Private Tales Ah Shit Here We Go Again

[Smiling One]

An ordinary day. Willis took a good look at his hometown and saw the people going about their day, some went on well-worn fishing boats sailing on the riverbank casting their fishing rods on to the water.

Willis smiled, he loved fishing the thought of sitting against a tree casting the fishing line while observing the sunrise was relaxing. When he wasn't taking on high-risk contracts, Willis would find the nearest river and fish. He'd been fishing since he was a Pirate and hadn't looked back. Sadly the last Fishing Rod Willis had destroyed a month ago when he fought an Owlbear who ambushed the client he was protecting.

The client in question was a Gnome banker who needed an escort to Vel Amir. Willis remembered being skeptical of the Gnomes desire to go to the Human Fortress since its inhabitants tend to be distrustful to Non-humans at best and downright hostile at worst. Nonetheless, the Gnome paid well so Willis took the job hoping that the Gnome knew what he was doing. The trip went smoothly and the pair were rested near a river. Willis decided to catch some fish to cook for dinner. He was in the process of doing so until he heard the Gnome's bloodcurdling scream.

Willis quickly turned around to see the Gnome backing away from the Owlbear. Cursing himself for leaving his Cutlass at the camp, the monster slayer picked up his fishing rod and charged at the roaring beast jabbing it in the eye with the rod. The Owlbear recoiled in pain but countered by using its enormous beak and broke Willis' rod in half. It gave the young man ample time to grab his weapon. The Owlbear roared and appeared it was ready to charge but Willis took a rock and hit the beast in the head slowing down its momentum allowing Willis to rush in and slice his throat ending the beast's life.

Willis sighed while walked through the town, the job went smoothly but he couldn't get over the loss of his fishing rod. He made himself and took him months to find the right materials. Thinking about the rod depressed Willis and what better way to cure a man's depression than good old ale.

 

[ZafiraJade]

It was supposed to be an easy day.

Zafira realized this as she felt the four huntsman's drunken voices grow louder and louder. She clutched her herbs even harder, biting back an irritated and very unfeminine curse.

It was supposed to be her day off.

Her teacher had all of a sudden demanded of her plenty of herbs and plants that were rare for a concoction that was experimental at best, detrimental to all working at the herb shop at worst. While usually Zafira loved hunting for different plants and the like, today she was supposed to meet up with her childhood friend at the lakes for a much needed break.

Her professor had made sure that wasn't possible.

Zafira heard the men's voices grow louder along with a short, piercing whistle that made Zafira want to hurl something at someone. Suddenly, she turned to all four, a coy smirk on her face.

"Gentlemen," Zafira's voice came off cool, a teasing lilt at the end of it. "Is there a valid reason you are following me or are you going to just stare like disgusting beasts?"

She knew it was the wrong words the minute they came out, but she couldn't help it. Her sharp tongue was always what got her into trouble. The heated gazes of the men quickly switched into sneers and Zafira's grin widened. While she usually never used her powers, she didn't mind giving revolting men such as the ones in front of her a taste of their own medicine.

 

[Smiling One]

The Bullfrog was dead ahead it was the first stop for all the Pirates, Smugglers Thieves and Bounty Hunters hang out and drink themselves blind. The Knights of Alliria would describe the Bullfrog as a wretched hive of scum and villainy. One that needed to be purge so the people of Alliria can breathe easy real rich coming from the kind who kill and pillage justifying by the "chivalric code" at least the folks at The Bullfrog make no bones on who they are unlike Knights who love to hide their bloodlusts behind "honor" or some shit. Stupid assholes: They're just thugs in armor just like him.

But enough about Knights, Willis can taste the Mead that is brewing in the Bullfrog. Of all of the beverage he consumed in Alliria, the Bullfrog makes the best brew. Talented brewwomen would meticulously labor over the drinks for hours making sure that it tastes good enough for the customers to get drunk and divulge their secrets so they can use to their advantage. Willis embarrassingly got drunk a couple times in which he woke up stripped naked. Never again. Still it was hard for Willis to ignore the drinks that was offered at the Bullfrog, they're brewery is second to none.

"Some of those girls can start their own brewery," Willis though before he heard some commotion near the docks. He briefly craned his head to see some men surrounding someone that wasn't his problem, Willis had a date with the mead and meat that the Bullfrog provided he was no mood to interfere with whatever the men were. Besides he had to look for work.

It was then the sound of a sultry voice penetrated his ears Willis' stomach began to churn at the voice. Beautiful voice came from a beautiful woman and that meant. "They're surrounding a woman," the young man growled. "Ah shit."

When It came to pretty women, Willis would drop everything to flirt with them or even help them out usually at his disadvantage. Willis just couldn't resist the allure of a pretty woman no matter how hard he tried and now he's going to sacrifice a nice cold beverage to risk death just for a woman he only knew for one second.

"Ah shit," Willis said turning on his heel to face the men. "Here we go again."

Approaching them, Willis stomped on his boots on to the wooden planks and cleared his throat loudly. All four men simultaneously turned around looking at Willis with a snarl. "Gentlemen," Willis said a smirk forming on his face. "What's going on here?"

 

[ZafiraJade]

Zafira could feel the thrum of energy at her fingertips. She was so ready to call it, bring it forward and surge it on these men who she knew without a doubt had probably surrounded plenty of helpless women. Not that Zafira would ever consider herself helpless. She had a line of other people's bones or ridiculous hexes to prove it.

Plus, a part of her craved for the fight - craved for something that was exciting and made her heart speed a bit, even if it was for a moment.

"What the fuck did you just call us?" the broadest one growled. She saw him take a step closer, his mouth twisted into a crude sneer. She could see the hint of a silver tooth among his browning teeth, and Zafira felt herself cringe.

"Are you genuinely deaf or shall I repeat myself?" Zafira asked, her tone light. It was as if she were talking about something mundane such as the weather.

"You b- "

"Gentlemen," Zafira heard a man's husky voice interrupt. Her eyes snapped behind another one of the four huntsman's to see a man with deep caramel skin, gorgeous eyes, and a mouth curved into something that may or may not have been a smile. "What's going on here?"

A pang of annoyance filled Zafira. She wasn't some damsel in distress. She didn't need the assistance of this handsome stranger who just so happened to be walking by. She eyed him softly, noting how all the huntsmen's attention was set on him. It wasn't difficult to see that he was strong, but she doubted he'd be able to take on four men at once.

"None of your business. Now get on your way!" one shouted, his voice gruff.

"Darling, that's not very kind of you, is it?" Zafira purred, offering the man a teasing smirk. She saw him all of a sudden march over to her, maybe to grab her or hurt her - it didn't matter.

Because Zafira's right hand had gone up, green and orange sparks flying from the tips of it while the man froze, his hands clutching his throat tightly.

 

[Smiling One]

It seemed that the young woman had it taken care of. She was very pretty with long black hair that fell past her shoulders, a black dress with a V-neck just deep enough to expose her cleavage. The woman looked younger than Willis possibly around 18 or 19 years old but she was poised and confident exactly the kind of woman Willis loved. "Well now," Willis said tapping a finger on the hilt of his Cutlass. "I'd say judging by the way you're surrounding this lovely young woman I'm guessing it's not because it's not because you want to get a closer look at her beauty."

As soon as he finished saying that the young man withdrew his weapon and waved it around playfully towards the four men. "Come on gentlemen," Willis said with a playful smirk. "All I want to do is to have one day without solving other people's mess just one day. So can we please just all disperse and forget all this happened."

Of course the four men disagreed choosing instead to bicker with the young woman but before anything can happen, she waved her hand causing the bald thug in front of her causing him to grasp desperately at his neck. "A choking spell?" Willis thought recognizing the wave of the young woman's hand. "She's a mage then?"

"A WITCH!" The men drew their swords towards the woman rusted shortswords and axes gleamed against the sun's rays. Before they can attack however, a smoke grenade was thrown at their feet a black cloud instantly coming out as soon as it hit the ground. The men coughed as smoke filled their lungs allowing Willis to sneak in and grabbed the young woman by the arm.

"Let's go," he said pulling her away.

 

[ZafiraJade]

Hearing the strange man's quip of 'handling someone else's problem', Zafira was going to make a remark until she saw the remaining three men turn to him, ringing shouts ripping from their throats.

Maybe it wasn't a good time to make one.

Them yelling out 'WITCH' was what made Zafira realize that she hadn't let go of the bald man. With a soft 'oh', Zafira released her hold, watching the man sink down to his knees. Grinning, she swooped down to his level, her black cloak wisping like waves by her feet.

"Do think again before touching a woman like that," she said softly, passing him a sweet smile. She would have done more had it not been for the freakish yells of the bald man's friends and a black cloud that even threw Zafira off guard.

Could the strange man be a warlock of his own?

Before Zafira could say anything more, she felt a hand on her arm, tugging her in the opposite direction. She was about to lash out at him until she realized it was the handsome stranger who'd tried to save her. Zafira was stubborn, not stupid. So when he tugged her arm away from the four huntsmen, Zafira followed him easily.

"Oh, but I was having so much fun," she grinned.

 

[Smiling One]

While Willis enjoyed a good fight every now and then, if there was a chance to avoid conflict then he'll take it. "Oh it's all fun," Willis mumbled pulling the woman away from the cloud of smoke. "But you know what's also fun? Not getting caught by the Allirian guard." Over the past few years, the Allirian guard has been criticized by citizens for being lax on criminal activity. It was true, the guard was lax due to the numerous bribes sent by the criminal organizations of The Shallows.

However in order to put the people's fears at ease, the Allirian Guard has been ramping up the arrest rates over they past year. Petty thieves were hanged and assaults regardless of whether the perpetuator was guilty or not was dealt harshly. Many criminal organizations were bought down with the members either dead or hung under the docks though Willis suspected they gangs that were on the Shallows hit list. As soon as they entered the marketplace, Willis entered a dark alley place and hid the young woman behind some boxes.

"Impressive spellcasting there sweetheart," The young man smirked. "But like I said the Allirian guard is trying so hard to show that they're not corrupt which is a bunch of bullshit by the way by trying to quell any sign of conflict."

Normally Willis would flirt with a pretty woman but the long journey he had and the desire to drink himself blind at the Bullfrog overrode that thought. Maybe he can catch up to her later "name's Willis Reede by the way," he said turning on his heel and leaving the young woman. "I'll see you later hopefully just try not to get in anymore trouble."

 

[ZafiraJade]

She stiffened at the mention of the Allirian guard, feeling another bout of anger pulse through her body. This anger was different from the one she felt for the huntsmen. Stronger, created by years of disdain for all the terrible executions and actions she'd seen the guard do in the name of the kingdom. It was no secret that the Allirian knights were made of crueler stuff, that their greed was the one weakness most knights shared. It was because of their almost bloodlust for money that Zafira had gotten out of some quite difficult situations. Not that she purposely did anything illegal. It's just that she always somehow managed to get herself entangled with some other person's problems.

"That takes away all the fun though, no?" Zafira mused, a smile taking form on her pink lips.

The man didn't seem to agree. Zafira pouted lightly before realizing that the man's hand still gripped her upper arm. It also made her realize that this man was a complete and total stranger, so she pulled her arm away from his grip only to realize that the pair were in a dark street.

This again?

A pang of disappointment filled Zafira, leaving her both surprised and annoyed. She'd just met the man, didn't even know his name yet she expected better from him than the lowly thugs they had just escaped. About to call the magic at the tips of her fingers again, maybe for a fainting spell, the man moved back from her, his eyes meeting hers in a sharp, rebuking gaze. She pushed the power done, tilting her head curiously. Somewhere between fighting the huntsmen (and she used the word very lightly in this context), and being dragged to a dark alley, Zafira's hood had fallen, revealing a thick tumbling of silky, black hair which only further highlighted her unusually bright, green eyes. Zafira let out an 'oomph' noise as he pushed her down by some dusty, old crates, feeling a frown start between her brows.

She automatically stood up, glaring at the man.

"Yes, yes, you are not so unique that only you know of the Allirian's corruptness," she snapped, carefully standing up and over the boxes. She was about to say more until the man spun on his heel to walk away, just before revealing his name and making a comment that only grated at Zafira lightly.

It's not like she asked him to stop and help. Willis decided to do that completely on his own!

"Trouble is where the fun lies," Zafira muttered half-heartedly before she saw the man try to seriously leave. What was wrong with this man? First, he helps her. Then, he drags her into a sketchy looking alley that smelled of piss and other things Zafira did not want to name, and now he was disappearing without even another word?

Zafira didn't know why she cared.

"You didn't even let me thank you," she called out before catching up to walk alongside the man. "Not that I needed the help," her voice came out a soft mutter at this before it rose back to a normal octave, "but nonetheless I appreciate it, Willis. May I buy you a drink?"

 

[Smiling One]

Willis sighed when the young woman caught up with him so she is aware of the guards corruption. "Well if that's the case sweetheart," Willis replied. "Then you should the penalty of mages assaulting people on the streets is get your hands chopped off." A common misconception by non-magic users is that if they remove the hands of mages then can't use magic. That was far from the truth since spell arts such as telepathy and illusion exists along with rare magic such as Scripture Magic.

A young woman with a tongue like hers will no doubt get in trouble with the guards or the gangs at the Shallows. "Well," he smiled. "You're welcome." how silly of the young man to forget his manners but the girl didn't seemed to be too keen on being rescued given that she didn't need help.

Sometimes it was best to step aside whenever conflict in the streets arose. There was no pay and all it'll leave Willis is either brush against the law, an injury or the most unlikely option: death. Willis had to little to gain in interfering in people's business but he can't seem to break the habit of doing so. He raised an eyebrow when the girl offered him a drink. Not every day a pretty woman offered Willis a drink besides he gets the keep the little coin he had in his little black bag.

"Sure why not?" Willis smiled. "I guess playing hero has its perks after all. I'm heading to the Bullfrog: A nice little place for scum and whores like me." The young man frowned. "Well the scum part that is. Any way they serve good food and drink."

Willis then stared at the girl smirking at her pretty face. "I suggest you put your hood back on," he said. "The people in the Bullfrog are suspicious of newcomers and besides those thugs could come back. Best to conceal yourself. Which will be a shame for me because you'll be hiding your beautiful face."

The young man sighed. "But it's for pragmatic purposes," he said.

 

[ZafiraJade]

"I am well aware of Allirian's....ah, extreme rules. I live here after all," she answered, flicking her hair back and scanning her surroundings. She wasn't as reckless as she seemed, despite some of the comments she got from her friends. Everyone seemed to be at home or in the marketplace which was no surprise. No one went to the Bullfrog because of its reputation and the people in it. At least no one who didn't want to be associated with a bad crowd.

For some reason, Willis Reede didn't seem like the type who cared too much about social conduct and the like. At his comment about scums and whores, Zafira knew she was right.

She let out a startled laugh, one that was full and taken by surprise at the strange man's comment. "Not typical for men to introduce themselves as scum," Zafira grinned, looking the man right in his eyes. She had to look up because, despite her not being short, Willis was taller than most men. It didn't help that he carried himself in a confident, swaggering manner, so much so that it made him appear even larger than he was.

It also didn't help that Zafira found him attractive.

"I'm Zafira, by the way," she said, putting the cloak on her head. The spell had surprisingly taken a bit of her energy and a glass of rum sounded like such a good thought right about now.

"It's fine, you can be beautiful enough for the both of us in there," she grinned with a soft wink, walking in front of Willis and opening the doors for the Bullfrog.

 

[Smiling One]

The Bullfrog as usual was rowdy and chaotic full of men and women talking about their adventures, gambling, drinking and smoking. From the left were two men locked in an intense match of arm wrestling, Elven referee stood close to a pot that was overflowing with coin look like is a big coin match between them. Willis rarely arm wrestled so he hasn't been following the game closely. The stench of stale piss and vomit permeated the place where the wooden floor was covered in filth: mud or probably shit stained the place with foot and hand prints and there was some dried blood etched on to the surface.

Willis grinned he was right at home, normally he wouldn't take a woman out on a date in a place like this but Zafira seemed to be the kind of woman who likes a good fight judging on how she was eager to battle against those thugs outside. Besides this wasn't a date between the two...…. yet. "Home sweet home," Willis laughed as there was a fight breaking out in the left corner between a Dwarf and an Elf over the last cup of mead. "Those species are always at each others throats." Willis shrugged looking for a table.

As soon as the young man sat, a waitress walked towards them and asked for their order. "Gimmie your coldest mead!" Willis said with glee. He was like a child in a toy store trying to get the best ale as possible. Willis couldn't wait to quench his thirst. "You should try out the alcohol," he said smiling. "It's to die for."

The same Dwarf who was fighting with the Elf flew over Zafira's head landed on the concrete. "Aye then!" He said brandishing his Ax. "It's a fight then!" as soon as he said that, his mates emerged from their tables and engaged the Elf and his people. A blood brawl ensued in the corner with the patrons yelling in elation with some of them already beginning to bet on who would win.

"Literally," Willis smiled.

 

[ZafiraJade]

Zafira had been to the Bullfrog only once before in another lifetime. She was younger than, more naive. Maybe that's why her visions of the Bullfrog were as rowdy as she had imagined. As she entered the place though, Willis close behind her, Zafira knew she was wrong.

This place was worse.

A thick stench of piss, alcohol, and vomit lined the walls as loud shouts and explicit curses were thrown from across the room. Her eyes focused on two men who were gripped in a tight game of arm - wrestling. She watched them for a moment. While both men were burly, their bodies lines with heavy muscle, Zafira bet the skinnier looking one would win.

She forced her attention away from them and carefully sat on a chair, a small smile on her face as she perused the entirety of Bullfrog. There was a certain chaotic energy in it that lit Zafira up, and just as she was about to share her thoughts with her new companion, a waitress came by.

Hearing the bright tone in Willis' voice, Zafira turned to him, head cocked to the side, the corners of her lips twitching. He looked completely comfortable here, blending into the environment seamlessly as he leaned back against the chair.

"I'll have the same thing he's having, please," Zafira grinned just as something flew over her head. Zafira had barely ducked before she turned to see the Elf and Dwarf that Willis was talking about earlier, fighting roughly. Both their friends showed up quickly, sneers turned crisply on their face as Zafira put a hand on her throat, masking her laugh.

"I love this place," Zafira said without thinking, eyes bright as she watched them. Her attention span turned back to the men who were arm wrestling. Zafira leaned a bit closer to Willis so that he could hear her over the incessant chatting of everyone around them.

"See those two men?" she asked, pointing at the men who were arm wrestling. The bigger one seemed to be winning - the one she had not bet on. "I bet you the one with the hair is going to win,"

 

[Smiling One]

Zafira loved the Bullfrog? The last woman who said that to Willis was Achates anyone who was an outsider especially those self-righteous Knights saw the Bullfrog as a place that needed to be shut down. Thankfully the Shallows pulled some strings amongst the Merchants Guild to prevent that from happening. "Really?" Willis said smirking Zafira. "Perhaps you and I should visit this place more often. Maybe next time it can more than just you owing me a drink."

The young man winked at Zafira as the waitress arrived with the two cups of mead and placed them on to the table. Willis' mouth watered watching the froth slowly trickle down the metal cup. Hands shaking, Willis picked up the cool glass of Mead and guzzled it down his throat. The sweet and bubbly taste of mead touched his dry tongue enabling his taste buds to soak in the wonderful drink. For a moment, Willis felt like his tongue wanted to rip itself from his mouth and do a dance on the table.

Wouldn't that be a sight to behold.

Willis was busy drinking when Zafira leaned closer towards him. Her voice was silky and alluring bringing pleasure to his ears. For the first time in a long time Willis made the right choice in choosing to interfere in a conflict. Not only he can enjoy the luxuries of having a cool drink in his hand but he gets flirt with a pretty woman who shares the same taste in taverns like he.

"Well now," Willis smirked watching the arm wrestling from a far. "I'd wager that and bet you that the bald guy will overcome and win."

The young man took out three gold coins seeing that his prediction coming true. The bald man hurled all of his strength to force his opponent on his side. Willis smiled and slapped it on the table taking another big swig of Mead. "So Zafira," he asked. "Put your coin down sweetheart. You wanna bet? You gotta put some coin on the line."

 

[ZafiraJade]

At your suggestive words, Zafira let out a soft chuckle, heart racing just a bit faster than before. It had been quite a long time before she had thought of going on a date with a man. Her last relationship had ended up terribly, mostly because it was only then that she realized that she was too 'free'. Nonetheless, Jasun was not a bad man. It was just that their interests didn't align. After that, Zafira held nothing serious, coming to terms with the fact that she just wasn't the type for a serious relationship.

The thought hurt more than Zafira liked to admit.

She ignored the dark twist of her thoughts and eyes the bubbling mug of mead in front of her. It was larger than her hand and frothing enticingly. Hesitantly, she picked up the cup, smelling the sweet scent of burning amber and unmistakable alcohol. She peered up at Willis through her lashes, a soft smirk playing at her lips. "Maybe," She answered, taking a large gulp of the caramel-colored drink. It was surprisingly sweet, refreshing against her parched throat. Zafira let out a soft hum of pleasure before taking another deep sip, the taste so utterly unique that Zafira was surprised she had never turned to the drink before.

There was a famous pub at the marketplace that most went to, but their drinks were nothing compared to this sweet, fragrant, bubbly mug right here. Zafira turned her gaze to the man, a triumphant smile still on her face. It was true - the bald man looked very much like he was winning from their perspective, but Zafira made out the dark determination set on the other man's face. Zafira pulled four gold coins from her cloak and set it at the center of the table, letting the coins clank noisily against the scratched up wooden table.

"It's you I worry about, darling," Zafira said, her voice low and sultry. "The game isn't over yet,"

True to Zafira's prediction, the man with the hair let out an enraged roar before standing up, elbows still on the table. It was hard not to notice the surprise on the bald man's face - eyes widening, mouth set in an 'O'. The man with the hair pushed the other man's arm down brutally, and Zafira let out a gleeful laugh.

"What'd I tell you?" she said, eyes laced with triumph.

 

[Smiling One]

Normally Willis would be angry that he lost what little coin he had but when it came to a pretty woman like Zafrina, he doesn't mind since he had other things in mind. Still It did stink to lose especially in a sport he knew little about. "Well shit," Willis smiled staring at the young woman. "Don't you have a knack for this."

Willis placed his hand over hers, it surprisingly felt soft and smooth like butter. He gave it a brief squeeze before turning to the Elf and Dwarf fighting on the other side. "So," Willis said taking another sip of ale. "You want to do another wager? This time it's a sport that I'm more familiar with."

Drunken fighting was less a of sport and more of: "Who ever is the most sober wins." The Bullfrog has a habit of making everything a bet from fighting to who can tie their boots faster. Willis found some success on betting with his fellow Pirates all one had to do was to observe. Based on the fight ahead of them, it would be wise to bet on the Dwarves. They were hardy and durable fighters born and bred for combat capable of drinking vats of booze while still standing up, however they tend to unreliable when it came to technique.

The Elves on the other hand are quick and sophisticated with their fighting but they lack the strength compared to their Dwarven counterparts and generally have a low tolerance for alcohol. "Placing 5 coins on the Dwarves," he said slapping his coins down on to the table.

He stared at the young woman giving her a warm smile. "Come on sweet heart," he said. "This is fun now that I have an angel faced woman to gamble with."

 

[ZafiraJade]

Zafira bit her lip, white teeth glistening against the low lights of the pub. It's not that she often bet on things, especially things she had no clue about. But Zafira had spent countless hours just observing other people, watching how their faces changed and morphed when they thought no one was looking. It was one of the more passive hobbies Zafira loved to partake in - it was also the reason why she knew the other man would win.

A shiver of pleasure ran through Zafira's spine at Willis' gaze, bright and unquestionably surprised. She felt his rough hand press against her pale, small one, and Zafira swallowed hard, looking down at it. His hand was calloused, rough from labor no doubt, but remarkably gentle on hers. She liked his hands, she decided before flushing at the judgment.

"I'd tell you the trick, but now I suppose we're betting again. Sure you can lose?" Zafira teased, watching the dwarf and elf fight for a moment. Her dark brows furrowed in thought as she watched them for a while. Zafira wasn't one to make bets that she was going to lose, but with the expectant look on Willis' face, and the liquor warming her lower stomach, Zafira through caution to the wind.

"Well, aren't you the absolute charmer," Zafira murmured, amusement clear in her gaze as she looked at Willis. She couldn't clearly see what was going on, just a blur of thick arms slamming against one another repeatedly before a newcomer would somehow join. "Ah, I suppose I'll bet on the Elves," Zafira said dully, playing with the gold coin on the table. She genuinely hadn't had the faintest clue as to who would win.

 

[Smiling One]

Willis could tell that Zafria enjoyed him touching her hand based on her smile. Though he felt like pressing his luck, Willis reached over to hold her hand giving it a gentle squeeze while they observed the fight ahead of them. "There's a trick huh?" Willis smirked staring at Zafira. "Don't tell me it relies on magic?"

It probably didn't but Willis couldn't rule it out. "Well to win bets," Willis said still holding Zafira's hand. "I use a unique brand of magic called the powers of observation. You just sit back and observe the carnage taking In every detail of a person's style. You also collaborate those findings with what is established. For example I know the Dwarf is going to win because he's more durable and can pack a punch."

Right on cue, the Dwarf landed a blow onto the Elf's waist causing him double over in pain. "But there is a possibility he'll because his punches a sloppy and slow. The Elf's advantage is speed and technique but one hit and he's bending over like a piece of metal over a furnace."

Willis then stared at Zafira. "Another use of the magic of observation," he said. "Is that I can observe every aspect of your beauty. From your bright green eyes, to your long luscious black hair, your clean pale skin and your wet and willing lips. Your entire face is as though it was sculpted by a Goddess of love and beauty."

 

[ZafiraJade]

Zafira tried not to focus too much attention on the man's hand against her own, willing herself to focus on the fight in front of them. Watching the Elves lithe bodies move quickly was entrancing, especially paired with the Dwarves who were more strong in their approach. All their faces were a blur as they fought, but Zafira caught the murderous rage through the small flicks she could see.

Zafira rolled her eyes. "I don't rely on my magic for everything," she answered, eyes still not moving away from the fight. She didn't want to miss a moment of it. Never had she seen a fight so close up, and definitely not like this. These men weren't out to kill. They were just pummeling each other for the hell of it, something Zafira had never seen. She put her not free hand on her chin and leaned against it.

She let herself listen attentively to Willis' ideas and logic. His words were like a vocal map as to what was happening, putting in clear words everything she could see. She liked that he was explaining this to her. Especially since she had no idea what it was she was looking at before. "Have you ever gotten into a fight like that?" Zafira asked, letting her thumb brush over the corded knuckles of the handsome man. She saw the Dwarf slam his fist into the Elf's stomach and unintentionally pulled her hand away from Willis, wincing and cupping her hand to her mouth.

"Oh, that must have definitely broken something," she said, face still scrunched. She could only imagine how painful that must have been.

"Another use of the magic of observation," she heard him start. Zafira peeled her gaze away from the brawling men, letting her gaze rest on the beautiful man in front of her. She took the moment to appreciate his smooth, golden skin, the quirk of his lips, and the set of his jaws.

At his confession, Zafira's lips parted. She felt her heartbeat increase, goosebumps line against her arm. Never had someone been so bold in words like that before. Zafira's pale cheeks flushed with color, a feat that only set apart how different Willis was. Making Zafira blush was no easy task.

Zafira's eyes flickered down to Willis' plump lips. She wondered how they'd taste with the sweet mead on them. She took a deep breath, forcing her lips into a smirk before she leaned close to him. She placed a finger on his hand, tracing random patterns on it before letting her fingertip rest on his wrist.

"In another life, I'd say you're a poet," she was closer to him than she had even been before - so close that she could count the lashes on his eyes if she wanted to. "Willing lips, you say?"

 

[Smiling One]

Willis ignored the fighting rather focused on the beautiful woman he knew only an hour ago. She was in to him and vice versa for Willis. "Wet and willing," Willis murmured enjoying the fact that Zafira pale cheeks became red with embarrassment. "Did I also mention that when you blush you make heart flutter."

It was those little things that can make a woman swoon that and just being aggressive without giving the impression of being impressive. "Where have you've been all my life sweetheart?" Willis said his eyes closed pressing his lips against hers before quickly pulling away.

"Your lips," he whispered. "Are softer than I anticipated It's as though you're begging me to do it. But I can't if you're not willing to my lady."

 

[ZafiraJade]

Zafira felt her cheeks darken, her breath caught deep in her throat. She knew she should stop him - propriety would deem that she would do so. But Zafira was always the type of person to take the rules and bend them to the point of breaking.

This captivating man made her want to shatter them entirely.

Zafira let out a low noise from the back of her throat as Willis kissed her, his lips soft and tasting of sweet alcohol as well as something wholly him. Before Zafira could get a proper taste of him, he pulled back, and Zafira felt a ripple of disappointment course through her. She swallowed hard and leaned back. Never had she let a man she'd just met kiss her.

"I don't recall giving you any hints that I am not willing," Zafira muttered, her lips moving softly against his. Teasingly, she let her tongue trace his lower lip before she pulled away from him by a fraction. "Tell me a secret,"

 

[Smiling One]

Willis smirked he needed to trust his instincts more, Zafira was begging to get another taste of him. "Of course," Willis said. "I should've known never to deny a woman the fruit of everlasting pleasure." Willis kissed Zafira passionately taking in her soft features and the soft and wet feeling of her lips. She smelled like a rose in a sea of piss, blood and vomit and for a moment the two of them were in an island.

"The secret," Willis smirked. "Is that of all of the women I've met, you are the person who is great at kissing." he winked.

 

[ZafiraJade]

She let his mouth move over hers passionately for a moment, trailing a hand up to his chest and pulling him a bit closer by his shirt. Their mouths moved in sync for a moment before Zafira heard a great crashing noise behind them. She pulled away, automatically releasing her hold on his shirt. What was wrong with her?

Zafira laughed quietly, pulling away from the man completely. She set a good distance between them, feeling her heart thud frantically against her chest. She took a deep gulp of her mead, finishing the last bit of it. "Mmm, not the secret I meant, Willis," she was glad to hear that her voice didn't come off as shaky as she felt. She would have reached out for her cup again except she had devoured every last drop of it. Buying one more would be a mistake, especially with all that she had planned for tomorrow. Finally managing to compose herself, Zafira crossed her legs, clasping both her hands together, and leaning close to him.

"My secret is that I won't be in this city after tomorrow," She grinned, excitement lighting her eyes.

 

[Smiling One]

Willis eyes widened when Zafira crossed her legs exposing her black heeled boots. "Look at the legs on you sweetheart," Willis smirked. "It seems that there's just beauty all over your body. How did I become so lucky?" It was obvious that Zafira was taken aback by the sudden kiss that she and Willis initiated Willis was surprised as well considering how fast It escalated. Sadly though the secret that Zafira had sank his heart a bit.

"Really?" Willis said drinking some of his Mead. "Where are you going Zafira?"

Just then the Dwarf finished off the Elf knocking him to the ground. "Looks like I win by the way," Willis smirked taking her three coins. "Got anywhere interesting to go to?"

 

[ZafiraJade]

Zafira looked at him with an inscrutable expression. There was no doubt that Willis was charming and devilishly handsome, but Zafira wasn't a fool. She knew she was not one of the only girls to think so. It was for that reason she had set some distance between although she could feel the heavy protest of her body, willing her to go back and melt into his kiss.

"You are far too flattering, darling,"

She eyed his form, studying the curve of his lip, before letting her eyes trail down. Pleasure flitted at her skin when she realized that he was just as affected as she was.

Too charming men like him would be the death of her.

She watched the Elves lose and pouted lightly as Willis rightfully took the coins. "In my defense, this is the first actual brawl I have ever seen," Something in her opened when he asked about her travels.

"Fal' Addas," Zafira beamed. She felt something in her chest flutter at the thought of the city. The word came out as if it were some magical place, and to Zafira it was. One of the many places that promised adventure and beauty. "It's a city so far from here that it takes weeks to get there. Its said to have one of the most beautiful structures on the land. Imagine darling, an adventure there...."

Her gaze trailed wistfully past him. Her leave would be sudden and she would only carry what she absolutely needed. That is what would create most of the fun. The uncertainty of it all. "Of course, I'd have to come back. I study here, but," she couldn't even finish the thought, so overwhelmed with her excitement.

 

[Smiling One]

Willis chuckled when Zafria called him flattering. "I can be more than flattering Zafria," Willis said rubbing his nose against hers. "If we rent out a room for the night I'll demonstrate for you."

Willis never heard of AlAffrada before, it sounded like it was something from a fey Kingdom. "That sounds like quite and adventure," Willis said. "I'm always one that's for adventure but alas I need to stay here too much for me to do in Allira and not much time for me to go anywhere."

Zafira on the other hand seemed to love to go on the path to the city. He wished he could go with her but he had other duties to attend to. Duties shit he sounds like a Knight. "It's a shame that we met the day before you travel." he said. "Maybe I can make tonight something to remember?"