Accept the offer reluctantly

You look behind you and watch the human struggling as he still tries to drag his partner in crime back to the slums of the matchsticks. The moment is over, but the danger is real, possibly forever. And yet, you are not comfortable with this man or his offer. Whether it's his smile, the apparent care he's put into his clean armor and weaponry, your past with the likes of him, or something else entirely, you don't comfortable with him and his offer. It's still one you're not sure you can pass up.

"That's, very kind" You reply slowly "but we'll be taking our own residence for the evening" Jiaghan looked surprised by your statement, but she kept quiet. The armored man on the other hand, wasn't phased."

"If that's what you want, sure. I'll be next door, just in case something happens." He replies with a gentle nod of his head. He opens the door and genuflects in with his other hand. You walk towards the door but hold off on walking in.

"You first, Sir"

"Sir? Make me sound like my father" He laughed at his own slight joke as he walked in. You hovered in the open doorway watching

"Liz?" Jiaghan asked as she stood near you "Is something wrong? Do you know him or something?"

"No, but all men are the same Jiaghan. He can have the best manners in the world, he's still only doing this because it thinks it gets him what he wants"

"I don't know, surely they can't all be like that. He doesn't seem so bad. At the very least, he's cute for a human, that's gotta count for something, right?"

Your eyes squint at her, trying to peace things together. Her faint smile was sincere, you're sure of that, but you wonder what her experiences have been up to. Without a word, she gently nudges you inside, and you finally enter.

The Polished Wand was a quaint establishment. The fire on the short side of the tavern, across from the large windows, helped make the place feel cozy and inviting. It also made you feel inadvertently bitter; more so than normal. The two of you walk up to your rescuer at the bar, smiling again, as if he didn't just see you a minute ago.

"What to the two of you say to a trade?" He asks "A drink for a name, from each of you" You can't help but scowl at the man's flirting, but Jiaghan jumps in.

"I'm Jiaghan, and this is Liz" You put your hand on her shoulder gently, but furtively give it a hard squeeze, letting her know your displeasure. You take some control over the situation "Make that water," You tell the bartender, another human, who looks at the three of you oddly before fulfilling the order. Your new acquaintance raises his flagon.

"What a coincidence" He takes a quick drink before continuing "Have to stay away from ****, it brings the worst out from me. Sure you and your...cousin have your reasons" He said as he stumbled, unsure of the ties of you two.

"We're not related" You counter calmly

"Well, not directly, but you have a common ancestor if you go far back enough, right? If you're not related, what do you call each other, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, Liz is just a good friend. She helps me out alot. Was going to let me sleep in her apartment for a while"

"Oh, well that was a nice offer."

"Demarchus!" You hear a clear shout behind you, and the soldier turns back around to look. An elvish gentleman gives the man a passionate hug and the two begin to engage in chit-chat, allowing Jiaghan to give you a piece of her young mind.

"What is wrong with you? You're treating him like he's a gang boss or something. I don't get it."

"He just might be. The slumlords never live in their homes unless they have to."

"Okay fine, but you're not going to have a drink? Like a real drink?"

"Not with him, no. He's just hoping he can get me loose and even comatose so he can have his way"

"You don't know that. Gods, I didn't realize you were that cynical. What happened to you?"

"Don't worry about me, Jiaghan. I'm just trying to keep you safe."

The conversation between Demarchus and his elf friend was over quickly, but not before you got a strange glance from the high elf as he walked away.

"Sorry about that. Just an old friend that wanted to catch up for a moment" He explained "Look, I'm sure the two of you need some time to relax by yourselves." He throws a few coins out on the bar. "I've got the drinks, and there's a few more for your room. I'm going to excuse myself. You two enjoy your evening. I'd like to find out more about what happened and find out if there's anything more I can do to help with your situation. Maybe we can talk more in the morning."

"That would be great" Jiaghan interjected again, with a handshake to seal the deal. You're thoroughly annoyed, but refuse to make a public spectacle.

"Come on, runt" You wrap your arm around her shoulder and strongly push her along as you walk away "Past your bedtime"

The rented room was better than your actual apartment. You lock the door immediately, and the High Elf took the time to head straight for the large bed. "Liz, lay down, and you'll realize how paranoid and unreasonable you're being. Can someone who would do this really be as bad as you think?"

"That and worse, yes" You respond without hesitation "You've spent plenty of time with the villains of the matchstick. If you ever get out of there, you'll learn that often times the greatest villains are the ones who act the kindest."

"Well, don't look now, but we're out of the matchsticks now. There's worse things you could do than pretending to like him in order to escape. If it got both of us out, I'd do it in a heartbeat in your shoes."

"You'll understand when you get older" You respond as you brush Jiaghan's blonde hair.

"I'm older than he is, you know" She responds teasingly

"Yes, and know how little that means for the likes of you and me. Out of the question, completely. Now, go to bed. I'll join you in a little while"

The elvish teen sticks her tongue out but cooperates, rolling to her side away from you to try and fall asleep. You quietly move a chair close to the door and take a seat, your hands on your knives, should the need arise. You watch and listen, sure at any minute that something will go wrong, until the time takes its toll, and you fall asleep in the chair.