Xain's past had forged him into more than just a thief; it had shaped him into a versatile and resourceful individual. Starting his life of crime at a tender age of 9, he had quickly realized that one of the easiest ways to earn coin was by conning people. He had diligently taught himself to adapt to various personas, depending on the person he was dealing with. Furthermore, with his long hair and youthful appearance, he found that many mistook him for a girl, initially an annoyance that later evolved into a valuable asset.
Over the years, Xain had mastered the art of speaking in different voices and adopting various tones, tweaking his body language to exude a more feminine aura. Now, at the age of 16, it was a bit more challenging, but he could still pull it off since people frequently mistook him for a tomboyish girl. With a playful smile and a hint of flirtation in his tone, he responded, "You certainly understand what I mean."
Almer raised an intrigued eyebrow at Xain's response. "Well now," he mused, a playful glint in his eyes, "it's been quite a while since I've encountered someone as bold as you." He leaned in slightly, an air of curiosity about him. "I can't help but wonder if there's more beneath the surface." Xain responded with a coy smile, satisfied that his act was working. "Perhaps," he purred, "but isn't a touch of enigma part of what makes life thrilling?" In the confines of Xain's mind, Ercale couldn't help but sigh in mild exasperation at the ongoing charade.
Xain noticed the bartender giving a subtle nod of approval to Almer. "Hey, hey," the bartender interjected with a playful grin, "don't get too cozy in my bar now."
Almer chuckled and turned his attention back to Xain. His tone carried a clear suggestion as he asked, "Would you like to continue this conversation somewhere a bit more private?"
"Of course," Xain replied smoothly, and in his mind, he signaled Ercale with a sense of accomplishment. *Got him,* he thought, and Ercale responded with evident relief, *Thank the gods; I no longer have to witness whatever that was.*
As they both stood up from the bar, Xain casually brought up, "What about the drink?" Almer smoothly replied, "Don't fret; it's on my tab."
Exiting the bar, Xain couldn't avoid overhearing some discreet comments from the patrons. "Damn, Almer's found another one," someone remarked, while another voice added, "That's like the one fourth this week." Xain couldn't help but contemplate the number of people Almer had ensnared for his vampire masters.
How many lives had been devoured because of him? It was a chilling reminder of the extent of Almer's activities. Nevertheless, it was all in the past now, and Xain could only focus on protecting those in the present.
As they walked side by side, Xain engaged Ercale in their silent conversation. *So, do I just keep following him now?* he inquired. Ercale's response was concise, *Yes, he should lead us to a vampire, so keep following him.*
Meanwhile, Almer inquired, "Do you do this often, by the way?" Xain pondered for a moment before settling on a response, saying with a playful tone, "Not necessarily, but what can I say? You just caught my eye." Almer wore a self-assured smile, clearly pleased with the attention.
As they strolled together for around 15 minutes, they eventually reached an elegant residence. While it wasn't a grand mansion, it still exuded an aura of opulence. Like many other homes in Moonveil, it displayed a fusion of materials—wood, stone, and metal—adorned with more exquisite artistic carvings rather then the architectural designs of the others.
Xain couldn't help but ask, "Is this your house?" Almer replied with a touch of satisfaction, "Indeed, it is. I've put considerable effort into acquiring it." He then extended an inviting hand towards the entrance. "Shall we?" Almer invited, leading the way into the house.
Upon entering the house, Xain immediately noticed the deliberate attempt to create an impression of opulence. The interiors were adorned with various paintings, vases, and meticulously arranged flowers, all contributing to the overall illusion of extravagance. Almer guided Xain into a living room that followed a similarly ostentatious design.
*He's really going all out to impress,* Xain thought to himself as he observed his surroundings. Almer, with a suave demeanor, suggested, "Why don't you make yourself comfortable? I'll whip up a couple of drinks." Xain nodded and took a seat on one of the plush sofas, which formed a quartet in the lavishly decorated living space.
Curious about Almer's potential vampire nature, Xain quietly queried Ercale, *Erkie, can you sense vampires if they're nearby?* Ercale responded, *I should be able to. Most beings with heightened senses can do so.* Xain persisted, *Are you sensing anything now?* Ercale took a brief moment before replying, *I... cannot.*
As Almer returned with two glasses of what appeared to be wine, Xain watched as he set them on a table positioned at the center of the sofas. Almer then elegantly took a seat beside Xain.
As Xain sat with Almer, the latter positioned himself very closely, their physical proximity causing a growing sense of unease in Xain. Almer raised his glass and inquired, "Aren't you going to drink?"
Xain's senses remained alert, and he scrutinized Almer's face for any hints of ulterior motives. Perhaps the wine was drugged, or there might be someone else joining them to try and capture him. However, amid his careful observations, Xain discerned a singular motive: Almer's intention to engage in a romantic liaison.
*Erkie, how strong is a vampire thrall?* Xain inquired of Ercale.
*They're typically stronger than average humans but weaker than most demi-humans,* Ercale replied. *Why do you ask?*
Xain responded, *It's time for plan B.*
Much to the surprise of both Ercale and Almer, Xain abruptly rose from the couch. Almer, baffled, questioned, "Where are you going?" But Xain offered no explanation. Instead, he swiftly positioned himself in front of Almer and unleashed a powerful kick to the head, aiming to incapacitate him.
With the swift and powerful kick, Xain silenced Almer, who was about to yell in surprise. The force of the blow sent Almer tumbling backward off the sofa, and he landed on the floor, unconscious, with his head taking the brunt of the impact.
With a swift and powerful kick, Xain sent Almer flying off the sofa, his body crashing to the floor. The force of the blow was enough to render Almer unconscious instantly.
*You can interrogate him,* Xain said.
*Right.*