[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220428/2b5eb9e5c5d519db318ece6092d697bf.png[/img]
[sub][color=7b5d92]✧     Location: Soft Haven - Bounty House  ✧     Purse: 20 copper     ✧  Interactions:    ✧[/color][/sub][/center]

Ermes quirked up an eyebrow in a slight shock and disbelief as Aleka called him paranoid. He'd no idea where the half eleven man had gotten that idea, nor was he particularly fond of the accusation. But he figured if he wanted to stay here and earn a living he shouldn't start off by immediately contradicting the very man assigned to mark his name amongst their ranks. As the secretary began to explain the expectations and operations of the Bounty House, Ermes saw fit to move his way over towards one of the sofas, opting to sit atop the arm of the couch as he listened in to what they had to say.

When Cerric interrupted Aleka's long and rather dull speech, Ermes tried his best not to roll his eyes. Sure he had a point in that the droning voice of the man almost made Ermes's eyes close, but Cerrics quick dismissal for contracted work was a bit astonishing. He claimed one couldn't expand their aetheric finesse sitting in front of a forge, and while that may be true for someone like Ermes, perhaps someone with an affinity to fire could use it as a way to naturally and safely build up how much they can use their magic. That and having real world skills like how to forge, maintain, and sharpen a blade could come in very handy down the road on a long and arduous journey.

Once the floor opened up to questions, Ei wasted no time in raising her hand and speaking up in turn. Ermes turned to watch her as she asked something that made a knot form in the pit of his stomach. He'd never fully considered his previous (or current) employment to be particularly "less-than- ideal with a veil of virtuism" but others like her might. What's more he wondered on who's morality did the idea fall to? What her high society mind may seem as ill-gotten could easily be the norm around that town in which the Bounty was formed. 

Ceolfric quipped up rather quickly, pulling Ermes's attention even further away from the Bounty employees as he swiveled on the armrest of the sofa so that his body now faced him. It seemed at least someone within this group was willing to look past the shadows and embrace them. Perhaps he wouldn't have to play it as clean,  though Ceolfric did raise the good point on if the House would even honor such a contract. Cerric of course was quick to answer them both, reminding Ermes that there were [i]laws[/i] to abide by within these lands and that doing so could affect their pay in the end. That made the decision all the more easier.

As he sat there and thought more upon how this might all work, the doors to the Bounty House creaked open as a strikingly familiar face walked in. Ermes slid down from the armrest and stood in complete shock, his jaw going slightly agape as he watched her waltz in and past him. It'd been two years since he last saw her, since last he'd even thought about what had happened. So engrossed in work and making sure he had at the bare minimum food to eat that now it all flooded back. In his eyes she walked with a beacon of light, bringing hope with every step. But just as quickly as she arrived, she was gone. 

When Aleka had mentioned her mentoring him…well he felt like a kid again. He'd always admired her and how she fought. Learning from her would be an excellent bonus to the rest of all this. He noticed the glance she had given him as well as Lilann. He'd need to find time to speak to the bard, and as fate would have it her little puppy dog was called away by the Lord himself. Ermes had no idea how the tainted had managed to royally fuck up already but he also didn't make it his business to care at the moment. Once Kyreth was gone he quickly made his way over to Lilann. [Color=7b5d92]"Why did Lady M glance at you? Do you know her?"[/color]