Fantasy or something, Open!

Theon's attention snapped up to the soldiers. He made a show of thinking hard about his answer—which really wasn't a show at all—glancing off to the side and chewing on his lip as he thought on what to say. It gave him time for the adrenaline to taper off, and for his hammering heart to regulate. On one hand, he could admit to their suspect's current location of where she perched beside him. "Actually, yes. I think I have seen someone fitting that description," he said finally.

On the other hand, what good would it really do him? Surely this young lady must be running for a just reason. If she only cared for violence and destruction wouldn't she have hurt him already? If it turned out Theon was mistaken, he would eat his words. But in the meantime, perhaps goodness would bring about greater rewards. He couldn't help being curious about this strange woman's intentions, either.

"She passed by here not too long ago. Like she was in a hurry. She went that way." He gestured to the direction of the market's main entrance.

Theon caught the coin in his hands with a gentle clap. He held it out, cradling it in one palm as he inspected the gold piece. Shiny. Probably not in circulation for very long. Between his family and his own business, he had enough money to keep him comfortable already. He squinted at the thing critically, then offered it to the supposed ne'er-do-well beside him. "You're welcome. I suppose you can repay me by telling me what exactly is going on. Why are they chasing you?"

Theon shrugged at the girl's refusal and pocketed the coin. He noted the way her eyes trailed over the pastries on his table. Was she hungry? He wondered, and considered offering her one. But she was just a stranger. Besides, she seemed to have no other interest in him otherwise. Then again, she did refuse the coin he'd offered. Perhaps it could be considered as payment for the treat. He was just about to grab one iced cinnamon bun with a rag when the girl blurted out.

Theon startled. "Oh. Woah. Alright. I think I believe you. We are acquaintances, yes, but you just inserted yourself into my life. However briefly. And you're rather interesting." He wrapped the bun he'd previously reached for, and held it out to her in place of the coin. "As acquaintances we should introduce ourselves. I'm Theon Quillen. What's your name?"

Theon scanned the market just to check if anyone else was headed towards his stall. Satisfied that they were left alone to chat, he sank back down into his chair, scratching his chin. He studied Inara while she ate. Faustus. The name seemed terribly familiar. It brought back memories to the days with his family before he moved out on his own. He remembered meetings between his parents and someone else with the last name Faustus. They wined and dined on a few occasions during his childhood, but besides talk of business, no official partnership or friendship became of their meetings. Later, he heard more of Duke Faustus and his renowned duchy from the more populated towns' gossip. "Faustus, hm? Is there any relation to the Duke around here by the same name?" He spoke congenially, curiosity without suspicion.

Ailean lifted his head at the smell of Inara's cinnamon bun. Like the good dog he was—Theon told him so—he rarely begged for the treats on the table. But this one, the one that descended and drifted tantalizing scent closer to his nose, he couldn't help but crawl a foot closer to the stranger. He laid back down a nose-lengths away from Inara. His chin rested on his paws and he lapped at his jowls. A low whine escaped his throat when he watched the last bit of pastry disappear.

Theon's entire disposition brightened, entirely too happy to talk about his baking. The subject of her name forgotten. "Aha, thank you! Yes. Yes, I make them all. Those cinnamon buns are my favorite, in fact."

"Oh, that's Ailean," Theon seemed almost as interested in talking about his dog as his baking, but there was no less fondness in his voice. He leaned down to give his dog a gentle scratch under the chin, which appeared to placate the hound. "He's a good boy. Don't feel bad about not sharing. He gets enough snacks at the house already."
As Theon sat up again, his gaze turned up to the sky, squinting against the sun. "Oh. I was planning on leaving shortly…" He trailed off while his attention turned back to Inara. "Do you…hm…do you have any specific direction you're heading?"