Edric pauses to inspect the man, one hand moving to his belt to secure his money pouch, while the thumb of the other hooks onto the leather next to his knife.
"Good morning, fellow." He greets slowly. Pulling his attention away he scans around for the expected accomplice.
The man's smile beams ever wider as he steps toward Edric with splayed hands. "Good morning to you as well, my fair friend!"
Edric recalls what one of the sailors told him on his journey here - if they approach you, they want something.
As the man steps forward, Edric steps back. "Whatever you are peddling, I want none of it. I am here on business, and time is a finite resource." Satisfied that no hands hide in the crowd waiting to pinch from him, he begins to move forward and past the man.
The man raises a hand before Edric, stopping him in his tracks. "Please, my friend, I am not selling anything. If you are here on business I will not hold you long, but when your business is concluded...I have need of some extra hands. Tough hands, in truth. You look capable enough..." He raises an eyebrow in inquiry, eyeing up and down the broad figure of Edric.
Edric glares at the stranger for a moment before sighing in resignation, recalling his mothers lectures on generosity. "I am Edric. Give me your name and where I might find you. When my business is done, and if I hear good things about you, then I will come and see what I can do for you."
The man laughs in joy, and offers his hand to Edric. "I am Tavak, you can find me at the Blue Heron, near the market. I shall pay handsomely for your assistance of course!"
Edric slowly reaches out to shake the hand, applying slightly too much pressure as he responds. "Great. Goodbye."
Letting go of the man, Edrick steps away and goes on with his day.
Behind him, the man frowns and flexes his hand, before looking around for the next potential recruit on the dock. He spots one, and scurries over.
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