Grayell shrugged and let out a wistful sigh, rocking back in his chair some. The wine came quite promptly and he thanked the girl, before taking up his own drink.
Oh no, I'm hardly in town. Saves me coin that way. I guess that makes you special.
He wanted to smirk but instead buried his expression in his mead. Or ale. Whatever I said it was.
Marlena lifted an eyebrow at the comment. She didn't feel special as her fingers glided over the goblet set in front of her. She was trying to think of ways to avoid any questions he could ask her and undoubtedly would eventually. For now, she could turn the conversation to him, he seemed like the type of person she should know about, even if to avoid him later.
Marlena hides a grimace then. She had answered without thinking which was most unlike her. She would have to be far more careful as she scrambled for an answer.
I could turn my hand to almost anything if I tried, I guess... Though I work better alone.
Grayell nodded, then leaned forward in his seat. He forces a smile this time, polite enough but knowing. He'd lowered his voice some as well.
Hm. I'd venture to say a pretty girl like you has it figured out. You're a professional so I'm not so sure you're looking to do just 'anything'. No, you're sure to have a skill set, I'm quite sure.
He grinned then, but lightened up immediately and again settled back in his chair.
So. Working alone. I know how that goes. Better to be self employed, don't you agree?
She breathes deeply then, visibly tensing with his words. He was smart. He may not know exactly what she did, but he'd probably be close if he guessed. Marlena was far from happy with that thought. If he was the type, he would turn her over to the town guard, whatever those idiots were calling themselves. Her voice becomes quieter, but still loud enough to be heard by him over the other people in the tavern. She would have to take a leap and see where she landed with this man.
Indeed. No one to get in the way and hold you back. But I'll work for others. If the price is right of course.
Marlena watched him for a few moments, unsure of his reaction. She gave a short nod to answer his question, having nothing better to do. She would have to hope maybe the evening brought what she was after, otherwise pray that tomorrow her luck would change.
So what is it that you do, Grayell? You strike me as the type that unsheathes his sword for a worthy cause. Is money your cause? Or do you fight for something else?
Looked down at his blade with a slight smile and then sighed, as if the question beckoned a long answer. She didn't get the long version, thankfully.
Me? Ah... well you know, I dabble in this and that. Been told I can handle a sword alright. Why though? I don't know. I'm something... of a problem solver.
Marlena furrowed her brow slightly, this man was as evasive as she was. She thinks for a short while, her hands rising to smooth the ends of a few strands of her hair.
A problem solver? Isn't that what the town guard is for?
She laughs softly then at her own thoughts before voicing them.
Or are you one of those that disposes of bandits on the roads and dragons that terrorize helpless damsels, all for the people because it is the right thing to do?
He laughed then, entirely amused. His fresh drink cut it off as he quaffed half of it with ease and he wiped the foam from his maw with the back of his hand before he though on her question, studying the contents of his mug.
The town guards, or Sentinels as they're known nowadays only deals with one type of problem. Crime.
But not all problems are so easily categorized are they? And good and evil and the whole quagmire of shit in between - well it'd be nice to be able to label everything one way or the other, but I simply don't think it's that simple.
No, my occupation is a little more complex than that. And dragons give me the willies.
Marlena gives into a laugh of her own at his last words, a melodic sound that leaves her as her fingers wrap around the full goblet in front of her. She nods in agreement, though she didn't doubt what she did would be classed as evil or bad to some degree and the Sentinel would have to be avoided at all costs.
Everything is more complex than it seems. People especially.
Oh, I agree entirely. The trick is to let people get to know you. You know, as long as they don't drive you off first. Pitch forks and torches, worst wedding I was ever invited to. Nasty business that...
The words might have been amusing but he earnestly appears to be thinking on a memory.... and is unphazed.