Ren - Moved to chitter.xyz @Nine@computerfairi.es

feet
peets
pawbs
beans

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So I heard a mewing trill behind me after a sort of clattering noise, turned around, and saw this.

She mewed at me when I petted her to tell her she was a good girl. <3<3<3

this culminates in one of the final lines of the song;
"oh well, maybe not, I'll try again.
This should cheer you up for sure.
See, I found your old ID,
and you're all dressed up like The Cure"

the song pauses for a beat moment there, as if everyone is too stunned to react, then the final chorus continues into its finale, and it feels as if that's when everyone just bursts the fuck out laughing, and the fascade is broken utterly, and everyone's having a great time without faking disinterest.

The Ballad of Who Could Care Less by the Ben Folds Five is an interesting song that seems to be about a group of friends who are largely disaffected "too cool to give a shit" edgey types trying to out cool each other and it's sung from the point of view of their 'junior member' as it were who's hugely enthusiastic about them and is really stoked to be a friend of theirs, but somehow doesn't get the "too cool to care" vibe, and just wants to make them laugh through various means

bwepbwep

The day ends with the party deciding to do some further investigation into the motives of this particular king who hired them and the people behind said king (along with a NEW - and far better paying - job from the 'manager' of the fine restaurant they just left to do so).

After all, the dragon is just an honest businessman, trying to bring some class to this little kingdom

Last the rogue heard, they were thinking of starting a "fran-chyze" across the sea.

With some further smalltalk, shared jokes and a friendly pat on the back, the farmer is sent to his home, without having to pay on the spot, with the understanding that such payment will be in the form of free advertising for the Restaurant Draconis and perhaps some recompense when the farmer is wealthy enough, or perhaps some work at cost for the dragon if the farmer finds it agreeable.

The dragon turns back to the party and smiles "You see? Nothing sinister."

The dragon just... laughs this off with good humour. "Ah well, I'm rich enough already, though if you can find it in your means to pay at least some of the balance off within your lifetime, do let me know won't you? Though I do think next time you come, it might be wise to let people know you're going here?" The dragon gives a playful wink, to which the farmer's complexion warms again in humour, and he winks back with a laugh
"Aaah, spreadin' the good word, eh?"

The paladin tenses, expecting a fight or some horrible punishment to be meted out, but no such thing happens. The dragon gives the farmer a sympathetic look "I don't wish to assume, but I imagine that sir's budget, that we discussed prior to this holiday of yours, does not cover such an extended stay, does it?"
The farmer coughs awkwardly. "Um.. N-no, it probably doesn't. S-sorry about that, rather lost track of time!" he grins, wretchedly.

The dragon chuckles. "it seems that your presence has been missed back home, fine sir. You do know you can come back any time you wish? Short of something awful happening, I don't forsee I'll be disappearing any time soon, after all."
"Oh goodness me, I can't have been gone THAT long surely?" the farmer laughs. The dragon smiles before responding plainly.
"Oh, about two weeks now." The farmer's laugh catches in his throat and his expression pales.
"...oh."

The farmer is in excellent spirits, and is sharing a tale with the politely smiling and obediently attentive maid with him, before he notices the company, and laughs, waving to the dragon.
"Ah! Hello again! I do apologise if I've gotten a little rowdy, you've just got such a fantastic place here, I couldn't bear to leave you just yet!"

The rogue's jaw drops in amazement. Far from being a prisoner, the farmer is clearly a very happy customer!

A kobold in a maid uniform who was standing nearby, so politely silent and attentive that they went entirely unnoticed, steps forth from the shadows, curtseying to the dragon. The dragon murmurs something to them, giving their cheek a little fond pat - which the kobold blushes happily at - and the maid scurries off quickly and silently. Presently, a farmer who was known to have gone missing two weeks ago waddles in, rather more well fed than his description said.

The rogue interrupts this time, though with FAR more deft timing (of course!). "Hold on, what about the disappearances of people?"

The dragon looks surprised at this one. "...I beg your pardon?? Disappearances?... Why, that can't be true, surely not..." Genuine concern appears to mar the dragon's features for a moment, hurredly looking over some papers, then they stop. "...waaait a moment, I... THINK i know what's happened here." The good humoured smile returns