Welcome to Gaia! ::

Through the threshold of the inn came a most colorful patron. Although his outfit seemed on the extra gent side everything about the man spoke that he was a traveler. His clothes were built for comfort and adaptable to almost any climate. The most curious part and the thing that gave him away as a foreigner was a small ball of fire which sat atop his left shoulder. Upon closer inspection one would see the orb had eyes and a mouth. Such a bewildering sight caused those sitting at the bar to clear out when the man sat. He smirked at this realization his orange smoldering eyes gazing around the bar in a fleeting manner taking in all he needed in a few moments.

"Mead..." was the only word to leave his lips and a single gold coin slipped from his sleeve to roll out across the bar to the keep. The innkeeper tucked the coin away before bringing out a large flagon of it and setting it in front of the newcomer. The blond hair man smiled softly as he took a deep drink of it allowing its sweet taste to warm him. The little orb of fire seemed to be hunched over as if trying to get a glimpse of the golden liquid below perhaps wanting to try some itself.

The strange kept to himself here to observe and listen, all the while enjoying one of the greatest pleasures this world had to offer.

As the innkeeper whispered Surtr didn't move or nod but took another drink of his mead. As the innkeeper returned visibly pale Surtr allowed another coin to slide from his left sleeve. The innkeeper scooped it up and didn't bother looking to Surtr again not wanting to draw more attention to himself.

As Surtr went to take another drink the little ball of fire seemed to nudge him. Surtr smirked softly before rolling his eyes and bringing the flag on up to it. The ball of fire seemed to move closer and it managed to take a drink. Upon doing so it burst into a much larger bright pink fire for a moment before returning back down to its normal size. The fires that raged momentarily managed to do no damage and the innkeeper let out an annoyed huff. "Lightweight..." Surtr whispered to his fiery companion before he was approached by two guards.

After they invited Surtr he glanced to the innkeeper giving him a wink before turning and walking over. He sat down across from her gently setting his flag on down upon the table. "Don't think I've ever had such burly men beckoning me over." Surtr said teasing her guard rather playfully as his gaze seemed to move in on her. "A relief to see that they were doing the bidding of such a beautiful elf." Surtr said playfully and softly. His words were laced with confidence and charm apparently unheeding of the innkeepers warning. He did not introduce himself nor inquire as to why she had asked him to join her company. Since she was the one who requested him it was only fitting she make the first move. The pieces had been laid out and the game was about to begin.

Right to the point this one was. "I suppose it would depend on their form and the type of blood...." Surtr said giving a cryptic answer in his own way. Though it was true in their humanoid form they bled red, in their dragon form.... well Surtr had only burned those dragons so he didn't really get to see the blood. As she mentioned him having seen some of it he chuckled softly amused by the notion. "I'd wager there isn't much left on the map for me to fill in..." He said with a playful smile before taking a swig of mead. Surtr had been traveling for 4000 years never staying in one place for too long. He had gone as far as possible in all the cardinal directions and had seen most of the mysteries of the world.

"Was that the only reason you called me over? To inquire about dragon blood? I could point you in the direction of their kingdom if you'd care to find out first hand." Surtr said lifting his left index finger pointing at her. In reality he was pointing through her towards the direction of the kingdom. Though the coincidence was entertaining to be sure. Surtrs words were elegant and his tone had remained confident. He hadn't bothered to continue with compliments hating that strategy of the game. The only reason he did it the first time was to see her reaction. Seeing that there was none it meant he was dealing with a pro something he rarely ever got to do. How fun this game would be.

"Quite the precocious one..." Surtr said appluading her deductive abilities. She seemed to kind of propose he was a liar. A falsity at that, though he couldn't deny her argument was rather elegant. After she finished he too another sip of mead. "I did not lie.... a title is but a title, no real measure of a man." Surtr said in reply to her calling him a liar. Just because he held a title meant nothing of his caliber. "I wouldn't know, I've never been offered a drink before." Surtr said glancing at her now a playful smirk across his lips. He always had his own drink no one had ever bothered to order another one for him. It was very peculiar that such a long time living and no one had ever done that for him. "As for manners or lack there of it is universally known that inviting someone over only to send them away without introduction is poor etiquette." He said softly shifting his gaze back to the other patrons.

As she gave her second little speech he chuckled. Leaping to conclusions like this? What fiery one she was. "I never claimed I was a commoner. A lowly mage was in reference to my ability not my title. In addition with ability level being a subjective matter it is impossible to lie." Surtr said countering her argument very well. She couldn't call him a liar when he was giving her his opinion. An opinion could never be a lie no matter how ridiculous it was.

"Who says your wealthy? Anyone can hire some men to stand near them. For all I know these lads are suitors of yours..." Surtr said now taking a rather playful jab at the guards. He was dismantling her argument taking it apart piece by piece each time she made an assumption even if valid he could catch her on it. Surtr had chosen his words carefully when he spoke before his logic was flawless and arguing against would only lead to frustration. "As for observing when you live as long as me you begin to enjoy just watching the world turn..." he said just before the sweet taste of mead met his lips. He could play this game all day. He doubted the elf would manage to best him.

Surtr smirked as she laughed, and allowed a chuckle to slip out when she stated that she didn't have etiquette. It was a rather humorous thing to see someone who was perceived to be so high up on the socioeconomical scale to say such a thing. It would visibly relax the mage a bit. He would be happy to hear this one wasn't so prim and proper as all the other elves he would meet. When she mentions his plans he shook his head softly. He would likely do neither of those.

He took another sip of mead before answering being sure to savor each drop as he did. "No, the elven kingdom is well known. I seek nothing here. I will be traveling far to the north. There's supposedly a cavern way up in the mountains that I've been told holds some items of interest." He said divulging the general nature of his voyage. He saw no reason not to tell her north and mountains was as descriptive as deep in the ocean. "I tend to stop at each tavern I find to see if there are any whispers to be heard." He said casting a playful glance her way. The gaze seemed to communicate that Surtr believed she was doing the same thing here. A rather serendipitous event. Though he doubted she would share anything with him, she seemed like someone who hoarded information not one who shared it.

As she inquired about his penchant for whispers Surtr nodded softly. "I would consider myself a seeker of knowledge..... So far you are correct on that point." Surtr said agreeing with her that todays information about the tavern. As she seemed to give him a challenge he perked up excited now. Rather cheerful now at the game. As she set up the rules Surtrs mind attempted to read her the thoughts that would subsequently pop up but for her he hit an impasse. Nothing not a peep. A most curious one she was, though as she asked about the name he heard a whisper. A thought that barely squeaked out from one of her guards. He smirked softly. "Shael Shi'larra Stilmyst" He said softly while eying her intently while taking another sip of mead. Technically he didn't cheat. He didn't ask for help but assistance was given.

"While I appreciated the offer I don't have the time to stay the night." He said making a very saddened face. While the offer was extraordinarily tempting and Surtr was rarely able to resist such an offer; he had his eyes on the only thing that would be more precious than the company of a woman, a precious piece of knowledge. It beckoned him to the north and Surtr could not resist its call. Though it was mighty tempting to push it off, she was quite beautiful and a most puzzling problem indeed. He had finished his mead and sat now turned to face her wondering what she would say in reply.