[u][b]Akio[/b][/u]

[quote]"What, where, When, How and Why?"[/quote]
[color=FF3219]"That, I'd also like to know."[/color] He said, placing his own drink on the table, inserting himself in the conversation. [color=FF3219]"I'm only curious about it though. On the condition that you're coming with us and pay at least half of the gold up front, then I accept your offer."[/color]

He took a swig of his drink as an older man came up and joined them. The ale was fairly low-quality, but there was a certain rustic charm to it. He set his mug down and saddled up next to the man, putting a hand over his shoulder. [color=FF3219]"I'm not afraid of some danger, but you have to understand that this is not an agreement to fight to the death on your behalf. It never is, and you should be careful of those who'll lie to you and say they will. We'll guard you and your goods up until the point where it clearly becomes impossible. If you're still willing to pay us the second half, we'll make sure you get to Evergrim alive even if protecting your goods becomes untenable. To that end, you should hire the old man and convince the fine lady here to join. We're gonna need more hands in case we run into something... bad."[/color]

With that, Akio takes his arm back, taking another nonchalant swig. It was a common negotiation tactic to look like he didn't care about the man's decision, though truly, Akio wasn't desperate for money, so it didn't really matter to him if his conditions were rejected. He'd already run into a witch once, and she was pretty nice before she tried to kidnap him, so it was more that the rumors of hauntings and witches didn't really bother him.