The land of the Gods (Complete)

Chapter 5 - Edan

Exactly a week later, Edan found himself sitting at the counter in Tom's bar, draped in black pants, tunic, vest and a long black pea coat. He had a single playing card in his hand and was spinning it around his fingers, allowing it to trail along his knuckles. Both his elbows were resting on the counter he had his head bowed in what he hoped people would think a drowsy resting position.

All the while his mind was racing. If he was being honest, Edan wasn't sure if Thaleara would even turn up, and was trying to distract himself from the possibility. He didn't know what he'd do if she didn't show. He needed the ring back. He also really wanted some grapes.

He loved grapes.

His hands were still on the card when someone moved into the seat directly beside him. Frowning, Edan moved to look up from the countertop, about to tell whoever had sat that the seat was already taken, when they moved closer to him.

At first Edan was flattered, but he paused, feeling something sharp scratching just beneath his rib. Oh, bugger.

He didn't move, but did look up.

"What is it you want from me, exactly?" Thaleara hissed in his face. Edan just stopped himself from lurching back from her sudden arrival and closeness of her face. So she did come. Not the best hello he'd received, but he was glad to have not been stood up.

Now up close, Edan could see that Thaleara's eyes were a bright emerald green. She had a few miscellaneous freckles dotting her nose, and her hair hung in tight waves. She would've been attractive if she wasn't sneering in his face. That, and the small dagger she held to his rib. It was really killing the mood.

Edan could barely breathe from fear that he was going to get impaled at any moment. This was very different from the innocent young lady he helped a week ago. He was internally screaming at himself to not do anything stupid as he slowly moved his right hand up to be in line with Thaleara's eyes and flashed the card he was holding; a red joker.

"Was this your card?" he asked politely, feigning confidence he didn't have. He was honestly terrified of this woman right now.

The blade pressed closer to him, no doubt slicing the fabric of his coat and Edan winced. The coat had cost him a small fortune.

Thaleara moved closer, and practically growled at him. "What do you want from me?"

Edan lowered the card he'd flashed her and gave a small, pained smile. Gods, she was intimidating. "My ring."

Thaleara stilled, eyes darting across the room to see who was listening.

Ah. He smirked at her.

She'd obviously noticed the pattern engraved in the side, then. The symbol of magic. He'd thought not only was it suiting, but would stop anyone from stealing it. If they happened to, they would probably return it, for fear of being even associated with the symbol.

Not Thaleara, though. She hadn't returned it.

He continued on.

"I have to admit, I was impressed when I reached my apartment and found everything missing. You can keep the gold, I'll even let you have the apartment-" he grinned at her, "-remind me to give you the address when you aren't threatening me with a dagger."

She scowled, but he continued, "But I'm afraid the ring was off limits. You see, I need that ring back."

Thaleara listened to him, eyes narrowed in suspicion, and the blade never wavering. Edan could practically hear the cogs moving in her mind, the internal debate of whether to tell him the truth or not. After a few moments of silence she replied. "Too late. You lost it. Sold."