The greenskin wasn’t too bothered by the looks of suspicions, disdain, and wariness the citizens gave him. Val’kur was already fairly used to the mistrust that came with visiting any large settlement; his orcish appearance tended to inspire such feelings. There were of course also the occasional look of awe or amazement, generally from the children, which also wasn’t too uncommon. He usually towered over most humans and was built more heavily, though his attire likely also had something to do with it. With his hood up, cloak trailing behind him just a bit, and a heavy sawed blade hanging from his hip, his way of dress was also a far cry from the usual. The main reason was likely the bird that used his shoulder as a perch, and though it was unsteady and shaky his companion did not seem to mind.

It was an odd looking creature, resembling a crow in shape although its plumage was far different in color. With brilliant shades of light green, teal, and even azure, Val’kur’s companion was no doubt quite eye catching. The moment its eyes, pale blue and with a dull spark and glow, turned to watch those who watched it though, most people turned away with hushed whispers. Neither it nor its owner paid them any mind and continued onwards, their destination already in sight. Even for a seasoned traveller like him, it was a welcome relief to finally take a break from the road; he had travelled for several weeks now just to make it to the College on schedule.

Despite the long time he had to think on the decision, Val’kur still wasn’t sure if this was the right choice. Joining a guild, even temporarily or as a trial, was something entirely new to the halfbreed and the manner in which the offer had been extended still somewhat confounded him. 

The man had been waiting in a small unnamed town that Val’kur had only bothered to stop by to sell and purchase some supplies. He had approached Val’kur while the halfbreed had set up camp, commenting on his companion and knowing it would mark him as different. Most people thought it was just a rather exotic bird that Val’kur had lent its shoulders to, and though they would be right, they also missed a lot of the truth. Inspite of what followed afterwards, the man nevertheless passed along his message to the half-breed: an offer to attend the College of Preicana, and the date at which he would be expected. Then the mage, or at least Val’kur assumed the man was one, had left just as quickly as he had appeared, leaving the half-orc to think.

He shook his head to dismiss the thoughts that concerned him. He had already come so far, and the chance to learn more about the magic he possessed was simply too much for him to pass on. Even if things weren’t as they seemed, he was sure he could figure one way out of this. Perhaps it sensed its companions turmoil or maybe it was just hungry, but Iskra was nevertheless quick to jab its beak at Val’kur’s head good naturedly. The pecking continued until, with a small chuckle, the half-orc stopped in his walk and approached a nearby stall vendor.

Given how fast Iskra had devoured its share of the skewers he had purchased, Val’kur was willing to wager they were fairly well done. The warm food was a welcome reprieve to the chilly air he had to contend with as he crossed the bridge to the College. Without any cover the wind was free to blow at him, and despite an orc’s natural hardiness, the cold was still quite uncomfortable. The way Iskra had curled up on itself, head tucked under its wings that were wrapped tight, indicated his companion was ready to get inside and Val’kur had to agree. Wasting little time, the half-orc pushed the massive wooden doors opened and was greeted by a rush of warm air before he stepped in and pushed the doors shut against the cold air outside.

[b]“Val’kur?”[/b] His name being called caught the half-orc somewhat off guard and he whipped his head around to look at the lady who had done so. She was part of the staff evidently, and he noted the three others that were present nearby before he nodded. [b]“Good. In any case take a seat, and Evern will be along shortly.”[/b] He briefly considered asking who Evern was before deciding against it, he would find out soon enough. Instead of taking a seat as he had been told, he walked over to a pillar further away from the bench the other three had taken. Leaning against it, he pulled the hood off and gave a slight shake of the head to free his hair, before he turned his attention to finishing what skewers he had left.