[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/v45jtPZ.jpg?1[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/zZ9bEVw.jpg?2[/img][/center] [hr] Theo quickly made his way to his room, grateful that Karma had responded to his message - although, the fact that he didn't respond to Theo's request to meet up the next day was a little disconcerting. If neither Karma nor Reylan showed up, than what he was going to do was nearly pointless. Still, it didn't matter at that moment in time - Theo just wanted to rest. Upon resting his head to sleep, Theo rapidly began to lose consciousness - whether it was from pure exhaustion or relief that Karma wasn't so angry at him, Theo really couldn't care less. The next day, upon awakening, The made his way to the inns bath - he was eager to clean himself after the tiring experience the night before. Upon cleaning himself and reequipping his clothes, Theo went to buy breakfast - the same meal he had eaten every single time he had eaten anything in this game. Though, Reylan's suggestion popped into his mind briefly as he considered what to pick. Just as soon as he placed his order, Theo received a PM from Alisea. [i][color=ec008c]My apologies, Dirk! I failed to see your message last night. Is there something I might help you with this morning?[/color][/i] Quickly, Theo responded. [color=a36209][i]"I was planning on having a chat about the dungeon, but if you have time later, I'd also like it if you could come to Town Hall around noon today."[/i][/color] Her reply didn't come for a few minutes. Dirk's food arrived and he had to time to start eating before the next message arrived. [color=ec008c][I]I have time right now. Will you meet me in the hall?[/I][/color] No sooner had his eyes finished scanning the words than the magess appeared, stepping off the last step and into the dining area. When her gaze fell upon Dirk, her eyebrows shot up in surprise. With a light chuckle, she walked over to the paladin. [color=ec008c]"I was unaware you were such an early riser; it seems I should have said instead that I would meet you here."[/color] She pulled out a seat beside him and settled down. [color=ec008c]"If you rise so early, why were you hoping to wait until noon to speak?"[/color] When she came to sit at his table, Theo wasn't surprised or shocked - He saw the PM she sent him, and when she sat down, he simply called over the waitress so that Alisea could place her own order while Theo ate. After a few bites and several moments from when Alisea spoke, Theo responded. [color=a36209]"It's a habit from medical school - I had morning classes."[/color] Pausing to take a drink, he continued. [color=a36209]"And I guess it doesn't matter when we talk, but I'd like it to at Town Hall, since there's something important I need to do there."[/color] [color=ec008c]"Oh?"[/color] Alisea's eyebrows arched with curiosity as she studied his face intently. [color=ec008c]"That sounds far more attractive than my plans; I fear our beloved guildmaster will be scolding me for reckless behavior later. Perhaps I will skip that to come and see what mighty feat you will perform."[/color] The young woman's company was quite pleasant. She smiled easily, a charming expression that gave only encouragement. She displayed her total comfort in Dirk's presence by her relaxed posture and light jesting. She gave him her full attention, as though there could be nothing more important in the world than what he had to share. And those clear, crystal-blue eyes were always locked on his own, inviting him to search out their depths. [color=ec008c]"The dungeon, then. What have you been thinking?"[/color] Theo continued to eat as Alisea spoke, noticing that she seemed to be unaware that he was also upset with how she acted in the dungeon. Well, Dirk would obviously be nowhere near as angry Theo was, so her calm attitude was understandable. Remembering that he was Dirk, Theo responded to her inquiry. [color=a36209]"You probably already heard it from Reylan, but what you did was pretty risky-"[/color] Theo began to wag his finger. [color=a36209]"Especially since I'm supposed to keep you safe. You'll make me look bad if you pull a stunt like that!"[/color] Laughing in his usual deep and gruff manner, Theo continued. [color=a36209]"Just be careful not to do something like that without me holding the aggro - I plan on getting a spell that will make that a lot easier, so just make sure to only do reckless things on enemies that are pissed at me!"[/color] [color=ec008c]"That certainly sounds safer. I will remember that for the next boss fight."[/color] Alisea increased her smile to a beam. [color=ec008c]"If the truth be told, I was hoping for the right opportunity to test some of my newer abilities; but I had found none sooner, so I felt that was my final chance. I wanted to practice Ice Lance in particular; where most magic spells have a cast time, the Lance is intended for hand-to-hand combat and casts instantly."[/color] The magess paused to peruse the depths of Dirk's eyes. What she was searching for was unclear, but it was definite that she was searching. [color=ec008c]"Maybe you would like to help me practice?"[/color] she asked, her gaze not wavering. [color=ec008c]"Not just now, as Reylan does want to talk as soon as he wakes, but sometime. Practicing all of our skills when outside dungeons will be important to growing stronger, too."[/color] Hearing her response, Theo wasn't entirely reassured - but he felt significantly better than he did previously. She was unlikely to ever enter close range combat since Dirk was available, but Theo was confident that she could defend herself as long as Theo used his aggro skills properly. What worried him was when she gazed into his eyes - a feeling he was very uncomfortable with. In the old world, he always did his best to avoid the glare of others - their eyes simply felt wrong, and unnerved him greatly. He always cringed whenever he looked people in the eyes, and turned away quickly. Luckily, Dirk was above such problems. High ranks in acting made the cringe barely noticeable, and Theo managed to keep eye contact for several seconds, before releasing another gruff laugh in order to escape the situation. [color=a36209]"While no weapon or magic may pierce my ironclad defense, I am more than welcome for you to attempt! Anything to help another person grow!"[/color] Theo finished the rest of his meal, before rising from his seat. [color=a36209]"Be sure to tell Reylan I said good morning! I have some skills to go learn - see ya!"[/color] Theo nearly exited the tavern before giving a final message. [color=a36209]"And if you have free time around noon, you know where I'll be."[/color] Theo paused temporarily, before heading out the door and moving for the skill trainers.