Welcome to Gaia! ::

Further into the tavern one man was standing leaning against the wall. His eyes surveyed the room. From the looks of him one could easily mistake him for a full elf. His posture is relaxed and casual, but it was all just an act. In fact, Fel’annar was looking around to select a new target. Taverns were a great place for pickpocketing, if the opportunity would arise. His eyes scanned the room one more time before his gaze rested on two individuals at a table.

The group was laughing and clearly inebriated. They were loudly mouthing at each other and making a ruckus with their laughter. A smirk played over his lips. Just in time, he was just getting bored! Fel’annar subtly raised one of his hands and whispered under his breath. Soon after, one of the cups of mead shivered a little and when the drinker slapped the table next to it, Fel gave a subtle wave and the cup toppled off the table into the lap of the guy next to him. The effect was, as he had expected, immediate. The one that got the mead in their lap jumped up from his chair, shouted at the man next to him and pulled the first punch square into the man’s face.

The half elf chuckled softly and watched as first the table erupted into a fight but soon, with others interfering, it turned into a full blown brawl. Fel, of course, made sure to stay out of the way. He wasn’t keen on being pulled into this quarrel. But he was definitely having fun watching the others beat each other up. Only one time he moved, acted as if he walked to the other side to avoid incoming brawlers, but as he passed one of the fighters, he slipped his hand passed their purse and when he walked to the wall on the now safer side of the room, the purse was gone from the man’s belt. Fel had put the pouch inside his tunic under his cloak and stood back watching the rest of the scene.

Fel’annar watched the brawl from his safe corner. From the weight of the pouch, which he could still feel now it was on his person, he guessed it was either a lot of money or actual gold. Unless of course he just had bad luck that day and it was junk. But the previous owner of it didn’t look like the junk carrying kind. He was wise enough not to check it here in the open view though. Instead he behaved in a way that one would expect a random patron who was sober. He stayed out of the way of the fight, didn’t try to meddle and watched from afar which was something many other patrons were doing as well. Except of course those had joined in.

As he looked at the other side of the fight, he noticed the man walking around the group. They looked formidable and he could imagine them being intimidating to some people. At first he thought they would dive right into the fray, but instead they seemed to avoid it as much as he had. Albeit less successfully. While he watched he saw the shove and the accidental stab with the horn as well as their consecutive behavior. He frowned a bit and cocked an eyebrow. Here was this man that looked like he could be a demon of some kind, easily able to knock out men with one punch. Yet they were acting as if they were insecure and would rather just stay far away from the fighting mass.

"Curious…" It was the first time Fel had spoken since he arrived here in the tavern, but it was in a low whisper more to himself than anyone else as his gaze followed this new man. Funny enough, they walked right to the side he was standing, though it made sense as it was the only area that was free from melee. It gave Fel the opportunity to take in their features more clearly and easily. Large horns, Protruding out of their heads, which he understood were how the accidental stab could have happened, serious expression and even complete with long nails like claws, perhaps they would even have fangs, Fel’annar couldn’t tell.

So why wasn't he joining the fight? "Quite ironic isn’t it?" The elf spoke up, his voice could easily be mistaken for one of higher ranking, though he definitely wasn’t. "They don’t allow children in here, yet their patrons are free to act juvenile. I do wonder what the commotion is about." Fel’annar purposely kept an ignorant air to his words, as if he had missed the start of the fight. This man could prove useful in some of his contracts. That is, if their appearance was correct. They looked strong, yet acted with a hint of naivety. Yes, they could be useful indeed. "What brings you to this tavern?" His voice was conversational, casual, while his gaze was on the fight as if keeping an eye on the proceedings.

’This turned out to be easy indeed.’ Up close, he glanced over at the man, able to see him in detail now. He did seem to be strong, but it was kind of disappointing to hear they were poor. ’I won’t make coins from him quickly. But perhaps he could be guided in the right direction.’ If he was able to fight, or taught to fight, they could be a good ally in one of his missions that required him to fight certain shells of bandits. It wasn’t his general fare to make money, but they promised enchanted gear if he eliminated the threat. The enchantment on the cloak they offered would be useful in his own ‘career’.

He glanced back at them again. It was definitely hard to hire protection if you didn’t have money. "I came here to have a drink and unwind after the day. I guess that is what most come here to do though. I also looked at the messageboard to see if there were any bounties. Other than that, I just need to rent a room for the night." It was all the truth, even if he didn’t reveal his motive after looking up bounties. He was quite the all-round adventurer really, he just had different approaches than most. Fel’annar pondered the possibilities to himself one more time before he decided.

"If you aren’t against tracking through the wild, we can travel together for some time if you wish. Although I do have to fulfill my missions as well. Maybe you can help me protect some innocents as well." It was an easy enough plan. His missions would be easier for the extra help, even if it was just to distract the targets, so easier money. And who knew, maybe he could earn an extra reward from this guy later on for the services rendered. Fel wasn’t usually a group person, but it was as if this evening was made for it.

The half elf noticed their attention shift. It would seem that he had fully caught their interest. This was good. Though it would seem they couldn’t even fight. Not that it was a big revelation to Fel’annar. After all, if they could fight, they wouldn’t need protection. But as long as they were willing to learn… His attention was fully drawn to the trinket that the man held out as an offer. He also glanced at the horn the man tapped but only because they called his attention to it. Fel’annar may be questionable at times, but he wasn’t evil. Even he could tell the gold was stuck to the horn pretty vast and he wouldn’t require them to hurt themselves for it.

His eyes went back to the trinket instead. With his years of experience in the dark parts of the underworld, he could tell the crystals were off a refined sort that one didn’t find anywhere near here. It would definitely be worth a little fortune. It seemed it wasn’t done yet though, as his new companion brought forward his tail and pulled some coins from it. Fel shook his head. "That jewelry you are offering alone is worth a lot of money. I wouldn’t extort you for more." His voice was kind and gentle, but in truth he decided against taking more because if they were to travel together for a while, it was better to start off well.

"If we are going to be travel companions, it would be only fair I will introduce myself. My name is Fel’annar. And I am a traveler and adventurer and now it seems your protector." he said smoothly. Giving them a smile he nodded. "How about I can do something better though and I will teach you some basics to protect yourself and others while we are on the road?" It was an innocent enough question, of course it meant a bit more than he led on. The man would be more useful to him if they could fight, it was as simple as that.

Fel’annar accepted the jewelry with his usual smile. It was worthy enough to pay for protection and then some. And the half elf would make sure he kept his end of the deal. Thief as he may be most of the time, he did still have his personal honor. "Maybe we should see about getting you a room, Milord. I can pay for it with my gold if need be, as the payment you gave me is a bit more than the cost of protection services. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to balance it out." There. See, he wasn’t always rough or rude. And he still remembered how to act around nobility. It would come in handy during this deal.

He was surprised with how easily the man repeated his name. Several people had tripped over the pronunciation. Before he could say more though, the guy went to put his coins back. So Fel instead replied to their answer about fighting. "I’m sure we can get you a bow and arrow." That required no physical contact and more so it would be a range weapon, so less worry for Fel’annar in the heat of the battle. "What shall I call you then, while we travel together?" It would be a lot easier if they knew names and how to call each other.

They were definitely an odd person, Fel pondered to himself. You’d almost think they had no clue about what they were doing, yet the guy made it here didn’t he? Scratching his cheek for a bit as he wondered about this, the young man soon shrugged a bit and turned back to his companion. "A room always does well. It beats sleeping outside." At least that was how Fel thought. After mentioning the archery he led them to the innkeeper once more to arrange for two rooms for the night.

Hearing them say their name after a second question for it, Fel nodded and then gave one of the keys in his hand to Cass. "Here you go. Be sure to get a good rest, we’ll have to get up early tomorrow to start our journey to the next town. It will take almost two days to get there, so enjoy the night in luxury.." Fel gave them a smile and went up to the rooms. It was true enough and even though Fel’annar would be acting as a guide and protector along the road, he did still have his missions to consider.

He had to make sure they would make it near the bandit camp before they would up and move on. Their rooms were right next to each other, so that was useful. Of course they didn’t have to go straight to bed, Fel wouldn’t, but he was going to his room for the night. Bend over maps and notes to plan ahead.

Fel’annar started his morning early. He was quite the early bird if he hadn’t been up to nightly missions either way. After he woke up, the half-elf’s first direction was the bathtub that was in the small room adjacent to his rented room. Just because his main missions often leaned toward thievery and assassination, didn’t mean that Fel had to look and smell like a barbarian too! In fact, he was quite specific about his appearance. The bath was short and refreshing.

Once he was done, the half-elf dried himself and put on his clothes, which he had washed the evening before and hung to dry overnight. He knew well how rare moments of such luxury would be once they were good and well on the road, so he made full use of it while he could. He wasn’t a big fan of the longer travels but it would be necessary this time.

After brushing his hair and braiding it in the warrior style, three braids in total, two along his ears and one on the back while also leaving the lower layer of hair loose, to make it more resistant to sand and dust. Once done he nodded appreciatively to his mirror image and after putting on all his gear and packing his bags he made his way down to the main room.

By the time Fel would arrive to Casmir’s side he was fully geared up, putting his bag under the table that his traveling companion was at. Besides the outfit of yesterday he was now also sporting a bow over his shoulder, unstrung for now, a shortsword on his left side, as he was right handed, and a knife strapped to his chest as well as one to each leg. He was ready for a long trip as well as for the dangers that would come with it.

"Have you eaten breakfast yet?" he asked curiously, his head tilted a bit and his arms crossed leisurely, upon seeing their water and only water. He himself gave a smile to the maid at work right now and ordered a bread with cheese and some bacon. It would be enough to sustain him until they would eat later on the road. After that he sat down across from Casmir and leaned back in a relaxed manner.

"While we are on the subject of travel preparation…" he started carefully as he chewed his cheek in thought. "Do you have a mount of some sort?" It wasn’t a necessity but very useful for longer travels. Fel had a horse himself. Two in fact. One to ride and one for carrying supplies. Though he always boarded them in the nearest stable to his destination if his mission was a stealth one.