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It was another day in Korrup Shun and the tavern was bustling with activity, as could be expected of a city which drew adventurers as moths to a flame.
At the northeast corner from the barkeeper's view, three figures huddled together in secretive conversation. Oxley frowned slightly; he hated to be missing in on the action. Clearing his throat, he nudged the little boy beside him and motioned for him to do his job.
The boy grimaced, but complied, balancing a tray of three beer mugs filled to the brim. Jostling his way around expertly, he made his way to the three, keeping a distance and crouching a little in concentration. Just as one of the men turned his head, the boy jerked into attention and casually walked over, engaging him in some banter. After a moment, he came back to Oxley, his face rather sullen.
"So what's in it for me, Oxley?"
"Why, ye young scamp... I give ye free lodgings, meals and the like, and here ye are, tryin' to carve me life's blood out of me! Ungrateful slag!..."
"Aye, and what would ye do about it? Ye ain't half as nimble as me, and ye won't get nothin' out of them folks there..." ~ The boy nodded in the direction of the three ~ "So, are ye payin' me or not?" ~ Whistling to himself ~ "Cos I've got all day..."
Cursing to himself, Oxley muttered ~ "Damn these arrogant good-for-nothin's..." ~ Catching the glint in the boy's eyes, he sighed and replied aloud ~ "Alright then. Here's yer payment." ~ Depositing 5 gold pieces into the boy's outstretched palm ~ "That's all yer'll ever get Jimmy, so end yer sulks. Now, what's the news?"
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