[Tiburon] [U] The Sunken Barrel Tavern

[Ryker]

Ryker had heard enough. He rose from his shadowy corner and approached the now crowded table.
"If it's pirates you're hunting, you'll want my help."
Ryker lifted his hand.
"No need for pay though, I've got my own reasons."
He added, hoping to satisfy any objections.

[Magikeeper]

Dalton smiled at that last bit. "See, Garza, things are looking up!" The hunter turned towards Ryker. "These own reasons include anything we should know about, or is this more a personal matter against pirates in general?"

[Darby]

"In my experience, people who risk life and limb for no pay make nervous."

[Ryker]

"You're some smart fellas. No need to worry in this case, I have a personal deal when it comes to pirates."

[Kage]

Kage merely smirked at the final response. To Kaia, he telepathically said "Do me a favor, try and know where that guy is at all times and let me know if you lose sight of him." Then to the group around him, Ryker in particular, he spoke. "I think you you have us confused for naive people. No one walks up, doesn't give their name, and offers to go on a risky job out of the goodness of their heart. And you said the first time you had personal reasons, which is fine I don't care, but your reiteration of it being personal now makes me wonder. If your reasons are anything likely to improve the odds of me getting harmed, I want to know so I can blame you later." Despite the slightly aggressive phrasing Kage chose, his tone was overall neutral.

[Ryker]

"Had I known how insistent you'd be I'd have been more direct."
Ryker locked eys with Kage, attempting to communicate that he was not one to be messed with.
"I have a past involving crime, and a lot of it. I'm just trying to tie up loose ends. One less pirate means one less mouth that knows too many of my secrets. I've heard rumors that an old pirate that I've worked with a couple of times was on that ship. I need to make sure he's gone."
Ryker's hand slowly moved to rest on Thief's hilt, simply to show Kage he was more than all bark.

[Magikeeper]

The spirit within Kage's sword noted she was on it. {This might work out in our favor, but it kills any hope of sneaking past the pirates without a fight. If there are any.}

Meanwhile, Garza hiccuped in surprise at Ryker's statement. "Crime? You're a-" Dalton cuts him off with a sudden offering of drink "You must try this. I think it has this odd spice in it that makes it simply irresistible!" The already drunk Garza tries a bit of the drink (which appears to be the same as all the others), and by the time he's stopped complaining of the lack of spice his train of thought is fully lost.

Dalton turns to the others "So, how about we continue this discussion while walking to my ship? I think if we find what Garza here is looking for he'll pay up, and if not I'll make it worth your while, that sound good to everyone?"

[Ryker]

"Lead the way"
Ryker stood up straight and stretched out his arm signalling for them to pass. He smirked at Garza when the two looked at each other.
"Right this way my lord."
Ryker said sarcastically to Kage.

[Kage]

Kage simply watched Ryker with a look of mild confusion. It appeared he felt the need to defend his own honor. Whatever the case, it was no where near enough to get a physical rise from Kage. "To be so willing to fight to defend things that only bother you is not a sign of a stable mind. Your reason is a reasonable one. That was all you needed to say. Calm down a bit, and you will probably live longer." He stood and followed Dalton out of the bar. As he did, he created a Shaded Eye and held it in his hand such that he could see behind him and keep Ryker in view without being obvious. He knew Kaia would help him if needed too.

[Ryker]

"Never claimed to have a stable mind."
Ryker whispered to himself after Kage's last comment. He followed the group from the table.
"So, Kage, I've given you my reasons for being here. Care to share yours? Or are you just another merc killing for fun?"