Completed Three Is Certainly A Crowd (Jorin Ertihan)

[Rinya]

Day 73, Season Summer, 513 AV If there was one thing capable of exhausting Rinya, it was traversing the many levels to the Warren. Her shift had started early in the morning, just before the sun rose. Which meant Rinya didn’t have much choice but to skip her morning fishing. It was an unusual day as well. Most days she never worked more than a few hours, the guard constantly changing to keep fresh eyes. Today however both her and her partner had been up before dawn and it was just now barely after the sixteenth bell. And she was hungry. Raistren had left little to question about the long shift, since Rhys was already here, then she would be staying too. Rinya had thought about complaining, but she liked this job… for the most part anyway. It was a very quiet job, and she was incredibly lucky to have it. Raistren knew of her race, but he didn’t seem to doubt her abilities. But she had made sure there was little to question, Rinya had made sure of that. Now if she could only say the same for her partner. Seymantis was easy enough to get along with, but it was his more dominant personality Rhys, that tended to cause all the trouble. Rhys knew better than to toy with Raistren, but somehow he had dragged Rinya into the long shift without her even realizing it. Rinya was deeply grateful that she hadn’t made any sort of plans for the day, there wasn’t going to be much daylight left at this point. All she really wanted was to finish what was left her smoked fish in her room and fall asleep. ”Really now pet, was it that bad spending the whole day with me?” Sighing heavily, Rinya threw a sharp glare at the tall Akalak walking in stride next to her. They had barely finished the climb to the top of the Warren before she swore she could feel the sutble shift from Seymantis to Rhys. Oh who was she kidding, there was no subtle shift. Seymantis was quiet and concentrated. Rhys was just loud and, for the most part, very obnoxious. ”I didn’t spend the whole day with you and you very well know it. I’d kill you if I spent even half of a normal shift with you. Seymantis is a joy to be around compared to you.” Rinya huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, one hand adjusting the strap to her quiver. She couldn’t help but wonder how the Akalak was so popular in the taverns. Well, not popular enough to land a Nakivak yet—much to her very own irritation. Coming to an abrupt stop at the Warren’s edge, Rinya furrowed her brow a little. She felt… something. It was familiar and yet she couldn’t tell what it was. It called to her and yet she couldn’t pin point where it was coming from exactly. Frowning slightly, she closed her eyes trying to focus on the pull. ”What are you doing? Did you close your eyes because I’m simply too beautiful to stare at?” Gritting her teeth, Rinya lost focus and her eyes snapped open at Rhys’ direction. Half heartedly she pulled an arrow from her quiver and slashed at Rhys. She wasn’t stupid enough to actually try to kill him. Not only was he better trained than her, but if she killed Rhys, she could get stuck with a partner worse than Seymantis. But both of them must have seen the swing coming. Rhys caught her wrist easily, but the glare told her she wasn’t dealing with Rhys himself anymore. ”…Sorry Seymantis…” The Akalak didn’t release her wrist, but he loosened his grip on her slightly so as not to bruise her. ”It is not my fault he drives me nuts!” She tried to defend, but Seymantis just grunted at her and shook his head. ”Control your temper.” Frowning slightly, she tried to tug her wrist free from his grip, but she couldn’t budge free. There was nothing like being scolded by Seymantis. Three words and he had her feeling like a child. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed her body. "Better?" Rinya really tried not to sound rude, but lord if Rhys just didn't just get under her skin.

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 73, 513 AV

Jorin really couldn't explain why he was visiting the Warrens. It wasn't a place he really frequented; while the structure was certainly unique and interesting, it was also forbidding and very, very dangerous without a guide. The lack of lighting, combined with the aging superstructure, meant that a wrong turn, a twisted ankle, could spell disaster in a place where you might not be found for hours on end.

It wasn't that the place was heavily guarded. All the things that made the place extremely dangerous also meant that "tourists" such as himself rarely came here. And those hoping to plunder the Warrens would have to carry bags of heavy food up several flights of stairs. In the dark.

Jorin sighed. What was he doing here? At most, he could perhaps peer down the entrance of the place, take in the yawning abyss below and admire the amount of craftsmanship that must have gone into building this place. If he were feeling particularly adventurous he might even compose a poem...

A pang of regret shot through Jorin as he recalled the ruined pages of his book, soaked in the Summer rain, lying on the ground, ink weeping through the pages as though it, too, was mourning the loss of so many days of hard work. He had not told anyone of the loss. Not his new friends in the city, not Duce, not even Rinya. No, this was something he kept to himself.

There was a ... draw, to this place. The closer Jorin came to the entrance, the stronger it was. Like he was supposed to be here. Like he was needed here. He couldn't explain it; the mathematical, logical side of his brain revolted against it, railed against its utter lack of basis in rationality. But the artist side of him insisted he follow his instincts. So here he was.

As he approached, Jorin noticed two figures emerge from the entrance of the Warren. One was obviously an Akalak; he was very tall, and was deep purple. He seemed light-hearted and joking, and appeared to be teasing his partner, who did not appear too receptive to the jests. His partner was much shorter and slimmer, with a bow and a quiver of arrows across her back. Her hair was long and chocolate brown and...

Rinya.

Even from this distance, Jorin could tell. He didn't know why, but he could just tell. The pull seemed to be coming straight from that figure, and got stronger the closer he got. It had to be her. As he approached, he caught snippets of their conversation floating over but not enough to really understand what they were saying. Finally, apparently fed up with her Akalak partner, Rinya made a half-hearted swipe at him with an arrow. The Akalak had caught her wrist, and as he approached, he heard him growl out.

"Control your temper."

He saw Rinya struggle for a bit, before relaxing somewhat and taking a breath, before tossing back a rather flippant, "Better?"

Jorin jogged the rest of the way to the top of the hill. He gave the Akalak there his best smile and bowed, as per his usual custom.

"Greetings and salutations, friend!" he announced. "I am afraid I have not had the pleasure of your acquaintance. I am Jorin Ertihan, though I usually go by Jorin these days. I don't suppose you'd be willing to let go of Rinya? I don't believe she was attempting to truly harm you."

Jorin remembered Rinya telling him that eventually, as their bond grew stronger, he'd feel stirrings of emotions from her. At the moment though, he guessed their bond was too weak for that sort of connection, so he settled for giving Rinya a quick smile as he spoke, hoping to put her at ease. If nothing else, he hoped he'd be able to get the big Akalak to listen to reason.

[Rinya]

Seymantis noticed Jorin’s movements before Rinya did. The large Akalak’s head whipped to face him, and Rinya felt her heart drop in her chest. Seymantis was clever, but tended to be more impulsive when it came to surprises. But he remained quiet and stock still as he watched Jorin bow and introduce himself. Rinya on the other hand wanted to smile back, but Jorin had just possibly put himself into the lion’s mouth without realizing it. ”…Friend of yours?” Seymantis finally grunted out, staring at Jorin as if he had grown three heads. Rinya rolled her eyes and finally yanked her wrist free and placed her arrow back in her quiver. ”He is unarmed… little fool.” ”Enough Sey. Leave him alone.” Rinya grumbled, shaking her wrist out as she approached Jorin. She flashed him a small smile, but it didn’t last long unfortunately. Before Rinya could even get a few steps towards Jorin, the same voice only far more annoying called out behind her. ”Aww, look at my little pet. She’s got herself a friend!” Rinya closed her eyes, taking a very deep breath before turning to face Rhys with a rather unfriendly look. ”Really?” Rinya kept her tone even, and Rhys knew her well enough to know that she was upset again. He just grinned brightly at her, throwing an arm around her neck and nearly dragged her the rest of the way to Jorin. Tilting his head he observed Jorin much like Seymantis had, only there was no malice in his eyes. Rather he seemed to find Jorin's attitude amusing… which meant nothing good for her at all. ”I’m Rhys Wyndlthmal. No worries over my counterpart, he knows Rin here would never actually hurt me. After all she’s been in love with me since she met me.” Rinya was doing a fine job of staring at the ground, wishing that it might open up and swallow her. Dropping her face into her hands she shook her head and let out a tired groan. ”Rhys…” She warned through her hands, but the Akalak just chuckled and shot his free hand out for Jorin to shake. ”Seymantis was right though sir. You really shouldn’t be all the way out here with no weapon. We get the occasional Glassbeak all the way out here from the Sea of Grass.” Rinya elbowed Rhys in the ribs, causing him to grunt slightly, but he kept her trapped under his arm. She knew better than to try and worm her out from under him. He’d just find a reason to hang off her further. Rinya tried to shoot Jorin an apologetic smile, but it came off more of a grimance. ”So how do you know my lovely lady Jorin? Has she been showing up naked in the city again?” ”Rhys!” Rinya fairly snarled. She did not want to relive her second hunting trip after she had arrived in the city, where Rhys had just so happened upon her in mid change.

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 73, 513 AV

Pet. He had called Rinya pet. Jorin already did not like this man. Rinya was not a pet, she was a person. What was worse, he treated her like a pet, like he owned her and she was his property. Even though they were bonded, Jorin had never, could never feel that way about Rinya. She was his partner, his friend. Someone he could talk to, someone who understood.

"I’m Rhys Wyndlthmal. No worries over my counterpart, he knows Rin here would never actually hurt me. After all she’s been in love with me since she met me."

Jorin raised an eyebrow. Jorin considered perhaps he was feeling a bit of Rinya's discomfort, but truthfully he thought he wouldn't be a big fan of Rhys regardless.

"Of course," he responded with a tight smile, "After all, you can only truly hurt those you love."

Rinya groaned out a warning to her partner, but Rhys just gave a laugh and stuck out a hand for Jorin to shake. Jorin took it, looking the Akalak right in the eye.

"Seymantis was right though sir. You really shouldn’t be all the way out here with no weapon. We get the occasional Glassbeak all the way out here from the Sea of Grass."

Jorin smiled and gave a surprised look. "Oh! Of course, Rhys. I suppose I was under the impression that you were responsible for maintaining security around here." Jorin shrugged. "I suppose I shall have to stock up on some basic supplies then," he commented mildy, "but I'm sure Rinya here can take up whatever slack is necessary. She's quite capable you know."

"So how do you know my lovely lady Jorin? Has she been showing up naked in the city again?"

Jorin could feel the strain of his smile. Usually his smiles did not strain him at all, but today ... in any case, he maintained it. Inclining his head slightly, he simply laughed and replied,

"Well, most Kelvics do, from what I understand. They can't, after all, wear clothes in their animal form. I'm surprised you wouldn't know that, having been her partner for so long. It doesn't usually bother them. Why, does it bother you?"

He offered his hand to Rinya.

"In any case, you look tired, Rinya. I'm sure you could use a rest. Has your shift ended yet?"

[Rinya]

If there was one thing Rinya wasn’t used to, it was the irritation that was clearly coming from Jorin. Even without the bond, she could very well see that he was aggravated with Rhys already. For a moment it kind of felt nice to know that she wasn’t the only one annoyed by the fairly young Akalak. Rhys however was nearly in perfect form. If he was picking up on any of Jorin’s hidden insults, he wasn’t reacting to them in the slightest. If anything else, Rhys was probably trying to get a reaction out of Jorin like he did her. Rinya didn’t have trouble being rude to the male however; he deserved it and knew it well enough. ”Well we certainly are responsible for this area, but not the roads leading to it. Besides that, we really can’t see everything all the time.” Rhys chuckled as if it were obvious news. Rinya however just rolled her eyes. ”Rin has amazing aim however that is true. We’ve had several wild dogs in the area lately that can’t stand up to her arrows.” Rhys tilted his head a little, looking down at her. She couldn’t help but feel slightly unnerved by his look. He was thinking about something. He glanced back and forth between her and Jorin several times before smirking slightly. Uh oh… ”Oh I’m not surprised by her nudity… not at all. In fact finding her behind that rock nude was one of the highlights of my day..” Rhys wiggled his eyebrows, narrowly avoiding the elbow he almost took the the ribs again. ”Though I’m not sure I’d like everyone else seeing her in such a state.” ”Shut up!” ”Rather she is impressive enough. Not to slim or small. She’d carry an Akalak child well I think.” This statement wasn’t in jest, but was stated like a simple fact. ”Of course being like most Kelvic she only goes into heat once a year, but half the fun is trying—” And he couldn’t keep his mouth shut! Rinya scowled and yanked herself out from under his arm, reaching forward to grab Jorin’s hand. ”I’m exhausted and starving. Someone dragged me into a double shift today.” Rinya hissed, cutting the Akalak off in mid sentence. Rhys ignored the jab and easily fell into step next to her as if she hadn’t been embarrassed by anything coming out of his mouth. ”Aww come on. You weren’t going to leave me all alone on a second shift were you?” The Akalak pouted… actually pouted, lip and all. Rinya tightened her hold on Jorin’s hand almost as if he was going to disappear. If she let go, she’d swing an arrow again she knew it. She pointedly ignored his question, leaning the side of her face on Jorin’s shoulder. She was beginning to underestimate how tired she really was. ”Fine, fine. Jorin how did you meet my little bird? She isn’t exactly social butterfly so to speak. She hasn’t mentioned you before…” ”That is because I don’t say much of anything other than insults to you.” Rinya muttered more to herself than anyone else. Rhy’s was smirking again. ”But finding a bondmate is something you should tell someone pet. After all, you will be my Nakivak at some point and I’m going to have to speak with him first, since you’re his pet after all.” Rinya frowned a little. Usually Rhys was never this… insulting. She wasn’t entire sure if it was aimed at her, or more at Jorin. It wasn’t like him to be so blunt even on this subject. It was something he jested about a lot, but he never sounded so... serious about it until now. Well as serious as Rhys could get anyway.

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 73, 513 AV

"But finding a bondmate is something you should tell someone pet. After all, you will be my Nakivak at some point and I’m going to have to speak with him first, since you’re his pet after all."

OK. Jorin definitely didn't like this man. At all. Behind his smile, Jorin could feel his molars grinding. Taking a breath, he gave Rinya's hand a sympathetic squeeze.

"I would imagine something as personal as finding a bondmate is not a thing Rinya is exactly eager to share. You said it yourself. She is not a social butterfly." Jorin shrugged lightly. "As for how we met, it was some time ago. I recited some poetry to her. You ... do know what poetry is right? Sadly, some people really don't appreciate the finer arts. Fortunately, Rinya did." at this point Jorin's smile dropped slightly. "Is it really necessary to constantly refer to her as a 'pet'? Because as far as I can tell she is an independent woman. You would not need permission with me to do anything. But I imagine you would need permission from her."

Jorin squinted as he looked across the far-ranging plains of the Warren.

"I'd estimate the radius of this warren at about twenty five meters. Given the observable dimensions, I'd estimate its depth to be around fifty four meters, so that's what, ten or so levels? Area of a given floor can be calculated with double the radius multiplied by the circular constant, giving about one hundred fifty seven square meters." Jorin smiled at Rys broadly. "I'm not going too fast am I?" he asked innocently.

"Of course, you wouldn't be patrolling the entire area of the Warrens. So we'd subtract the center, which is hollow, using a similar formula. Assuming the average room in the Warren is about ten by ten we can now remove a fifteen-meter radius circle from our original calculation. Now we could calculate the exact dimensions of this second circle and subtract it from the one we already made, but I'm sure you're smart enough to know that is unnecessary." Jorin smiled sweetly, and raised an eyebrow.

"No? Pity. Well, since we know that the radius we wish to subtract is fifteen meters in radius, that means that it is three-fifths the area of the larger circle. Which means all we need to do is multiply the area of the larger circle by two fifths to get the remainder of approximately sixty two square meters. I hope that wasn't too confusing for you." Another sweet smile. "In any case the point I wanted to make was that assuming the warren has, say, ten levels, each level at sixty two patrollable square meters, that would mean that, if your shift lasted six Bells you would have thirty-six chimes to patrol each floor, less if there are more than ten levels, and in that thirty-six chimes you'd need to patrol sixty two square meters, meaning little more than five chimes per room. Given average dimensions of a room."

Jorin took a breath, and grinned at Rhys. "Basically, you'd have to either be very sloppy, or very good. Or, of course, there are more than just the two of you patrolling the Warren; which given the numbers, would almost certainly be the case. Kavalor does not strike me as a man who would overlook so important a logistical fact. Now if there are more than just the two of you, then either you take certain floors, or certain shifts. Since Rinya was kind enough to inform me that you take shifts, that means that, mathematically, multiple shifts from the same patrol are not only unnecessary but inefficient."

Jorin paused, giving Rhys a cheerful smirk. "Unless, of course, someone screwed up," he added, still smirking. "But of course, this is all theoretical. Rinya, you look absolutely famished. Come on! Maybe we could go Kyole's! Or elsewhere, if you'd prefer."

[Rinya]

Both Rhys and Rinya were silent. Dead silent in fact. Rinya knew of course that Jorin’s father had drilled mathematics into his head, but Jorin said that he always failed those tests. She couldn’t understand a single thing out of his mouth, if she hadn’t known better it could’ve been a different language entirely. With the words tumbling out of his mouth like that, she was finding it very hard to believe he failed. Or maybe he just thought he did. Perhaps his father did a better job at teaching him than he originally thought. Rhys, for his own credit, remained silent the entire rant of numbers and angles. He just took the information in stride, nodding his head as if he could understand everything Jorin was spouting out. The sad part was Rinya knew for a fact that he didn’t understand it any better than she did. Rhys was all warrior and suave ladies man. Nothing like math probably ever entered his brain before now. Even as Jorin finished, Rhys remained quiet for a minute. Rinya was grateful, especially since her head kind of hurt from trying to keep up with Jorin’s speech. Yawning slightly, she just seemed to snuggle her face into his shoulder. It was comfortable so why not? ”Jorin I don’t think I could eat no matter how much I’d like to.” Forcing herself off his shoulder, she glanced at the oddly silent Akalak before up at Jorin. ”Twelve levels actually. And the extra shift tends to pop up here and there. I don’t think we quite have enough guards to cover in a whole at the moment.” It was random, but the only thing she could actually keep up with in terms of his math. ”Believe it or not, I’ve been here just as long as Rinya. Kavalor does not trust Kelvics, even under his guard, to wander the Warren alone.” Tilting her head, Rinya raised a brow at Rhys. As much as she blamed him for getting her on the extra shift, he probably had done her more of a favor than harm. Huffing slightly, Rinya rolled her eyes and glared at him. ”You mean Raistren was going to make me work the second shift no matter what… I just would have been paired up with another Akalak.” She wasn’t sure if she should be happy or upset by his charity. Most of the other guards didn’t appreciate her talent with a bow. While Rhys was a handful, she wasn’t sure if she could have handled a different guard. Despite all his nicknames for her, and his love of making her life hell, he was genuinely the only guard who didn’t mind her presence. Rhys shrugged while grinning down at her. ”So about being my Nakivak…” Yet she still couldn’t stand him half the time. ”Petch it all Rhys I said no!” He burst out laughing, shrugging his shoulders in his carefree way. He’d ask her again, she would say no… again. It was his own little game he loved to play. Rhys glanced over at Jorin, a more serious look overcoming his face. ”It’s a nickname I don’t intend on dropping any time soon that is for sure. But as for her permission, technically no I don’t. I’m sure she has already told you about the general Akalak population opinion on Kelvics in the first place. We don’t force, but they are considered pets. It is something you likely just have to accept sooner or later living here. It isn’t uncommon for us to get shipments of Kelvics specifically for such purposes. I would just rather woo a woman into bed.” Rhys grinned again, but it didn’t seem as bright as before. He didn’t linger on the subject for which Rinya was happy for. Leaning her head back on Jorin’s shoulder, she sighed roughly. Those weren’t thoughts she’d like to ponder about right now. ”Either way, pet here needs to eat whether she likes it or not. She can’t shift being starved and exhausted! Lead the way boy I’m starving too!”

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 73, 513 AV

"It’s a nickname I don’t intend on dropping any time soon that is for sure. But as for her permission, technically no I don’t. I’m sure she has already told you about the general Akalak population opinion on Kelvics in the first place. We don’t force, but they are considered pets. It is something you likely just have to accept sooner or later living here. It isn’t uncommon for us to get shipments of Kelvics specifically for such purposes. I would just rather woo a woman into bed."

Jorin just smiled mildly. "Really? Then why haven't you? I've already met two Kelvics, two human women and a Konti in my first season here, and you've not met a single compatible Nakivak in all your time in Riverfall?" Jorin raised an eyebrow. "Interesting..."

Still, Jorin could feel a sense of exhaustion. At first he was surprised; he wasn't that out of shape, was he? Until he realized it wasn't his exhaustion he was feeling. It was Rinya's. Deciding enough was enough, he gently led her down the path.

"Either way, pet here needs to eat whether she likes it or not. She can’t shift being starved and exhausted! Lead the way boy, I’m starving too!"

Jorin suppressed a sigh. He really wasn't interested in spending the evening in the company of this Rhys, and he could feel the frustration mounting in his chest, like his heart was tightening to bursting. The whole situation was one of discomfort and annoyance, but he looked down, and saw how Rinya was leaning against him. She was so very tired; she did not need any more problems. Taking a breath, Jorin nodded.

"Fine. Would Kyole's Butcher Shop work? They have some excellent fish there, and a very good selection of meats. Or if you'd prefer, I think the White Crane's still open. Come on, we can decide on the way."

Jorin did not pick those two establishments by accident. Most of the others did not appreciate his art, and had previously removed him from their premises. Kyole's was one of the few that had not, and the White Crane he had not yet tried. Nonetheless, he kept this information to himself, if only for his own pride. He couldn't help the feeling of humiliation from within; he just hoped Rinya didn't feel it too.

[Rinya]

Rhys was a grinning idiot again. Once again if he noticed Jorin’s barbs, he ignored them. Then again, despite all of her insults, Rinya was beginning to notice that Rhys never actually responded directly. Perhaps he was just completely immune to such vibes. But if Rinya had to take a guess, he really just took everything in stride. A live in the moment kind of guy she supposed. Sighing slightly, she closed her eyes and simply let Jorin lead her forward. They were going to duke it out with a battle of who caves first, wits and all. ”Well it’s not uncommon for Akalak to take years to find one; after all the carrying of a child alone is twice as long as usual. And because of that, complications tend to be much higher as well. If Rinya provided to be a good breeder, she would probably spend most of her short life pregnant. Good breeders almost never get the choice to leave service.” Rhys chatted about Nakivak as if it was nothing but facts. Twitching her nose slightly, she muttered against Jorin’s shoulder. ”Technically I cannot be Nakivak. I would just be popping kids out for you for free.” If Rhys heard her he simply ignored it. He knew better really. She had no intention of spending her life making babies in such a fashion. Rinya would be the first to admit she would like a family… despite her hang ups and fears that she had deep down. There were things about family she wasn’t sure she’d be good at. Though forethought; Jorin would probably be a wonderful father. She could see him running around with small children at his heels begging for stories. ”The White Crane sounds like a good choice. It’s closer to the refuge anyway.” Trying to distract herself from her current train of thought, Rinya began to rub her thumb across the back of Jorin’s hand. She could feel his frustration building; she wondered if he even realized how much he was projecting it. While she was used to Rhys’ teasing she was positive it might drive poor Jorin nuts. Though another feeling kept poking through she wasn’t sure what it was. Quick flashes were the only sign that it was even there at all. Not long enough for her to identify. ”Ladies choice it is! The place is bound to have a few females to chat it up.” Rhys strolled ahead of them, and for a moment Rinya considered just ditching Rhys and letting Jorin take her home. But as much as she hated to admit it, the damn fool was right. She couldn’t shift if she wanted to right now. Lifting her head, she grinned a little. ”Don’t worry so much about Rhys. He’s all talk… I can’t imagine you’d like many of the other guards at this rate. They actually mean what they say about me.” Rinya breathed into his ear as quietly as she could. Rhys was more clever than he let on, and the last thing she wanted to do was give the Akalak a bigger ego. ”Something else is bothering you though, I can feel it. What’s wrong?”

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 73, 513 AV

Jorin listened in grim silence as Rhys described Rinya as some sort of breeding stock. Like she wasn't a person, just a piece of meat to be sold or bartered. Jorin recalled how Rinya told him her parents were breeding Kelvics, slaves really. He was absolutely determined not to let history repeat itself.

Jorin was careful to not let any of this show on his face. He would not give this cocky Akalak the satisfaction of seeing him crack first. At this point, Jorin was fairly certain Rinya had picked up on his frustration, but the truth was he was past caring. Unlike Rhys, she knew him well enough anyway. Even if they hadn't been bonded, he was sure he was giving off enough invisible signals that she'd pick up on it regardless.

Jorin half-heard Rhys agree with Rinya's suggestion of the White Crane. Good choice. They had excellent food there, and the place was quiet, dignified, a place for artists and musicians. Certainly a locale that Jorin could appreciate. An establishment where he'd feel at home and, Jorin thought in a rare fit of pique, a place where possibly Rhys would not be as comfortable. Although his comment about ladies strangely soothed Jorin a bit. If he chatted up other ladies, perhaps he would leave Rinya alone.

Having said his piece, Rhys bounded off in front, leaving Rinya with Jorin for a brief moment. Taking advantage of it, Rinya had whispered, "Don’t worry so much about Rhys. He’s all talk ... I can’t imagine you’d like many of the other guards at this rate. They actually mean what they say about me."

Jorin just smiled and whispered back, "I know, Rinya. But you know how I feel about treating you like a pet. It's not right."

Then Rinya surprised him with a question he hadn't expected.

"Something else is bothering you though, I can feel it. What’s wrong?"

Jorin started slightly, but then smiled warmly at Rinya and placed his other hand over hers. "I really can't hide anything from you, now that we're bonded, can I?" he asked, but it wasn't in anger or frustration. If anything it was with wry amusement. Jorin heaved a sigh.

"Truth is, Rinya, in the last few weeks I've been trying many of the local watering holes, trying to find a permanent establishment to Busk in. Sadly, many of the taverns didn't seem to appreciate the arts like you do." Jorin's face flushed, embarrassment welling up inside. The truth was, he really didn't want to admit what he was going to admit, but with a sigh he realized that it would be pointless. Rinya would know anyway.

"They ... kicked me out of a lot of those taverns. I'm not exactly their favorite human right now. I'm sure, if I put a few gold mizas on the table, they'd still let me in, but I don't want to give Rhys the satisfaction." He grinned sheepishly at Rinya. "It's pretty stupid, isn't it," he said apologetically.