[Valan Quinn]

“Oh, yes, I have.” He laughed. “Since the moment I met you.” He smiled and leaned back casually into his chair as he continued. “I agree. I don’t care much for politicians anyway, although I travel around so much that their policies rarely affect me personally.” he said with a sigh.

" That will be sixty realms for it all."

Valan nodded at the server and dug feverously into his pocket for the required coinage. But when he looked up, she had already made off with what Elmaryia had given her. “Elma- What do you think you’re doing?” he scolded. “You don’t get to pay for stuff like that.” He paused and sat straight up into his chair, as if at attention. “As your brother, and a gentleman… I won’t allow it!” he yelled gallantly, perhaps overacting. Valan smiled and slid a small pouch of sixty crowns across the table. “You’ve got enough to worry about as it is.”

Valan popped at strawberry into his mouth. “Aha! Perfect! Not too ripe at all- try one.” He nudged the bowl of strawberries over to Elmaryia. “A criminal?” he laughed. “Well, no. Not yet anyways. And I suppose you’re not too bothersome after a while.” Val said with a wink.

“Well, I don’t actually do anything for the empire, I just happen to be out in it.” He paused as he took a sip of his wine. “That is to say… the reason I left home is…” The human bit the side of his cheek, wondering what phrase to use. “… I left home to become a swordsman. A renowned duelist, I guess you could say.” Valan slumped back into his chair again, blushing slightly. “Well, I suppose it does sound a bit silly when you say it out loud.” He remarked as he looked away.