Darious scratched at the stubble under his chin and readjusted the straps of his pack. How long had it taken him to acquire the items on his latest client's list who was marching with the regiment detachment in the mountains? The exotic herbs and spices, some of the rarest mountain roots of the region, and all that mixed with the right fluids then crystallized made for one of the most potent stimulants he could think of. 

He gathered that at least a week had been gone since he set off and the contact had requested he deliver the goods as well. [i]'Oh the things I will do for money'[/i] he chastised himself as he wandered the outskirts of Lan's bustling market. These gathering expeditions were not among his most favorite contracts to take, but the business of narcotics was one of the most profitable, and despite the displeasure of his journey, he had managed to get a few exotic animal pelts that would fetch a fair price as well.

It was good to be back with civilization. A week of camping along the rocky cliff sides had left him desirous of a hot bath, a soft bed and a good meal! Yes civilization was good for the most part but already he had thwarted two attempts of robbery leaving the would be robbers in moaning crumpled heaps [i]...amateurs...[/i] and turned away numerous harlots and their discounted offers.

It was not as if the mercenary dressed like some prissy noble or anything, but yet, he always seemed to attract would be thieves and countless whores like moths to a flame. In actual fact despite his traveling pack and the modest coin purse tucked away under his tunic, the only other thing he considered valuable on his person was the golden pendant fashioned in the likeness of a hooded female nomad around his neck which he so frequently tugged at absently. It seemed he held more value over it than perhaps it was actually worth.

The pendant was perhaps one of the only things he had left of his deceased family. Well that, and his sword of course. Both had been family heirlooms and he treasured them more than his own life. To lift even one, let alone both items a thief would have to get past two very skilled hands and the well conditioned body and reflexes of an accomplished mercenary. It would be quite the feat for an average street punk thief.

He paused as enticing smells of smoked meats and steamed vegetables filled his nostrils and after stopping at a food stall to purchase a skewer of smoked meats, was soon on his way again. It was nothing special, just a snack that would hold him until he managed to check himself into a decent inn. Oh how he longed for a hot bath and a well prepared meal, but for now, the mercenary of the wind had other business to attend to. He would have to secure transport up into the mountains where he would then have to track down the battalions that were stationed there so he could deliver the goods and receive the other half of his payment to be done with this horrid task once and for all.

At the heart of Lan's market, is where he found himself and after a few more stops to browse and barter he found his way over to a vender who had just finished setting up and appeared to be selling fresh tobacco and everything in between. The man had the look of an airship captain and sure enough, as Darious craned his neck upwards his eyes settled on the man's vessel so intriguingly titled "The Bloated Weasel". In a sense, airship captains were not that much different than mercenaries, and the majority of the ones he had come across were more than willing to charter their vessels out... for the right price of course. All crooked, the lot of them, mercenaries and captains alike, but business was business.

With a respectful nod Darious’ eyes scanned the man tending the stall “Good afternoon sir!” The travel worn mercenary offered before glancing over the items on display. Although his face was stubbly and smudged with dirt Darious offered his best smile to the vender then held a tobacco pouch up to his nose and in haled the sweet aroma deeply. “I’ll take this pouch here and some rolling papers if you've got them!” 
Deep blue eyes flicked to the sword nestled about the man’s waist and he continued, sweeping his hand upwards towards the airship “I’m also curious to know if you’re the captain of this fine ship? I find myself in need of transport up into the mountains.” He moved his hand towards the jagged looming mountainside in the distance where the last rendezvous point with his contact had been discussed.