The moment the words “escaped devil in disguise” are uttered by the woman a few seats down, Na-Eun goes still. Her jaw drops a little in surprise and she blinks a few times at the lady with crumbs in her hair. Clearly dumbfounded by the uncouth behavior on display.
Curious. What society could possibly exist that allows such behavior? Must be normal behavior for foreign commoners. Any normal court would shame her out of town. Hm. Maybe that’s why she’s here.
She quickly collects herself and takes another sip of the wine. ”Ha! A fine jape, my friend. While most people know of Devil Binders and Hellknights from my homeland, few know that they are incredibly boring and suck the soul out of any party. You have nothing to worry about with me,” she finishes with a wink.
Soon after, a man in expensive clothing joins the table. Na-Eun perks up somehow even more when he announces to the entire establishment that he is the benefactor. She waits for him to be seated before addressing him, making a mental note not to touch her wine again since she didn’t bring her own golden straw. I must study up on foreign customs when I have the chance; lest he think me a miserable lout. We already have that position covered and the silent orc surely won’t help me make a good impression.
She bows deeply enough to allow her hair to fall in front of her shoulders, subtly outlining her cleavage. It’s a practiced skill that has worked for her in even the most dire of situations and she is sure that it will secure the job for her here. She goes to cite her perfectly planned and rehearsed introduction but the door of the inn flying open kills the words in her throat. She spins to see a half orc woman spot the table and make a beeline towards her. Oh for heaven’s sake. What now...
The newcomer takes Na-Eun’s hand and introduces herself through slurred words. Not only that but confuses her as the benefactor. Na-Eun is so bewildered that she momentarily freezes, whipping her head back and forth between the benefactor and the newcomer while she thinks of a plan. A cheeky oaf. A stoney mute. And an ill-timed drunkard. At this rate, the benefactor is sure to fire us before he finishes his wine. Well... at least if I fail, I can drink my woes away with the flattering newcomer.
”HA! Yes! Uh- it... is... A PLEASURE INDEED! For I hired you... Ahnsil... to help me with this quest!” she says haltingly with a clearly strained and awkward tone. She isn’t certain how severe it is to insult the host in foreign custom but surely it’s at least frowned upon. ”Obviously you know that the generous Sir Alveedo is the benefactor. Haha! What a silly thought to think otherwise. Haha!”
Ahnsil sits and she winces at the indifferent salute, fighting the urge to facepalm. With the biggest smile she can muster, she forges on. ”Sir Alveedo! It is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Na-Eun and I’ve ventured here from the noble courts of Cheliax to heed your call. I am not aware of any others joining as it were but I’m sure we here can manage! It is a wonderful opportunity I’m certain we are all very excited about and it is my hope that you are equally excited to...” she stops for moment to gasp for breath, not realizing she had attempted to say all of that in just one. ”.... Hire? Us?” she finishes with an attempt at a smile that instead comes out as a nervous grimace.
