[table][row][right][color=0072bc][h3][b]Einar[/b][/h3][/color]Kingdom of Reynes  ||  Outskirts of Galehaut  ||  Morning[/right][/row][cell][i]Shnk. Shnk. Shhhhnnnk.[/i]

Einar whistled, the sound of his whetstone grinding against the edge of his blade, eyes locked on his handiwork as he continued this for a couple of minutes. Despite his fixation on his current task, he always kept a keen eye when he was scouring over the sizeable encampment they set up. He peered up for a second, briefly watching as three children hopped over the small, charred fire-pit he had put out before heading to sleep.

He didn't bother to scold or reprimand them for playing around this place, but he looked at them with a puzzling curiosity, eyes drifting every couple of seconds whenever they shouted or giggled, resulting in him tearing his eyes away from his current task.

Different. That was the word as he pondered on the conversation he had with Bel a week ago, about having a relatively dull and average life, [color=0072bc][i]"Obviously hiding something, although..."[/i][/color] Einar's thoughts went back to an average life, something he always tended to ponder about after a long journey, the what ifs and what nots, before musing about his own past.

He stopped sharpening his blade, instead leaning it against him as he stared glassy eyed into nil, through the children, through the horses, through the men who were chattering about the current predicament. [color=0072bc][i]"Can't help but wonder if I was a farmboy, or maybe something grandeur like a Prince from a foreign land! Heh, that would be a treat."[/i][/color]

He sniggered, snapping himself out of his reverie before going back to work, [i]shnk. Shnk. Shhhhnnnk.[/i] As much as he wanted to drift in dreams, or at least seek a link to his bloodline, part of him did doubt he would find it here, but yet there was always a small chance. However, that would have to wait, as he was assigned some jobs, [i]three[/i] in fact!... though the third was more of his own volition and curiosity.

Einar stopped, tossing the stone back into his tent with the rest of his items before holding the sword up, carefully examining it for any signs of cracking, rusting, or dulling. His nose was but a mere centimeter away from the blade as he went from tip to hilt, like a fine connoisseur of weapons.

Smiling widely he held the blade up high and gave it a brief twirl before holstering it with a deft [i][b]SHNK[/b][/i] on his scabbard and sighed with a confident smirk. [color=0072bc]"Time to get to wo-"[/color]

His stomach growled, his abdomen mimicking a ravenous beast, causing those kids from before to shriek and run off into the encampment, getting lost in the forest of tents, horses, and people.

[color=0072bc]"-rrsssome breakfast. Right, that,"[/color] he winced blushing slightly as he cleared his throat and looked around, praying no one saw that before snapping his fingers and resumed his confidant bravado with a toothy grin and began walking.

He passed on by different people, some bartering, others mingling, arguing, and interacting, though he didn't give them the time of day as he was busy organizing his own schedule, [color=0072bc][i]"I'm going with some people called Thom, William, couple others, the foreigner, and B-"[/i][/color]

Speaking of the devil herself, Einar broke off that thought the moment he caught a glimpse of a familiar pink hue amidst the clutter and rabble, moving swiftly as he held up a hand, waving at the little lady, [color=0072bc]"Greetings Bel, you're up quite early! That can only mean one thing,"[/color] he boldly stated with a chipper voice, keeping that same affable appearance he had the first time he encountered her.

[hider=In another time, in another place][right][i]One week ago...[/i][/right]

Einar stood there, resting by the tavern door as he observed the flock of people, rubbing his chin and furrowing his brows as he examined those who stood out to him as if they were a farmers prized cattle. Of course, he did pick out a few outstanding individuals to him, wryly smiling at each of the prospects. After waiting there for a couple of seconds, he grunted and pushed himself off the side of the tavern, whistling as he flowed with the crowd.

His eyes darted about, continuing to survey each and every member, whether they were departing or traveling from Garleton, with most being of the latter. For the most part, he kept to himself, displaying a happy-go-lucky facade as he walked with a beat in his step, though leaning away from people any time he suspected that [i]he[/i] was being targeted by someone to pickpocket.

The young man didn't bother shooting nasty glares or anything and kept to himself, always watching, even extending into when he entered the city, with the potential targets to swindle out of some gold through a stacked game increasing. As he entered, he struck up a conversation with what looked to be a couple of travelers, a couple of commoners from the looks of it with basic infantry weapon and barely a scrap of armor.

While he chattered about, he kept his eyes drifting, resulting in a few interesting characters, such as a lovely lady with pink hair and an exotic dress. His gaze, caused the other two to divert their attention, before being transfixed on the girl, whispering to themselves about trifling matters. However, Einar on the other hand was profiling her, [color=0072bc][i]"Early twenties, looks like a foreigner, probably a noble or a performer of some sort, full of herself..."[/i][/color]

Her body language gave most of it away to him, but what was more fascinating was observing the other two accompanying her. The minstrel was definitely from around here, as his clothes were Lothian in design, but the darker-skinned male that he couldn't get a complete read on, outside of guessing he possibly hailed from Themyscira. Outside of that all was his posture, which told Einar everything he needed to know not only about his occupation, but the relation to the girl. [color=0072bc][i]"Damn, well there goes that idea."[/i][/color]

Einar would continue to scan over the masses, even after his "companions" left him to gather with the rest of the gathering mob of people, looking to watch this lass perform. [color=0072bc]"Interesting,"[/color] he murmured to no one in particular. While he did watch the show, the main thing he noted was that, like her garments and physical features, the way she danced was completely different than dancers from Zion or Lyonesse.

He would, at the very least, keep an eye on her and the much younger individual as well that was protecting her. The mercenary's eyes swayed to the beat as he began sifting through the crowds, picking more and more people out, though he did always notice a few stragglers as well, such as that lady on the sidelines dressed in a black garb and a large cone hat. While she did look quite pretty, he also brushed her off as a potential target, figuring that she would most likely see through his ruse quite quickly.

[color=0072bc]"Hmm?"[/color]

Out of the corner of his eye, Einar saw her, the [i]perfect[/i] target. Her clothing, while modest was somewhat eloquent; a little bit beaten, but nevertheless had a lavish design to it all. Furthermore, the way she ambled around and her hold body language as she lead her steed made her look completely green to Einar! There was no way she had fought before, let alone travel anywhere, [i]especially[/i] since she left her horse behind, causing the mercenary to make mental gymnastics figuring out her thought process for that sort of action.

Clearing his throat and putting on a broad, affable smile that he was certain enough could warm the lass, he strolled through the crowd, keeping a keen eye on the shorter girl all while pretending to be curious in witnessing more and more of the foreigngirl's performance, moving through the crowd before crashing into the girl of the hour. [color=0072bc][i]"Bingo~."[/i][/color]

Grunting and feigning a wince, he took a small step back, bumping into another bystander before taking another step forward and looked at the pink haired girl. Brushing his chest off, he sighed for a second before looking at the pink-haired lass who recoiled and began rubbing her face, but not after apologizing.

[color=0072bc]"Ah, sorry about that, I wasn't paying attention, aha,"[/color] he chuckled, beaming brightly at the shorter lass as he rubbed the back of his neck with one hand and placed the other on his hip. Looking over the crowds at the other girl in the midst of it all, he looked back to the other who was still collecting her bearings.

[color=0072bc]"Was jus' tryin' to get a better view of her dancing,"[/color] he rolled his head and and jabbed a thumb at the dancer as he idly glanced in her direction, [color=0072bc]"her style is a lot different than the way Lyonesse and Zion dancers move, but it is nevertheless mesmerizing, wouldn't you agree?"[/color]



Bel forced her eyes not to water from the impact as she looked up at the young man. Young, certainly, but not much older than herself she guessed. Thankfully, the man didn't seem upset by their collision. 

[color=mediumslateblue]"No, no, it was my mistake. I was rushing, I should have watched where I was going,"[/color] she said. 

She studied him more as he spoke, and when he mentioned the other countries she was assured that he was indeed a mercenary, and apparently well traveled. She smiled wearily at him, and nodded. After just a moment, she shook her head instead.

[color=mediumslateblue]"I was trying to get a look as well. Unfortunately I wasn't able to see her performance..."[/color] she sighed, crossing her arms in front of her. [color=mediumslateblue]"I find dancers very inspiring and was hoping to watch, but..."[/color] she trailed off, her gaze sinking to the ground as she wondered: why was she even talking to his man? She should be getting back to Sunbeam now that she'd missed the performance. [i]No, that would be rude of me. I did bump into him and...[/i] her eyes flitted back up to the smiling man. [i]He seems nice enough.[/i]

[color=mediumslateblue]"You seem to know some about foreign dancers. Do you hail from the Empire?"[/color] she asked. She had already met one friendly and capable man on her travels, perhaps this apparent mercenary might share some insight with her as well?

Einar looked over the girl, tilting his head as he raised an eyebrow, [color=0072bc]"Sorry, but I'm not from the Lothian Empire lass,"[/color] despite the seemingly apologetic answer, he still remained upbeat before briskly raising the hand from his neck and shrugging nonchalantly. [color=0072bc]"Nor do I hail from any other nation, really,"[/color] he threw his other hand up and lightly shook his head before wryly smirking, [color=0072bc]"unless you count the roads as one. After all, they are a part of a desti[i]nation.[/i]"[/color]

[color=0072bc]"I'm Einar by the way,"[/color] he chuckled at what he considered to be a terrible pun, still ever so smiling as he looked at the girl and extended a hand out to her.

Bel stared at the man's smirking face for several moments. Did he just... did he just make a [i]pun?[/i] If it weren't for his simple, informal way of speaking and the sword at his hip, she might have thought he was a traveling jester attempting to make a fool out of her. And did he really call her [i]lass?[/i] Bel was still stricken by the pun to be properly annoyed by his words, and besides - she had shed her noble persona in pursuit of becoming a soldier. She shouldn't get herself worked up over things like this.

[color=mediumslateblue]"Oh, um, yes,"[/color] she stammered, coming to her sense and giving the man - Einar, apparently - a small smile. She took his hand. [color=mediumslateblue]"Nice to meet you, Einar. My name is Bel. I'm from the Empire myself, so forgive my presumptions."[/color]

She discreetly gave Einar another once over, reappraising him. He seemed to be in a good mood, it was like a smile was ever present on his face. Although he seemed silly, his posture was impeccable. It was a form she'd seen on many an imperial guard even when they were on break. The make of someone skilled with the blade. 

[color=0072bc]"Pleasure t'meetcha and it's fine, no harm in asking questions, can’t learn anything if y’don’t,"[/color] upon taking her hand, gave her a firm shake before letting go and placing his hand back on the side of his hip. He paused for a second, giving her one more look over, taking note of her weapon of choice before eyeing the slowly dispersing crowd. Some went back to their daily lives, mingling either about the dancer or other miscellaneous topics.

Taking a quick glimpse to the side, looking at the direction of the stronghold before returning his open gaze to the little lady. [color=0072bc]”Anyways, you mentioned that you’re from the Empire… which means you’re here t’join Alnard’s cause, aye?”[/color]


Bel followed Einar's gaze back to the crowd, and the reminder that she had missed the dancer's performance dampened her mood yet again. There was a woman's shout from the general area the dancer was in, but nothing seemed dangerous. Soon enough the people had moved on. Her eyes lingered, unseeing, before Einar's question brought her attention back to him.

[color=mediumslateblue]"Prince Alnard,"[/color] she corrected him. Although she would prefer people to use his full noble title, she doubted that Prince Alnard himself would like to be addressed as that. Still, Alnard was not only one of the Imperial Princes of this nation, but he was also her cousin in one way or another - she would see to it that he was respected. Her correction wasn't bitter though, if Einar was not from the Empire she could forgive a mistake like that once or twice.

[color=mediumslateblue]"Yes, I've come from the capitol to join up with his forces... I'm... a little inexperienced though,"[/color] she said, which was a massive understatement. Just days into her trip she'd met that hunter and nearly shot him while practicing her aim while on horseback. [color=mediumslateblue]"But! I'm devoted to the cause! I think any help they can get is good, right?"[/color] Her voice trailed off toward the end. She was indeed devoted to seeing peace come to the Lothian Empire, but she didn't want to get in the way. 

[color=mediumslateblue]"They are accepting even unskilled men who wish to serve, so I thought I would... oh, well, the point is I'm here,"[/color] she sighed and crossed her arms. [color=mediumslateblue]"I take it you are a mercenary looking to be hired? You're awfully friendly, different from other mercenaries I've run into."[/color] Though it wasn't many, still two friendly folk seemed a low number.

[color=0072bc]"Aye, though I've already signed on four or five days ago, heard the pay was pretty sustainable,"[/color] Einar interlocked his two hands and stretched them high towards the sun, both beaming as blindingly as ever, [color=0072bc]"also, you've probably ran into merc's while they were on the job or somethin'; usually don't like bein' distracted when working."[/color] Letting both his hands fall back down to both of his sides with a silent plop.

[color=0072bc]"Also, you shouldn't worry about your inexperience, everyone is wet behind the ears at some point in their life,"[/color] he gave a hearty chuckle before snapping his fingers to the side and jabbing a thumb to his chest, [color=0072bc]"I might be a damn great swordsman, but I wouldn't be half the man I was today without my dad, so don't sweat it... at least for right now."[/color]

After his words of encouragement, Einar pivoted around and gestured in the direction of the stronghold, [color=0072bc]"Anyways, how 'bout we walk, talk, and go getcha' signed up? After all, you're here to join his army after all, not jabber all day with yours truly,"[/color] he pressed his other hand flat against his chest, as if to either emphasize his words or add a bit of dramatic flair to an action so mundane.

Bel listened as Einar spoke, nodding along as he talked about mercenaries and his father. He seemed relaxed, and had certainly proved himself friendly, she had no inkling of any plan or scheme he may have had in mind before running into her.

[color=mediumslateblue]"Oh, yes, let's!"[/color] She replied with a smile. Einar's words had worked to cheer her back up. Feeling a little better now, she motioned with her hand for Einar to follow her as she walked back to the edge of the plaza. With the dancer's performance over and most people having moved on, it was a much easier walk. 

[color=mediumslateblue]"Thank you, Einar. You've made me feel better about all this. I just have to collect my horse,"[/color] she explained, and as they moved the large animal came into view soon enough. He was grazing on the plants near the plaza, chewing up someone's flower bed. Bel let out a short whistler to get the horse's attention and he lifted his head up to look at the pair. His coat was well maintained, smooth and dappled gray. His mane was similarly kempt, and flowed in waves. A pink ribbon was tied around the base of his tail. Despite his majestic appearance, the animal seemed to have a nasty look in it's eye as it stared down the unfamiliar person with Bel.

[color=mediumslateblue]"Are you close with your father?"[/color] She asked the mercenary. She had always liked hearing what commoner families were like.

[color=0072bc]"My father eh,"[/color] he uttered as he traversed through the plaza; he still had his smile, but instead of being a blindingly large one, it transitioned to a much smaller, softer smile as he recalled a few of the fond memories he had with the older man, remembering the smile that only a proud father could have.

[color=0072bc]"Well, he's a pretty great man I must say, probably old enough to be your Grandfather at this ah-,"[/color] just as he was pointing his finger at Bel, he caught the dappled horse out of the corner of his eye lunging forward, attempting to bite his finger. Einar, being a tad swifter, pulled his hand up, causing the horse to bite at nothing but thin air, eliciting a slight frown and one of his eyebrows to rise, [color=0072bc]"-ge. Kind, caring, though a bit strict, taciturn, and even somber at times. I can remember one of the times he indulged me in a play fight when I was pretty young... and he had a horse like yours, though more robust, experienced, and less prone to try and tear my finger off when pointing."[/color]

He teased at the horse with a larger than life grin, only to swear that the animal was glaring daggers at him as he felt its hot snort on his face. [color=0072bc]"What about you Bel? What're your parents like?"[/color]

Bel listened as Einar spoke about his father, taking note the change in his smile. His bright toothy grin from earlier had certainly made him  look friendly, but the smaller warm smile he now wore seemed to fit him much better. It made him look handsome, even. The young noble had a mind to tell him he should tone down his flashy smiles in the future when Sunbeam lunged at him.

[color=mediumslateblue][i]"Sunbeam![/i]"[/color] she gasped, pushing the horse's large face away from the mercenary. [color=mediumslateblue]"Sorry, he's... he's a grumpy steed, but he usually [i]doesn't bite,[/i]"[/color] Bel said, stressing the last two words as she fixed the horse with a stern look. She would chastise him later. As strange as it may be to berate a horse out loud, she found talking to him to be comforting for her, even before she'd left home.

[color=mediumslateblue]"It was nice to hear about your father, he sounds like a good man,"[/color] she told Einar once Sunbeam had huffed and backed off. It never even occurred to Bel that perhaps Sunbeam had sensed something in the man that made him react like that. [color=mediumslateblue]"My parents are..."[/color] she hesitated, wondering what exactly she should say. They were wealthy, powerful nobles that enjoyed their position in life and had tried hard to keep their daughter safe and home to enjoy it with them. [i]Yet here I am...[/i] she thought.

[color=mediumslateblue]"They are nice,"[/color] she said, and didn't expand at all. She supposed it was true, as far as noble families went they were pretty nice. They didn't push her into anything she didn't want to do, though that may have just because she was their only daughter - not a son. [color=mediumslateblue]"Normal parents."[/color] She finished. It wasn't that she didn't love her parents, but as long as she was keeping a lid on her identity she would prefer to not talk about them, and that was evident in her clipped words. She took Sunbeam's reins and gave Einar a quick smile. [color=mediumslateblue]"Let's get over to the registry. Would you lead the way, if you don't mind?"[/color]

Einar raised his eyebrow for a split second, giving Bel a quick sideways glance with his smile unnoticeably wavering for a second before his facial features returned to the same affable characteristics as before. [color=0072bc]"Must of been a relatively dull life before coming here, hunters or farmers I'm guessing,"[/color] he mused out loud, feigning ignorance as he tapped at his chin before waving his hand, [color=0072bc]"ah never mind that, as you said, what matters is you're here now."[/color]

With that said and done, they walked down the towns paths, Einar decided [i]not[/i] to point his finger in Sunbeams direction again, instead snapping and pointing down the path before weaving and waving his arms, [color=0072bc]"the path up here turns and weaves a bit, but we should be able to make it to the keep in a few minutes to get you signed up."[/color]

[color=0072bc]"Hm,"[/color] after he finished describing it all, he dropped his arm back to his side and was a little silent in the meantime, looking at the chastised horse as it turned its head to look briefly at him again before looking back to its owner. [color=0072bc]"I'm guessing your experience lies in handling horses as opposed to bows?"[/color]

[i]Dull indeed,[/i] Bel thought as she followed the young mercenary. It had been a life of learning, that she had very much enjoyed, but there wasn't much more to it. Studies, games, idly chatter at a meal then bed. The times when she got outside to practice riding was always her favorite pastime. [i]And to think it would come in handy in such a way...[/i]

As the two moved through the streets, she kept a close eye on Sunbeam so that he wouldn't assault anyone else, and hopefully not Einar again. The horse was strong of will, but maybe Bel's nerves were getting to him as they got closer and closer to the recruitment area. It wasn't as crowded as the plaza, but there was still a great amount of people looking to enlist. This gave the young noble some mixed feelings. She was happy to see so many people - whether they be citizens or mercenaries - looking to help the Empire in this trying time... but with so many people, did they really need her? [i]Ugh![/i] Bel physically shook her head to clear her mind and realized Einar had stopped talking for a moment. She'd gotten kind of used to his voice pointing things out as they traveled the short distance.

[color=mediumslateblue]"I am good with a bow!"[/color] she said quickly, but she realized it sounded like empty words and she could feel her face heat up slightly. [color=mediumslateblue]"Well, you're right in that I have more experience riding. Calming and caring for horses is just as important as learning to guide them while you're riding them, and I like to think I'm pretty good at it. However, I've also trained a lot in archery. I am confident in my ability to hit a target."[/color] She neglected to mention that she was much better at hitting a [i]stationary[/i] target, as the art of bowmanship she'd learned was for recreation, but she decided Einar probably didn't need to know that. She really wanted to avoid embarrassing herself any further today.

[color=mediumslateblue]"Feel free to watch when I demonstrate to the recruiters!"[/color] she said, trying to muster as much confidence as possible and smiling at Einar. [color=mediumslateblue]"But~ it's always nice to have options. Maybe you could give me some pointers about handling a sword?"[/color] 

[color=0072bc]"Hmhmm, I wouldn't mind teaching you a bit and giving you some pointers, as my skills are second to none after all,"[/color] he asserted boastfully with a mischievous, toothy grin, chuckling as he gazed over the little lady, [color=0072bc]"but only if you can show me [i]how[/i] good you are with your bow.”[/color] He winked, placing a hand on his hip as he playfully ribbed the greenhorn, before waving her off.

[color=0072bc]"Go on, don't wanna keep em' waiting."[/color]
[/hider][/cell][cell][img]https://i.postimg.cc/FHvr0y5G/untitled3.png[/img]
[center]_________________________
Status: [color=lawngreen]Pretty good shape[/color]
[/center][hider=Information][u]Class	  [/u]
Page

[u]Inventory    [/u]
Iron Sword [3/3]
Vulnerary [3/3]

[u]Experience [/u]
55/55

[u]Stats	   [/u]
END:	D
STR:	D
MAG:	C
DEX:	C
SPD:	D
DEF:	E
RES:	E
LCK:	E

[u]Action	   [/u]
N/A

[u]Supporting  [/u]
Bel ([@Yankee])[/hider][/cell][/table]