Game On

Chapter Four: "For Honor"

Sean wanted to ask Mark questions about the NPC that he found so attractive, but clenched his jaw shut. It wouldn't do him any good to start a fight with Mark over it. He didn't want to fight. Upon entering into a cozy tavern, Sean froze as all the NPCs turned to look at them before falling into silence. Sean's wings twitched nervously as he took in their sharp glares. He had known this would eventually happen. Midgard was the realm of Mortals. They didn't get along well with other races. It was the same for other realms. They all wanted to protect their realms and towns from being taken over by another race. Mark reached back to drape an arm over his shoulders to pull him in, ignoring the stares from the NPCs as he told him coolly. "Over here. This spot is nice." Taking a seat, Sean shifted uncomfortably as he whispered to Mark. "Mark, I don't think this is a good idea... What if they turn hostile?" Mark flashed him a smirk, whispering back a little playfully. "Relax. They are low level. We can handle them easily."

Sean narrowed his eyes on Mark over his tightly clasped hands, but Mark just shrugged at him casually. Lowering his hands away from his mouth, Sean leaned back against the corner wall of the building. He took in the cozy tavern and tried to tell the NPCs from players. It was so difficult to tell since NPCs had set daily routines and their conversations were rather open to interactions. Even their different mannerisms were so realistic. Looking to Mark, he tried to see his health bar. However, without touching him or without him being in battle, it was impossible to see it. Shortly after they had seated themselves, a woman approached them, and Sean's jaw dropped. She was the last thing he had expected to see here. She wasn't dressed like the other women in or around the tavern. She was dressed like a Vikings version of a belly dancer. She was slender in frame but every inch of her was covered in lean muscle. Her dark leather skirt was cut in long strips that flowed around her long legs when she walked. Her leather bra and belt were decorated in animal claws that rattled as she moved.

Her long dark red hair was loose except for two braids that hung down her broad bare shoulders to keep her bangs out of her eyes. All over her was war paint that made her bright green eyes stand out. She touched Mark's shoulder, leaning closer as she excitedly stated over the soft music to him. "Hey, stranger. You came back. Everything ok with your friend?" Sean wanted to kick Mark under the table as he watched him perk up and grin at her like a drooling dog. Touching her arm, Mark gestured to Sean and told her without looking away. "Yes. This is him. Sean, meet Valorie. Valorie, this is Sean." Sean tried not to glare at her or sound bitter when he uttered out under his breath. "Hi." Valorie gave him a warm smile, purring out to him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sean. Mark has told me a lot about you." Meeting her eyes for the first time, Sean asked her a bit numbly. "What has he said about me?" Mark chuckled, releasing Valorie's arm as she moved closer to Sean. Sean stayed still, feeling ready to fight her. She reached out to trace a finger along his pointed Elf ear, telling him coolly. "He told me that you were an Elf. One of the Light Bringers. You're as cute as he described."

The tension left Sean's body as he looked to Mark and asked a little stunned. "You told her that I was cute?" Mark snorted, stating out in a guarded tone. "Don't all the girls say that about you?" Sean winced internally and looked away toward the wall. That felt like a jab at him. He deserved it. He'd played that off a lot to make Mark jealous. Before the silence could set between them, Valorie asked them. "Can I get you boys anything? Drinks? Food? A dance?" Sean's eyes darted to Mark. Had he requested to see her dance? Mark smiled at her, telling her without hesitation. "We'll have two pints of mead. I'll have some of that meat and carrot stew with a loaf of fresh bread. And a plate of glazed turkey legs. Oh, and a side of buttered corn on the cob. Thanks." She grinned, then tapped Sean's shoulder and asked with a light blush. "And for you?" Sean didn't feel very hungry now as he told her dryly. "Water." Mark narrowed his eyes on him suspiciously, before telling her without a smile. "Bring over a fruit and vegetable plate to snack on while we wait. Please?" She nodded, then swayed her hips as she walked away.