Chris looked at the guy that Hector had nodded at, then back at Hector, then back at the guy, then back at Hector. “Anyone else?” he said. He meant it two ways; “Are you sure that’s the only one who responded?” but also, “The families I’ve wronged haven’t come back here yet, right?” After confirming that both were the case (one piece of news was certainly easier to receive than the other), Chris said, “I imagine I’m going to need a drink in a second,” and made his way over to the neurotic mage. “Hector said you’re looking for me,” Chris said. Again, he was trying to speak out of both sides of his mouth. He wanted confirmation, of course, but if this was some sort of prank, he needed to show some measure of strength. Perhaps too much strength, it turned out, because the person looked at Chris, screamed, and fell out of his chair. Chris immediately had to pivot. “Are you okay?” he said, now very conscious of every other eyeball in the tavern (not to mention Hector’s stifled laugh). The worst part was, Chris already knew the answer to his question. “Ah, no, no, no I’m not,” they said. “I’m not okay. I’m terrible. A terrible, terrible, clumsy oaf!” They struggled to get back in their seat, their hooded cloak only barely staying on and looking all the more disheveled for it. Chris opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. He tried again, “Well,” he said, “regardless, you’re here to help me out?” “Yes,” they said. “Well, I can try. I can't make any promises. I never said that I could for certain help you out so you have no reason to be mad at me if I can't actually help you… right?” Chris looked back at Hector, feeling for the first time in his tenancy that the innkeeper had betrayed him in some way. Either Hector didn’t notice or he pretended not to -- either one wasn’t great. That’s what he got for operating on relatively short notice, Chris thought. Desperation breeds desperation, and you get what you pay for. Well… “In my line of work, people tend to pay based on results,” Chris said. At the very least, that was something he could settle early. “My name is Chris. We’ll be out at the docks tonight. Hopefully it shouldn’t take too long, but be prepared for anything.” Unfortunately, he could already guess what sort of response a phrase like that would bring.

“The Just Right”, a lively tavern that was true to its namesake… just right. Ziun waltzed in, taking in the general atmosphere it provided, and was happy that this would be the start of his little bar hopping for the evening. And lo… as he enjoyed the atmosphere the tavern provided, Ziun noticed the crowd gathering at the bar with someone's voice booming speaking… boasting even. "Come on then, just a simple game of chance, and if any of you win I'll buy a round for the whole place!” Ziun saw the young man with the shiny gold coin in hand, billowing his boastful voice to the crowd. It seemed that this young man had the coin just from seeing that lone gold coin… but aside from having this victorious individual speaking, another caught his eye. Unlike the others, this muscular green skinned woman was simply staring into her mug and had the deepest of frowns. He glanced at her, then at the young man, and then back at the woman. He made a note to approach him later… maybe win a bit more coin from it as well. But first… Ziun fixed his outfit slightly before approaching the muscular woman, simply giving a two fingered salute. “As if there wasn't a show seeming to go on… one person seems to be unfazed by the boasts.” he said with a smirk. “Drinking alone, miss?” "Trying to." she said, "But some guy is preventing me from doing that.” "Ahhhh, apologies on that." Ziun put his hands up somewhat defensively. "Simply thought you could use a drinking companion for a bit... considering the bolstering mouth over there putting on a show." he shrugged, his head motioning towards the grandstander. "Guess you thought wrong then." She replied and drained her mug. "So it would seem whenever I roll the dice. Alas, lesson learned." he chuckled, backing up slightly. "I shall take my leave then... However, if you would permit me, can I at least buy you a drink to compensate for bothering you?” "Fine." She said. "But you're not my type, don't get any ideas.” "Wasn't even on my agenda, miss." Ziun stifled off a small laugh, before flagging one of the bartenders down and proceeding to order a drink for the woman. "Quite honestly, I only have one lady I belong to... that being my muse, my goddess of music and poetry. That is, at least, until the right one comes along that is.” "Careful with that kind of talk." The woman said. "Loud and pagan is a bad combination.” "Ah... I suppose that never crossed my mind. Apologies." Ziun sheepishly back peddled, not considering that was a thing. Though while he waited for the drinks to come their way, he glanced back at the boisterous man. "Any clue on what he's about?” "Just another pretty boy scammer like you.” "I'll only take some offense to that." Ziun shook his head, the drinks finally arriving, handing the waiter the right amount of coin for the drinks. "However, I wouldn't call myself a scammer, but I do understand. Those cut from the same musically inclined cloth as I can be seen as such, though I will say those are the ones that have no music within their souls.” "And you talk too much.” "I suppose you are correct." Ziun nodded, before giving a slight bow. "With the drink as compensation provided, I shall take my leave. Do enjoy the rest of your evening.” She seemed still suspicious as though expecting a catch. Ziun noticed the look, but chose not to respond to it. After all, she did say he talked too much. Once his bow was taken, he grabbed the one drink he ordered for himself, leaving her drink, and began to walk off. No strings attached, no catch.

Match ends 9/20 3 PM CST