The Iron Maiden

Jax walked opened the door to the metal working shop and walked in to find Draegyn glaring out of the front window at his brother and their new companion.

"Hey, have you talked to the smith yet?"

Draegyn looked up from the window and glared at Jax intently.

"Never mind.." Jax spouted quickly before noticing the man almost as large as he is, though much older.

"Hello sir, my name is Jax and I was wondering if perhaps you would armor my fine new boots?"

Jax pointed down at his feet, though the armorer didn't move to look at them, and he was pretty sure he couldn't see them from where he was standing.

"Boy, I'll tell you!" Jax grinned at the man "These new boots are a life saver! My old boots were much too small for my feet. Blistered me up something fierce. These boots were just finished over at the thread shop. That lady over there does some damn fine work. Draegyn made her stay up all last night to finish these boots. Seeing as how she didn't have any that fit my feet pre made or nothing."

Jax looked from Draegyn to the metal worker awkwardly, as no one was responding to his conversation.

"Yeah....hey mister, you got any swords that would be big enough for me? All of the swords I've ever tried to use felt like toothpicks. I mean my shield usually requires 2 hands, but maybe if I just had one in case. I can't say I'm much good with a sword though, I don't much like to cut things. I'm more of a stop you from attacking me kind of guy. Not a cut your guts out fella." Jax chuckled at his joke. Alone.

"Yeah..."

Jax stopped talking, and waited for Namaarie to come inside.

Ari stepped into the building, following the young half faerie in from the streets. He was moving quietly, so nobody noticed he had entered behind the young noble, or "half noble", he laughed to himself at the joke while listening to the exchange between Bjorn and the actual noble. He scoffed at the man complaining about the expensive boots. "This fool didn't earn anything. Born into money and he complains about paying an honest wage for boots for his lackey. What a joke."

"I don't have the gold available. Bear, do you agree to his contingencies, even though that's going to set us back yet another day?"

Ari decided to speak up "Excuse me, Sir Noble, I do apologize for ease dropping, but I may be of some assistance."

Surprised everyone looked at the doorway, and him.

"I happen to have 300 coins in my purse here." Ari smiled slyly at Bjorn, who's expression changed as soon as he saw Ari. "If you can provide another 100, I'm sure Bjorn wouldn't mind giving me a discount of 80 coins." Ari gave Bjorn a toothy smile, he understood the message.

"That will serve" Bjorn drew his eyes to his feet.

"Ah, good, I do have a favor to ask of you, though, nobleman. Please keep the royal family in your prayers, as I fear they have fallen into danger of late."

Ari walked over to the counter, beside the noble, and dropped his promised about on the table.

"And Bjorn, I do hope you find someone to move those ores, I can't have my investment looking so....shabby."

Ari turned his attention to the nobleman and outstretched his hand.

"Do excuse my manors, My name is Ari, Im known around the city as Ari the Kind."

Namaarie stood back and watched the interaction between the three of them; Ari, Draegyn, and the smith. Namaarie noticed something putrid about Ari; not in the way he smelled, but in his presence- his very entity. "Don't accept that money Draegyn- I don't think it's completely necessary to accept money from a stranger." Namaarie glanced at Ari, trying not to be too obvious that he didn't trust him. "Jax, if I'm able to help you carry some ore, I will."

Jax looked from Draegyn, to Ari, and back to Namaarie.

"I don't mind working for my boots. That ore doesn't look too heavy! But thank you, Sir." Jax grinned at Ari and looked again at Namaarie. "Don't worry about it Namaarie, I can handle it."

Ari smiled "I love to see a man who's willing to work for what he has. But I insist. Think of it not as a gift, or charity, but as a thank you for being patrons at this establishment. A discount, if you will."

Jax smiled "A discount! Well thank you sir! I was warned this city was a dangerous place, but I have seen nothing but kindness from everyone, minus the blue man who was bothering that woman. This will save us much time on our quest as well!"

Jax looked to Draegyn for a response....

Ari looked at Draegyn with kind eyes "I do apologize, I didn't mean to impose. I am an investor in almost every shop in the City. I try to assist someone in need at least once a day. I saw an opportunity, I didn't mean to offend. I really should be on my way, in any case." Looked at Bjorn "My dear Bjorn, our business meeting will have to wait, I'm afraid, I only came by to reschedule. I have business at Bone Chill Manor I must attend to post haste."

Ari turned and looked at the Giant "Sir, that shield is quite impressive, I do hope these boots serve you well" he then turned to Naamarie "and a good day to you as well, sir." He dipped his head and started for the door...

Jaximus took off his boots and handed them to Bjorn.

"Thank you, sir" and gave him a smile.

As Ari complimented his shield, he patted it and nodded at him.

Then he realized "wait, he is going to Bone Chill manor too? That's odd."

As if Namaarie had read his mind, he asked the question. Jax looked to see if Draegyn had noticed as well...