Chapter Ten: Dawn II
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The aroma of open spirits lingered, An office dwelling dank mood, continuation of rickety and worn midst the grime backwater hovel's it was; minefield of cases, booze laid in stacks upon shelves in organized chaos, just in about ever inch not taken by chair and carved out walkway.
"Walks.. And nimble at that."
Grendel's voice lingered between a puff and smoke, dashing remnants of her cigar to the side. Ceron kept forward, taking care not to knock the idle bottles. Grendel someone who had a connection to the vessel, so Ceron prodded mentally, Asriel had yet to speak, nor had visages of the past resurfaced. Ceron hid the disappointment best he could, emotions of a child...
Ceron almost bowed stopping himself, settling for a nod, "Quite observant, I do in fact walk." The woman huffed, clapped the room turned brighter, abuzz numerous balls glowed overhead in a vase-like lamp. One moved- It had two tiny legs. In the momentary distraction Grendel already sported a cup and poured black liquor.
"Could've stitched you up, by ropes and needles parading that fare bottom across the streets, to the bakery, the armorsmith quarter and common hall.' Grendel swirled the bottle, 'All that red, it was like a coat if I was more senile it would be just a fashion statement" Cuts, tears and scar marks that had a lifetime to them, splotches of blood painted a underlying history.
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Pausing with a long look, Grendel sighed. "Secrets have a life to them own, ready to slither to ears yearning dues all have, you understand Asriel? But that is concern nary to me, how you done it' I wager best in not asking." Ceron inwardly laughed, this woman-- A small box fell from the left, splattering with the distinct chime of shattered glass. And fluffs of feathers, tapping of tiny feet. Gliding into view a one eyed raven, a patch white feather amidst the sea of black perked on it's chest.
"Oi- Tomi you scatterbrain!' Grendel shooed the raven off the rim of her cup, breaking its concentration from liquor to Ceron.
..Kraa-Kraa.
Gurgling the bird hopped closer to the desk edge, as if wanting to be picked up. Extending a finger Ceron scratched the back of the raven's head, which it purred in response. Such a beautiful bird. Numerous more kraa'ing and ruffles, prompted from out behind Grendel's desk. Ten's more of ravens made their presence eyeing Ceron intently. "Not in the slightest had my babies given you any attention before' have you been feeding them behind my back?" Grendel whistled,
"Just sensing one their own.. I'd say.' Ceron now surrounded by three and rising ravens blankly stared, "I appreciate the hospitality." Grendel tossed an envelope, "Past due on your deposit, I don't allow squatters."
Ceron nodded, a smile vaguely slipped "May this be the last we meet."
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