She asked around Oak City and those who knew Ko or saw someone matching his description described him as being seen in the company of other women at various times. Maybe friends or guildmates? He wouldn't cheat... would he? Had he... moved on from her without telling her? "What's happened to you, Tiger...?"
Her thoughts trailed off as she came across a job board, a particular job catching her interests. A drinking contest... and a shop owner seeking help from any willing. The thought of a drinking contest made her wonder if she'd find Ko at such an event. Looking down at Winter, then up at Storm Fang, the teen werewolf scratched between the large Tempest Wolf's ears, before kneeling down to scratch the Snow Vulpix under her chin.
"What do you guys think? Should we check this guy out and see if we find any leads?"
Winter, who knew and adored Ko, let out a few happy yips. Storm Fang, the newest addition to the family, simply let out a guttural growl, his ears twitching and his expression showing disinterest in the subject. Rinni picked up Winter and climbed onto Storm Fang's back as the massive wolf walked down the city streets.
They received several odd looks from passerby's, most of which stepped out of the beast's path. Rinni sniffed the air, hoping to catch the familiar scent of a friend, Guildmate, or her Boyfriend. But it seemed, as far as she could tell, that she was alone in this city. A sigh escaped her lips as they neared the shop. The address matched that of the job request, so Rinni dismounted her Tempest Wolf and proceeded to enter the shop, Winter following close behind her leg.
The large wolf curled up outside the building for a nap, as he was much too large to fit through the door. Rinni left him to do his thing, having only just arrived she had no shelter to return him to until she needed him. She made a note to sign up at a hotel later.
"Hello? I'm here about a job request?" She called out timidly as the door dinged behind her to announced her entry. The bell caused the little white fox to flinch and let out a startled yip as she huddled close to the werewolf's legs. Rinni, quite used to her timid companion, ignored this as she approached the register and was met with a hardy greeting from a giant of a man.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but the man appeared friendly enough so she managed to keep a calm composure despite her nervousness. Being a shy petite young lady herself, she gingerly brushed a loose strand of brown hair behind her ear and peered up at the shopkeeper.
"Ah, hello. Hi. I'm... I'm Rinni Faithe."
"Rinni Faithe, is it? Beautiful name! Simply beautiful!"
"Th-thank y-"
"You seem quite young to be taking jobs, young lady. How old are you? Have you ever managed a shop before?"
"I'm 16... I'm... I'm an A-Rank Ranger... I've tended farms and defeated werewolves... I'm sure I can handle this..."
"Splendid! Splendid! Well, then. I'm off to the drinking competition! I'll see you when I see you!" The friendly giant headed out his door when Rinni stopped him.
"Wait! Rander! It's... a drinking competition, right? If you see a... if a man named Ko Lesalt is there... tell him I'm looking for him, please."
"Of course, Ms. Faithe. Of course. Take care!" And with that, he was gone.
Rinni sighed and looked around the shop. It was time to get to work.
[WC: 721/1000]