In the back room of an unassuming looking store that could be found not that far, just past by to the west of the Marketplace of Ugburg, a group of people could be seen gathering. The atmosphere was rather friendly, welcoming, even a big pot of tea that was freshly brewed was placed in the center of the table as well as several cups of it silently steaming in front of everyone.
The room itself was rather simplistic, not that much decour and frivolous garnish were plastered around. The main furniture, the centerpiece amidst the several vagrants that surrounded it as well as the elderly pair of skinks, were a big stone table that took the majority of the available space. A large piece of what looked like marble was cut and chiseled to perfection making this average looking piece just that much more precious, and sturdy.
Whilst there were not much to look at, the walls had several bronze candleholders spread around systematically, providing not too much, but just enough lighting to the residents as well as the guests that were invited here.
This was one of the most important connections he had successfully established via chance. The store belonged to an elderly pair of skinks that in a way reminded him of a similar human couple… Though this time he vowed to himself not to let any harm come their way because of him…
At one side, occupying more than half of the large round table, Aiden's group of five stood next to each other. Sitting on Aiden's left were Madam Dara and Lady Pyre, whilst on his right sat the ex-guardian Vyndridolth and Lady Circe. Sitting opposite of them were a wrinkled old skink, an elderly lady going by the name of Arstath. Her wrinkled, olden scales turned brighter orange to the relentless assault of time, her vibrant colors turning pale as she slowly, gradually reached towards the end of her rope, the last bits of her life.
Still, despite that, and the possibly insurmountable amount of illnesses she must have been suffering from, she had a bright, kindly smile stretched across her cheeks as well as her slightly puffy cheeks. She was holding her small cup of steaming, hot tea between her small hands, her gaze warmly resting on top of Aiden's figure.
Although she was looking straight into the eyes of the leader of the resistance, she had shown no fear, no wariness neither in her actions, nor on her face. If anything, she radiated an eternal calm and gentle warmth that Aiden found so soothing, and relaxing.
"[Reptilian] So, what brought you to our humble abode my dears? What can this old woman help you with my dears?" Her lips finally parting, they curved into a welcoming smile as she asked after several minutes of silence.
Yet in her gentle gaze, behind those warm, welcoming words, there was a depth, an unknown source of mystery that kept Aiden's vigilance at its maximum. He couldn't grab hold of the feeling, and despite the system not showing any signs of hostility or danger, he could not completely quell this sixth sense of his.
Forcing the usual calm look on his face, despite the inner turmoil he was storming through, he first took a sip from the cup and after a satisfied sounding smile he spoke.
"[Reptilian] Wise Elder Arstath, it seems that nothing can escape your senses." Aiden smiled, understanding the underlying meaning of the elders' greeting. "We have come here, rather shamelessly I admit, to seek shelter for the night. After braving the long, arduous wait before the gate, we have wasted away the majority of the day and are looking for a friendly hole, a simple bed, maybe some broth to spend the night and dinner."
Following his initial words, Aiden gave a small, respectful bow whilst keeping the familial smile stretched across his face. Hearing no response initially, he added.
"[Reptilian] Obviously, we do not wish to implicate you in any way shape or form to our scuffle. What I seek is just the warm shoulders of a friend that could help out the weary, exhausted traveler in his hour of need."
Flicking his right arm, a small pile of gold coins appeared beside his cup on top of the table.
"[Reptilian] Obviously, we would be sure to return this favor and do our best to repay this kindness, this favor. What do you say, elder? Could you and your husband bear with us for one night?"
Looking at this weary, hooded skink, the old woman couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by his mere presence. His demeanor, his stature was so unique, so out of the norm, -not to mention those beautiful and exotic golden irises that could gaze into one's very soul- that the old woman couldn't help but feel awed by him.
As she was silently measuring the boy, the boy kept his calm, and smiled at the elderly woman, keeping a respectful attitude despite the scrutiny.
However, not everyone was as patient, despite their knowledge in etiquette as the rest.
"[Reptilian] Why are you staring so hard, Elder? Are you perhaps having a problem with how to send us away? Or perhaps you are planning to report us for some easy gains?" Surprisingly it wasn't Madam Dara that lost her cool, but the usually cold and aloof Lady Pyre burst out an aggrieved expression.
Her exclaim however startled the elderly lady, pulling her out of the depth of her thoughts. As if just waking up from a daze, she smiled wryly, trying to mask her embarrassment and spoke out.
"[Reptilian] No, far from it, my dearie. Please do not take offense in this old woman's musings, I did not mean to be rude." She said, then looked at Aiden and whilst equipping her previous gentle look, she spoke.
"[Reptilian] Respectable Master, I do not mean any harm, believe me. As my husband and I owe you for saving us from before, we will not turn our backs to you in your time of need." She said, giving a short pause before adding with shake of her head. "However, we also have to admit that our living conditions are rather humble. Despite being allotted land in the inner city, we are merely just slightly luckier filth in the eyes of the true citizens, the higher ups. What you see around you is what I can offer you with."
She said, spreading her arms as she showed what she could offer.
"[Reptilian] This room is what me and my husband can offer you. Even this one barely has any room for one person to sleep on the floor, much less five. I can only apologize, respected master for not being able to welcome you properly."
Aiden however smiled at her words and shook his head.
"[Reptilian] That is not an issue, this room would be more than enough if you could allow us to stay for the night. We do not need anything else!"
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