Elrithos had demanded a simple mug of water from the bartender, in such a tone that it even made him weary. He definitely did not seem to be in his rightful state of mind. The cheery and smiling Aavikkanian had completed changed his image as his eyes were plunged deep into the water. He had many things to reconsider now and it wasn’t just for himself. Someone knew of his past deeds. Although they were seen as heroic and fascinating for the humans of the lands, years ago, they didn’t know the whole story behind his recklessness. The cost of his brash and impressive actions was the death of many of his friends and allies that came him to back him up but didn’t make it. The Council had been lenient on his course of actions, not exiling him right away. With a long sigh, he brought up the mug to his lips, guzzling down the liquid and then put it aside. Maybe it was time for him to sleep and he sat up from his stool. He walked past most people, wanting to find the caravan leader, Rudolf. Not that hard to do as he was loud and quite joyful. It was a pleasant sight for sore eyes. At least someone was shaving fun. Yet, as he approached he seemed busy with some people and he didn’t want to come ruin their mood with his own. And so, maybe a stroll in the city would cheer him up. With that clear in mind now, he turned back, heading for the exit. If he was lucky enough, no one would bother him for not showing up at the final round of combat in the arena. Elrithos had a feeling he wouldn’t have such luck. As he took his exit, he looked up towards the sky, in the darkness of the night. It would have been a great day, wonderful at that. It had to be ruined because of memories of the past. How foolish was that, letting a few burnt in images of the past come haunt him like that? He knew he wasn’t the holy one in his group who was like that, as Tirian also seemed to have some regret of the blood he spreads. Vordan and Caelis were still a great mystery to him, but then again, who wasn’t? He strolled off into the streets, simply wandering around without any destination. There was certainly something that would come and bring a smile on his face. He hoped so… ---- The coins were plenty on the table in which Vordan was playing. The people gathered with him were not shy to show off their money and placing in great bets. With still very little liquids in his system, Vordan was doing very good at this odd card game he had never played before. Many would think he would use some sleight of hands to cheat, but it wasn’t so… For now. He was simple gathering up information on the players, seeing their ticks, they action and reactions to plays. The reading of people’s gestures was half of the game right there, yet most people couldn’t pick up on these simple facts. Vordan made it a must in his life to learn how to do this, so that days he needed to patch up or rest, he could still make a good wager. The two common folk had dropped out as they didn’t want to lose all their coins, leaving the two noble looking people and the mercenary. IT was easy to see that the nobles were there to flash their wealth… And the mercenary, he actually couldn’t tell. It was odd that he couldn’t read him as properly as the others. It could mean a few things, such as he knows that Vordan was reading people and was making sure to screw around with him. Or, he was simply a natural at keeping himself in a composed unreadable manner. Either way, it was making his coin haggling quite a task… It was all in good pleasure though, as the challenge proved invigorating and he enjoyed it. As the games went along, people were making their way up the stairs more frequently now. The words had passed amongst the crowded establishment of cures given by an elven maiden. This had made his smile like a fool as he knew what it meant. Aaerynn was making the money she wanted and it seemed like she would be getting a lot more customers than intended. Aaerynn… Didn’t realize you were a snake like that. With a light chuckle, he ordered himself a new drink for the next hand. And, for the first time that night, the mercenary spoke to him, but not about the game. His green eyes were fixed upon Vordan and he had just realized it. [b]“Hey, newcomer. What’s your name?”[/b] He asked with a very polite tone. Both nobles looked towards Vordan, seemingly curious. From his part, Vordan smiled lightly as he rocked back his chair. [b]“Vordan Dawarum, mercenary extraordinaire.”[/b] He offered for an answer. The mercenary seem to smile as he nodded and then looked at the two others. They exchanged a look that meant that they knew each other and something was up. It didn’t bother Vordan that much for now, but it was definitely something of interest. His eyes went between the lot and they nodded. One of the noblemen spoke out to Vordan. [b]“Let’s cut the crap. You were playing us this whole game, weren’t you?”[/b] He was quite serious and they were all on him. Vordan, without hesitation, laughed at this comment. [b]“It’s the game. If I can read your every move, it is your problem, not mine. Does it bother you that my skills are greater than yours?”[/b] He wasn’t going to just let them be them boss of him with their mightiness. And so, he held their gaze with an arrogant, cocky smirk. The mercenary laughed lightly. [b]“He is definitely a good candidate.”[/b] He said lightly, making himself comfortable in his chair. [b]“Want to make some coins?”[/b] Vordan shook his head. [b]“I’m already on a contract right now, but we can discuss something if it takes less than a day.”[/b] What did they have in mind? Who knows, he might be making a lot more money than anticipated. His curiosity was aroused and he now wanted to know what they wanted to offer. The mercenary nodded in confirmation of his demand. [b]“Tomorrow night, same place. Except we work as a team, make a whole lot of coins. You leave with part of it and we leave with part of it. What do you say?”[/b] Vordan looked at the three of them. The offer was very pleasing to the ears and it would make another good night of profit. The added bonus was that the mercenary he was playing with this whole time knew exactly what he was doing. With a considerate look, and crossed his arms together and leaned against the table. [b]“Deal.”[/b] ---- The night was a lot more active than Elrithos had anticipated. People were lively within this town and it was actually quite soothing. It seemed that the general mood in the place was always great. It was so different from his lands again, as the Aavikkanians were a quiet and peaceful race when within their walls. Never would you see arenas like the ones of Cromerth except for the capital. The coliseum of the Great Capital was made for training but also a few theatrical events. Elrithos had gathered his smile once more, ignoring the past events of the day and just looking around. He eventually came across an older lady with a young man who was pulling a cart. Elrithos immediately noticed the young man was in pain and needed assistance. Yet, no one seemed to come help him. Why? It was something he wondered but he didn’t pounder on it for too long. He came towards them and offered his help, which the young man refused initially. Elrithos was taken aback from the response as he would expect him to say yes in his situation. Was it because of pride? Honor? Well, the old woman simply sighed as she came forth towards the Aavikkanian. [b]“Would you like to help us young man?”[/b] she said, a small smile on her face. She seemed to be getting to an age where it was not a very stable life. He held a walking stick to help her stand. [b]“It would be my pleasure, My Lady.”[/b] Elrithos replied as he came to grab a hold of the pulling cart. The young man, with what he had just seen, let the elf grab onto the cart. Elrithos, with this single act, had decided he would pass his night helping out the people as needed and rest when he felt he had done enough. --- Vordan had stopped making coins with them and actually had started a decent conversation with the lot of them. It was interesting to know that the nobles at the table were actual brothers and that the mercenary was a long childhood friend. They were a fascinating bunch and really had a story behind them. They were, just like Vordan: lively and full of energy. They were an interesting bunch that actually took a good part of his night simply talking away and laughing along to some good mercenary stories. They would be new found friends in the region and good ones two. They thought in the same way, and so, knew exactly what kind of life Vordan was living. Somewhere in their never-ending stories, Vordan had noticed that the flow of people going up and down of the stairs had slowed down. She probably ran out of stock by this time and Vordan knew a few more coins were going to be added to his pouch. And so, he wondered if she would be alright up there… She would probably be having fun up there. And so, he stood up. Luckily, he hadn’t down to many drinks, so he wasn’t going to be tumbling everywhere. [b]“I will be back in a moment; I am going to check on my friend.”[b] He uttered, walking towards the stairs and going up slowly. Although he wasn’t drunk, he still felt the effects of the mead in him. He marched through the few people walking about the stairs, reaching the top. At first, he didn’t find her as he was surprise to find another floor of gambling. Why didn’t he come here in the first place? It would have been easier to keep an eye on Aaerynn this way. He didn’t think much of it, so looked around againt. Finally, he spotted her with three men... Who were a little close to her. Then again, maybe that’s what she wanted. In any case, she didn’t seem in any kind of danger, so he smiled lightly, waiting for her to notice him to see if anything was wrong.