was more than a bit odd. It seemed as though they had both found more than they had bargained for here in this strange building. Perhaps it was not Ivan who was his savior, but the building? Don't be stupid, Ren. Buildings can't be gods. They can't even talk! He added to his already baffling mental conversation.
"But, um, speaking of the bar, where is this oh-so-legendary Lelage? Busy, I take it? A shame. She sounds most pleasant from what you say about her." Renatus' mind went to imagining what this mystery woman might look like. Beautiful, he could hope. After all, he was staying here long enough that it would be nice to at least see a pretty girl somewhere around here. It would at least be easier on the eyes than a man in an apron.
Once again, Ren gestured for Ivan to fill his glass. To hell with being polite, he needed another drink.
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Post by Ivan Sahale on May 5, 2014 0:20:50 GMT -6
I will hunt you down... Ivan was glad the man accepted the job, though at first he admitted the barrage of questions he received where not entirely welcomed he had dealt with the sot of individuals who were like Ren, and they usually kept questions to a minimum. Ivan eyed the man in silence until he was done talking, he really liked to talk it seemed when the man was done Ivan would sort through all the words. He was after all hit with a wall of them, taking the glass he would walk to refill setting it down in front of the man once more it was then that another patron waved Ivan down walking over the towering giant would deal with the customer before walking back to Ren once he was done. He had been thinking of a way to word his answer to his question after all, the patron gave an excuse to give himself more time; "Lunatic psycho?" he questioned finally breaking the silence, "....Well threatening a mans family who has no family is useless, and if we fought I'm sure I can crush your frail skull with one hand" he commented with a chuckle showing he meant it as a joke. "You are allowed to ask, and as you said I am allowed to not answer. Either way the deal is done, you deliver the package tomorrow, I pay you ten coins when you leave the other fifteen come after its completed" he explained to the man resting his large hands on the counter of the bar.
When he mentioned Lelage, Ivan glanced up only shaking his head "She is busy, she is always busy but she is a kind woman. She will welcome all to her Inn, be they outsiders or locals. It is what makes her business thrive so much, though I make sure that sometimes they don't take advantage of her kindness..make sure they understand that she has someone to look after her" he said in a more serious tone as if to give Ren a word of warning. When the topic was over Ivan eyed the bar, everyone look satisfied he tapped the surface of it with his hand to get Ren's attention, "Bring the drink we're going upstairs" he said walking out from behind the bar, the man removing the apron for the first time since he ran into Ren. Hanging it on one of three hooks in the back of the bar he would reveal the tight white shirt he wore under it, it did little to hide the hulking mans physique. Every bulking muscle visible as he walked up the stairs to lead to a long hallway adorned with doors, and numbers; he marched along until he stopped in front of a door he tapped it "This is your room...mines is down there" he explained pointing to a far off green door at the end of the hall.
"Lelage is up early every morning, so I will be here at your door an hour before she rises, I will use the spare key to get in, and I will leave the package at your night stand. When you wake up grab it, pocket the ten coin, and follow the directions I leave written on the paper...." turning to head back down he stopped, and turned to Ren. "If you sleep in the nude, you better cover up" he warned eying the man with a pair of narrow golden orbs. Then he smiled chuckling after a few moments of silence, "I joke, now what do you say we share a drink for once? I am off for the day" he explained knowing someone would have covered him at the bar by now.
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