Russell
The barmaid couldn't keep her eyes from drifting to the raven haired man who sat alone, boldly so, in the center of the sitting room. She'd never seen anyone with such a handsome face, those sharp grey eyes melting her every time they crossed her body. It made her feel exposed, vulnerable and yet, she was captivated. 

Thus was the most common effect of Noctis' presence, his hood thrown back as he thumbed tobacco into his pipe and with a wave of his pointer finger, ignited the bowl and inhaled. 

*"Thousands of years asleep and still tobacco is one of the greatest wonders of the world.."* He thought to himself, twin moon like orbs glancing around the room. The world was... Quiet. On average he met people that weren't powerful at all, it was as if some great exodus of ability had occurred and he'd missed it. Deftly he used a tiny amount of wind magic to blow smoke rings and then he blew another puff of smoke and fashioned it into a billowing ship that sailed through the rings into a voyage of dispersal. 

His black sword rested in its sheath upon the stained wooden table as Noctis waited, waited for the threads of fate to pull something, pull someone, anything into his path to show him where he was supposed to go. 

"Father.. Guide me.." He whispered, casting his silent prayer up to his father who had been silent since his awakening. Noctis had made his way to this Capitol, hoping to find answers in the Eternal City. He was close now and yet... He felt a reluctance now to enter. He should order food soon, he had enough to last him the week if he didn't live like a champion tonight.
Mary
*The front door slowly creaked open, as a short frail figure, covered in tattered attire, holes and torn opens in the cloak revealing nothing but darkness underneath. The hooded figure, which now stood at the front door, observed the interior, but instead he was taking in the sensations for warmth for the first time. Feeling the comfort of entering within a building, after not having such sensations of a homey feeling for over a century gave him a bit of life. He let out a silent exhale, knowing that this was going to be temporary, and even knew that his time would be limited here. Since he had no money, he had absolutely nothing besides a magical sword which had aided him through his survival, whether it be walking through the chaotic lands of the East, or even escape from being chased. It felt like a break for him, though, he knew he wouldn't eat anything nor drink anything. He tried his best to keep himself up right, before collapsing onto one knee letting out a quiet groan.*

*He wanted to retain his burden to himself, not wanting to draw attention to anyone within in Inn, and instead wanted to shroud himself within the throng of people. As much as this community, this place gave him no feeling of which to belong, he knew that at least he can have a small breather from his ruthless travels. He began to slowly and quietly walk, his feet bare, toward a wall, and leaned against it. Feeling the warmth of the inn on his skin, wanting to feel what home would be like as much as it was temporary. He began to tear up a little, his hood hiding his features in a shroud of darkness so no one can define or see his emotions, or his hardships. He grabbed his biceps, and closed his eyes. Even if it was for a moment. He began to take in what was the temporary, yet very minimal euphoria. He thought he should time himself, as he began to count in his head, through seconds... Ticking up the clock as he counted. Ensuring he wouldn't overstay his already intruding welcome. He knew, or speculated that others probably didn't want to see him here. A homeless man, a freak, and... A being made of hatred. He muttered to himself quietly, as he continued to tick up this imaginary clock in his head.*

"I wish I died that day... I wouldn't have to be walking this much... Wanting to know an answer."
Susan
Actually change of plans,
Russell
Noctis noticed things, his entire life had been devoted to listening and seeing. He had been one of the primary eyes and ears of the First Emperor, in an age where magic ran rife amongst walking disasters. Silver eyes narrowing slightly, he took in the newcomer. The soft pad of bare feet, ragged clothing in disrepair and yet... The gleam of a blades hilt only just visible. No two time crooks blade either, this was a weapon crafted by either a master or a fool. Shaping a traditional sword as such would be foolishness, but magic weapons, well... 

"Enhance." He muttered to himself, fluidly moving his fingers up to tap his ear. Suddenly his hearing increased to a superhuman level and he listened to the soft breathing, the way the person trembled against the wall as if they were freezing and then the muttering... 

**"I wish I died that day."**

Noctis' own mind was thrown back to the past, one flying over the edge of the ravine, seeing Emi turn from him to gaze up at what must have been her master. Heart pounding, he let the enhancement end and stood up, striding across the room. When he got close, Valac would smell scents that remind him of something he enjoyed, a favorite smell, food or home. It was something that people always experienced when in the presence of Noctis. 

"Excuse me! I see you've just come in, you look tired. I've just ordered too much food- perhaps you'd like to sit and eat with me? I haven't got anyone to share a meal with and it can get quite lonely traveling on the road this way." His voice, only slightly raspy and yet musical and kind, held nothing but warmth and invitation. 

His black bangs fell across his silver eyes as he stood there, not peering beneath the hood or invading the newcomers personal space. 

"Two bowls of piping hot stew were probably too much for me, and there will be bread and cheese and some mulled wine." As he said this, he cast a knowing glance at the barmaid who had been listening in. She understood the message luckily

And darted off into the kitchen.
Mary
*At he was left in silence for a moment to ponder, reflecting off of his life he war interrupted by the... Taller fellow. He stared upwards toward him, his hand placed on the hilt of his short sword. Though, with no hostility, or intention of attacking, rather just letting his hand rest... He seemed to be right handed. He shook his head raising his hand out.* 

"I know that there is a price for such generosity... I am not blind... I know there's strings attached." 

*Valac's own voice was mellow, masculine... If you knew who Asura was, his voice perfectly fits that description. He was a little uneasy with the man before him. Valac felt that there was some undertone or underlying intention this man had with him. Valac had only known throughout his life that a kind face, kind words and generous offers always had a price that seemed unreasonable or unattainable. Even if the happiness was temporary he knew of a philosophy "No good deeds goes unpunished". Of course a rough fellow like him would reject an offer. As much as it was tempting... And desirable. He couldn't think of a reason why he would accept such kindness to begin with. He felt unworthy of it. Valac had not shown his face, but his irises glowed a dim purple... He radiated this wickedness, though unintentional. He soon asked, his voice a little more stern than previous...* 

"Why me...? What makes me... So interesting to you?" 

*He seems a little irritated. He had his reasons for behaving so brash and cold toward this gentle fellow. He can tell just by looking at the man's attire... He wasn't some commoner. He looked of nobility... Which caused him to take a step back in instinct. He had only known that his entire life was a mere tool for nobles for some petty war. He seemed to be more anxious, and giving off some aggression. His hostility began to slowly increase toward the generous man the more he stared at him. He decided that... Being rational, especially in a public place like this, was best. He looked away from him.*
Russell
Noctis could feel his brow quirk up at the man's response. He was short enough to almost be considered a child, but definitely carried the voice of a man. The stranger also had the demeanor of a cornered animal. There were many reactions to Noctis, many were pleasant, but just as many were nasty. Beautiful people that carried themselves the way he did were oftentimes steeped in the world, narcissistic or cold to the core. 

It was a natural conclusion. 

"You remind me of someone I used to know. I would gain from you eating with me, it would bring me some peace. I get that, you get hot food. We can call it a transaction- if that makes you feel better." He didn't follow or move, he let the smaller man do what made him feel safe. Noctis didn't even seem to flinch when the blade was touched. There were many many mages in his time that could do things with magic he could only begin to imagine, but only a couple people could stand against him in a contest of blades and fist. 

"My spot is by the fire, please, the food will arrive soon. I'd think both of us would prefer hot food over cold." Noctis' teeth were pearly white, straight and perfect, like the rest of him, his sapphire earrings dangling from his ears flickering from the light of the hanging lanterns above.
Mary
"That's... It?" 

*He said as Valac wanted to know more. Needed to know more. There was something that this man wasn't telling him. Valac felt it, his hairs standing on the back of his neck... Even if the man truly had no ill intentions, Valac was still pessimistic about the situation. He let out an exhale, not of relief, but more like... He couldn't help it. His life was already a living Hell, there was nothing that can make it worse. Even if the man before him had some other underlying intentions he doesn't know of, Valac had looked down at the ground... As if trying to make a decision. He was a little indecisive, but finally made his choice as he gripped the handle of the blade temporarily... Before letting it go... His right hand dropping to his side as he voice stuttered, a resonating melancholic groan.* 

"I guess... It wouldn't hurt... A drop of water in an ocean... Isn't too bad..." 

*It was cryptic, what he spoke of... He slowly walked over toward the man's table, which was by the fire. He was still speculative, assuming the worse. Feeling like this man wanted more than just... Something so minor. He couldn't help it. It was in his nature to assume the worse. He didn't pull down his hood, wanting to conserve his identity or look. Knowing that it was an attention grabbing aspect of his... He hated it. He despised the attention... Even with this... Small yet temporary happiness he couldn't take it for granted. He was... Very well mannered as he sat down, his elbows were off the table, and his hands rested on his lap. Valac began to just... Stare at the scars on his hands, the rough callouses, and tough patches of skin that would cover his finger tips. He rubbed his fingers together... Feeling the abrasiveness. He began to contemplate of this was even the right choice. He began to feel... A strange sensation in his chest. Being by the crackling flames, the soothing sounds flickering in his ears... Like what it feels like to be... "Home". He had never experienced that.*