Jocasta’s face grew uncharacteristically solem in the firelight as she considered the question. For long seconds she didn’t speak merely staring into the flames. Then she let out a deep sigh.

“I have something to tell you too,” she admitted.

 

“I am the long lost daughter illigitimate of the King of Andred and Calli Black,” she informed him, spreading her arms portentously as she announced it.


“I was born under and ill fated star and my doom stalks me,  my enemies hunt me even now. Whole armies are probably out looking for me, not to mention fair haired heroes determined to save me and carry me off to their castles to…” she cut off as Beren shoved her in exasperation.

“Can you be serious for one minute?!” he demanded.

“Unclear,” Jocasta snickered.

“You could get killed just being near me!” he tried again. Jocasta shrugged nonchalantly at the prospect.

 

“Please, one assassin shows up and it goes to your head. Its sheer dumb luck he didn’t show up to break my kneecaps for all the money I owe  the Black Lotus,” she confided. Beren started slightly.

“Wait? What?” he interjected but she continued speaking as though she hadn’t heard.

“Since I’ve met you, I’ve nearly been ripped apart by a barrow wright, bisected by booby traps, crushed by an avalanche,” she began, counting the points off on her fingers.

“Wait that was your…” 

 

“Molested by Mercenaries, which should count twice for alliteration, and fought off an assassin with enchanted furniture,” she continued. Beren’s frown deepened at the mention of the furniture. Jocasta waved dismissively.

“You were asleep for that bit,” she added helpfully, then paused. “I’m pretty sure there was something else…”

 

“You were almost beheaded by undead and or eaten by orcs?” Beren suggested.

“Damn, how could I forget about the orcs!” Jocasta exclaimed, snapping her fingers.

 

“Overall I’d say its been a pretty banner day,” she went on.

“Not to mention I made three silver lordlings,” she concluded, flourishing the coins like a street magician about to pull a trick. She rolled the coins across her knuckles for a moment and then the three coins began to bounce into the air and clank into each other in mock combat, the stamped faces mouthing soundless insults before she snatched them out of the air and stuffed them into a pouch. 

 

“I guess what I’m saying is that I’m not going to let the world's smelliest assassin or the Kitty Litter spoil a good thing. “