After the last few months of travelling the surface world, Barynn Garmold was certain that nothing could amaze her any longer. After seeing the sky for the first time and seeing the ocean for the first time, and seeing her first tree, her first city, and her first flower, she wasn't sure what more was left that could steal the words from her lips and take her breath away. The surface world was utterly astonishing, and Barynn still couldn't believe on how much she'd missed during her life below the ground. It had taken her a while to become accustomed to the fact that she wasn't, in fact, going to fall into the sky, but once she became comfortable with the surface, everything was new and exciting.

To Barynn, it had been an incredible journey so far. She'd stopped in the first town she'd found, using the last of her gold to buy a meal and a room before visiting the local jeweler to see about getting some work. The jeweler had been more than pleased to welcome a skilled dwarven jewelry-maker into his practice, and she'd stayed there for a few weeks working, wanting to save up enough money to venture further from home. She wanted to go to Veritas Isle, the place about which she'd heard so much from the merchant who had visited her home. When she finally had enough money to pay a carriage to take her all the way hereto Veritas Isle, she'd said her goodbyes to the jeweler in that town, thanking him for the opportunity and for believing in a stranger, and then she'd set out for the city of her dreams. She wasn't much of a people-person, but that jeweler was an incredible man, and she'd been utterly grateful to him for welcoming her into his practice and letting her work alongside him.

The carriage ride had been long and arduous and Barynn had learned that she had motion-sickness. Riding carts through subterranean caves was nothing compared to riding a horse-drawn carriage across miles and miles of open land beneath this big blue sky. Even the air smelled fresher above the surface. Barynn spent much of the trip questioning just why her people still chose to live underground. Everything was bigger, brighter, and more beautiful up here, and she couldn't imagine ever returning to her family. She'd written them several times since leaving, sending them letters about her life working for the jeweler and then sending them letters to update them on the progress of her journey. They'd written back a few times while she was in that town working with the jeweler, mostly just updating her on how normal and boring their lives were back home, but they couldn't write to her while she was on the road. She couldn't wait to hear from them again once she got settled in Veritas City.

Upon reaching the city itself, she'd had to get on board a dragon - a dragon! - to fly there. That was when she'd realized that she was wrong: there were still many, many things left in the surface world that could amaze her. The sight of the dragon was one such thing. She'd heard about dragons, read about them in books, but she'd never seen one in life. The creature had been much, much larger than she'd ever imagined, and more ferocious than anything she'd ever encountered in the underground tunnels. It had been tame enough to transport her from the ground to the floating island in the sky, though, and that was when she'd experienced the incredible wonder of flying. The wind had rushed through her dark hair, the air had become cooler the higher up they'd gone, and it had taken everything in her power to keep from shouting out, to keep from whooping and hollering as the dragon soared her closer to the island.

Next, the island itself. She'd never seen something so unusual. It was like a giant chunk of land that was simply floating in the sky. She'd been able to see the underground part - the exposed earth and roots and grit with which she'd grown up - on the underside of the island as they approached, and then the aboveground part - the trees and the grass and the buildings - above it. It was quite the sight to behold, seeing just how these two worlds were connected. It had put a great deal into perspective for her. As much as she despised her world, it was an important place - it was, as she'd learned in her time aboveground, the only place to find and mine the important metals and jewels that she and the smiths used in their craft. Mining, apparently, was neither common nor possible aboveground.

Now, for the first time, Barryn was entering the incredible Veritas City from the landing site where the dragon had delivered her. Every nerve in her short body was alight, every beat of her heart a forceful pounding in her chest. Her hazel eyes were wide with shock and awe as she looked around, taking in the incredible sight before her. It was everything she'd imagined and so much more. Her steps were slow and hesitant as she made her way into the city, wanting to take the time to savour the moment before she got to work on the important task of settling in and making this place her home.

Luther took the time to visit Garnet since he was in the area. When he knocked Asham was the one to answer the door, like always unless he wasn't there. "Oh! Hello, Luther." She said with a big smile. The more she was away from his brother and his people the happier she seemed to me. She was spending time with Elwin and even in the works to opening up a doll shop in the city, but she was wanting to wait till after she had the baby to do so.

Luther smiled and patted Asham on the arm, "Hey you two. I was just in the area, seeing Rylie at his new job and all. Just wanted to stop in and say hello. See how things were going before I go back in town. You are showing a little it is cute." He said. Garnet blushed and ran her hand over the small bump.

"Yeah, so for so good. I want to say that I am not scared, but I am. I guess all first mothers are. Would you like to sit and have a bit of tea?" She asked.

He shook his head and smiled, "No thanks, I should be going actually. I will stop by soon an see how things are. Sorry I haven't be around lately. I just wanted to give you your space." He said and walked to the door.

"Thank you, but you should come again soon. I don't mind the company." She smiled and waved when he left.

Luther waved back and gently closed the door before walking back to town. His stomach began growl and decided to stop at a restaurant before going home. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as he walked passed people and wondered how or why he let himself get to this place, though it wasn't so horrible. He was just lonely. Stupid him having one eyed already covered and closing he other he ended up running into someone.

He opened up his eye and looked to see who he ran into. He actually had to look all the way down. "I am so sorry, Miss. I wasn't watching where I was going." He said softly and smiled.

Barryn had to tilt her head back all the way to look up at the man who had collided with her. He was tall, unbelievably tall. She'd never seen someone as tall as him. What was it about these surface folk that they were all so tall? Perhaps having a vast and endless sky above them allowed them to continue growing as much as they wished, whereas the dwarves didn't grow too tall because of the earthen confines above them. This man, though, was the tallest surface person she had encountered in her entire time aboveground.

"It's fine," she responded shortly before she started to walk again. She wanted to just keep walking, uninterested in talking to this strange man. A sudden thought crossed her mind, though, one that had her stopping and turning to face the man again. "Actually, perhaps you could help me out?" she asked tentatively. She disliked talking to people, but it was sometimes a necessary evil. "I'm new here. Just arrived, and I'm wondering how to go about getting settled? I need a home, and I want to open a shop," she said softly. Those mere four sentences were more than she'd said to most people she'd encountered, so she figured this man should consider himself lucky.

Luther watched her look all the way up and gave her another smile. He didn't mean to run into her and bowed when she began to walk away. He, himself, had began walking away. Luther saw the restaurant sign and smiled. He was so hungry. Then the girl called out to him and he stopped. Mentally sighing he turned around and smiled, "Well the homes here are a bit pricey. There are people renting rooms, like myself, for a small amount of money. In order to open a shop you would have to talk to the Mayor's son, Rowan, but I believe he closes up at three and he won't be in tomorrow since him and his wife will be out on their anniversary." He said and tried to think of a way to get her in as soon as possible.

"I could introduce you to his secretary, but she seems to nearly die every time a man talks to her that isn't her boss. I know his wife's brother and sister... though honestly I guess it would be better to just wait for the day after." He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry for rambling, just trying to get you in to see him as soon as possible. I know getting shops are a bit hard since I am helping a friend get her shop up, though she won't be doing so till she has her baby. And I am rambling again. Since you came kind of late in the day how about I treat you to dinner, over here," he pointed to the sign behind him, "and then we can figure out where you can stay for the night. I think there might be an inn around here some where." He smiled yet again. Her company would be welcomed that's for sure. Rylie was probably getting ready to go out with a customer as he stood there and once he went home, unless with a customer, he would be home alone all night yet again.

Barryn was silent as she listened to the man speak. Half of the words he spoke didn't even seem to be directed at her so much as they were him thinking out loud, contemplating what he could do to help her get situated. She was somewhat disheartened to hear that homes were expensive, though the idea of renting out a room seemed promising. If she simply rented a cheap room while she got her shop established, she'd be able to make enough money to eventually purchase herself a home. She didn't need a lot of space, and she'd probably be spending most of her time at her shop anyways. Making jewelry was a time-consuming job, one that required a lot of attention to detail in order to make the pieces perfect.

Then, the man offered to treat her to dinner and help her figure out someplace to stay for the night. As much as she loathed the idea of dining with somebody else, she knew that it was probably her best option. She'd probably be expected to make small talk and tell this man about herself. He'd probably ask questions about her history, about where she'd come from, about why she had come here... But he also knew the city, and he seemed to know the people. He would be able to point her in the right direction to find an inexpensive room for rent and a means of opening up a shop. So, she decided to swallow her pride and put up with a meal with the tall, tall man.

"Dinner would be lovely," she said in a soft voice, offering him a smile. "I appreciate your help. Getting situated in a new town is never easy, so I'm sure I'll need all the help I can get." She hoped not to let on that she disliked people so much. It was generally something she tried to keep to herself, figuring that if she was simply quiet, people would just assume she was the quiet type.

Luther was honestly shocked she accepted his invite to eat dinner and had to collect himself for a second before smiling and nodding, "Very well... I hope you like home cooked meals. This place I was headed to only does them so." He said and walked a few feet and opened the door for her. He watched her walk in and took notice just how short she was. She was a beauty, a blind man could even tell. People watched them walk in, but he paid no mind to it. A lady came over and gave them menus, took what the would like to drink and walked of. "Order whatever you like. Don't worry about money." He said softy and went to look over his menu. He didn't make small talk with her. She gave off the vibe of either being shy or not liking people. He would let her talk when she was well and ready.

Barryn wasn't entirely sure who, exactly, disliked home cooked meals, but she certainly loved them. They were all she'd eaten back home, and she'd found that the tavern food in her last town had been little more than subpar in comparison. She was quiet as she followed him to the place he had in mind, which luckily happened to be close by. "Thank you," she murmured in a nearly inaudible voice as the tall man opened the door for her. She carefully lifted a hand, tucking some loose dark hair back behind one of her ears as they sat down and were handed menus.

He remarked to her to order whatever she wanted, and she was surprised by his generosity. Even the men who'd tried to court her back home hadn't been so kind as to recommend she order anything she wanted and pay no mind to the cost. She began to look over the menu curiously. The surface world had so many wonderful foods that weren't available down below. Back in her old town, she'd eaten lots of mushrooms, root vegetables, and meats from cave-dwelling animals. Here, though, they had fruits, and grass-feeding animals, and so many wonderful things. She struggled to make decisions when it came to meals, simply wanting to try everything available. The man had yet to ask her any questions about herself, for which she was relieved.

Luther watched the woman across from him relax, which made him relax honestly. As much as he liked his job he hated not knowing the person before hand, though his clients were always so open and talkative. This woman was not any of those, though she did tell him she was new and needed help. He waited for the waitress to come back and smiled up at her, she almost swooned, "Are you two ready to order?" She asked. Luther nodded, "I am. I would like house special, salad included." He said softly. When the lady across to him gave her her answer he leaned back a bit. "My name is Luther Silverson, sorry for such a late introduction. You said you are new here. Do you have a budget you are working with? We can work from there." He smiled.

Barynn looked up when the waitress came, quiet as she addressed them, and Luther gave his order. She'd been struggling with the decision, so she decided to make it easy on herself. When the waitress turned her gaze towards Barynn, she offered a small smile. "I'll just have what he's having," she said softly as they returned the menus to her. The waitress waltzed off and the tall man leaned back, introducing himself and, finally, beginning to talk. She should have known this was coming, but she was still someone put off. She awkwardly glanced around the room before looking towards him.

"My name is Barynn Garmold," she replied in a soft voice. "I have my savings from my last job, but I don't know what it would be worth here." She pulled out the coin pouch she'd been keeping her money in, setting it down on the table in front of her. It would have been enough to buy a small home in the last town she'd stayed in, but surely a place as magnificent as Veritas Isle would have costlier homes.

Luther linked when she straight up just placed her money on the table. He had to cover his mouth so not to smile. From the looks of it she could afford her housing and food, but she would be left with little to get herself the shop. "Okay, from what it looks like, for I am not going to go rummaging in your coin purse, you might have enough for housing and food for a few months, though... you won't have anything to get you a shop." He said softly. "Lucky though, I have a few rooms open at my place and I am willing to let you live there for free on a couple conditions. One, you use what you have in that coin purse to get you a shop. You are going to need it. And two, you work for me. Just until you get the shop that is. Then you are free to go and you won't have to owe me on the rent." He said with a sweet smile.

Barynn took the money back and tucked it away where it had been before, quietly listening to what all he had to say. She was relieved that he was willing to offer her both free housing and a job until she was able to get her shop established. It almost seemed like an arrangement that was too good to be true. Just how generous was this man? Were there no limits to his generosity? People were bound to walk all over him if he went around offering people jobs and free housing, but he certainly didn't seem to be struggling. There had to be a catch, but she couldn't yet see what, exactly, it was. "That sounds like an excellent arrangement. Almost too good to be true," she said softly. "What kind of work would this entail?" She'd never been good at heavy labour, despite being a dwarf - she could certainly lift a hammer, but her skills had always been with the small and fine details of her work.

She seemed a bit shocked at his offer. Surely anyone would be, who would do such a thing? Someone with a catch maybe, but Luther wasn't about catches. No, he just wanted to see people with dreams succeed. That and James had been sending him money, he wanted to believe it was his share of the business their father left him. So he set that aside and used that money for good. Then Barynn asked what exactly what her work would be. He though about it for a good minute. "Hmm... that is a good question now isn't it?" He asked. Luther knew for a fact she wasn't in the trade of using her body for money, though she sure had the looks for it. "Anything you can find, honestly. Be it house work or yard work... or work you find in the city. You see my good friend, he does what I do and in the day he works with the lady and her dragons... and his good friend. Then he comes back, rests, and deals with his clients. We are escorts by the way, should have said that first. But please don't think it is all hanky panky. If the client chooses to do so, we are being paid for it. Shoot, today I had a client and all she wanted to do was have me sit there and let her read to me. Given the nice lady was that in her seventies. But ahhh, she is my favorite. See, I don't want my workers to feel force to do anything they don't like. And if they want to leave they are more than free to do so. If you work outside of my home, please keep the money for yourself since I am letting you live rent free. Put it towards your food and whatever else you might need. Lord knows I have more than enough money..." He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

The waitress came beck and laid their plates down in front of them. Luther thanked her kindly and began to eat. Letting Barynn ask all the questions she had. He was sure she would have some. Hell she might even refuse his offer now. And so be it if she did. He wouldn't fuss, hell he would smile and let her have her free meal. His door would always be open though. Luther guess it was his way of kissing Karma's ass for all the shit he had done.

Barynn was silent, listening as Luther spoke. He certainly had a lot to say now. It seemed strange to her that he wanted her to work for him, but had nothing specific he wanted her to do. Perhaps she would simply be someone he called when he had something he needed done, rather than an employee with a structured schedule and specific requirements. She could certainly deal with that. She wasn't fond of odd jobs, since they usually involved a great deal of discussion to orchestrate, but she could work them as long as needed to get settled here.

Luther remarked that he and his friend were escorts, but Barynn had never heard the term before. She quirked an eyebrow slightly when he said it, but opted not to ask. It seemed that he was simply offering her free lodging as long as she helped him out occasionally, and he was recommending that she took odd jobs in the city. The food arrived, and she said nothing, instead simply began to eat. She was certainly considering this offer, though. It did seem too good to be true. Finally, after a couple of minute of silent eating, she gave a nod. "I think I'd like to accept your offer," she said in a soft voice. She couldn't see any catch after his explanation. It seemed that he just genuinely wanted to help.

Luther wasn't shocked that she had stayed quiet and now had him wondering if it was how she was raised or if that was just her in general. He, of course, couldn't ask now on that subject since it would be rude. The silence was nice, some people glanced at the two and murmured to each other. He paid no mind to it, things like that tended to happen. Though he was curious as to what was being said. Did they think they were a couple on a date? He smirked at the thought. Two decent beings on a date. No, that wasn't it at all though. Luther was not going to be dating again. Not after Jerold and Erorn. The smirk that had crept on his face soon vanished. Of course they would creep up into his mind right now.

Luther had just put a piece of his food in his mouth when she said she would like to accept his offer. He smiled and chewed quickly, covering his mouth just in case some food was still in there. "That is great. I will show you your room once we get back from getting your bags... if you have bags. Did you bring just those?" He asked. Luther moved his hand once he was done talking and took a sip of his drink. He knew women, women had more than what she was carrying. He would just buy her more clothes if she wanted. A nice green dress. Would compliment her complexion really well Luther thought.

Barynn couldn't help but to smile a bit when she saw him smile at hearing her words. She took a few more bites of her food while he ate, quietly listening to him. She finished up her mouthful and then, mirroring him somewhat, took a sip of her own drink. Even the water tasted better above the surface. It was fresh and clear, and had a pure, refreshing taste to it. "One bag," she replied calmly. "Small. Just clothing. They let me leave it at the building where the dragon dropped me off, since I needed to find a place to stay and didn't want to lug it around." Wow, that was certainly more than she usually said. Perhaps the man was having some sort of effect on her, his friendly nature rubbing off on her and making her more open to talk than she usually was.

Grabbing her glass and taking another long drink, she banished the thought and then, once again, brushed her loose hair back behind her ear. For a few moments, she let her hazel eyes curiously wander about the room. She, too, had noticed that people were looking at her and then speaking in hushed voices. Perhaps there was something she should know about the man? After all, his words when they'd first met had seemed to indicate that he knew a number of people here, and he certainly seemed well-off in terms of wealth. Perhaps he was some influential individual within the city and now that he'd been spotted dining out with her, there would be rumours flying about. She hoped that wasn't the case, though, since the last thing she wanted was to have attention drawn to herself. Unless it was regarding her trade and future business, of course, people discussing the fact that a jeweler would be opening in town.

A jeweler? A new jeweler? Barynn quietly wondered to herself whether or not the city already had a jeweler. She certainly hoped they didn't, though a city as majestic as this would probably need to have a jeweler of its own. She didn't want to be making enemies, but opening a jewelry shop in town when one already existed would almost be a certain way to do so. She was going to have to look into the matter...

Luther nodded, acknowledging that she did in fact have clothes. "Well at least it is something, yeah?" He smiled and flagged the waitress down when they were done with their food. He asked her kindly for the check and waited for her return. Luther enjoyed the meal, like always. He had loved coming here. The food was great and the service was wonderful, though he did miss the tiny waitress that worked here. She was a doll. He was told she was running a daycare and dating the very tall police officer that had started to make his way in. Luther was happy though, she deserved a good life.

When the waitress returned he paid her and tipped her well. They worked so hard to served people and he had the extra cash, so why not spread it? Luther got up and helped Barynn to her feet before leaving, holding the door open to her and gently letting it close behind them. "To the drop off, then?" He asked and began to walk that way. He had saw many cops running around and wondered if it was safe for her to come with. Luther could fight off an army if he was mad enough, but he still didn't want her to be in the middle of whatever was going on. He glanced down at her, she looked fine. Though he wondered if she was one of those women who huffed at a man who treated her like a delicate flower. Luther shook his head and continued to walk, if she was in danger he would just have to protect her.

Barynn finished eating around the same time he did. The meal had been lovely, and she was somewhat pleased with herself for the decision to order the same thing he'd ordered. It had been delicious. She patiently waited while Luther paid and tipped the waitress, and then they were on their feet and heading for the door. She let him hold the door for her, stepping through and into the streets. She didn't notice the many cops running about, only noticing people because she didn't quite know what police were yet. She'd not had any experiences with them before, and they didn't have them in her underground settlement.

"Yes," she said calmly when Luther spoke, and she began to follow him towards the drop-off building. While they walked, she kept her hazel eyes open and wandering around, looking at every sign on every building they passed. So far, none seemed to sell jewelry, and she was beginning to feel hopeful. Perhaps her business would not be stepping on any toes, and perhaps she'd be able to thrive once she got her store up and running. It was just reaching that point that would be difficult for her.

Luther walked with her, glancing down every now and again to see if she was still there and she was. He notice her taking note of her looking at each of the signs they passed up. He hadn't asked her what her shop was going to be and curiosity was getting the best of him. "I didn't get a chance to ask, but what kind of shop are you thinking about opening?" He asked her. The cops began to slow down, no so many were out and about. Then he saw his favorite waitress, Ivie, and her son, Forrest, with another one of the waitress, Kensie, from the restaurant they were just at. Ivie looked shaken up and so did Kensie. He would have to Kensie another time. Then he saw the tall cop, Blair, walking with a pink haired woman in handcuffs and another man with orange/red hair.

He had no idea what was going on, maybe a kidnapping since the kid was there. Either way he was glad no one got hurt and no one was going to get hurt. Luther smiled at the dragon rider when they walked up and asked for Barynn's bag. The guy nodded excitedly, like he was proud no one took it, and handed it to Barynn. Luther paid him a tip, the man' face lightening up, and thanked him before turning and walking off. "I also need to make you a map of where to go and not to go. There are places far too dangerous for a lady like you to be going." He said. His sweet and kind voice was replaced with that of a stern yet caring one. He didn't want her to get into any trouble. Right now there was some kind of gang war going on. Something about the gang on the island killing another gang in the kingdom's member. Though the gang on the island were just there to protect it from the guys like the one that got killed. Luther heard the guy who died was trying to steal children for the trade, and that pissed him off. He was glad that it was settled. After that he had made his alliance with the gang, since Ollie's uncle was the head of it. He wanted to help anyway he can and all he knew was the dark trade. Turning a new leaf was making him feel better; making him feel like he had something to pep his step after what had happen back in the kingdom.

Barynn glanced up in surprise when Luther asked what kind of shop she wanted to open. A small smile crept across her lips. If there was one thing she enjoyed talking about, it was her trade. "I'm a jeweler," she replied as they walked along. "Jewelry is much more useful here than it was back home - the sunlight glitters off it, and it's so beautiful..." She paused, not wanting to get too caught up in her love of jewelry and start babbling. That was one of her least favourite things. "I didn't realize how much people aboveground value dwarven craftsmanship. I worked

They reached the terminal and the man handed over her bag. Barynn was surprised to see Luther pay the man for his service as she slung the bag over her shoulder. It wasn't a large bag, and didn't have much in it - a few blouses, a few skirts, and some undergarments. She didn't need much more. Luther turned and began to leave, and she followed after the tall man. It was annoying that his face was so high up - he was at least two feet taller than her, she figured. She silently cursed her underground home for stunting her growth so much. She was surprised when he remarked that he should make her a map of dangerous places to avoid. "Dangerous?" she asked, genuinely curious. Veritas Isle had seemed like a paradise, how could any part of it be too dangerous for her?

Luther smiled a bit, "Ahh a jeweler that came in time." He said and nodded. Luther made sure he didn't walk to fast for her, it was a bit of a walk, nothing to bad if you were walking from the drop point to the next island. He just made sure he got something near the city, but not in the city. The house he bought was being sold for a reasonable price. When he asked why no one was buying it up, since the house was in good shape and the land was plenty, the realtor said it was too far out of the way and most people wanted to leave wither in the city, the new suburbs, or on the lake island. He took it right away, it meant not a lot of traffic would be coming around. He liked his silence.

"I know a kind old lady dwarf, she is the one who owns most of the people on the lake island. How she managed to do so is beyond me, but I love her. Such a sweet lady, never met her husband yet. He is an elf, heard he was a bit taller than me. Seven feet or so. Anyway, getting off point here. Her name is Penelo and she is the jeweler of sorts for the city, though she is looking to retire. She just hasn't found the right person for the job. I would recommend going see her one day soon. Maybe tomorrow if you aren't too busy. I can bring you there. Her youngest son is a joy. Red hair curly kid. Penelo makes such gorgeous pieces, but like I said she wants to retire so she can spend more time with her last child and because she said she has been doing it a much to many years. Her daughter Roshia, who I swear is a goddess in an elf body, gathers stones and such for her. If you need I am sure she would be willing to help. Nice girl, amazing hunter and archer. Seen her hunting once and I have to say... I can see why her husband fell in love. Or it could be her personality. Who knows?" He joked.

They got to his house, it wasn't as big as a mansion, but it was a good size. Four bedrooms and two full baths. It was a bit smaller than the other houses he had been in, but he didn't need or want anything bigger. This one house would do, plus he loved it. His own back yard had a drop off, meaning if he ever gave in to his dark thoughts he could just walk off his back yard. Though, he never let himself slip that far. He had even managed to completely shut out Erorn. And he himself hadn't sent him a thought in a good long while. It was nice, he was moving on.

"Home sweet, well temporary home." He smiled at her. He walked her in, the foyer was a bit small though it was comfy. On one side was the kitchen, which was closed off and the other was the office and in the back the living room. "The room you will have, well... I think you will like it. It is kind of closed off from the rest of the house. We call it the Tower Room. It is in the tower and you can get into it two ways. Outside in the back and from inside the house. There is another staircase in the room that leads down to your very own bathroom." He smiled and took her upstairs and down a long hallway before entering the Tower Room. It would fit her just nicely and she didn't have to bother coming in through the house and talking to people if she didn't want.

Barynn quietly followed him along, carrying her bag over her shoulder. As they walked, he talked. The information he was providing was useful enough, though it was interspersed with all sorts of bits that she didn't much care to hear. Another reminder of exactly why she tended to avoid small talk and conversation. It was quite intriguing, though, to find out that there was a retiring jeweler in town. That meant that there was a space to fill, and that meant that she could easily slide in and fill that spot. He also mentioned a girl who would probably be willing to help her - or, in this situation, would the girl be working for her? She'd pay the girl for her service, after all. Her mother might not pay her for her work, but Barynn was not her mother and she doubted that the girl would work for her merely out of the goodness of her heart.

It also seemed beneficial to her that the retiring old woman was a dwarf. That meant that the woman would likely be pleased to have one of her own kin taking over her practice. It also meant, however, that Barynn would have to put more effort into impressing the woman if she was asked to show the woman her skill. Another dwarf would be more likely to spot the impurities and flaws in jewelry that a human or elf might not notice.

Luther's home was quite large. Barynn had seen a number of houses, but none quite as large as this one. She gazed at it in awe as they approached, and he took her inside with him. He told her about the room in which she'd be staying, and her heart jumped slightly at the idea of staying in a tower. She'd gone from living below the ground to living in a tower on an island that floated in the sky. She was quite proud of herself, and looked forward to writing to her parents about it. She hoped that they would be impressed. She also appreciated Luther's comment about the Tower Room being somewhat more secluded than the other rooms and that it had its own entrance - that meant that she could have her privacy, which was ideal to her.

"Thank you," she said in a soft voice as she looked around the room. It was small, but she didn't need anything too big as she was just one person. Aside from that, it was beautiful. Again, it almost seemed too good to be true - but Luther had made it quite clear that he genuinely wanted to help, so she decided to trust him on this.

Luther looked down at Barynn and smiled, "You are welcome. If you need anything just yell. I will be in the house for the rest of the night. If you get hungry or thirsty help yourself to whatever is in the kitchen. Feel free to explore the house." He said, giving a small bow before leaving her to her own devices. He walked own the hall and into him room where he changed to something more suited for outside work, and then went down to see if Rylie was in, but he wasn't so he made his way outside and began tilling the ground.

Barynn didn't say anything more, simply offered Luther a small smile before he left. Once he was gone, she took a moment to circle the room, taking in every little detail. It would definitely be more than enough space for her. She plunked her bag down on the bed and began to unpack her clothes. There wasn't much, but it was all she had ever really needed, so she was content. She and Luther had only just eaten dinner, and it was barely getting late, but now that she was settled down in a bedroom, Barynn was finding herself utterly exhausted. It had been a long journey to reach Veritas Isle, and she'd found that the carriage was not the best place for sleeping. Even when she and the carriage driver had stopped in town to sleep, the beds in the inns had generally been of poor quality, and she'd found herself tossing and turning for much of the night. She laid down on the bed, figuring she'd close her eyes and rest for a bit before deciding what to do next. She still had much the evening ahead of her. Before she knew it, though, she was sound asleep, her hazel eyes firmly shut and her dark hair spread out around her on the bed.