Ryogen slid up to the counter where the man was standing. It was made of old and dusty wood, with many ringstains where the ale cups had been sitting many a time. Carefully and calmly, he counted out 15 copper pieces into three separate piles to show it was for the hot baths. He then added 2 silver to each of them. He saw the man had looked a little shocked, so added an extra silver to the pile to sate him. As the man was about to speak, he interjected:
"This is a fair price. Accept it or we'll take our money elsewhere." The man looked a bit miffed, but obviously there was some competition around, as he quickly scooped the three piles up and said:
"The rooms are up there" He motioned to the stairs. " You'll have room 103, just look for the number. Not that luxurious given what you've paid me, but I think you'll find it satisfactory" He remarked rather icily. "Now," He pointed at a doorway. "The food court is through that door. Menus are at the tables."
Ryogen thanked the man and led the two girls through the doorway, to which they were greeted to a large room filled with tables and chairs. There were a few groups, one family of four chatting very noisily. He knew Abandi would probably like a window seat, and located a table for three with one. The pane had a nice panoramic view of a dusty street, and after that, farmland and rolling hills. As he browsed through the menu he thought it would be nice to get to know Gemini. He couldn't ask where she was from or she would return the question, and he didn't think she would buy their usual cover story now that she had seen Abandi. Instead he asked what he hoped was a harmless question:
"So where did you learn to fight like that?"