With a smirk, Caine just nodded. Yes, he had his own collection of mementos from his favorite spats but they weren't nearly as tangible as the the scars written across Ace's body. He was a vain creature and, whenever he could afford to avoid them, he tended quickly to his wounds to avoid any further marks on his body. Despite his clean and handsome appearance, he had a few ugly reminders that were never going to fade. He wasn't eager to think about any of them, nor show them off for his own private reasons.<br/><br/>His new traveling companion traced the path of his gaze and the curve on his face deepened. "Of course. I wouldn't want to interrupt your hunting. Especially not in these parts. Rather sparse of worthy game." Lingering in his tone was a tease as he leaned back. With a deep breath, he looked toward the door. "Him? Well, I have the deepest feeling in my gut telling me that he'd rather sleep outdoors like an animal. The present company made him feel uncomfortable. Us, no exception of course. No. He's all business. I doubt he'll be sullying his good image in a place like though I'd give a hefty bit of gold to anyone who could lure him in. I think we'll all need to be at our peak and, his kind? They always seem to enjoy living on the edge of exhaustion. How noble."<br/><br/>With a shake of his head, he slipped back off his stool and onto his feet. Sure they'd only just met but he guessed that not even Ace found their other traveling companion too hard to read. It really was a wonder that he'd made it this far. Still, Caine had to remind himself, it was a blessing as well. Having them both there was a boon he hadn't been expecting and he wouldn't be passing up the opportunity.<br/><br/>"Well, have fun with your little hunt. Bit of fair warning though," Caine leaned in a little closer, motioning his head back toward the man that Ace had been eyeing, "there might be a chip on his shoulder but there's a dagger under his right arm, too. Good make, heavy weighted. Just wouldn't like to see you become acquainted with it was you're wanting to him."<br/><br/>With a playful smirk, the dark haired male took a few steps back and turned away. He'd already set up his room for the evening, having paid in advance by a few days. Sparing a glance toward the door, he didn't have to go looking for Dane to know that the man had probably found some place to perch for the night. Like any man on the run, a brush with those trying to become too familiar might end up with one of the man ears in the inn overhearing something that could be traced back to him. Caine couldn't fault him for the caution. It was smart and safe. He only hoped that the man would continue to use that wit in their travels. Gods knew they were going to need it.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Outside Dane sunk the first few inches of his blade into the dirt, hands leaning atop it and back up against a thick set of sapplings and bramble. He hadn't gone too far from the tavern and despite all thoughts to the contrary, he'd eventually make his way back in. He'd wait until the early hours when the dull murmur of voices had quieted down and most of the lanterns were laid to rest. He didn't need anyone getting overly curious about him and he wasn't going to partake in any conversation to pass the time while there were so many eyes all around them.<br/><br/>He was well aware it wasn't the nicest way to start a job but being loose with his tongue wasn't a luxury he had these days. While he'd remain cautious, he wouldn't be as guarded while they were on the road and far away from so many who had palms that were easily greased. He'd come too far to make any silly little mistakes.<br/><br/>Head bowing forward, his eyes closed as he listened to the distant conversations and the white noise of the forest around them. After only a few  moments, he began to nod off. As his exhausted mind relaxed, so too did his normally iron tight hold on his consciousness. All in one breath, the sounds of the insects and in the wind became muffled around him. The thud, thud, thud of steps filled his ears. A few steady breaths. Then, a warbling tha-thump, thump, tha-thump.<br/><br/>Somebody in the tavern had a weak heart.<br/><br/>His eyes flew open, the sounds of the night flooding back in.<br/><br/>"Stop it," he chided himself, lowering his chin back down against his chest. He forced his gaze to tear away from the distant lights and to the dirt where it belonged. A roll of his shoulders marked how uncomfortable he was in his own skin before he finally became peaceful and still again, reciting old and familiar prayers inside his head.