Why Drayel hates Merchants

[Talia Idris]

Talia was in shock...it was one thing to joke about being 'perfect companions' but the comments that had started flying as soon as they had entered the barracks were a little much. Sure she knew that men could be a little rough around the edges but she wasn't expecting this...she was thinking that they would just sneak in, do what Drayel needed to before getting out of here.

Talia continued her train of thought in her own little world as Drayel dragged her through the now quiet room and up the stairs. The way that he had reacted to the comments not only caused her ears to burn but she didn't know how to react to them either. While he didn't tell anyone that they were wrong he also didn't seem very happy with the accusations hurled their way. She tucked her long bangs behind her left ear and flipped her braid over her shoulder, doing a quick mental calculation of her appearance. Everything seemed okay so he shouldn't be too embarrassed to be seen in her presence....at least she hoped that wasn't the reason.

Drayel dragged her into a room and shut the door, his words suddenly pulled her from her reverie. She blushed, yet again, seeing him standing there obviously expecting her to help him undress, or at least get out of his uniform. "I guess you don't bring many women here." She said quietly while looking around the room, both out of curiosity and to avoid eye contact while helping him to remove his armor. "There..." She said as the last piece came off "lets go find someone to cover for you and get this done with." She turned towards the door hoping that he would forget about wanting to change his shirt. "Who knows where that crazy old man is by now." Talia continued .

[Drayel]

Being free of the heavy armor made Drayel groan, rolling his aching shoulder with a wince before giving it a quick shake. No, it would straighten itself out. Instead he glanced at his new 'armbuddy' with the look of slight bemusement. She looked rather flustered though he couldn't understand why, well, tried not to remember why.

"I apologize on behalf of those baboons out there." Drayel sighed as he looked around the room distractedly. "They just have a childish sense of humor, the lot of 'em."

Finding what he wanted he picked up his sword with a pleased grunt, tying it firmly to himself before glancing at Talia with a smirk. "Of course, I suppose a lot of them are simply surprised to see a woman with me, let alone a pretty one like yourself. Half the ones they've found are fat, ugly, and look like drunk dwarfs. The bearded kind."

[Talia Idris]

Talia smiled softly at the compliment, at least that meant he wasn't too embarrassed by her. Her smiled broadened at the description of the other 'women' that apparently frequented the place. Maybe this whole ordeal wasn't going to be as bad as she originally thought. As long as they didn't step on each others toes, metaphorically or physically.

"Well you said women are crazy, and in a similar way most men have quiet a childish sense of humour...I guess I'm just not used to being around men," Talia said with a gentle nod, "I generally work in the kitchen in the bakery all the day, getting up early to work and going to bed early to rest for the next morning. They do give me the option of selling our goods but I prefer to stay in the back." She quieted down. This was unusually for her, she never was very talkative with people.

As they headed slowly back down the stairs Talia ventured to wonder what the rest of the day would bring, and even more so afterwards. It was plain to see that besides a bit of stubbornness they didn't have much in common. Talia decided that if they did find the little old man she would ask him, by herself, whatever in his right mind would make him think that pairing them up was the perfect idea. That is if he wasn't already completely bonkers.

Drayel lightly pulled Talia over to a table, standing over the men at it in his minorly intimidating way. Talia decided that it would probably be best if she let him conduct her business alone and turned around. Standing pretty much back to back with their bound hands between them she surveyed the room. There were guards lounging or chatting friendly, for the most part, with one another. Occasionally a head would tilt up or glance in their direction before ducking down. Talia didn't know what Drayel had done to govern so much respect, or maybe it was fear, from these men but it must have been something big. Drayel's voice brought her back to reality once more. She smiled up at him as she waited to hear what his game plan was, for she certainly did not know how they were expected to find an enchanting old man.

[Drayel]

"Thank you Leon, I owe you one." Drayel sighed as he rubbed his forehead. The others at the table gave him shaky smiles which he promptly frowned at. "What? Something to say?"

They looked away.

"Hmph. I see." Drayel glared crustily at them before turning back to the guard who was taking his shift. "Say, have you heard about any.... odd elder men running around giving people enchanted items?"

"Hm? Enchanted items? No, why?" Leon paused as he glanced at the girl behind Drayel and it clicked. Slowly a smile crawled across his face as a mischievous smile crawled its way onto his face. "So.... is that what happened to you two? Got stuck together by an old man?"

"Shut up Leon." came the irritated response. "Just answer my question!"

"No, I haven't Drayel." Leon sighed despite the smug grin still being there. Drayel felt his eye twitch irritably. He wanted to punch him right between the eye sockets. "Tell you what, the boys will patrol and look around. We'll see what we can't find on the old man. Why don't you take her around on a date or somethin'? We wouldn't want to drag such a jewel around the mucks looking for an old man. Right fellows?"

"Right!" came the chorus of idiots.

"No! No dates!" Drayel spat as he bristled, subconciously clenching his fists before he remember he was hanging onto her hand and forced it to loosen. "I barely damn well know her and it's improper! Besides, we need to find the old man!"

"So, we'll look for him. You go entertain your lady friend until we finish."

"B-but"

"No. Move your ass Drayel, a young lady shouldn't be standing amongst such smelly men for so long." Leon turned them around and nudged them at the door. "We'll come find you two if we find anything now shoo! Shoo!"

Drayel cringed as he was promptly pushed out the door followed by cheers and planning from the idiots behind him. He fumed, irritated beyond belief at his co-workers yet milding panicking. He didn't deal well with woman, crap he wasn't even good with people! What was he suppose to do? Slowly he glanced down at her and cleared his throat.

"Ah... You take the lead. You probably had plans today anyway...."

[Talia Idris]

Once again Talia's smile froze when she heard the word 'date' being used. Any woman would be pleased to be called a jewel and to have men being so concerned for her and them yet Talia still couldn't get away from the fact that they were talking about her as if she wasn't there and secondly that Drayel seemed so disgusted at the thought of venturing out on a date with her! Not that she was used to going out on dates herself due to her waking and working hours generally being and inconvenience for young men who desired to come wooing. The most excitement she would generally get is when an old man would come into the shop and compliment her buns, and not her baking! Even then she knew it was more in jest then in all seriousness so she never paid much heed to it by laughing it all off.

Talia's stomach let out an unlady-like gurgle - it was nearly noon after all. "Well you mentioned before that you wanted to check out the bakery, so why don't we go there and have some lunch." she said quietly, as they started to head away from the barracks, Talia leading the way.

She didn't know how to act around him. Every part of her wanted to simply just ignore this confusing man until they were unbound. After-all it wasn't like he was going to stick around afterwards, she had far too much experience in loosing people she loved to trust that Drayel would stay for long. Plus he wasn't even here out of his own desire! On top of that this confounded man couldn't seem to make up his mind! One minute he was acting like a grumpy old man, the next a flustered little boy and who knew how he would react to anything she said.

Talia shook her head, wiping the frown that was forming along with it. Might as well attempt to enjoy the day with Drayel, it was her only day off and Talia determined that she wouldn't let him or anyone else for that matter ruin it. With a nod for personal conviction Talia looked up at her companion with a grin. "So do you think your men will actually look for the old bat that did this too us?" She said raising their hands. "They seemed to get a little too much enjoyment out of it. Let me guess, they didn't approve of your last lover, that darling old lady." She added with a twinkle in her eyes remembering how panicked Drayel had been when the creepy and sort of ugly old woman had chased them.

[Drayel]

"That hag is not my lover." Drayel growled as he wrinkled his nose in disgust. "She's simply... attracted to me I suppose. Not sure how she took the mistake of 'being lovers' but from what I gather from her damn followers is she 'read our vibe' and picked up on 'lustful thoughts' from my head when I 'gave her smoldering eyes'. Honestly, I don't get a damn word of whatever crap they've spewed but I have enough on my hands without adding a batty old wench to boot."

Drayel made a face before glancing warily behind him.

"To be honest, I've been groped by her multiple times. Comes from nowhere I swe-AR IT!" Drayel jumped a good foot before wheeling his head around to stare in disbelief at the grinning old hag. "HOW DID YOU GET THERE?!"

"Fufufufu, your buns are as hard as every Draysie!" she crooned as she continued to nuzzle into his back while groping. "Your vibes spoke to me once more, my love! We are to be together! Kehehehe!"

"Unhand me!" Drayel shouted as he jerked away from the old hag and pulled Talia infront of him like a shield. "I've told you I have no interest in wooing you!"

"Oh, your so bashful! Don't worry, I can read your vibes clearly my dearest."

"YOU'RE NOT READING THEM RIGHT THEN!"

"Kehaahahaha!" She rolled her eyes before eyeing Talia with slight jealous suspicion. "Though my love, I wonder who this....woman is. Surely just a friend...?"

[Talia Idris]

Talia laughed at Drayel's reaction to her bringing up Mrs. Grandie up again. She felt kind of bad for making him uncomfortable but the way she saw it she did have a bit of a right, after all it was his men who had so embarrassed her. Suddenly Drayel leaped forward as if someone had suddenly lite his pants on fire. Talia stumbled trying to keep from falling face first on the ground. Catching her balance she turned around to see the women herself standing there smiling in a rather perverse way. No wonder he was so terrified of her! Talia practically shivered at the sight of the old woman whose intentions were written all over her face. And then to top it all of Drayel had the nerve to put her between them! Coward, she glared at him.

Suddenly she got an idea. This ought to be fun Talia grinned.

"Just a friend!" She looked down her nose in the most haughty way she could. "I will have you know that this man is my husband. And if you will kindly let go of him before I do something rash!" Talia flipped her long braid over her shoulder all the while flaunting the ring that she had been given that morning. "Now if you will excuse us, we are off to this darling little bakery for lunch and then who knows what we will do for the rest of the day since we both aren't required anywhere until tomorrow." Talia finished the whole act up by cuddling up to Drayel and attempting to look lovingly up at him. She bit her tongue to keep from laughing all the while hoping that the crazy old goon would buy it and that Drayel wouldn't freak out too much and blow their cover.

[Drayel]

"Whhaaaaaaat?" Mrs. Grandie shrieked as she gaped in absolute horror at the two of them. Her eyes lit with fire as she bared her crooked teeth in hatred at Talia. "You lie! My love, answer me! Who do you love best!?"

"Talia." Drayel answered immediately though inwardly he was having the biggest meltdown of his life. He was married? At first, he'd thought she was another crazy fan of his and the old man was in on the gag but something about her movements caught his attention. The snobby flick of her hair, the showing of the ring, even the way she was snuggling against him, each told him something was different then what she said. Then it clicked. A slow sigh pulled from his chest as he lowered his head onto her shoulder, nuzzling the joint in her neck as he wrapped his arms around her middle. Glancing up at the crooked woman he gave her a sad eyes and pouting lips. "I apologize Gracie but.... you see..... I didn't want to break your heart. My love is with Talia."

Oh burn you rotten hag burn. Or at least , he hoped she would. Like always though, she did the opposite of what he wanted. Dammit.

"Do not worry my love! I will release you from this filthy siren's spell and you and I shall be together again!" with that she turned and sweeped away, her fat rump waddling with nearly an inch wagging on each side. Drayel grimaced as he hid his face in Talia's shoulder. Never again would he be able to close his eyes without seeing that fat bottle of blob's rear shaking it's way into an earthquake.

[Talia Idris]

Is there no end to the craziness this day will bring? Talia wondered as the croon waddled away. She shook her head trying to get the image of her out of her mind. Looking at 'Draysie' nestled still on her shoulder she felt her heart skip a beat. Oh goodness gracious! Talia scolded herself, Is that all that it takes to make your heart flutter? Some guy forced to be with you pretending he likes you? Get a grip of yourself woman!

"She is gone now." Talia said taking a step away. "I apologize for my unlady-like behaviour. I was hoping that I could convince her that she didn't have a chance with you but it looks like I may have made things worse. Well who knows maybe she will find the crazy old man for us and then you won't have to put up with me much long. Maybe she will even fall for him too....two crazy people aught to pair up just fine. Don't you think?" Talia didn't wait for a response before starting to lead Drayel towards her workplace. "Com'mon, lets go get some food."

The rest of the walk was silent, thankfully it wasn't too long of a walk. As the entered the bakery a blast of fresh baked goodness wafted over them. Feeling at home Talia once again felt comfortable enough to smile....until she realized something. Shifting from foot to foot she awkwardly looked at Drayel. "I'm sorry to have to do this too you," she whispered embarrassed for the upteenth time today, " but I have to go...relieve myself. And due to this enchantment, curse, whatever you want to call it, you have to come with me." She blushed. "I expect you to be a gentleman and turn around, cover your eyes and for goodness sake hum so you don't hear anything."

Talia started to pull what seemed like a very shocked and reluctant Drayel through the kitchen. The baker's wife was busy baking but turned around just in time to seem Talia dragging the man up the stair to her little apartment and the bathroom that were up there. "Don't worry ma'am!" Talia called down, quickly climbing the stairs. "We are just grabbing some of my things and then we will be off! Could you put aside a little something for us for lunch? Thank-you!" Talia hollered the last bit and then closed the door before any questions could be asked. She had no idea how she was going to explain this to her employers. The truth certainly seemed less then believable.

[Drayel]

Hearing the newest predicament, Shade felt his face flush and resisted the urge to groan. Of course she needed to relieve herself. He didn't protest out loud of course, not wanting to embarrass the poor lass farther but he distantly wondered how Lady Luck hated him so much.

"I will turn my eyes away and even hum if it makes it better." Drayel said dryly as he followed her up to her place. He gave a quick nod to the startled looking bakers, giving a quirky smirk as an assurance he wasn't up to no good. Then again, holding the hand of a woman who was leading him up to her home didn't send a good message either. Once out of their sight he let out a low sigh. "By the end of this, my reputation of honor shall be vanquished."

[Talia Idris]

After Talia had finished up her business and washed her hand she turned around to look at Drayel. "Well you were the one who dragged me to your room in front of all your men," she shot at him, "at least here only two people saw and without your uniform they won't really know who you are. But if you like I can let everyone who does question your reputation what a delightful and respectful young man you are." Talia finished with a slight role of the eyes, men and their reputations and egos.

Drayel started to rush to the door but once again Talia dug in her heels to stop him. "If I go down there without anything then it really will look suspicious." She said, glancing around the simple room for something for her to grab. "Hmmmm, I'll just bring my cloak. I know its still a bit warm out but I'll just mention that I am going to do some shopping after we finish...well whatever we are calling this. Okay lets go." Talia nodded to Drayel, signalling him that they could go now.

[Drayel]

Drayel paused, glancing at the young woman before looking around the room once more.

"A bag." He rumbled glancing at the nearby closet. "Do you have one? Like a carrying bag I mean. If we patr- walk around with it we'll at least look like we're shopping. Isn't that what you females do when a male is at your call?"

He glanced down at her with a serious expression, his lip twitching slightly as he hid his irritation. He was glad he had the hand of a rather settled female instead of one of those money grubbing wenches who spent 'mere hours' 'perfecting their face' only to come out looking like clowns. He'd seen those creatures parading around and he saw the men when they were through with them. He twitched his nose a bit.

"I may as well be of assistance if you wish to go shopping or something of the kind after Lunch. Traveling the markets we can blend in and question rather than simply wander about without getting at least something done."

[Talia Idris]

"So you don't trust your men to get the job done." Talia said with a grin as she reached behind the door to grab her small purse. "Either that or you really are afraid of going on a date with me. Or maybe just afraid of creepy-mrs-what's-her-face getting a hold of you if we leave the crowds." She didn't know why but for some reason she was enjoying teasing Drayel, perhaps it was because she knew how we would react to teasing instead of wondering what she would say and how he would take it.

Heading down the stairs Talia grabbed the basket that had been set out for them. As they left the bakery Talia looked back and thanked them for the basket of goodies, receiving a wink and a cheeky grin from the baker's wife. Talia laughed, she was going to have a lot of explaining to do at work tomorrow!

"Well do you want one?" Talia offered the basket to him. "The buns are fresh, not made by me of course but I did make those cookies yesterday so they should be still good. Oh look, they packed up some ham and cheese too, how nice."

[Drayel]

"Food sounds nice." Drayel agreed as he glanced around with a hum. "Let us find somewhere to sit and eat. I haven't eaten a damn thing since yesterday's supper."

"As for the trusting, I trust them to spy on us more then hunt the old man." Drayel sighed as he glanced back into the crowd with a suspicious frown. "Between them, the old bitty, and thugs I'd rather stay on alert though. Besides, you said this was your day off yeah? May as well get what was planned finished."

"So, you lead the way Lady Talia, and I shall follow." Drayel hummed as he gave her a huff. "After all, you are the one holding the food so to a man, you hold the leash. At least, that's what it appears to be in marriages. Blasted things are a waste of time in my opinion...."

[Talia Idris]

"Well lets head to the park by the schools," Talia said as she altered their direction, "I often go there after work just to relax, its really quite lovely. It was one of the places I was planning on going to today anyways. Personally I don't understand why the other guards would spy on you." Talia continued, tilting her head to glance up curiously at Drayel. "You made if obvious that there was going to be no funny business or anything even near the sort so in reality there is nothing for them to spy on."

They reached the park and Talia found the bench she often enjoyed sitting at. It was surrounded by flowers and the nearby trees offered just the right amount of shade. "Have you ever been married?" She cautiously asked. "I have always viewed marriage as a team effort....um like the guard if you will. You need more then one person to get the job done, sometimes it is done as a team and sometimes it must be done by an individual but even in those cases it is almost always is done for the sake of team" Talia laughed at herself as she gazed through the leaves overheard before grabbing what remained of the sandwich supplies. "Anyways that's just the opinion of a simple baker girl." She grinned sheepishly. "I don't really have anything else to do but form opinions on others' lives."

"Okay, now I have dragged you to two places and you have only dragged me to one. So it is your turn to decided what to do."