The sun was taking its place overlooking the seemingly peaceful kingdom of Runefaust. Wildlife and society went on as normal. The wind blew westward and the wide savanna's and trees waved at the sky as the midday had begun to settle in. A large city that blemished the earth was beginning to spring to life.

Runefaust

The large bustling capitol that the kingdom was named after. Also known as the "Pinnacle of the Planes" for many travelers and adventurers. Here, one could find everything and nothing all in the same area. If it had a price it could be sold, if there was a job... well, it was left to the guilds to handle. Managed blindly from inside the fortress by King Artaimis, the guilds maintained control, making guards a formality.

The Guild aptly named held absolute control of the economy in the capitol providing an overlord protection to not only the people, but to the guilds from each other as well. No lower-classed citizen would ever pay the mind however, the thought loomed over middle class, and the uppers... well the corruption ran deep into their own pockets.

Kalkahnor sat at a table in the Coughing Raven Pub sipping his while intently keeping his eyes on the doorway. Any minute now his plea for help would be answered. He had sent out a "Merc Call" requesting mercenaries from the outside lands so as not to arouse suspicion within the kingdom. He stared out the window in contemplation.

And now... I wait... Hopefully this will be a better turnout...

Jetharius lands in the outskirts of the bustling city and magically shifts into his human-esque form. Dusk had fallen and Jetharius was weary from traveling. The town held a plethora of various magical facilities, but the interest of the dragon was drawn to the largest. The Mage's guild was his destination preferably before nightfall.
Jetharius arrived at the city gates long before the guards had withdrawn and the gates lowered, he quickly paced through the streets. This had been the first time he had been in public eyes in ten years, more than a few eyes followed the billow of his cloak, trying to catch more than a glimpse at his swords. Jetharius arrived at the Mage's guild before the doors were locked by a stroke of luck. The old guildmaster eyed him wearily but allowed the hooded human within.
Once inside the guild master asked, "A bit late for an appointment no?"
Jetharius sighed, "My travels have lasted a day and more, I require some reagents of specific design"
The guild master replied, "A simple request, what do you require?"
Jetharius named off four reagents, "Six scrolls, two activation scrolls, two summoning scrolls, two banishing scrolls, and two vials of atomized star ruby"
The guild master paused momentarily before questioning further, "Quite a pricey list, how will you be paying?"
"Platinum astons, what else?" Jetharius responded. Surprised, the guild master hurried away, snapping up the requested components. He returned moments later with the six scrolls and two crystal vials.
"355 plastons please" The old gray guild master asked holding out his free hand. Jetharius dropped a heavy coin sack in his proffered palm and offered his free hand for the materials. The guild master handed him the materials and peeked into the purse. Brilliant white-silver coins filled the bag. The old mage raised his eyebrows and looked up, just in time to catch the door hinging shut.
Jetharius rounded the first alleyway and pulled out his magical dagger, keying his way into his demi-plane, his home.
The tiny plane was dark and cool, the soft grass crunching under his footfalls. He proceeded into the depths of his tiny mountain lair and retrieved two solid bricks of metal, one gold, one palladium. He bit a chunk straight out of both and smelted the metal with his diffused breath. Chewing the metal like soft dough, Jetharius shuffles about for his sized ring cast. He forces the soft metal into the cast with his mouth and lets it cool before splitting the cast apart and repeating the process for a second ring. He swallows the remaining metal and sets to work polishing the two gold rings. After he finished polishing the metal he sets to carving a complex series of runes on the inside of the bands spelling out a long draconic spell worded in wild-magic. Once complete, Jetharius unfurls the six scrolls and sets them upon each other in sets of three. He then sets the ring in the middle of the stack of scrolls and pours the ruby dust inside the ring. Raising a hand over each ring Jetharius channels his magic into the power of the scrolls willing his wild magic to fuel the spell set in the rings to combine with that of the arcane scrolls. The ink of the scrolls glistens and melts into the ruby which then liquifies and coalesces into the band of the ring. Opening his eyes Jetharius examines the work of his spell, re-reading his carved ruby filled inscription. A sparkle of fresh magic dancing over the lettering of the rings. Jetharius slipped them on idly and unsheathed both Miirvyth and Aeshtier, his swords. He set them down gently on the workbench and set his hands upon them. He channeled his intent into the rings to bind to the swords while the spell was still fresh. A fiery sheathe creeped over the blades, consuming them entirely. The blaze grew until the swords vanished from view altogether. Jetharius inverted his hands, his palms facing up and re-emphasizing his will. A fiery mote appeared in his palm which in the matter of only seconds grew into a vertical blaze from which both Miirvyth and Aesthier materialized. Pleased Jetharius dismissed his weapons then relocated to his quarters and retired for the night.
Tomorrow he would find Kalkahnor.

Mid-morning: Pinnacle of Planes. A female figure in a moss green hooded cloak with a small eagle perched on the large staff which is secured on her back, had just arrived from her journey from the Holdenbark Forest.

"So this is Runefaust? Maybe I should consider living outside of the forest..." Sephora thought to herself as she was captivated by the sheer amount of activity and life this place has.
"and this...Kalkahnor better be easy to find...That dying merc couldn't give me much information..."
The hooded female eyed every which way curiously. Her head moved about as if it was on pivot. Sephora's leafy green cloak sways quickly as she walks along the open market district. The aromas of the fresh fruits and spices wet her palette, and she decided to make a purchase at the fruit and spice stand. Impulsively, she wanted to buy them all; she was fond of the brightly colored variety of fruits she wanted for breakfast. Thier were the exotic looking ones off to the side of the stand, with a sign that stated, "Exotic variety".
"...have a great day, m'dear. Remember, you only need use a small pinch of Euphora's Breath." An overweight older woman said as she tended to her customer with a wrinkled smile.
Sephora placed her pickings on the counter and pulled her coin pouch from her belt, ready to purchase. The old woman's beady eyes couldn't help but notice the unusual garments and exotically gnarled staff that Sephora adorned. She also couldn't help but notice the lack of imperfection in Sephora's partially covered face.
"A fine choice, dear. These are my favorite." The woman picked up the fruit and weighed them on her scales. "Perfectly shaped, very beautiful if you have exotic tastes."
Sephora couldn't help but notice the outstanding crows feet and the endless crevasses of wrinkles on the woman's face. A brief moment later, Sephora smiled and spoke in her slyvan accent; "Yes? Is that so?" she replied quickly, and unveiled her hood and smiled. The old woman stopped for a second, then continued;
"But they don't sell the best unfortunately in this city. The taste is an acquired one; These are very sour on the inside...but that's how I like 'em." the woman laughed.
Sephora chuckled, "That is fine. I love trying new things."
"These are normally 1 silver each, but for you, I will let you have the Pelora for free as a gift, the rest will be 50 copper. Besides the fact that you chose what most traveler's would pick, I know you are not from around here." The old woman winked. "Take care, m'dear."
Sephora smirked. "Graciously, I thank you again Miss...?"
"Abigaile."
"Madam Abigaile, may the blessings of the fey smile upon you." Sephora raised her hand in farewell and walked away.
The old woman held her smile a good while as Sephora traveled down the rest of the market.

Rednaxela shuffled into the city hesitantly, larger cities always made him nervous due to the high population and the inevitable darkness found within. Reminding himself that he shouldn't be afraid of demons he absentmindedly rubbed the half-moon scar on his abdomen as he began to stride forward with more purpose. Following the flow of foot traffic Red finds the market district and grins as his nose finds the distinct smell of curing leather. Following his nose Red approaches a side street with a single merchant selling leather armor and various other acoutrements.
"Good day sir merchant!" he bellows with false excitement, "might I inquire as to what you have for sale?"
The merchant, a rather haggard old human male, looks up from his work curiously. "I sell leather. Stuff made of leather and stuff needing leather. You looking or do you intend to purchase?"
With a friendly smile Red replies "Indeed i do, and it is my great hope you will be able to assist me. I recently sustained some damage to my coat and would like to purchase another, might i see what you have that might fit me?"
with an eyebrow raised at the odd speech patterns of Red the old man reaches down and pulls out three large leather coats and places them on the upturned box he is using as a counter. Pointing at each coat in turn he lists their style worksmanship and price "this one here is your basic leather coat, got enough material to cover your body and it'll keep the rain off but not much more than that, ten gold crowns. this fella in the middle is a bit thicker so it offers a bit of protection from the odd arrow or knife but won't stand up to anything with a bit of weight behind it, twenty gold crowns three silver. This last one here is quite a bit tougher than the others, it can take a beating and protect you from just about anything lighter than a battleaxe depending on how hard it's swung, it comes with two side pockets, two interior loops for holding small daggers or a money bag, a wool insert that you can remove during warmer weather and a loop around the collar that can hold a sword sheath long as its no more than a hand and a half wide, fifty five gold crowns."
looking over the three coats and judging their quality, Red picks up the third coat, "Good merchant i would like to purchase this exemplary coat from you, unfortunately i am rather low on gold crowns at this moment so i'm afraid must pay you in platinum astons, i believe six should cover it. Would you happen to have any red thread on you by the by?" reaching into his pocket, Red pulls out a small pouch, jingles it for a second, and nods before handing it over to the surprised old man who opens it to find ten white-silver coins inside.
"Yes I do, but this is far too much." as the old man hands over a spool or bright red thread and tries to return four of the coins Red waves him off,
"No need for that, for such a magnificent specimen of the leatherworkers art i would gladly pay far more than that. But if you insist on repayment you may cover the extra by providing me with information as to where i might find a place to purchase a warm bed and possibly enjoy the company of others wherein we might share tales of adventure and glory. On a similar note would you happen to know of a location where one such as myself might offer his services to those in need of assistance?"
Letting a small smile creep onto his face at the humorous antics of Red, the old man replies
"You can find most of that at the coughing raven, it's pretty easy to find just take a left at the end of this street and keep going forward until you see it, hard to miss with the big sign over the door, and i've heard whispers that someone sent out a Merc Call for something or another but you'd have to find a Guild rep to tell you more. Have a nice day young man."
With a look of distress on his face, Red exclaims
"Oh my deepest apologies! In my excitement i forgot to introduce myself, the name by which I am known is Rednaxela, last of the Lasher clan, slayer of demons and opponent of the corrupt! Mostly I respond to the name Red though, and might I inquire as to your title fair merchant?"
"My name is Ringthall, leatherworker. It is a pleasure to meet you young Red, if you ever need anything made of leather i'm here most days from sunup to sundown, have a nice day now."
With a smile and a wave, Red steps forth with more confidence, now that he had a place to sleep and a new friend in a new city he felt nothing could stop him. One short walk to the coughing raven and he would seek out this 'Merc Call' and the mysterious stranger who had sent it.

The blanket of night soon crept over the city and the sun's sight fell lower on Kalkahnor. He drummed his fingers on his third mug of ale sighing in disappointment.

My call was vague but I was hoping the reward would be enough to at least grab some attention.

Kalkahnor rose from his chair gathering the mugs and wove his way through the tables of patrons. Occaisionally squeezing through a tight spot taking care not to offend anyone. He dropped off the mugs leaving a gold piece with them for bartender. Kalkahnor stepped out into the street. It was empty now. The night's chill was beginning to settle and Kalk bundled himself tighter in his cloak for warmth as he made his way toward his inn.

Tomorrow, I'll make my way to the library for some more research. That should give them enough time to arrive at the pub.

As he neared the inn an uneasy feeling rose within him. The thought of having to tackle the challenges ahead alone were frightful. Kalkahnor quickly dismissed the thought.

Someone will answer the call. I won't do it alone. Kalkahnor's mind paused. But I won't wait any longer... Tomorrow... I set out.

Jetharius opens his eyes after a restful four hours of sleep. The absolute dark warmth of his quarters was comforting and familiar, he opens his eyes and stretches. Rolling off the bed of warm volcanic sand and brushing himself off, Jetharius dons his tabard, leathers and enchanted shoulder-guards. Absently he checks his gear, his dagger, his adventuring tools, and his weapon sheathes. He picks up the sheathes and sets them aside, the wood familiar in his claws, however they were no longer necessary. Dawn was approaching the city were the demi-plane was now anchored. Jetharius finished his checks and walked up the sloping corridor around a corner and into the base level of his mountain. He entered the aromry and pushed aside a secret doorway into a hidden room. The stone slid freely and easily revealing a well lit room of sparkling treasures and trinkets, shining swords and magical items. The dragon scooped a handful of square gold and silver-white coins, along with some round gold coins from a separate pile. Throwing the coins into a small leather purse and fixing it to his belt Jetharius sealed his hidden room and departed his warm volcanic home.
Stepping outside of the cave-like entrance and into the dark of his demi-plane, Jetharius took out the dagger and cut a door open back to the material plane. The cool city air and brisk wind whistled behind his frills. Rolling his neck and shoulders, Jetharius jumps up and with a powerful downbeat of his wings snatches the concrete gudder of the taller building. Pulling himself up and carefully crawling up the roof, he channels into his human form getting a wide view of the entire city in the pre-dawn twilight.
The sun breaks the horizon and warms Jetharius' face. The city starts to awaken at the break of of dawn. Once the sun was more than halfway above the horizon, Jetharius jumps off the roof and lands with a light thud. Jetharius walks to the closest inn and steps through the doors. The common room was empty, Jetharius sat at a table and a hostess approached him.
"Goodmorning sir, what can i get fer you?" The hostess droned.
"A large plate of mutton and your strongest brandy" Jetharius replied with a wink.
"H-How would you like your mutton sir?" The hostess blushed.
"Rare, if you please and thank you." Jetharius answered. She walked into the kitchen behind the empty bar. Jetharius yawned and spun the rings on his fingers with his thumbs. The hostess returned with a small cup of brown-red liquid. She handed it to Jetharius with a small plate of biscuits and two eggs over-easy. She winked at him and returned to the kitchen. Jetharius smirked and picked up the brandy and tested the liquors aroma. It was strong and subtle biting at his nose like acidic roses. He sipped the brandy and tore into the eggs and biscuits. The hostess returned once again with the haunch of seared mutton and refilled Jetharius' cup of brandy. Once finished Jetharius set three gold pieces on the table and departed quietly.
Now that breakfast had been taken care of, Jetharius milled about the roads for several minutes before arriving at the library. It was now mid-morning and the library was as best a place to look for Kalkahnor as ever. Jetharius idly entered the library enjoying the freedom of eyes prying at his swords and under his hood. He was missing the attention somewhat, he pushed the emotion aside and browsed the aisles looking for Kalkahnor. Jetharius spotted the mage browsing the history section, the rare history section. The mage picked up a book and skimmed it idly before reshelving it. Jetharius approached him from the flank, silently. Kalkahnor starts skimming through another flipping through the pages only to stop and read a line and reshelve the book.
"Salutations... Kalkahnor" Jetharius stated flatly. The mage jumps slightly nearly dropping his most recent book.
"Oh, J-Jetharius, crept up on me. You are quite prompt, has it been a year already?"
"Ten actually, as per our prior agreement"
"My how the decades fly..."
Jetharius clears his throat, "What have you discovered in relation to the momento or this seal?"
"The details of your trinket continue to elude me, the seal however I have found a reference too" Kalkahnor answered with a grin.
Jetharius rolled his eyes and rubbed his temples, "And?"
"The seal was last mentioned being used on a corrupt silver dragon, apparently it buried the darkness within him, at a cost however. It seems that after the sealing occured his stamina was affected, he could never fly as for as cast as much. Have you ever felt restricted or impaired in your ability?"
"Never, I was born with the seal..." Jetharius stated.
"Then you never felt as if something were limiting your ability?" Kalkahnor re-emphasizes.
"Logically, if i were born with limit's set upon me, I'll let you fill in the blank"
"I suppose you would never know the difference of the limits of your own abilities or the limits the seal set upon you. Assuming that then you were not affected as the corrupted silver was, some other form of prilimiary testing must be done. I suppose we can see if this dracinian seal would react to other dracinian magic?"
"The logic of it is sound" Jetharius replied.
"Ironically it just so happens that a dracinian temple was my next destination, in the eastern mountain range. Care to join me I could honestly use your help" Kalkahnor says keeping his voice from being overheard.
"I have memories in those mountains" Jetharius replied absently...
Kalkahnor beams, "Oh! Do you have any memories with two twisted dragons holding up a orb carved in stone."
"No..." Jetharius answers still wrapped in his own thoughts.
Kalkahnor sighs, "I apologize, I didn't mean to pry." After a brief pause, he continues, "Will you arrive at the temple under your own vices or will you accompany me and my caravan?"
"Albiet flying is more efficient and entertaining, I feel that i have gone without comrades for longer than is healthy for me."
"Great, then please join me at the Coughing Raven. I've sent a notice out for help. I predict that this ordeal may take more than sheer force." Kalkahnor sighed.
"I believe i can offer a semblance of draconian diplomacy should it be necessary. Chromatics have always been a bit more of a bargaining act than a diplomatic encounter as I am sure your aware. However one relative to their race should buy us some leverage. What form of notice was sent out if i may ask?" Jetharius says.
"A merc call. A notice that is sent out to skilled adventurers. I am hoping to find some nimble fingered allies but alas, I am in essence begging. We might even get some colorful ones."
"A mercenary request huh... Irony can be without mercy" Jetharius says shaking his head with a grin.
"Hopefully the others will share some skill on par with yours." Kalkahnor chuckles.
"I guess there is something of hilarity in my situation..." Jetharius says.
Kalkahnor gestures to the door, "Shall we proceed to the Raven?"
"I have no reason to argue" Jetharius answers, following Kalkahnor out of the library.
The two proceed through the now busy streets and into the dingy tavern. There were patrons milling about but it was only noon and it would be quite some time before the locals would fill the place with their boisterous drinking. Jetharius seats himself in a quiet corner and thumbs his rings idly watching the assortment of people hurry about the streets outside. He yawned idly while Kalkahnor walked off and disappeared from sight.

Sewing is always so relaxing, just a man and his needle Red thought as he sat in the corner of the coughing raven putting the finishing touches on his new coat, occasionally stopping to review his work and eat a bite of egg. Finishing the last stich, Red cut the thread and lowered his head, murmuring quietly. The red thread begins to glow and the celestial prayer stiched into the coat begins to slowly rotate around the cuffs of his coat. With a smile, Red slips on the coat and stands up, letting it settle onto his shoulders. looking around the fairly empty room, Red scans the patrons for any who might provide some interesting conversation. As he is standing the front door opens and Red stops dead. First through the door is the strangest man Red has ever seen, a half-elf that leaned heavily towards his human side, the man has stark brown-silver hair and emerald green-gold eyes. His ears are tapered and he has longer than normal canines, tongue and nails. His face is slender and hawk-like giving him a wild magical-like appearance. He stands just shy of 6 feet tall and has a lithe yet strong build. Frowning, Red tilts his eyes and whispers quietly for a second and his eyes glow briefly, the form of the half-elf wavers for a second and a ghostly image superimposes itself over the half-elf, this form is far more interesting, with his body covered in cascading ruby red scales contrasted by a stark pair of emerald green eyes with a glint of gold. His claws, horns and teeth are an ash gray. He stands around 12.5' tall with a tail nearly half that length long. His frills blend from an ash gray to a midnight black and creep down his head to the tip of his tail. Powerful wing-arms and broad wings are folded behind him, each wing has two claws at the wrist. His musculature is lean yet well built. Despite the intrigue of a shapeshifting dragon-man, Reds eyes widen and his jaw hangs open as he lays eyes on the man who walks in after the dragon-man, this man stands at about 5'6" with a small athletic build. he has long black hair tied back in a hunter's braid. His piercing icy blue eyes stand out from his fair skinned, long, boyish, face. He is garbed in a light-blue sleeveless tunic top. Adorning his legs are light tan chaps that fall into his brown travellers boots. He wears a silver choker that is held together by a half moon clasp. A large satchel hangs over his left shoulder and bounces off his right thigh as he walks in. A dark blue cloak is draped over his shoulders and several stones whirl in circles around his head. Red finds himself unable to move, staring slack-jawed as the two men walk to a small corner table, the two talk briefly then the shorter man walks away. Upon the shorter man leaving his sight, Red begins walking slowly to the quiet corner the dragon man is sitting at. About three feet away from the man Red stops and waves, with a falsely cheerful smile Red walks up and sits down at the table.
"Hello sir dragon, i hope i am not interrupting you, i merely had a question about the man you were with a few moments ago."

The half-elf raises one eyebrow and replies “Common courtesy is to present your name first before asking questions of someone or someone's comrades... Who are you?”
Eyes widening, Red stands up and offers an apologetic bow, “oh my deepest apologies! i've been ever so distracted please forgive me. My name is Rednaxela, last of the lasher clan, slayer of demons and opponent to the corrupt!”
Nodding, the man says “Mine name is Jetharius, now, why might you be asking about my... Friend?”
With a nod, Red sits down again before stating “ i was rather struck by him, he seemed familiar somehow. Though it may be that i mistook him for someone else”
“As you know, names have power. I will not willingly discolose his without his permission. He is however, just behind arround the corridor and to the right.” Jetharius states
Falsely cheerful smile plastered on his face, Red enthusiastically says “ah, quite fantastic! Now in the manner of my people would like to make you an offer, might i possibly purchase you a potent potable preferred by personages such as yourself? It is the least i could do for interrupting your relaxation.”
“I have no reason to argue. On the condition that you purchase on for yourself as well…” Jetharius replies
With a wide grin Red says “fantastic! might i inquire as to your drink of choice?”
With a small smile Jetharius says “Any spirit will do me justice, warms the soul if you see what i mean…”
Red nods and replies “indeed i do good sir, one moment if you please.” Rednaxela waves down a barmaid
“pardon me, young miss, could I please get a tall glass of dwarves ale for my friend here and a mug of water for myself, this should cover it.” Red hands the barmaid a small stack of golden coins and smiles before turning back to Jetharius “It should be just a moment. Now, if i am not being too forward might i ask what your purpose in this fine city is today? i only ask because your garb seems to indicate that you are an adventurer.”
“More of a combatant than adventurer. Now however, i cant quite find a category to place myself in. I guess at present i am no different than a mercenary” Jetharius states with a heavy sigh
Red lights up upon hearing this “A mercenary? Whyever would that be cause to sigh so? providing your skills to those in need and embarking on adventures filled with excitement and glory, though i have never tried my hand at being a professional mercenary i have enjoyed the occasional payed work, matter of fact I am currently looking for a man who sent out something called a 'Merc Call' whatever that is, it seems that it might provide ample opportunity to make new comrades and find high adventure.” as Red says this, the barmaid returns with a foaming mug of ale which she sets in front of Jetharius and a wooden cup of water handed to Red “here you are my friend, drink up.” Red says before taking a long drink of his water
“I suppose it is my, friend... you are looking for after all.” Jetharius says, leaving his ale untouched
Swallowing his water, Red quirks his head “who is? the fellow that you were with earlier? He is the one that sent out this ‘Merc Call?’” Jetharius nods slowly to this and Red lets out a bellow of laughter “really? Fantastic! Now it's settled, good sir Jetharius! I declare you to be my newest companion and lifelong friend, if ever I can be of any assistance to you simply say so and it shall be done!”
Jetharius says “I am sure we shall be seeing more of each-other in this day and those that follow.” and looks down at his mug of ale without touching it. Red follows his stare and frowns slightly “is there a problem with your drink? i apologize if i have offended you with my order.”
“I am more of a spirits person, beer is just a bit lacking in the alchohol content. I don’t drink beer if I have the choice.” Jetharius replies
“Ah, most unfortunate, allow me to remedy this, I was unaware of your preference” Red waves down the same serving girl and presses a few more coins into her palm while ordering a tall glass of brandy
Jetharius watches the exchange silently then replies when the barmaid leaves “no offense taken, stomach is more keen on liquids that burn readily…”
Red perks up “ah, might that be due to your ancestry?” he inquires, and at this Jetharius rubs his eyes slowly before stating “Quite.”
Noticing the movement Red stands up and offers a deep bow. “I sense that i may be tiring you with my prattle, please pay me no mind. I shall leave you to your brandy good sir and go seek out your companion that i might offer my services to him. Until next we meet fare well.” as Jetharius waves good-bye Red begins his search with new energy
This is fantastic! I got to meet a dragon and the person I was looking for falls right into my lap! Good things are happening Red thinks as the first true smile of the day creeps over his face.

Before the sun was about to set, more people had starting flocking into the Coughing Raven.
Sephora, made her way off to the side of the tavern. There, she quickly pulled a vial from her leg strap and drank it swiftly. Sephora also removed the staff from her back and set it standing upright onto the ground and it shape-shifted into an ordinary wooden perch for her eagle. "I shall return shortly, Lan'de." She said as she scratched the eagle's chin with her fingernail. The eagle puffed its feathers and gave a small sharp chirp and blinked. Sephora pulled down her hood and loosened her cloak as she entered the Coughing Raven. Without turning her head, she went straight to the bar. The men in the tavern took a good look at her, but she paid them no mind.
Sephora sat herself down on the center stool and the man next to her eyed her up and down. The man licked his lips and spoke; "Well, loveliness, can I buy you a drink?"
"Of course", Sephora chuckled and smiled in reply. The man was suddenly overcome by a strange sense of arousal. After several minutes, drinking, joking, and laughter ensued between the two.
"...Ahahahaa!" Sephora laughed as she finished her last bit of ale from her mug.
"Can I buy you another?" asked the scruffy looking man with a sword on his side.
"Thanks, Renault, but i have business to attend to."
Renault grabs her wrist abruptly, with a vicious look in his eye. Sephora turns her head quickly and stares him down.
"Please...now I must go." Her eyes flicker an intimidating glare.
The man suddenly freezes and lets go...still staring into space moments after Sephora had walked away.
While she was looking for Kalkahnor, she felt a strange aura coming from two patrons. First; The man with the brown and silver sheen hair. Perhaps it could be Kalkahnor? But probably not. This man was at the bar; busy sipping a small crystal glass of amber liquid and watching the rest of the patrons passively. Second, another half-elven man who was looking for someone or something, and Third: some gnomes who definitely did not fit the description of Kalkahnor....

Kalkahnor rounded about the pub looking for any potentiol adventurers. Skimming over those who were laden with common clothes and no weapons, he was dismayed by the amount of tourists and traders that were in the Coughing Raven. Damned be my luck. He walked back toward the common area, but was stopped by the appearance of a nymph. Kalkahnor stepped back, cautious of the nymphs charms and their mischevious nature.

"You must Kalkahnor." She stated smartly.

Kalkahnor kept his cloak over his arms to hide the somatic counterspells to the nymphs charms. "Indeed I am. What brings me the honor of meeting such a fair woman, in a place like this?"

The nymph smiled at her discovery. "Good, I had heard that you required help on an expedition."

Kalkahnor cocked an eyebrow. "I was unaware, that my news would reach far into groves..."

"I came upon the information from a band of mercenaries passing through my grove."

"You don't say, and who may I ask are you?" As Kalkahnor spoke these words the glimpse of a figure next to him took him by surprise. Kalkahnor flinched.

The man extended his hand. "Rednaxela, last of the Lasher clan, slayer of demons and opponent of the corrupt! Mostly I respond to the name Red though. You must be Kalkahnor."

Kalkahnor's mind was panicking. I send out a merc call for the finest mercenaries. And I end up with a nymph and some outgoing man!? "Yes I am. Rednaacksella? You say? And how did you come upon my news?"

"I heard a rumor not but a day ago, and I decided I wanted to help out. And who is this lovely lady?" Red turned his hand over to the nymph.

"Sephora! Pleased to meet you R-redna, sell-?" The nymph offered forward her hand. Rednaxela took the hand and kissed it promptly on the top.

"Please, You can call me Red." His attention snapped over to the now recovering Kalkahnor. "So you say you have work? Exactly what does it entail?"

The nymphs eyes widened and a smile spread across her face. "Yeah! Where are we going? What are we doing?"

Kalkahnor regained his composure. "Well if you care to find out then please join me and my comerade for a drink. And we'll discuss what this job entails. He is the one sitting alone in the corner, the half elf."

"Great then!" Red extended his arm toward Sephora, "It would be my pleasure to escort you madame Sephora."

She took the arm gracefully. "Why thank you." And the two walked off.

Kalkahnor stood there, stunned by the randomness that had just occured. His thoughts soon went dismal as he began walking toward his table. He was almost stunned in realization. Not one person who I am bringing with me answered the merc call...

Sephora tried to hold back her smirk as her and the group came closer to the table. Her eye for finding high end aesthetics reacted like a magnet as she got a closer look at the man at the table.
She thanked Red for the escort and took a seat...