Xarces was all smiles as Alizome speaks back to him, mentioning the inspiration he had given her, Xarces nodding knowingly as that is what he had been striving to do amongst his companions all along. he happy to have it acknowledged as most people may simply laugh at him where he to tell them that his songs where a valuable asset in any battle. It was nice to see that his efforts where appreciated. Though Xarces would not admit it, thoughts of embracing the elven woman had swam through his head, as he had been all but certain that he may never see her again upun seeing her struggling within the powerful jaw's of the elasmosaurus. Even so it would come as a surprise when she stops mid sentence, and instead of saying thanks as he thinks she shall, she pushes forward and embraces him in a wet, yet very warm embrace, before he can even react he finds that her mouth is pressed against his.<br/><br/>In that brief moment Xarces' enjoys the sensation of his soft lips pressing back to hers, feeling their mouths forming and sliding pleasurably against each other, the mixture of blood and dino saliva that covered them both making for a very wet and sloppy, primal kiss......suiting really. Even still Xarces' heart would flutter within his chest, and just as he begins to lose himself to the moment, just as his tongue begins to push forward, seeking to bridge the gap between celestial and elf, she pulls away. Leaving the tip of his tongue to dangle lazily from his lips, a dreamy glazed look in his half lidded eyes as he stands dumbfounded simply watching her go. It would seem that the passion behind her kiss had left the bard, whom was never short on things to say, utterly speechless. His eyes darting down to watch her backside sway as she walks, then back up to her blood slicked hair. Only after she had called out 'thanks' would he regain enough sense to say "N...no...thank you...!" As he was still rather flustered, (be still my beating heart...) he tells himself seeking to calm down.<br/><br/>That night Xarces would sleep soundly, he thinking back often to the brief kiss he had shared with Alizome. Unable to put his finger on as to why it had effected him so. Perhaps it was because the two shared a certain fascination that would be looked down upon, and even shunned in most parts of the world. Perhaps it was because they both where skilled and lived to bring others pleasure, and as such even the act of kissing was elevated to something much more enjoyable. Then again perhaps it had to do with the intense and desperate battle they had just shared, that they both knew how it felt to be trapped helplessly within the jaws of the monster, to feel it's tongue tasting your flesh, the sound of it's hungry belly calling out so very far below. That and the fact that at one point he feared he might lose his attractive friend to the jaws of that beast, that out of desperation his music had seen her escape, that he himself had all but given up between those mighty jaws.....yet somehow they both got free, they both lived, to fight side by side and slay the gigantic beast. Being bathed together in the singular gout of blood that signaled the end of that prehistoric creature's life........whatever the case Xarces would muse about such fancies, as he found sleep.<br/><br/><br/>The next day would bring about a display on deck not unlike much of the other bickering that had gone on between captain and employer. Xarces already had his uncertainties about the man, though he had confronted him once already and as such was simply at the point of accepting the fact he may or may not be hiding anything from them about their expedition. Even so, he did at times, seem genuinely concerned for their safe return. Though whether or not this was out of care for their lives, or care for not receiving his item after all the expense he had put into it was yet to be seen. If he was like most business types Xarces had dealt with in the past, it was the latter, as often times the hired help was expendable, mere fodder to ensure that the wealthy patrons needs where met. Likely where he and Alizome to have perished in the belly of that monster, Xarces would guess Surkil would not have shed a tear over their loss. As after all he had compensated them for the dangers, and the threat of adding to a monsters girth was all part of the job they singed up for.<br/><br/><br/>Once they had docked, Xarces would make a point to get himself properly cleaned up and as presentable as possible. He swinging by the local tailor to pick up a fresh set of clothes even, keeping with the bright reds, and dark greys and blacks that he was so famously known to wear. After that he would set about getting information on their destination, searching the public to see if anyone could point him in the direction of a guide or at the very least one that could give him more detailed information on the area they where going to be headed into.<br/><br/>[[<a class="postlink" href="http://orokos.com/roll/118209">Gather information</a>:<span style="text-decoration: underline">1d20+19</span><span style="font-weight: bold">21</span>XD almost just as bad XD but at least it's not a 1 >.< ]]<br/><br/>Xarces seemed likewise preoccupied as he went from shop to shop asking around the town. Yet even still his natural charm was more then most could muster even whilst trying their hardest. As it was Xarces was not pleased with the manner in which his attempts where going, whether or not he found any leads or not. (I think....I need to relax a bit...too much has happened recently for me to be pandering to the needs of shop keeps, of saying exactly what they want to hear.....) he thinks to himself as he would decide to head to the local tavern. (A drink may clear my head, and such places are often the best sources of information...) he convinces himself. (If nothing else, I can make some spare coin by performing....alcohol always seems to loosen their wallets.)<br/><br/>Xarces finds a suitable location easily enough and once within Xarces works his way through the interior naturally, ever at home in any social environment. As such a location was a breath of fresh air to him, in relation to the battle at sea. He working to shoot his charming smile at the women he passed by, pulling himself up to the bar and kindly, yet assertively asking for a drink. Xarces was impartial to the particulars of said beverage, as with the way things where going today he cared not for the flare or style, simply that it was alcoholic in nature. Once he had his drink in hand, he would begin looking around the bar, now that his primary reason for coming was taken care of, he looks for anyone he may work to squeeze any information out of. As he does so he happens to notice an elven woman, upon looking closer, he could swear it was Alizome. (great minds think alike?) he wonders as he turns back to the bar. "I would like to order that pretty elven maiden over there a drink, the finest you've got." he eloquently tells the barkeep, slipping them the appropriate coin as he simply awaits the drink to be delivered, ready to smile and nod at her once she is pointed out who ordered said drink for her.