Nar & Lothar - A Collab Post

Nar raised his eyebrows, and his sooty hands. His first impression of this man was already low enough, but this took the cake. Nar had never even heard of this man, and although he wasn't exactly well versed in politics, he knew of the people worth knowing. [color=orangered]"Oh, my apologies. My intention was never to cause you offense."[/color], he lowers his hands again, wrapping them around his tankard. [color=orangered]"Trust me, at this stage of life it's my last intention to be hanged. You only start losing your ego and realising how far you have to come when you get as old as I am. To waste that would be... disappointing."[/color], he says, gaining a slightly wistful look. His thoughts turned to Teth, and how arrogance had turned out for him. What a place the world would be if man's ego was put aside for the benefit of others. [color=orangered]"Here, let me make amends. Let me buy you a drink, Sir.... Lord? What do I call you?"[/color]

He leaned back in his chair, and took another sip. A mighty fine Lager, this one was. Not that Nar was any expert on the matter, but he knew a good drink from a bad one, and this one was excellent.

Lothar shook his head and replied "It is fine. Just a stern reminder that some people have a bit of temper and would cause issues for a lot less... especially if they have undeserved power and authority. You personally have not caused any problems and so I have no qualm with you. I must also decline your kind gesture. I am one who does not like to have my mind clouded by the elixir of god as some poets and people put it. Especially not before a major campaign about to begin and where one of my bannermen was assaulted by bandits in this city. How far things have deteriorated in this city... seems less like a Jewel and more of a tinted glass."

He then looked at the man closely. Lothar could sense something from the man, which bothered him a bit. Like a flame, carefully contained by a fireplace. It was some sort of energy that was clearly being controlled at the moment, but it seemed to threaten to burst suddenly and erratically. It reminded him of the time that he had been sent to deal with enraged fire spirits by the Order of the Radiant Sun. "Say Traveler, may I inquire about the business that you're conducting in the Southern Jewel? You look like any other wanderer, but... clearly. We both know that is not true."

Nar laughed when the man he was talking to mentioned that others would cause issues for a lot less. [color=orangered]"Too true you are, my friend! And trust me, when you see the things I've seen today, the "Elixir of gods" will seem like... well... to be frank, a godsend."[/color], crows feet creased the skin around his eyes, [color=orangered]"Oh yes, but an ugly stained glass, not one of those beauteous ones you see in the churches. One of those ones that weep."[/color]. This young chap had the right attitude, despite Nar's initial judgement. At times like these he appreciated wisdom such as "Judge, judge fairly, and be ready to show mercy.". Granted, that particular piece was from a children's book he read a lot when he was younger, but it still held true.

However, Nar's face lost all trace of a smile when he saw the glint in this man's eye. His smile was replaced by a combination of grief, surprise, and respect. This man had seen it, where most people don't. He looked down into his drink, to stare a moment at his wizened reflection, before looking up again and grinning. This time, it wasn't the full hearted grin of amusement, but the forlorn grimace of loss. [color=orangered]"Family business."[/color], Nar darkly said. He walked over to the bar, and left some coins for the barkeep. [color=orangered]"And yes, you're right. I'm no ordinary traveler, but then, who is?"[/color], he paused, [color=orangered]"After all, we all have things that make us special. But you mean less ordinary still, don't you?"[/color]. He looks this keen young man in the eye, and let the full vision of his power reach out through that tiny strand of consciousnesses that was connecting them at that moment. 

[color=orangered]"I'm not one for fame, so I think that maybe you can keep a secret about what you saw. But we should talk. I'm interested in what makes you special, now. Oh, and call me Nar."[/color]

Lothar casually nodded and said "Perhaps, we should go for a small walk. It would provide us with some anonymity... at least more than in a cozy tavern with nosy veterans." as he indicated that they should leave. It wasn't much of a question as it was clear that Lothar had no intention of spending any more time here. Once, they had left the tavern, Lothar would continue to speak "Nar, I am Lord Wolff of Attolia, a former Knight of the Radiant Sun." as he pulled out his amulet which bore the sigil of the Order. He then continued to speak: 

"I suppose just like you, I am here on so called 'family business'. Except, since I am a Lord, I think you fully understand my predicament given the war preparations. Look I will be straightforward. I am missing one of my valiant Knights in this coming campaign. Such a tragedy reflects poorly upon me and my family. If you have already attended to your family business, then I am sure that you possess some skills that would be as... effective or even more effective than that of my maimed Knight. Your pay would be his share of the spoils that he would have received, a substantial sum. More than what most could even dream to earn in a decade. War is horrible, but for the victor... it can be profitable. Thus, I ask you, Nar. Would you serve the Kingdom under my banner? It can be just for one campaign or even longer if you desire, but if I am correct and you are who you think you are, then you could make a substantial difference in this war and save a lot of lives. And if you are interested in things like glory, honor, and prestige... I am about to go see the Grand Marshal himself to see if he has a special task for me and or my men. You will have the opportunity to meet many people if that is something that is of interest to you. They could potentially help your with your own... family business."

Nar looked long and hard at Lothar as he thought about this proposition. He opened his mouth, furrowed his brow, then closed his mouth again. They walked in silence for several minutes before Nar replied. [color=orangered]"Your offer is generous, that much is certain. I accept, but I reserve the right to leave if I must. Oh, and leave the glory out of it please. As you can see from my clothing,"[/color], he glances down at the somewhat dirty travel clothes he is currently wearing, [color=orangered]"I'm a touch ascetic when it comes to these things. Others can take the glory, but all it does is inflate the ego."[/color], he says. He considers for a while longer, right hand pulling at the skin around his adam's apple. [color=orangered]"I've been studying something particularly peculiar lately. May I also ask that I have your support in questioning certain people, if I feel I'd learn something?"[/color]

Lothar nodded. "As long as you inform me of your intention to depart with due regard. Then very well. I will trust you to not randomly vanish on the eve of a battle. As for questioning... as long as long as it doesn't break any laws or codes of conduct during wartime, then you may do as you wish. I will not promise anything that I know nothing about, but if you need help and explain to me with good reason, I will do what I can to assist you." Lothar then reached into a pouch and pulled out a few gold coins. "By accepting this as your initial payment, you will officially be a part of my retinue. Spend it on whatever equipment you will need to go on a campaign. I don't know if you've been in a war, but I highly recommend obtaining a pair of quality boots... they'll serve you better than any sword or shield ever could." Lothar said as he offered the coins for Nar to accept. "But first matter of business will, of course, be to see the Grand Marshal and see what we can do to help."

Nar accepted the payment and thanked Lothar. With the addition of a mage to his retinue, Lothar confidently led the group off to meet with the Grand Marshal.