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</span>​</div><span style="font-size: 18px">The subsonic sound of flapping wings and a bird-like screeching caused Ayren's gaze to temporarily shift away from the hot British tourist he'd been speaking with, to look towards the heavens. The sun switched places with the evening sky hours ago, but looking up Ayren thought he had seen an enormous flock of birds dominating the western skyline. As he began to answer the woman, his mouth grew dry as he felt a sudden sense of impending doom. Hindsight being 20/20, Ayren knew from experience that birds usually didn't fly at night, especially in such a huge flock. <br/>
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When a blustery wind sent the remaining dry leaves in the trees above them rustling, Ayren felt the urge to run for safety. He was entranced, still talking to the hot looking British woman that complimented him during his performance. The remainder of the crowd started to disperse when it became obvious Ayren's attention was diverted by the woman. The unnamed tourist wanted him to play a private show for her despite his not even knowing her name or anything about her. He assumed that she was either bold or completely stupid to want to hook up with a street performer that she didn't know well at all.<br/>
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It would be a recipe for disaster for not just the lady, but himself as well. On the other side of the coin, Ayren could unknowingly be led into a trap, then robbed and killed for the donation money he had in his case. Living on the streets of New Orleans, Ayren had grown wary, remaining ever vigilant to the dangers lurking around him from other street dwellers. Her eagerness to have him for herself, didn't seem to dissuade Ayren though. He could defend himself if need be, and was physically strong and extremely agile. He also had a few other hidden assets in his possession, in case he needed to use them.<br/>
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<b>"You sho' got de gumbo, mon ange. Ah dunno yer name or nuttin. You gonna tell me dat or is yo' name sum kinda secret?"</b> Ayren smiled, with a hint of suspicion creasing his brow.<br/>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">got de gumbo: bold, daring; cher: dear, darling</div>
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Around the courtyard, shapes and forms began to manifest where only moments before there were only shadows.  Something dark was germinating from within the shadows, and it caused the tiny hairs to rise on the back of Ayren's neck along with a sense of unease.<br/>
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<b>"Woo wee! Feels lak sum'body jus' walked ovah mah grave. Ah got de freesons."</b> Ayren place a hand upon his gooseflesh covered neck, giving it a gentle rub.<br/>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">freesons: shivers</div>
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<b>"Imma put dis up, sumthin' dun feel rite to me."</b> Ayren remarked.<br/>
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The <i>something</i> Ayren referred to felt palpably evil. Within the whirlwind of undulating shadows, whatever it was gave off a strong predatory vibe. In a pitiful version of what used to be a human form, its monstrous physique was hardly discernible to the diners under the shadowy twilight of the courtyard. Haggard and thin, its skin barely adhered to the bones of its extremities. From a distance, the otherworldly being was staring Ayren down through the sparse strings of dark hair covering its skull. <br/>
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The beast began to slowly advance towards them, and Ayren didn't stay put long enough to witness its gnarled pointed teeth protruding from its beak-like mouth. The Sluagh folded back a pair of smoke colored wings that formed a weathered looking mantle around its head. It was darkness and fear, personified. Feeling strangely anxious due to the Slaugh's presence, the blonde street singer began to quickly close up shop like he was in a big hurry to get anywhere but Cafe Amelie's patio right now.<br/>
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<b>"If you wanna git down wid me, we kin pass a good time togetha cher. Lets go!"</b><br/>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">gid down wid me: hang out with, spend time; pass a good time: have fun</div>
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Whatever Ayren had decided the rationale was for accepting the woman's invitation, was kept to himself. Honestly, Ayren thought that she was a safer bet than what he discerned was lurking within the shadows. He would feel much more comfortable when they were safely behind closed and locked doors. Only then would he discuss the terms of his engagement,  the urgent need to leave right now overwhelming. As Ayren picked up his guitar case, he would step in the direction the brunette would take while accompanying him to her place of lodging.<br/>
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His mind was whirling with questions left unasked for the moment.<br/>
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