[center][h2][color=f7941d]Mikhail Feldunn[/color][/h2][/center]

While Mikhail wasn’t entirely sure what Ashley’s reaction to his invitation but he certainly wasn’t expecting that. She looked… happy? Or was she just smirking at him? He couldn’t really tell but he definitely didn’t think she was gonna start flirting with him like that. [color=f7941d][i]Wait wait no. What?[/i][/color] MIkhail looked fairly taken aback and red started forming at his cheeks. It wasn’t that he minded per se, Ashley was definitely attractive after all. But he had to stop himself from getting too attached now. They were about to go to a potentially dangerous environment with unknown enemies. The last thing he wanted was for something to happen and feel that pain all over again.

He took a brief moment to compose himself and returned with a blank expression just in time for his old ‘friend’ Lord Clive to enter the room. In truth they originally became friends because Mikhail’s father and Clive’s father were close friends and while Mikhail felt he barely knew Clive, Clive apparently decided to keep him around all this time to a point where Mikhail just wasn’t able to refuse lest inciting the wrath of his own father. [color=f7941d]“Not at all Clive, we’re just planning our trip down South. I asked her to accompany me since I heard she was also planning on making her way down there.”[/color] Just like always he avoided the titles and forgo his social politeness he was expected to have. Thankfully Clive had probably dealt with this plenty of times by now.

Mikhail looked between the two suspiciously as they talked about an apparent danger. Potential criminals, sketchy sources and some weird code spoken between the two of them based on how Clive reacted. Though it seemed like everything was going according to Ashley’s plan. He definitely had made a good choice in asking her to come along.

[color=f7941d]“I think you're inflating your own ego a little bit there.”[/color] Mikhail teased at her as he followed her downstairs into the main building. [color=f7941d]“Though I suppose it won’t hurt to play along.”[/color]

Mikhail felt a little bad allowing Ashley to pay for his own drink but to be fair, he didn’t really have the source of income most nobles would expect to have. His whole stay at the capital to train was sponsored by his father and the man had been keeping a tight leash on his son even now to insure that he didn’t run off and do something stupid, as he was definitely intending to do. After all if he had a steady source of income he wouldn’t be so intent on going on this mission. While she paid for their orders another person approached and Mikhail eyed them suspiciously as they walked up. It was a girl, probably not too much younger than him. Definitely didn’t look like a noble from what he could tell. And she already started asking about Irinoth, what perfect timing. [color=f7941d]“What a coincidence, we were also heading to Irinoth. Perhaps we could bring you along if you can prove to us that you’ve got a skill valuable enough to warrant it. Of course, if my companion here is also alright with that.”[/color] He gestured to Ashley. While he wasn’t very excited to invite another person along, especially a stranger, but a group of two was probably not enough to guarantee safety in this situation. A small but efficient party would be perfect if they could find strangers that could prove themselves.