[hr][center][img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjk2LmRkYTBkZC5VbUZ1YzI5dElFeGhZbVZzYkdVLC4y/golden-jewelry.regular.webp[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/HvlcxJd.pngp[/img][/center][right][code] The Waystone Inn
Interactions: Eilrethiel [@Fernstone]
Outfit: HE JUST SPILLED BOOZE ON HIS PANTS THAT’S ALL[/code][/right][hr]

The sly smile on Ransom’s face broke into a wolfish grin as Eil gave a hand squeeze instead of a shake. Commoners shook hands, nobles simply presented them, the thought of exerting effort so foreign to them that they couldn’t even fathom how to move a limb up and down without a servant there to do it for them. Hopefully, this blue elf was correct about the world not ending, although it would be fate’s idea of a fun joke to have Ransom catch the eye of a rich benefactor mere moments before everything collapsed in on itself. 

There was a glint in Ransom’s eye as he came up with a dirty little line about giving Eilrethiel something long in their time together, but before he could say it the elf’s answer dumped a bucket of cold water on him. Ransom slipped free of Eil’s grip, and while the smile on his face remained the warmth in his eyes had dimmed. Eil wanted answers. What a disappointment.The curiosity itself wasn’t the issue. Ransom considered himself a curious fellow. For example, he was curious if any of the bedrooms were available, just as he was curious how much coin Eil had hidden on their person. Ransom just hated how Eil had settled for courtship when consummation had been on the table. 

It also didn’t help that what Eil had asked for was an impossibility. There was no getting to know Ransom better. Of course, this was not something that Ransom considered. He was too busy accepting the fact that, why yes, he was the most interesting person in town, and an amazing fighter, and really everyone should be asking about him at all times. As dull as it would all be, and as much as he would prefer to go out on his back than on his feet, Ransom was willing to appease Eil. It was an investment. In fact, this might be for the best, because if they survived then Ransom might be able to meet one of Eil’s richer, hotter, less deformed cousins back in whatever stupid forest he called home. 

[color=plum]“Consider it a deal,”[/color] said Ransom, the warmth returning to his eyes. [color=plum]“And while we await to see who wins our bet, allow me to seize this opportunity to ask yourself a few questions. See, I’m a curious man myself, and…”[/color]

At that moment, Ransom’s attention was drawn away as was his train of thought as Lairëcúma appeared in the doorway. Now had that dress always been that short? She was obnoxiously calling for aid. Hadn’t they already done enough? And surely, there was no need to waste alcohol on the soon-to-be departed. Ransom rolled his eyes and give Eil a little smirk that said more about truth about the man than he ever would himself as he poured them another drink before secreting the bottle away beneath the bar next to a stack of rags. He had noticed the potential bandages, of course, but what these people needed was motivation to fend for themselves, not charity work, and Ransom couldn’t think of anything more motivating than an elf showing a little more leg. 

[color=plum]“They got it handled. As I was saying, I’m a curious man myself, and would like to get to know more about you, too,”[/color] said Ransom, his voice suggestive and smooth, as he leaned in towards Eil again. [color=plum]“How about we find a nice, private room where we can—”[/color]

His words were drowned out as the tower activated again. The smoldering look that Ransom had spent years in front of the mirror practicing instantly evaporated as it was replaced by fear as he jumped with a start. This sounded worse than the first pulse. Ransom’s eyes bulged as he witnessed a wave of yellow energy and, knowing next to nothing about arcana, ducked for cover as the globe of invulnerability crept through the open front door and began to pass through the bar. Then, in what was either a rare moment of altruism (or the more likely attempt to protect his investment), Ransom reemerged from beneath the bar, soaked by the spilt bottle of spirts with dishrags adorning him from when he had bumped against the stack while going under. He sprung up with a shout like a brigand launching an ambush as he grabbed Eilrethiel by the shoulders and attempted to hoist him over the countertop to take cover behind the bar.

[color=plum]“I TOLD YOU SO!”[/color] was what he shouted.