[h3][center]Kalim[/center][/h3] From the outset of his journey, Kalim made it a point to not question the flow of time. Even if the seconds blended into years, he kept his eyes forward and his feet moving on the road. It wasn't without it's hardship; having to defend himself from wayward brigands, finding places to sleep during the nights, and working at random townships for food and supplies. Overall, he made a modest sum, or at least enough to keep him on his path. There were two things that he did stop to make time for: patching his armor and sharpening his blade. As his adoptive father taught him, 'A warrior without a weapon is a fool, and one without armor is inviting death to his door.' Words that continued to echo in his mind as he stripped and salvaged what he could to keep his equipment in order. The trek wasn't all trials and woes, some courteous merchants and caravans offer to carry the man a way... However, many dismissed him at the nearest town. His quiet demeanor and intense stare were enough to disturb lesser men, finding Kalim waking up to nothing but wagon trails and horse tracks. Still, he never turned down the ride nor did he forget where he was going. In time, he found himself on the home stretch: the road to Jotenvarr. Already the scenery was much different from his homeland; vast stretching deserts with sparse oasis dabbed across the monochrome canvas turned into lush green grass field and forests dense and lush with foliage. However, even the new and unusual sites were but a momentary distract for the man. Onward he's push, with no hesitation in his step. After an indeterminate amount of time, there stood the great city of Jotenvarr upon the horizon. Just this site alone steeled the man as he continued his stride, but he began to notice something... It's true the war had ended some time ago, but the stigma of his garb and his skin were obvious. As he had made his way further into the interior, he noticed some people recoiling or moving quickly out of his way. Once a woman snatched her child from his path and proceeded to hug the boy tight to her form while staring up at Kalim. True, his recent ventures gave him the complexion and look of a brigand, but he never raised his sword to anyone that had not tried to do him wrong initially. Now he was encroaching on the interior of the capital, and all the while guards would eye him over while keeping their hands upon their weapons. This continued all the way to the palace until a duo of guards stood before the vagabond. "Hold!" The older one spoke, hand on sword as he stood erect at his post, "What business have you in the palace?" Eyes narrowed, tone strict, posturing, but his grip on his blade is weak. All these factors Kalim took in at first glance, though it seemed like his eyes never waivered from the guards. "I seek employment." Kalim's reply was short, though he kept both arms at his sides and his hands away from the sword and pouches on his side. Last thing he wanted was a confrontation in the place he intended to call home. Though he did his best to keep his agitation of his voice, he felt it creep through slightly. Seems the guard caught wind of it as well, eyeing over Kalim with a slight sneer, "Then help the merchants or brandish your sword as a bouncer for an Inn." Kalim gave and audible sigh, closing his eyes slightly as he attempted to retain his composure. [i]'Step forward. Grab sword hand and trip. Draw blade and strike down. Stab through heart quickly and ready for next combatant. If unable to withdraw blade, retrieve opponent's and retreat to cover. Familiarize yourself with the weight and length. Let your opponent make the first mistake and then-'[/i] It was at this point the guard before him cleared his throat, snapping out the man out of his trance as his eyes focused ahead once more. "I represent former general Musaludin. He plans to settle here in Jotenvarr. I'm here as a sort of... Good-will ambassador." Kalim replied, attempting to put on his most courteous tone. His gaze however remained pointed and directed at the older man before him. After a moment of silence the man before him motioned with his head to the guard behind him. In an instant, the younger man nodded before slipping inside the palace. "We'll see what General Davos says about all this. IF you wish to serve Jotenvarr's guard, it will be his call." [@Light]