The sun was just barely beginning to rise over the bay as the scholar sat down, his feet hanging over the ledge of the roof he was on. A pungent smell filled the air as Tobias Stalt lit his pip and took several puffs from it, exhaling a cloud of smoke. Blood caked the scholar’s face from a bar fight that had ended nary an hour ago, and already the pain was fading to slow ache that would linger for days to come. Rays of orange and gold began to fill the air, painting the sky with its glory as the water seemed to ignite with color.
Vince’s breath hung in his throat for a moment.
Beauty seemed to fill the town of Radasanth at that moment. Everyone was either asleep, or just starting their day leaving this picturesque moment to the two of them and whoever else had the good fortune to be awake at this moment. A sloshing sound snapped Vincent out of his stupor. He turned and found a wineskin being offered to him by the mercenary.
“Ale, it’ll help with the pain.” Stalt grunted. The scholar greedily took the container and raised it to his lips. The resulting taste was so vile the scholar gagged and spat the amber liquid out.
“Fuckin’ hell.” He spat. “This tastes like shit!” The mercenary stifled a chuckle.
“You get used to it over the years.” He murmured between pulls on his pipe. “Someday there will come a day where you need it. Just take a sip and swallow, don’t think about the taste.” The scholar looked the wineskin over for a moment before taking another swig and swallowing. The alcohol stung the injuries in his mouth, but soon a wave of calm began to wash over him after a few more sips. A comfortable numbness was spreading over his face and body. He passed the wineskin back to Stalt and sat in silence, watching the golden light of dawn chase away the dusk.
“Beautiful.” The scholar cooed, kicking his feet slightly.
“Ain’t it?” The mercenary asked. “Best seat in the house if you ask me.” He took a pull of his pipe and eyed the scholar for a moment before offering it to him. Vince stared down at the pipe for a moment before taking it gingerly from the man.
“I’ve never smoked before…” he muttered.
“Mama Leona not let you?” The mercenary jabbed chuckling.
“It’s bad for you.” Vincent replied raising an eyebrow.
“So is this occupation Vince. Men like us don’t live long doing the work we do…” The man replied. Vince paused for a moment and took a puff, filling his mouth with the acrid taste of tobacco before coughing it out.
“There we go.” The mercenary grunted laughing. The scholar passed the pipe back and stared off into the sunset for what felt like forever, letting the alcohol drag the pain from his body. “Feelin better?”
“Yeah…” the scholar replied kicking his legs. “Thanks,” The two sat in silence for an indeterminate amount of time. It could have been just a few moments, or an hour, neither of them could tell anymore. Finally Stalt broke the silence.
“Let’s go get some grub.”
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