[The Crown] Free Ale, almost no catch (open)

[Adder]

From the second cycle of Ponutis, Spring, Era XIV

A small group of mercenaries occupied a table not far from the door into the Crown. There were several pitchers of ale on the table and half of them were empty. They laughed and joked amongst themselves and while none of them was drunk, all had imbibed enough to take the edge off and relax.

At the table next to them, several pitchers of ale stood with some empty tankards. Beside it stood a lean dark haired and brown eyed human, leather jerkin with studded reinforcements hung on the chair next to him, leaving him in an off white linen shirt, dark brown leather trousers and heavy boots of a darker shade. A vambrace was strapped to his left forearm and a heavy sword hung at his waist.

He eyed the customers who came into the Inn and stepped up to those he thought likely to listen. "Serale my friend, can I offer you an ale in return for listening to what I have to offer?"

[Fen Jin]

Fen Jin had never before visited the crown, but she had long been curious to do so. She was certain that the experience of carousing through the inn would provide a good opportunity to observe and better understand social interactions between various groups of people, and possibly she might find something of academic interest to ponder. To her, the Crown Inn represented a controlled environment where she could observe the standard citizen at play in his or her natural pastime.

Moving through the inn, Fen Jin took notice of the assortment of people and activities going on. She casually picked up on conversations; taking a temporary interest in the lives of random strangers before moving on to the next subject of study. When she spied the man in the leather jerkin, approaching patrons in an attempt to relate some story, her interest was piqued. She decided to hear the man out and see what motivates him to pay out money on drinks merely to be heard. Was it loneliness? Boredom? Some higher calling? Only one way to find out…

She approached the man and addressed him in her characteristically soft-spoken manner,

“For a cup of tea, I will hear what you wish to say.”

[Adder]

"A cup of tea?" Surprise was evident in the hard bitten mercenaries face and voice, but he was experienced enough in dealing with people to adapt even to this request.

"Please take a seat, and I will get you something. Did you have any preference as to how you take it?" He moved the tankards aside to create a space and waved at a chair while he nodded at one of the other men at the other table who stood and waited to take the order.

[Jade Alanon]

Second cycle of Pontius and still Jade hadn't seen Valanthia's return, she had begun to miss her friend where she was, but instead of feeling down about it and moping around Coldlight where the other Sanguine where, she decided to get out for the night. Jade was always careful when she left Coldlight, being apart of a group of assassins was enough to make one paranoid and Jade had always been untrustful before all this began. It was a particularly chilly spring day when Jade walked out of Coldlight with Nymira at her side as usual, her dark cloak around her shoulders to keep warm and also hide her in the shadows should she come across trouble that she was unable to fight at the moment.

She slipped the gold ring around her finger and waited for only a moment for the sensation to kick in, closing her eyes and holding her hand gently on Nymira's head for a moment, having gotten used to the feeling of transportation. A moment later she opened her eyes to see her standing in a dark alley of Aelyria Prime, the city sounds loud and abrasive to the two that were used to the quiet and simplicity of the Primus countryside. Returning the ring to a chain around her neck, she slipped the hood of her cloak around her head and walked in the shadows, knowing that she was near invisible in the shadows along with Nymira who was shadowstalking made her feel content in her safety.

In her hand was her staff, clutched tightly and used for the moment as a walking stick. She may have had the appearance of a young fragile woman, but the hard look in her emerald eyes told otherwise as did the way she handled herself, with confidence and grace even in possibly dangerous places such as the crown. She wore a black simple dress that seemed to help even more in hiding her in the shadows, she moved towards the crown fro a drink before possibly going to one of the shops. Jade was a familiar face to most patrons in the tavern, though most never approached her and that was fine with her, she was used to being alone and Nymira provided some conversation at times.

This time was different, as she entered the tavern with Nymira at her side, she was almost immediately approached by lean dark haired dark eyed human who bore the look of a mercenary. She heard a soft growl echo from within Nymira as Nymira inspected the man herself, Jade did as well with calculating eyes as she weighed his words. A free ale in exchange for listening to what he had to offer, that could be a trap but what fool would think to trap a girl with a large wolf like creature at her side? After taking a moment to consider the proposition, she nodded and followed him to her table. "You've caught my attention." Was all she said, her voice soft yet confident. Nymira followed closely as well, careful to watch the men as she was extremely protective of her bondmate and if they even thought of trying to gang up on the Sanguine, she would tear the lot of them apart.

[Adder]

The entrance was one that had certainly attracted the attention of the experienced mercenary, and not for the reason that likely most eyes had swivelled her way. It wasn't every woman who came accompanied by such a dangerous looking animal, and even here in this Inn used to unusual sights, it attracted attention.

The man though discounted the animal, not because he didn't recognise it as dangerous, but because he counted the woman more dangerous still. There was something about the way she walked which marked experience in his eyes.

It wasn't surprising then that he approached her, though he was pleasantly surprised when she accepted his offer.

"Come then and take a seat." He sat, waiting first to see that she did before offering her the ale, unsure if she would accept or wish something else.

[Jade Alanon]

Jade was used to having eyes upon her and yet that did little to make her think much of herself in the looks department, she didn't dress to impress anyone nor did she care if anyone liked the way she looked. She had given up on that when Gardolan had suddenly disappeared out of her life without so much as a letter. Ignoring the others that seemed to stare at her, her emerald eyes stayed trained upon the mercenary, watching carefully to detect whether he was a threat or not, he most likely was but she was intriuged in seeing what he had to offer other then an ale.
Nymira didn't like the fact that the man seemed to discount her, she enjoyed when she scared people and hence growled a bit louder. "It would seem that you are more interesting in this man's eyes. Certainly not better looking. Came Nymira's teasing voice in Jade's head, though a certain amount of irritation could be heard as well. "I only wish to see what he has to say and he is most likely scared of you Nymira, he just doesn't wish to show it."

She took a seat in the offered chair and set her staff next to her carefully, Nymira taking a seat next to Jade's chair. Nymira kept her gaze over the bunch to let them know she was watching them, Jade doing the same, her hand resting on Nymira's head to show they had a connection in case the men got any ideas. She took the ale with a nod and began drinking, she hadn't really joined them for the ale, it was an excuse really. "So what exactly did you have to offer?" She asked directly, she was never one for messing around.

[Adder]

The man suppressed a smile at her forthrightnesses, though it didn't show as more than a twitch of his mouth. He leant back in his chair and considered both her and her companion. The unspoken communication hadn't gone unnoticed, or perhaps more accurately he had noticed the lack of obvious communication from which he could speculate on a number of possibilities. But he was a commander of men and wasn't about to allow her so easily to control the conversation.

"I'm looking for people with potential. People who are willing to take a chance and to try something new. Of course, they have to have that combination, otherwise I'm not interested. Let me give you some background. I have a contract with the Three Suns Trading House, who if you've not heard of them are perhaps one of the largest in the Empire. We are running a series of caravans out of here, heading for Daltina and then onwards to Primus Gaudeo."

He leant forward a little more, his voice conveying his enthusiasm. "Now you might be wondering where I'm leading, but if I were to say caravan guard, you might think me unhinged. But the roads aren't safe, no matter what the Legion might claim. Our first leg to Daltina runs us through the Khardans, which is the home to goblins and orcs. Its the sort of experience that makes people into fighters faster than any other method. We don't waste time marching round in circles like the Legion, nor do we spend time guarding things that no one wants to attack anyway. What I'm offering is the chance to learn or improve at least in your case some fighting skills."

[Jade Alanon]

If Jade noticed the slight twitch of his mouth, she said nothing, she merely watched as the man took charge of the conversation. Emerald eyes inspected each man that sat at the table, sizing each one up in case a fight occurred, but she figured the leader needed some sort of help or he wouldn't have approached her. She sat straight in her chair, not bothering to relax at the moment, her hand remaining on Nymira's head.

People with potential? Potential for what exactly, she had heard many different things on mercenaries and what they did, which was basically anything and while the man had not actually said that they were mercenaries, they had the look of them. in all truth Jade had never heard of the Three Suns Trading House, she wasn't normally interested in such things and had no reason to know of their existence. As much as she tried, she couldn't imagine these men as caravan drivers, but appearances were often times decieving.

She took a drink of her ale as she listened to his proposition, explaining that indeed he needed those that could fight and he seemed to notice that she was a fighter. She gave a faint smile at the prospect of improving her fighting abilities. A strange fire emerged in her emerald eyes at the mention of orcs, no one knew of her true hatred for the entire orc race, suddenly the offer became a lot more appealing. Getting the chance to sharpen her skills and take some vengence on orcs made her want to take it whether she got anything out of it or not.

Finishing off her ale rather quickly, she took a moment to make it appear as though she was contemplating it all, though she had already made a decision. "What do you think Nymira, sound like something we should do?" Jade trusted Nymira's input and if Nymira said no then she would not do it. Jade took her eyes off the men around her for a moment to look down at Nymira who in turn seemed to consider it as well. "I think it would be interesting, though make sure you know exactly what you are getting out of it, don't let them think you are cheap." Nymira seemed to pause for a moment. "Also we must make sure it is alright with Niravia." Jade nodded her head a bit, not enough to really draw attention, no one would really understand the bond between Jade and her Virkyn unless they were Sanguine themselves.

"So what exactly do I get out of this besides fighting experience, because I don't really know if I like risking my life for nothing." She wasn't saying no because really she wanted to go along, she simply was seeing how much they actually wanted her to come along. "Also, I am unsure what to call you, do you have a name?" This was one reason why Jade wasn't very good with speaking to people, her answers or questions were normally short and blunt and usually had a sarcastic edge to them.

[Fen Jin]

Fen Jin answered the man’s rhetorical question,

“Yes, tea. I prefer it plain; untainted with sugar or other flavoring.”

Understanding that a second man would fulfill the order, Fen Jin decided to move things along with the first man who caught her attention. She addressed him in a very objective manner, emotionless in both tone and expression,

“While we wait for the tea to arrive, please begin telling me what you wish to discuss.”

[Adder]

"Tanis is what they call me," he replied with a twinkle to his brown eyes. He ignored a snort of laughter from the table next to them. "Captain, some would call me since that the title the Guild put on my job, but I don't hold to formalities." The gleam fell from his eye and his voice became chilly, "though that doesn't apply as far as fighting or standing duty applies. Anyone who puts any of my mens lives at risk'll answer to me if they survive long enough."

He smiled the chill away. "But of course aside from the experience, we'll pay you, feed you and give you somewhere to sleep while you are with us. Pay depends on your experience and sometimes where the fighting has been heavy on a trip, the caravan master will pay a bonus. Aside from that, you'll see the Empire, or at least some it at any road.

Out from here, across the plains where the grain grows so fast you have to be careful about sitting in one place too long." He winked to indicate that he was teasing her. "Across the Khardans by the Charisma Pass, land that belongs only to the Empire in name. Then down through the Maevewoods, a dark and dangerous place and into Daltina. City of nobles, at least it was once at any rate, but it seems to be picking up again now. You'll have a cycle there give or take and then if you want to continue, we pick up more cargo and head up along the Khardans for Midpoint, home of the Alyssian Guards, but not before we've skirted the Dolwoods. Not as dangerous as the Maevewoods they say, but far stranger in my view and home to a good few necromancers. Another cycle in the fortress of Midpoint and we'll be off over Centripax to Primus Gaudeo. Now there is a sight you'll not forget. Not that much smaller than here in Prime, but lots of dwarfes and it shows in the walls and the buildings. Heart of the Empire that is, sitting just below the mountains. White marble, like Daltina, they use to build it, but you'd have to see it to understand why it isn't just white." He grinned, "see the Empire while you have the chance, and not just from the inside of a barracks block like the Legion."

[Jade Alanon]

He had given her the name Tanis, but by the twinkle in his eye and the snorting laughter from his men told her that he had most likely given her a false name. That didn't much matter to the young woman, she had asked for a name in which to call him and he had given her one, whether it was his real name or not mattered little. She doubted she would call him Captain if she agreed to come since the title was one that demanded respect and Tanis had done nothing to earn her respect. The chilly tone in his voice caught her attention, the threat quite clear. He would not hesitate to kill her if she brought any threat to him or his men. Leaning forward a bit, her emerald eyes locked with his smooth brown eyes. "I understand completely Captain." She had no intentions of being a threat to him or his men unless they became a threat to her or Nymira. She wouldn't allow them to learn of her bond with Nymira, they may take advantage of it. "I have no intent on being a threat to anyone unless of course I am given a reason." Her implications would be clear as well, she wished not to be viewed as a threat but she didn't want them to believe she was a pushover either and while Tanis knew a fighter when he saw it, the other men might not.

Pay, food, and a place to sleep, that was rather generous considering, though it also made sense. A caravan would surely want those protecting it to be fit and healthy, their strength reserved in case a fight broke out, which seemed like a definite chance the way they were seeking outside help. Jade had never been one with a strong wanderlust, she had been content in living in Prime for the longest time so seeing the Empire was really a side benefit if even that. The real reason she wanted to go was because orcs would be killed, perhaps even the orcs who had massacred her village, though that was a long shot.

She listened as he explained and described the places they would go through en route, out of all the places he spoke of, only place she had ever been before was Primus Gaudeo and that had been a brief visit. Briefly touching the gold ring around her neck, she felt a bit better since the gold ring, once placed upon her finger, was able to take her directly back to Coldlight. No matter how far she was from prime, in an instant she could be back at Coldlight, the only place Jade referred to as home. Would Niravia allow her to go?

"I am definitely interested Tanis, when exactly would you be setting off and when would you be returning to Prime?" She hadn't exactly made it a definite yes, she wanted more information before making her final decision.

[Adder]

A nod from the man she spoke to and the order for her tea was placed. While they waited the conversation continued. He was impressed and amused by her serious manner. On the road it would likely prove an interesting mix and he wondered if she had a sense of humour at all. Seriousness often went hand in hand with dedication, but it was also the hallmark sometimes of a loner which could be bad in a close knit team.

"I'm looking for special people, people who are willing to take a chance, people who are looking to take their futures into their own hands. I'm offering the chance to get out into the Empire, to learn to look after yourself and become self reliant."

The tea arrived on the table in the form of a large pot and a white cup which was arranged for Fen's convenience.

"Does that sound like the sort of thing that you might be interested in?"

[Adder]

Tanis grinned wolfishly at her returned threat, the sort of spirit that he'd assumed from the moment that he'd first laid eyes on her.

"How long depends on how long you sign on for. Caravans aren't the fastest way to travel in the first place and we'll be changing load out and wagons in each city. We'll be in Daltina about fifteen brightenings after we set off, Midpoint about 18 brightenings after that and Primus another cycle or so after that. There are caravans running each way, so if you want to hop off in Daltina and ride the caravan back, you could be back here in say four cycles. There and back to Primus we take you two months. Either way, you'll be a lot more experienced by the time you get back here."

[Jade Alanon]

Jade gave her own sort of grin, this sort of socialization with men that didn't hit on her or drunk men that tried anything stupid with her was actually rather refreshing. He seemed to know that she was not one to be pushed around and instead of getting angry at her threats, he seemed to enjoy it. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Came Nymira's curious voice. Jade inwardly laughed and rested her hand back on the Virkyn's head. "Actually I am Nymira."

Technically she could return home anytime she wished in the blink of an eye, but she chose to keep such knowledge secret as would she keep her connection with Nymira a secret. If they knew that Jade and Nymira felt each other's pains and died if the other died, that would be a danger to them both and they could possibly use it against them. Best to stay safe for the time being. Going with them the whole way would bring her back to Prime in two months, leaving their caravan and journeying on another would bring her back in four cycles. With the knowledge that she could return home anytime she wished, she decided that she could agree now. If Niravia disagreed with her decision, then Jade just wouldn't go, but she didn't think Niravia would really object. Who knew, maybe Jade would find some Rhasic on her travels that she could kill, Nymira had a nose for the people and being that most Rhasic had no idea what they carried inside of them, it would be perfect.

"Alright Tanis, Nymira and I are both in, just tell us where to come and when." It would be obvious who Nymira was, a soft growl came from the beast and Jade looked down, knowing that irritated sound. "You gave them my name?" Jade snorted and looked back at the men. "Would you rather I refer to you as my pet?" Jade knew full well how much Nymira hated being referred to as such, another growl from Nymira told her as much. In Jade's mind, she had won.

[Adder]

The way she gave her pet equal status caused one of Tanis's eyebrows to raise slightly and his glance to fall down on the animal, but he shrugged it off as a peculiarity which he could live with.

"The caravan leaves on the first of Melora. It'll form up ready for the move off outside the gates on the Daltina road. Most of it will come from the Three Suns Trading House down in the Ioannes Parish, but getting a caravan through the city in one piece would be madness to contemplate. You can meet us at the Trading House or outside the gates as you will, we'll be pleased to see you."

He seemed pleased at the prospect and settled back in his chair, some of the tension leaching out of him. "What training will you be looking for if any? We can teach swords, daggers, bows, axe and spear. Do you have any training already?"

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