Markus glanced at her as the shadow of the walls fell over them, the gate now opening up for the Caravan to enter. "I'm not sure." he said. He truly didn't know what to say. Perhaps an army of men, or some other goodly race could or eventually will scour these mountains of the savage races. But, while they were here, it gave Markus work. A dark world we live in, where death brings me a way to live.

He gazed inwardly, suddenly lost in thought. Why are you thinking this way now? You have not thought of such things in months. Perhaps it was because he had not been in a true skirmish in months. Perhaps it was Valerie's words, and the fact she was bringing back memories he had not recalled for a few years. As he pondered this, their wagon entered through the thick timber gate. Crossbowmen and Archers patrolled above the walls, walking to and fro.

The streets were curved lines of cobblestone, more akin to well made countryside roads that happened to be located within a town's walls. The ground off the roads were hard ground with small patches of grass. The buildings were usually two stories tall, if that. Men-at-Arms loitered around the barracks to the side. One woman clutched her child as she saw the Wagons enter, seeing the dead men and damaged goods that were brought into the town.

Tobias led the Caravan down two streets to the Town Center, where he hopped off his wagon and stretched his neck. He told the guards at the front to announce to their master he was here, and then called all of the Mercs that were living and able to walk to approach him and receive their pay. Markus was looking forward to his 6 gold coins and 10 silver. He'd add it to the savings he'd accumulated over the past few years.
@Luminosity

Valerie eased off of the wagon once they'd come to a halt, glad to have finally arrived. The mood in the village was not the cheeriest, what with the armed men on constant watch, and the brave souls living within the walls looking on at the battered mercenaries that came with the caravan. She had to admire their fortitude. Mercenaries accepted the dangers they walked into, and were paid well enough for it. These people simply had to live with such threats, with their only reward being survival.

"Your payment," Tobias said, when he'd worked through the mercenaries before Valerie and Markus. He handed both of them a small coin pouch, which Valerie quickly stowed away inside her rucksack. "Threw in a few extra silver for you two, seeing as we've a few who can't collect now. You more than earned it, it was a tough fight."

Valerie couldn't disagree with that. "I'm sorry about your hand. Glad we could help get the caravan through."

"Ah, could've been worse." He gave both of them a clap on the shoulder, and took his leave, moving on to the other mercenaries still awaiting payment. Valerie turns to Markus, exhaling heavily.

"Well, where to? We have some extra coin on our hands, it seems."

The dark eyed Swordmage let out a breath when he received his payment, feeling the coins between his fingers before slipping them into his coinpouch. All except one gold coin that he flipped with his thumb and caught it. "See you again soon." Markus told Tobias, giving the man a nod and a friendly farewell grin as the burly merchant made his way up the street.

Behind them, people began unpacking their goods and hauling them past the two young Sellswords. His hands in his pockets now, thumbs sticking out, he let his mind unwind for a second. That had been a longer day than he had first realized. He almost felt like there was nothing better to do than to go lie down. At least, he would have thought that usually.

"Well, where to? We have some extra coin on our hands, it seems." Valerie said, just next to him. He gave a small smile to himself, realizing the meaning of her words meant that she'd rather stick by him for now. He'd not exactly done this in a year or two but... "Hey," he began, turning to her. One hand left his pocket and rubbed the back of his neck. "I was wondering if you wanted to get that drink now. I know you can pay for your own stuff, but I've saved up a bit. How about I buy you one?"
@Luminosity

Valerie found herself unable to keep from smiling, mostly from the slight awkwardness Markus was displaying. He was handsome in a rugged mercenary way, but it was somewhat obvious that he wasn't really in practice when it came to these sorts of things. Was it a bit early in the day for drinks? Perhaps not, with the chaos of the fight and the subsequent quiet of the aftermath, Valerie had lost track of time a bit. Maybe it was a bit early for her, but then, she was a mercenary now, and probably needed to get used to it.

Come to think of it, she'd never really been asked to get a drink in this way, like the common people did it. It actually made her feel a bit awkward to think about it. It was always over-groomed courtiers in the throne room, presenting themselves before her and her father, always with the very visible strings attached, in the form of whatever benefit their family would bring the Winters from a pairing. All things considered, she found the simple approach much more appealing.

"Alright," she said, doing her best to make sure her tone was encouraging. "I'd like that. Lead the way."

He'd just met her, and usually when he found a girl that intrigued him he waited a few nights to even ask about spending some time talking or drinking. But he'd already felt a kinship with this girl, and she was a friend already if nothing else. He'd not enjoyed talking about Mercenary work with anyone in a long time. Usually he just did it, and didn't speak about it. If someone on other expeditions asked a question, they usually did so nervously, and it made others nervous because it showed they didn't know what they were doing. But Valerie seemed both capable and inquisitive. She was sharp and well tempered, and endearing to chat with. He'd felt at ease helping her earlier and would again, he realized.

Or maybe most of the girls you've met were just tavern wenches, or died too early to get to know. Well, that may or may not be the case. But he found her smile contagious, and he met her eyes as a smile grew on his face as well. "Cool." he said, his smile now blooming into a grin. He passed her by slowly and gestured with a nod for her to follow his lead as he strode out of the courtyard. It had been a little awkward asking her, but he felt some of his confidence coming back. Just buying a drink for a new friend you're helping out.

The Tavern they made it to was called "Orc Ire and Dragon Fire." The sign hanging above the cobblestone street at the doorway held a sigil of an Open flame, crisscrossed by an Axe and a Scimitar. Inside, lantern light could be seen from the windows they passed. The merry stories and shouts of jovial laughter was suddenly unmuted once the door opened. Markus held the door open with one hand for Valerie to walk in. Once they were inside, the Swordmage waved to a few nondescript people in the crowd, leading over to a table left of the front door, a few tables down and against the wall. Two cushioned chairs were set.

All about them, men played cards or drinking games. Some told stories and laughed merrily. A few had decided to sit alone, and some even sat two at a time like Markus and Valerie were. There were a few Elves, Dwarves, even a Gnome with two Halflings among the crowd.

"I'll go grab our drinks. One sec." he told her, and headed over to the barkeep across the floor from their table. He rested his elbows on the counter, his back turned to her as he waited for the order to be met. Within a minute, he headed over to Valerie with two fine Ales, and set one in front of her. He let out a long sigh as he plopped into his chair. The room was warm and the hearth on the right side of the room blazed brightly. Next to it, a woman sang a folk song, though not too loudly.
@Luminosity

Orc Ire and Dragon Fire. Valerie had already had her fill of one for the day, that was for sure. Perhaps the Dragon Fire referred to the drink. She certainly hoped so; a dragon being thrown into her day would probably be too much to survive. In all, the mood inside the place was lighter than Valerie had expected, and it brought a small smile to her face as she sank into the cushioned chair. Only leaving her home behind could truly make her understand the value of a good cushion. Her current chair was a little flattened from overuse, but it certainly beat the back of a wagon.

It was a rather unique place, as far as venues for her first dates had gone. Was this a date? Her gut said no, it wasn't, she and Markus were just fellow mercenaries that had survived a hard fight together, but the fact that he was off buying her drink made her feel like it was. Whatever it was, Valerie felt like she'd missed out on establishments such as this when she was younger. High-class taverns were overrated.

"Mm," she said after taking a drink, "I have to admit I expected much worse." The ale was excellent in all honesty, and Valerie felt the warmth of it snaking down into her belly. It was strong, but not overly so. She wasn't embarrassingly lightweight, but heavy drinking was not among her talents.

She grinned somewhat sheepishly at Markus. "Not the best I've looked going for a drink. I think there's still some blood on me, honestly..." She glanced down at her breastplate, which she hadn't bothered removing. "But I suppose everyone here is a little beat up."

Valerie reached behind her, untying the knot her hair was in and letting it fall past her shoulders. It was a bit of a mess, but she ran a hand through it and ruffled it behind her, trying to get it in some sense of order. "So, you said you've some noble blood? I wouldn't have guessed, actually, but I mean that in the best way possible." Nobles tended to have certain qualities that left them feeling elevated above the rest. Valerie was still trying to stamp out some of those qualities in herself, but it was a work in progress.

Heading over to the Tavern Markus had felt more and more comfortable, but actually being there...he was now in his element. Trappers, Hunters, Miners, and of course, other Mercenaries filled the room as the tune continued to play. He sat down across from her, leaning forward a tad with his left forearm now resting on the soft wood of the table, and his right elbow set upon it, his drink in his right hand. He took a sip in unison with Valerie, letting the ale wash down his throat and warm his belly.

"It's how this place is..." he replied to her with a shrug, a smile on his face that bespoke Camradery. He was very amused at how unsure she was, but not in a malicious fashion. It was just as refreshing as he had thought on the road. "Everybody's a mess." He was also somewhat amused that this girl thought she looked less than presentable at a place like this. Well...she wouldn't be invited to any balls anytime soon, but only for her garb, and in Markus' view that was a good thing. "Besides..."

He lifted the fringe of his thick hair to reveal the jagged cut he had received earlier on the road. He gave her a wink to show that he wasn't in any pain from the cleaned wound. Or, nothing I haven't felt before at least. He let his hair fall down once more, though it was still slightly visible within the parting of his bangs.

He took another long sip, and watched her loosen her hair up for the merest second. He still wasn't sure if this was or was not a date, but either way, the sight of her fixing her hair...he had to hide a smile. "So, you said you've some noble blood? I wouldn't have guessed, actually, but I mean that in the best way possible." He gave a grin and a youthful laugh from deep within his throat, unable to keep himself from smiling at the ending of her statement. His dark eyes gazed downwards at his drink, and while he still held the smile for a few more moments, he had sobered up quickly enough at the question.

"Believe me, I take that as a big compliment." he told her, and lost himself in thought. He leaned back on his chair, resting a bit as he simply gazed into the crowd for a few moments, before his dark eyes fell on Valerie again. "I'm actually a...bastard. My father was the Lord's brother, and my mother was not his wife. But, he only had me and my half brother, so I was raised as one of his own." he explained, and took another sip. While he spoke to her matter of factly, the open warmth in his eyes showed that he was more confiding in someone he felt he not uncomfortable talking with about himself. "My last name is Flintbrook. My father's last name is Flint, but bastards in Eilen add a brook on the back of their name. I was his son but I could never be more than a Bastard because of my mother but...I grew up more or less as nobility, until a lot of..." he sighed. "-a lot of shit happened. So I left on my own accord. Honestly, it never did matter who my mother was. I was never suited for banquets." He smiled next as if he remembered a particular memory. "They'd make me learn etiquette and manners, whom to speak to and who not to. Y'know." He shrugged.

Silence followed, and he gazed inwardly and opened his mouth to say more, then he hesitated. "...I like this life a lot more." he stated simply. He let out a breath. "I earn things. I...make something of myself by my own skills. I don't need a title to do it, and I don't have a birthright, or lack thereof either. It's who I am, so..."
@Luminosity

"It's been very freeing so far, at least for me," Valerie said, leaning her head momentarily against the palm of her hand. "Even if we're bound by contracts, we can still choose what we want to do. That's often more than minor nobility are offered." The nobility were all sworn to someone, typically the king or other ruler, just as their soldiers and the rest were sworn to them. Very few were given the choice of what they wanted to take from life. But for the moment it seemed Valerie had escaped from that. It was as Markus said: using their own skills to make something of themselves, not title or birthright required.

She wasn't altogether surprised Markus was a bastard. They often had more reason than most nobles to leave home behind, especially if the family saw them as some kind of threat. She wondered if that was entailed in the "shit" that Markus spoke of. She certainly wasn't going to press him for details yet. It was understandable not to want to reveal everything to a stranger, even if he and Valerie were no longer such. But his birth didn't change her impression of him.

"The Winter family is second only to the King's in my homeland, Ardennia," she explained, after taking a long drink. "I'm full-blooded Winter, the third child of four, and the only daughter. I was sparring in the yard long before I ever learned to dance." She grinned. A different kind of dancing, she supposed. Her brothers rarely went easy on her. "I didn't dislike the life, to be honest. I traveled often in our lands, visiting and helping the people. My parents were quite lenient with me, never tried to marry me off for an alliance or anything." She nearly shuddered at the thought.

"I left because of a war our King instigated. He became greedy and eyed the lands to the north, looking to expand. My family could not oppose him without bringing war to our own lands, but... I refused to follow when called. My father's relations with the King were strong enough that my opposition was overlooked, but I couldn't be allowed to stay within the borders." She shrugged. "So I guess that makes me an exile. I don't know if I made the right choice, but I feel like I'm making a difference where I travel, even if it's just a small one."

He sat back and listened, sipping his Ale as he did so. Had he heard of the Winter family? He felt as if he had, though it would probably have only been in passing. He couldn't help but feel a small nagging in the back of his head that he recalled a story of the family once, but it was no matter. If he and Valerie spent more time together, doubtless he would find out.

He chuckled and looked around as he spoke. "This is quite the life to choose, though." he replied. Even for an exile, to be a Mercenary was to be in constant danger of disease and combat. "But, I'm glad you did. I think we both saved each other a few times back there. You're pretty handy with that blade of yours. A bit reckless but, I have no room to criticize." he admitted. He gazed into his cup and thought about challenging her to a small duel, but...not yet. He felt like talking a bit more first.

A waitress strode up at that moment and offered to give them some extra Ale. Markus decided he'd have one more, but none after that. He felt like talking than anything. It was dangerous for a Merc to get too dependent on alcohol either. He also ordered a small beef and cheese sandwich. He'd only had jerky throughout the day. After they gave their orders (if Valerie did as well), Markus crossed his toned arms, resting them on the table, and in turn rested his chin atop them. His eyes gazed up at Valerie through his tousled hair. "You probably didn't expect the butchery today." he said. "Honestly I didn't either but, now that it's happened and you did the job, what're you thinking of doing? Going down south again or waiting for something to pop up here?"
@Luminosity

Valerie didn't disagree with being called reckless. It was hardly the first time she'd been called such. The leniency she was shown in childhood, combined with the training she was given and her natural talent, had turned her into a young woman who was perhaps overly eager to put those skills to use. Ruling over lands had never been in her future, as what could be passed down would go to her older brothers, and to be honest she'd always despised the idea of simply starting and managing a family for a life. Thus she preferred the word adventurous even if reckless was sometimes more accurate. What other way allowed her to see the world, utilize her abilities, and do so with a clear conscience?

It was dangerous, yes, and she'd almost lost her life that very day. But she didn't, thanks to Markus, and as a result she had a chance to learn from her mistake, and improve until she could handle more and more.

When the waitress came by, Valerie declined the extra ale, having not yet finished her first, and knowing she certainly wouldn't require a second. She did order for a salad, at least, hoping to eat something fresh before she was on the road again. She glanced out the window and thought over his question for a moment.

"I was going to go back south," she admitted. "I figured there were be more chances for contracts there. But after the fight, I think I'd actually rather see if there's something that can be done here." Perhaps that was the reckless side of her speaking again. Any job here would have a near guarantee of danger, given the orc presence. "It seems like a good place here, and one that could use the help."

Markus nodded, his poise now thoughtful as he listened to her. "I agree." he said, referring to the Orc presence here being the cause for more contracts. "I was figuring I would do some scouting out here if it brought any money, or joining another caravan traveling further north. I'm not sure what's north of the RidgeTalon mountains. I hear a few cities are that way but, the highlands, lowlands and foothills here aren't exactly clear of dangers, or have the most well maintained roads." He looked into the crowd, thinking aloud. "There might even be a few openings for Road Wardens. Need a horse though..."

He shook his head, and was about to turn around and ask more about her. He was curious on more than a few things, but even as he opened his mouth, he was interrupted suddenly.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.

Markus blinked, lowering his brow curiously at the noise. It was coming from outside, fairly close by. No one else seemed to notice except two older men sitting behind them. Probably because they were the only ones near the wall. "_{Hold on a sec...}" he said under his breath, more talking to himself than Valerie. He caught himself though, not wanting to give her the impression she should stay put. "I mean, you know what I mean." He replied, simultaneously giving a small shrug and playful grin before nodding for her to come follow him. He believed he knew what that sound was.

As they stepped outside, one of the Soldiers of Hillglen was indeed just where Markus thought he'd be. A wooden board with a small thatched roof to keep the rain or snow off stood across the courtyard of the street. The Soldier was just leaving a new notice for the town. That's not a contract, is it?

He glanced back at Valerie and met her eyes, before turning back and striding forward with purpose to the board. Rough script on rougher paper covered the wooden wall set up by thin pillars of roughly hewn stone. Most were notices of law, and some were Mercenary contracts far outdated. But the one just placed at the center...

He pulled it off the board and read it under the street lamp light, for the sun had just lowered past the horizon. He read it aloud, though his voice was low and he held it between he and Valerie that she could see, though there was little light above them and she would need to lean close to catch it.

Attention.

Due to the recent incursions and raids by the savage races, Adventurers, Trappers, or Hunters are needed to scout the surrounding lands within a week's horse ride, and to map out the areas where the Orcish tribes frequent the most. This contract is for Freelance explorers, and you will receive no aid in medical supplies or strength of arms. Every Orc hold to be discovered will garner 5 pounds of Gold. If interested, meet me at my office and make your mark. Take caution, for this is for the very foolhardy. I expect results, for this town breeds nothing if not foolhardy folk.

-Mayor Brizana

P.S. The same rules of kills apply as well, and will be added onto the amount.

5 Bronze for every Goblin Ear.
5 Silver for Orc Ear.
3 Gold for every Ogre ear.
5 Gold for a Giant Ear.

Any other beastial monster is up for haggling, as always.

"Damn." he breathed. He could almost shake his head. He hadn't even finished reading it before he knew it was too interesting of a chance to pass up, even if it was near suicide. Guess I'm foolhardy. "I'm not a smart guy." he admitted to her, turning his head to look at Valerie. "Because I'm probably going to do this. But..." He let the unspoken question hang in the air. He wanted to voice the opinion that if she felt like living, she wouldn't accept this like he was. But he wouldn't disrespect her enough to act like it was too much for her either. @Luminosity

Grabbing her things, Valerie followed Markus on his way out of the tavern, though she made sure to catch the attention of the waitress and make sure she knew they were returning for the food they ordered, and that they'd pay for it as well. She was quite hungry after all. Buckling her sword-belt back around her hips, she exited the tavern into the cool evening air, noting that few enough seemed interested in whatever had just been pinned to the board.

She stood close beside Markus so she could read the notice along with him. Honestly, she'd underestimated the funds the little town was willing to give out for work, as the reward for the job seemed quite generous to her. Perhaps that was because of the very high risk involved. Still, payment wasn't Valerie's biggest concern when sizing up a contract. Hillglen needed something like this to better plan a response to the incursions, and someone had to be willing to go out and do it.

"Well I'm not going to let you go alone," she answered, quickly enough, and steadily too. They'd already proven beneficial to each other in the previous scrap, and Valerie was hardly going to allow a friend of hers to take a risk like this on his own. She glanced back at the contract, noting the rewards for trophies from specific races. Ogres and Giants were almost certainly more than she could handle, as even single orcs were often serious threats to her, but Valerie was thinking positively. The job didn't actually require any killing in the description.

She took a deep breath to steady herself, and exhaled. "If we're careful, we can avoid most conflicts. Only strike when we have to, and make sure we do so on our terms. Hopefully we don't have to take many risks, and we can make it back in one piece." Of course, she was no expert on orcs or the other savage races, and navigating their territory in of itself was a great risk. They would only have themselves and each other to rely on, but Valerie was not easily deterred.

"We can do this," she said as she nodded. It was mostly for her own sake.

Markus nodded, looking at her as if for the first time. He placed a hand on her shoulder and met her gaze. "We will do this." He even believed it, as crazy as it was. "Let's head in and eat." he offered. The rest of their date (?) was quite fun, and a bit less serious than introductions. Perhaps it was the small bit of Ale, but perhaps not. They filled their bellies, and Markus walked Valerie to the Inn, chatting idly.

They grabbed two rooms for the night, and both slept fair enough. Perhaps one or both of them had a bit of nerves and stayed up a bit, but for the most part they found they could function the next day. The rooms had single beds, with a desk and a hearth for a fire. There was a small room with a bucket of water and a drain, along with a cloth for washing. When Valerie awoke, she'd find a note. It was written in flowing script.

Meet me at the North edge of town near the marketplace. We're probably going to need some supplies. I know just the place to grab them.
-Markus

The common room was busy, with the bright sun now peering through the windows as men called for more sausage and eggs. It was hearty, but somewhat less energetic than last night in the Tavern. Just waking up sore will do that to you. The air was crisp and cool, not quite heated by the sun just yet. As one would leave the Inn, there would be a line of buildings before you, but to the left on the cobblestone road, there was a corner that ran into a wider road northward, that curved to the right as one followed it to a wider courtyard that bustled with the activity of peasants and workmen. Just at the mouth of the wide street, to the right beside a few vendors, was Markus and Eloryen.

The Swordmage's thick, unkempt hair was still a bit wet. Probably from the bucket of water in his room. He was outfitted in his leather and chainmail, and his sword was sheathed and on the ground next to him. He had bent over to tie his boots. The Elf was in a tattered frock coat and twirling a flute between his fingers. As Valerie would approach, she would begin to hear their conversation.

"Ah, so you've finally decided to kill yourself." Eloryen said sarcastically. "I was wondering when that was to transpire."
"I take it that means you're not joining us then?" The Swordmage asked casually as he tied his boots.
"You know, I would. But I like living."
"You would not risk life and limb for fair maiden's heart?" Markus joked and with an amused smile.
"How could I enjoy that when I'm dead. Besides, I'm more interested in the fair maiden's-" Eloryen almost stammered when he noticed Valerie approaching. "-kind smile!" Markus had his hand on his mouth now, trying not to laugh and shaking his head.

The dark eyed young man stood up to his full height, broad shoulders but slim. He had a sly smile on. "Hey, that charm. Is that an Elvish trait or is it unique to you?"

Eloryen's glare shot daggers at Markus, but then he sighed. "When in doubt, play a tune." he replied, exasperated. He pulled out his flute, and gestured for Markus to go.

Markus laughed, and then mocking the courtly behavior of his previous life, he offered Valerie his arm. A light danced in his dark eyes, and his tone was low. He winked just in case, to let her know he was doing this for Eloryen's benefit, and as a private joke between them. "Shall we, m'lady?"

The tune of the flute flowed from Eloryen behind them.
@Luminosity

Valerie reached up to squeeze Markus's hand with her own when he placed it on her shoulder, and offered him a small, closed-lip smile in thanks. She took the encouragement to heart, starting to believe her own words about how they could handle the job with little trouble. At the very least, they didn't have to depart right now. She was eager to fill her belly and get as good a night of rest as she could.

It was no private bath, the likes of which she'd had access to in her childhood home, but washing herself of the dirt, sweat, grime, and blood of the day was incredibly relieving. It was something she'd noticed more and more since leaving home behind: what she had at her disposal from town to town was very much inferior, but her appreciation for each bit of it, from the food to the drinks to the chances to wash to the company she came across, was far greater. Risking her life had a way of magnifying the value of the little things.

She found Markus's note quickly after she awoke, slid under the base of her door. The nervousness began to coil back into her belly as she dressed herself and strapped on her gear, but she didn't dwell on it, focusing instead on the smallest of things. Making sure her boots were tightened properly, checking her range of motion after tying on her breastplate, losing herself in the pattern on the sash around her waist. She buckled on her swordbelt, tied up her hair, and headed out the door.

A quick breakfast from the inn was all she felt she needed to get going, and when she was out in the cool morning air she headed north as directed, finding her way towards the little town's marketplace. She did indeed catch the end of the conversation Markus was having with Eloryen, noting his lack of faith in their chances, among his other comments, before the elf cut himself off.

"Have any interest in the fair maiden's sword?" she asked, though only half serious. "She just sharpened it this morning, and she wouldn't mind introducing you." She didn't mind the joking name. After all, she still carried more of the noble girl's appearance than Markus did of his former life, if indeed he'd ever been that way. And she'd been called far worse on some of her first contracts by men with intentions that were actually dreadful.

She took Markus's arm, and smiled back at the elf as they departed. "Don't be jealous of the coin we collect on our return, now."

Eloryen opened an eye at her last comment, and he watched them leave. Markus gave the Elf a wink as they walked, arm in arm. The Swordmage looked very much satisfied with the morning. The sun was just starting to heat the day up a bit, its rays warming the two young Mercenaries as they strode casually through the throng of people. It seemed the market place was just now beginning to bustle.

"I figure we'd need to grab a few things before we head on." he told her, glancing her way with an easy and pleasant look on his scarred, youthful face. "I know a good place to grab whatever we'd need. Maybe get some good gossip too." The two had now found they were near the back of a few stalls. A small alley between the stalls and the stores that led to the greater courtyard proper.

"Watch your head." he told, indicating the low beams set by the back of the buildings. After they had ducked under the first beam, he looked to her and met her eyes. "Hey, I had fun last night." The mercenary said it casually, but he looked quite earnest. "I'd like to do it again sometime, you know, when we're not-" he ducked again. -fighting for our lives." @Luminosity

It felt like an odd time to be asked on another date. And there was little point trying to argue it was anything else. Their flirtatiousness may have been joking for the elf's sake, but it came naturally enough to both of them, unless Markus was a particularly skilled actor, which Valerie did not believe to be the case. Honestly, she couldn't tell if the distraction from the thought of risking her life later in the day was welcome, or if she'd be better off putting it aside. Her childhood instructor in swordplay came to mind, urging her to focus on the matter of life and death at her hands, and not on anything else. At the time it had been her brothers and friends watching, but she could just as easily hear him now, warning her not to let her wild heart get in the way of what she had to do to survive.

"I had fun, too," she said, smiling back, though she withdrew her arm from his, hooking her thumbs under her belt instead. She hesitated for a moment. "I'd... yes, I'd love to do it again, once this is dealt with."

She found she couldn't stop herself, but she wasn't really sure why she wanted to. Was it poor timing? Valerie wasn't sure if there was ever going to be good timing, at least not as her old life stood. Markus was no proper match for a trueborn noble girl, likely no one out here was. But then, Valerie was not in that life anymore, and it was yet unclear when or even if she could return. And for the moment she was still trying to learn how to navigate this new life.

For the moment, she could focus on supplying herself. Her rucksack was a little light, with not enough food for more than a few days on the road. Come to think of it, she didn't really know what she'd need for being in the wild a prolonged time, having never taken a contract that required it.

He slipped his arm away from hers naturally, and returned the smile. He felt like he'd mess up somehow if he spoke again, if he was being honest with himself. It wasn't usually like him to be this interested but, what he did know was that he enjoyed spending time with this girl. Maybe it was the newness of it, but maybe not. Still, he'd not let it get in the way of what they were trying to do, and he was fairly sure she wouldn't either. Valerie might be newer than some to this, but she seemed mature beyond her years in a fashion.

He placed his hand on one last beam that jutted above his head as they reached the mouth of the alley and halted for a moment. "Here we are..." he breathed, uncertainty in his voice at first. He spotted what he was looking for not a moment later, however. He took a step out of the alley, and maneuvered his way past the crowd of men and women walking to and fro. Before them was a row of stalls. To the left, a young woman with blonde hair sold fruit to passersby, and to the right a short man with dark skin selling exotic spices.

Markus stopped in front of one of the larger stalls. It was almost a small shack, with a roof to help a small group out of the rain or sunlight, and a large table with various items for traveling. At the stalls flanks were small walls lined with various weapons, rope, sacks, and tools. At the center was a doorway behind the salesmen, where he kept most of his stock. The salesman was a curiosity however.

He was a stout and weather-beaten Dwarf, wearing leather trousers and a studded tan jerkin over a wool shirt. His beard was dark and trailed down to his waist. The curiosity was not the way he dressed, or the smoking pipe in his mouth. He was missing his left eye. In its place was a black onyx gem that gleamed as if it was a workable, baleful eye that could stare into someone's thoughts. Still, he smoked nonchalantly enough.

Markus gave an encouraging nod to Valerie, before slipping his hands into his pockets and addressing the Dwarf that had not yet looked their way. "Edgar." Markus said.
"Oh, ye remember my name, do ye?"
"I just saw you a month ago."
The Dwarf shrugged. "Men forget things."
The Swordmage let out a small snigger. "We can't all live to be three hundred years old."
"Seems to me you, nor the lass-" he said, pointing his pipe at Valerie before smoking some more. "-won't be living past a tenday if yer Elf friend is to believed."
"You...spoke to him?"
"No, he's just loud."
Markus could not help but chuckle at that. The Dwarf continued. "If yer to be taking that contract the mayor's handing out, I have something ye might be interested in." he said, glancing to the left with his one eye, before returning his gaze to the two of them. "I don't know you well, and I don't know yer lady friend at all, but if ye do manage to finish this job, I hear tale of a Sorceress back in Highmast that'll pay quite well fer artifacts, and trinkets of a magical nature to be found in the ruins. I would too, in fact. Ye just come back here and let me know if ye got any. I'll pay a tad less, but ye'll get a discount on me stock too."
"Ruins?" Markus asked incredulously. He shared a look with Valerie, and Edgar went on to explain that down into the lowlands were tombs and small abandoned cities laid by the ancient human kingdom of Dar'gon, which itself had been built over an old Elvish kingdom. Apparently the rumor was they were haunted, as well.
"We uh, we'll see what we can do." the Swordmage said openly with a shrug. In all honesty, that sounded like it would get them a pretty penny.
"Now." the Dwarf declared, puffing a smoke ring out of his pipe. "Ye wanting supplies?"@Luminosity

They stocked up on their food rations until they had more than enough for the time they expected to be on their own, and Valerie made sure to purchase a modest length of rope as well. If they were going to be delving into tombs or ruins, it seemed likely to come in handy. She wasn't sure how she felt about the offer of coin for artifacts and trinkets from the ruins. The contract wasn't for treasure hunting, after all, and if the ruins were indeed haunted by something, taking artifacts along would probably just invite more danger. And everyone seemed so certain they wouldn't be coming back alive already. In any case, it was something to keep in mind, but Valerie was intent on putting their survival first. Coin was useless to them if they were killed, after all.

Once they were stocked there was little to do but get underway, as the daylight was going to waste. They made their way towards the gate side by side, where they found a woman flanked by a few personal guards waiting for them. As it turned out, the mayor of the little town herself had heard of their intent to take the contract, and came to wish them good fortune before they departed. Valerie found it comforting that at least someone was hopeful of their success other than themselves.

When they'd put the walls of the town behind them and had nothing but the wilds ahead, Valerie exhaled a deep breath. She was nervous, and not hiding it especially well, but she also felt a strange sort of excitement. She could only truly show her bravery when she felt fear, and she didn't have to do this alone. She glanced sideways at Markus.

"Ready for this?"

It all seems to be going smoothly so far he told himself sarcastically. He almost chuckled as they left the gates, remembering what one of his old companions would say back after Markus' first big battle. 'Yeah, I was doing great before the fighting started.' That did bring a smile to his face. He missed traveling with Kenneth. But, he was fortunate to travel with Valerie, he knew. He trusted her, the Swordmage realized. Markus' own purchase from Edgar had been a torch, some rations, and a few throwing knives that caught his eye. He was okay with them, but he'd practice whenever they would stop, he told himself.

"Ready for this?" she asked him with a sideways glance. They had just set off on the road, which would soon be a road no longer. He knew she needed encouragement, and he needed a bit himself. But by the end of his response, he found he believed his own courage. He gave a boyish grin. "Hell yeah." His sword at his hip, his shield at his back, and his pack opposite the hip of his sword, he rested his hands on his hilt and his belt as they began.

From up at Hillglen, they had a great view of the frontier before them. A forest of sparse birch and elm trees were laid before them in a flowing blanket of leaves near as far as the eye could see. It very much looked like a sea, for the lowlands seemed to intermingle with the highlands, causing it to look akin to vast waves roiling up and down. Rocky crags were seen ubiquitously placed near the eastern edge of the huge valley, before they flowed into the foothills of a mountain range that blocked any view past them. To the north, a mountain range even further away loomed like the teeth of an ancient dragon. Between them, a (relatively) small pass led further east past the first mountains before them. North past that, before the mountains, the forest seemed to grow ominously thicker.

Now however, they had to make it down hill. The two adventurers went upon the road for an hour or two, simply enjoying the sounds of nature as the sun began to truly warm the day. Markus hummed an elvish tune, still content they were close enough to Hillglen's walls for him to feel content and safe enough to be a tad merry. Once, small birds fluttered past the two, and Markus allowed his hum to form into the flowing words of that particular part, to cause the birds to circle back around. One even fluttered and landed on Valerie's shoulder, which caused Markus' elvish song to falter as he chuckled, and just as suddenly the bird fluttered off in a furious flap of wings, no longer soothed by the melody.

It was just then, a few hours before noon, they had made it to the fork in the road. Left to the wilderness, right to Highmast. They started off, the gnarled trees with a few familiar birds, but other than that nothing seemed to stir. Then again, this was near the stop the Orcs had attacked them a day ago. Perhaps the violence still permeated the air. Thankfully no Orcs had lingered and there was no a danger yet, for soon they reached the slope that led downward into the wilderness proper. They'd need to help one another and grab ahold of a few trees that had clung to the slope. It was full of fallen leaves and upturned earth, when not bare with hard ground and rock.
@Luminosity

Valerie had never really considered herself in tune with nature or anything like that. Her homeland was almost entirely settled, with stretches of farmland separating the towns in place of uninhabited wilderness. There were forests and mountains, yes, but nothing that approached the untouched wilds she found herself in now. And while she traveled a lot, and enjoyed seeing the sights of new places and locales, she'd never really thrown herself entirely into them before, until now. It was a bit daunting, and exhilarating at the same time.

She allowed herself to drift away a bit in the sounds of the forest, and in the pleasant song Markus hummed. It surprised her how comfortable she started to become after a time. She still had to consciously stop herself from reacting when a small bird suddenly landed on her shoulder, but it soon took enough anyway. The flapping of wings right next to her face left her a bit flustered for a moment, but she turned it into a good-humored laugh of embarrassment.

Her little moment out of a storybook was brought to an end when they came upon the place where they would leave the road. Something about it made it all real for Valerie again. The marks on the trees that even she could track, perhaps. Orcs had been through here, maybe not recently, but their presence was unmistakable. They would have come for the bodies of their dead, at the very least.

"If we can find their trail from the battle yesterday, we could follow them back to their hold," she speculated, unsure what exactly to call it. Their home made it sound a bit too personal. Hold helped remind her of the military nature of what was going on. "I don't know the most about tracking, but if they were carrying bodies they would have to leave a trail, on these trees at the very least." The going quickly became more difficult and slow, even for light travelers such as themselves. The orcs surely would do worse.

Wherever the orcs were, Valerie hoped they wouldn't come across them here, while the terrain was so difficult to manage. She relied heavily on her balance and footwork, and didn't fancy her chances on a surface as harsh as this.