>>5385524You’re no cutpurse, but you certainly have the speed required for the job. The boy feigns embarrassment, and you lend him a hand back on his feet.
>“Try to be more careful.” You say, gently. As you help him back up. He smiles and goes on his way, not realizing you had slid your hand into his pocket and retrieved the purse. He runs off, failing to notice his prize missing. A part of you wishes you could see the look on his face when reality hits him. No one makes a mark of you!“What a little bastard.” Theo observes. “Still, he’s got quite a set of balls on him trying to pickpocket the most infamous mercenary this side of Fodlan.”
>“And you were just going to let him run off? So much for protecting me.” You jingle the coin purse in the Berserker’s face. “You’d have to buy your own booze.” As the three of you attempt to leave again, you’re once again interrupted, this time by a well-geared blonde man.
“A moment, my lady. That boy that bumped into you just now. He attempted to pickpocket your coin purse, correct?” The man asks.
>“He certainly tried, yes.”“And you retrieved the purse yourself, letting the boy run off without confronting him?”
>“Well I certainly wasn’t going to beat up a child…”He narrows his eyes. “And am I to understand that you did not place a hex, or some sort of curse on him as punishment?”
>“Huh?!”He shakes his head. “Apologies, that sounded rude. I saw the whole thing unfold and, truth be told, I became nervous. I’d heard the rumors about you, and when I saw that boy getting himself into more than he’d bargained for, I was anxious for his safety. But you treated him kindly, given the circumstances.”
>“What rumors would these be exactly?”“The ones that say you lure children into your home made of sweets, then grind them up and turn them into a twisted stew that allows you to see the future.”
Your mouth hangs slightly ajar. A part of you had been a believer that leaning into the whole “Witch” angle would do well for your mercenary reputation. You still remember how some men would speak in awe at the mere mention of the “Sky Shadow” or the “Silent Demon” and “Blade Breaker. But at some point, the rumors and fear surrounding you became so far-fetched you’d had a hard time keeping up.
The man laughs. “Clearly, that was just nonsense! Still, it appears at least one rumor I’d heard about you was true.” He places a hand on his heart, a serious expression returning to his face. “You’re as beautiful as they said you were.”
A pregnant pause follows. With the exception of the sounds of the busy docks and blowing wind, no one utters a word.
“Where to now, Commander?” Sebastian clears his throat, mercifully breaking the silence.”
>A): Continue conversing with the blonde>B): Head to the Arena>C): Head to the Inn>D): Visit the merchant>E): Go to where the rest of the Blackwings are 