RP:I Need Protection... I Mean... A Security Guard

SYNOPSIS :: With Kreekitaka's consent, Lanara decides to seek out Leoxander for employment at the boutique. Under the guise that the pirate would provide overnight security for a few weeks, to protect the shop from any hooligans before the fashion show, Leo accepts. The payment is discussed, the two share a snack, and Lana opens up her real reason for wanting to hire the rogue. After revealing her injuries, and giving him intel on a nearby dog-fighting ring that she wishes to destroy, an unspoken agreement is made that the pair will work together.

Lanara limps out of the fitting-room and into the main display area of the storefront, where she approaches the nearest mannequin and wraps a belt, tightly around the mid-section. After smoothing out any wrinkles, she gives the figure a once over and nods in satisfaction. With a sigh, she looks to her right and scowls as she notices yet another display that looks as though a herd of elephants trampled through it. “Those damn uyeer’s! I take off the day and –this- is what I return to find. Anything to make more work for me!” The witch gently presses against her mid-section and winces as though the area is tender, as she inches up her oversized sweater. On the right side, just below her ribs, she is heavily bandaged, though the blood continues to seep through the binding. Lana pales and groans softly as she shifts the gauze slightly to take a peek and quickly puts it back into place as her fingertips are coated with blood. “I just… I need some air. Taylor…? Taylor? Where are you? Want to go for a little walk?” The witch gives up her search for the feline and opens the door to the outside, only to come face to face with Leoxander. “How…Oh. Leo. Um, hi. I wasn’t expecting you to stop by so soon…I didn’t even get to finish writing the letter…” Dark eyes trail to the smug looking feline that circles the male’s legs, before darting into the store. “Come in…” Lana is quick to try and hide the left side of her face, as she undoes her long pony-tail and frantically combs the locks to one side.

Leoxander hadn't knocked, yet. He had paused at the door hearing the witch grumble to herself beyond the threshold. Hands relaxed in pockets, blue eyes lifted through overgrown and unkempt blonde as the door opened to meet hers calmly, resisting the urge to nudge away the feline with the side of his boot. His jaw lifted in a silent hello, shadowed in thick stubble for another week long lack of shave. "Yer messenger found me." Those words were muttered as his gaze trailed passed her inside the shop and after a moment of hesitance, he followed. After all, as far as he knew, the place belonged to the uyeer he had been hired to follow and observe not too long ago. From inside the loose, untied collar of his shirt he retrieved the letter against his chest and held it up in sight. "What's this about?" Whether he had read it or not, it was short enough details that he had come to get answers. Not to mention, he kind of owed her a favor. That quick fix of her hair and stiff movements did not go unnoticed, but it wasn't in his nature to bring it up right away.

Lanara blinks as she looks at the letter, only now realization hitting her, as she stammers and turns her back to the male. The last time they had spoken hadn’t gone entirely well, as they both hinted at promises of steering clear of each other. Yet, she had written him a letter to offer him employment, and it was obvious she wasn’t staying true to the whole ‘keep your distance’ statement. Lana keeps her back to Leo, as she busies herself with folding a pair of pants, and straightening up the shelving. “Oh. Good. I hadn’t meant to send that just yet, but now that you are here, I suppose we should go over a few things. I… I am hiring security, for the shop. Now, it will be overnight security, so I hope you won’t be too uncomfortable sharing a room with Taylor and I. There is a back room with a few cots set up, and you will have your own dresser. I think… I think we will need you for about two weeks. That should be enough time for me… I mean, for fashion week. We are having a fashion show with our latest line, and Kree agrees that I should hire an extra defender for the store. You will be rewarded, financially. Kree pays very well, and you also can wear whatever you like, straight from the rack. You can start tonight, if that works for you. During the day you are free to do as you choose, just be back by nightfall. So… What do you think?” Swallowing, she turns slightly and meets his gaze with her right eye, as the left is still shielded by her dark hair.

Leoxander furrowed his brow and folded his arms as he stared at the back of her, letting his eyes graze to her waistline where the sweater covered whatever injury she had sustained - but he could smell her blood through the fabric and bandages. 'Fashion' wasn't exactly the appealing part of that offer, but he knew that Kreekitaka wasn't exactly a cheap employer from his research on the uyeer in the past. "I'm gonna guess he doesn't know you're askin' me. Not sure what would make you think my name when it comes to 'security', Lanara." But there were some advantages to considering the gig. Short term, work during the night hours in which he rarely slept, a bed out of the rainy weather, if he needed it. An extra shirt or pair of pants and some clean socks. And of course, the coin. He wasn't immediately saying 'no'. If the cat continued to hover and rub around his feet that was when he would become impatient enough to nudge it light with a boot.

Lanara sighs and crosses her arms over her chest, only to wince as the extra pressure above her injury sent a spasm through her body. Her jaw is rigid and there’s a fire in her dark eyes, but she feels that she owes it to the pirate to be honest. “Fine. Full disclosure. I… I need help. I don’t trust anyone, like ever, but I… I guess I trust you. I don’t even know why! I mean, I know little to nothing about you and you never really got around to knowing me, either. And I said I would steer clear of you because you have to focus on remembering your past, but… I… I like being around you… Aside from all of that… The fashion show is coming up and I’m going to be very busy preparing for the show. During the day I have a ton of uyeer’s around to defend me and the store, should I need it. But at night I’m the only one here. I know you aren’t involved with the main gang in Cenril, as you don’t wear their mark. And I know you aren’t with the opposing gang as I saw you get attacked by Blut. –I- am in trouble with the big gang. Rather… They know where to find me. And… I… Uh… Okay, so they have this mage and he silenced me. I am unable to perform magic for three more days. I can’t heal myself, or defend myself. And I can’t avoid them, and what I’m about to do will land me in further trouble with them, so I just need you to protect Kree’s shop. Okay? Don’t worry about me. The crab’s shop is my concern, right now. I don’t want them coming here to take it out on them, to get to me.” As she finishes her rather distressing speech, the hair falls away from her face and Leo would get a good look at what she was trying to desperately keep hidden. Lana’s left eye is nearly shut from swelling, and is surrounded by a black bruise. Severe bruising lies across her cheekbone and lightens to a bluish tint above her jaw, and if he were to glance further south he would see a large boot-shaped bruise across her left collarbone. “I’ll be okay. Just protect the shop. Okay?”

Leoxander averted his gaze for a moment as he listened to all that she had to say. He wasn't on anyone's side, in such set terms, or affiliated with any so-called gang. Since the scatter of the pack, he had and would remain a lone wolf, doing what he had to just to get by. But he had made some acquaintances since his return, Lanara being one who had gone out of her way to heal him from Blut's attack. Looking back up toward her face, he kept his stoic expression as he studied her bruised eye, his jaw clenched tight until he finally murmured a few low words. "Shouldn't stop you from seeing a healer..." He took a slow breath and let go of a sigh from his sun spotted and dirt smudged nose, dropping his arms to glance at the folded, unfinished letter. "I'll need to visit the smith and pick up my weapons, unless you got somethin' layin' around for me to use tonight. An'm not sayin' -yes- until the cr-... Kree knows I'll be hangin' around. Wanna know what he's payin', too." Not that the numbers really mattered at that point. He couldn't damn well leave the defenseless witch injured and hunted, no matter how independent he claimed to be. "And... I could use somethin' to eat. 'R at least a drink." Leo wasn't above raising the stakes to get a steak, or at least a sandwich, maybe a bottle for a little more incentive. Greed came naturally to the pirate, no matter the situation.

Lanara smiles faintly, though it’s obvious it pains her to move her stiff face muscles. “Kree already knows. I spoke to him about it last night. He… He doesn’t know about the trouble I am currently in, or my next steps… I have to go back there. And I have to get justice. I won’t give you any details, as this isn’t your fight. But it isn’t so bad for you… I mean… You will have designer clothing, and you will be paid for a two week job. It should be rather easy… I mean, I mostly need you the next three days. Until my magic is back… Once I’m healed I hopefully will be able to steal the…. Never mind. So... Food and drink are the finest. Kree keeps the place well stocked, and he spoils his employees. He will be paying you one thousand gold a week and a bonus for the night of the fashion show. I… I can pay you extra, if you require…Or… I don’t know. Get you a gift or something. I don’t think there’s much you would want from me. Um… So here’s the first week, up front.” Standing nearer to Leo, she holds out a velvet pouch, which makes a soft clinking sound as she places it in his open palm. “Feel free to wander around, and get to know your surroundings. I have to change my bandages. I took a dagger to the gut, and that really sucks…So, be right back.” Nothing further is said as she turns away and heads for the back wash room, intent on cleaning her wound.

Leoxander really couldn't ask for more or find reason to complain. She had it all worked out, and when the coin pouch hit his callused palm, the deal was set and done. The weight of that currency was enough to convince him beyond the idea of being spoiled with food and clothing. That didn't mean he wouldn't take advantage of his temporary employment. If he had reputation to worry about, he might wonder what being seen at this so-called 'fashion show' would do for it, but fortunately for Kreekitaka and Lanara, he didn't have much of that to consider, anymore. Taking up her suggestion, Leo watched her retreat to the wash room before he let his gaze roam and take in his surroundings. Mostly because if it was his responsibility (despite the hate for that word) to keep that place safe and secure, he would instinctively be checking for any weak points or blind spots or potential places where someone could sneak in or ambush. On the way, he might glance over the clothes on the rack, particularly keen to spot some leather, but regardless of whether there happened to be a jacket hanging among the collection he just took a plain black shirt off its hanger. Peeling off the gray long sleeved shirt he wore, covered in various stains and smelling like dirt, rain and sand, he shrugged into the freshly crafted cotton and took a moment to adjust it on his shoulders, buttoning it if there were buttons, before looking down over himself at the fit, which would probably be a little loose on his underweight upper torso. He hadn't brought a pack with him so the wadded up fabric and coin pouch were carried in a hand as he continued his quiet tour toward the back of the building, not directly headed in the direction she had gone but more than likely glancing over the place where she mentioned employees slept. Not that he would be doing much of that for the next two weeks. His last stop, if he managed to find it, would be wherever the food and beverages were stocked. And if he was lucky enough, one of the bottles he took from the cold box would be a beer or ale or something alcoholic. Otherwise what was the point..?

Lanara emerges from the wash room and manages a small smile when she sees Leo donning new attire and drinking an ale, pleased that he was making himself comfortable. The witch is donning a new shirt, as well, as the other had unfortunately gotten stained with blood. She seems paler than her usual sun-kissed hue, likely from blood loss, but she clearly refuses to seek a healer. Heading to the cabinets she removes a box labeled ‘Lana’ and flops down on the chair at Leo’s side. “Here. These are so yummy.” Without waiting for a response, she places a chocolate covered strawberry before his lips, and nods for him to partake. “Kree is the best. He always surprises me with sweets. He’s a really good employer. It’s a shame I won’t be here much longer. I mean… I can use the gold and all. And I do like wearing bikini’s as they are so ‘freeing’ but I just don’t see my future being a fashion consultant. You know? I want to open an animal sanctuary, or travel, or… I don’t know. Kids definitely are –not- in my future, marriage is always a possibility, and other than that? I really don’t have a future panned out. What about you? Is Cenril a pit stop for you? Or are you planning on sticking around?” Pausing, she nibbles on a strawberry of her own, and meets his blue gaze. For a moment she merely studies his face, then realizes what she’s doing, and immediately blushes and diverts her attention. “Oh! The weapons. That’s right. Well… The uyeer’s use their claws and massive crab bodies to fight. I have my throwing knives, a long bow, and a few daggers in my trunk. My cot has the pink blanket… You can have the cot with the blue blanket. But uh, yeah, my arsenal is in the trunk by my bed. Other than that, there’s some spare knives, a broom, belts, that kind of stuff… What do you prefer?”

Leoxander was definitely the yin to her yang when it came to conversation. The young witch could probably entertain a deaf man with her chatter, but it hadn't seemed to bother the lycan, yet. Taking a drink from the bottle and a moment to lean against a wall, his head instinctively leaned back when she presented the chocolate and fruit, and his free hand came up to gingerly take it from her fingers rather than be fed like one of her animal orphans. Leo preferred spicy over sweet, meat over fruit, but decided not to refuse the gift as not to hurt her feelings, since she was already in some physical pain. He opened his mouth to start to answer her, but when she sparked a sudden change of subject he remained quiet and opted to take a bite of that strawberry, instead. The tart and sugar taste was washed down with a drink from his bottle of ale. "I'll borrow a few knives if I decide I need 'em." She well knew he had some claws of his own, and his right hook wasn't too shabby, either. For now, the territory seemed calm enough, and his nose caught no concerning scent of any strangers or other persons on the premises. Stem and all were pushed into his mouth and bulged a cheek until he chewed and swallowed the bite, and after another drink that already drained the contents of that bottle, he finally offered a shrug to some of her many questions. "I d'know, yet. Hard to make those decisions when you can't remember where you were." Or where he belonged. But from what he could tell, 'on his own' seemed to be the most logical and convenient choice. "Should at least put one of those bottles on your eye for a minute..." That last murmured advice was given as he once again studied the bruising on one side of her face, less embarrassed to stare though there didn't seem to be much emotion at all hidden in.

Lanara nods in response to his acceptance of the weaponry and frowns slightly at his short answer. The male wasn’t one to talk needlessly, and Lana knew that she could be quite the chatterbox once she got going. Still, the fact that they were roommates now, had her hoping he would at least open up a little more. “Well… You can’t remember where you come from, but… Tell me about yourself. The ‘you’ that’s next to me right now. What are your likes? Dislikes? What’s it like to shift? What’s your type of woman? Talk to me… I feel like we have witnessed enough close calls around each other to at least attempt to get to know one another. I will answer anything you want to know, promise.” Grinning, she takes his empty bottle and heads to get him a refresher. “I’m coming back with a refill and some food, so you better be ready to chat!” That said, the witch retreats to the cabinets and ice box and returns with what she had promised. A platter of salted meats, crackers, fruit, and cheese, is placed on the center table, where she pulls a chair out and takes a seat, looking up at him expectantly. A hand is raised to hold the bottom of her ale against the ugly bruised eye, and if she didn’t experience such blood loss, she would have the courage to blush at her embarrassment.

Leoxander rubbed the side and back of his neck when his hand was relinquished of the empty bottle, web like tribal lines of a faded tattoo crawling up the side, almost to the lobe of his left ear where a bone hoop was pierced through. Talking about himself wasn't a favored pastime, but he would do what he could to comply with her request. The time she took to retrieve food gave him time to think over some of the questions she had asked. Others, he didn't want to think about. Admittedly, she probably wouldn't feel as safe in his company if he revealed entirely who he was and who he had been before his funeral. After another moment of hesitance, Leo pushes away from the wall and walks over to an empty chair diagonal to hers, turning it around to straddle it in a way that was more for convenience, and a place to rest his arms and chest, rather than style. If he had to get up quick for any reason that was the best position to settle in. Rolling up his sleeves one at a time and bringing wrinkles already to the newly crafted shirt, one arm draped on the back of the chair while the other popped off the tin lid of his bottle of ale with his thumb. "The shifting used to be rough. Most of the time I couldn't control when it happened. Not full moon or any of that rubbish. I guess the moon gets to some more than others, but it was more... feeling that got to me. Getting pissed off, or.... whatever." He wasn't going to admit 'afraid'. A pause in his low spoken speech allowed him a drink from that bottle before he rested it on the table, looking ahead rather than her way for the time behind. "It's easier, now. Never bloody pleasant, but... doesn't feel like my bones are breakin' so much. I just try to avoid it most of the time. He's... different than me. The same.... but different." Yes, Leo may have not immediately realized it, but he was referring to the wolf inside him in third person. Then, he murmured one more far more simple answer to another question she had asked. "Always liked red heads..." Finally, he became bold enough to reach for a piece of salted meat and a piece of cheese off the platter, eating them together in a stack.

Lanara eyes his tattooed skin and trails it to the bone earring, surprised that she hadn’t noticed it before now. The male likely was older than he appeared, and she had the impression that he had been through a lot, which was possibly why he found it so difficult to remember. As he sits at the table and indulges in her request for conversation she finds herself staring once more, though she’s entirely hanging onto his every word. Lycans have always fascinated her, and were he to ask her type of male, he likely would have been amused at her own response. As for the red head comment, she scoffs softly, and twirls a deep chestnut lock around her finger. Clearing her throat as he nibbles on the cheese, she crosses her legs and almost shyly responds. “You weren’t the first man that I saw shift before my eyes. I tutored this man, Ansel, a few years ago, up in Frostmaw. He became angry with me and blamed me for hexing his beloved, though that was my sister that did the hexing… Anyway, he shifted and was struggling with the urge to kill me, and the urge to protect me. It was very odd. You would think I would have been frightened… But I was so fascinated by it… It looks very painful. I-I can’t imagine my bones breaking and sprouting hair in places where a lady shouldn’t have hair… But… I envy it as well. You must feel so… Free. To run and to just give into your underlying bestial nature. I… I feel that way sometimes when I’m on my broom.” A moment of silence passes between the two as she eats a few grapes and he drinks his ale, though the quietness isn’t uncomfortable. The sun is setting and the room grows dim, so Lana lights a candle and places it on the table between them, as she offers up another piece of herself, albeit shyly. “I dated a lycan. We lived together for a little over a year… He never shifted before me, but I knew what he was, and we talked about it. His name was Desparrow. I… I have no idea where he is now, or if he even lives. He committed some unspeakable crimes against women and children, he turned many men unwillingly into wolves, and he was doing goddess knows what in the basement of the manor… I ended things with him. It wasn’t love… Just companionship, mostly. I doubt he ever felt for me that way, either.” Another pause, before she licks her lips and blurts out the next statement. “I’m not the good girl you think I am… The last time we spoke… You said I deserve more than ‘this’ like you were some sort of bad guy… Before you go thinking I’m a perfect elf… I’m not. I have done some bad things in my past, too. I know you have. And I don’t judge. Everyone makes a bad call, here and there. But survival is a necessity. And there are times in our lives where we have no choice but to give in to the bad side. I am neutral on pretty much every situation… But I do tend to stick up for the underdog, and I know right from wrong.”

Leoxander took a moment to watch her finger twirl through her hair. Naturally, he missed the scent and sight and softer assets of the fairer gender, but he just seemed pretty emotionless when it came to anything, these days. Even when he spoke about something as complex as lycanthrope transformations, or red heads. She was given the time to talk, to say all she needed to say, and despite his self sufficient nature one thing Leo did know how to do was listen. He had heard of those names, probably both of those names, but then again, she was a sociable person. It was the remark of 'unwillingly turning men into wolves' that made him look away, though her good girl comment caused his eyes to trail back. As it was getting darker outdoors and the lights inside remained, there might be a moment when the angle caught reflective retina just right to make his irises and pupils flash in amber and rusted green, briefly. "Look, Lanara... I don't... it's not that I don't wanna know you... know who an' what you are... but... there's just so much more to it. I don't know who -I- am, right now. And I definitely don't wanna hurt you. You seem to handle gettin' hurt enough on yer own." He was being upfront, honest for that moment, but still lifted his bottle to take a long drink. "I'm here, though, right? I'm jus' not in any state to put my bullsh*t on anyone else..." After just that one piece of meat and cheese, his appetite had seemed to fade, making it obvious why he was underweight. He fed himself too many questions and thoughts. "I'll keep the place safe. An' I dunno where you plan to go, but I hope you'll fill me in sometime soon. Within the next three days, maybe."

Lanara takes a swig of her ale, and as his eyes flash that shade of green, she shifts her gaze to anywhere but at the lycan. She felt foolish. She bites her lower lip so hard to keep from saying exactly what was on her mind that tears spring to her eyes. Must not look at Leo, she keeps thinking, as he gives her an explanation as to why they should –not- get to know one another better. She maintains her composure, for the most part, until he mentions the want of her filling him in on just what she was planning. “It doesn’t work that way, Leo…” She mutters, as she rises from the table and stops next to him, preparing to exit the room. Those expressive chocolate hues take a long look at the males profile until he meets her gaze, head on. “I don’t want to hurt you, either. I don’t want to put my bullsh*t on anyone else. And… You seem to handle getting hurt on your own… Just as well. I’m not going to allow you to help me in taking on the most dangerous of gangs to ever hit Cenril. I’m not some damsel in distress that needs a knight in shining armor. I wanted you from day one. As you are. I don’t care about your past. I don’t even care about my own past. I really don’t see the harm in getting to know one another. Maybe we are meant to be lovers. Or friends. Or enemies. But you never know, if you don’t explore it. I don’t open up to just anyone, you know… I know better than that. I’ve been kicked when I was down, over and over again, and I know better than to let someone inside. But… I want to let you in. I… I’m sorry. I’m just a stupid little witch, that was born a –brunette- and for some reason you think I can’t handle whatever you are going through.”

Leoxander watched the young witch in that stoic way, and said flatly. "Then I guess we're at a stale mate." She wouldn't tell him her plans, he wouldn't tell her his baggage. "Either one of us breaks it, or we just do what we need to do." Either way, he would settle for that option, a frown plastered on his features all the while. "But you know I'm not gonna jump into bed with you. Even if you are a -brunette-. That gets us both into too much fuggin trouble, girl." He took another drink of his ale, meeting her in the eye if she would. "I am still here. Willing to try this... 'being friends'. That enough for now?" He reached to make a little 'sandwich' out of two crackers, some cheese, and a meat slice, handing it over to her in a sign of peace and good nature. Rare for his kind.

Lanara can’t help but smirk, and she tries desperately to stop grinning, which only makes her smile wider. Nodding, she accepts his cracker sandwich, and takes a bite, while reaching out to ruffle his hair. The contact is brief, as she knows he dislikes being touched, and she retreats to her chair. “I’m willing to try it… And just for the record, mister! I don’t jump into bed with just anyone. There have only been two… Ever. At this point, you’d maybe get a passionate kiss. I need commitment and to be in ‘love’ with someone. I’m not a prude, but I’m not –that- kind of girl, either. And I’m a bit shocked… I thought pirate’s liked ‘booty’ but maybe I was wrong…” Knowing her play on words would earn her a smile, she meets his gaze and returns the favor of making him a sandwich, though she gives him extra meat. “I wasn’t upset about you not wanting to take me on a date, Leo… I just don’t want you to push me away, without at least giving me a fair shot, first. That’s like hating rum, without having taken a sip. You know? And… If you must know… If we’re doing this whole ‘friend’ thing… I’ll tell you. They are dog fighting. One of their bait dogs is pregnant and ready to pop any day. I refuse to let puppies be used as bait. They breed war dogs… They’re huge. They can take on a lion… Beautiful beasts, but sadly misused. I just need to get in, grab the dog, and get out. I tried that… Unsuccessfully. Next time, I will be prepared. There are about six guards, all men, heavily armored. I’m not too concerned with them. It’s the mage. He is the ring leader. He takes the bets, breeds the dogs to fight, and uses the puppies as bait. I can’t have that. Not on my watch.” Realizing that she is still holding onto the snack sandwich she extends her arm to Leo, wondering if he would tell her a small part of his past, being that she told him about her plans.

Leoxander was caught a bit off guard with the hair rustle. It felt good, but he felt guilty, in some way. A hand lifted to brush through and mess it back up to his own degree, before he looked back her way. "I guess I'm not typical for a pirate, then. I can't even find my ship." And suddenly, his eyes were a bit more wet. This was the point he had to look away. He had a true love, and it was the ocean. And Eternity was his lover. Lost, broken, away from him. He clenched his jaw and regained composure. Grasping onto other topics, he hung on her every word about the gang fighting. Gods, he wanted a good fight. "You need to give me more information about this ring. Whether they are dogs or men, I could take them over..." He spoke almost in a trance, looking ahead. This was his purpose. Alpha. Dal'ken was starting to surface as his emotions began to play. He finished off his bottle and kind of dropped his hand on a handful of meat to scrape it up into his fingers, suddenly starving for that protein. It might not be what Lanara was expecting as he chewed as most of her salted meat on the platter.

Lanara does purse her lips at the mention of the loss of his ship, the witch knowing how much that had meant to him. Knowing that another boat wouldn’t replace that which he lost, and that her ship in a bottle likely offered zero comfort, she merely diverts her gaze as his eyes seem to grow moist. She would give the male his space on that subject, as she would likely feel equally as torn should she ever lose her book of shadows. As he eats nearly all of the meat on the platter, she shrugs as he further inquires about the gang. “Um… I’m not sure. I didn’t get to the inside. That’s where they keep the best of their fighting dogs. I jumped the fence and went to the breeding area. In the outdoor kennels there are about twenty dogs, all in really good health. But… The one I wish to rescue is too old to be bred… I worry she may not survive the birth of the puppies. And if she does survive… They plan to use her as bait.” Lana frowns, and sighs heavily. “I don’t want the mother dead and the pups to be bred to kill their own kind for some mere coin. It’s cruel.” Clearing her throat, she pulls her hair into a messy bun atop her head. “There have to be at least thirty dogs inside, in prime fighting condition. But I don’t know if they would ever become docile. They are bred to kill. And the handlers? I’m not sure how many of them there are… I only know of the six outside guards. And the mage. Why do you ask?” Lana awaits an answer as he continues to snack on the meat, but as she waits for Leo to respond, she feels her shirt sticking to her top and glances down. “Erm. Hold that thought. I have to change my bandage. Again. I’ll see you in a little bit…”