Revy Gray Warped World Reflections

Revy leaned closer to Bibi, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I have my reasons," he murmured back, his voice a secret shared only between them. "But for now, let's keep it between us."

Bibi nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. The gravity of their situation was palpable, but the warmth of the sun on their faces made it feel like a distant memory. The journey had taken them from the shadowy forest to this place of openness and life, but the secrets they carried were as heavy as the darkest night.

As they approached Ulti village, the sights and sounds of life greeted them like an old friend. The cobblestone streets were lined with quaint houses, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the open windows of a nearby bakery. Children played in the streets, their laughter a stark contrast to the tension that coiled around the group like a tightening noose.

Revy whispered something into Bibi's ear, the words so soft they were almost lost to the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Bibi's eyes widened slightly before he nodded, a silent agreement passing between them. The gambler in Revy's eyes gleamed with mischief as he turned to face the village, his secret shared with a knowing smile.

As they approached the outskirts of Ulti, Luci's steps grew hesitant, the trauma of her past weighing heavily on her. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and she fidgeted with the hood of her cloak, pulling it tightly around her face. Despite her transformation, the memories remained vivid, painting the quaint village in shades of fear and pain. She took a deep breath, her hand shaking as she reached up to cover her face with a mask. The material was smooth, a stark contrast to the ragged breaths she took beneath it.

Revy noticed his distress and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her eyes a silent question. He nodded, gaining strength from her touch.

The inside of the inn was warm and inviting; The smell of roasting meat and spilled beer wafted through the air. The potbellied innkeeper's smile grew wider, his eyes shifting from Revy to the dragon on his cloak. "You have a very beautiful animal," he said, his voice oily. "Such animals are rare, sir."

Revy's swordsman persona took over, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Thank you," he said, keeping his tone neutral. He could sense the man's insincerity, but knew better than to reveal his hand too early.

The innkeeper's smile remained as he guided them to a corner table; His gaze remained fixed on Flam. While his voice turned oily, he said, "We have empty rooms, if you want to stay, I can make a reservation."

"Two rooms, and food for four," Revy said firmly, not missing the man's sneaky gaze. He had seen that look before, the hunger in his eyes for something more than gold.

The pot-bellied innkeeper nodded, his bald head shimmering under the flickering candlelight. "As you wish," he replied, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. The man scribbled something on a piece of parchment and slid it across the counter, his hand lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "Your rooms are ready," he said, his voice a sly purr.

Revy's hand hovered over the coin purse at his side, the gambler in him itching to make a bet on the man's true intentions. But the swordsman's instincts warned him to tread carefully. He tossed a few silver coins on the counter, the clink of metal echoing in the quiet inn. "Two rooms and a meal for four," he reiterated, his tone firm and unwavering.

The innkeeper's eyes lit up at the sight of the coins, and his smile grew more genuine. He nodded, snatching the silver greedily. "As you wish," he said, his voice now devoid of the earlier slyness. "I'll send my assistant to show you to your rooms."

The pot-bellied man turned and called for his assistant, a young boy with wide, frightened eyes. The boy hurried over, his small frame almost hidden beneath the weight of the tray of drinks he balanced. "Yes, master?" he stuttered, his gaze darting between Revy and the coins on the counter.

The innkeeper bowed, his voice low and urgent. "Take this message to the Golden Cage," he said, sliding a small scroll across the counter. "Tell them some of their special contraband is here." His eyes shifted to Flam sitting at the table, her scales glistening in the candlelight.

The assistant nodded, his eyes wide with fear and curiosity. He snatched the scroll and took off like a shot, disappearing into the crowded streets of Ulti.

Revy watched the boy leave, her mind filled with questions. He turned to the team, "If you're done eating, we can go to our rooms and rest."

Dori's cheeks were still red from embarrassment, but the challenge in his eyes was unmistakable. He stepped closer to Revy, his grip tightening on her cloak. "Why don't I stay with Luci?" he asked, his voice a mix of anger and frustration. "You know I care for her, and she needs someone she can trust."

Revy's gaze remained steadfast, the swordsman persona in firm control. "Because," he said slowly, "I don't trust your impulses. Not around someone who's been through what she has."

Dori's grip tightened, his eyes flashing with a hint of the fiery passion that often accompanied his confessions of love. "You think I don't know what it's like to be hurt?" he countered, his voice a mix of anger and pain. "I've seen things, done things..."

The gambler in Revy's eyes twinkled with understanding. "I know," he said, his voice softening. "But this isn't about me not trusting you. It's about protecting her. You have a way of...complicating things." He leaned back, releasing the tension. "Besides, we're a team. We need to stick together, especially now."

Dori's grip on the cloak loosened, his anger dissipating like mist in the morning sun. "Okay," he mumbled, his eyes falling to the floor. "But Bibi is also a man, maybe he has urges like me."

Revy chuckled, the gambler in him enjoying the banter. "Bibi's got his own demons," he said, slapping Dori on the back. "But I trust him not to act on them." He glanced over at the other room, where Bibi and Flam were already settling in. "Besides," he added, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I've got a feeling we're all going to need our rest tonight."