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Post by BronzTrooper on Jun 24, 2020 22:18:54 GMT
The remnants of the Temple of Sacred Ashes hadn't revealed anything for certain about the cause of the explosion. Of course, it was guarded, but once I made my way past the guards, I found the little seemed to have been touched by the 'Inquisition', though that didn't mean much since the explosion itself hadn't left much in the first place. What I found most surprising was the abundance of red lyrium throughout the remains of the Temple. I didn't dare touch it, but that didn't mean I wasn't tempted to try and harvest some. In the end, though, I had more questions than answers, so I decided to return my focus to the kossith amulet I'd found. Through a few contacts of mine, I'd discovered that there was an Orlesian noble that could likely have information that could help in determining the origin and purpose of the amulet- a man named Garnot Leroux. Unfortunately, I'd also learned that the man hoarded artifacts and tomes, and was also rather paranoid, so that meant negotiating for access to the information I needed wouldn't be an option. So that left me with one option: making my way to his estate and acquiring the information myself. Of course, I'd need a team to work with, so I made my way to Jader in order to look for... 'help'. I sat in the corner of the tavern as I waited for any interested parties to approach, keeping an eye on my entry on the work-board near the bartender. Most people just took quick glances and walked away, but a few lingered. Hopefully they'd decide to work for me. If no one showed interest, I would try another tavern. Hopefully I would get lucky and find a full team here, but right now that didn't seem to be the case. OOC Note: This is what the note Saris put up says: "Looking for assistance with a job. Pay will be determined upon completion, but rest assured, it will be generous.
Those with a predisposition towards stealth are preferred, as well as experience as an artificer, but skill in combat is a must. Details will be discussed upon accepting this job. Meet with me at the corner table- I will be watching the board."
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Post by Eliana Ashcroft on Aug 16, 2020 22:22:40 GMT
We now sat in a tavern in Jader, not too far from the Ferelden/Orlais border. The job in Halamshiral had paid decently. “Kit, what do you think about going to Redcliffe next? Nice easy trip down the eastern side of Lake Calenhad, stay for a few months, just relax? We have enough gold saved to do it.” I signed to him in private mode, using movements so subtle no one could see them but Rory. I dunno Rory, I would feel better if we had just a bit more gold. We didn’t make that much last job, and I think we need more if we want to settle for a few months.
“Well, let’s see what the jobs board has, maybe we’ll find something interesting.” We had not been able to find any jobs here, so this was our best bet. He tapped on one. “What about this notice?” "Looking for assistance with a job. Pay will be determined upon completion, but rest assured, it will be generous. Those with a predisposition towards stealth are preferred, as well as experience as an artificer, but skill in combat is a must. Details will be discussed upon accepting this job. Meet with me at the corner table- I will be watching the board." I shrugged and nodded. Could pay well – at least I hoped it would. Rory pulled the notice from the board and approached the individual seated in the corner. He put the notice on the table, and said "We're interested, what's the job about?"
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Post by Silver on Aug 22, 2020 16:16:29 GMT
The sun painted the sky a golden red as it slid towards the horizon. With no tavern in view, the probability that I'd be spending another night under the stars seemed likely. Nudging Butterscotch up a steep incline, I looked around for a decent spot to camp. A shallow creek decorated the right side of the road, but as a swarm of mosquitos had taken up residence, spending the night there would only result in numerous bites. The itching would be bad, but the unsightly lumps on my skin would be worse. I'm not vain, but I know my good points, and I have many, at least regarding my looks. The fields to my left looked lumpy and overgrown; hardly conducive to a good night's sleep, but with daylight slowly fading my options were running out. 'It's not too much to ask for a nice flat surface, is it, Butterscotch?' I patted the neck of my pale brown horse as I spoke and earned a soft snicker. The clank of metal drew my gaze away from the uncomfortable looking fields. A fight had sprung up some fifty yards from me. I'm not one to get involved in other people's business unless I'm being paid to, but in this instance, I found myself rather annoyed that the odds were four to one. I spurred Butterscotch on and as the distance closed, I let loose a streak of lightning. The bolt hit a bulky man in the chest. He staggered back, tripped over his own feet, and went down. The group were thrown into chaos. One stocky man looked at the sky with a fearful stare, a thin fellow dropped to his knees and covered his head, while the lone man I'd been hoping to help, turned and gave me a rather venomous glare. This action left him open for a small man who resembled a rat to get in a good hit with a blade. In a superb display of dexterity, the lone man disappeared in a cloud of smoke, reappeared behind the ratty man, and skewered him through the neck. Somewhat gruesome but effective. The stocky man seemed to conclude that no more bolts of lightning were going to fall from the sky and prepared to jump back in the fray. I discouraged him with a fireball. The thin man peeked through his fingers to see his colleague going up in flames and decided he had better things to do. I would have happily let him go, but the lone man, he of venomous glares, thought differently. Pulling a bow from his back, he nocked an arrow, drew, and with barely a pause, let loose. The thin man went down without a sound. Well, he made a thud as he landed, but no sound from his lips, which suggested he was dead before he hit the ground. Apparently, he of the venomous glares was an excellent shot. With the threat removed, I dismounted and turned to the survivor with a charming smile. 'Would you like me to heal your arm?' I said, pointing to the trail of blood dribbling down his forearm. A rather nice sinewy forearm, I might point out. The rest of him wasn't bad either. Slim, muscular body, long hair that I could wrap my hands in. Hmm, might have been too long since I visited a brothel.
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Post by Silver on Aug 22, 2020 16:24:41 GMT
I knew it. I just bloody well knew this job would be trouble, which meant I should have been better prepared. I can't deny that the help provided by the stranger certainly tipped the scales in my favour, but why did it have to be a bloody mage?! Shouldering my bow, I turned to him while keeping a loose grip on my daggers. He smiled, and I wanted to wipe it off his face. 'Would you like me to heal your arm?' 'No. I want nothing from you, mage!' His smile slipped a notch. 'Well, that's rude considering I just saved your life.' My surroundings wavered behind a wall of fog. 'I was doing fine until you interfered.' I staggered slightly but covered it up by walking in the direction of my horse. My dead horse. The assholes shot him out from under me. Each step felt more difficult than the last, but I only needed to reach my saddlebags which held my stock of health potions. I rubbed a hand across my eyes. I swear the bloody horse was getting further away. 'You won't make it, not with the amount of blood you're losing.' 'Then I guess I'll die.' Each word sounded distant and elongated, and I knew the fucking mage was right. I wouldn't make it.
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Post by Silver on Aug 22, 2020 16:29:06 GMT
This fellow's middle name should be grumpy. He walked towards his horse on unsteady legs and I found myself admiring his ass. I'm something of a connoisseur when it comes to male backsides, so trust me when I say that his buttocks were particularly fine. He slowed down, stumbled, and I didn't know whether to applaud his courage or berate his stupidity. 'You won't make it, not with the amount of blood you're losing,' I said, hoping that he'd change his mind. 'Then I guess I'll die.' Stubborn. Very stubborn. He faltered, stopped, then fell forward. I found myself in something of a dilemma. Should I heal him and deal with his fury afterwards? Of course, considering his obvious hatred of mages, his anger might take the form of a fight, in which I'd either kill him, wasting all my good work in healing him, or he'd kill me and… well, that would be the end of my story. The other option would be to bring him round so that he could swallow a health potion. I knelt and lightly slapped his face while admiring his unusual hair - white streaks amidst a head of chocolate brown. I gave him a harder slap; his eyelids flickered, and he coughed. I placed the bottle against his lips, slowly tilted it, and he swallowed the potion. I decided it would be prudent to move back, so I laid his head down while appreciating the sensation of his hair sliding over my hand. It had been too long between bed partners.
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Post by Silver on Aug 22, 2020 16:33:59 GMT
The sharp tang of elfroot caused my mouth to water and I swallowed. More liquid followed, so I kept drinking. I stayed still, feeling the sting of my wound as it partially knitted back together. Not as good as magic, but it would suffice. As the lethargy eased, I slowly pushed myself into a sitting position. The mage stood a few feet away, but I'd be damned if I'd thank him. 'How are you feeling?' 'Better, thanks.' Damn it! I looked away from the mage's smile. No, not a smile, a bloody smirk. The bastard was gloating. Standing up, I waited for a momentary wave of dizziness to pass then continued to my horse. I ran a hand along her chestnut mane. 'Sorry, Charity. I should have been more vigilant.' With a struggle, I managed to retrieve my saddlebags, then set off down the road. The clip-clop of hooves drew near. 'Where are you heading?' the mage asked. 'None of your damn business.' 'You should probably rest.' 'I'm fine, it's only ten minutes to Jader.' 'Hmm, now is that ten minutes by horse?' I clenched my hands. A bloody gnat would be less annoying. 'Just because we're going in the same direction doesn't mean I want to talk to you, so shut up.' 'Got a headache? Loss of blood will do that to you. What you need is some food, drink, and sleep. Which you'll get a lot sooner if you let me give you a lift.' 'No.' 'Are you sure, because it's getting dark. Another ten minutes or so and we'll have to camp for the night.' 'We?!' I stopped and faced him. 'What the fuck is with this 'we' shit?' As soon as I looked up at him, I regretted the move. Everything spun and I staggered. I pressed a hand to my forehead, swallowing back a feeling of nausea. A soft muzzle brushed against the back of my hand followed by a warm breath. Lowering my hand, I stared into large brown eyes. The mage chuckled. 'Butterscotch adds his entreaty to mine.' Staring into the horse's soulful eyes, I couldn't resist. 'Fine, but this doesn't make us friends.' 'Of course not.' Damn him for sounding smug. We reached Jader and stopped at a tavern called The Fruity Vine. 'Sounds like a brothel I visited,' the mage said with a chuckle. I could barely muster up the energy to roll my eyes and instead focused on dismounting. I started towards the door, then stopped and turned back to the mage. Gritting my teeth, I stared at the horse. 'Thank you.' 'Oh, that must have hurt.' 'You have no idea.' 'Butterscotch says you're welcome.' I snorted and entered the tavern.
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Post by Silver on Aug 22, 2020 16:40:28 GMT
I watched him turn and enter the inn before urging Butterscotch over to the stables. I wondered about his story. Most people were nervous around mages, but his dislike seemed to go deeper. A shame, really, as I wouldn't have minded getting to know him better. Preferably between the sheets, or up against the wall. Although, for him, any location would do, and any position, too. Sweet Maker, I really needed to let off some steam. I dismounted and a lanky fellow in his early teens approached me. 'Five copper will get your 'orse a bed and a meal for the night. For three silver I can groom him.' 'The bed and meal will do. He's not fond of strangers.' The groom nodded. 'Aye, I once dealt with an 'orse that ate me hat. Just took it right off me head, he did. Cheeky bugger, he was.' I chuckled. 'He sounds like a handful.' 'Aye, but nice as pie to his mistress.' I smiled and got to work while the groom decided to regale me with a few more stories.
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Post by Silver on Aug 22, 2020 16:48:06 GMT
The innkeeper smiled and wiped his hands on a mostly clean apron. 'How can I help, m'sieur?' 'A brandy, a plate of food, and a room for the night.' 'Oui, that I can do.' He gestured to the tables. 'Have a seat and I'll have Janeen bring your order over.' 'Thanks, but I'll take my drink now.' 'Of course.' I turned and surveyed the parlour - dark wood offset by slightly worn beige curtains and seat coverings. A modest establishment, and not too prone to bar brawls considering the lack of blood and vomit stains on the floor. I felt optimistic that the bed would be reasonably comfortable. My pounding head appreciated the relative silence, the only noise being a low buzz of chatter coming from a couple of men talking over their day's work, and a man and woman seated at a table. As they were closer to the bar, I couldn't help but overhear their conversation. 'Kit, what do you think about going to Redcliffe next? Nice easy trip down the eastern side of Lake Calenhad, stay for a few months, just relax? We have enough gold saved to do it,' the man said. 'M'sieur?' I turned back to the bar and found a glass of fragrant brandy waiting. 'Thanks.' 'Well, let’s see what the jobs board has, maybe we’ll find something interesting. What about this notice?' I ran a hand over my face, feeling befuddled. Did I just miss half the conversation because I'm sure I didn't hear the woman talk? Damn, I really needed to get some rest. I drank deeply, then took a seat at a nearby table. The man read out the notice and my ears perked up at the mention of a job, although the 'generous pay' sounded vague. Still, worth checking out. I followed the grizzled-looking gent as he walked over to the elf. 'We're interested, what's the job about?' he said. 'Likewise,' I added, making my presence known.
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Post by BronzTrooper on Sept 25, 2020 23:19:24 GMT
Seemed that my entry on the board had drawn some interest- specifically from two men (one who seemed to be at least a decade older than the other) and a young woman. All human. I looked over the trio, lingering a moment on the woman with a slightly raised eyebrow. She seemed out of place between the two men, but then, perhaps that worked in her favor. So long as she was capable, it mattered little what she looked like. Though, I suppose that applied to all three of them. I sat forward and cleared my throat before I spoke, "Very well- but before I divulge any details, I will say that the job I have in mind is of a... less than honorable nature. If you find that disagreeable, feel free to leave." The younger man spoke first: "Speaking from experience, people picking up jobs from tavern noticeboards tend to be willing to do all kinds of things. Less than honorable works for me." I gave him a slight nod before returning my attention to the older man. He looked towards the woman, who shrugged and nodded, then returned his attention to me, “Okay, we’re in, but a couple of questions: First, and most important, the pay. Second, we don’t do assassinations, in case that is what you had in mind. And last, where are we going?” The fact that the woman hadn't yet said a word was a bit odd, but perhaps this was how the two negotiated. I leaned onto the table as I addressed the man's questions, "As I stated in the note, pay will be determined when the job is completed- as for the why, for now I'll just say that there will be much for you to choose from should we be successful. For your second question, no, this is not an assassination- if it were, I would have simply acquired the services of the Crows if I could not deal with it myself. As for where we are going, for now I will just say that we will be leaving Jader, but we won't be going across Orlais. Once we are out of the city, I will provide more details, but for the moment I feel there are too many ears around. The less others know about this job the better." He looked back at the woman and they just stared at each other for a moment or so, neither saying anything- rather strange, since any other pair would have actually been speaking to one another, even if it was just whispers, but these two didn't even open their mouths. It left me.... curious. Finally the older man said, "Okay, Kit, if you say so...," then returned his attention to me. "We're in." I raised an eyebrow before shrugging it off. "Good- now, if there are no more questions, I suggest that we head out. Unless any of you require anything before we leave?"
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Post by Silver on Sept 26, 2020 9:44:28 GMT
The elf's comment about having much to choose from made me think that burglary might be the less than honourable job he had in mind. I wondered who would pay us if the contents of the job were lacking. It wouldn't be the first time someone had broken into a vault, chest, safe, or whatever to find that they had been sadly misled in just how bountiful the rewards would be. I heard the older man reply to his female companion. Had I missed her speaking, again? Perhaps she had an exceptionally soft voice, but then I have exceptionally good hearing. A necessity when one is a rogue. I dismissed the conundrum for now. I was tired and in need of food, a bath, and a bed. 'Good- now, if there are no more questions, I suggest that we head out. Unless any of you require anything before we leave?' the elf said. I stared at the elf then looked out the window, where a thin sliver of moonlight lightened the night outside. 'You're setting out now? Travelling during the dark without much light seems risky. Also, I've been on the go all day and in need of some rest before setting out on a job.' I didn't mention my injury, but that was foremost in my mind, and I realised I also needed to get a damn horse. 'Surely, it would be more conducive to everyone if we had a good night's sleep?' I said, hoping the elf would see sense.
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Post by BronzTrooper on Sept 27, 2020 3:05:10 GMT
Again, the younger man was the first to respond, after taking a look out the window, "You're setting out now? Travelling during the dark without much light seems risky. Also, I've been on the go all day and in need of some rest before setting out on a job. Surely, it would be more conducive to everyone if we had a good night's sleep?" I looked out the window as well, realizing that he was correct in that it was now dark out. Have I really been waiting here that long? Looking back at the man, I gave a short sigh. "It seems I've lost track of the time while I was waiting for someone to accept my offer of work. My mistake." I looked down at one of my pockets, looking inside to check how much coin I had left for a room. I hadn't bothered to book one earlier since I hadn't intended on staying the night. "We will leave in the morning, then- after breakfast." I looked back to the three humans before me, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll have to speak with the owner about acquiring a room for myself tonight." After I stood, I gave them a short nod of farewell, then turned and made my way towards the bartender. Hopefully things would go smoothly at the estate. If things went wrong, I wasn't sure if I could find another way to access the information I needed on the amulet. As it stood, this was my only option.
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Post by Eliana Ashcroft on Oct 4, 2020 15:41:59 GMT
After pointedly looking out the window, the man next to me said, "You're setting out now? Travelling during the dark without much light seems risky. Also, I've been on the go all day and in need of some rest before setting out on a job. Surely, it would be more conducive to everyone if we had a good night's sleep?" I agreed with him. We had already been in Jader for two days, but a good rest would benefit us, and I wanted to get additional supplies in the morning before we left. Before I could introduce Kit and myself to our new ‘boss’, he went to the bartender to see about getting a room. I turned to the young man next to me and held out my hand. “Rory McCallum, and this is my daughter, Kit. Nice to meet you.”
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Post by Silver on Oct 5, 2020 10:31:10 GMT
The elf, I really needed to get his name, looked shocked at the realisation that night had fallen. After agreeing that it would be better to start in the morning, he made his way to the innkeeper to book a room. A strong hand was held out to me along with an introduction. 'Rory McCallum, and this is my daughter, Kit. Nice to meet you.' I generally preferred to work alone due to a few bad experiences with people who either didn't know which end of the sword to hold, were easily bribed, or were just plain stupid. However, in this case, the job required a group, so I took his hand. His firm grip offered me some reassurance that this man didn't fall under any of the above categories. 'Shade.' I met his gaze and used a similar firm grip. 'A pleasure.' Catching a movement from the corner of my eye, I saw that Janeen, the waitress, was heading towards my table. Turning back to the father and daughter, I excused myself. 'I see that my dinner is ready. I look forward to working with you both,' I said with a brief smile. I looked at the woman, wondering if I'd get to hear her elusive voice, but she remained silent. With a slight bow to both, I returned to my table. The succulent aroma of roast beef made my mouth water and I heartily dug in. It was on the third mouthful that the exquisite food turned to ash in my mouth. The reason for this? The entrance of one very mouthy, smug, and generally annoying bastard mage.
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Post by Silver on Oct 5, 2020 10:35:04 GMT
As I prepared to leave the stables, still chuckling over the stories told to me by the groom, I spotted a beautiful dappled grey horse. 'Now, he's a sight to behold.' The groom grinned. 'Aye, she's a beauty.' I stared in surprise. 'A mare? Maker, she's a buxom lass.' The groom laughed and slapped a rough hand against his thigh. 'Never heard a mare called that before, not even a mare as big as this girl.' I smiled, finding his jocularity infectious and walked over to the horse. While stroking her pure white muzzle, I admired her coat – iron grey with small splashes of white, and a long white mane. 'You are a beauty.' She snickered and nudged at my hand. 'How can I resist your charms,' I said sneaking her a sugar cube. The groom clicked his tongue. 'Anyone would think she hadn't eaten for a week the way she scarps down her food. Ole' Groggit says she'll eat him outta house and home before someone buys her.' I raised a brow. 'She's for sale?' My mind turned to the fellow of venomous stares and grumpy disposition. 'What's the price?' 'Five gold.' I smiled. 'But just think how much Groggit will save on food bills once she's gone.' The groom rubbed his long chin. 'Aye, you make a fair point.' He chewed on a dirty thumbnail for a moment, then said, 'Four gold.' 'That sounds like a fair price. Let me go and tell the fellow about your fine horse.' I slapped the groom on the shoulder and walked to the inn. A wave of warmth dispelled the chill of the evening air and I smiled at the comfortable surroundings. It took but a moment to spot Mr Grumpy and within seconds I was at his table. 'Please stop glaring at me, for I come bearing good news. I've found you a horse.' The fellow swallowed his food with something of a struggle, and for a moment I thought he would ignore me, but then he placed the knife and fork on the side of the plate and looked up. 'Go on.' 'Ask at the stables. We've agreed on a price of four gold.' I looked at the man's unusual white streaks of hair and smiled. 'I do believe she was made for you.' The man raised an inquisitive brow, but not wanting to spoil the surprise, I merely said, 'You'll see what I mean.' 'Thank you for telling me about the horse.' With that, he picked up his knife and fork and tucked into his dinner. 'You're welcome,' I said, accepting the dismissal. It really was a shame that he'd taken such an aversion to me because he now had a bit of colour in his cheeks which made me think of what he'd look like flushed with arousal. Ah well, I shall find solace in the arms of someone else. I looked around the inn, hoping to find that someone but alas none fit the bill. There was a young woman, pretty but not for me, a rather grizzled looking fellow, a bit more my type but I had a feeling I wouldn't be his type. I turned to the bar and an elf walked past me. Now he wasn't too bad – slim and lithe; regrettably, I had a feeling he fell into the same category as the grizzled fellow. Besides, I found myself still thinking of Mr Grumpy and his silky hair. Yes, I believe it will just be me and my hand tonight. I beamed at the innkeeper. 'My good man, I would like a bed, a meal, and a drink.' The innkeeper's polite smile slid from his face. 'Ah, m'sieur, I regret I can only fulfil the latter two requests.' Visions of a warm, comfortable bed popped like an overripe boil. 'Not to worry, a drink and a meal it is.' I moved to the end of the counter and parked myself on a stool, cursing my bad luck in missing out on a room.
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Post by Silver on Oct 5, 2020 10:40:18 GMT
I finished my meal and drowsy contentment settled over me. I was about to complete the evening with another brandy when I remembered the horse. I retrieved my pouch of money and checked the contents. A quick count confirmed that I had enough funds to make the purchase. I found the groom polishing some tack. 'I understand you have a horse for sale?' The groom smiled. 'Aye, Starlight. It's the gal in the end stall. She's got good manners, a long back, and she don't throw out splints.' It all sounded good, but I preferred to see with my own eyes. 'Mind if I take a look?' 'Course not, you won't be disappointed.' I turned in the direction of the stall and got my first look at the horse. 'By the Maker! She's got to be about 16.5 hands.' 'Just past 17,' the groom replied. I walked over to her and stretched out my hand. Her soft muzzle brushed against my palm and I smiled at the connection. After running my hand down her neck a few times, I carried out the usual checks and satisfied that she was in good health, and with an excellent temperament, I closed the deal and paid up. I threw in an extra piece of gold for the tack, a bag of oats, and her breakfast. A half-hour had passed, and I was well and truly ready for my bed. I shivered as a chill wind permeated my leathers and hastened my steps towards the inn. As I reached the door it was pulled open and the mage stepped out. I moved back, allowing him to pass. He stopped in front of me. 'Did you get the horse?' 'I did.' 'Good.' With a smile, he walked past. 'Surely, you're not going to continue your journey now?' The mage looked back, something of a twinkle in his eyes. 'You almost sound concerned. But no, I'm just off to find a spot behind the stables which will block out this evil wind.' I gave a nod and had a hand on the door and could almost taste the warm brandy, but my conscience kicked me. I didn't turn around but said through gritted teeth, 'Look, if you don't have enough money for a room…?' A split second passed in silence and I thought he'd ignored me or didn't hear me, but then the gravel crunched and he was back in front of me. His amber eyes were thoughtful. 'That is a most generous offer and I deeply appreciate it.' Then a flicker of humour hid the seriousness and the corner of his mouth turned up in an amused smile. 'Alas, lack of coins is not the issue, at least not on this occasion, but a lack of rooms.' 'Ah, I see.' I stared down at the ground, kicking myself for making the offer. I looked up, determined to end this conversation in a civil manner. 'Well, I hope you find somewhere suitable.' The mage's smile grew. 'Almost, you give me hope for our friendship.' I growled. 'Don't get the wrong idea, mage! I owed you for your earlier intervention, nothing more.' 'Of course. Goodnight, my grumpy friend.' Seething, I slammed the door behind me harder than I meant to and stormed over to the innkeeper. 'A glass of brandy.' 'Oui, m'sieur. I hope it calms you down, as I fear my doors will not be able to stand any further assaults.' I cleared my throat, looking sheepish. 'I apologise.' I threw down a coin, and something extra for the door abuse, swallowed the brandy, and made my way to the room. Maker, I just wanted this day over.
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