Kim
Anya Eversong
A Tavern in Taemar

Three months on the road was a long, long time, even for Anya. Her body ached and her stomach was a barren cavern within her as she approached the tavern. 

The burst of warmth that flooded her body as she pushed the doors open was a welcome sensation, and the smell of food put a slight smile upon her lips. It had been far too long since she'd had a proper meal and sat in a proper seat. 

As she strode inside, she calmly took in the demographic, her posture unassuming and relaxed, though her hand was poised to grab a knife at any moment from her belt where her thumb was hooked to rest. 

She intercepted the maid and pressed a few coins into her hand. "I need something very strong to drink and I need it quickly. Whatever you have to eat as well."

"Yes, miss." Came the polite reply, the maid a little offput by Anya's intensity. She quickly skittered off to fulfill the request as Anya searched the bustling tavern for a place to sit. Her eyes landed on a corner table and the young man seated there who seemed perhaps less swarthy than the general population of oversized men present. She lowered her hood as she approached and removed the harp from her back, setting it down on the table and raising an eyebrow in his direciton. "Mind if I sit?" Her green eyes studied him as she awaited his response.
Sarah
Arin Cragton 
Taemar

Arin closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the silence. He took a sip of the ale but gave up and frowned at the woman who decided today was a good day to talk to him. 

He opened his eyes and stared at the woman for a moment before speaking. "How could I say no? It's not like you would listen to me otherwise." He said, raising his glass. "But go ahead. By all means, have a seat. Tell me your name, my friend." Arin said, putting on a brave front, a slight smile exposing his teeth. In reality Arin was exhausted, tired of every bump terrifying him. 

"But no, to answer your question I am completely alone. Please have a seat." Arin said, gesturing to the empty seat. He took another sip of his ale and grabbed his plate and paid for his meal. "My name is Arin. Sorry about my manners. Been a long day." He said with a sigh.
Kim
Anya Eversong
Taemar

Anya sat down and breathed a heavy sigh. "For you and me both, stranger." This wasn't ideal for her either, but she was happy she appeared to have judged him accurately. The tension in her body seemed to melt as she reached up to let down her hair from the braids, her head hurting from the pressure. "I'm Anya." 

She offered a smile and then glanced at the maid who brought her a mug and exhaled in relief. "Bless you!" Her hands brought the cup to her lips and she drank deeply from its contents, feeling the comforting burn of alcohol simmer down her throat before placing it down on the table and returning her gaze to Arin. 

"So what brings you to Taemar? You don't look particularly at home here..." Her tone was conversational and non-invasive. While she couldn't help admiring the handsome lad before her, she also couldn't get the thought of food out of her mind and wondering how long it would take to arrive.
Sarah
Arin Cragton 
Taemar

Arin closed his eyes again, and softly exhaled. "That's a story that would take too long to tell. Too many people have fucked me over, leading me to this moment. Everytime I think I have a moment of peace, everything goes to hell." Arin said, before tying his hair back out of his face with a small bit of string. 

"Though, my story starts with a beautiful woman, as all great stories do. It has led me to another, so it seems." Arin said, grinning. Two plates of hot food were set down in front of the pair, and Arin gave the lady a few gold pieces. "What's your story? What brings a woman as beautiful as yourself to a shithole like this?" Arin said, turning and facing the woman sitting in front of him. 

"Your fingertips have calluses, which means that harp isn't only for show. I haven't seen anyone like you in a while. Most just know a few basic songs and play it to the drunken masses, changing a few notes to seem original." Arin said, taking a bite of the meat sitting on his plate.
Kim
Anya Eversong
Taemar

Anya's eyebrow arched, her interest in this handsome stranger peaked. She tried not to look as relieved as she felt when the food was placed before them, or dig in too ravenously. 

"I've played before my share of drunk masses to be fair." She flashed a smile. "And to kings as well... I travel the between kingdoms, I've been on the road for months, it's been... Harsh." Her eyes grew distant a moment, wounds on her body giving a silent but painful agreement to her assessment. She pushed down the memories and the smile gracefully returned to her lips, and it was like the moment had never happened.

"Well, I would love to hear about your tale sometime. For now..." She lifted her cup towards him for a toast. "To the people who fucked us... May they be fucked harder."
Sarah
Arin Cragton
Taemar

"I'll drink to that." Arin said, raising his glass. "I've sailed the seas for years, but even through everywhere I've traveled I've never been anywhere that has caused me as much trouble as here. It took ages just to find a tavern with any room left. I'm not even sure if this place even has a spot left. The Council is causing everyone to lose their minds trying to get in line to have these people solve their problems for them. I would hate to be one of the ones having to listen to them all." He said, downing the rest of the glass before calling for another. 

"I've been traveling for almost a month. Came from Azarya. Apparently the plague has not reached Taemar's borders yet, so I figured it would be best to lie low here until the plague comes and goes." Arin said, wiping his fingers with the cloth, and pushing the plate out of the way. He sat his head on his hand and leaned against the table and yawned. 

"Play something. I want to hear something besides the occasional swear word by a boisterous fool who thinks he owns the world." Arin said, setting a bag of coins on the table. "If you want payment, here." He said, pushing the bag over.
Kim
Anya Eversong
Taemar

She glanced at the bag and smiled, pushing it back towards him. "Your company is enough payment. It's been lonely on the road." Taking a swig of her ale she reached for her harp, propping it up. Her fingers rested at the strings, her hands gracefully poised as she paused a moment, looking at Arin once more before closing her eyelids.

It was hypnotic, the way her fingers glided across the strings, their melody so gentle and yet so bewitching. There was a haunting magic to the sound of harps. They were such a simple, ancient instrument, and in Anya's fingers it bore the most breathtaking song. 

As the intricacy of her melody unfolded she began to hum along with it, harmonizing. The way she effortlessly improvised it was as if it was merely flowing through her. There was no hesitation, no sign of thought. It was pure expression, and the volume of the entire tavern lowered, all wanting to hear the music better. Arin's guess had been correct, she wasn't just any street musician, and it did seem to him that such music belonged in a palace. It seemed so out of place here in this grungy tavern. 

After a few minutes she slowly came to an end, setting down her harp and opening her eyes.
Sarah
Arin Cragton
Taemar

Arin leaned back in his chair as the music began playing. It started smooth, almost as if it were building towards something. The way her fingers moved across the harp was astonishing. She made it seem so effortless, as if a childcould pick up the harp and make it sing beautiful melodies that would be repeated for millenium . He was hypnotized. 

Her voice came out of nowhere. All of a sudden the music was accompanied by an unfamiliar, yet welcome visitor that made Arin want to never leave his spot. Every man or woman present became entranced by the music, almost as if the music was taking a life of its own. A few tears began rolling down some of the people's faces, but Arin just watched the woman's face. She was completely at ease with everyone's attention. He couldn't look away, but as all good things must come to an end, so too did the music. Everyone sighed and turned back to their mundane lives. 

"That was simply incredible." Arin said, handing her the small bag of coins. "It's yours. Keep it." He said, standing up. He grabbed a couple more ales and sat back down, handing one to Anya. "You must be tired. I have a room if they are as full as they say they are." Arin said, sitting back down in the chair.
Kim
Anya Eversong
Taemar

She laughed and pushed the coins away. "Like I said, I do not need your gold." Lifting her cup to her lips she paused. "But a room, that offer I might take you up on." She took a swig and then glanced around the busy space. She knew none of the faces, and she often found herself wondering what it would be like to actually live somewhere. To walk into an establishment and recognize neighbors, or friends. To get to know people and let them know her. 

She inwardly laughed at the absurdity of such a thought. There was no home for her. Never had been, never would be, and all the faces she had the privilege of seeing on her many travels were just blurs that would fade from her memory as the years went on... Even this handsome sailor sitting across from her. As she returned her gaze to rest upon him, a pang of sadness welled in her chest, but she pushed it down with a soft smile.

"Did you learn any songs on your adventures on the high seas, Arin? Or do you play any instruments yourself?"
Sarah
Arin Cragton
Taemar

Arin raised an eyebrow, grinned, and put the coins away. "Whatever you say." He said mockingly. He watched her as she scanned the room, her sparkling green eyes taking in every little detail. He followed her line of sight but fell on nothing but sad men and women following the bottom of their cups from one table to another. 

His thoughts were interrupted by her question. He looked back at her and thought for a moment, but shook his head. "Unlike what most think, singing on ships isn't typically popular. There are some captains that will kill you, feed you to the sea if you will, if you even mutter a noise. Though even if I did know, my voice isn't the best for singing. I leave it to the pros " He said smiling. 

"But I do other things, very well actually." He said, handing her back her purse that he had taken a moment ago. "There's no money taken, I just wanted to see if you would notice it missing. It's something you need to watch since you travel so much." He said, taking his knife and cleaning his nails. They were already mostly clean but unfortunately Arin had an obsession with his appearance.
Rosa
The Pirate King Bradai Maith
The Maith Camp, Vallen, Taemar

Bradai had only ever been to Vallen once before. Seven years ago, he had been called by the Order of the White Rose to be tried for his crimes against the Ramsalots after conquering the Isles. It was before his kingship, before he raised his first fleet, before the first Council. Since then, he had taken large tracts of land in Amoroth, he had gained and lost a son, Vronti Kelwynd had conquered Terresol and killed the oldest royal family in Marin and in his place sat an Islander queen. The world had changed significantly, and in all of that time, Vallen still managed to smell like pig shit. Absolutely nothing had changed about the terrible city of Vallen. This was supposedly the cleanest place in the world.

The Pirate King threw the curtain over the open window as the city came into view. Nothing smelt worse than Vallen. The city was originally five separate towns, all sporting sizable tracts of land, all designed for grazing. Eventually, the roads that connected them became city streets, and on either side, squat stone houses came up like mushrooms. It was where the majority of the Middlelands got their food, and it seemed like for every wagon going into Vallen for the Council, there were three exiting with piles of meat. To a commoner, it would look like the place was being looted. There was, however, no lack of meat within the city itself. Bradai had never seen so many people well fed. It was just a shame it had to come at the cost of a sense of smell.

The Grunewalds had long ruled over the town of Grunewald, the largest and best smelling part of the city known as Hog's Head. The streets were no longer flooded with commoners, frothing at the mouth and whipping shit at the side of his convoy. Here, the men and women were clothed the same, but the guards were more present. Present, in this case, meant violent. Seven years ago, only one protestor had come out to see his arrival in Hog's Head, and it only took one threatening glance to reduce the man to a heap of bloodied lashings. Bradai had remembered the ferocity of the guards then, how even in their armor they had descended on him like a pack of boar, whips cracking against his clothed body. This time, there was no one. It was clear that the Grunewalds hadn't needed the outside world, save for the hungry mouths. They had only been getting stronger, and now they were the only ones left spared. 

Bradai stepped out from the carriage and into a group of guards. His court was 200 men strong, including bodyguards and vassals. Among his closest companions were his advisor Ollie and his sister Gitten Maith. The sprawling field around the Tower of Grunewald gained a large camp of black and teal tents, with him in the center. A large tent had been set up, complete with a mobile office and desk similar to the one back in the Isles. In the upper right desk drawer, a bottle of white rum. Ollie had outdone himself yet once again. Bradai poured himself a stiff drink and sat behind his desk, feeling the legs of the chair sink slightly into the soft mud. He brought the glass to his lips and sighed deeply. They would set up the tent city around him until others began to arrive. There was no way he was entering the Tower of Grunewald before anyone else. A forced interaction with a Grunewald was a mistake only made once.
Kim
Anya Eversong
The Tavern, Taemar

She laughed and raised an eyebrow. "Well well, the scoundrel has skills! I'm impressed." Her gaze followed his fingers and she then looked down at herself, sighing. "I definitely look like a vagrant don't I. Would it be possible for me to bathe and change in your room? I am heading to the Council to play and I'm sure they'll be kinder to woman who is presentable than to someone who looks like they've been sleeping in a pig stye for months." She laughed and gestured to her weathered appearance, then an idea struck her.

"You should join me! To the Council I mean, not the bath..." She blushed. "It would be so much more interesting with a friend than to wander into that mess all alone."

This was out of character for her, and she felt a little uncomfortable asking. Usually she kept quite to herself, but she genuinely enjoyed this man's company, and the thought of moving on just yet made her sad. 

"Of course, I'm sure you have your own reasons for being in Taemar, so don't sweat it if you need to get back to your own life." She smiled and picked up her harp, tuning the strings to give herself something else to focus on while she awaited his answer.
Wyatt
*Golifred Ironbeard
Outskirts of Vallen, Taemar*

He had never been one for social interaction, nevertheless a large gathering of strangers - but news of the gathering in plagueless Vallen was too good of an offer to pass up. Golifred could use some business as well as contacts for his set of skills - so he packed his bags with items and products of his own design and made his way there.

Days after he began his venture, the half-dwarf was within sight of the city of Vallen. He rode on the back of Miss Bonnibell – his equivalent of a rideable mount – and stuck out on the road like a sore thumb as he rode the back of a giant boar. His appearance would look more uncommon if he dressed like a dwarf and revealed his head tattoos, but in order to delay that inevitable discovery, he wore a leather cap that covered his head and ears, like the medieval equivalent of an ushanka.  Each bag on the sides of the boar was filled with hand wrapped, individual trinkets of careful design, but the more valuable items were hidden somewhere else. Golifred was naturally suspicious and feared that he may be robbed on the trip - he brought along his axe and a variety of daggers, but it was not hard to overpower someone as short as he. 

**"Well little lassie, I thinks we made it. Yer me best friend, ya know that? I couldn't 'ave made this venture without yeh."** His accent was heavy, sounding somewhat like what you'd imagine a Scottish man's. Not that there were Scottish individuals in Marin of course. Soon enough he began getting closer to the encampments and the gatherings of people, prepared to talk to strangers, but not planning on staying too long if he didn't get any business. Hopefully he'd get some, right?
John
**King Dennon Bigsby, Verina Crowe, Kirk Pinewood, and Queen Lucrezia Scheer
The home of Kirk's uncle and cousin in Vallen, Taemar**

Once they reached the house, Kirk left the carriage first to go to knock at the door. Dennon and Verina climbed out after him but lagged behind on the street. The queen stayed inside to fan herself, not wanting to stand until she was sure they did not have to go elsewhere.

"Hopefully, this place will work out," Dennon said to Verina as he shifted weight between his legs. "If not, we may have to kill some Cleburn impersonators at the convention to free up some rooms at an inn."

"I think I should leave, Dennon," Verina said.

"What? We just got here."

"I don't mean the city. Just..." She glanced at Lucrezia in the carriage. "Away from here. I feel like I've been useless hanging around for so long at the castle, now on this journey. I'm a spy, Dennon. I could be useful around here. I might be able to learn something covertly while we are here in the city. More than anything, I just want some space."

"What if we don't end up staying here?" Dennon asked, trying to convince her to stick around for a short while longer.

"I'm sure the king of Ibethiel won't be too hard to find," She said with a smile before starting to walk away. "I'll let you know if I learn anything important." Dennon waved as she left and sighed.

. . .

"Uncle." Kirk said when the man finally came to the door.

"Kirk, I didn't expect to see you back so soon." James Pinewood said flatly.

"I haven't been here in three years," Kirk responded, a bit confused.

"Too soon." James had never been the biggest fan of his nephew, and the young man's absence hadn't made his heart grow fonder.

"Look..." Kirk uttered before cutting himself off in frustration. The splinters in his hand that he had acquired at an inn earlier in the day didn't sting as much as his uncle's dislike of him. "I'm just looking for a place to stay."

"For you and your filthy friends out there? The one in the carriage is fatter than your usual whores. Getting harder to afford the skinny ones?" James joked.

Kirk looked back and saw Dennon walking up the path to the door. It gave him an idea. "Do you remember the letter I sent saying I had been named the royal antiquities dealer of Ibethiel?"

"As much as I try not to."

"Well, are you aware of the Council of Marin happening in the next few days and who might accompany me here from Ibethiel to attend it?"

"Hello, I'm Dennon." The king said as he reached Kirk's side. James's eyes widened. He said nothing.

Kirk smiled. *"King* Dennon Bigsby," He elaborated. His uncle had always possessed an odd affinity for royalty. When Kirk was a boy staying at the house, his uncle displayed a shoe that had supposedly belonged to Gregor Grunewald. Kirk, being a child, took it outside and played with it with his cousin, eventually scuffing it on some grass and leaving a small green stain. His uncle had never forgiven him, saying it 'no longer smelled the same.'

"It's an honor, your majesty!" James said, shaking the king's hand reverently.

"It's not often that I hear that." Dennon commented, turning his eyes to Kirk. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Pinewood."

"You can call me James if you'd like, but only if you want to."

Dennon smiled. "I'll keep that in mind. Kirk mentioned that we might be able to stay here for the council since all the inns we've tried were unexpectedly full for that Cleburn Impersonator convention. Will that be alright? We and my wife, the queen, have been traveling for so long."

"THE QUEEN?!" James looked to the carriage. "What a *Beauty* She is! Of course, you can stay here for as much time as you need. Come on in. Come come." He motioned them inside.

. . .
Sarah
Arin Cragton
Taemar

Arin arched his eyebrows. "You would take someone like me to somewhere like that? I'm surprised, honestly. Though the bath seems more... Interesting." He said with a grin. He looked at her for a moment before smiling softly again. "You are welcome to stay. I'll sleep on the floor for a night or two." He said, staring at the blood stain on the ground for a moment before looking up again. 

"Though I will accept your offer. There are definitely enough pockets to search through in an event like that. Whatever I get I'll split with you, just for inviting me." He said, before the string broke and his hair fell back in his eyes. "Fuck." He said, before laughing. 

It was normal for women to be interested in him, but this was different. She seemed... Off. He was interested. He didn't know why. It was something about her eagerness to accept his offer of staying the night, or maybe it was just this was the first woman to pique his interest since.. The queen.
Heather
Marsila Vema
Heading towards Vallen, Taemar

When Marsila first heard of the plague that began to spread throughout the kingdoms, she paid it no mind and did her best to avoid the contaminated cities. Even though she was yet to find a poison or disease that affected her, Marsila wasn't idiotic enough to risk finding out whether or not the plague could infect her. 

During her travels, she relied mostly on word of mouth from travellers or fellow mercenaries like herself to know which cities were riddled with the plague. However, this resulted in less work being found as many were more worried about their health and families to put out a bounty. Eventually, she began struggling with the lack of coin due to the disappearance of bounties. There was no doubt other mercenaries were snatching anything they came across that provided coin, causing it to become more difficult for others like herself. Fortunately, Marsila knew archery as her father had taught her the handy skill so she wasn't left without food. 

She was now travelling through the Taemar and Northwind border as she had heard of a rumour a few weeks back in regards to Taemar becoming a safe haven against the plague. The one country she had been doing her best to avoid due to the guilt of abandoning her parents, even though it was for their own safety. Perhaps it was now time she found her parents and apologised. 

Marsila dug her heels into the flank of her chestnut stallion Romia, forcing him into a gallop towards Vallen as she continued her thought. Would she be able to bring herself to see them face to face? How would they respond to seeing her after almost five years? She released the rein in her left hand so her right could reach towards the amulet that hung against her chest, her fingers gripping it tightly until it allowed her to slow her mind. She could do this. She had more control than she did years ago.
Michael
**Lady Surany Torok, "Lady of the Wine"**
*Carriage along the streets, Vallen, Taemar*

The rumbling of the carriage against the cobblestone streets was most certainly not a pleasant experience for the Lady. It had been quite some time since Surany had ventured out of her own territory, especially given these specific circumstances. Her parents had been rather insistent one of the children was to attend the Council meeting, despite the unfortunate instance of the plague running about. Every day one heard more news of deaths and spread. It definitely placed a damper on any parties or celebrations that the young noblewoman desperately wanted to have, but alas, it was not to be. 

With a heavy sigh, said female was settled into the lush cushions of the carriage, back somewhat aching from the constant state of sitting they had been through. To be fair, if they wanted to reach the city in time the trip relied heavily on little time for breaks. But really, she was sure that her feet were nothing but decoration at this point. She almost feared that taking one simple step would shatter her legs like fine porcelain. 

"My word, this is beyond boring. I am sure mother and father set this up to be a rather unusual punishment for me. Why else would I be sent to risk my very death?" 

Truly, dramatic as always. Surany knew that her words were nothing but false, but a girl could still complain. Another sigh, and she turned to her companion. Bella had been a newer maid she had hired recently, but already the Lady was smitten (platonically, of course). She had such a rich and mysterious air to her; a confidence one could only dream of. Honestly, it had been a miracle and each day she thanked whatever gods were there that had decided to make her boring life less so by sending her wondrous maid.

"Bella, my dear, how much longer must we be in this carriage? I fear that I will soon become the bandit and steal the horses for us to run off. Especially since we drank the last open bottle of wine about 10 miles ago!" Her voice whined into the space as she pouted. A slight jingle sounded and her attention was driven to its source: a little, male monkey. "Malum, please. You ate some grapes just a while ago." He babbled at her, jumping closer until the little creature was making his way around her neck, curling into the warmth offered by her hair and neck. 

"Honestly, you make me feel like a mother. You are quite lucky I like you so much." Her eyes gleamed with mirth as she patted the monkey, returning her gaze to Bella. "Really, why was this Council even called? As if we don't have better things to do. One of the biggest gatherings in the land, and I can't even properly celebrate it!"
Kim
Anya Eversong
Taemar

Her laughter was so genuine as she shook her head softly. Every sound she made seemed melodic and it was intoxicating to hear. "Well, why don't you point me in the direction of your room and I'll get myself somewhat presentable before we head off to the Council, eh?"

The Coucil was her chance to really make an impression... To expand her audience and hopefully land her more successful residencies. Perhaps there was some deep part of her that was tired of being insignificant and alone. There was an opportunity to better herself, and she intended to seize it. First off, she needed to bathe and change. It had been so long since she'd worn a proper gown. 

"Promise you'll be here when I come back?" Her green eyes unflinchingly held his gaze as she queried.
Jennie
Belsys Cyre
Roads heading toward Vallen, Taemar

The red-hair lass hummed along to the familiar *Click-clack* Of her wagon's wheels along the rough terrain, a makeshift path of worn down grass from all of the previous travellers before her. The sun was beginning to set - a fact Bel was endlessly thankful for as the constant rays of the sun grew tiresome, to both her mental state and her poor skin. Still, she shivered as she traveled northbound. To the rumored Vallen where a supposed council was to be held. Giggling to herself, she let her feet dangle from the cart as her hands held the reins.

"A fine gathering of some of the most known and respected folks among the continent, all discussing one thing or another. Perhaps they shall rediscover a vice or two once I make my way there" 

The girl laughed to herself as she took in her surroundings. Her cart filled with her signature collection of miscellaneous trinkets stood out from the bogs and marshlands that surrounded her. Bel took a quick peak at the roads behind her. Empty - she must have traveled far enough that most would have set up camp paces ago. She shrugged. Their weakness was her own gain. Besides, no normal merchant offering their quaint goods could compete with her, regardless of what impression her patched clothes and weathered wagon could convey.

She took comfort that hidden within the floorboards were samples of her true passions. Strange herbs wrapped in individual satchels, spices that may be spiked with unsavory elements, and other questionable goods that a fair, innocent maiden should not be caught with. Bel broke into a wild grin.

"It seems that the blood moon is heading northward!" She cackled, letting the chill wind blow through her hair as she continued in her passage.
Sarah
Arin Cragton
Taemar

Arin held her gaze for a moment, those green eyes held his and wouldn't let go. How could he refuse? It was impossible. "I'll... Be here. Of course I'll be here." He said, before giving her the key to his room. "It's the third door on your left when you walk up those steps." He said, pointing at an old staircase on the other side of the room. He smiled back at her as she took her leave, and he watched her seemingly glide over the ground. He shook his head and cleared his mind before pulling out the paper again. 

*Bounty on a Pirate

Arin Cragton

24,000 gold pieces

Prince Nickles Ramsalot

If he should be killed I would prefer his body to be brought to me, preserved by any means.*

He read the words over and over, trying to make sense of it. The blood had set into the paper, turning it a dull brown, but he frowned. He folded it back up and sat it back in his pocket before feeling a firm hand on his shoulder and a dagger stuck to his throat. 

"I would advise you not to try anything stupid, Arin." He knew that voice. That was.. Fuck what was her name. "Fox." He said, sighing. "What are you doing here?" 

"I'm wondering why the body of the man that brought you here was carried out of here, with your name on the lips of the men carrying him." She said, whispering into his ear. 

"He tried to kill me, and died in the process." Arin said, turning slightly so the blade was no longer digging into his skin. 

"I'm afraid that's not enough of an answer. Now now Arin, why would he want to kill you?" She asked, removing the knife and sitting across from him. 

"I don't know." He lied easily, almost without a second thought. 

"Well find out, because if you don't, I will kill you myself." She replied, before standing up and walking out the door without another sound. 

He frowned and looked back at his plate, and took another sip of ale.