The man had a valid point, and Emery found herself smiling widely at his question.<b>"Who's to say that I will encounter you again in seven years, searching for the same friend? Your point had merit to it, but it's highly improbable that the exact scenario you describe will actually occur, so in this instance, I am going to claim that this argument falls in favor of coincidence."</b>There was a coy smile that settled upon her face as she looked down at her food and back up at the man called Deacon. Did he not think her meeting him was a coincidence? And if not, why would their paths have been crossed? There was nothing that she could offer him and nothing he could really offer her, unless she considered the opportunity to advance her skills. But Emery wasn't searching for that - not openly at least. Her goals were to return to her quiet life, away from all the stress and rambunctiousness of society. It just wasn't for her. Something told her that Deacon likely thought otherwise.<br/><br/><b>"Perhaps I am not nearly as in tune with my abilities as you are with yours."</b>Emery said with a frown, but picking up on his lowered tone. She followed suit and leaned in a little closer to speak.<b>"I did not sense your specific abilities as you do mine, however I can feel...something...about you that makes you different from the rest. Perhaps it's magic, perhaps just intuition. Although, I fear that you will fight my stance on intuition just as you disagree with the concept of coincidence."</b>Emery sat back with that playful smile on her lips, funneling more of her dinner into her mouth as he continued to explain. Ironically, he sparked questions in her mind about magic. It had never been a topic that she had claimed to be particularly interested in, especially because her abilities had brought devastation to her past, but today, it seemed that she was honestly interested in learning more. Not interested enough to actually allow herself to be formally schooled, but taught, perhaps, she could be.<br/><br/><b>"I appreciate your willingness to help, but I do hate to obligate you, especially when you've just met me this evening. How do you know that I speak the truth about my missing friend? What if it's all a ploy to get you into a dark corner and murder you just like the barkeep described the other man's death? Are you not fearful or weary of those sorts?"</b>Perhaps it was less the magic and more the person that intrigued her. She couldn't quite pinpoint what it was exactly, but there was something about Deacon that spoke of stories. Emery loved stories and she wanted to hear more from his adventures. Perhaps she should trust him to help find Kodama. He was a magic user, after all, and while her points still held true as far as she was concerned, there was something less threatening about him that there should have been.<br/><br/><b>"I am certain that he will show up at some point, regardless of how I describe him. I apologize if you interpret my explanation incorrectly - I assure you, he is a living, breathing, very much alive thing."</b>Emery chuckled, once more taking a bite of bread and reclining slight as she finished eating. Gar stopped in front of her as he retrieved Deacon's drink and inquired if she would like one as well.<b>"No thank you, Gar."</b>Emery stated as she held her hand up to the man.<b>"I can handle a pint, but nothing more. Clouds one judgement if you indulge a little too much and I have too much to do to waste time recovering tomorrow."</b>Gar gave her a knowing nod and served Deacon quickly.<br/><br/><b>"What you say is true of home, but this is not yours."</b>Emery was matter-of-fact as she spoke, and she folded her hands on the bar top as she did so.<b>"Where is your home? Where do you find safety when you close your eyes?"</b>Emery sighed and ran a hand through her hair, the weariness of her journey settling into her bones.<b>"I miss my home. I cannot wait to return. My friend and I, we live in the forests. It's nice and peaceful there. We don't get bothered much. It is nothing like this place. It is tainted here - corrupt. The darkness envelopes it and makes it less pure. My home.....my home is the last remaining place in the realm that remains full of goodness. That I am sure of. "</b><br/><br/>Tag:<a class="username" data-user-id="294" data-username="@Annukai" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/294/">@Annukai</a>