Axol never thought of himself as the kind to spill feelings to someone who was essentially still a stranger, and yet, he could easily see the grief and sorrow that Andrea hid behind her eyes when she spoke of fighting the injustice that enslaved her people. Despite his distrust, there was a comfort in knowing he found a fellow struggler. It takes one to know one, after all. For five years, he had never spoken with anyone to this extent. The only conversations that lasted as long were negotiations with employers, which were almost one-sided since Axol negotiated with grunts of agreement or grimaces of disapproval. It proved to be effective, though. Once, some poor farmer offered to pay him eighty copper Rykes to get rid of a rogue troll couple that kept stealing his cows. One frown from Axol convinced the farmer he should pay the man one hundred and thirteen instead.

When Andrea asked for his title, he couldn't help but think back on that farmer. When he collected his pay, the farmer had but one cow left, two sheep, and his daughter, who looked feverish. That was a long time ago, but the guilt still caught on like barbed wire on his heart. He heard the old knight in his head. [color=00a99d]"I pray you use it for good..."[/color]

[color=0072bc]"The Unworthy,"[/color] Axol answered, the tone of his voice now devoid of his usual arrogance or showmanship. [color=0072bc]"Much more interesting than 'Exiled', eh?"[/color] He teases with a playful smirk, an attempt to shrug off the weight the name carried. [color=0072bc]"I've done plenty to make people despise me, yet it's this sword that earned me that name."[/color] He lifts the massive, weathered blade and holds it upright in one hand, barely straining a muscle. It did not even shine when the sun touched it, its glory days having already passed away, along with its former and rightful owner. [color=0072bc]"Perhaps I'll tell you more of it the next time we speak. For now, let's leave it at that."[/color] He gave the pointy-eared woman a warm smile, rare for a man like him. [color=0072bc]"I must speak with the archer now, see if he really means to take only twenty percent of his own share and give the rest to us. Such acts of charity need to be double-checked."[/color]

[color=0072bc]"As for fighting... I won't make any promises."[/color] His eyes gleamed with mischief and a hint of challenge, though now it was less weighted and almost playful. [color=0072bc]"Unless one of these dull lackeys gives me ale, I'm bound to grow more irritable. Besides, fighting is good. Bickering and arguing can be annoying, yes, but it is a bond forged nonetheless, one shared exclusively between two. [i]Real[/i] fights, however... Now, that's a dance that forges even deeper bonds."[/color] He grinned, his mind racing with memories of countless battles he had fought, man and monster alike. [color=0072bc]"It is my truth; a way to find a friend in my enemies. With every swing of a blade or hurling of a fist, you are showing one another your most honest selves, something that most can't even do with their closest companions. It's special."[/color] He sighed with a soft smile. With his words, he did not imply a threat; Axol merely expressed his passion. [color=0072bc]"A damn shame that they perish moments after our newfound friendship..."[/color]

The sellsword turns to leave, making his way back to the keep's halls to find the barracks. [color=0072bc]"I look forward to our partnership- [i]and[/i] disagreements, Andrea, the Exiled!"[/color] His voice, loud as ever, boomed throughout the courtyard as he walked away, waving at Andrea behind him without turning to face her. On his way back, he pondered about the mysterious woman a while longer. Did she speak the truth as he did? Her eyes told a thousand stories, yet they were all vague. Axol could recognize that she can fight and is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with whatever danger they will be facing. Axol hadn't felt so conflicted about someone. He shrugs it off, whistling a familiar tune as he lets his greatsword rest on his shoulder. [color=0072bc][i]"Thinking is not your way, Axol. Go with your gut. Like you always do. Let the gods decide whether she is friend or foe."[/i][/color]

[@The Voice]