Jack was many things at that moment: Amazed by everything going on. Disturbed by the dark figure that had momentarily appeared on the road just beforehand. Cautious not to wake up Travius. Distracted by thoughta as to whether Cheryl actually did have a boyfriend. Realising he hadn’t had a bowel movement in two days. Remembering he had to check the messages on his phone. Enchanted by the little pygmy creature. Glad the pygmy accepted his offer. Hoping this alliance would shed light on his daughter’s whereabouts. But the one thing winning the moment for Jack was hunger. He really was feeling kind of peckish. 

He also had to think fast as his mind pieced together the fragments of information thrown at him, rolling over every word that Piper projected. The word ‘Mana’ and its context helped a great deal, allowing Jack to fit numerous pieces of the puzzle together in one contained, glorious moment.

He grinned.  

“Magic works a little different on my world.” He assured the Pygmy, giving the watch a good affirming squeeze in his fist. “We don’t need Mana to do magic. For us it’s…. more science based. But to be honest with you, little fella….” Jack glanced around at the night, “Here wouldn’t be the best place to discuss our agreement.” He gave Piper a raise of one brow with a clever nod, but not conceited at all. “How about we discuss this over some food? I haven’t eaten all day. My shout. What do ya say?” 

Assuming Piper would agree to the extended proposal, Jack would slip the watch back on his wrist and started walking in direction of the Blackgale Inn across the street. Departing Travius’ porch, he would give Piper a little toss of his head to follow. 

[hr]

	If Piper had agreed and were to follow Jack, they would soon enter the tavern once more. The place was a little on the empty side now, just a few stragglers staring with confusion at the pair. The old bartender was still looking a little worse for wear, but at least he had recovered after wetting his pants and passing out earlier; his mildly trembling lips and an expression of pending doom shading his face as he nervously stepped up to meet them. 

“My little friend and I would like something to eat. Something well-cooked for me, maybe some meat and potatoes if you have it? Another bottle of mead.” 

Jack would then turn his focus to the Pygmy with the intent to relay his order as well….. 

[hr]

	Cheryl was drifting off to sleep on her strewn mattress back home when she [i]may[/i] have been roused by the passing tremble of the mattress and floor beneath her. If she became aware of the slight quake and opened her eyes, she would see a dark figure looming over her from beside the mattress. The trespasser would stand eight feet in height, the hood of their garment almost touching the ceiling with an emerald glow shrouding their entire person. The identity of this person would be completely hidden in the depths of the dark cloak they were wearing.