Having hit it off, Grayell has invited Serenity to getting some fresh air and something to eat before their alcohol consumption gets much too out of hand.
Grayell shrugged but with a smile and offered his arm to Serenity as a gentleman would.
Well milady, I am not a mans of means but I planned on impressing you with all the eloquence of a third rate dinner from a street vendor and a slow walk in the moonlight as I escort you home.
He chuckled at himself but found that humor was often the best way to defuse a situation that made him somewhat anxious. She seemed eager though - but that wasn't Grayell's intent.
No, he was entirely surprised that he had met a lady of substance and character rather than another thief masquerading as a bar wench, plying him with liquor and leaving him to awake in an inn room with his possessions gone. This was a harsh town and everyone scraped to make a living, himself included.
Serenity grabbed the arm without a second thought,
"How exciting, fit for a tongue of Highever!" she laughed, more so at herself than the fact of eating third rate food. The irony of it all.
Not wanting to offend Grayell though she smiled at him, "I look forward to it."
Being escorted home by a gentleman in this town only reminded her of the lesson she learned long ago with another stranger. Men don't have to be born into nobility to be honest and good.
Grayell led the way and as promised, the vendor was indeed just around the corner. The smell, at least to Grayell; was pleasant - earthy spices and the satisfying smell of slightly charged meat. He approached the vendor with Serenity and smiled at the vendor.
Good day my man, I'd offer a trade if you'll hear me out. I've little coin but I operate the herbal store not all too far from here. If you'd be so kind to treat my friend and I to some of your delicious wares I'll compensate you with my own goods in the morn.
Serenity felt a little guilty, not having thought of how much money Grayell was carrying with him. She herself didn't have a penny.
"Oh, Grayell, you should of told me before, I wouldn't have you make a fuss over me."
The lady mage wondered if she should offer some of her fabric if it was an acceptable trade, she didn't see any other tailors in town and hoped the man would be able to sell something like that.
Grayell patted her arm and smiled as the agreeable vendor offered them both some sort of meat on a stick. It was less than stellar in terms of looked but it looked quite tender. To Grayell's nose it was perfect.
Oh nonsense, good folk know how to barter and keep their word. That and gold is heavy and all to easy to steal.
Thank you my man, enjoy your evening. I'll see you tomorrow.
Grayell took a large bite out of his portion and his stomach growled it's hunger. Almost speaking while choking it back, he covered his mouth with his hand and refrained. When he did speak, it trailed on his swallowing the tasty meat.
Still feeling guilty over the money business, she took the meat on a stick knowing it would be rude not to after Grayell's negotiations. She carefully picked up the stick and examined it as if it were a lab specimen she had to dissect.
She was embarrassed, for a moment not sure how to start on the meal. Even after traveling for so long the mage never actually bought any street vendor food, having heard in Highever that it was disease ridden. Admittedly, it did smell really good.
Rotating the food, she found a good place to start and took a nibble out of it. Taking the time to taste the meat, she found that it was delectable, and not at all tasting like rat filth. As she was told.
She took a bigger bite this time, and took her sweet time savoring it before finally answering Grayell.
Nodding her head, she swallowed before she spoke, "I wouldn't be surprised if the chefs of Highever were street vendors in disguise, this is amazing! I never had anything like it."
Grayell chuckles and began to walk again, further down the street this time.
Yep, it can be amazing what you'll find. See, the ingredients aren't processed, he doesn't have the money to buy all that crap. I guarantee the animal was fresh killed today and the herbs are hand picked in the woods near here. You simply can't beat it.
Grayell finished off his meal and left the long skewer in his mouth. He would spin occasionally to smile at Serenity, he was a wistful spirit when he walked. He took in the night around them and simply enjoyed it - he wasn't indoors and feeling cooped up, out of his element.
As they wandered on, two men rounded the corner further down the street. Nothing of consequence of course.
The food was such a new experience for her, and with it in mind she wondered what else street vendors would have. A shopping trip was being planned for the future.
When she finished her meal, she waited for the nearest bin they passed and tossed the skewer into it.
It was such a pleasant evening, and a brilliant way to start her temporary life here. Having to go home to her little house didn't seem so bad as it did this morning when she arrived.
Serenity had also taken notice of the quiet, only being able to hear the wind and the noise of crickets.
Looking up ahead she too noticed the pair of strangers, and not thinking about it hugged Grayell's arm a little tighter, seeming to forget that she was a mage with great power.
Grayell looked sideways at her and smiled, she was warm and it had been long time since someone else's touch registered in such a way. His eyes went back to the two approaching them though - he smelled trouble, trouble and foul herbs. Something not right. They weren't acting right, weren't walking right.
Grayell continued along the path with Serenity in tow, deciding to pay no attention to the pair. That was, until they stopped in front of he and Serenity.
One opened his cloak as if to suggest something.
"You need a fix guvna? Sumfin to spice up yer evenin?"
There are few things of social manners she learned back home that she still kept in practice. The first and foremost was to never make a man look bad. Serenity was sure Grayell could handle himself and these two suspicious looking men, but she would have none of this suspicious activity and would usually just send them on their way, with wind if she had too.
Yet if she did that, it might hurt the man's pride if she simply pushed them away herself. Regardless, there was no need for violence right away.
Serenity stayed quiet and waited to see what Grayell would do.
Grayell scowled. He rolled the skewer in his mouth from one side to the other. His free hand clasped over Serenities arm and patted her, before waving in a dismissing gesture to the two men.
No. Go peddle your poison elsewhere.
Grayell just simply stepped forward, intent on continuing down the street. The two men, rather snakelike fellows, moved enough to let them past. Their countenances were that of scum, they looked sickly, wicked and eager to take advantage of anyone who would look victim enough.
Grayell's expression was stern and set on the path. No problem here...
"What about you woman? Fancy a little sumfin then?"
Serenity dealt with persistent types before, often with lethal action, but this situation was different, and she wondered what Grayell was going to do now.
If a fight was in store, would he get hurt? Would it be because she decided to do nothing and just act like a damsel in distress?
Grayell continued, a sneer on his lips. The two men stalled a bit and then lazily followed them.
"I'll give her sumfin.... a bug sumfin. Heheh."
"Yeah, she'd look betta wifout them hoity toity threads on right? Hyuk hyuk."
"Dunno, snobby bitch like that?"
... and then Grayell stopped. He breathed in, his eyes narrow. A look to the moon in the sky and then to Serenity.
I'll be one moment. I apologize.
Grayell turned to face the two assholes and stepped forward but two paces. His arms folded across his chest and he stared at the ground, shaking his head. He looked up, his eyes locked on them both.
You two will apology to the lady. Then I'll consider not kicking your asses for selling that crap around here.
