Back-Alley Tour Guide

"Do we look like guides?" scoffed the bum. "Be lucky we don't take your shit. Now get–"

But the man went silent the moment Ayse reached into his coat and pulled out a honey oat cake. "Consider this the upfront payment. If you can point us to the best, non-study chip installer, then I'll get you whatever meal or item you want, within a reasonable price."

"I'll help y'all out!"

A skinny, raggedy, old man slunk past the portly bum. The man's beard was unkempt and his neck was hunched over from years of improper posture. But his half-toothless smile was friendly, paired well with his savvy eyes. 

"Hey, Toad!" the burly bum shouted at the skinny man, "these be my customers!"

"I never said that," Ayse stated, resting a hand on one of his sheathed knives. "I'll take the old man. So leave him alone before we need to step in."