Gareth turned back to his companion at his table assuming that his silver dime would be enough to satisfy Hilda.  He leaned forward to listen attentively as the guy explained about this airship that apparently was able to get to the Western Wastes which was an unprecedented event.  

Also it seemed the Western Wastes was an area that was filled with guns and this startled Clark, as his companion went on in great detail explaining how their airship arrived there and how he had only just escaped death from the Western Wastes clutches.  

"Wow, that is an incredible tale my friend and not one I envy much, as I try to avoid near death situations as much as possible," he commented with a slight smile.  

Then he was asked about his own story, he didn't think it could compare with his companions and so he kept it brief, "I worked under a mercenary, fighting for money until I became a competent mercenary and swordsmen myself.  When I became a competent mercenary then I began to earn money on my own as an independent fighter and I had various missions, but they probably aren't as exciting to hear about as your stories." he said slightly embarrassed.