When first Alex heard Samuel’s tale, he was somewhat left doubting if joining this band would be a good idea. The man was running from his issues. A cowardly thing to do. This reaction was quite evident on his face. But seeming as he already sitting down next to the man, he thought it to be rude to leave now. Either way, he was committed to joining the group. At least he could give them a chance. [color=00aeef]“Well, I hope you won’t run when I need you.[/color]” He couldn’t help but give a bit of a backhanded remark. But still, he had to make clear he wouldn’t forgive cowards.

When Samuel asked after his very own reason, Alex prepared for his story. Which meant he took a hefty jug, filled it with mead and beckoned Samuel to do the same. [color=00aeef]“My last name probably isn’t ringing many bells around these parts. My sister owns a modest estate around here. An attempt to expand our masters endeavors down south. That and the tower is becoming ever more important.”[/color] Alex’s talk sounded extremely tactical. As if he was discussing a strategy to conquer a kingdom. But that was the way how it was explained. Only less aggressive. [color=00aeef]“The Reinners, my family, are a servant house to the Goodguards. Whom may summon up some rumors. The Goodguards are a grand house up north. So far, both the houses are strongly entwined. In times of peace we are advisors and tutors of young Goodguards. In times of war, they assume the mantle of command. Taking up ancient titles like Archon or Xenophon. They send out the troops. But the Reinners… the Reinners march in the vanguard. Always loyal and unwavering. Many of my family died fighting for the Goodguards. But their sacrifices almost always secured victory.”[/color] As a way of showing his respect he raised his jug and took a hefty chug out of it.

[color=00aeef]“That’s my destiny. I’ll be a tutor, an advisor and a guardian of the latest Goodguard generation.”[/color] But his face turned somber. [color=00aeef]“I’ve come here because I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t strong enough. I’m still not strong enough. I’m to be the best companion for a lady yet I couldn’t even take down a swordmaster. Long story short, I found Nimueh.”[/color] He looked down at his feline friend, sleeping on the table. [color=00aeef]“She showed me a way how I could get stronger. So now I’m here. To become stronger and to gather the strongest spirits from the tower.”[/color] He once again took a gulp. Right then, Okami sat down at the table. Out of respect, he first took a bite out of his ribs as the boy started talking.

He nodded in appreciation as Okami asked about the ribs. They were absolutely delicious. He’d ask for the recipe, so his sister may make it if she wanted to. But as it appeared to be a secret, Alex chose not to press.[color=00aeef] “Oh… stay the night? I can’t, I’m sorry. My mom is expecting me back at the estate by midnight. I got my lessons tomorrow.”[/color] He kept his mouth shut that the lessons were given by a Mystic, on how to manage his psychic powers better. He thought that it would sound as if he didn’t want to train with Okami. He also kept his mouth shut about reaching 15th place.

Although, as Alex was about to ask how Okami found himself in a tavern with an orc as bartender, some weird guy was… Alex wasn’t paying attention but it felt as if he was challenging Samuel? Did the guy have a problem? Alex leaned in on Samuel, asking: [color=00aeef]“You know this guy?”[/color] It was said in a certain way that meant: is he trouble?

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[@Savo], [@cloudystar], [@cloudystar]
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