Furry Art Pile

Chapter 5, Forgiven

Iris didn’t get much sleep last night; all she could think about was what happened yesterday. Maybe he was right; maybe I am a bit too impatient. Bah! I was right in helping that cat, even if it wasn’t the best way to do it! She hefted a sigh as she got out of bed. Even still he didn’t have to be stuck up about it! She reached into her pack and got a change of clothes. The outfit she got was her mother’s; it was a two piece suit with a light tunic, and a long loincloth. She by no means felt shy about wearing it; it was after all the best gift her mother gave her. After she got dressed she went to the inn’s bar.

As she entered she saw that feline sitting at the front. “Ah, you must be the lass from yesterday, come sit.” He offered. She took his offer and sat in the vacant chair. “I wish to thank you and your companion for your assistance the other day.” As he said this he handed her a bag of gold, “Half of the bounty for the manticore please take it.”

“Um… thank you.” She took the bag he was offering.

“On the contrary milady it is I who should thank you.” He bowed. “I wish you well milady.”

“Wait!” She shouted.

He stopped and turned to her, “is there something you wish of me?”

“We… I’m on my way to Paramina and was wondering if you knew something about the town, or the slave trade.”

He looked at her a moment, curiously, but soon answered, “Unfortunately I know about as much on the slave trade as any imperial citizen. However Paramina as I know it is a vast city that one can get lost in easily.” He explained. “If I were you I’d get a guide, and also a bodyguard.”

“A bodyguard?” She questioned.

“Yes a bodyguard.” He nodded. “It is a dangerous city, no place for anyone to be alone.”

Gren could… would he want to…? She let out a deep sigh. I could take care of myself! But still… she saw Gren walk into the barroom, which had ended her train of thought.

“Good morning sir,” The feline greeted Gren as he joined them.

Gren looked at him a moment, “Is there something you need?”

“Actually I just finished, thank you both again.” The feline turned to leave.

“Wait one moment.” Iris pleaded. “Do you know where we could hire a bodyguard?”

The feline chuckled, “As a matter of fact I know plenty of places, but if you’ll allow it you could hire me as one.”

“How much would this cost?” Gren asked.

“My usual rate is ten gold per week, but I owe you two so how about a free service.”

“You’re hired,” Iris quickly said.

Gren looked at her, “Can we talk… privately?” He sounded worried. She nodded, and they both excused themselves. They stopped in the hallway just before the rooms. “What do you think you’re doing?” He whispered.

“Hiring a bodyguard, what does it look like?” She said sarcastically.

“We only encountered him yesterday!”

Iris glared at him objectively, “And? He said he owes us for it so why not take his help?”

He shook his head, “This coming from the person who didn’t even want my help?”

“Well he said Paramina is dangerous, and you said you can’t always protect me so…”

“I get it already! Fine just make sure your making the right decision.” He conceded.

Is he… jealous? Nah! Can’t be! She nodded. And as she walked back to the bar she turned to him, “I… I’m sorry for yesterday.” She admitted. “You were right I shouldn’t have rushed in like that.”

He looked at her dumbfounded, but regained his composure, “Then I too must apologize.”

“For what?” she asked.

“I was too harsh on you for it; reckless as you are you were right on some things. There is sometimes little to no time to plan out tactics, and the best solution is sometimes the most rash.”

She looked at him and placed a paw on his shoulder, “Tell you what I’ll forgive you if you agree to forgive me, deal?”

Gren nodded, “Deal.” They both nodded their agreement and walked out. As they returned to the bar the feline stood up and walked toward them.

“Ah good your back, I was beginning to wonder if my contract was canceled.” He chuckled.

“No it’s not.” Iris answered. “But I’ve got one more question before we sign you on; what’s your name?”

He smiled and did a small bow, “Khail Elvar at your service milady.”

“Well than welcome aboard I’m Iris Menai and this is Gren Isrand.” Gren bowed after Iris introduced him.

“Why thank you milady, it is a pleasure.” Khail smiled. “As my first duty I would advise you to get a better weapon and some armor, as your safety is my top priority now.” He said jovially.

“A good idea,” Gren added, “but we hardly have any coin.”

“Not true.” Iris said. “He gave us half of the bounty for the monster he killed before you walked in.”

“Considering it was a 2000 gold bounty I’m sure you both can enjoy your shopping spree.” 2000 that was a lot and half was a large payment; heck she didn’t even count it yet.

“Thank you I believe we will.” She finished.

“Very well I’ll meet you here after you’re done.” He bowed, and then left.

Gren looked at her, “you’re sure about this?”

“Positive.” She answered.

“Very well, we’ve got 1000 to spend might as well enjoy it.” They both left and began their shopping spree.