Stian stopped for a second and admired the wings for a lingering second. The heavy black framed a vibrant red set against the alabaster white. He could only judge that from her face but he could imagine the skin underneath was only paler. It seemed as if only a master smith could produce these colors. The wings themselves looked as frail as spun glass but had the strength to carry a body to the heavens. Truly masterful... Stian began to let his mouth gape a bit before he shook his head and cleared his thoughts. “Showing off a little bit?” Stian said as he turned on his heel and started towards the an older area of town. The buildings there were slightly darker than those in other areas. Many bore scorch marks and large slashes in stone, a tribute to the battles seen here. Dojoville has seen countless sieges and enough battles to destroy a thousand races. It was harrowing to think of the blood spilled here

"No just closing them."says Estonia [i]She had fully closed by now. Each wing folding neatly over the other as she soon hid them under the cloak she had been wearing as she prefer clearly to keep them covered when not flying.[/i]

Stian grunted. It was synonymous with an acknowledgement. Curls of pale smoke could be seen rising from the chimneys and vents of the buildings. As they crossed the threshold of the village, something became immediately apparent. The scent was drastically different than the one of the Dojo. It was obviously a poorer area of the village, but Stian had no quarrels. He was used to poverty. But perhaps the girl was not... “Hope you don’t mind the smell. The restaurant isn’t in the greatest area of town” Just as the sun passed its zenith, Stian stopped in front of blank faced building. Nothing about it indicated it was a restaurant.

[i]even though she couldn't remember why the place he was leading her through didn't bother her or make her jumpy in the slightest. As she had stopped when he had. It didn't smell that bad here really it could always smell worse.[/i]

Stian entered a narrow alleyway between the blank faced building and what seemed like an apartment complex. A steel door only a few meters down was on the right. Stian approached it and entered a series of rapid knocks. 1-2-2-1-4 He waited. After about five minutes he entered them again. 1-2-2-1-4 Soon the voice of an old woman who had been smoking for far too long answered. [i]”Wrong code. If you wanted to catch us you need more recent updates” [/i] “Are you admitting guilt already Crane?” Silence was his only reply for a second before a large bolt was heard scraping across metal. A weathered old woman of about 80 stared with daggers. She wore an ancient dress of faded green and a small white hat. Her hair was tied in a neat bun and she held an intricate cane that didn’t match at all. [i]”Steve was it? No no no... Scrape... Sloan...” [/i] “Stian. Good to see you too, Crane” [i]”That’s right, Sylvester. Now why are you here?”[/i] “For your delicious meals of-“ [i]”Quit telling people I’m a restaurant. You know how many people stop by now?”[/i] The woman waved her free hand and started inside. [i]”You’re already here so come on in”[/i] Stian turned to the young girl, “As you can see I’m quite popular” [i]”No, you’re not, Scrag”[/i]

"uh okay.."says Estonia [i]she didn't say much as followed after him. She had glanced quite shyly over at the older woman that was saying his name wrong.[/i]

Stian followed the old woman with confidence and whispered back to the young girl. “Don’t worry. She acts meaner than she is. Really a softie if you ask me” [i]”I’m only going blind, not deaf. I swear I I’ll kick your teeth in”[/i] “Charming. Are you really going to act like that for a first-timer?” The old woman mumbled something to herself as she passed through a curtained off section of the building. On the other side a small affair of about half a dozen tables greeted them. All but two had 4 seats to them. The latter had 8. Low, dim Chinese lamps sat at intervals on the ceiling rafters. There was a stage towards the back of the room. It was just the right size for a 16-piece orchestra. It gave the feel of an old speakeasy set in an older Asian tone. The old woman headed back towards the stage, while Stian took a seat at one of the smaller tables. He gestured towards the seat across from him. “Take a seat. That old woman may be a little harsh but her sons are much nicer. Though here’s hoping we don’t get her daughter...” Stian said the last part under his breathe, then turned to look for her reaction. [spoiler]Sorry. Caught up with work[/spoiler]

[i]it was confused look on her face but she's more focused on look at everything for a quick second. Before looking back at him to answer.[/i] "Oh okay i will take your word for it."says Estonia [spoiler]is fine been working too [/spoiler]

He worked his scabbard free from his position at his waist and leaned it against the table. Stian sighed. He was still tired and losing energy. He wouldn’t last without something to eat. Just as he was thinking that a young boy, maybe 19, came from towards the stage and ran to the table where he spoke rapidly to Stian in an old, complex language. Definitely of Eastern decent. Stian gestured towards the young girl and rattled something back at the boy. He nodded and smiled at the young girl. [b]”Hi. I’m Shou. Can I get you drink?”[/b] His English was patchy and broken but the message got across. Stian patiently sat and hummed an off tune to himself. Yet it was strangely relaxing. The boy was about to bounce off the walls waiting. He seemed very quick paced.

"Just water please"says Estonia [i]Estonia was the complete opposite of the boy as she shyly answered him. [/i]

The boy nodded vigorously and took off towards the stage. “Good kid, that one” Stian turned to look at the girl and prompted. “We haven’t got around to any names yet. We can start with something easy. I’m Stian and I’m a magician, I guess. Mage. Warlock. Whatever it is nowadays. Can I ask yours?”