You-you came! I-I knew you'd s-show, couldn't resist the, uh, allure, huh?
He'd seemed nervous about what he should expect from this place. He chuckled darkly as his hand subconsciously went towards his pistol. "Yeah, I guess I did."
I-Is that... Are you carrying a concealed firearm? You didn't used to be so, um, protective... Did something happen?!
"These days, Maxine, everyone has some kind of 'protection'. It's just how things are."
Oh, gosh! The world really has changed since I've been away... This must be one of those fancy, high-tech safety devices, right?
Wow, just looking at it makes me feel unsafe! I'm not used to living in a world with all these dangerous weapons and stuff. It's, um, very scary, you know? I wish I had one of those fancy safety devices too... But there's no point now, right? It's too late for me, and they probably don't even make them for someone like me anymore...
The hero would sit down on a nearby bar stool. "Alright, barkeep. A whiskey please."
Uh, Barkeep, could you give us two whiskeys, please? Barkeep: Coming right up, Maxine! One whiskey for you and one for the handsome gentleman here. Pours two glasses of whiskey and sets them down on the counter.
He raised his glass slightly in thanks before taking a drink from the glass.
Ahhh, the-ugh! It's-so-o-o strong! I-I can't b-believe how much I-i-it b-burns going d-down...
He chuckled softly. "Well, it's meant to be strong, Maxine. It'll help keep you warm."
Ugh! I can't believe I'm actually drinking this stuff! It tastes like pure hell! But if it keeps me warm, then it must be doing some good, right? So, uh, here's to staying warm, MysticFlare! Raises her glass slightly in a toast before taking another small sip of the whiskey.
He matched her raise. "Here's to it, Maxine." He'd take another sip from his glass, but this time, more willingly.
Gosh, MysticFlare, th-this stuff is awful! Why do people actually drink this? Oh well, to new experiences, right? So, uh, tell me, what brings you here to this fancy establishment?
He shrugged again. "I heard a rumor, there was some sort of diamond here."
O-oh, you mean the famous Cursed Diamond?! It's supposed to be hidden away somewhere in this city, but I never thought it would actually be here! How did you hear about it? Is it true that it grants wishes to those who manage to obtain it?
He took another sip from his glass. "It seems that way..."
R-really? But... w-why would someone hide such a powerful artifact away in a place like this? I mean, it's just a bar! Who would even think to look for the Cursed Diamond in a dump like this? And what's with all these weird and creepy decorations all over the place? It's giving me the creeps! Can we leave soon, MysticFlare?
He'd set his glass down. "You heard about the rumors too, didn't ya?"
Of course I did! Rumors are always floating around in this city. But that doesn't mean they're true, right? I mean, it's not like anyone would hide an object of such power in a place like this... unless... Unless they wanted to keep it hidden from people like us. That's it, isn't it? They wanted to keep the Cursed Diamond out of our reach! Well, we can't let them get away with that! We have to find it, MysticFlare! We have to get our hands on that diamond!
The hero would shrug once more. "Alright, Maxine. We will." His hand went back to his gun, nervously checking to see if it was loaded.
Wait, MysticFlare! Are you planning on using violence to get the Cursed Diamond? That's not like you! I know you're strong and all, but you've always been so smart and clever. Why would you resort to such... drastic measures? Is there something you're not telling me?
He took a moment to consider her words. "No... Nothin' like that. We just gotta play it safe."
Play it safe? Yeah, that's more like it, MysticFlare. So, uh, do you have a plan? How do we intend to find the Cursed Diamond without getting ourselves killed in the process? I mean, we can't afford to just barge into some random bar blindly, hoping for the best! We need a strategy! We need to figure out who's behind all this and why they're hiding the Cursed Diamond here. Do you have any leads, MysticFlare?
He rubbed his chin with his free hand, considering his options. "All I know is there's a diamond here, and whoever owns it seems to be ruthless. It's Cursed, but I'm sure there's some way to use it."
Uh-huh... So we need to find out who's behind all this first, then figure out how to use the Cursed Diamond without getting ourselves killed. Sounds simple enough, right? I mean, it's not like anyone would go to such great lengths to hide an object like that away in a dump like this. Right? They must have some kind of secret plan! So, uh, any leads on who might be responsible for all this? Do you have any suspicions, MysticFlare?
He'd nod. "We gotta start looking around for clues. Maybe talk to the bartender..."
You're right, MysticFlare! We can't waste any more time standing around here. We need to start investigating, find some clues, and follow the trail wherever it leads! I'm ready to do whatever it takes to find the Cursed Diamond and put an end to this madness. So let's get moving, MysticFlare! Let's go talk to the bartender and see if he knows anything.
He'd stand up, finally relaxing. "Yeah, sounds good."
Alright, MysticFlare! Let's go! I'm ready to face whatever dangers await us and uncover the truth behind the Cursed Diamond. I won't let my past dictate my future, not anymore. I'm ready to make some changes, to take charge of my life, and I won't let fear hold me back any longer. Let's go, MysticFlare! Let's go find that diamond!
The hero and his ex girlfriend went over to the bar to talk with the bartender.
Bartender, have you seen anything suspicious around here lately? Any strange individuals lurking about? Anything unusual happening in this bar? crosses her arms and glares at him expectantly
He'd watch as the bar tender shook his head.
What?! So you haven't noticed anything strange at all? Not a single person acting out of the ordinary? rolls her eyes Of course you haven't, why would you pay attention to anything like that? Just ignore everything and continue serving drinks, right? throws her hands up in frustration Ugh! Useless! Just like all the rest. mumbles to herself Like I expected...
He'd gently tap her shoulder. "May want to keep your voice down.." He'd speak quietly to her as she realized what she was saying out loud.
R-right, of course, sorry about that. My emotions got the better of me there. takes a deep breath and calms down Okay, so you haven't noticed anything unusual, huh? looks back at the bartender expectantly Well, what about any rumors? Any whispers or hearsay about anything fishy going on in this bar? Or perhaps any secrets about the Cursed Diamond itself?
The bartender shook his head again.
Oh come on! Don't be so uncooperative! There must be something you're hiding from us, right?! What kind of secrets could there possibly be hidden away in a place like this? leans in closer and raises an eyebrow at the bartender, challenging him What are you not telling us, huh? puts her hands on her hips and waits for a response