Jin awaited for Jinx to finish speaking, alike she did for him. Surprisingly enough, Jin chuckled at the end of it all. Partly due to her demeanor, other part due to himself thinking of the decent amount of truth behind her words. "
Don't ever lose your straight-forwardness, Jinx. Some may dislike it, but it's a brutal sense of honesty which this world strongly needs." He complimented, yet maybe perceived as an odd way.
"
Of course I want to stop them. Though that's far from easier said than done. Sometimes I wonder if it's possible. Especially considering the progress they've likely made in the years I've been here." An ever so faint tint of anger laced his expression, not because of Jinx, simply because of recollecting what he's speaking about. "
Several comrades, who wished freedom from the group like myself, died during the events of our attempted leave. I wish to take revenge for them as well. But with the way this group operates. I need to wait. They'll come to me, then the trail i need to follow will be revealed. The path that will lead me to the group and hopefully their demise." Jin stared at the lake the whole time speaking. Whether noticeable or not, Jin's grip tightened on the handles of the buckets while he spoke. Attention adverting the water only to turn and begin walking back home, to the cabin.
Buckets in hand, venture was made towards destination. "
Anyways. Enough of my ranting about the past. That is, unless some dire questions exist within your mind which need answering." Those were the only words he spoke during their travel back to Jin's Cabin. That is, unless she asked more questions or sparked more conversation.
Eyes swept their surroundings, mental notes were taken of any 'out of place' people or things. A few people gawked at the pair. Lance's weapons and metal-staff were a sight to be seen, abnormal to say the least. Isla's identity being mostly obscured or hidden by her cloak, was another curious sight for the locals of Moonbright Village. "
That will be a topic covered, when the time comes." By that, Lance meant Isla would find out his intentions once the man was found. Honestly, Lance didn't entirely know himself what he'd do. Though attention was less upon what would happen, more as making it happen.
Entering the Tavern, the place was surprisingly busy compared to the outside 'nightlife' of the village. This was obviously the 'place to be' on times of unwinding or boredom for the villagers and even passerby travelers. Immediately when inside the Tavern, Lance looked at each and every individual possible or visible. Trying to calculate which ones may hold good information, or not. Senses told Lance, as the old-merchant suggested, talking to the Tavern-Owner or Barkeep would be his greatest choice. So he did.
Walking up to the counter, Lance spots no open seats. At least, not two next to one another so Isla and himself could be seated by one another. Standing behind two men, Lance speaks past, or over them, and to the Tavern Owner. "
I need information. Concerning a 'man who wields black flame'. A Merchant leaving the village refused to tell me, along with told me you would be able to help me." The owner looked preoccupied with patrons, that was until attention of anyone who heard narrowed onto Lance upon hearing his question.
One eye squinted as though studying Lance. Not long after inspecting the man face shifted to study Isla. "Yeer both rather suspicious lookin' folk, to say the least." If they were to notice, several patrons who heard Lance's words were whispering about a forest. Lostwood Pines, Snakethorn Forest. Along with if the man living in those woods was the one which Lance searched for. Though Lance payed no heed to this, focus was narrowed onto the Barkeep for listening to his words. Yet guard still existed in case someone tried something."Whatzit worth to yee?" The barkeep asked.
Lance scoffed, quiet exhausted from travel and growing a tad irritable. "
Enough to pull myself into this dreary town you call a home." Several locals seemed perturbed by the comment Lance gave. Though Lance didn't stop speaking, only smirked. "
Worth depends on your status with the man. The hair missing from your head isn't your everyday balding scenario. I'm no fool." The barkeep scratched his balding scalp. "
Now I'll ask one final time and nicely at that. Please tell me what you know." Isla would notice easily, the wicked or nasty tone laced within Lance's original demeanor. Though she may or may not realize, this was an act or bluff.
Patrons who became anxious by Lance's words and presence, got up. Either to leave completely or relocate to another section of the establishment. This enabled two seats for Lance and Isla. One of which Lance gladly took and sat down. Only themselves and one other, cloaked patron, sat at the counter now. "Now, now." The barkeep replied. "Calm yerself. Things don't need to be gettin' uppity aroun' 'ere. East. That's where you're headed." A deep sigh bellowed from the Tavern-owner. Halfway through his sentence, the cloaked individual who was at the bar, took their leave to a room within the Tavern/Inn. "Jeeze, one'd think after so many years, the man would be forgotten by know. Who knows if he even still lives in that Snakethorn Forest. But along with tellin' ye to leave once finished with your business here. That's all I have to say."
Lance expected the man to react much worse. In fact, Lance was a tad shocked they were even still allowed patronage here after his questioning. Though from the mans demeanor and tone, he knew his presence wouldn't be welcome in this Village much more. Faintly pushing an elbow against Isla, to gain her focus. Lance speaks to her. "
You have any unfinished business for this village? I hope you've decided to continue traveling with me, as well. The company would be greatly appreciated." Once the Barkeep noticed attention was no longer directed at himself, focus went to the patrons around and supplying their drinks or food. Only to come back when Isla and Lance required his services.
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