[Red Diamond Tavern] Seeking Sellswords (Open)

[Lesserage]

Avanthal, The Red Diamond Tavern 45th Spring, 511 AV There was a certain charm to Avanthal. One couldn't quite place it. It was, after all, one of the coldest places in all Mizahar regardless of season, without question.Foreign emissaries, travelers, and wandering mercenaries alike, all complained constantly about the bitter cold that chilled the bones and ate away at one's strength and stamina. The locals, however, knew how to appreciate Avanthal despite all these frequently-mentioned drawbacks. Outsiders did not know how to truly appreciate Avanthal. They were blinded by their own complaints, and so failed to look up at the brilliant night skies that illuminated Skyglow Keep when the sun set, failed to open their ears and listen to the melodic brilliance that rang all around Snowsong Keep, and failed to inhale the delightful smells and mouthwatering aromas that emanated from the marvelous kitchens of Winterflame Keep. It seemed strange, that people could be so blinded by their own whining and thus be stripped of the pleasures of Avanthal, but it happened. Perhaps the locals simply managed to admire their city's innate beauty because they were used to the cold? That was one common theory. For Lesserage Skyglow, it seemed a terrible pity not to be able to appreciate Avanthal's many delights and only wallow in it's few deficits. He had met a few travelers who knew of the city's hidden marvels, but that was just it - they were few. Lesserage wondered just how blind foreigners could be sometimes. This contemplating was done silently, in his head, giving his refined dark yet wintry features a distracted look, further embellished by the slight blush of warmth in his cheeks that showed through his well-defined cheekbones. Dressed from head to toe in thick, local Avanthalian garb, complete with a heavy traveling cloak, it was obvious that Lesserage was prepared to go somewhere, snowshoes and all. His right hand was resting on the pommel of an intricate dagger that sat on a belt worn comfortably around his waist, while his left held onto the reins of a sturdy-looking white stallion that harrumphed indignantly as busy tradesmen rushed past, occasionally bumping into the beast. "Easy, Bjorn." Lesserage cooed to the horse. "Even we Vantha are blind when there is profit to be had." Slowly, Lesserage made his way towards the Red Diamond Tavern, the ever-popular local pub in Winterflame Hold frequented by locals and tourists alike. He took his time, whistling a little tune to himself as merchants hurried past, slowly being replaced by solemn-looking guardsmen who marched by diligently as he advanced further and further into the hold. Finally, he stopped at a somewhat busy plaza, and allowed Bjorn to shake the reins free and paw on the spot, hooves clattering against the ground slightly. He had come to the Red Diamond Tavern with a purpose this day. It was not, as one might suspect, a random trip of impulse. The Red Diamond, as a busy entertainment hub, was also a gathering spot for armed and armored men, be they dedicated to the city's defense or seekers of profit. Lesserage had come here today in search of the latter, and with that thought in mind pushed open the doors, leaving Bjorn outside - he knew better than to wander off - and entering the warmth of the busy establishment. He needn't have erected a sign nor put up posters. The message was clear enough. A well-dressed man coming into the Red Diamond could only mean three things. It did not mean food or drink, since well-dressed men rarely came to the Red Diamond for such purposes. The first reason would be that he was lost. The second, he was here for business. Business either meant you were here to sell to the pub denizens, in which case you'd go further in to speak to the owner or something, or, that you were hiring. In particular, hiring men of the rugged, warrior sort. That, was what Lesserage was after. He was due, in several days or so, to leave his beloved Avanthal and forge bravely outwards. His goal was Sylira. It was a long journey, and, as one might expect, dangerous. This was why he was here. To hire a bodyguard or two for the trip. People who would provide security, companionship, and of course, bring with them interesting tales. The plan was to leave in late spring, so Lesserage had come to hire on his companions several days early. With that mentality in mind, Lesserage simply waited patiently, occasionally nodding at flustered barmaids who hurried by. Several nearby customers eyed him with a mix of suspicion and skepticism. He couldn't blame them. Sooner or later one of the must approach him he supposed, and ask about the journey.