A London Reality [London, England]

[Nox]

Trains, boats and buses -- all expenses paid by the Atharim -- and Sage. Jacob was annoyed that Nox hadn't just flown. There was still a bit too much terror in that and terror and the horde did not seem like the best combination -- which Jacob had relented to when reminded of the damage Nox might do in such a confined terrifying place. And not to mention Nox's own fear of flying on top of it.

The safe house Nox arrived at was above a bar, Harbour House. The bar itself was not part of the safe house -- no Atharim markings adjoined the signage which was good to know. Nox was relieved to find no one in the residence designated for Atharim. It was a hole in the wall place meant for just this type of adventure -- a safe place to crash with a drink below. There was no gear, no computer just the bare necessity of a roof over your head. More than he had at times back home.

Nox set his things down on the bed and grabbed his laptop from his back pack and went down stairs. The interior stairs led straight to the bar, it wasn't inside it but he didn't even have to leave the building. Nice touch, wondered what the owner thought about having Atharim living above them. Maybe they knew -- maybe not.

The bar wasn't empty at this hour. It wasn't loud by any means but it was more relaxed that any place he'd been to recently. Then again he'd been living above a burlesque club and fighting in a fight club -- everything was tame compared to either.

Nox set his laptop on the bar as he sat down and waited for the bartender to come over. He was a little taller than himself, with tossled blonde hair and piercing green eyes. He smiled and Nox couldn't help but return it. Felt good to see a smile -- felt good to smile. At least a real one where he hadn't been faking it. "What can I get you?"

"Sam Adam's Red?" Nox asked.

"Can't really do that. You want a recommendation?" the bartender retorted as he leaned on the bar in front of him.

"Sure. One and only one, whatever you recommend." Nox flirted as he pulled out a credit and slid it across the bar for payment. Didn't matter the cost, it was on the Atharim.

"Only one? You haven't even tasted it yet."

"I don't drink more than one of anything stronger than a beer."

The bartender started making a drink. Nox watched the ingredients and wasn't certain exactly what it was. But it was definitely stronger than a beer.

"Low tolerance? You look like a guy who could chew nails."

"I try not to do that. Bad for the teeth."

They both laughed. Nox added. "Also on the clock." Nox patted the laptop.

The bartender smiled with a nodded. "I'll bring it over, start a tab, want any food? Cook'll be here soon."

Nox nodded. "Surprise me."