To the most unusual encounters, upon the lonely road

As rain continued to pound down against the wooden planks that made up the roof of the Blunt
Cutlass, it was but a mere annoyance for those shielded in between its two massive fireplaces.
Build in somewhat of a Dwarven design, this inn hosted a massive area that was designed for
everyday patrons. In its somewhat circular shape, it was occupied by two rather oversized
fireplaces that appeared like they could have been used as forges for a race able to even rival the
giants. The heat would be immense the second you took a step inside, as the first thing you could
see was a large bar in the very center of the room. Right against it, a circular stairway was
leading both up and downstairs, depending were you in the need of another flagon of Ale, or a
warm bed for the night. The inn itself was of no high prestige, yet it managed to keep itself rather
full even on the slow nights, being located just far enough from Angel city that you couldnt ride
past and rest in the city, as that would require about another sun circle at least.
The large wooden door opened slowly, with not even a dash of force behind it, as a tall figure
took a firm step inside. His silhouette was hidden away by a dark coat made out of what seemed
like regular cured leather, appearing like nothing of note, yet like it completely disregarded the
weather outside it was as dry as coal. He made his way towards the center of the room,
drawing little to no attention from the other patrons, as his hand gently slipped into one of the
coat`s pockets, pulling out a shiny gold piece out and without uttering a single word placed it
before the barkeep. The bald man released an audible gulp, placing down the glass he took upon
whipping clean, as his eyes just hinted to the side, before pressing his fingers onto the golden
coin, eager to end this ,,conversation`` as soon as possible. The hooded man smirked, releasing
the bounty as he turned to eye upon the young fightress, giving special attention to the tall white
scabbard that was leaning against the table, just one swift move from making any nearby drunks
one or two limbs lighter. He inspected her form, with more of a curious then lustful gaze, as to a
skilled eye, she appeared to be much more than a young girl in plated armor. Signs of almost
daily fighting were decorating her skin, healed by somebody far from masterful yet clearly
strong enough to keep her alive and still fighting during a life of what could only be heavy
adventuring. The scent of arcane lingered in the air around her red hair, clearly accompanied by a
spellcaster, most likely a sorcerer, as wizards never had any residue after those carefully
mastered spells. She sat alone, idly tapping her fingers against the wooden table in the rhythm
the Inn`s bard gave out, while studying a simple, yet new War-horn in her hand, undoubtedly a
gift from one of the Fighters Guild chapters.
He took a few steps forward, approaching her table as his hand leaned against the empty chair
opposing her, as he said with a rather uncommon and eloquent tone Mind if we share the only
free table within this establishment? She lifted her head in surprise, as her eyes studied the
hooded figure, trying to inspect and appraise his fighting skills, unsure if he was worth being
considered a threat. She said nothing as one hand gently reached towards the hilt of her runic
greatsword, quickly interrupted by few more words of the hooded man.
Oh I see no need to unleash the Neptun upon me, I would hate to become just another tear on its
scabbard, he smiled as he slowly moved the hood down onto his shoulders, revealing a rather

dashing face of a human not more then 25 28 years of age, with short dark blonde hair, green
eyes and either friendly smile or a confident smirk I mean, I wish simply to share a drink, not
end up dead if possible in any way?
Her lips formed into an amused smirk, rather well hiding the confusion he bestowed upon her, as
she grabbed the sword by its scabbard and leaned it against her thigh. Oh please, sit. And maybe
you can explain how do you know about me and my sword? Her words did sound rather
friendly, yet she was just as ready to smile and drink with him, as she was to part his head from
the rest his body. He sat down with the same smile, sliding his backpack to the side, before he
pulled out a small bottle out, with a single glass and placed it on the table. He gave her no
attention for a minute or two, before finally reaching for own mug of ale, and with a swift action
managed to empty it out down on the dusty floor boards. She made no imminent reaction, yet her
eyes flared up as her ale was washed away, clearly already not approving of his actions.
Trust me, you will enjoy this far more he spoke as he poured the contents of his elven-looking
bottle for both of them, before raising it in a small toast. To the most unusual encounters, upon
the lonely road, he said with a smile, expecting her to mimic his actions.
She reached for the cup slowly, taking a sniff of the drink, before raising one eyebrow at him,
without saying a single word. He took the queue, and quickly drank a small sip from his glass
no it is not poisoned I am not an idiot. With a smirk, like she wanted to counter that last
statement, she tried the strange liquid. Unlike any wine she ever tasted and spat out before, this
was rather exquisite, having not even a hint of that strong overly potent flavor, yet it was calm
and easy to drink, hinting of walnuts, honey and some other strange ingredients that were not
within her reach.
So he eyed her over for reaction, finding it quite satisfying that she did not simply spit it out,
before continuing How do you fare adventuring so far, everything you hoped it would be?.
How about you first tell me who you are, and how do you know of me? She placed the mug
down against the table, pulling her arm back just enough to the palm would rest against the very
edge of the table, not taking her gaze off him.
How am I not to know of the Great- Ivey Greatsword, and her merry band of castle stealers
I`ve known about you long before you ventured into my room and decided to pillage it. His lips
were still forming a friendly smile, as if his words carried no vain or emotions of anger. He took
off his leather glove, extending his hand towards her, Name is Danternas Warrend, first of his
Name, Slayer of Dragons, Warden of Stonehaven and. He paused for a moment, before
shaking his head, quickly adding But you can call me Dante.
She extended her hand to greet his, as her eyes could no longer hide the growing surprise, simply
stating |Ivey- ah right, you already know. So -Dante- shouldnt you be dead or something?
She paused for a moment, taking another sip of the drink, before she actually inspected his attire
closely, trying to peer in between the heavy sides of the coat, as a hilt of a sword glimpsed into
view for not more than a split second.

Dead?! Hah no no no That is for those who have no ambition, no achievements I do not
plan to die until my spirit can take place instead of those like Pelor, Hextor or alike... You, on the
other hand, were quite close to it more than once, were you not? I mean, talk about adventures!
He smirked, like they were playing a game, and she was supposed to read between his words to
find some hidden meaning, a game she clearly did not find as amusing. Her lips did offer a
playful smirk, yet she found little joy in having her questions answered with nothing more than
idle babbling. So why dont you contact Sid then, he thinks you are dead. Aren`t you two
supposed to be friends?
Ah Sid, that old wolf. I would if I could, but simply at this time that is impossible. In his current
state he would not handle to know what happened, and to protect him, shield him from any harm
until he is stronger, I must keep both my life and that of our friends away from him. I of course
cannot pressure you in any way to do so yourself, but I can only hope that I am not wrong with
placing my trust in you He leaned back in his chair, looking straight into her eyes, trying to read
the young girl`s expression, before continuing the conversation.