Time: Morning
Location: River Port-The Surfside Cafe
Interactions: Ismael [@Th3King0fChaos], Saoroise[@Potter],  Annya[@princess]
Mentions:  Bowyn [@Helo], Rue [@Potter], Kharne [@Kazemitsu]

Equipment: 
[hider=Foot Soldier weapons]
Throwing axes x2: [img] https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/677ab232-8d47-4b15-8009-7b1522e7c0e7.jpg[/img][/hider]
884 Amas.

Arn was still shifting through scenarios when the group he was expecting came joyfully through the door.  He noticed that there seemed to be a trio where he had counted more.  His brown eyes spied the fiery hair of the woman who had so pointedly introduced her knee to the elven man’s family jewels.  The young dwarf made a mental note to avoid arousing her anger and avoid her knee as well.  The strong looking demi human came in tow too.  The male’s eyes seemed to be sharp and calculating.  No doubt, this man had seen much action.  He seemed much more capable when not on the shoulders of a retreating lizard brute. 

The of course, there was the princess.  Her elven eyes quickly found him, though his position so close to the door and being the only one not huddled in a group could have helped.  Her jovial greeting made the healer’s stomach sink lower.  Perhaps he could have handled a professional princess full of court manners and decorum.  This would have allowed him to revert back to the shell of military bearing that is drilled into each recruit.  His movements and speech would have been automatic and precise.  

Instead, he was faced with a friendly princess whose smile was radiant, a true avatar for the light her elven people worshiped.  The soldier gulped.  He raised a hand gingerly in greeting and acknowledgment.  The trio approached and Arn found himself holding his breath.  Instinctively he leaned back ever so slightly as the princess leaned towards him.  Perhaps there was some sort of comfort in not being too close.  He shook his head at her apology for being delayed and the abrupt meeting the night before. 

[color=fff200]”What’s your name?”[/color]

When the young dwarf took in a breath to answer simple question he regretted it.  Being so close, he could not help but breathe in a sort of sweet fragrance that could be emanating from none other than the princess.  This realization soon brought a dark blush to his face, most of it thankfully hidden behind his reddish beard.  [color=0054a6]“Umm…”[/color] He stammered as he seemed to have forgotten his own name.  A wave of panic took him for a second and his eyes went wide.  Clearing his throat he tried again. [color=0054a6]“I…am Arn…Thorson”[/color]  he hesitated on his last name.  What was he supposed to address himself as?  Should he reveal his newly discovered parentage? 

There was no time to dwell on this as the other two came forth offering their own introductions.  The side conversation she was having with an interesting bracelet was not lost on the young soldier even if his eyes looked terrified at the red haired girl who introduced herself as Shae Though the lass put on a polite face, he could sense and undertone of hot flame.  Putting on a polite face himself he nodded respectfully at her and tried to mumble something about it being his pleasure.  

The strong looking man remained silent so Arn gave the man a nod,  his presence helped stabilize him.  He could not tell why but he felt a sort of kinship and understanding with him.  Perhaps it was his lack of introduction that helped put the soldier more at ease.  After all, it was believed that a person need not reveal his name to one who was not fully respected or trusted.  That man would never have his name sung in the ale houses or remembered in a surviving friend’s stories. 

[color=fff200]”So. What led you to me?”
[/color]
That small island was soon tested as a tumotuous wave of possible answers assailed him.  How could he answer that question?  Should he tell her that he is the newly discovered bastard son of the King of Ironhold?  Should he tell her that until recently he had been living the life of a typical Legionare elbows deep in blood and gore of his brothers and sisters in the defense of their ancient homeland?  Should he tell her his sudden jump into affairs his upbringing never prepared him for?  Words came and went in his mind as wind swirling around a storm.  

Instead, he produced the letter that had been entrusted to him.  What did it contain?  He did not know.  The young soldier had been a faithful messenger.  Who knew what fate awaited him or what he was required to do?  He had only been tasked with finding the princess, delivering the message, and making himself available to aid in whatever way she required.  A trembling hand offered it to her as if it was some sort of fragile fairy wing. 

Finally, unexpected even to him, his eyes met hers.  In them was reflected a sort of commitment.  He did not know what the letter held but he was damn sure that from what he had seen and heard in his short time in the “outside” world, people would need him.  There was a war about to break upon all of Avalia and his duty was to save as many as he could.  If this was through teaching those that would aling themselves with the Elven princess (a quick flash of Rues lovely porcelain face appeared in his mind’s eye) or healing those who offer their weapons in battle (the reckless face of Bowyn appeared too) even if it meant he himself stand along side her with shield in hand, he would do so. 

There was much suffering to come.  He made it his personal responsibility to deny death his prize.  The earth would already drink heavily the blood of friends or foes.  Arn was not about to let his nemesis have their souls so easily.