Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 20)

(Gonna have to do a HARD revamp on him for the actual novel)

Emery gave a quick bow, offering her one of his practiced smiles--perhaps too practiced. A high-collared doublet hid his tattoo. "Greetings, miss," he said, the Eastern language rolling off his tongue. It had been so long since he'd spoken it, his mother tongue, but it came to him as naturally as if he'd used it only yesterday. "My name is Emery, and I'll be your chaperone for the day. I trust the room is to your liking?"

(Valid lol)

Rana gave him a suspicious glance, immediately guarded. He seemed… familiar. Not in the sense of someone she’d met before. But in the sense of someone she’d see back home. His energy was different. Too… familiar.

She nodded hesitantly. “Yes.” She offered a small bow. “It’s very nice, thank you… I’m Darrana.”

"It's a pleasure to meet you." He straightened. "Would you like me to take you anywhere, or would you prefer to get some rest? I imagine you've had a long journey."

That was nice. Giving her a choice in the matter. “Um… the last gentleman mentioned you like to give tours?”

"I give them, yes," Emery said. "People like to see where they can go and learn the history of the place--I've lived here quite awhile, so I know my way around."

“Oh? Do you mind if I ask how long?”

(Oh god
I'm gonna bullshit a number. He's in his 30s...unmmm)

"Nearly two decades," he replied. "I came here as a teenager."

(Haha no worries she doesn’t actually care she was trying to ease into her next question)

“Ah, I see.” Rana nodded and stepped out of her room, closing the door behind her. “Where did you live before that?”

"Ess, in the East," he replied briskly, then said with a chuckle, "My accent didn't tip you off?"

“It did,” she admitted. “I just can’t quite work out why an Essian would be giving tours of a Keep in the North.”

"Well, I live here." Emery's shoulders were straight, and he kept his hands clasped behind his back. He kept his tone and his face friendly, but there was a rigidity to him that hadn't been there during other tours.

Rana glanced at him, then decided she was starting to push too far. “Good of a reason as any, I suppose.” She offered a small smile she hoped would be disarming.

Emery returned it a bit woodenly. "Where would you like to go, miss?" he asked, glancing down the hall.

“Any recommendations?” She asked, following his gaze.

"Mm, the library is always popular. There are also stone reliefs in the dining hall, and a rookery. Not many of those in the East, are there?"