Quoted By:
"What's your name?" you ask to the beast, quietly.
He doesn't respond. He's focused on his playing.
You sigh. "Here," you say. "I noticed you're almost out, so... " You reach into your pack and produce a bottle of Purple Grapemash No. 3, taken from the basement. He looks up. You toss it to him, and he catches it, pausing his song.
"Clovin," he says, then he resumes playing.
"So Clovin," you say. "You seem to really like wine. Are you aware of the shortage? I'm a little surprised the Abbey doesn't seem to be affected by it."
"Ehh, it is," he says. "Next shipment is weeks late. Don't be taking any more for yourself, ya hear?"
"Of course," you say. "Uh... how does the Abbey normally receive wine? Don't the villagers stay away from this place?"
Clovin grimaces at you - he clearly wants to be left alone, and you seem to be testing the limits of his patience. "The Abbot made some kinda deal with the winery, what's it called?" He squints at the bottle, as if he somehow doesn't know the label by heart. "Wizard of Wines. They normally deliver it right up here. I haven't the faintest clue what went wrong, but I have all the faith they'll find out."
"Is someone investigating, or..." you begin, but you're cut off by a dismissive wave of his crustacean claw.
His other head is stirring now. He desperately shushes it... its face is scrunched up and it looks like it's about to wail, like a child.
You wince and give him an apologetic gesture as you slowly make your way back downstairs, stifling a "thanks".
...
(cont.)
