”Thanks Tawni, yeah, I am good on it. I know what some say but I’m not a rich man, and I can’t afford to listen to any more stories, much as I’d like to. A lot of stuff goes on that the average man doesn’t always hear about, eh?”
Ari finished the last of his potatoes and made to stand up.
”Look, Tawni. I know you told me that because I slipped you a full bag of gold, but I don’t hold that against you. I understand, it’s a business, right? If ever I might be able to help you, come down to the Heckling Hellhound in Lowtown, or come straight to see me – ask nice and most people will point you towards me. Or if ever you think you might have a tale worth telling or a drink worth drinking, if by chance I’ve filled my purse back up by then... ‘Course, I’ve got other services I can pay with. Getting fixed up can be expensive, so can getting hold of certain things. But then you’ve probably heard all about that, right? I like you, you’re a smart girl. I hope you don’t cause yourself too much trouble with what you write.”
Ari pushes his chair back. Gets up. Still speaking with a lowered voice.
”But don’t think for a second I’m suggesting you don’t write, it, eh? Some people deserve to have things said about them, and others deserve to hear things they might not hear if someone brave enough to speak up didn’t.”
Dr Ekrund holds his hand out, waits for the handshake, makes sure the bill is covered, and gets on his way.
Head back to the inn. Tell associates that Wood’s body is probably under the bridge, that I’m willing to forego my share of the 100GP, and that there is probably more to this than meets the eye – there’s likely to be some kind of conflict, and I vote strongly for doing this mission.
Also spot and listen checks on the way back! Be on the alert as some shifty guards are probably on our case if we do this – tell acquaintances to be alert…
When Ari’s bended spacetime to get back…
”So. I reckon we go to help out Widow Wood, and we can go as soon as we get ready, right? And the demons, well… I could find out some more about that I guess, but I’m kind of broke, and it takes cash. Not trying to squeeze stuff out of you folks, but my purse isn’t as deep as some like to make out…”