Warren sat before a sputtering candle, the base of the lantern joined by a few seemingly random objects. Calloused fingers moved to each one, turning them over thoughtfully as he reflected on the going-ons of the end of the week, everything before him accumulated by someone else.
He picked up a small bite of chocolate, heart-shaped. It somehow seemed a greater trophy than the remnants of the pile of gil beside it, emblazoned with the mark of the Grindstone. He'd kept his word and split half of the purse with the Captain, and he fully expected that portion of it was already converted into rum via pirate alchemy. His own bit was diminished from pouring drinks for those who ventured with him, following the conclusion, but a fair sum remained.
He let the chocolate rest on the table knowing full well he'd never bring himself to be able to eat it and instead picked up a string of pearls, each beautiful but flawed, their sizes varying and inconsistent. In the center was a carefully carved rune of Menphina. He ran his thumb across the surface, thinking back on the conversation that led to his possession of the item.
"She forgives," he had been told. Warren's brow furrowed subconsciously, immediately questioning his decision to reveal anything about himself to who was more or less a complete stranger. He corrected himself after; He had fought her twice already, and through combat you grow to know someone. He didn't suspect deceit on her end, and he couldn't imagine what she would have to gain from misleading him on that point.
His eyes turned wearily towards the last item on the table, a sack of marbles. He picked up the one loose one, careful not to activate it and thought briefly to their exchange.
"I warned you, I'm not exactly social amongst our brothers and sisters. Everyone I know and trust already has one of these."
"It pains me to admit I feel the same way."
Warren knew better than to trust the high of his days prior. The world had long since beaten into him that you only succeed and find purchase moments before the boot comes down on your neck.
He knew better, but that wouldn't stop a damned thing.
He picked up a small bite of chocolate, heart-shaped. It somehow seemed a greater trophy than the remnants of the pile of gil beside it, emblazoned with the mark of the Grindstone. He'd kept his word and split half of the purse with the Captain, and he fully expected that portion of it was already converted into rum via pirate alchemy. His own bit was diminished from pouring drinks for those who ventured with him, following the conclusion, but a fair sum remained.
He let the chocolate rest on the table knowing full well he'd never bring himself to be able to eat it and instead picked up a string of pearls, each beautiful but flawed, their sizes varying and inconsistent. In the center was a carefully carved rune of Menphina. He ran his thumb across the surface, thinking back on the conversation that led to his possession of the item.
"She forgives," he had been told. Warren's brow furrowed subconsciously, immediately questioning his decision to reveal anything about himself to who was more or less a complete stranger. He corrected himself after; He had fought her twice already, and through combat you grow to know someone. He didn't suspect deceit on her end, and he couldn't imagine what she would have to gain from misleading him on that point.
His eyes turned wearily towards the last item on the table, a sack of marbles. He picked up the one loose one, careful not to activate it and thought briefly to their exchange.
"I warned you, I'm not exactly social amongst our brothers and sisters. Everyone I know and trust already has one of these."
"It pains me to admit I feel the same way."
Warren knew better than to trust the high of his days prior. The world had long since beaten into him that you only succeed and find purchase moments before the boot comes down on your neck.
He knew better, but that wouldn't stop a damned thing.
![[Image: yEROfKO.png]](http://i.imgur.com/yEROfKO.png)
