#because he's a good assassin but he doesnt know her + magic is scary ya'll

[tamedstray]

Regardless of whether it was an act or not, the stranger had revealed a level of desperation that he could use. A private room would be dangerous, unless he gets to choose the location. However, having his name freely thrown around town by connections he thought he trusted left him with limited options. Vigor considered two improvised locations, safe, but rarely frequented. He will suggest one, but keep the other as a back up.

      ❝You better have a good plan,❞ he whispers plainly. ❝I'll meet you at Stormshore Tabernacle tomorrow morning. Whatever you have to say, can be said before the gods.❞ The open interior of arched stone was built to echo any prayers, but it would also be perfectly naturally to find a pair of worshippers whispering to each other. Most importantly, it was public; he might be a trained killer, but he wasn't about to walk into a private room with her tonight. Vigor had not visited in many years, fearing the god's judgement, but perhaps they will be delighted to hear their pleas for freedom and justice. ❝Be there by ten.❞

      Having said his piece, Vigor rises from his chair and quietly walks off, leaving no room for debate or discussion. If he wishes to control the situation, then he must dictate what he can to ensure his safety and keep the stranger in check.

      He will watch his back on the way home, all while planning his next move.

Ugh, it was in that moment Zorah realized she'd have to put more effort into convincing him. She expected it to be easy - show a whipped hound fresh meat. While one might expect the dog to jump at the offer, a dog won't if he's been beat down too many times. She frowned and shook her head.

"No, no; I can't just give up," she pleaded. She met Vigor's gaze and held it. The warlock reached forward to place her hand on one of his. "I don't think you're my enemy at all." There was a hint of finality in that. Like she wouldn't accept him as an enemy, even if he felt otherwise.

"You're the best chance I've got, and I think I can help you, too. I'm not entirely useless. If we work together, we can really make something happen." Her voice was soft; quiet to avoid any prying ears. "Listen, wait, let's... why don't we go to a private room to talk about this? I know this isn't ideal. Or we can find someplace else. So we can talk plainly."

Her acting wasn't bad. While someone using magic to detect thoughts - assuming she didn't save against it - might have seen the reality within her mind, her presentation was decent. She hoped it was good enough to pass Vigor's scrutiny, if nothing else. Hoped that his own desire to be rid of the man who hurt him blinded him to any small cracks in the surface.