Markus nodded, his poise now thoughtful as he listened to her. "I agree." he said, referring to the Orc presence here being the cause for more contracts. "I was figuring I would do some scouting out here if it brought any money, or joining another caravan traveling further north. I'm not sure what's north of the RidgeTalon mountains. I hear a few cities are that way but, the highlands, lowlands and foothills here aren't exactly clear of dangers, or have the most well maintained roads." He looked into the crowd, thinking aloud. "There might even be a few openings for Road Wardens. Need a horse though..." 

He shook his head, and was about to turn around and ask more about her. He was curious on more than a few things, but even as he opened his mouth, he was interrupted suddenly. 

[i]Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.[/i] 

Markus blinked, lowering his brow curiously at the noise. It was coming from outside, fairly close by. No one else seemed to notice except two older men sitting behind them. Probably because they were the only ones near the wall. "[sub]Hold on a sec...[/sub]" he said under his breath, more talking to himself than Valerie. He caught himself though, not wanting to give her the impression she should stay put. "I mean, you know what I mean." He replied, simultaneously giving a small shrug and playful grin before nodding for her to come follow him. He [i]believed[/i] he knew what that sound was.

As they stepped outside, one of the Soldiers of Hillglen was indeed just where Markus thought he'd be. A wooden board with a small thatched roof to keep the rain or snow off stood across the courtyard of the street. The Soldier was just leaving a new notice for the town. [i]That's not a contract, is it[/i]? 

He glanced back at Valerie and met her eyes, before turning back and striding forward with purpose to the board. Rough script on rougher paper covered the wooden wall set up by thin pillars of roughly hewn stone. Most were notices of law, and some were Mercenary contracts far outdated. But the one just placed at the center... 

He pulled it off the board and read it under the street lamp light, for the sun had just lowered past the horizon. He read it aloud, though his voice was low and he held it between he and Valerie that she could see, though there was little light above them and she would need to lean close to catch it. 

[i][center]Attention.[/center] 

Due to the recent incursions and raids by the savage races, Adventurers, Trappers, or Hunters are needed to scout the surrounding lands within a week's horse ride, and to map out the areas where the Orcish tribes frequent the most. This contract is for Freelance explorers, and you will receive no aid in medical supplies or strength of arms. Every Orc hold to be discovered will garner 5 pounds of Gold. If interested, meet me at my office and make your mark. Take caution, for this is for the very foolhardy. I expect results, for this town breeds nothing if not foolhardy folk. 

-Mayor Brizana 

P.S. The same rules of kills apply as well, and will be added onto the amount. 

5 Bronze for every Goblin Ear. 
5 Silver for Orc Ear. 
3 Gold for every Ogre ear. 
5 Gold for a Giant Ear. 

Any other beastial monster is up for haggling, as always.[/i]  

"Damn." he breathed. He could almost shake his head. He hadn't even finished reading it before he knew it was too interesting of a chance to pass up, even if it was near suicide. [i]Guess I'm foolhardy[/i]. "I'm not a smart guy." he admitted to her, turning his head to look at Valerie. "Because I'm probably going to do this. But..." He let the unspoken question hang in the air. He wanted to voice the opinion that if she felt like living, she wouldn't accept this like he was. But he wouldn't disrespect her enough to act like it was too much for her either. [@Luminosity]