The two men watched as Raine glanced at Flake, more-or-less silent. “How much would I have to pay you to get some new armor from you?” she asked, pulling up the hood of her cloak. Drake answered quickly, wasting no time, “I’ll assume that’s a yes. Follow me.” The guard then set a quick pace and made his way over to the shopping district, motioning for a nearby guard to take his spot at the stand. As he walked, people noticeably altered their paths so as to avoid bumping into him.

Flake followed the behemoth with a skip to his step, grinning all the way. After leaving the alley, Flake hopped off in a different direction and started sprinting away, surprising a great many people as he flawlessly avoided them. After a few seconds, he hopped up on a sleeping person’s head and managed to grab hold of a balcony. From there, Flake launched himself up, onto the roof of a short building and started to run and jump from building to building, steadily working his way up.

“Ignore him,” Drake said, assuming the lady was still behind him, “by the time you’re suited up properly he’ll still be messing around.” The armored man gently brushed aside a drunk man who was in his way, then continued walking through the shopping square, his location in mind. The shouts of a nearby vendor caused him to turn his head, “buy bread! Cheapest in Talgot!” the merchant shouted, a fake smile plastered across his face. He didn’t bother to respond to questions and accusations flying at him, mostly because he was busy. He couldn’t tell whether or not the lady he met was still following him, or talking, but he continued through the chaotic shopping district anyways.

Every step was met with a shout, and each one steadily brought back Drake’s grin. [i]No matter how stupid he is, he’ll never take what matters away from this town,[/i] the guard thought, waving thoughtfully in response to the greeting of a jewelry merchant. “Thanks again!” came a shrill voice from below, a little boy running by in glee. The soldier eyed a large building in the distance, one which was isolated from the rest of the chaotic market. The building had a large banner hanging above the entrance with the town guard insignia on it. “When you walk in, ignore everyone and continue following me,” the guard ordered, turning his head back slightly in the hopes that the lady could hear him.