Lewis
*Terrel would silently make his way down to the main part of the tavern, various objects in his arms from what he had gathered from the rooms they were using, the rest just everyday supplies for the preparation in them leaving Salvania. It had been a couple days since the incident and since then, Terrel had made it his job to forget about it. What was done was done, completing a job while losing an ally in the process. He supposed he shouldn't have been surprised in her not turning up since, the Druid already feeling a need to leave the group behind and in doing such leaving them in a fiery pit. What better way to go? He'd head over to one of the booths placing the items down and reorganizing them while he waited for other two to turn up. The Elf would have to go pick up his horse later. Right now, his mind was merely on getting ready to continue a long delayed journey North.*
John
*Kibaru came into the tavern with a smile seeing his travel companion. Terrel would have seen him from occasion to occasion but Kibaru seemed quite busy. Always gone early in the morning and back late at night. Sometimes he wouldn't even come back. Being left in a fiery grave to die by their previous companion was quite upsetting, but he eventually grew over it with the amount of work he had to do*

"He bud. You ready to go yet?" *He asked after aproaching terrel* "I'm almost done with my prep"
Lewis
"Just about."*He would say, not looking up from his task in separating the items. It was already obvious one thing missing amongst what he had collected back, though he had went about checking everything anyways.*"I have the suspicion that I've been robbed of a book I once had."*He'd say. While the comment was less serious, his tone of voice lacked the usual sarcasm. The magic book's presence was short lived and though he didn't want it around at first, the Elf had found some enjoyment in getting a chance to read something he had missed out on for years. He was sure he could get a new one someday, but that bit of motivation has lessened in the loss of the first. He was fortunate enough for someone to grab it, but it was now he was reminded that he was still a swordsman over a mage.*"What have you been up to anyways?"*He'd ask him, finally looking over to his remaining travel companion.*"Hardly seen you around the past couple days."
John
"A book... Important?" *Kibaru asked himself, but seeing as the elf continued as if it wasn't, he assumed not.* "Oh, Well you know that place that we were almost burned alive in and that didn't have an owner anymore with a few dead bodies inside... Fun fact, properties that's burned down and have the owner dead inside cost less, who knew" *Kibaru said with a chuckle* "So yeah, I started that restaurant I always wanted. Though I would have preferred it not being half burned down, but I guess that little incident did get rid of that unnecessary décor and made remodelling a little cheaper"
Lewis
"For a mage anyways."*He'd say to answer the Kibaru's question about the book.*"Well you buy a cheap place, you're going to end up having to pay to fix it up anyways."*The Elf would say casually.*"Who's going to run it while we head up North anyways? Don't tell me you already have a full fledge staff working there in the few days you were gone."
John
"You think I was just running around chasing my own tail the whole time... Yes I got a full fledge staff. Say what you will, but I am still a merchant. I do know some people that helped me out." *He said looking over at the tavern* "As for the fixing... Well. It's a price I'm willing to pay. I got a cheap piece of land with a decent foundation and a rep. That might actually end up helping me. I mean, can you imagine the rumours about a new place starting up after a few people died in a fire accident?"
Lewis
"Are those rumors supposed to help the business?"*The Elf would ask quizzically, raising an eyebrow. Sure it was free publication, but surely no one would want to go to a place where there are rumors around people dying there. Well, no reasonable people anyways.*"Besides, as well geared as they were for a fight, I doubt old staff would be all to keen to let you go. Luckily enough we took care of their boss, so maybe they won't care as much about a lost business."*He'd slide the items in his bag, throwing it over his shoulders for the time being.*
John
"Well, I mean. I hired some old staff too. Not like they were part of the fight. And the rumours well help spread the name, you know. All publicity is good publicity... It will start out with curious people first, then more people will come" *He said thinking... Even if he wanted to, there was nothing he could really do about what people though, so might as well start a few rumours himself*
Lewis
"Well if you say so. Maybe I'll pay a visit one day whenever we get back from the trip. Give the potato soup another try."*He'd say, eventually standing back up.*"Need to stop by the marketplace one more time before collecting the horses?"*The Elf would ask.*
John
"Well I still need to sort out some thing myself se we might as well go there right after we go to the market."*Kibaru said before bolting to his room and soon returning with all his stuff* " What are you getting anyway?" *He asked with his tails curiously wagging behind him*
Lewis
"Probably just more food for the road. The way back North is going to take much longer than our trip here. Plus, I'd figure I could find some use for these."*He'd say, reaching into his bag to take out the blood vials.*"Might sell them but, who knows? Maybe they have other uses than just for vampires considering how much they failed to feed one."
John
"Depends. Generally speaking, it would make for great bait hunting predators. Besides, selling vails like that on the open market is a little sketchy, you know." *He said sighing as he saw them. Why'd she have to react like that. Well doesn't matter, she's gone now. She could have at least left without setting the place on fire*

*He then turned towards the door and started walking* "If you want food, I could always ask the chefs to prepare us something"
Lewis
"Well to be fair... I bought them from the open market."*The Elf would respond casually while listening to his different options.*"You're probably better off using them in that case. Unless there's some large beast that I get value from killing, hunting isn't my thing really."*He'd think on the offer for a moment as Kibaru mentioned asking his chefs to whip something up, giving a light shrug of his shoulders.*"What's one more meal before we leave, eh? You want to stop by the place before we grab the horses and set out?"
John
"Sure. We can make a quick stop, get go to the market, get the horse and go back. They should be able to have prepared the rations by then." *Kibaru said as he exited the tavern and turned right leading the way to his restaurant*
Lewis
"Alright."*The Elf would agree, placing the vials back in his bag and following after the Kemonomimi. At least the restaurant prepared rations would be much better than the snacks they packed along the way. Not that warm meals every truly last while traveling, but it was something.*"Shouldn't take too long then."
John
"I hope not. I guess now's as good as time as any to see what their worth is" *He said with a shrug* "While we walk, can I ask you as question. Why exactly don't you like meat?"
Lewis
*The Elf would give a light shrug of his shoulders.*"Like I said before, not a fan of it."*He'd answer simply.*"Tried it and didn't care for it, so I just stick to vegetables and various other foods."*It was never really anything more than that. If the Elf truly had to eat meat, he could, though he wouldn't like it. That's for sure.*
John
"So basically you're just a picky eater?" *Kibaru said looking back at Terrel before sighing* "Must have not had a good cook" *He said with a smirk slightly visible from behind his mask*
Lewis
"You can consider it that. Not like I'm the only one with preferences."*He'd say with a chuckle as he'd continue along the road.*"I wouldn't go as far as to say that."*He'd continue on with a shrug at Kibaru's motion of him not having a good cook.*"Nothing better than home cooked meals even if it couldn't get me to like meat any more. Besides, vegetables are a lot more convenient to travel around with."
John
"Meat is far easier to get. And you can also prep them properly to last longer. Like to make some jerky. But I believe meat is better with other thing to complicate and bring out it's features" *He said before coming to a stop in front of the building the had to make an emergency exit out of. It looked like it was being built and at first glance one wouldn't be able to tell it was burned down a couple of days ago*

"Whatca think?" *Kibaru asked leading them in to the building. The roof was mostly missing and this place clearly wasn't close to opening just yet. The hammering of nails and yelling of labourers was everywhere*
Lewis
"You know at the end of the day meat and vegetables are the same thing. You raise both on a farm and you got to season both for it to taste any good. But you prefer meat and I prefer vegetables."*The Elf would say, coming to a stop next to Kibaru. He'd look up towards the building, noticing it being only partially done after what it had gone through some nights ago.*"Bit of a fixer upper."*He'd say bluntly, not looking away from it while the people continued construction.*"But better the aftermath than being there while it was burning down."
John
"Yeah, She's doing far better then the day after, should have seen the place... Well at least now it's far better. Should be done in a week or 2 I hope... I swear if I get back here and it's not, I'm going to have to chop a few heads again" *Kibarus said jokingly* "So, want something to eat for now?"
Lewis
"They'd be miles away before you'd even begin searching."*He'd joke back. Considering those who have gotten away in the past, if these guys really wanted to run off without finishing, there was no better time than when they were leaving.*"Sure, what's on the menu?"*He'd ask.*
John
"Good thing I hired people with roots then I guess." *He said before leading them to the kitchen where the chefs were busy making some food already* "Just name it... We have some veggie soup if you want some... Or a salad if you're feeling a little fancy"
Lewis
"If you think a salad is any fancier than soup, I think you need to go a few days with nothing but vegetables on your plate.*"He would say, following after Kibaru to head towards the kitchen.*"Vegetables aren't the only thing I eat, y'know. Surely you have some interesting specials outside of the same vegetables I eat already."
John
"Bread, we have Bread" *He said with a slight chuckle* "Some curry and rice maybe... I want to see just what exactly these cooks can do, so odder what you want and be a judge" *He said before going through the kitchen inspecting the odds and ends*
Lewis
*He'd let out a snort of suppressed amusement.*"Alright I'll have bread, curry, and rice then."*Terrel would say simply. He'd glance around the kitchen. This being the only other time he's been inside the place outside of when they were looking to raid the place.*
John
"You heard the man guy!" *He yelled out and repeated* "Bread, Curry and rice. As well as Rations. We'll be back for those" *He said smiling at the order* "Always wanted to do something like that" *He then turned his gaze back at Terrel* "At least we had some pest control, huh?"
Lewis
"I can tell."*The Elf would say in seeing how peachy he was.*"Speaking of pests."*Terrel would scratch at his head, causing the small body of the Furrow in his hair to pop up from it.*"Nearly this guy's feeding time. Guess I'll be sharing with him. I wonder how my wolves are found back at the house."
John
"They probably miss you... But Adeliza can handle them at least... I hope. She might spoil them a little though" *Kibaru nodded as he observed his cooks art work, giving a few of them pointer. Some of the seemed quite young and inexperienced. One oni seemed like he was better suited to being a warrior. There were a few races at work, except for any beastmen or Elves* "If I get even a single hair in this food, you're kissing your hair good bye."
Lewis
"Feel like I might regret having to reteach a spoiled wolf, but it's that or have them die out in the wild, so I'll take it."*He'd say, watching Kibaru go about, showing the new chefs how to cook.*"Might want to invest in your own hair net in that case bud."*He'd say as a joke, lightly poking at the Kemonomimi's wolf-like ears."
John
"The trick is to take really good care of my tails. Brush them everyday and not to wag them to much when around food" *He said looking at Terrel* "I've had my experiences with hair in food plenty of times. Pretty sure you have had some as well"
Lewis
"Can't you just make-."*He'd gesture a hand towards Kibaru.*"All of it disappear?"*The Elf would question. It was a wonder why the Kemonomimi didn't use that ability more often for his own convenience. Then again the Elf didn't understand anything about their shapeshifting ability, making him wonder if there was another reason behind it. With Kibaru suggesting the same probably happens with him, the Elf would open his mouth to say something, soon coming to notice an extra strand of hair sitting over his mask. Has that always been there? He'd blow on it, forcing it to return back to its normal position after a few tries.*"I have no idea what you mean."*He'd say nonchalantly.*
John
"Sure..." *Kibaru said letting out a soft chuckle* "I mean... I could... But that's an inconvenience. Imagine having to put on a stuffy uniform to do something really physical. It's uncomfortable in my human form. Without the tails, my balance feels off and without the ears, sound is weird." *He said as he sat down on a chair pulling out another for Terrel. In the mean while, the cooks continue to make food with the sound of utensils, pots and pans filling the room, Good thing it was so open, or Kibaru might have left by now*
Lewis
"Okami, it's cooking, not fighting a bear."*He'd say to him, sitting down in the chair as he'd bring one over for him to sit in.*"But I can see the discomfort in wearing uniform. Hence I wear this."*He'd say gesturing to his odd get up.*"Actually I doubt this defends my case too well, but if I could switch between different forms I'd do it just to mess with people. Might even maintain better balance that way."
John
"Oh, Mess with people I have" *He said with a chuckle* "It might not be fighting a bear, but it's still an inconvenience that I'd much rather not go through. And your clothing is at least better than mine" *He said gesturing to his short pants closed jacket and wrapping around his feet. With the warmer climate, he clearly lost some of his clothes*
Lewis
"You hardly wear any clothes half the time."*He'd say back in a joking tone.*"Winter was probably a first, but I'm guessing Kemonomimi's...*Man you guys have a long name*..."*He'd begin, uttering the last part more under his breath.*"...Find it harder to keep warm than Beastkins usually."
John
"True, but I grew up in a generally colder climate. So I'd much rather prefer the cold over heat any day. But being beaskin must be awesome though. Traversing through artic wind... While I have to actually suite up to be able to survive in winter" *He said the last part with a bitter tone. He wasn't much a fan of wearing to much clothing... Especially if it got hotter*

"But I guess it's better then being an elf... Not even tails to wrap around and keep you warm"
Lewis
"I think I can make the bet that they must get real hot in the summer."*He'd say regarding the beastkins. Not like they could really escape their own fur. Realistically anyways.*"Being an Elf is all fine and good outside of most of them creating standards that I could care less of."*He'd say letting out a chuckle.*"Why would we need tails though when our hair be growing all the way down to the floor."
John
"Don't tell me that long loose hair never got in the way. With tails you can at least control where they are, but with hair... Well it's just everywhere. Turn to fast and your vison is blocked. To windy and it's just as bad" *He said with a shrug* "I honestly see no benefit to longer hair... It's even more effort to take care of"
Lewis
"Well why do you think I cut it? Don't tell me you thought my hair was always this short."*He'd say.*"It's one thing having long hair and fighting as a mage, it's another fighting up close with a dangerously sharp object."*He'd tilt his head back slightly.*"At least cutting it is an option. I'd laugh at even considering the idea with your tails."
John
"I brush them okay. Take good care and there's no need to cut it... Though I would lie if I said I wasn't Jealous of other Kemono... Like the cat like for short fur... But I have some pride in these tails of mine" *He said smiling at his tails drooping behind him* "Some times it's really hard not to wag though... So I have to be careful and not get to exited"
Lewis
"I doubt the other tails helps too much."*He'd say.*"Haven't seen many of the cat ones. But not as uncommon as some of the beastkin for me. How often do you get excited from cooking anyways?"
John
"Far to much, though I can keep it under control for the most part. Though sometimes when at home it get's a little out of control..." *He said with a shrug just as their food is handed to them* "Here you go sir" *They said before continuing in the kitchen*
Lewis
"I'll try to avoid asking."*He'd say. With the food arriving, the Elf would grab the Furrow from his hair and would place upon the table, sliding over a piece of bread to distract the bird for a while. While Tzu took the time to eat, Terrel would as well, enjoying his meal for the time being.*"Won't get food like this often while traveling. It's too bad we lost a mage. Maybe there's some spell out there that can just conjure good food whenever they felt like it."*He'd say jokingly.*
John
"Well that might sound convenient, but that sounds quite boring. I'd much rather prefer a mage that can store food, like a freezer" *He said before continuing the ear the Curry. It was a little bit more mild than what he makes it, but he does have a different palate then normal people* "So, how is it?"
Lewis
"Ice mages exist you know. They're just more commonly known as aquatic mages."*He'd say, recalling what small information he could retain about magic after the Vampiress saw him more as an ice wielder. Taking a few more bites of it, he'd say:*"Not bad. Seems like Tzu is enjoying his food as well."*The Elf would angle his head towards the small bird, nibbling away at the piece of bread he had given him.*
John
"Very good" *He said smiling at Terrel's comment.* "Though I do wonder... Will we be able to find one... Preferably one that won't try and freeze our asses as soon as things get a tiny bit bloody"
Lewis
"Probably, but I doubt it would be a healer. I've come to notice a pattern with healers, most of which not liking bloodshed. Which is strange considering they can't really heal without it."*He'd say.*"Well there was one healer I've met once that seemed fine with it. Though he was a bit crazy in the head. I wouldn't put it past mages to get a little trigger happy though. Power gets to their head sometimes, next thing you know we replace a healer that hates killing with a mage that loves it too much for our own safety."*He'd take a moment to think on it.*"We're better off learning magic ourselves at that rate aren't we."*He'd say in deep realization of finding a person sane enough seemed slim.*