Snippet #1505682

"I'll be fine, Danek." came the exasperated reply from a cloaked imperial. The armoed man next to him, despite not wearing the tabard of Anvil, was quite obviously a gaurd of the city. Bearing the same armor that the gaurds wore, right down to the weapon. "My lord, I mean no disrespect, but you are hiring thieves! Cut throats-" a hiss form his companion to "Keep your voice down!." reminded the man where they were and at what time. He quietted his words, but continued his speech nonetheless "There's not a shred of good in any of them, just let me round up the gaurds and take them in, set this fool notion of some lost Ayleid city to rest and go home. Lady Umbranox will be worried sick."

A final sigh came from the cloaked imperial. Giving the man an annoyed look, he turned back to the tavern his mind made up "No, Danek. I'm not some naive noble going off to slay some great beast. I've done research on this place, it's there, and I'll need their skills to navigate it. And besides, you can't arrest any of them, they haven't done anything wrong yet. As far as you know." The imperial added that last part with a slight grin. The gaurd grunted at that, glaring back at the man "They're thieves, murderers, they'll jump at the chance of a better deal and turn on you in an instant!" he hissed. Kalek just shrugged at the man, a move made difficult thanks to the armor he wore beneath the thick cloak. "That's why I'm offering the better deal." he replied, pulling the cowl over his head to shadow some of his features. The son of the current ruling family showing up in a tavern would attract quite a bit of attention. "If you're that worried, stay by the door and watch them." The Imperial relented a little before heading towards the tavern door.

Kalek Umbranox figured he'd given the group enough time to gather. Assuming that his missives to certain employers as well as individuals would be answered by at least some of the groups he'd contacted, Kalek opened the door to the tavern to take his first step that would lead to the start of his journey. Taking the plunge into the unknown, and right into the path of some Breton woman that was apparently trying to make a quick exit. Danek had insisted that Kalek wear his plate armor to the meeting, that it would offer the best protection from the 'lowlifes' that he was going to be hiring. In the candle light of the tavern, the bulky armor stood out beneath the thick traveling cloak that Kalek wore over it. Unfortunately for the poor Breton, Kalek had listened and decided to wear the heavy set of armor. Kalek quickly placed a steadying hand upon the woman. If the noise was any indication, she'd hit his breastplate hard.

"Well. So much for inconspicuous." Kalek deadpanned. He slipped an arm behind the woman to help support her in case she fell back and grimaced "Apologies for my haste, are you alright Lady?" when he looked down though, his eyes caught the yellow band, and a brow raised "Are you perhaps here for the job opportunity?" he asked quietly, taking a step back to let her stand on her own "I would greatly appreciate it if you at least stay for the explanation." The pair were getting a few stares thanks to the noise, and the now blocked door. Kalek glanced over, the table that was currently taken up by those that answered his summons was almost full. He motioned back towards it as if asking her to just have a seat.

A man that seemed to be in a foul mood stood behind Kalek, slipping past with a bit of difficulty to stand next to the door frame, watching the woman with suspicion. Bumping into someone was a common pickpocket strategy, had she just accidentally stolen a coin purse from a noble? His eyes drifted down to her hands to make sure she did not try to steal anything, though Kalek didn't pay any attention to the man who was dressed in the armor of a guard. Kalek would allow the Breton to make her own choice, stepping around her to go towards the table, he flagged a barmaid on the way, gesturing towards the table "Bring them whatever they ask for." he placed a couple of gold coins upon her tray before pulling a chair out for himself, and another, in case the woman decided to rejoin the table. It was ingrained since he could walk to be polite.

Kalek took a measured glance at the inhabitants of the table, as he was sure they'd be measuring him up. Kalek figured that he'd have more to work with, but if this was all that answered, then so be it. Feeling a twinge of nervousness, Kalek let out a quiet breath. They were experienced in their trade, all of them, and Kalek told himself, could likely sense fear and insecurity, would pounce upon it, lose confidence in their employer. He would be at their mercy then. So he bolstered himself by willing his doubts away, this was to restore his family's good name, more important than any fears he might have. This was bigger than just him, and so he could not be allowed to mess it up with his doubts.

"Greetings, and my thanks for answering this opportunity at such a short notice. I've instructed the barmaids to bring whatever food or drinks from the menu you ask for. Don't worry about a bill." Kalek thought he was being generous with that, maybe to win them over, though he hoped that they'd be professional enough to not drink themselves into a stupor. "All that I ask is that you consider my offer, and if it is not to your liking, you are allowed to leave." The cowl of Kalek's cloak overshadowed some of his features, though the fact that he was an Imperial was obvious "For now, call me Riven." Kalek inclined his head slightly in greeting, his movement slightly stiff thanks to the heavy armor. He knew some of the names of individuals he's sent letters to personally, but had not introduced himself. Though it wasn't doubtful that some had resources to find out his identity, or that he was at least as affluent as the messaged offered.