[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/7iJKKu5.png[/img]
[color=FIREBRICK][b][h3]MALAKAUS FIREBELLY[/h3][/b][/color][/center]

Looking at the two, neither of them would see the smile under Malakaus's helmet. The girl, Chieko, was cocky but had spirit. The boy Ryan was at least honest, and aware of his shortcomings enough to not let them excuse his ignorance. If there was one thing Malakaus hated most, it was people who knew what their weakness was but never sought a solution to fix them. Joining the knights would be a risky venture, but a step in the right direction for Ryan.  [color=firebrick]"Heh. I was the same myself. So sure of myself, believing that all I needed was my blade and the will the fight. But there's more to knighthood then simply using a sword. You have to learn how to please the common folk, as well as nobility, and find a way to make yourself useful in peacetime. Your blade should be your final resort; do not rely on it if you do not intend to take a live."[/color] But giving warnings wasn't really Malakaus's style. He preferred a more... Active teaching method. [color=firebrick]"But rest assure you both will need a lot of work. Your first lessons would, of course, be to educate yourself about the local language, customs, and geography. Don't expect these lessons to be free. You will earn your keep. And gods willing, I'll put you to work."[/color] The orc chuckled before turning towards Maria. 

[color=firebrick]"Unfortunately that is not for me to decide. You are Knight Commander Maria's guests. And ultimately, your fate is in her hands. I must leave to make arrangements for later. I will remain in the city for a short while, but tonight I shall leave on a quest. If you're interested in more, ask Maria after I meet with her. I would not wish to sway you any further than I already have."[/color] Malakaus bowed his head towards the two and bid them farewell, and did the same towards Maria, Tani, and Eris. Malakaus would arrange a meeting with Maria later when she wasn't busy, so for now Malakaus some much needed rest and repairing.

Leaving the Iron Bell HQ he could already hear Atisha arguing with the guards at the gate. He rushed towards them before things could become violent, trying to calm the situation. [color=firebrick]"Hold there! She is with me. Please excuse her poor attitude. I intend to fix that."[/color] Malakaus's glare could be seen even from underneath his helmet. [color=firebrick]"Come along now. We have preparations to make."[/color]

[@KoL][@liferusher][@ADamnFiddle][@Heckno12][@Rune_Alchemist]

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[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/MR5RyzW.png[/img]
[color=FORESTGREEN][b][h3]ATISHA ELUVIAN[/h3][/b][/color][/center]

Atisha quickly crossed the rooftops through the city and reached the main road with ease. From there getting to the castle was as simple as following the road, which Atisha could not fail even if she tried. A few people gave her odd looks, at least the ones fast enough to actually notice her, and soon she arrived to the front gates. Now a more devious person might think to find a way around the gate instead of dealing with all the guards, and indeed Atisha certainly could figure out a way to subvert their defenses and break in. But what would that speak of her character? That she would be so devious to sneak about like a thief, instead of being hospitable and taking the entrance? She sneered at those who thought themselves clever to break into people's homes and lodgings and expect some sort of respect for demonstrating their roguish talents. To Atisha such things reeked of vanity and unworthiness.

Unfortunately, Atisha's honor didn't always mean she did things the best or easiest way. When she arrived to the gates she tried to gain entrance by claiming to be an associate with Malakaus Firebeard, one of the knights of the capital. The guards however were understandably mistrustful; why should they simply believe the words of a mysterious, masked warrior? They asked to see her face and remove her hood, but Atisha refused. She knew that no one trusted elves. Of course, not removing her masks only made them even more distrustful and immediately they told her to turn back the way she came. [color=forestgreen]"What? No. I am here to see Malakaus Firebeard, one of your knights! He and I have been traveling for some time now and I am to meet him here at the Iron Bell headquarters. I have no reason to reveal you anything further then that!"[/color] Atisha spoke with defiance, a common tone with her.

Fortunately before the guards drew their blades Malakaus did arrive. He apologized for Atisha's behavior, and when he glared at her, Atisha met with a glare of her own. She did not appreciate being treated like someone else responsibility; she would have been able to get past the guards, one way or another. But he was right; they had things to prepare for. Saving villages from danger wasn't something one rushed into. She'll need proper equipment and knowledge to tackle this threat. [color=forestgreen]"Fine. Lead the way."[/color]