[center][h2][color=7bcdc8]Destin Eindride[/color] & [color=fff79a]Endar Drayen[/color][/h2][/center]

Endar gestured to one of the guards, and then pointed to the man currently practicing with the dummy. Then, he did a double take - was he [i]punching[/i] it?

As soon as the guard came over to tap Destin on the shoulder and lead him to the nobleman at the far end of the courtyard, he had just violently yanked back his elbow and accidentally ribbed them. Luckily, the armor of the guard made sure that only a small dent was caused, alongside a painful itch for the elbow. Destin spun around and faced the guard, a hint of slight confusion on his face.

[color=7bcdc8]"Yes?"[/color]

Shaking like a leaf, the guard stuttered, "H-his L-lordsh-ship will s-see you now..."

Destin nodded with a grunt, picking up the backpack off the floor and flinging it over his left shoulder. He strode over to Endar with calm, collected steps. There wasn't a trace of nervousness on the face of the veteran warrior, even when standing face-to-face with the nobleman. He still didn't know their name, come to think of it.

[color=7bcdc8]"...Hello,"[/color] he simply greeted, waiting for an answer from the young boy.

"Another Tyreni? How many of these barbarians will come instead of good, proper warriors?" Ezekiel hissed into Endar's ear.

Endar, however, hushed the elder man in the same tones. [color=fff79a]"You fought alongside your fair share of them, old man. Do not be so quick to judge."[/color] Then, turning back to the veteran, he nodded in greeting. [color=fff79a]"Hello, friend. Given your... display... I'm guessing that you are here to apply?"[/color]

The warrior nodded with a grunt. With his usual gruffy voice he replied, [color=7bcdc8]"That, I am. A minstrel sent me. My name is Destin Eindride, but I don't know what yours is. The minstrel forgot that part."[/color]

[color=fff79a]"Well, to most I am simply a reclusive lord from a remote part of Oriens that decided he wanted to move to the seaside. But, to you and all who know me, I am known as Ignis Doman. A pleasure to make your acquantaince."[/color]

Destin nodded again, closing his eyes for a brief moment to digest it. Ignis was a name he needed to remember, so he took a bit of time to imprint it into his mind. Then, after a few seconds, he looked back down at this 'Ignis'. The way they spoke was formal, so Destin tried his best to match.

[color=7bcdc8]"A pleasure to you as well, lord Ignis. I hope to be of great help."[/color]

Destin was no nobleman, which the tone of his voice and choice of words showed, but at least it was an honest effort.

Endar raised a brow. [color=fff79a]"Please, no need to speak formally with me - this is just the way I speak, and I would prefer it if those who would join me spoke and acted as they would around others."[/color]

He ran his eye over the Tyreni, before meeting his gaze once more. [color=fff79a]"I must admit, I have a hard time picturing you fighting in the arena. Have you past experience? I've seen your skill, but has it ever gone into practice?"[/color]

Destin furrowed his brow and narrowed his eyes, glancing down at the young boy. Did he question the warrior heritage of a proud Tyreni? Did he think that Destin had not killed yet? Or was the intent honest, questioning if he had ever entered an arena? Whatever it was, the man figured he best answer all of the questions that were raised by such a statement.

[color=7bcdc8]"I have fought many battles, Beast and Man alike. But I have not stepped into the arena. If you doubt my ability to fight, then you don't want to hire me?"[/color] he asked. The boy certainly wasn't giving off the impression to Destin that he would like him on the team.

[color=fff79a]"I never said that."[/color] Endar pointed out, though he supposed he could see where it may have been implied. [color=fff79a]"But, there are differences to the arena than on the fields of war. It may be unfamiliar to you. Yet it will be completely foreign to me... given that I have yet to truly see combat."[/color]

Destin blinked once. Destin blinked twice. He did not blink a third time, but instead let out a hearty laughter. It was loud enough to be heard across the courtyard, and unfortunately maybe even hurt Endar's ears.

[color=7bcdc8]"A warrior's pride! I misjudged you, my lord. I should be honored to fight alongside you, if you would have me!"[/color] he responded with a wide grin, the stern facade from before being completely gone.

Endar cracked a smile, though there was a small amount of pain. [color=fff79a]"And have you we shall. It will be as honorable for me, to fight by the side of one such as you. Please, occupy yourself with whatever you wish - the day is yet to end, and I hope for many more to join our ranks."[/color]

[color=7bcdc8]"I look forward to it, lord Ignis!"[/color] Destin exclaimed before taking his leave, satisfied with how that meeting went. However, unlike the compatriots before him, he went back over to the training dummies- this time taking out the claymore without fear of breaking one.