153 She Reveals Her Little Friend (1/2)

That night, as they were coming down to dinner, Robin was approached by a rather nervous-looking dwarf.

”E-excuse me, ye wouldnae happen ta be Robin, would ye?” He asked.

”I am. Why do you ask?” Robin replied, curious.

”There's a dwarf by the name of Traughn who wants ta see ye.” The dwarf informed. ”I'd be careful though. Traughn is one o' tha council's cronies. He might do somethin bad to ye.”

”No one can do anything bad to me without my permission.” Robin replied confidently. ”Does he have anyone else with him?”

”E's got his boy with 'im, a sickly little thing. Poor lad 'as probably been terribly mistreated.” The dwarf informed.

”I'll be the judge of that. Thank you for informing me.” Robin flipped him a copper, before heading to the front of the inn.

”Where are you going, Robin?” Chelsea asked, noticing that Robin was not headed to the tables.

”Someone is looking for me. I'm going to see what he wants.” Robin replied.

”Oh, that might be someone I know! Is his name Traughn?” Chelsea asked.

”...Actually....it appears his name is Traughn.” Robin nodded after recalling that the name seemed to match up.

”I'll come with you, then, since I'm the one who referred him to you.” Chelsea excused herself from the rest of the company.

”Remember to order us something while we're gone!” She told Jasmine before dashing after Robin. Christian watched them leave with a visible frown upon his face.

”You know you've become quite easy to read ever since Robin appeared” Jasmine noted, poking Christian in the forehead. ”Whatever happened to your poker mask-like face?”

”It was shattered the first time I tried to wake Robin up in the morning.” Christian replied.

”That long ago?” Jasmine was surprised. ”Regardless, you need to get it back together soon. Otherwise, what are you going to do when Robin returns to the other world?”

Christian looked at Jasmine, who was examining his expression.

”Hmm, come to think of it, a crybaby face on Christian doesn't sound too bad either.”

Christian snorted. ”Who's the real crybaby, I wonder?”

”Who indeed?” Jasmine smiled.

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When Robin showed up with Chelsea, Traughn looked visibly relieved. The dwarves that passed by on their way to dinner didn't say anything, but they all gave him a somewhat searching stare. It was understandable, given last night's unwelcome visitors, that the regulars were somewhat on guard against the council and its members. But, being on the end of that sort of stare was far from comfortable.

”Ye're Robin, right?” Traughn asked.

”I am.” Robin nodded. ”What can I do for you, Mr. Traughn?”

Traughn looked down at his son, and choked up, unable to get past the lump in his throat. Robin, seeing his somewhat anguished expression noticed he did not hate his child. Ergo, the bruises and pallor on the child's face and hands might not be a result of mistreatment. In conclusion, Traughn's visit most definitely had something to do with his son.

”Perhaps we could take this discussion to somewhere with a more private setting?” Chelsea asked, glancing over at Ayva, who had walked over once she saw Robin.

”Is it about your child, Mr. Traughn?” Robin asked, prompting him for an answer. Traughn nodded, his eyes turning red, a precursor to tears.

”...Very well. I will see him in private. Ayva, do you have a room I could borrow?” Robin asked.

Ayva paused, cautious, but once she saw the child, her heart softened.

”There's a waiting room to the left, past the coat racks.” She sighed, leading the way.

”Chelsea, I may need your help. Come, this way, Mr Traughn.” Robin ordered, following Ayva.

Traughn watched them leading the way, then looked down at his boy. Nearly overwhelmed, he hugged his child to himself, picking him up.