[@Zarkun][@Sanguine Rose]

Thankfully, the soldiers did not continue to doubt the capability of the two soldiers and made show of resistance to Nolan taking charge specifically. They were desperate of course so there was no real need to convince them, but even if they refused to bite their tongue and swallow their pride Nolan would've just done his best to make sure they did not bite the dust. However, it was the willingness on their part that gave him a sigh of relief. As much of a burden it was to have their lives in his hands, it only made the job easier to know that they were willing to do whatever it took to stay alive because for them it was about surviving instead of delivering whatever cargo they were ordered to risk their lives for.

The guards saw no use in discussing any further details, something that Nolan could get behind. That was until another unexpected variable came into the picture; a man with a gruff expression, yet an air of ease approached Ria. The man was a warrior, that much was obvious to Nolan though it was not the weapons that gave it away. Anyone could buy a sword and a pistol and call themselves a fighter, but this man had the eyes of one; alert and sharp, always taking in his surroundings. They were the same eyes of the experienced, hardened mercenaries and mages he worked with before Pergrande. 

Nolan was not sure to make of this man, but he was familiar with Ria and judging from his friendliness towards her he was not someone to be wary of, at least not yet. The monk didn't like this at all. Not the man perse, but the fact that this swordsman was an unexpected variable in a job already riddled with them. At the same time, he could not help, but wonder who this swordsman was; he wasn't part of the guard and certainly was not the cargo. It only stood to reason that this man had enough sway that he could get a ride approved by the garrison commander. 

Still, Nolan made no effort to hide his annoyance with the sudden new character involved. He looked at the swordsman with the same grump apathy that he always had and said sarcastically, [color=00746b]"And I see you're the man with no name."[/color] The monk made it clear that he had no patience for whatever bullshit the swordsman was going to do.

[color=00746b]"You weren't mentioned in the briefing at all. Now pardon my ignorance, but who the hell are you?"[/color] He curtly said, looking to get straight to the point.