[@cloudystar]
[@MacDuffy]
[@Savo]
[@Legion02]

	Samuel noticed a hint of some emotion on [color=00aeef]Alex's[/color] face: disappointment? Samuel silently berated himself for being so damn secretive, before he was alerted to [color=00aeef]Alex's[/color] response.

	[color=00aeef] “Well, I hope you won’t run when I need you.” [/color]

	Samuel felt even worse, and thought about clarifying what he was running from wasn't really something he could fix, but stopped himself when he saw [color=00aeef]Alex[/color] begin to fill up his pint with some alcoholic beverage. Samuel, never being the drinking type, filled up his glass to be polite, but did not drink. Soon, [color=00aeef]Alex[/color] began to describe a long story about his reasons behind coming to the tower. Apparently, the 'Reinners' were a family that once served the 'Goodguards'. That second name sounded incredibly familiar, but Samuel had been to many places on his travels, so that was to be expected. As the conversation went on, Samuel noticed the large amount of respect that [color=00aeef]Alex[/color] had for his family, taking note of the sense of duty he seemed to have. Apparently, the reason [color=00aeef]Alex[/color] had climbed the tower in the first place was because he needed the strength to protect a member of the 'Goodguards' as a bodyguard. Samuel decided that now was a good time to interject. 

	[color=aba000]"It is very noble of you to choose that path. However, I believe things such as protection and power are overrated. I think happiness and love are just as, if not more, important than power and strength."[/color]

	Samuel turned to look at the black haired boy, [color=ed1c24]Okami[/color], who now sported a large bruise. [i]D-did he get that from one of the balls?[/i] Samuel quickly grabbed the plate of ribs, and began to devour it with gusto. After all, it was the first thing he had eaten besides breakfast, and today had not been easy. In between bites, he responded to [color=ed1c24]Okami's[/color] questions and concerns.

	[color=aba000]"I would appreciate it, however, I would not feel right if I simply stayed at your home for free. Would it be alright if I could help with any chores or tasks that need to be completed?"

	"And their is no need to worry about your score! After all, even if it not factored into the exam grade, you are the only person out of us who can manage to accomplish this 'unison form'. That alone is worthy of praise! Besides, score doesn't really matter, does it? After all, we still got our licenses!"[/color]

	Samuel quickly flashed his license to demonstrate, before a sudden thought shot through his head: When did they even take his picture? Samuel shrugs, dismissing the thought from his mind. All if a sudden, he became aware of the loud yelling from a particularly eccentric individual.

	[color=662d91]"Who may this courageous being be? He is ephemeral no longer, he is..."[/color]

	[color=662d91]"Samuel, the Heaven's Sage!"[/color]

	Samuel's head slowly, almost comically began to turn towards the source of the commotion, a man slightly taller than Samuel himself and dressed in all black. The individual was wearing a mask, concealing his eyes. He seemed... unique, to say the least. Samuel, ignoring the snickering that began to permeate the tavern, raised his hand and beckoned the man towards the table, before calling out.

	[color=aba000]"Thank you for the title, but just 'Samuel' is fine! Have I met you before?!"[/color]

	The man did seem to be familiar, and while Samuel could not remember specifically, it must have been recently that he had seen the man. And that title... Heaven's Sage? It sounded... Radical, to say the least, but definitely not something that would be acceptable for an old man such as himself.

	[color=00aeef]"You know this guy?”[/color]

	Samuel quickly leaned in towards [color=00aeef]Alex[/color] and muttered out a response.

	[color=aba000]"No clue."[/color]

[hr]

	Booooooooooooooooooorrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggggg

	What the hell is going on? This is a tavern! I thought there would be women and quests! Not long, boring talks about families and whatever else those losers were talking about. Maybe the women are hiding somewhere? That's difficult... I thought they just jumped out and praised you for killing the monster, then stroked and cleaned your feathers... 

	*Sigh*

	Oh well, at least the food is coming out - 

	What the hell is this?

	The mighty [color=6ecff6]Gabriel[/color] does not consume meat. Where is his food? Surely they do not expect him to go outside and eat nuts and berries like a peasant?
	
	Oh, there it is. That green stuff. The thing that looks like small, jade trees. I would perfer nuts, but... Heroes can't be choosers...

	Except when it came to maidens.

	Wait... Who is [b]that[/b]? That man who is undeniably stylish and heroic?

	Oh my stars, finally! The person I have been waiting for has finally arrived! 

	My sidekick!

	Obviously, someone as magnificent as myself deserves a sidekick, and someone such as this man are sure to provide a better hero than the boring guy! I will get him to notice me by [s]chirping[/s] yelling for him.

	[color=6ecff6]"You there, the mighty Lux! I, Gabriel, have deemed you worthy of being my sidekick! You're duties will be numerous, but in time, you will achieve a fraction of my magnificence!"[/color]