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Lauke followed Cyy'cil to the table, pulling up a stool of his own to listen to the newcomer's tale. The young human listened with great enthusiasm and attention, gasping at the magnitude of Cyy'cil's accident onboard the vessel and smiling at the mention of future plans. Being an individual of humble origins and simple ambitions, Lauke could easily identify with his new tenant. Good thing too, he thought. It just wouldn't do to have strife between a tenant and a landlord - if I can even call myself that. No, just a nice person, like Mom wanted...
"That's quite a tale," Lauke said when Cyy'cil's story ended, gladly shaking the outstretched hand. "I knew it was the right thing to do when I agreed to share my home with you. Oh, speaking of sharing," he added belatedly, "I should tell you my own tale. I have lived in Abestat all my life, and so have my ancestors. My mother told me," and his voice quieted as he removed his bandanna from his head, "that this bandanna belonged to the first of my family to live in Abestat. He was a soldier who served under Emperor Constantine as he conquered Luctadomum."
He was solemn for a moment, then smiled. "At least, that's what mom said. I don't know if it's true or not, but it looks pretty good, don't you think?" he asked, wrapping it around his forehead again and tying a knot.
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