Kiko reached down and picked the skewer of fish back up. This was not her place, she did not know enough about the people to decide what to do. Her first instinct was to give the man two of the fish she'd caught. It wasn't like she was starving. Plus, she had been on the other side of the equation more than once.
She put one hand on Grayell's arm to get his attention.
She stopped right there when he cut in. She had not seen any harm in giving the man her name. But, well, this was his territory and she was willing to follow his lead.
Grayell turned the fish, it wouldn't take too long. He then took a seat by the fire and leaned on the same log he'd worn a groove into almost. He smiled at the memories and patted the ground beside him for Kiko to get comfy.
Perhaps they could spend the night here in that shelter...
Kiko curled up beside Grayell. She had taken a position at his knee, but her eyes were on on the other man. There was nothing overt about his behavior that she could see, nothing that would tell her he was playing false.
Her lip twisted for a fleeting moment. She would wait to hear what he had to say
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
My...home. I told you it was taken by marauders. I had many valuables, many things worth something to...warriors such as yourselves. He looekd down, shaking his head.
There isn't anything I can do to prove to you what I say, but...I would promise you everything I owned if you would help me get my home back. Here! He seemed to realize something, and turned out his pockets. They were filled with chunks of metal, seemingly to make himself sound rich and important. One of the chunks of metal was a ring, a golden ring with a green gem in it. He showed it to Grayell and Kiko, smiling hopefully.
This was passed down to me by my grandmother. I would gladly give it to you in advance payment. The lady would look gracious in such a ring! He swallowed, then sat back in the dirt.
But...you are busy, and I cannot ask you to help a stranger.
Grayell pulled the fishes from the fire and handed one to Kiko with a smile, then another to the man with a nod. He waited on his though.
Keep it. I'm not taking a family heirloom to right a wrong. I don't take payment, I won't turn down a contribution to wistvale council either.
Now... if you'd like our help I suggest you give me the whole story. Because you're holding out on me and that would be the quickest way to see yourself without help at all.
Kiko was frowning. She had pulled one knee up against her chest and wrapped her arms around it balancing her chin on the knee. She accepted the offered fish with a soft “thank you” and plucked the warm, flaky meat from it.
Toro was nervous and with no reason. The danger here was passed. The Wolf had offered him relative safety by the camp and food. He even seemed sympathetic to the man’s plight. Her eyes ran over Toro again.
How do we know it is your home? If, as you say, there is nothing to prove ownership? You could have picked any random place for your raids. Maybe, you’re running from the true owners right now.
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Even though he was plainly ravenously hungry, he ate the fish slowly as he spoke.
The men I mentioned in Wistvale...that I owe money to. Bunch of gamblers. I used to bet, but I'm off it now, I swear. He shook his head.
I haven't bet in years, since my wife died, and I thought I'd paid off all my debts, but apparently one of my debtors still felt like I owed him, and that I needed to be shown a lesson. He hired some thugs to take over my home, use it as a base of operations for their bandit and raiding parties. I know they're still there, it was only a few days ago. Please, I know it sounds bad, but I paid him off. I don't owe that man anything! Once we get inside, I can prove the house is mine. I have the deeds locked up in a safe.