"Cats?" Drayel paused with the coffee to his lips, frowning a little as he furrowed his brows. Well, that was odd but it didn't help much with the investigation. Still, he filed it back and nodded before glancing around the small bakery with a hum. "I know I am investigating, but I'm simply curious. Is your bread as good as your meals? If so, I can see why your place was robbed and not that other bread store."
Drayel hadn't really meant it as a compliment nor as an insult. To him, it was a statement of his thoughts. So unabashed he continued to look around the kitchen with dull interest. The heavy breakfast settled nicely in his belly and perked his mood considerably. Not only that, waking up got his brain working past the 'Need Sleep' stage it seemed to have been stuck in. No, now he was ready to go.
"I will look around if you wish to try and get your baking started." Drayel stated as he stood with a heavy groan, his belly sticking out slightly as he let loose a pleased purr. "Thank you again for the meal, it tasted good. Hang on, I'll grab the dishes first though. Which way is the sink?"
With that he took the dishes from the table, balancing them quickly on his hands as he cleaned the table of what wasn't being used. He glanced down at her and gave her a quirked smile. She fed him, he'd at least clear the table. Then after that, back to staring at nothing until he realizes what he's missed.
Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
Talia blushed a bit at Drayel's comment about her cooking. "Well we are quite popular, so I would assume so." In all honesty Talia knew that they had the best bread in town, but it wouldn't look good to brag about that. With a pleasant nod to Drayel as thanks for gathering the dishes, she started to gather the ingredients for the bread making.
Talia worked as fast as she could but of course it wasn't enough. Every 15 minutes or so she had to go to the front, unlock the door and explain what had happened, asking them to come back later. Eventually she was done, all that was left was to let the dough rise enough for her to be able to pop them in the oven. They wouldn't be as fluffy at they usually were but there really wasn't another option.
Wiping a bit of dampness off her forehead she turned around to see Drayel staring at her. She had totally forgot that he was there. Wiping the flour from her hands onto her apron she smiled. "Well now, have you figured anything out? What is the next step I have to take to get this all worked out?"
She looked at the clock. If he wasn't around for too much longer she may be able to run to some of the shops and see about getting replacement supplies for tomorrows batch of bread and buns. She had used up what was left to make the dough that was rising now. She sighed softly. Today was going to be much too busy to be any fun, she normally took pleasure in her work but currently it was just too stressful.
Talia worked as fast as she could but of course it wasn't enough. Every 15 minutes or so she had to go to the front, unlock the door and explain what had happened, asking them to come back later. Eventually she was done, all that was left was to let the dough rise enough for her to be able to pop them in the oven. They wouldn't be as fluffy at they usually were but there really wasn't another option.
Wiping a bit of dampness off her forehead she turned around to see Drayel staring at her. She had totally forgot that he was there. Wiping the flour from her hands onto her apron she smiled. "Well now, have you figured anything out? What is the next step I have to take to get this all worked out?"
She looked at the clock. If he wasn't around for too much longer she may be able to run to some of the shops and see about getting replacement supplies for tomorrows batch of bread and buns. She had used up what was left to make the dough that was rising now. She sighed softly. Today was going to be much too busy to be any fun, she normally took pleasure in her work but currently it was just too stressful.
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
"Are you in need of assistance?" Drayel asked flatly as he frowned at the weary looking woman. "I'm no baker of course, but I can do odd jobs. As for the investigation, no. I'm going to stay at the shop for a while however, see if any characters come in and catch my eye. It's easier to see who reacts how if they don't know I'm a guard though. Would it bother you if I looked like I worked here?"
This was a bit of a stretch and basically Drayel's way of saying 'I have no damn idea what happened so I'm gonna take a leap and go this way'. Not a smart plan by any means, nor perhaps the most effective but Drayel didn't exactly want to tear apart the bakery looking for wires or markings either. Judging by the poor woman's face she had enough to deal with.
He'd seen how quickly she baked things, how she ran to the door and charged back with what seemed like endless amounts of haste. Now that she slowed down however she looked miserably exhausted and beyond that simply stressed. Not that he'd blame her. So, he offered help while he tried to figure out what to do next.
"Well? Do you need another worker or shall I sit in the corner to brood at your customers?"
This was a bit of a stretch and basically Drayel's way of saying 'I have no damn idea what happened so I'm gonna take a leap and go this way'. Not a smart plan by any means, nor perhaps the most effective but Drayel didn't exactly want to tear apart the bakery looking for wires or markings either. Judging by the poor woman's face she had enough to deal with.
He'd seen how quickly she baked things, how she ran to the door and charged back with what seemed like endless amounts of haste. Now that she slowed down however she looked miserably exhausted and beyond that simply stressed. Not that he'd blame her. So, he offered help while he tried to figure out what to do next.
"Well? Do you need another worker or shall I sit in the corner to brood at your customers?"
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
Talia considered his offer. It would be nice if he was around, then customers would get an explanation to why the shop wasn't open yet and they, hopefully, wouldn't lose business. "Well...I guess that could work. First though, put this on." She grabbed Vadim's apron off a hook and handed it to him. "Maybe add a bit of flour to your hands, we bakers can never get away from flour! It gets in everywhere." She grinned at him.
"I am going to head out for a bit. I need supplies for tomorrow's inventory since most of the big stuff was stolen." Going to the register she took some of the money out. She would replace it as soon as she was able to go upstairs and grab some from her savings. "I shouldn't be gone for too long. There probably will be some deliveries to the back while I am out, I won't be able to carry everything back on my own. Make sure you lock the door after you bring the stuff in."
Talia decided not to grab her cloak since it seemed to be warming up, after all the sun had been up for a few hours now. "Just explain that Mr. and Mrs. Campion are a way, Talia is training you, we had an issue with our inventory but the daily bread will be up in just over an hour. Thanks! You're a dear!" And with that she scurried out the door. She had a lot of errands too run in a very short time.
"I am going to head out for a bit. I need supplies for tomorrow's inventory since most of the big stuff was stolen." Going to the register she took some of the money out. She would replace it as soon as she was able to go upstairs and grab some from her savings. "I shouldn't be gone for too long. There probably will be some deliveries to the back while I am out, I won't be able to carry everything back on my own. Make sure you lock the door after you bring the stuff in."
Talia decided not to grab her cloak since it seemed to be warming up, after all the sun had been up for a few hours now. "Just explain that Mr. and Mrs. Campion are a way, Talia is training you, we had an issue with our inventory but the daily bread will be up in just over an hour. Thanks! You're a dear!" And with that she scurried out the door. She had a lot of errands too run in a very short time.
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
Seeing her run out the door Drayel simply stared at it for a moment, then at the apron in his hand. What had she just said? Something about delivery, locking the door, and flour. He frowned a little, unsure what to do but she was gone. He glanced at the apron for a moment before grunting a bit and pulling at the ties thoughtfully.
Carrying in the delivery that was to be made, cover self in flower, lock the door when the delivery is done. Three steps from what Drayel could figure out and one of them involved getting dirty. So, wordlessly he tossed the apron over the chair and pulled off his shirt. Folding the clothing neatly he placed it at the bottom of the stairs before heading in and putting the apron on. After all, that was his last clean shirt and to the devil with flour if it was going to ruin it. He snorted before glancing around.
Finding the flour wasn't all that hard, it was written right on the bag. Yet, coming closer to it Drayel distantly wondered just what sort of things this powder did. He knew with flames it would explode (a couple nearby mills taught him that lesson) and that it kept things from sticking but what did it do for baking? Oh well. Taking a hand full of flour he smacked his hands together causing white to erupt everywhere.
At first he was stunned. He'd known it was powder but he hadn't used that much force. He simply patted his hands together and it flew everywhere. Most of it ended on the ground near his feet, clumping into slick piles while the rest went on his apron, in his hair, and all around his face. Startled he looked slowly down at the mess he'd created and a frown began to form on his face.
"Dammit." Drayel cursed when he realized just how short a time she was gone and just how big a mess he made. Feeling rather flustered he looked around, trying to find a broom or something to sweep it up with. His search came short however when a sharp knock hit the door and he jerked upright, head turning to the front where a customer frowned in. "Coming!"
He'd made it a step and a half before a pile of flour beneath his boot caused him to slide. Yelping in alarm he scrambled where he stood but to no avail. He landed heavily on his back and again erupted another explosion cloud of white. Groaning he realized he now was covered front in back in the baking stuff. Still he pushed it off and slowly got to his feet, more careful then before, and went to answer the door. An old lady with beady eyes and a crooked back peered way up with shock. He snorted and flour blared out his nose.
"We're.... closed for now." He grumbled as he twitched his nose in an attempt to fight the itch that began it's steady burning. "Sorry for the inconvenience. We'll be ready in about an hour if you wish to drop by then."
"Are you alright, sonny?" The old woman asked as the giant gave a heavy shudder.
"Y-Yes m-ma'am, j-just tryin' n-not to-CHOO!" Drayel sneezed hard enough that white flew from his hair. He grimaced. "Sorry. No, I'm ... getting trained. Baking is not as easy as you women make me believe."
"No, no it isn't." came the amused response as the old lady gave her own hair a shake to free what flour landed on her. Realizing what he did Drayel turned scarlet.
"I apologize!" Drayel scrambled as he clapped his hands a bit in an attempt to dust of his hands to dust her off. He only proceeded in spreading the flour into a layer that covered both of them from head to foot. He stared at her in horror. "I... I did not mean that."
"..." The older woman stared up at him with tight lips, her eyebrow quirked as she tried to hold off howling in amusement. Seeing his lost expression however her smile softened and she gently reached up and dusted off his hair. "Perhaps you weren't made for this sort of thing young man."
"No, apparently not." Drayel admitted as he glanced down sheepishly at her. That is, until he came to realize he still needed to watch the backdoor for the delivery man. Cursing loudly he started to walk away before pausing and returning to the now hooting woman, apologizing again for the flour and his foul language before running back in. A loud crack sounded out which made the lady nearly fall over from laughter as she turned and began marching towards the other stores in search of Talia.
Inside, Drayel groaned as he forced himself off the floor for the second time this hour. He winced, giving his head a bit of a shake before slowly pulling himself from the floor. His back groaned at him and his battlewound pulsed causing him to grimace. No, keep moving you idiot and watch the flour pile this time! Grumbling he went to the back door and unlocked it.
Being how his day was thus far, the delivery man actually pulled up just as he was about to clean up. As he'd suspected would happen of course the man laughed at Drayel's appearance before handing him the first crate, musing how a man shouldn't do a woman's job. Drayel growled out at him but simply carried the things wordlessly back inside. He wasn't quite sure how many he carried in but when he'd gotten the last box he heard the door open and glanced up to see Talia gaping at him. He blinked at her, then the mess, then himself before slowly looking up and giving her a slow sheepish smile.
"Ah... Oops?"
Carrying in the delivery that was to be made, cover self in flower, lock the door when the delivery is done. Three steps from what Drayel could figure out and one of them involved getting dirty. So, wordlessly he tossed the apron over the chair and pulled off his shirt. Folding the clothing neatly he placed it at the bottom of the stairs before heading in and putting the apron on. After all, that was his last clean shirt and to the devil with flour if it was going to ruin it. He snorted before glancing around.
Finding the flour wasn't all that hard, it was written right on the bag. Yet, coming closer to it Drayel distantly wondered just what sort of things this powder did. He knew with flames it would explode (a couple nearby mills taught him that lesson) and that it kept things from sticking but what did it do for baking? Oh well. Taking a hand full of flour he smacked his hands together causing white to erupt everywhere.
At first he was stunned. He'd known it was powder but he hadn't used that much force. He simply patted his hands together and it flew everywhere. Most of it ended on the ground near his feet, clumping into slick piles while the rest went on his apron, in his hair, and all around his face. Startled he looked slowly down at the mess he'd created and a frown began to form on his face.
"Dammit." Drayel cursed when he realized just how short a time she was gone and just how big a mess he made. Feeling rather flustered he looked around, trying to find a broom or something to sweep it up with. His search came short however when a sharp knock hit the door and he jerked upright, head turning to the front where a customer frowned in. "Coming!"
He'd made it a step and a half before a pile of flour beneath his boot caused him to slide. Yelping in alarm he scrambled where he stood but to no avail. He landed heavily on his back and again erupted another explosion cloud of white. Groaning he realized he now was covered front in back in the baking stuff. Still he pushed it off and slowly got to his feet, more careful then before, and went to answer the door. An old lady with beady eyes and a crooked back peered way up with shock. He snorted and flour blared out his nose.
"We're.... closed for now." He grumbled as he twitched his nose in an attempt to fight the itch that began it's steady burning. "Sorry for the inconvenience. We'll be ready in about an hour if you wish to drop by then."
"Are you alright, sonny?" The old woman asked as the giant gave a heavy shudder.
"Y-Yes m-ma'am, j-just tryin' n-not to-CHOO!" Drayel sneezed hard enough that white flew from his hair. He grimaced. "Sorry. No, I'm ... getting trained. Baking is not as easy as you women make me believe."
"No, no it isn't." came the amused response as the old lady gave her own hair a shake to free what flour landed on her. Realizing what he did Drayel turned scarlet.
"I apologize!" Drayel scrambled as he clapped his hands a bit in an attempt to dust of his hands to dust her off. He only proceeded in spreading the flour into a layer that covered both of them from head to foot. He stared at her in horror. "I... I did not mean that."
"..." The older woman stared up at him with tight lips, her eyebrow quirked as she tried to hold off howling in amusement. Seeing his lost expression however her smile softened and she gently reached up and dusted off his hair. "Perhaps you weren't made for this sort of thing young man."
"No, apparently not." Drayel admitted as he glanced down sheepishly at her. That is, until he came to realize he still needed to watch the backdoor for the delivery man. Cursing loudly he started to walk away before pausing and returning to the now hooting woman, apologizing again for the flour and his foul language before running back in. A loud crack sounded out which made the lady nearly fall over from laughter as she turned and began marching towards the other stores in search of Talia.
Inside, Drayel groaned as he forced himself off the floor for the second time this hour. He winced, giving his head a bit of a shake before slowly pulling himself from the floor. His back groaned at him and his battlewound pulsed causing him to grimace. No, keep moving you idiot and watch the flour pile this time! Grumbling he went to the back door and unlocked it.
Being how his day was thus far, the delivery man actually pulled up just as he was about to clean up. As he'd suspected would happen of course the man laughed at Drayel's appearance before handing him the first crate, musing how a man shouldn't do a woman's job. Drayel growled out at him but simply carried the things wordlessly back inside. He wasn't quite sure how many he carried in but when he'd gotten the last box he heard the door open and glanced up to see Talia gaping at him. He blinked at her, then the mess, then himself before slowly looking up and giving her a slow sheepish smile.
"Ah... Oops?"
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
Talia had just been wrapping up her last purchase when one of her regular customer had come up behind her. "Dearie, you might want to get back to your bakery sooner then later." The old woman's was grinning at her in a way that made Talia a little concerned.
"Why? What happened?" She asked hoping that nothing bad had happened.
"Oh you will see when you get there!" The woman chuckled as she left Talia staring at her, confused and curious. Paying the store clerk quickly she shot him a thankful smile when he offered to have the stuff delivered free of charge to the bakery. They often bought stuff from him so Talia assumed that he appreciated the business.
Talia walked back to the bakery, opening the door she noticed a layer of flour coating the counters and part of the floor. Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked around and then braced herself for the sight behind the doors. Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw when she opened the door.
She was shocked, simply shocked. It took a minute or two before she snapped her mouth closed and glared at Drayel. "Oops? Really?!" She took a couple breaths before continuing. It wouldn't do to start yelling at the man who was helping her....or at least was supposed to be helping her.
"First of all, put your shirt on! I don't care how good you think you look without it, there is no good reason why you should be working around food and not be dressed. Its not proper." She pursed her lips as she looked around the room. "What happened? Please tell me the thief came back and this is the aftermath of the fight between you two and that he is tied up somewhere?"
Before he could answer Talia shock her head as she grabbed the broom from its hiding place in the closet and started sweeping. At least he hadn't spilled water, that would have made this mess so much harder to clean up. And once she was done this she was going to have to knead the break again and pop it the oven. "Can you put a couple more logs in the oven?" She asked him as she finished sweeping up the flour, making sure to avoid eye contact, just in case she got angry at him all over again. For the Creator's sake! She had just asked him to do three simple things!
"Why? What happened?" She asked hoping that nothing bad had happened.
"Oh you will see when you get there!" The woman chuckled as she left Talia staring at her, confused and curious. Paying the store clerk quickly she shot him a thankful smile when he offered to have the stuff delivered free of charge to the bakery. They often bought stuff from him so Talia assumed that he appreciated the business.
Talia walked back to the bakery, opening the door she noticed a layer of flour coating the counters and part of the floor. Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked around and then braced herself for the sight behind the doors. Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw when she opened the door.
She was shocked, simply shocked. It took a minute or two before she snapped her mouth closed and glared at Drayel. "Oops? Really?!" She took a couple breaths before continuing. It wouldn't do to start yelling at the man who was helping her....or at least was supposed to be helping her.
"First of all, put your shirt on! I don't care how good you think you look without it, there is no good reason why you should be working around food and not be dressed. Its not proper." She pursed her lips as she looked around the room. "What happened? Please tell me the thief came back and this is the aftermath of the fight between you two and that he is tied up somewhere?"
Before he could answer Talia shock her head as she grabbed the broom from its hiding place in the closet and started sweeping. At least he hadn't spilled water, that would have made this mess so much harder to clean up. And once she was done this she was going to have to knead the break again and pop it the oven. "Can you put a couple more logs in the oven?" She asked him as she finished sweeping up the flour, making sure to avoid eye contact, just in case she got angry at him all over again. For the Creator's sake! She had just asked him to do three simple things!
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
Drayel stayed in a guilty silence as he pulled off the apron and walked briskly outside where the logs sat. Sneezing a little he grabbed a heavy armful of logs, nearly five fat ones to be exact, before heading in with them. Wordlessly he shoved it in the bottom of the oven, poking it apart to be sure air still got through. Glancing at her from the corner of his eye, he felt himself frown a bit before heading out the door again.
He was no good in the kitchen but the least he could do was chop more wood. Right? Besides, he made more harm then good and he had to make up for it. It took a moment to find the axe but when he did, he got straight to work. pulling out a large hunk of log he sat it square on the ground, pulled himself upright, and swung down hard with a loud crack. A third of the way. He raised the axe (with wood still wedged on it) and hit it harder. This time, it went nearly the whole way through. Last crack and it fell into two neat halves. Grunting he reached for another.
"Huh? Drayel?" a sharp snorting tone made him freeze up. Turning he stared over his shoulder in disbelief at the equally surprised man. Seeing this guardsman bent over with an axe in his hand would normally scare away the average person but not this one. Instead, he saw flour and shirtless Drayel and immediately threw his head back and howled with laughter. "Oi! What's going on? Is that... flour?"
"Shut up mutt." Drayel growled as he grabbed the wood and lined up the axe. He fixed the shifter with a narrow glare before swinging down on the axe again. "What are you doing here?"
"Lookin' for work." came the lazy response as the man leaned back and hummed with interest. "Lucy kicked my ass pretty good this mornin' so I thought I'd try and earn a bit of pay to try and appease her. So, what happened to you? Decided you didn't like being a stick-up-your ass guard?"
"Not even close." Drayel snorted as he gave his head a bit of a shake. Flour flew from him and he grimaced. "This bakery was robbed last night and I don't have many leads. I was hoping if I laid low and helped her try and get some stock back up, I'd figure something out. Unfortunately I'm not a baker."
"So, you're cutting wood?"
"That's all I'm good for at the moment." Drayel answered flatly. "I've pushed her farther behind and now I doubt she even want to look at me let alone me 'help'. What of it?"
"Just wonderin'." the man hummed as he itched his chin thoughtfully. "Say, need a dog? I'll sniff around a bit if ya pay me."
"You're quite the trader, aren't you?" Drayel snorted irritably before rubbing his forehead with a sigh. "No, not now though. She's busy. Come back later on when shop is closed. We'll get you to sniff around the alley and what not for now. Fifteen Bishan for the day."
"Huh, must be pretty desperate if that's your starting price." the man whistled before tilting his head and frowning. "Why? What's up?"
"...I just want this person caught." Drayel answered coldly before reaching for another piece of wood. He shoved it roughly infront of him and raised his axe. He got ready to swing down only to realize he couldn't, the other man held the end of his axe with a sharp stare.
"Don't hold secrets well Drayel. Why?" the other man growled as he locked eyes with the glaring Drayel. They held glares for a while, sizing each other up despite knowing each other nearly all their lives. After a while however Drayel just sighed in defeat as he tugged the axe from the other.
"She's alone in there." Drayel said gravely. "Didn't wake up last night, didn't even hear a damn thing except for a bunch of cats fighting and judging by the marks on the chair and railings, whoever broke in had either claws or some sharp knives. She's lucky the cats probably scared away whoever it was but tonight, she may not be. I don't want to leave if I have to face her dead body in the morning."
"..." the man went quiet as a look of understanding crossed his face. Another moment to lock eyes and this time it was the other who sighed. "Alright, tell ya what. You pay me ten Bishan for the evening and I'll circle the house for free. I doubt you can afford my overnight and I don't want her dead either. Her bread is too good."
Drayel chuckled in amusement before giving his eyes a roll and returning to work. The other man snorted and headed in the direction he'd gone in, whistling an off-key tune as he swaggered back out of the alley. For a bit Drayel just kept chopping, breaking a couple more blocks as he tried to think through the case. By the eighth block he came to realize it was pointless, arranged the chopped blocks closer to the store, put away the axe, and walked back in. Hesitant he cleared his throat and gave her a twitchy nod.
"I...I cut wood for you." He said lamely. "Is there anything else that doesn't.... what are you doing?"
Drayel blinked as he edged closer to her, watching as she appeared to have smooshed and rolled the dough around. Curious he watched her, feeling almost a childish giddy as he remembered his own mother doing this. Of course, she'd never let him near the flour and now he began to see why. He hummed in distant amusement, for once forgetting about his job and simply sitting back to happily watch.
He was no good in the kitchen but the least he could do was chop more wood. Right? Besides, he made more harm then good and he had to make up for it. It took a moment to find the axe but when he did, he got straight to work. pulling out a large hunk of log he sat it square on the ground, pulled himself upright, and swung down hard with a loud crack. A third of the way. He raised the axe (with wood still wedged on it) and hit it harder. This time, it went nearly the whole way through. Last crack and it fell into two neat halves. Grunting he reached for another.
"Huh? Drayel?" a sharp snorting tone made him freeze up. Turning he stared over his shoulder in disbelief at the equally surprised man. Seeing this guardsman bent over with an axe in his hand would normally scare away the average person but not this one. Instead, he saw flour and shirtless Drayel and immediately threw his head back and howled with laughter. "Oi! What's going on? Is that... flour?"
"Shut up mutt." Drayel growled as he grabbed the wood and lined up the axe. He fixed the shifter with a narrow glare before swinging down on the axe again. "What are you doing here?"
"Lookin' for work." came the lazy response as the man leaned back and hummed with interest. "Lucy kicked my ass pretty good this mornin' so I thought I'd try and earn a bit of pay to try and appease her. So, what happened to you? Decided you didn't like being a stick-up-your ass guard?"
"Not even close." Drayel snorted as he gave his head a bit of a shake. Flour flew from him and he grimaced. "This bakery was robbed last night and I don't have many leads. I was hoping if I laid low and helped her try and get some stock back up, I'd figure something out. Unfortunately I'm not a baker."
"So, you're cutting wood?"
"That's all I'm good for at the moment." Drayel answered flatly. "I've pushed her farther behind and now I doubt she even want to look at me let alone me 'help'. What of it?"
"Just wonderin'." the man hummed as he itched his chin thoughtfully. "Say, need a dog? I'll sniff around a bit if ya pay me."
"You're quite the trader, aren't you?" Drayel snorted irritably before rubbing his forehead with a sigh. "No, not now though. She's busy. Come back later on when shop is closed. We'll get you to sniff around the alley and what not for now. Fifteen Bishan for the day."
"Huh, must be pretty desperate if that's your starting price." the man whistled before tilting his head and frowning. "Why? What's up?"
"...I just want this person caught." Drayel answered coldly before reaching for another piece of wood. He shoved it roughly infront of him and raised his axe. He got ready to swing down only to realize he couldn't, the other man held the end of his axe with a sharp stare.
"Don't hold secrets well Drayel. Why?" the other man growled as he locked eyes with the glaring Drayel. They held glares for a while, sizing each other up despite knowing each other nearly all their lives. After a while however Drayel just sighed in defeat as he tugged the axe from the other.
"She's alone in there." Drayel said gravely. "Didn't wake up last night, didn't even hear a damn thing except for a bunch of cats fighting and judging by the marks on the chair and railings, whoever broke in had either claws or some sharp knives. She's lucky the cats probably scared away whoever it was but tonight, she may not be. I don't want to leave if I have to face her dead body in the morning."
"..." the man went quiet as a look of understanding crossed his face. Another moment to lock eyes and this time it was the other who sighed. "Alright, tell ya what. You pay me ten Bishan for the evening and I'll circle the house for free. I doubt you can afford my overnight and I don't want her dead either. Her bread is too good."
Drayel chuckled in amusement before giving his eyes a roll and returning to work. The other man snorted and headed in the direction he'd gone in, whistling an off-key tune as he swaggered back out of the alley. For a bit Drayel just kept chopping, breaking a couple more blocks as he tried to think through the case. By the eighth block he came to realize it was pointless, arranged the chopped blocks closer to the store, put away the axe, and walked back in. Hesitant he cleared his throat and gave her a twitchy nod.
"I...I cut wood for you." He said lamely. "Is there anything else that doesn't.... what are you doing?"
Drayel blinked as he edged closer to her, watching as she appeared to have smooshed and rolled the dough around. Curious he watched her, feeling almost a childish giddy as he remembered his own mother doing this. Of course, she'd never let him near the flour and now he began to see why. He hummed in distant amusement, for once forgetting about his job and simply sitting back to happily watch.
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
Talia had already managed to put several loaves in the oven for baking and was just finishing kneading the last batch by the time Drayel walked in. Working with the dough had helped her vent some of her energy and frustration so she was able to offer him up a smile. "I'm kneading the dough." She responded to his sudden question. "It helps to squeeze out the air so that you don't end up with a piece of bread with a big hole in it from an air pocket."
Plopping the bread into the last of the pans she wiped her hands on her apron. "And thank-you. You really didn't have to chop all that wood."
Talia paused...she usually found it hard to apologize to people but she could tell that this man really was just clueless around the kitchen and at least he was trying to help make amends. "Well, umm....I'm sorry." She finally mumbled out. "It was rude of me to to have gotten so upset at you, its not like you really knew what you were doing here." Going back to work she pulled a couple loaves out of the oven, using her apron to grab onto the hot metal bread pan. As she placed a couple more loaves of dough in the oven
"How about this; once one of these loaves have cooled off we have some bread and butter. I may also have some jam upstairs." It wasn't quite lunch yet but since she woke up so early she always ate before lunch anyways. She continued to pull loaves out of the oven, replacing them with the dough. Soon this part of the day would be done and she would be free to relax and sell the bread until she would need to start on the dough for tomorrow.
"So who were you talking to out there?" Talia asked as she grabbed a couple small plates from one of the shelves. She pulled a bread knife out of one the drawers and started slicing a loaf. It was still hot to the touch but that was the best way to eat it. "Don't worry, I wasn't listening in on your conversation. I just heard some voices and laughter coming from back there. An on another note...what's next for you? and I guess me for that matter. I mean, I doubt the culprit will strike here twice right?"
Plopping the bread into the last of the pans she wiped her hands on her apron. "And thank-you. You really didn't have to chop all that wood."
Talia paused...she usually found it hard to apologize to people but she could tell that this man really was just clueless around the kitchen and at least he was trying to help make amends. "Well, umm....I'm sorry." She finally mumbled out. "It was rude of me to to have gotten so upset at you, its not like you really knew what you were doing here." Going back to work she pulled a couple loaves out of the oven, using her apron to grab onto the hot metal bread pan. As she placed a couple more loaves of dough in the oven
"How about this; once one of these loaves have cooled off we have some bread and butter. I may also have some jam upstairs." It wasn't quite lunch yet but since she woke up so early she always ate before lunch anyways. She continued to pull loaves out of the oven, replacing them with the dough. Soon this part of the day would be done and she would be free to relax and sell the bread until she would need to start on the dough for tomorrow.
"So who were you talking to out there?" Talia asked as she grabbed a couple small plates from one of the shelves. She pulled a bread knife out of one the drawers and started slicing a loaf. It was still hot to the touch but that was the best way to eat it. "Don't worry, I wasn't listening in on your conversation. I just heard some voices and laughter coming from back there. An on another note...what's next for you? and I guess me for that matter. I mean, I doubt the culprit will strike here twice right?"
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
"He's an old companion of mine, a shifter in fact." Drayel stated as he continued to watch her work. "I struck a deal with him. He'll patrol the house at night until we catch the criminal. During the day I keep watch, at night him. I don't know who the thief was or if he would come back so for now, we cover all possibilities and assume the worst."
He didn't want to scare her, didn't want to tell her about the claw marks up the railing or the fact that it was possible the cats saved her life. No, panicking out the victim never ended well. So, he simply remained as bland on the details as possible.
"Are we doing anything else with flour?" Drayel asked giving his nose a wrinkle as he glared in distaste at the bag of devilish powder. "No offense to you or your shop, but that is the worst blasted thing I've ever seen. I feel as though I'm about to get baked and this blasted stuff keeps getting in my nose!"
Drayel snorted to prove his point and sure to his word, white puffs erupted like jets of angry steam.
"How in the drat do you get this stuff off?"
He didn't want to scare her, didn't want to tell her about the claw marks up the railing or the fact that it was possible the cats saved her life. No, panicking out the victim never ended well. So, he simply remained as bland on the details as possible.
"Are we doing anything else with flour?" Drayel asked giving his nose a wrinkle as he glared in distaste at the bag of devilish powder. "No offense to you or your shop, but that is the worst blasted thing I've ever seen. I feel as though I'm about to get baked and this blasted stuff keeps getting in my nose!"
Drayel snorted to prove his point and sure to his word, white puffs erupted like jets of angry steam.
"How in the drat do you get this stuff off?"
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
Plating the bread and grabbing the butter, she set it on the table and waved Drayel over to it. When he had sat down Talia went back to her work, today was not a day to let bread burn so she had to make sure she was constantly watching how everything was coming along.
Talia wasn't to excited about having a shifter around the house. But as least he wasn't a magic user, or at least she hoped he wasn't. She tried her best not to judge the magical population of Marn but because of her past experience with it Talia had come to feel like magic and the like, were bad things. Instead she just shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever you think is right. Are you sure that they will even return?"
With the flour comment, she looked up and grinned at the man in front of her. How someone could get that messy was beyond her."I don't have do anything more with flour until tonight before bed." With a chuckle she tossed him a soft brush. "This is what we use to dust flour off of us before we head out." She said when he looked at the brush followed by a quizzical look. "Although considering your condition, you may just want to take a shower." Using her wrist she pushed her hair out her eyes, thinking a minute before speaking again. "If you want you could use the shower upstairs. It's nothing fancy but it would help out. Just brush off outside first. Flour tends to get sticky when wet and then hardens when dried again, so make sure you really scrub. So what do you say? Of course if you prefer you are welcome to simply go home. I should be perfect fine on my own." She smiled at him while waiting for his decision.
Talia wasn't to excited about having a shifter around the house. But as least he wasn't a magic user, or at least she hoped he wasn't. She tried her best not to judge the magical population of Marn but because of her past experience with it Talia had come to feel like magic and the like, were bad things. Instead she just shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever you think is right. Are you sure that they will even return?"
With the flour comment, she looked up and grinned at the man in front of her. How someone could get that messy was beyond her."I don't have do anything more with flour until tonight before bed." With a chuckle she tossed him a soft brush. "This is what we use to dust flour off of us before we head out." She said when he looked at the brush followed by a quizzical look. "Although considering your condition, you may just want to take a shower." Using her wrist she pushed her hair out her eyes, thinking a minute before speaking again. "If you want you could use the shower upstairs. It's nothing fancy but it would help out. Just brush off outside first. Flour tends to get sticky when wet and then hardens when dried again, so make sure you really scrub. So what do you say? Of course if you prefer you are welcome to simply go home. I should be perfect fine on my own." She smiled at him while waiting for his decision.
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
"No, I can't go back looking like this." Drayel grumbled as he gave another sneeze and powder flew from him. He sighed before glancing at the brush in his hand and frowning. "I'll... simply get the worst of it off. I'll be back in a moment."
Drayel stood with a heaving sigh as he trudged out to the front and out the door. Still feeling like a scolded child Drayel put the brush on a nearby windowledge before dusting at his pants with heavy swats. He snorted in irritation when it seemed to barely make a dent.
"Ohohoh. Still having problems with the flour?" Drayel blinked as he glanced up from his stooped position, meeting the eyes the old woman he'd powdered earlier. Behind her was another two elderly ladies, one with a big crooked nose and the other with wide bulging eyes. He frowned and tilted his head before straightening, grunting a little as he did so. The two new ones gasped and murmured as they eyed him with odd glee.
"Yes ma'am." he answered lowly as he gave her a sheepish chuckle. "I... apologize again for earlier. I hadn't meant to cover you in the flour as well. I'm not good with such stuff as you can notice."
"Oh, no need to be flustered young man." she cooed as she reached up and gently gave his hair a quick ruffle. More powder. She laughed gleefully as her crones started to smile as well. "Oh, you're just covered! Best thing is a shower you know."
"Yes... I suppose so." Now Drayel's face fell flat as he stared in growing suspicion at the three. "I'm told however if I don't get the worst of it off it'll stick. Talia had suggested just to brush it off, so I came out here."
"Ohh. We'll help." the big eyed one giggled as she reached up and brushed off his shoulder. "We'll make sure you're good and clean."
"Yes, good and clean!" Echoed the one with a crooked nose. She was sneaking around behind him and brushed off his back. He went tense, feeling suddenly surrounded by prowling cougars and what he suddenly realized was he wasn't far off. Especially when the crooked nosed one 'patted off' his hip. Yelping Drayel straightened, twisting to try and get away from her only to have the one who patted his shoulder latch on and gasp.
"He's muscled!" She gaped as she stared in shock at the original old woman. "Well muscled at that!"
"Nice buttocks as well." Added the crooked nosed one.
Oh.... shit. Drayel was frozen as his butt itself was patted. He resisted the urge to scream for Talia. No, he couldn't do that, she was mad at him already and if he angered these ladies she may lose... why was she grabbing his chin? Leaning in and..... no. No. NO!
"Talia!" He yelped as he pulled his head upwards, the grip on the back of his skull tightened making his eyes widen like a deer at a hunter. He tried reversing but was trapped from behind as well. No, he was surrounded. He needed backup, and soon. He couldn't hurt these ladies after all so.... "Talia, a little help!"
Drayel stood with a heaving sigh as he trudged out to the front and out the door. Still feeling like a scolded child Drayel put the brush on a nearby windowledge before dusting at his pants with heavy swats. He snorted in irritation when it seemed to barely make a dent.
"Ohohoh. Still having problems with the flour?" Drayel blinked as he glanced up from his stooped position, meeting the eyes the old woman he'd powdered earlier. Behind her was another two elderly ladies, one with a big crooked nose and the other with wide bulging eyes. He frowned and tilted his head before straightening, grunting a little as he did so. The two new ones gasped and murmured as they eyed him with odd glee.
"Yes ma'am." he answered lowly as he gave her a sheepish chuckle. "I... apologize again for earlier. I hadn't meant to cover you in the flour as well. I'm not good with such stuff as you can notice."
"Oh, no need to be flustered young man." she cooed as she reached up and gently gave his hair a quick ruffle. More powder. She laughed gleefully as her crones started to smile as well. "Oh, you're just covered! Best thing is a shower you know."
"Yes... I suppose so." Now Drayel's face fell flat as he stared in growing suspicion at the three. "I'm told however if I don't get the worst of it off it'll stick. Talia had suggested just to brush it off, so I came out here."
"Ohh. We'll help." the big eyed one giggled as she reached up and brushed off his shoulder. "We'll make sure you're good and clean."
"Yes, good and clean!" Echoed the one with a crooked nose. She was sneaking around behind him and brushed off his back. He went tense, feeling suddenly surrounded by prowling cougars and what he suddenly realized was he wasn't far off. Especially when the crooked nosed one 'patted off' his hip. Yelping Drayel straightened, twisting to try and get away from her only to have the one who patted his shoulder latch on and gasp.
"He's muscled!" She gaped as she stared in shock at the original old woman. "Well muscled at that!"
"Nice buttocks as well." Added the crooked nosed one.
Oh.... shit. Drayel was frozen as his butt itself was patted. He resisted the urge to scream for Talia. No, he couldn't do that, she was mad at him already and if he angered these ladies she may lose... why was she grabbing his chin? Leaning in and..... no. No. NO!
"Talia!" He yelped as he pulled his head upwards, the grip on the back of his skull tightened making his eyes widen like a deer at a hunter. He tried reversing but was trapped from behind as well. No, he was surrounded. He needed backup, and soon. He couldn't hurt these ladies after all so.... "Talia, a little help!"
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
Talia finished up with the bread and set everything up in the front. It didn't take long and soon she was debating what to do next. It was too close to lunch for anyone to really come by so she out up the sign that 'Out for lunch, be back in 30 minutes'. Locking the front door she walked back to the kitchen and hung up her apron.
Talia heard the voice of Mrs, Grundi and her cohorts and chuckled to herself. Poor Drayel was in for an interesting surprise. It was well known in the area that the group of older women enjoyed 'hanging out' with the young men.
Sneaking the door she slowly opened it and settled against the door to watch the show. Drayel's back was towards to her and he was much to distracted to have noticed her presence and when on of the old women looked up she offered a sly wink of an encouragement. Normally she would rush in to help the poor man who had fallen victim to their ways, but she was willing to make an exception in this case. One simply did not make a mess of her kitchen and not pay. Besides! He was a guard a big strong and really should be able to take care of three old ladies, they couldn't be worse then some of the situations she heard that guards often dealt with.
When he finally gave a call for help Talia could help but burst out laughing from her position by the door. "Oh Drayel. Can't a big strong guard like you defend yourself from a group of old ladies?" She couldn't stop giggling, it was rather rude but the sight really was too funny. "What kind of trading are you doing if you can't avoid the advances of some ladies, hmmm?"
She finally managed to stop laughing and grinned at him before turning to the old ladies. "Now, now Mrs. Grundi, you should be ashamed or yourself." She tried to scold the old lady with out grinning. "You are going to scare off my new assistant and I can't have that."
"We were just making sure he was suitable for you." One of them responded with fake innocence, followed by a wink that made Talia's cheek flush a little pink at the implications of that.
Trying to act normal she simple shook her head at them. "He shows promise, as long as he isn't left alone...."
"I wouldn't want to leave him alone either!" The crooked nosed one interrupted causing Talia to bite her tongue. She really shouldn't say more, these ladies we having much to fun twisting words and teasing her. She should have expected this from them. They had been scolding her lately about 'all work and no play', telling her that she should spend more time around the men folk.
She decided to wrap this up once and for all before she was the one who was freaking out, "Well you ladies are now aquatinted with my assistant and it is about time he got back to work." She ushered Drayek in the door before concluding her sentence "he has training to finish up if he wants to get paid."
She closed the door but not before one of them had hollered out "I am sure we could train him, teach him a could new skills!" The comment inspired hooting laughter from the other two ladies.
Talia turned around and grinned awkwardly at Drayel, hoping he would think her flushed cheeks was due to the warmth of the kitchen and nothing to do with the implications that Mrs. Grundi and her crones had been making.
"I am taking a bit of a break before opening shop and then around 6 I will start my work on tomorrow's inventory. What will your next move be? You may want to stick around for a bit longer, Mrs. Grundi and her friends will probably be waiting to jump you if you leave right now. The shower offer is still available" Talia smiled at him but frowned as she turned around to look out the kitchen window into the shop area. She didn't mean to sound like she was trying to make him stay longer, she was simply trying to be polite, after the stunt she pulled he at least deserved that much.
Talia heard the voice of Mrs, Grundi and her cohorts and chuckled to herself. Poor Drayel was in for an interesting surprise. It was well known in the area that the group of older women enjoyed 'hanging out' with the young men.
Sneaking the door she slowly opened it and settled against the door to watch the show. Drayel's back was towards to her and he was much to distracted to have noticed her presence and when on of the old women looked up she offered a sly wink of an encouragement. Normally she would rush in to help the poor man who had fallen victim to their ways, but she was willing to make an exception in this case. One simply did not make a mess of her kitchen and not pay. Besides! He was a guard a big strong and really should be able to take care of three old ladies, they couldn't be worse then some of the situations she heard that guards often dealt with.
When he finally gave a call for help Talia could help but burst out laughing from her position by the door. "Oh Drayel. Can't a big strong guard like you defend yourself from a group of old ladies?" She couldn't stop giggling, it was rather rude but the sight really was too funny. "What kind of trading are you doing if you can't avoid the advances of some ladies, hmmm?"
She finally managed to stop laughing and grinned at him before turning to the old ladies. "Now, now Mrs. Grundi, you should be ashamed or yourself." She tried to scold the old lady with out grinning. "You are going to scare off my new assistant and I can't have that."
"We were just making sure he was suitable for you." One of them responded with fake innocence, followed by a wink that made Talia's cheek flush a little pink at the implications of that.
Trying to act normal she simple shook her head at them. "He shows promise, as long as he isn't left alone...."
"I wouldn't want to leave him alone either!" The crooked nosed one interrupted causing Talia to bite her tongue. She really shouldn't say more, these ladies we having much to fun twisting words and teasing her. She should have expected this from them. They had been scolding her lately about 'all work and no play', telling her that she should spend more time around the men folk.
She decided to wrap this up once and for all before she was the one who was freaking out, "Well you ladies are now aquatinted with my assistant and it is about time he got back to work." She ushered Drayek in the door before concluding her sentence "he has training to finish up if he wants to get paid."
She closed the door but not before one of them had hollered out "I am sure we could train him, teach him a could new skills!" The comment inspired hooting laughter from the other two ladies.
Talia turned around and grinned awkwardly at Drayel, hoping he would think her flushed cheeks was due to the warmth of the kitchen and nothing to do with the implications that Mrs. Grundi and her crones had been making.
"I am taking a bit of a break before opening shop and then around 6 I will start my work on tomorrow's inventory. What will your next move be? You may want to stick around for a bit longer, Mrs. Grundi and her friends will probably be waiting to jump you if you leave right now. The shower offer is still available" Talia smiled at him but frowned as she turned around to look out the kitchen window into the shop area. She didn't mean to sound like she was trying to make him stay longer, she was simply trying to be polite, after the stunt she pulled he at least deserved that much.
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
"I am not leaving." Drayel grumbled as he stamped over to a nearby chair and sat down, covering his face with his hands as he let loose a low sigh. "And yes, I could have taken care of myself but I don't think you want me breaking the arms off your customers. We guards are trained in defense and intimidation, not gently pushing away elder ladies with perverse attitudes. Besides, I think their wandering hands dusted me quite well thanks."
He was growly again, his lips twitching in irritation despite the clear want to shudder. He was a guard, he could hold in his want to scream just as well as any other. Yet, now he could practically feel them under his clothes and the last thing he wanted was to use Talia's shower. Not because he'd thought she'd look (not that it bothered him) but the fact the older women suggested it. What if they somehow had a way of looking in? No, no thank you.
"I have nothing of need." Drayel answered flatly as he began to pinch between his eyebrows. "He should be around soon, and by the hopes of all kind things he wouldn't have seen that. No, I pray damn well he didn't see it or I'll never hear an end."
He groaned.
"Damned women..."
He was growly again, his lips twitching in irritation despite the clear want to shudder. He was a guard, he could hold in his want to scream just as well as any other. Yet, now he could practically feel them under his clothes and the last thing he wanted was to use Talia's shower. Not because he'd thought she'd look (not that it bothered him) but the fact the older women suggested it. What if they somehow had a way of looking in? No, no thank you.
"I have nothing of need." Drayel answered flatly as he began to pinch between his eyebrows. "He should be around soon, and by the hopes of all kind things he wouldn't have seen that. No, I pray damn well he didn't see it or I'll never hear an end."
He groaned.
"Damned women..."
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
When Drayel wasn't looking Talia rolled her eyes. He seemed to be going a little far with the whole wounded soldier act. "You know, you were lucky." She said as she sat down at the table with him and started buttering a piece of bread. "One of the last young men that Mrs. Grundi and her cohorts cornered ended up almost completely naked." She grinned at him as she took a bit of her snack. "We still don't know how it happened but apparently the man in question was so scarred he moved to Shim."
"Are you talking about this shifter you hired?" Talia asked, referring to the mysterious 'him' that Drayel had been muttering about. "Why didn't you just get another guard around? I mean it would be cheaper wouldn't it? I mean I just don't want you paying out of your own pocket, especially since I really doubt the thief will come back. After all, who would strike a bakery twice?" She nodded her head. "Yes, I think that I would be just fine on my own tonight."
Truth be told, while Talia wasn't much of a fan if shifters, she more was just finding it awkward that there was going to be someone snooping around the bakery and her house at night. She didn't even know this person!
"And by the way," she continued as she finished up her piece of bread. "I take offence to that comment! I am a woman too you know...although" she looked thoughtfully at the ceiling before grinning at Drayel, "I will admit, us women can make life for you hard. Although you guys don't mike life for us any easier either!"
"Are you talking about this shifter you hired?" Talia asked, referring to the mysterious 'him' that Drayel had been muttering about. "Why didn't you just get another guard around? I mean it would be cheaper wouldn't it? I mean I just don't want you paying out of your own pocket, especially since I really doubt the thief will come back. After all, who would strike a bakery twice?" She nodded her head. "Yes, I think that I would be just fine on my own tonight."
Truth be told, while Talia wasn't much of a fan if shifters, she more was just finding it awkward that there was going to be someone snooping around the bakery and her house at night. She didn't even know this person!
"And by the way," she continued as she finished up her piece of bread. "I take offence to that comment! I am a woman too you know...although" she looked thoughtfully at the ceiling before grinning at Drayel, "I will admit, us women can make life for you hard. Although you guys don't mike life for us any easier either!"
Re: Baker, Baker, Where Are Your Buns?
"I trust the shifter." Drayel answered flatly as he gave her a hollow look that told her to drop it. "As for you being on your own tonight, I have to say a no. As much as you seem uncomfortable by the thoughts of Shade, he will not harm you. In fact, the only thing you may have fear from him is his pick up lines. I'd rather him here then you on your own and have another attack on this place. It wouldn't say much for the guards after all."
He sighed as he glanced away only to pause and frown. Going to stand, he walked to the still open backdoor and peered at it, crouching to get a better look at the outside lock. Three-quarters asleep and he'd missed it, but now he was awake. There was the tiniest of markings near the keyhole, no scratches but more like.... tiny burns. He frowned as he leaned in and sniffed, smelling now the distant smell of magic.
"Your lock's been tinkered with." Drayel stated shocked as he stood and glanced inward with a frown. "A magic user? With claws? Even Shezia cant use this sort of thing... she has no need for it. So, who would frame a ghost story? Why?"
Drayel continued to brood as he stood in the half chilled air, growling a little as he tried to come up with a reason. Finding nothing he closed the door firmly and looked up at Talia with tense posture and narrowed eyes.
"Well, we know you locked the door for sure now."
He sighed as he glanced away only to pause and frown. Going to stand, he walked to the still open backdoor and peered at it, crouching to get a better look at the outside lock. Three-quarters asleep and he'd missed it, but now he was awake. There was the tiniest of markings near the keyhole, no scratches but more like.... tiny burns. He frowned as he leaned in and sniffed, smelling now the distant smell of magic.
"Your lock's been tinkered with." Drayel stated shocked as he stood and glanced inward with a frown. "A magic user? With claws? Even Shezia cant use this sort of thing... she has no need for it. So, who would frame a ghost story? Why?"
Drayel continued to brood as he stood in the half chilled air, growling a little as he tried to come up with a reason. Finding nothing he closed the door firmly and looked up at Talia with tense posture and narrowed eyes.
"Well, we know you locked the door for sure now."