Tanrial smirked, “Good idea. I wasn’t kidding about the room thing, by the way. I only have two rooms so if you want I can fly you to the nearest hotel? Pick you up and bring you back in the morning so we can discuss this thing further?”
(Aha, lol, yeah XD)
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"I'll just sleep outside," Mike said. "I'm not interested in going to town right now, thanks."
(I gotta go early today, sorry! Seeya tomorrow!)
Tanrial shrugged, “Suit yourself.”
(Okie, see ya tomorrow!)
Bernon leveled his finger at Mike as he ascended the stairs. "Stay outside, you hear me? I sleep light, I'll know if you try anything funny."
Mike snorted, showing signs of amusement for the first time. "I've been watching you for days. You wouldn't wake up if I walked into your room and stole your pillow." So saying, he turned and ducked through the door and into the darkness.
Bernon huffed and retreated to his room. "Night, Tanrial," he called.
Tanrial huffed a laugh, “Night, Bernon.” She called back. She rubbed her stomach, still kinda sore but the pain was subsiding. Putting out the fire and any other lights, she went to bed as well.
The next morning, Bernon was the first one up. He checked to make sure the package was still there, then went down to prepare the last of his food for breakfast.
Tanrial wandered downstairs, not fully dressed but sporting a large jumper, “You know,” she yawned and sat down, “you could always use the food I have, instead of using the last of yours.”
"It's fine," he replied. "I don't want to steal from you, and this stuff needed to be used up anyway. I can restock when I'm on the road again. Thank-you though." He started to eat. "Did our guest cause any trouble last night? I didn't notice anything myself."
She shook her head, “Not that I know of.”
"Good. I'm really sorry I led him here. I should have figured out how to deal with him sooner. Now he's your headache too." Bernon shoved food angrily into his mouth. "After all your hospitality, this is how I repay you. I'm such an idiot."
“Bernon, it’s fine. Honestly. I’ve dealt with worse things and he’s human, so it’s nothing I can’t handle. don’t beat yourself up about it.” She stood up, making her way to the supply cupboard. Even though the pain from yesterday basically gone, if they were dealing with it today, she had to have something on hand.
(brb, back in a minute)
Bernon nodded, but still looked unhappy. "I wouldn't get too comfortable around him. I saw what he did to those bandits when they attacked me. It….wasn't pretty. There were ten of them, and he didn't even have a weapon, but two in minutes….." He actually shuddered a little. "They were done for. One thing I know for sure: that guy's dangerous, and can't be trusted. If I hadn't made a promise, I'd just give him the package and head the other way."
“Yeah, we should be fine though. Once this is over then he’ll leave, hopefully.”
(Arrrgh sorry I vanished! Company popped in unexpectedly but I'm back now)
"Yeah….I'm not sure if he would leave without the thing he wants–"
The door opened and Mike came in, carrying a skinned and gutted rabbit. Without saying a word, he knelt by the fire and began to prepare it for cooking. Bernon gave him an offended look and grumbled under his breath.
(Aha, all good. Company’s more important)
“Good morning to you too.” Tanrial muttered, conjuring a glass of water and taking the small pain killers she had found.
Mike didn't offer a greeting, watching his meat begin to sizzle. After a few silent minutes, he rather hesitantly rose and joined them at the table. He seemed to feel slightly awkward sitting so close, and got out his knife so he could focus on cleaning it instead of having to make conversation.
Bernon sighed. "Well….we still need to figure out how we're going to solve this 'who-gets-the-package' problem. You know, without a fight."
Tanrial nodded, “We know it’’s something that can save the human race, it’s harmful to magic users but more so to users who aren’t human. You promised to take it to a family but Mike here want’s it for some… deal? Am I right?”
"Yes," they said in unison. Then they glared at each other until Mike said, "If you take it to some slum on the coast, it'll be lost, stolen, or broken. No one there will know how to use it. It's better for everyone if my employer gets it, he has the resources and education to really make a difference."
"But your employer might be a jerk," Bernon argued. "What if he's some power-hungry egomaniac who wants to cause harm? Rich, isolated, ex-government figures only care about themselves these days."
“Right, okay. Mike, who is your employer and what exactly does he want to use this thing for?”
"His name is Ryker something or other. He lives on a big patch of empty land with his own personal army protecting it. He wants to rebuild the country, whatever that means. He didn't tell me any details." He sat back, thinking. "He seemed like a serious, practical guy. Dangerously powerful and charismatic, but most of those types are. He definitely had all the details of his plan worked out. I heard him talking to another guy as I left–something about an ancient scientific practice called "crisper" that he wanted to learn. That's all I know."
Tanrial was silent, “Is there anyone you guys know that could… replicate this? I know I said my people don’t use technology but… they might be able to. We could give Ryker the fake, see what he does with it, whether it’s used for good or bad and then decide if we give the real one to him.”
Mike looked skeptical. "How would it work? What if he finds out it's a fake? I want my money refund-free, and preferably without an unsatisfied customer to wrangle."
“Well, there’s magic, if he asks why it doesn’t work say something like you wanted to know if it was being used for good or bad before handing over the real one or you say you might be able to fix it, and we swap it out for the real one,” She sighed, “It’s risky, yes but at least this way you both might get what you want.”
Bernon thought hard, running through the idea in his head. "Mmmm….I guess it could work. I don't like the idea of working with….him…..but as long as he sticks to the plan, I'm willing."
Mike was unfazed by Bernon's unfriendly attitude. "The same goes for you. I suppose you want to come with me so you can watch my every move."
"Well, yeah, of course." Bernon glanced at Tanrial. "Uh…..I guess you don't have to come unless you want to, but I'd be glad for the company….?"