Al bounded back into the woods north of the bar and looked around. He began stuffing the devices into various hiding spots, covering an area of a couple hundred yards square, not too far from the bar itself. Into the branches of a tree, he might fling a glowing ball, and under a rock he might stuff an orange cylinder. He had eleven of the balls and two cylinders to place- he moved quickly, but he couldn't help feeling that, for Salem, it wouldn't be quick enough.
Salem's eyes flicked to the man who'd produced an energy sword, and to Jocun. He snorted, but didn't say a word. As though he and Rathien could be convinced to calmly walk outside together, and then fight.
He smirked at Rathien's words. On the one hand, the hunter was talking, and talking a lot, at that. That was good. Saved Salem the trouble of having to stall himself. On the other hand, the things he was saying, though mostly true, could hurt Salem's reputation at this bar. He'd been trying, with moderate success, to project a positive front to this crowd. The last thing he needed was for Rathien to make it that much harder. Never mind the fact that Rathien was still going around calling him Tobias, and very publicly now- he didn't need that name getting out.
He glanced around, briefly- reactions to Rathien's words didn't seem terribly strong, but they definitely had an effect. He cursed silently. Returning his gaze to Rathien, he called over his shoulder to Ossanlin, "I apologize, War Prince. This man is dangerous. I'll try to keep this brief."
To Rathien, he called, "I think you've been spending a bit too much time with Thienal, hunter. Probably want to check your facts before you start accusing me of things you don't understand." As he spoke, he activated his hover boots and glided slowly backwards towards the back hallway. He didn't know how long it would take Al, but if this went downhill, he wanted to have his escape route ready.
"Besides," he grinned, "I am a trader. It's less a 'bit' and more a 'profession.' Something you might look into, Mr. Arm-of-Fate. I could show you what I mean, if you'd just let me perform a quick little procedure on you. Nothing serious."