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Description
I met the Neko-lookalike at our usual place, a small plaza in the Low Tier, halfway between our respective homes. She was silent, modest, and undeniably beautiful. Her gorgeous cat-like ruby eyes fixed on me as she spotted me coming close. A half smile came to my lips, answered on her side by a true, big one. No words needed, I extended my arm and she took it, then we started walking together towards the Middle Tier.

The setting sun, speared in the myriad of pointed roofs and towers, was casting its last rays before disappearing, painting the city in a deep orange. The walk was silent, not that it was something uncommon, but I felt like changing the habit today. I mussed the words a bit on my mind before I came up with a suitable sentence.

"I wonder how the day has been for a certain someone. Would something unusual have happened to her? May she have met a dashing, charming adventurer before our meeting?"

I saw she intended to make for the little notebook in her pocket, but she stopped herself and just hugged my arm more tightly, resting her head on the side of my shoulder. So I am the best thing that happened in her day, huh? As sad as it may seem, it was an answer leaning to the 'good' side. I know how hard it is for her to depend completely on other people, always on the verge of being ridiculed. If it weren't for a few friends she could count with one hand, her life would be a living hell. I decided to change the subject a bit.

"That's good, then." I replied to her silent answer. "The day's been nice on my side too, but I have a feeling that the best part is about to come."

The Neko gazed in my direction, her intentions clearly readable to me.

"If a certain someone would remember, I met a lady two days ago. Well, she didn't come to the tavern yesterday, as I thought she would, so I looked a bit into it. There was no obvious reason for a normal person not to come except... the case she isn't a normal person. Fem told me earlier this afternoon that there had been a high-society party yesterday at the Higher Tier. A certain someone should have heard about it too."

Her eyes lit up in realisation for a moment, before she eagerly nodded. Of course she would, she lived with Fem herself in the Higher Tier as well. No party goes unnoticed there, not even if you aren't invited.

"That's right. Well, I did notice that her beverage wasn't what you would normally see around and her clothes seemed kind of new. Now it fits." I looked at my companion. "I think she will come tonight."

The orange light slowly faded to red then dark blue as we continued through the city. From the north gate of the Middle Tier, on to the Angel Road and passing near the Grand Market District, the walk was peaceful and quiet. The nocturnal coolness started to settle in, and the street lights were lit. The city slowly drifted from day to night activity, merchants leaving, adventurers coming back and street shows starting.

"Ladies and gentlemen! The Night on Fire show is finally here, taking place just next to your home! Enjoy the daily show of the best firedancer in Negav just here, in your own street! No need to be shy, who would blame you for coming to see such an amazing beauty? Letting the opportunity pass by is what people should be embarrassed about! Over here, completely free of cost! Ladies and gentlemen, you can't...!"

Now that's unusual. I had never seen a night show that had a herald of its own. Either it had a very important sponsor or the show was so popular that it paid off to have one. Still, the show wasn't of interest to either of us, so we moved down the street through the gathering crowd. However, the herald appeared just next to us, trying to nag us into staying.

"Now, what do we have here? A romantic couple out for a date? Why don't you enjoy each other's company while watching the best show in this part of Negav? Satisfaction guaranteed!"

"Not now. Sorry." I answered bluntly. These people would cling to any bit of information you gave, trying to convince you to stay, so it was better not to explain anything at all. Besides, having someone so enthusiastic talking to us was bad. My companion was getting tense; I could feel it in her grip, so I had tried to dispatch him fast. It didn't work.

"Such an answer. Insensitive men, laying waste to all of the firedancer's preparation and eagerness. Surely a woman like y--"

"Don't dare speak to her." I cut him, talking in a slightly higher tone than I had previously. "She doesn't wish to hear your chatter, she doesn't need to stand your gibberish, she doesn't even desire your presence. Leave at once if you don't want trouble. Is that clear?"

The herald cowered in fear at the sudden outburst and hastily left us in peace, at last. There were quite a few people from the crowd that looked our way strangely, but it didn't bother us. Or at least me.

"That was close." I said with a small sigh. "Better get going."

The Neko nodded meekly. We left the crowd behind and continued or little walk. We crossed Fortune Lane to exit the Grand Market District and just a few streets away laid our destination: the Undergrown.

It was a good tavern, three storeys high with two miniature middle floors between them, reserved for Tiny use. The front wall was breathtakingly beautiful, with a layer of tinged, carved wood resembling a forest, carefully crafted to fit windows and balconies into gaps and over branches, melting them into the scene. It was truly a piece of art. The circular tower attached to the right of the main building was built and decorated in order to look like a pine tree, matching the rest of the wall.

As we closed in on the main door, music drifted into our ears. This was a relaxed, lazy song, matching the start of the night. Songs and bands would progressively change with the atmosphere, providing a good entertainment, or at least a good background for a drink. The voices of the various couples and groups that were starting to gather mixed into the sounds of the night. I could feel my excitement rising. The more the merrier, they said, and that was even more true for a rumour hunter such as myself. I listened to the conversations intently while my partner signalled for a table for three, centred.

The interior was furnished and decorated just like the exterior, but with metal as well as wood to reinforce those places where it was necessary. The chairs and tables were made of both materials and fashioned after the undergrowth of the forest; plants, bushes, mushrooms, small trees and a rare tree stump here and there. Slender columns rose to the ceiling, resembling tree trunks and sprouting branches and leaves when ten feet high. Up there was the place reserved for the Tinies, an open space made by the intertwined branches, vines, leaves and tree crowns.

We got seated pretty fast since the Neko was a known customer and the staff cared for her almost as if she was a common daughter. The table's position was pretty nice, next to the small pond that occupied the centre of the room and leaning to the side of the tavern that tended to be more crowded. I would normally prefer to sit closer to that zone, but I thanked the closeness of the pond this time for the protection it offered from keen ears, keeping them far. The Neko took out her notebook and we talked for a while as we waited for our guest to come.

*****

In due time, at the Second shadow sharp, I noticed our guest coming through the door. Seeing her was simple; her colour had a great contrast with the surrounding atmosphere. Even if I had seen her in some other place like a street crowded to the brim with any kind of conceivable creature, I would have recognised her. That's how unique her colour was.

I hurried to meet her at the door and got there just as she was asking the waiter for a man called Rudy. Of course, that was me.

"I'm here, young lady." I called out to her before the waiter could even answer. "I'm glad you have come, we have a table ready."
"Thank you, Rudy. And please, stop calling me 'young lady'. I'm Elarya, Elarya Natim." She said.
"'Elarya', that's not a name you hear every day. Pretty nice too." I replied then motioned her with a hand. "The table is over here. We have a lovely spot, I'm sure you'll like it."

I led Elarya to our table through the maze of trees and bushes. I could navigate around the place with ease, but I understood that a person new to this tavern wouldn't be able to go that fast, nor want to either, so I chose a relaxed pace so she could admire her surroundings. When we got to the table and I sat next to the Neko, Elarya looked confused for a second before taking her seat.

"Elarya, this is a friend of mine." I said, pointing to the Neko with a whole hand. "People refer to that one as 'Copyneko'. Even though it's not a real name, it's the only one we know, so that's about it." I turned to look at the Neko, thinking for a second. "As I said, she is Elarya. She's the one I've been talking about before." The Neko waved to her as greeting.
"A pleasure to meet y-" Elarya started to say.
"Sorry Elarya, there's one thing you need to know." I hastily cut her, preventing her from fully addressing Copyneko. "You can't talk to her directly." I stated.
"Huh? Why is that?" Elarya asked. A logical question.
"That person's name isn't a random nickname or anything, she's called like that for a reason. That one seems to be forced mimic each and every movement of the person who addresses her. That's why you should talk indirectly." I explained succinctly.
"Oh, that's... But how do I... I'm sure I'll address her directly sooner or later." She replied, not trusting herself.
"Don't worry, I'll be paying attention. I recommend you to talk to the Neko as if you were talking about someone who isn't here. I like to address that person with 'A certain someone', for example. You could also talk to both of us as a group; that works perfectly as well." I said. "Just take your time. Look at me, I've known her for a good while and I still need to pause for a few seconds to think about how to phrase my words!"

Copyneko chuckled at my comment and started writing in her notebook. She then handed the note to the confused Elarya, who read it carefully.

"Ah! I'm glad to mee... Ehem. I'm glad I met 'someone', too. I'm sure 'someone' is a great person once you get past her peculiarities." Elarya smiled; a true smile. She seemed to be interested in Copyneko, not alienated by her as most people were, and that was great news.
"You learn really fast, though I guess it was to be expected from a fellow rumour hunter." I said, congratulating her in my own way. "A certain someone doesn't get to be with many people besides her close friends, so she'd enjoy sharing our talk for this night. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all! Really, I'm fine with it. It's not like I am too secretive about the things I hear, I just gather them to know more about the outside world. I don't mind sharing them." She answered. Brilliant.
"In that case, I'm sure we'll have information that catches your interest. Mainly a certain someone, but I may have a thing or two as well."

Copyneko nodded and started writing again, passing the note to Elarya. Her face lighted up in happiness when she read the contents.

"Really!? I'd love to hear them! Well... er, read them. Sorry." She said, lowering her head a bit.

Copyneko shook her head and wrote something more. This time it was a bit lengthier, but it probably explained that Elarya didn't have to apologize for such things. Copyneko had accepted her muteness long ago... partial muteness, that is. It wasn't like she could never talk.

"I understand, but... I'm uneasy when I say such things to a person that can't speak. I get the feeling that they may feel insulted." Said Elarya, looking uneasy indeed.
"Then how about we take away that uneasiness? Would you be able to speak to her normally?" I asked.
"Hm? What do you mean?" She replied, a bit confused.
"Just that if you hear her talk, you wouldn't get that impression of insulting her, right?" I looked at Copyneko before Elarya had a chance to answer, and the Neko nodded. "Copyneko, can you hear me talk?"
"Copyneko, can you hear me talk?" The Neko replied, repeating my words exactly just as I voiced them, and then smiling sweetly.
"I didn't... Woah..." Elarya stopped her protests mid-sentence when she heard Copyneko talk.
"You get it now? It's not like she's mute." I said "So please, regard a certain someone as a normal person. You just need to be careful about how you address her, that's all."
"I understand. 'Someone' is just a normal person. Okay." She nodded.
"Good. Also, don't try to do what I did, or a certain someone will get mad. A certain someone lets me because I know what I'm doing." I said, and Elarya nodded again. "Thanks."

Copyneko scribbled something in her notebook, and she showed it to both of us this time. It read: <> The note ended with a happy face.

"Of course. A certain someone should go ahead. I'll go place the orders meanwhile, if you two don't mind."

*****

More than an hour fled by while Copyneko was telling her stories. She not only wrote them, but enacted them with gestures and putting on faces, receiving delighted laughs and smiles in return. She looked really happy, one of the happiest times that I had seen. At some point, curiosity got the best out of a few nearby people and they asked for permission to sit with us. They were accepted with the condition that they wouldn't talk at all, to make things easier.

After the current story ended, I got a nod from Copyneko, so I proceeded to politely dismiss the other strangers. There weren't any tense moments, thankfully, and soon, the three of us were alone again.

"It was so interesting... It's hard to believe there are these kinds of tales too. The ones I've heard are all about death and tragedy." Elarya said, fascinated by Copyneko's stories.
"You need to find the right people for that. Not everyone has the mentality to feel danger up close and still continue to see life that way." I replied, confident.
"That may be true. The outside is full of menaces, be them ugly or beautiful. I wonder how people can leave safety to travel outside. If a loved one..."
"Most people are bitter about death, and that's not the right way. It only leads to anger and desire of revenge, which will ultimately lead to frustration or more death. You can trust me on that." I said, accidentally giving away a part of my true self. I realised I had let my guard down, probably due to Copyneko's light-hearted stories, so I decided to turn the conversation back into track. "Well, Elarya, now that you've had your share, I'm afraid I must ask for something in return."
"Ah, yes, the information contract. If you get then you must give." She said, mentioning a rule of courtesy between rumour hunters. "I don't know if I'll have much to give, though."
"Don't worry; it'll have been worth it even if you don't know anything." I replied. "Do you remember that rumour you heard the night we met? About a 'Surv' guy?"
"I do. You're looking for information on him?" She asked. She was on the right track.
"You got me. That's right; I'm interested on him... His antics are too strange, but too rational to be from some kind of madman. I've also heard he goes by the nickname of 'Bait'. If he has the need to change names, then I'm sure there's some reason behind his acts."
"'Bait', huh? I'm sorry, but I haven't heard that name before. The other day was the first time I heard about Surv as well... Sorry." She said, lowering her head a bit.
"It's fine, it's fine. Just keep an ear keen if you happen to hear any of those names mentioned, okay?"
"Alrighty, I will do that. That's the least I can do. Is there anything else you are interested in? I still have that debt..."
"No, I have most of the information I desire. This place is a good one for rumour gathering." I replied.
"Oh... Then, I should go to some other tavern right now and see if I can-- Wait, is it this late already?" She said, looking at the wooden clock positioned over the tavern's bar. It was about half past the Third shadow, not a time for an early riser.
"A true rumour hunter knows no sleep." - I stated, jokingly. Copyneko chuckled silently.
"Ideally. In reality, some people must attend to certain duties during the day." She replied, trying to not give away those 'duties'.
"I understand. You've been of much help. If you find something, you know where to find me." I said, and my companion nodded.
"Well, I don't think so, but I won't say otherwise. Thank 'someone' for her amazing stories, I loved them." She smiled to both of us, stood up and then picked her cape and adjusted her clothes. "I hope I meet 'someone' again when I come back. Saying so because you seem the type to spend all the time in here." She added. Ouch, that was a low hit. I didn't need to look at Copyneko to know she was trying, and failing, to hold back her laughter.

I walked Elarya to the exit, silent this time as well, and waved her farewell while she walked down the street. As I thought, she turned the corner in the direction of the Higher Tier. I went back to the table I shared with Copyneko and took a long sip from my drink. The Neko wrote something.

<>
"Well, it's not like I mind. That could mean Surv is not as known as I thought. Which is good news." I replied.
<>
"That's a possibility. Which is why she is a good one; she's not like the rest. The other three tend to go to the same tavern every day, but she doesn't. She's kind of a wild card. Besides, I see something unusual in her colour."
The Neko nodded. <>
"I know, I know. Thank you." I said, then squeezed one of her hands with mine. One of the rare signs of affection I allowed myself to perform. She smiled sweetly at that, while repeating my 'thank you' in her warm voice.
<>

I just half smiled and squeezed the Neko's hand again while looking in the other direction. She giggled and rested her head on my shoulder. We stayed there for a while, enjoying the intimacy of the silent table. Maybe we should sit here more often, it was not a bad place to be.

Description
I met the Neko-lookalike at our usual place, a small plaza in the Low Tier, halfway between our respective homes. She was silent, modest, and undeniably beautiful. Her gorgeous cat-like ruby eyes fixed on me as she spotted me coming close. A half smile came to my lips, answered on her side by a true, big one. No words needed, I extended my arm and she took it, then we started walking together towards the Middle Tier.

The setting sun, speared in the myriad of pointed roofs and towers, was casting its last rays before disappearing, painting the city in a deep orange. The walk was silent, not that it was something uncommon, but I felt like changing the habit today. I mussed the words a bit on my mind before I came up with a suitable sentence.

"I wonder how the day has been for a certain someone. Would something unusual have happened to her? May she have met a dashing, charming adventurer before our meeting?"

I saw she intended to make for the little notebook in her pocket, but she stopped herself and just hugged my arm more tightly, resting her head on the side of my shoulder. So I am the best thing that happened in her day, huh? As sad as it may seem, it was an answer leaning to the 'good' side. I know how hard it is for her to depend completely on other people, always on the verge of being ridiculed. If it weren't for a few friends she could count with one hand, her life would be a living hell. I decided to change the subject a bit.

"That's good, then." I replied to her silent answer. "The day's been nice on my side too, but I have a feeling that the best part is about to come."

The Neko gazed in my direction, her intentions clearly readable to me.

"If a certain someone would remember, I met a lady two days ago. Well, she didn't come to the tavern yesterday, as I thought she would, so I looked a bit into it. There was no obvious reason for a normal person not to come except... the case she isn't a normal person. Fem told me earlier this afternoon that there had been a high-society party yesterday at the Higher Tier. A certain someone should have heard about it too."

Her eyes lit up in realisation for a moment, before she eagerly nodded. Of course she would, she lived with Fem herself in the Higher Tier as well. No party goes unnoticed there, not even if you aren't invited.

"That's right. Well, I did notice that her beverage wasn't what you would normally see around and her clothes seemed kind of new. Now it fits." I looked at my companion. "I think she will come tonight."

The orange light slowly faded to red then dark blue as we continued through the city. From the north gate of the Middle Tier, on to the Angel Road and passing near the Grand Market District, the walk was peaceful and quiet. The nocturnal coolness started to settle in, and the street lights were lit. The city slowly drifted from day to night activity, merchants leaving, adventurers coming back and street shows starting.

"Ladies and gentlemen! The Night on Fire show is finally here, taking place just next to your home! Enjoy the daily show of the best firedancer in Negav just here, in your own street! No need to be shy, who would blame you for coming to see such an amazing beauty? Letting the opportunity pass by is what people should be embarrassed about! Over here, completely free of cost! Ladies and gentlemen, you can't...!"

Now that's unusual. I had never seen a night show that had a herald of its own. Either it had a very important sponsor or the show was so popular that it paid off to have one. Still, the show wasn't of interest to either of us, so we moved down the street through the gathering crowd. However, the herald appeared just next to us, trying to nag us into staying.

"Now, what do we have here? A romantic couple out for a date? Why don't you enjoy each other's company while watching the best show in this part of Negav? Satisfaction guaranteed!"

"Not now. Sorry." I answered bluntly. These people would cling to any bit of information you gave, trying to convince you to stay, so it was better not to explain anything at all. Besides, having someone so enthusiastic talking to us was bad. My companion was getting tense; I could feel it in her grip, so I had tried to dispatch him fast. It didn't work.

"Such an answer. Insensitive men, laying waste to all of the firedancer's preparation and eagerness. Surely a woman like y--"

"Don't dare speak to her." I cut him, talking in a slightly higher tone than I had previously. "She doesn't wish to hear your chatter, she doesn't need to stand your gibberish, she doesn't even desire your presence. Leave at once if you don't want trouble. Is that clear?"

The herald cowered in fear at the sudden outburst and hastily left us in peace, at last. There were quite a few people from the crowd that looked our way strangely, but it didn't bother us. Or at least me.

"That was close." I said with a small sigh. "Better get going."

The Neko nodded meekly. We left the crowd behind and continued or little walk. We crossed Fortune Lane to exit the Grand Market District and just a few streets away laid our destination: the Undergrown.

It was a good tavern, three storeys high with two miniature middle floors between them, reserved for Tiny use. The front wall was breathtakingly beautiful, with a layer of tinged, carved wood resembling a forest, carefully crafted to fit windows and balconies into gaps and over branches, melting them into the scene. It was truly a piece of art. The circular tower attached to the right of the main building was built and decorated in order to look like a pine tree, matching the rest of the wall.

As we closed in on the main door, music drifted into our ears. This was a relaxed, lazy song, matching the start of the night. Songs and bands would progressively change with the atmosphere, providing a good entertainment, or at least a good background for a drink. The voices of the various couples and groups that were starting to gather mixed into the sounds of the night. I could feel my excitement rising. The more the merrier, they said, and that was even more true for a rumour hunter such as myself. I listened to the conversations intently while my partner signalled for a table for three, centred.

The interior was furnished and decorated just like the exterior, but with metal as well as wood to reinforce those places where it was necessary. The chairs and tables were made of both materials and fashioned after the undergrowth of the forest; plants, bushes, mushrooms, small trees and a rare tree stump here and there. Slender columns rose to the ceiling, resembling tree trunks and sprouting branches and leaves when ten feet high. Up there was the place reserved for the Tinies, an open space made by the intertwined branches, vines, leaves and tree crowns.

We got seated pretty fast since the Neko was a known customer and the staff cared for her almost as if she was a common daughter. The table's position was pretty nice, next to the small pond that occupied the centre of the room and leaning to the side of the tavern that tended to be more crowded. I would normally prefer to sit closer to that zone, but I thanked the closeness of the pond this time for the protection it offered from keen ears, keeping them far. The Neko took out her notebook and we talked for a while as we waited for our guest to come.

*****

In due time, at the Second shadow sharp, I noticed our guest coming through the door. Seeing her was simple; her colour had a great contrast with the surrounding atmosphere. Even if I had seen her in some other place like a street crowded to the brim with any kind of conceivable creature, I would have recognised her. That's how unique her colour was.

I hurried to meet her at the door and got there just as she was asking the waiter for a man called Rudy. Of course, that was me.

"I'm here, young lady." I called out to her before the waiter could even answer. "I'm glad you have come, we have a table ready."
"Thank you, Rudy. And please, stop calling me 'young lady'. I'm Elarya, Elarya Natim." She said.
"'Elarya', that's not a name you hear every day. Pretty nice too." I replied then motioned her with a hand. "The table is over here. We have a lovely spot, I'm sure you'll like it."

I led Elarya to our table through the maze of trees and bushes. I could navigate around the place with ease, but I understood that a person new to this tavern wouldn't be able to go that fast, nor want to either, so I chose a relaxed pace so she could admire her surroundings. When we got to the table and I sat next to the Neko, Elarya looked confused for a second before taking her seat.

"Elarya, this is a friend of mine." I said, pointing to the Neko with a whole hand. "People refer to that one as 'Copyneko'. Even though it's not a real name, it's the only one we know, so that's about it." I turned to look at the Neko, thinking for a second. "As I said, she is Elarya. She's the one I've been talking about before." The Neko waved to her as greeting.
"A pleasure to meet y-" Elarya started to say.
"Sorry Elarya, there's one thing you need to know." I hastily cut her, preventing her from fully addressing Copyneko. "You can't talk to her directly." I stated.
"Huh? Why is that?" Elarya asked. A logical question.
"That person's name isn't a random nickname or anything, she's called like that for a reason. That one seems to be forced mimic each and every movement of the person who addresses her. That's why you should talk indirectly." I explained succinctly.
"Oh, that's... But how do I... I'm sure I'll address her directly sooner or later." She replied, not trusting herself.
"Don't worry, I'll be paying attention. I recommend you to talk to the Neko as if you were talking about someone who isn't here. I like to address that person with 'A certain someone', for example. You could also talk to both of us as a group; that works perfectly as well." I said. "Just take your time. Look at me, I've known her for a good while and I still need to pause for a few seconds to think about how to phrase my words!"

Copyneko chuckled at my comment and started writing in her notebook. She then handed the note to the confused Elarya, who read it carefully.

"Ah! I'm glad to mee... Ehem. I'm glad I met 'someone', too. I'm sure 'someone' is a great person once you get past her peculiarities." Elarya smiled; a true smile. She seemed to be interested in Copyneko, not alienated by her as most people were, and that was great news.
"You learn really fast, though I guess it was to be expected from a fellow rumour hunter." I said, congratulating her in my own way. "A certain someone doesn't get to be with many people besides her close friends, so she'd enjoy sharing our talk for this night. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all! Really, I'm fine with it. It's not like I am too secretive about the things I hear, I just gather them to know more about the outside world. I don't mind sharing them." She answered. Brilliant.
"In that case, I'm sure we'll have information that catches your interest. Mainly a certain someone, but I may have a thing or two as well."

Copyneko nodded and started writing again, passing the note to Elarya. Her face lighted up in happiness when she read the contents.

"Really!? I'd love to hear them! Well... er, read them. Sorry." She said, lowering her head a bit.

Copyneko shook her head and wrote something more. This time it was a bit lengthier, but it probably explained that Elarya didn't have to apologize for such things. Copyneko had accepted her muteness long ago... partial muteness, that is. It wasn't like she could never talk.

"I understand, but... I'm uneasy when I say such things to a person that can't speak. I get the feeling that they may feel insulted." Said Elarya, looking uneasy indeed.
"Then how about we take away that uneasiness? Would you be able to speak to her normally?" I asked.
"Hm? What do you mean?" She replied, a bit confused.
"Just that if you hear her talk, you wouldn't get that impression of insulting her, right?" I looked at Copyneko before Elarya had a chance to answer, and the Neko nodded. "Copyneko, can you hear me talk?"
"Copyneko, can you hear me talk?" The Neko replied, repeating my words exactly just as I voiced them, and then smiling sweetly.
"I didn't... Woah..." Elarya stopped her protests mid-sentence when she heard Copyneko talk.
"You get it now? It's not like she's mute." I said "So please, regard a certain someone as a normal person. You just need to be careful about how you address her, that's all."
"I understand. 'Someone' is just a normal person. Okay." She nodded.
"Good. Also, don't try to do what I did, or a certain someone will get mad. A certain someone lets me because I know what I'm doing." I said, and Elarya nodded again. "Thanks."

Copyneko scribbled something in her notebook, and she showed it to both of us this time. It read: <> The note ended with a happy face.

"Of course. A certain someone should go ahead. I'll go place the orders meanwhile, if you two don't mind."

*****

More than an hour fled by while Copyneko was telling her stories. She not only wrote them, but enacted them with gestures and putting on faces, receiving delighted laughs and smiles in return. She looked really happy, one of the happiest times that I had seen. At some point, curiosity got the best out of a few nearby people and they asked for permission to sit with us. They were accepted with the condition that they wouldn't talk at all, to make things easier.

After the current story ended, I got a nod from Copyneko, so I proceeded to politely dismiss the other strangers. There weren't any tense moments, thankfully, and soon, the three of us were alone again.

"It was so interesting... It's hard to believe there are these kinds of tales too. The ones I've heard are all about death and tragedy." Elarya said, fascinated by Copyneko's stories.
"You need to find the right people for that. Not everyone has the mentality to feel danger up close and still continue to see life that way." I replied, confident.
"That may be true. The outside is full of menaces, be them ugly or beautiful. I wonder how people can leave safety to travel outside. If a loved one..."
"Most people are bitter about death, and that's not the right way. It only leads to anger and desire of revenge, which will ultimately lead to frustration or more death. You can trust me on that." I said, accidentally giving away a part of my true self. I realised I had let my guard down, probably due to Copyneko's light-hearted stories, so I decided to turn the conversation back into track. "Well, Elarya, now that you've had your share, I'm afraid I must ask for something in return."
"Ah, yes, the information contract. If you get then you must give." She said, mentioning a rule of courtesy between rumour hunters. "I don't know if I'll have much to give, though."
"Don't worry; it'll have been worth it even if you don't know anything." I replied. "Do you remember that rumour you heard the night we met? About a 'Surv' guy?"
"I do. You're looking for information on him?" She asked. She was on the right track.
"You got me. That's right; I'm interested on him... His antics are too strange, but too rational to be from some kind of madman. I've also heard he goes by the nickname of 'Bait'. If he has the need to change names, then I'm sure there's some reason behind his acts."
"'Bait', huh? I'm sorry, but I haven't heard that name before. The other day was the first time I heard about Surv as well... Sorry." She said, lowering her head a bit.
"It's fine, it's fine. Just keep an ear keen if you happen to hear any of those names mentioned, okay?"
"Alrighty, I will do that. That's the least I can do. Is there anything else you are interested in? I still have that debt..."
"No, I have most of the information I desire. This place is a good one for rumour gathering." I replied.
"Oh... Then, I should go to some other tavern right now and see if I can-- Wait, is it this late already?" She said, looking at the wooden clock positioned over the tavern's bar. It was about half past the Third shadow, not a time for an early riser.
"A true rumour hunter knows no sleep." - I stated, jokingly. Copyneko chuckled silently.
"Ideally. In reality, some people must attend to certain duties during the day." She replied, trying to not give away those 'duties'.
"I understand. You've been of much help. If you find something, you know where to find me." I said, and my companion nodded.
"Well, I don't think so, but I won't say otherwise. Thank 'someone' for her amazing stories, I loved them." She smiled to both of us, stood up and then picked her cape and adjusted her clothes. "I hope I meet 'someone' again when I come back. Saying so because you seem the type to spend all the time in here." She added. Ouch, that was a low hit. I didn't need to look at Copyneko to know she was trying, and failing, to hold back her laughter.

I walked Elarya to the exit, silent this time as well, and waved her farewell while she walked down the street. As I thought, she turned the corner in the direction of the Higher Tier. I went back to the table I shared with Copyneko and took a long sip from my drink. The Neko wrote something.

<>
"Well, it's not like I mind. That could mean Surv is not as known as I thought. Which is good news." I replied.
<>
"That's a possibility. Which is why she is a good one; she's not like the rest. The other three tend to go to the same tavern every day, but she doesn't. She's kind of a wild card. Besides, I see something unusual in her colour."
The Neko nodded. <>
"I know, I know. Thank you." I said, then squeezed one of her hands with mine. One of the rare signs of affection I allowed myself to perform. She smiled sweetly at that, while repeating my 'thank you' in her warm voice.
<>

I just half smiled and squeezed the Neko's hand again while looking in the other direction. She giggled and rested her head on my shoulder. We stayed there for a while, enjoying the intimacy of the silent table. Maybe we should sit here more often, it was not a bad place to be.