Chase couldn't help but feel responsible for the tension in the room.
"Perhaps it would be best if I explain myself," he interjected. "Our travels have been long and I'm sure your husband is as tired as I." Which would explain his short temper. Never mind the booze. He tried not to think on that.
Turning his attention to Nyla, he offered her a genuine smile.
"But again, I apologize for intruding. It seems I've been making a terrible set of serial mistakes." He rubbed anxiously at the back of his head and Javen only nodded.
"Well, go ahead and explain yourself. I'm going to fetch another bottle."
Chase nodded to Javen who passed him and went on his search for more booze. Then he returned his attentions back to Nyla and his heart sunk. She looked... terrified. And in turn, he felt even worse.
"I've become pretty famous in Connlaoth, made a name for myself with my music. Being how rare the cities are allowed to have large entertainers, I suppose it's no surprise my skill was gobbled up by those hungry to escape from the war." He shrugged simply. "Needless to say, I support Connlaoth." It was true. "This nation is great and powerful, and we're a much better country together, not tearing one another apart. I suppose I went... a bit too far with my latest song I've been singing and well, it angered a few out there who thought it best to burn my house down with me in it."
By now, Javen had returned and had brought an entire new bottle with him, and was already done with half the glass.
"That's where we come in," Javen interjected and Chase nodded.
"Yeah... my er, manager of my music thought it was best to remain close while tensions cooled off. To stick it out somewhere low and not to draw attention to myself and come up with a public apology in the coming weeks to hopefully clear my name."
He shrugged.
Javen snorted.
"It was a foolish move," he grumbled, knowing full well the other man ought to have known better...
"But it's what brought me here," he went on to explain. "You'll be paid well, that I can guarantee. I just need to stick around here until things cool down."