Malkai smirked in elephant form after hearing Catarina’s threatening remark. He knew she was just playing along and thus afterwards reserved making water over his head only. It was a simple spell he could use almost indefinitely, at least with short breaks in-between each casting. Falchion made sure to keep Malkus up-to-date about the surrounding areas beyond his eyesight, ensuring that they avoid any trouble over the sands. It was going to be a long and tireless journey… Might as well make small talk.

[color=00a651]”Catarina, where did you find your weapon? Ever since we first met I noticed a strong magical aura from it. I cannot imagine that you could afford such a thing with a mercenary wage.”[/color] Not that Malkai was trying to insinuate that Catarina was poor (though he wouldn’t care if she thought as much and was offended), but he was curious about where she managed to get a holy sword. While good-aligned weapons are, for the most part, common amongst clergy or savvy adventurers, a holy weapon was something far stronger. A good-aligned weapon was merely dangerous against the forces of evil, but a holy weapon was the bane of evil. Little wonders that she was able to make short work of the gargoyles despite simply relying on her martial prowess, and all the more reason Malkai wanted to know where she found her weapon.

[hr]

Veridis was pleased that he managed to get at least one of the thugs to cooperate. What he said made the bard raise an eyebrow; he served a vampire lord. This made Veridis wonder if the thugs merely intended to rob him, or if they wanted to take him to become the vampire’s thrall. Or worse, meal. Still, with the thugs subdued Veridis was safe. When the rogues were taken away by the guards the inquisitor, whom Veridis assumed was named Erika, explained her purpose here. [color=7bcdc8]”Vampire hunting? How exciting! Ah, but I should thank you. The both of you, really.”[/color] Veridis smiled and bowed his head towards the both of them. [color=7bcdc8]”My name is Veridis Quo, a traveling minstrel and occasional adventurer, at your service.”[/color] 

Erika, not wanting to talk about the sensitive subject of Vampire Hunting out in the open, offered lodging at the monastery. Veridis guessed she meant the Temple of Pelinor, based off the holy symbols on her clothing. Today was just getting better and better; Veridis was slightly worried that he was going to have to pay top coin for a dirty hovel to rest in. While a monastery isn’t exactly known for it’s sterling living accommodations, it will at least be clean and safe. But as Erika was walking pass Veridis, she whispered what seemed to be both a compliment and a warning into his ear. Not the first time someone pointed out his appearance made him an easy target, but that’s where the fun lies. Before Erika walked away, Veridis had his own quip for her.

[color=7bcdc8]”Always fun. Maybe this face of mines could become closer with a body like yours, hmm?”[/color]

Chuckling, Veridis did chose to follow Erika and the warrior woman from before. He would have liked to wander through the city and explore a bit more, but he was slightly afraid that he’d get attacked by another gang of low lives. At least if he’s with the Inquisitor and the Warrior Woman, the odds of surviving such an encounter would be higher.