Thar Shaddin

"No, I haven't married." Drayel answered frowning. He took the offered food and took a good chomp out of it, growling pleased as he tasted the food that tasted great (compared to his own that is). "I've never had the time to find a woman nor had the ambition to. A guard's life is dangerous, and I'd rather not come home to a worried wife and frightened child."

Thinking of this he glanced at her hand and let a low hum.

"Of course, I suppose it has its perks." He continued giving her a sideways glance. "It is nice having a hand to hold, even if ours is the result of an unfortunate incident involving a bent over crazy man. Though, answering your other question I have no place to go and don't really...ah... relax much except in the taverns after shift. I'm not good with where to take a lady like yourself."

As Talia stared into her lap she blushed at Drayel's remark about holding hands. "I guess that is understandable and admirable. It would not be kind to leave a widow or orphan behind. Although no doubt you will find some young girl who won't care about anything but wanting to be with you....like a younger and prettier version of your current stalker. Then you will just have to marry." Talia smirked at him.

"To be honest, I have no idea where to take a man. I get up early, work all day and go to bed early. And since I live where I work its not like I know any neighbors and such so it's not like I ever get any callers, gentlemen or otherwise. But of course I don't mind," she laughed, "I love my work and I work way to much to really worry about such matters yet."

"So if we can't go anywhere," Talia began, leaning her arm over the side of the bench to slowly stroke the flowers beside them, "Tell me a secret." She grinned. "If anyone really is stalking you, man or woman, they should get bored if they see we are just talking. So tell me a secret."

"A, secret?" Drayel pursed his lips as he stared at her sharply. "I'm supposing you want some sort of nasty secret I would tell none? Pah, you women are all troublesome."

He turned his face away with a huff though he couldn't help the blush that burned his ears. What kind of secret did he even have? He couldn't really think of any..... but maybe.... perhaps that one would satisfy her need for.... 'secret bondings'. He glanced over at her and let out a soft huff before turning and locking eyes with a sign.

"I.... I have a fear of gnomes....."

Talia giggled at Drayels reaction to her preposition for passing time. "Of course were are," she said her eyes twinkling. "It keeps us amused and you men folk on your toes." She waited eagerly to find out what he was going to tell her.

"Creepy little buggers they are. Oh my gosh.....I did not mean to say that!" Talia had spat out the first thought that came to mind....definitely not the most lady-like words. In embarrassment she raised both her hands to cover her mouth as if she could take back her words and hold them there. Forgetting that she was holding Drayel's hand her lips actually brushed his hand before she quickly stopped and set their paired hands back on the bench. "Sorry." she mumbled.

Talia took a couple calming breathes before she looked up at him, hoping that her cheeks were no longer as red as she felt they were. "Your turn," she said with a shaky smile. "Either as me a question or lead the way elsewhere. We could always check if the other guards have turned something up. They may have trouble finding us or maybe even your presence will give them more incentive to keep searching."

"Oh no you don't, you sneaky wench." Drayel grinned maliciously at her though a mischivious twinkle caught his eye. "You're telling me a secret too and don't think kissing my hand will change my mind woman. Out with it!"

Drayel couldn't stop the grin that peeled across his face nor the wink that claimed his eye. When did he become such a flirt? Oh, damn. He'd need to stay away from Shade more often....

Talia felt her cheeks flush up again. "I..I...I did not kiss your hand!" She sputtered. "I simply forgot it was there! We've been holding hands all day so, so it quiet a natural reaction. And not a kiss!" Talia glared at Drayel before seeing the grin that he was trying to contain yet failing at miserably. It surprised her a little bit, she did not suspect him to have the ability to tease, much less flirt. Unless she was totally misreading his actions. She probably was...he was most likely getting bored of being dragged around by a silly woman and just decided to have fun with it. Well two can play at that game, she thought.

Talia pouted playfully. "I'm a silly woman remember? We are satisfied with an little secret, it gives us something to gossip about. Where as I have no idea what kind of secret a man would like to know!" She thought for a moment "Fine...I have one. I once had to throw out a huge batch of bread dough because I added too much yeast. I went to the store and replaced the supplies with my own money so no one would know. And then I had to find out where to hide the rapidly growing pile of dough" She shook her head at the memory. "I ended up getting a kid to help me dispose of it in one of the outer sewers. It was by fair my most embarrassing moment....well until today I guess. Are you happy now?"

"Wait, you through bread down in the city sewer? Is that what that damn stuff was?" Drayel threw his head back and roared with laughter. "To think! Sweet pretty girl causing so much trouble for the city! We had to send the rookies down there in search of a 'white monster' that one of the children saw. I'm supposing it was pranks from the same child that helped you."

He glanced over and grinned though he spotted something move and it vanished almost instantly. His hackles rose though it was more of a fear reaction then a friend one. He glanced down at her and cleared his throat.

"Moving on." He croaked as he made a quick stand, nearly jerking her arm off as his wide eyes watched the surroundings suspiciously. Lowering his head to her ear he whispered urgently. "The ditty or a guard, I'm not sure which but I sure as damned not going to stay to find out."

With that he swooped down, grabbed any remaining items and walked quickly away.

"Let's visit the river then, shall we?"

"Well it was dough really....it was growing so fast and I didn't know where else to put it!" She said in defense. "Oh dear, I do apologize for causing any trouble. I just get so flustered sometimes, I didn't think what work it would cause anyone else. I do admire the guard for all they do to keep the city safe." She managed to finish her sentence before suddenly being pulled to her feet.

Talia caught her breathe as Drayel's words tickled her ear. Did he have any clue to how his actions were making her feel? Probably not, Talia thought answering her own question as she rushed to keep up with Drayel. "The river, hmmm? I don't often go there so this shall be a bit of an adventure for me." She grinned at him before continuing "Well since we exchanged secrets, how about some questions. Surely there must be some questions you are dying to ask. Maybe I can clarify you on some womanly topics, you know give you a better chance at landing a real date in the future." She said with a teasing wink.

"Why do you women obsess over stupid things is a good question to ask." Drayel rumbled dully. "Another is why you women seem to think I can't get a date."

He gave her an unamused stare though the humor didn't seem to leave him quite so easily. In fact, he raised his chin and looked the complete opposite way of her in order to keep from chuckling. "So, not only have you insulted my pride, you sent killer dough into our sewers and managed to get an old man to make me hold your hand. Aren't you dealing the low blows now?"

"Its not really you can't get a date," Talia said "I guess I'm just teasing you because you seem so against it. Or even oblivious to it. Take the twittering biddies we past when we first met, they obviously had some interest in you but instead you pretty much just turned your nose up at them! I guess I'm just curious what seems to make you...well want to run in the opposite direction." She laughed as remembered the look of panic coupled with how fast Dray had run away from the old woman chasing him. Although granted she was surprised more people didn't run when they saw her.

"Not all women obsess over stupid things," she continued, "I sometimes feel like sometimes some women are a few bristles short of a broom, you know. It takes all kinds, you don't find all men to be gentlemen, you get the drunkards and the stupid oafs as well."

" And I wasn't responsible for either of those!" Talia exclaimed. "Okay, well the dough was my fault but I hoped that it would mix with the stuff down there and just dissipate, how was I supposed to know that it would just continue to grow. It didn't actually kill anyone anyways......right?" Talia couldn't quite tell if he was joking or not and she didn't think that bread dough could kill anyone....but maybe someone had stepped in it and they couldn't get out before they were enveloped by it...oh dear.

Drayel huffed as he continued leading the way towards the river, crossing near the sewer entrance when he gave her a scolding look.

"That 'didn't mean to' ate nearly half our spare swords and a good amount of crossbow bolts. I think the weaponsmith made a fortune and a half off of us." Drayel groaned as he gave her a bit of a scowl. "As for killings, no but it started making rumors. Now the new recruits believe it an unkillable monst-"

He paused in his sentance to peer down in the drop off, frowning as he squinted at the sewer's entrance frowning.

"What in the damned?" He growled as he turned around and promptly walked towards it. "What in the hell is that idiot doing?"

Talia tried to look meek and apologetic about what her actions but hearing about how her pile of failed dough and become such a big rumor she couldn't help but start to laugh. "Who knew that a simple failed recipe could go so wrong.......hey! Where are you taking me?" She exclaimed ask suddenly Drayel had turned and started heading in a different direction.

"If you are trying to make more fun of me," she began, rolling her eyes as she saw that they were heading toward the sewer entrance, "then you should know I can't feel much worse that I do....if you insist on this much longer then I'm going to have to bring up one of your fears."

As Talia finished talking, a young boy dressed in gear came tumbling out of the sewer entrance. Quickly he righted himself and started to run, looking behind him as though someone was in pursuit. Tripping as he ran he caught sight of the two of them standing there staring at him. "Drayel! Drayel, save me!" He yelled practically throwing himself at Drayel who caught him in his arms.

Oh goodness Talia thought in shock at the sight of Drayel practically hugging another man....Either that was an accident or Drayel has other interests...which would explain some things

To say Drayel was surprised was an understatement. Had he not recognized the newbie he would have drawn his blade and gutted the poor sucker. Yet, whilst getting hugged by the new boy he came to realize rather quickly that he was seriously freaking out.

"L-let me go this instant! Honsestly!" Drayel fumed as he shoved the younger male and gave him a sharp glare. "Is this how a guard is to act? What if somebody saw you besides this lady? It would be a shame upon us! Straighten yourself out and I demand to understand your actions!"

"B-but Drayel! It's true!" The newbie whimpered as he wringed his hands anxiously. "There's a monster in the tunnels! It ate my sword!"

"..." Drayel gave Talia an accusing glare before returning his attention to the boy. "What did you see? Why do you think it was a monster?"

"I... I didn't see anything. I forgot to bring a lamp but.... it made wet... sucking noises and plops and I actually ran into it! See?!" He turned around and his whole back was covered in a sticky looking white. Drayel grimaced. "I thought I heard it behind me and.... and I turned around and backed up only to find it behind me! It was slimy and gross and I don't want to go back in! Sir Drayel, please! Take this mission!"

"What is the mission?"

"To retrieve a shield the monster ate a couple night ago, I guess somebody snuck into a higherup's office and stole it. Now they're demanding it back so the commander sent me!"

"...." Drayel sighed as he gave the boy a gentle pat on the head. "Go, I will see this mission through. Talia, this way. We've got a certain mess to clean. Or at least, part of it."

Talia listened to quietly as the young guard told the story of the apparently terrifying white monster. Oh great she thought This just gave Drayel another thing to tease me with

As Drayel started to pull her towards the sewer entrance Talia tried to slow him down, "Umm....why do I have to go in there?" She questioned. "You said that it it was cleaned up so really it's not my business anymore. Just wait until we got this whole thing figured out and you can go fishing in the sewers to your hearts content." She hopefully looked up with him with what she hoped was an innocent face. "I am just a normal woman after all, I shouldn't be allowed on missions" she added.

"Have some decency to at least clean up your mess." Drayel snorted as he pulled her along despite her reluctant behavior. He gave her a sharp eye. "So long as you stay nearby and keep your feet on the paths then you have nothing to worry about. Well, save the smell. It get's rather nasty, especially around this time of year."

He took hold of the torch attatched to the wall and gave her a look of unamusement. "You're quite lucky. Its an offense to dump things in the sewers and no thanks to your idiot moves, we have a mess to clean and by 'we' I mean the guards. The least you can damn well do is come along with me while I try to get this resolved sort of."

With that he snorted and lead the way with a sharp tug, growling a little when he smelt the oncoming aroma. He did what he could, holding his breath in order to try and not get sick before he got inside. He would outlast that blasted woman and he'd get the shield. The rookie outside depended on him.

"Alright, lets go."