Luckily, despite Sigrun's..<span style="font-style: italic">unique</span>nature, even she understood Riu as he explained Larea's muteness. The knight returned to her own personal space, and the conversation came to a very quick close, with Riu and Sigrun returning to their room. Learin turned his attention back to Larea, apologizing for the inconvenience and thanking her for her help. She responded by offering him a smile and shaking her head to assure him it was no trouble; after all, she didn't have much else to do in the first place. She gave him a small bow as he said goodnight, and then headed downstairs to renew her artistic efforts.<br/><br/>********<br/><br/>Hours passed, and before she knew it, the sun was beginning to set outside. She looked down at her notebook, seeing that the picture was more or less complete, and sighed contentedly; despite only recently arriving in Veloen, it already felt like a place worth settling down in. She had work, there was plenty of food to be found, the people were kind, and she was already making friends...oh. Friends that were going to be leaving tomorrow. The thought just now dawned on her, and it brought with it a slight frown. Even if she wanted to follow them, there was no way she could brave a trip to the Calleran Islands; it wasn't exactly the most forgiving place, and somehow she felt even less prepared to deal with it than the young boy she had met mere hours ago seemed to be. No, going there would be insane for someone like her. She wasn't cut out for it, even if it meant she would have to say goodbye. With a slightly heavier heart, she purchased a room for the night and headed upstairs, drifting off to sleep not long after.<br/><br/>********<br/><br/>With the rising of the sun came the rising of patrons; Larea didn't have long after waking up to settle herself in and eat breakfast before being set to work, cleaning messes and bringing meals to those in need, travelers and locals alike. It wouldn't be long before everyone from yesterday was up and about, though she didn't know when they would be leaving. With any luck, she would be allowed the time to send them off, at least.<br/><br/>--------<br/><br/>"So it's that simple, is it? Just bring it to the lake and let them take it?" spoke a crimson-haired woman, barely above a whisper. She leaned back in her chair and brought her mug to her lips, downing the rest of her drink in one swift motion. "And you said the pay was how much?"<br/>The hooded figure in front of her leaned forward, clutching the nape of its cloak to a close. "500 up front, 500 upon delivery. Fair enough terms, I assume?"<br/>"Music to my ears", replied the first, a grin forming on her face. "Of course, I won't be welcome back here again, now will I? Where will I find you? I would just<span style="font-style: italic">hate</span>to be disappointed.." she continued, removing a dagger from her belt and twirling it between her fingers.<br/>A grin was visible underneath the shadow obscuring the hooded figure's face. "You'll find the rest near the drop location. While I'm sure you're a woman of her word, the money won't be there if you don't have the package."<br/>"Ooh, are you saying you don't trust me?" said the redhead, leaning forward across the table and smiling seductively. A moment of silence followed, with the two simply staring at each other. "Now I know you're smart enough to not cross me. Consider the job taken," she continued, smoothly sheathing her dagger and returning to her resting position.<br/>"Then the deal is complete," the figure spoke, rising from its seat. "I look forward to seeing your talents utilized to their fullest." Seeing their arrangement finished, the figure took to leaving the tavern as discreetly as possible, leaving behind the redhead.