sweet podado

Ren can feel his blood run cold at the mention of Suzume. Whipping his head back at Ayane, the ex-human inwardly curses and shifts to move and intercept his cousin before doing anything rash. The surprise on his face is only in passing as Ayane merely slaps the fox, a bit stumped and at a loss...but only for a second. Well, Asami definitely deserved that one. He doesn't pull away when Ayane yanks Orochinagi from his grip, and simply returns her expression with a soft contemplation of sorts. He knows this is far from over, but for now they will focus on something else. Like giving Amera an answer and trying to assure Taliyah that everything is....well, not fine but not as bad as it looks. "Ah, yes. I think it's...safe enough to take her," he offers with a soft snort, before turning to the lizard girl and letting one of his smiles slip into place. "I do apologize you had to witness something like that. Are you alright?" and really the oni did feel a bit bad for not noticing her sooner. "Anything that needs healing? I can take you to one of our healers if you're not comfortable going alone..." Concern laces his tone, and while Asami's words were still festering in his head he made sure to stuff them way way wayyyyyy in the back for later. Just focus on others, don't focus on you, don't focus, focus on others don'tfocusdon'tfocus...

As soon as the battle starts to wind down, with the commander defeated and the general dead, Ren lets out a deep breath and feels himself move on instinct. He ignores the fact that the Pureblood is also moving alongside him, his focus and priorities set over to the one he has sworn to protect. What load of good it did the other day. Just then he stops, trying to assess the scene before him as a huff of irritation is heard from the vampire next to him. Ren doesn't look away from Ayane and Orochinagi, but can guess that Bridget is making a face that she promptly pulls back into an impassive look. No, he focuses on the commander laying on the ground, on Ayane throwing Orochinagi to the side. To his cousin falling to her knees, and Asami saying something that leaves his cousin getting up and turning her anger towards the fox- "You might want to do something about this, instead of just standing there with such a pitiful expression." He snaps his attention at the blonde, his face schooling back to a cool glare as she simply raises a delicate brow. Ren knows she's right, knows he has to start moving, and only offers a scoff in response before picking up speed as he makes his way towards the group in question. "Ayane, enough," is his sharp response, having heard the tail end of the argument and catching Asami's words as well as his cousin's response to said provocation. "Your pride is a foolish thing to fall back to, or need I remind you as to why that is?" he continues, no room for argument as he stops in front of her. His eyes flicker back towards the discarded weapon, a cold fury simmering in his eyes as he turns to Ayane once more. "You know how much our weapons mean to us, and yet you readily discard it? What are you thinking?" and his voice has a steel edge to it, never rising higher than its usual tone but making sure she knows just how he feels about this. Never missing a beat he moves over to pick up Orochinagi, giving it the same respect he gives Tonbokiri while handling it. "You don't have the right to a life if you can't even stifle your pride. We will discuss this and deal with our prisoner accordingly. I will agree that there is information to be taken from her, but what if she lies? Doesn't cooperate? If she proves to have no use for us then there's no need to keep her around." Maybe it's the fury of knowing this is the same person that slit Ayane's throat, but Ren gives Asami a look that shows how he really feels about leaving Ari alive. He really hates trying to be the voice of reason. "You can't be hesitating like this, and you can't let your pride take hold of your decisions. That will only get you killed." And I don't think I can go through with this if you do. In. Out. Letting himself take a breath he lets his face contort into a grimace before letting out a long sigh. "We should wait for the others before we start deciding things," he offers, now making a point to turning his attention to Asami. "I know I can't stop you, and I won't try, but can you abstain until then? Please?" and there's a lack of animosity, only tired resolve and a hint of amusement as he waits for her response. "Maybe use your fancy light magic to bind the prisoner? That can definitely be a thing," he continues, and the fury he felt at first starts melting away as his stance relaxes for a fraction. Bridget's first error was thinking Lavina wouldn't go directly to where the Hero had been after the battle. Her second error was arriving while said Hero started to throw up her stomach contents before crumpling to the ground. The Pureblood felt her face twist in disgust, a normal reaction to what she just saw, but other than that she...really didn't do much other than float towards her sister. She had promised to try, to at least be civil towards the people she didn't feel strongly towards to. Marina was one of those that fell into that category, even if she wanted nothing better than to be away from the one that reminded her of the family she lost. No, Bridget simply kept a passive look on her as she floated over to Lavina and ignored the pitiful human on the ground. "Lavina, you might want to mediate between the onis, Asami and the fallen commander. Once you're done here of course," she adds the last part quickly, trying hard not to fiddle with her sleeves as she bites back a sigh. "I...would also like to speak with you in private? For...reasons," she lamely sputters, now pulling at her dress before quickly leaving and going over...somewhere. Anywhere. Anywhere that wasn't there.

Bridget has the self restraint not to roll her eyes at the blatant provocation from the holy vermin. Quite the effort really, but she is a lady after all! Still, the little scrunch of her nose at such idiotic strategy makes her notice the hero without meaning to. Of course the fool would take the bait. "We are working with a hero who has a death wish. Excellent," she drawls out to herself, before looking at what needs to be done in order to at least ascertain the survival of their bleeding heart idiot. Her eyes land at the foreigners, the girl focused on somewhere else while her cousin simply looks back with a bored look and a prim eyebrow notched up to inquire what business she has with them. Ah, this will do. Bridget moves to 18,28 "No time for small talk. We will be borrowing your cousin," she simply says after getting closer, and going with the next course of action. "What-" Shove Ayane to 18,26 ... "You just shoved Ayane." "That we did." "...Nice aim." He sounds resigned. "Only the best from us," she replies haughtily. When Ren only sighs instead of mauls her after, Bridget will take it as a win.

Ren to 17-30, blast Lance Armor #2 with thunder Bridget to 21-29

That actually managed to wring a laugh out of Ren, offering the fox a fleeting smirk. "Grateful for the luck dear, stay safe," is all he offers, and even gives her a mock two finger salute, but everything is all in good fun. No use staying moody! Ren to 17,33 and zap cav 15 once more! With feeling!

Ren to 18-31, zap cav 15 bridge floats wearily to 25-30

Bridgit to 25-25, shade Merc #9 It may be a good idea to pull her dear sister away after this battle to have a talk about how she feels about the surge of killing she's been doing and the lack of feeling coming from her afterwards. ... ..... Or she could let future Bridgit deal with it later.

Ren to 25,31 Ren simply watches the interaction between Asami and Ayane with a blank expression. Then his brows furrow, before closing his eyes and sighing as he finds himself next to the fox. "Bets on how many of her buttons you can push at the same time?" he offers, voice low enough to where only Asami could hear him while he keeps on facing forward. Probably not his brightest moment but...oh well. His self preservation is at an all time low.

move towards 25,29 and use Flux on Sword Armor #2 Had it been this easy before? Attacking without a second thought, going for the kill before her foe even knew what hit them? As she watches the creeping darkness she called forth form before directing it towards her target, Bridgit sighs through her nose as she tucks that feeling into the mental lockbox she's already placed her first kill and the ones after it. She's always been good at compartmentalizing, and this will be no different.

Acting as a sentinel for now, Ren follows his cousin along as she leaves the house. Ren to 22,33

Bridgit to 25,34, trade hammer from bladen

Of course it wasn't fun Ayane YOU HAD YOUR THROAT SLIT- ... Ahem. After she updated him on what happened Ren was left with a bitter taste in his mouth. Even going on the date with Gabriela and the undead duo didn't do much to alleviate his feelings of guilt and failure. That night he slept light, unable to really find rest when all of this was going on. It was just their luck that an attack was announced before noon the next day, Ren already making his way outside with his cousin. He couldn't help but scoff at the enemy's demand, his mind already drifting slightly now at the state his drinking body from yesterday had been. No doubt Aithlin knows how to take care of herself but... They didn't really account to an attack this soon. Hm, good thing I stopped when I did he can't help but think, having placed a limit on himself when it came to their drinking game. It's also probably the reason why she wasn't here helping them out. Shaking his head of said thoughts, he focuses on the now and keeps in time with Ayane as she calls for him to stay close. He doesn't respond, simply nodding to acknowledge that he hears her while waiting nearby as she entered one of the houses that wasn't already destroyed. The little vampire is also nearby, but he only gives her a passing glance before looking back towards the house Ayane's in. Ren stays put.

She kept observant, tilting her heard curiously to the side when the Wraith girl actually manages to surprise her dear sister before pulling her closer towards Agni. At this Bridgit's eyes narrow, still within earshot of the conversation but knowing well enough when something has to be kept within a certain group- Ah, Lavinia's offer of coming closer or going with the other's makes an awful lot of sense, and as she bites back a look of disdain towards the little "hero" she simply keeps her attention at the other three before floating closer. "Makes you sound a bit like a stalker, but we think you'll fit right in," is her first comment towards the new girl, before offering a playful look at her sister as the corner of her lip quirks upward. "It's been so long since I've seen you get surprised dear sister. So cute~," she adds, her voice staying low throughout her whole assessment but never hiding the tease it is. He just watches, more in awe than anything else, as Aithlin downs the drink without even breaking a sweat. If all she got was a light blush and higher spirits, then she was made of sturdier stuff. The small grin couldn't be helped, amused at her response while offering a slight nod in thanks at Braksen. "Thank you," he quickly passes, before going back to looking at the undead elf as she finds curiosity in what he's told her. "Glad it didn't then. As for your question, yes. Not something our clan specialized in, but one of our neighbors made the best brews that can knock even one of our mightiest warriors down a peg or two," he explains, before going back to listening about what the elf had been up to. At the mention of birthdays he perks up a bit, trying to be subtle about it but not helping the thoughtful smile as he thrums his fingers against his chin. "Now that you mention it, maybe it won't be so bad in considering getting her something small..." Humming softly at his thoughts, he almost misses Aithlin's next question. Almost being the key word, his shoulders tensing a bit before hiding that with a nonchalant shrug. "Mainly reserved for our little group. I'll tell you more about it once we're back with the others," is all he says, hoping she drops the subject until they finish here and leave.

At the sudden show of affection the Pureblood flusters before she can recover, resigning to her fate as she leans toward the hand patting her head. At this point she'll take what she can get, not really caring about their audience before looking back at the Wraith before them. "A pleasure," she greets with a small nod, keeping her eye out while agreeing with what Lavinia is saying. Mercenaries are fickle at best, traitorous at their worst. She is...slowly gaining faith in her companions being able to deal with pesky bothers, but she can't help but still worry. N-Not that she was worried about the group! No, just worried about their ability to complete this adventure they've set out on. What would you have done brother... He feels a sneeze coming up, but Ren simply suppresses it. At the other's words he feels a chill run down his spine. Knowing they were that close to Ouka and just barely missed her...he would be lying if he didn't feel a little bit of fear as the situation settled in. Now, how to go about this: should he tell the bar owner as a warning and let them be notified of this foreign danger, or keep it to himself and tell Ayane so they can deal with it themselves? Well, they were already going to do the latter so.... "Ah, us onis rarely group together really. Solitary types and whatnot," he lies through his teeth, simply offering a smile as he easily goes along with it. "As for telling her if we were here...Hm, my cousin and I were actually planning on surprising her! It's been a while since we've seen each other, so we want to keep our presence on the down low for now." She definitely knew that they were here already, of that he can bet on it. Before he could delve deeper into these thoughts though the door opened and a familiar voice calls out to him. Also saves him from explaining anything else to the owner. "Hello Aithlin," he greets, his smile turning into a bit of a grin as he holds up his own drink. "I think this is my...fourth? Fifth? Honestly, the alcohol here doesn't hit me as hard as the stuff I used to drink back home," he comments, letting the small banter wash over him before having to answer her own questions. "Well, I was doing errands for the good man here. Had my own little time around the town before settling down for lunch actually. What about you? How's your day going?"

Letting Lavinia deal with the other girl for now, Bridgit goes back to focusing on Astraea as the other speaks and the Pureblood can't help the smile dancing on her lips at the other's words. Friends...yes. The prospect of being friends with Astraea didn't seem to bother her in the least. "We thank you for choosing to help us, and in turn we'll try our very best to help you find your siblings!" she ends up declaring, feeling for the fallen star and her goal of finding her siblings. To want to see your siblings once more...that is a feeling she knows all too well about. Now, while Astraea did hold most of her attention, Bridgit can't help but lend an ear as her eyes now drift over to Lavinia and the...wraith? Incomplete by the sound and looks of it, but Bridgit held her tongue as she went to twirl a lock of hair daintily in thought. "Well, can't really blame others for being cautious really, but mercenaries did have their uses," she ends up adding to the conversation, before looking over to Agni as she arches a delicate brow. "Or, you know, ask the person who knows their abilities better than a stranger?" she responds with, but her tone of voice holds no bite or annoyance and merely smiles teasingly at the human before setting her sights at the wraith. "Tell us if you could, what can you offer us in return to recruiting you into our little mish mash group?" she asks, floating idly as she waits for an answer. If it weren't for his godlike self restraint (something he's been working on for years mind you), Ren would've left deep indents into the bar counter at the other's description of the oni he's seen. Still, he can't help the odd twitch at the corner of his eye, nor the pit settling in his stomach as he forces back a scowl and simply slips on his mask of a smile. "Is that so? Well, you could say she's someone special to my cousin and I," he offers, his tone holding a finality to it as he closes his eyes in contemplation. Ukogi huddled closer to his master's hand, pecking at it while the other hand simply drummed its fingers against the bar's surface. "How long ago was this? Honestly, if we just missed her then that's just bad luck on our part heh..." And yet he can't help but feel relief that they didn't. He...he wasn't ready. Ayane less so, and right now they needed to focus on something else other than just- Ayane. Should he tell her? He has to. Keeping anything from her felt wrong, unnatural, and Ren for the most part knows this affected her more than it did him. To think they were so close to crossing paths in this new unknown country.... Too soon. It was too soon and Ren didn't like this one bit.

As she nears the group with the other two and finally sees Lavinia, Bridgit can't help the bright smile in return to her dear sister's grin once she got nearer. Under other circumstances she wouldn't hesitate to go and hug the other, but seeing as it was still day out and didn't want to jostle Lavinia's coverings Bridgit simply fluttered around in not so subtle glee. "Hopefully the meeting went accordingly?" she asks, keeping her focus away from the hero as she's shown the gifts Taliyah got her. When their attention is brought to the new addition to the group though, Bridgit can't help her curiosity as she idly floats over to Astraea. As she introduces herself the Pureblood can't help the poorly concealed excitement at meeting someone not of this earth. "Well! This is certainly an interesting addition to our little entourage," she calls out, landing briefly to offer the other a proper curtsy and introduction. "Pleasure to meet you Astraea. Bridgit Vasilia is our name, but Bridgit will do just fine-" At the sound of a new voice, she tenses and looks away from the fallen star to see who else joins their group. Oh? "So you've seen someone like me before this...interesting," he hums in thought, thrumming his fingers against the bar as Ren mulls over his options. It'd be so easy to say the other simply saw his cousin and call it a day, but as far as he knew he had left her behind. True, she could've made a small stop here while he was out doing his errands, but the times simply didn't add up. "Tell me, how did she look like? Ah, that's fine honestly," he waves a hand at the question about the lunch. "So long as it's medium rare...but, on the topic of the other oni, I'm also curious as to what she said," and he can't help looking at his pet while leaning against his arm he had propped up on the bar. "What say you Ukogi, someone we know?" he asks the bird, who simply chirps and preens one of his feathers. "There's not much to talk about actually. I'm simply here helping out a group of travelers and making sure my dear cousin stays out of trouble." Not really a lie, but not the complete truth either. "Knowing that there's another oni out here aside from the two of us is quite interesting indeed..."

Bridgit wants to answer yes, wanting to follow the others and try to bond some more, but at the mention of the Hero the Pureblood's mouth quickly closes with an audible click. A troubled expression passes through her face, before smoothing over to a more neutral look. She knows well enough that Lavinia is with the little human, and as much as she loathes the idea of being near the girl... "Wherever the little human is, my dear sister is sure to be there as well," she replies haughtily, moreso towards Marina than at the other two. "If anything we would like to update Lavinia on what has been happening," is then added, looking away and twirling a lock of hair between her fingers before blinking and taking the sudden bag being offered by Aithlin. "T-Thank you, much appreciated," and her tone is softer then, the Pureblood feeling her lips twitch slightly upward in a small smile. "A-Anyway, let's get going shall we?" she offers, only to freeze after hearing Agni's pun towards the Dullahan. "...." Quickly turning away she bites the inside of her cheek, swallowing back laughter as she dares not to look at the other two.

Seeing Taliyah calm down (or at least trying to) set Bridgit more at ease, letting out a small sigh as she shook her head. "Honestly Taliyah, come here," she huffs, making quick work of the other's tears as she wipes them away with her handkerchief herself. Since the other didn't take the offered gesture at first, the least this Pureblood could do is help her look presentable once more! After she's done, Bridgit pulls away with a nod before tucking the cloth away and moving to pay for her rings. "Three hundred yes," she reaffirms, ignoring the slight fluster at Aithlin's teasing as she takes out the gold and hands it towards the vendor. Bridgit pays 300 gold! "Oh, not at all. Everything went well, all things considered," he can't help the chuckle while accepting the payment. "Free meal you say? Well how can I say no to that? Lucky me, hm?" So far his wandering has been quite productive, Ren letting a grin appear on his lips as he put away the gold. Of course, as soon as the other starts to get curious does his grin falter slightly, the ex-human letting it graciously fall into a more conservative smile as he ponders on how to answer. The first question is easy, a hand going up to gently pet his feathery partner's head. "This little guy here is Ukogi. His kind is common in my homeland, so I'm not surprised you've never seen one, but they're quite the affectionate pet," he explains, his smile losing the sharp edge as the bird nuzzles and chirps against his finger. "As for what monster I am...an oni, and that's all I can really say on the matter." There is a finality in Ren's tone, signaling the other that this is all he'll get. He did say only surface level, so there's no need to elaborate more right?

Well, he hadn't expected that. Blinking at the other's enthusiasm and gratitude, the ex-human almost (almost) felt inclined to flush in embarrassment at such reactions towards his help. He did however offer another smile, but this one's softer around the corners. "I will leave you to it then, good friend. Good luck on your endeavors!" he calls out with a wave, gently taking the box with him as he steps out and heads back towards the tavern. "Never thought I'd help an orc with sewing, of all things," he chuckles, his words directed at his feathery companion that had quietly observed the whole thing. When he receives two small chirps in response, Ren sighs and gently fluffs the bird's feathers. Attention going back to the small box in his other hand, he arches a brow slightly as he wonders what's inside... Having an easier time getting back to the tavern now, he arrives shortly and offers a wave of his hand at Braksen as he enters once more. "Key safely delivered, among a few things," he pipes up while nearing the bar. "Trevon had a problem with something, and I offered to lend a hand. It's why the trip took a bit, I do apologize," the ex-human adds after, making sure to use the orc's name to confirm that he did complete the errand and not actually steal it. Ukogi chirps twice to agree with his Master. "That is acceptable," she calls to the vendor with a nod before turning towards the others, especially Taliyah. She should've expected the lizard to react in some way, but once the tears started Bridgit starts and crimson eyes widen at the spectacle. "W-Wh, wah- Taliyah!" she flusters, flailing her hands a bit in front of her before rummaging on her person. Taking out a handkerchief for the other girl, the Pureblood offers it to Taliyah as she looks away with a soft blush on her cheeks. "P-Please cease your crying. It is u-unbecoming for a lady to cry in public," Bridgit huffs, not at all annoyed but just...worried? Guilty? She hadn't intended to make the other cry, and now this! H-Honestly...

Bridgit didn't miss when Aithlin took the boots to go and finish her purchases. At this point the Pureblood just inwardly sighs and lets the other do what she wantes. Now though, she pays attention to the vendor's words with more curiosity than before. "He is right. Know that this Bridgit wouldn't bother with such things if they didn't enjoy your company," she simply puts with a flourish of her hand, sounding as if she were simply commenting on the weather with how casual her statement is. "Hmm, having a mage enchant it will fall onto whether Taliyah wants to or not since the ring will be hers," she continues, a gentle finger tapping against her chin once more. "Yes, this will do. Also, add this one as well," she adds while picking up another ring from the batch. It's a small thing, inconspicuous and easy to hide, with a small ruby adorning the band. Without further explanation about why she wants that ring specifically, Bridgit simply gave a brief glance at Taliyah and Agni before joining Aithlin at the front. There had been a twitch of her lips, just barely a smile, her eyes conveying a teasing spark before it's gone as she turns her head away. As the orc slides the work in progress towards Ren, he carefully picks it up to inspect the piece with a curious eye. Knowing that the other has been putting his best efforts to working on this, the ex-human handles it with the care it deserves. "You'd be surprised at how similar sewing a pattern and forging a weapon is," he states with a hum. "You're both creating something, there's care put into the pieces and your customer won't be satisfied with sloppy results," and the way he says this with confidence shows just how much Ren actually knows about this. Helps that his mother made him patch up his own clothing, which eventually led to him learning more about the intricacies of needlework. "Sewing for you is difficult because you're not using the right tools," he continues to explain, tone steady and calm as he picks up the small needle. "This right here is what's keeping you back from creating something lovely for your intended," Ren explains with a smile now. "I used to have the same problem. I mean, my hands aren't exactly the type to wield such tiny tools," he says while holding them up for the other to see. Still smaller than the orc's, but definitely not shaped to handle something as delicate as sewing. "The way I got around it is simple: I made my own tools to accommodate such shortcomings." His mother was the one that actually put down the request, but details. "You can definitely do the same. Create your own needles to help you create the gift for Vanessa. Maybe then it won't be as frustrating, and I can tell you now that she'll probably appreciate how hard you're trying at this." When he's done, Ren lets out a breath and feels a bit flummoxed. He really didn't need to offer his help; he could've left as soon as he delivered the key. Did he do it because it felt right helping others? In part yes, but Ren knew better than to delusion himself like that. "I...do apologize if I was out of line." If he keeps on helping others, then he can keep his own problems hidden just a little longer.

Ren only shows mild surprise as he blinks, watching curiously now as the orc directs words and his attention towards him. He's silent, observing, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly and something passing through his eyes as he notices what the other was holding before putting it down on the counter. "I will do so then, now that the key is with you," he says, looking up at the other without so much as a fleck of nervousness. Ren actually takes this time to organize his thoughts, tilting his head slightly to the side before going back to the needle and work when the orc once more sighs. "Although, if I may ask, what has you so troubled?" He didn't want to go back, not yet. In fear of running into someone else from the group or just genuinely wanting to help, Ren knew this will eat at him even if he tries to ignore it and go on his merry way. "...May I?" he then asks once more, motioning to the materials as his usual smile settles on his lips. "Maybe I can help..." In the end it's easier to just help others, easier to focus on someone else's troubles rather than his own. Bridgit simply waves a hand towards the girl wallowing in her woes, all while peering over to the jewelry after the case is opened. Ignoring pieces that were pretty in appearance but less valuable than the rest, she focuses on a couple of rings before eyes widen slightly at the lovely amethyst ring. "Oho~, this should do nicely," she says in delight before pointing at the item in question. "How much for this?" Maybe, if it doesn't result in Taliyah fainting, she can get another ring or necklace to match? Bridgit isn't one to overwhelm, polite and respectful towards other people's boundaries. ....On the other hand, the young Pureblood is trying to get well acquainted with the rest. And big sister did say to try and make friends~.

Ah, caught! At Aithlin's comment about the boots her expression changes, quickly looking away from them to hide just how flustered this makes her. Ignoring her companions, she keeps her attention now at the shopkeeper and nods. "Y-Yes! Ah..." clearing her throat she composes herself. "Yes well, if possible, may we look at the rings?" she asks, waiting patiently for the other to open the display holding them.

Tracing back his steps, Ren lets out a soft whistling tune as he makes his way towards the armory. He's been lucky enough to not bump into the others, and luck is still on his side as he reaches his destination and makes his presence known to the one in charge of the place. "Hello?" he calls out, already bringing out the key as he waits patiently for a response. "I was told to bring this key to the orc in the armory..." he then adds, his free hand gently petting Ukogi as the bird rests against his shoulder and waits as well.

While she did have no qualms about this particular human, Bridgit couldn't help the sudden surprise when he addresses her appropriately. Or well, not that really...more of just, the pureblood feeling a bit foolish of thinking negatively about Agni. She really couldn't make her mind up about this, could she? Still, without being rude she nods in acknowledgement and offers a polite smile. It felt nice, being acknowledged- "Yes, we-" then she stops, because it feels...odd at the moment to refer to herself like this. "....I-I am planning on buying a couple of rings for her," she offers, voice becoming soft as she fiddles with her fingers in front of her. At being caught looking at the boots, she snaps her attention at Aithlin with wide eyes. "W-Well...we did not want to impose," and she goes back to her usual royal 'we', feeling the sudden change shift back as a sigh leaves her. "Will it be enough though?" she asks instead, looking at them both before feeling her cheeks flair up at Aithlin's insinuations between Agni and Taliyah. She then looks away, a huff of amusement leaving her but not adding to the conversation. Ren, thinking he'd be left alone for the rest of his time in the bar, blinks in surprise at the sudden call from the man now leaning next to him. At the free drink he offers a grin, picking it up and saluting before a laugh left him. "Didn't plan on it, but glad it worked in my favor," he says, ignoring the first comment till he was ready to process it properly. After downing half of the new drink, with nary a daze of inebriation, he grins properly this time back at Braksen. "Oh? Didn't really come here for more than just a drink, but you won't see me complaining," the ex-human offers, looking on curiously as the other rummages behind the counter looking for something. Once found, Ren blinks and takes the key from next to him and inspects it. "Well, if the reward for bringing it to the orc is better than stealing the key for myself, who am I to deny this request?" he muses, then pockets the key for safekeeping. Foolish to think he was trustworthy, but really Ren didn't plan on making enemies in this town either way. "I'll bring it to them, don't worry," he reassures, then downs the rest of his drink in one swift motion. "Also, worry not for how much I drink. I can handle myself pretty good," and the smirk Ren gives the other is brief before he turns to leave, bird perched on his shoulder as he offers a wave. Now, to find the orc running the armory. Hm, he should be fine remembering his way.........

At hearing Asami express her own fears and worries, instead of being patronizing or making fun, the ex-human can't help it when his eyes widen in surprise. Her, afraid? Well, that didn't surprise him at all, seeing as who they were dealing with. What did catch his attention is the fact that she didn't hate or dislike them; if anything, her feelings when first meeting were justified to a point. It didn't change his resentment, but knowing what he does now as misunderstandings are cleared... "I can only imagine..." he offers at first, eyes softening before letting a more genuine smile reach his lips as Asami tries the ale one more time. "Apology accepted." There's so much more he wants to talk about, to offer his own apologies and to reassure the other that not all is lost. Her leaning against his arm stops all form of thoughts, mainly because it's such an unexpected motion from the fox...but not unwelcomed. "Hold onto that humanity... It might save you, in the end." He wants to let out a brittle laugh, something broken and jarring to show how he really felt about that sentiment...but Asami, he can see, is trying, and so he waves her off when she starts to leave. Ren looks down at his hands, eyes narrowing as claws tap and scrape against the bar surface. Clearing up the air between them...it was refreshing, in a way. If they could be on the same page, see eye to eye, then perhaps not all is lost. As for his humanity...he'll try. It hasn't changed from when he first left his homeland, but he didn't and won't succumb to this curse. That has to count for something...right? Right. "Depending on how much the rings are, this Bridgit isn't opposed in getting one or two for our dear comrade," she offers with an impish smile. The sandals can wait for later, as a surprise and when they had more time. The tunics however... "Hm, they're still talking to the shopkeeper. We'd like to ask about the tunics as well, and..." her eyes trail off to the boots biting her lower lip lightly before releasing it. She found a cute pair, something that the Pureblood didn't mind wearing and are probably comfortable if she tries them on but...