[Valan Quinn]

“Your not? Well, why not? I mean, I agree that you should help your friend, but if you can kill two birds with one stone, I say go for it! Or do you not have any interest in politics?” he inquired. Valan figured she sounded a little too excited about this trip she was making. Who was this Straylor? “I may have to ‘meet’ him one brightening.” he thought. Valan cracked his knuckles.

“Oh, good. I only get a chance to eat them every once in a while.” remarked the swordsman. He leaned forward in his chair, propping his elbow on the table, and resting his chin on his palm. “Well, when you think about it, my fund is limited, too. It’s limited to what it is right now.” Valan sighed and continued. “It probably won’t get any larger. In fact, it’ll just run out. And If I had a choice between sooner or later, then I say, why not sooner?” he laughed, jingling the coins he had in his pocket.

Valan nudged Elma under the table with his foot. “Hey! Quiet you!” he chuckled, turning slightly red in his cheeks.

“I appreciate the offer, although I regret to say that I may not be able to stay with you for good, now.” he said, with his sorrowful tone in his voice. “Say, I haven’t even told you what it is I’m actually doing about in the Empire, have I?”