A weary sigh leaves your lips as you stare down at the prone Paladin, his blue eyes staring up at you like you were his last lifeline.

You’re not a fan of Jhairo… not really. Sure, he’s a lot more agreeable when he isn’t melting your ears with his constant shouting and ‘Ye Olden Yore’ language, but you doubt he’d be as civil if he connected the dots about your little field trip to the crime scene or your demonic pals!

And yet… he’s been really friendly tonight. To you, to your pals–the jury’s still out on TT– and to Volka, the girl still watching things unfold with concern in her eyes.

A part of you almost enjoys seeing this knight in shining armor knocked off his proverbial ‘steed’... but another part can see the quiet pain behind his expression… and the plea beneath his blue eyes.

You aren’t sure if it’s anything big, you begin in a measured tone, making sure to keep your voice down amidst the sea of tavern patrons, but while you were foraging with Morook around Crossroads you, well… found this.

OW!

Despite TT mounting a bold assault of nips and a few sensual licks on your hand, you manage to fish some of the BURNT PARCHMENT you pilfered from the Ritual Site you arrived in out of your pocket! You’re no expert on the subject, you add as you hand the document over to Jhairo for perusal, but some other documents mentioned a CULT OF THE BURROWER? And a… LORD LARIUS?

For a moment you can almost swear the tavern goes silent as the name leaves your lips. Before you can ponder it at length, however, you feel a massive claw grab you by the collar!

“This…” Jhairo stammers, “This is… wh-where did you find this!?”

Seeing Volka’s mouth open to answer, you swiftly respond with a half-truth: there were some ruins, you mutter! A few days to the South!

“WHICH RUINS!?” He hisses through clenched teeth as he pulls you closer to his face!

You almost let it slip, but remember Liz and Rezzie! If he runs into either of them…!

Th-they were… near the road, you gasp! O-on the way to RYTZO!

Rising to his feet with you in tow, Jhairo’s gentle eyes dilate like a shark’s as his clenched teeth begin to tremble! Morook and Volka shoot each other worried glances as the activity in the bar skids to a screeching halt!

All eyes are on you now, even Inngo’s–the gruff innkeeper two seconds away from leaping the bar from the look in his gaze!

“This…” Growls Jhairo, the Templar lifting you even higher, “This is…”

"SoOoo hIiiiighhh... heheh~"

NOT NOW, TT!

>CONTD.