When he had turned, his voice was cold and frosty, and she had obviously interrupted him- something he was not very happy about. But when he spoke, through a fairly thick accent, Alex couldn't help but have a small smile steal across her face. Oh good, so there's a sense of humor under there after all. Scare the children, hah...
As he said it, his wings flared, and Alex realized that he was truly impressive. If she didn't already have the ability to transform into Avriel, she would be much more worried, and probably very intimidated by the powerful figure. But his response, and the slight irritation he showed at hers meant that he obviously had no issues speaking his mind. That, and the fact that he was Avriel meant she likely didn't have to worry about issues festering while they worked.
As she explained the details, he seemed more and more surprised. She could barely read his features, and his expressions were alien to her. I'll have to learn them as we go. I need to be able to understand what he's feeling, just in case.
When she had finished speaking, the man simply stared back at her. Refusing to lower her eyes, she met his, and tried to evaluate him. He was obviously used to people disliking him for his form, that much was obvious in the tense way he held his shoulders, and the cold indifference he viewed the world with. But he seemed extremely capable, and very comfortable with the various weapons he had in his sling. Now that she was closer, she noticed the slight wear on them- a scuff on the handle, a rough patch of the leather.
When he finally spoke, after a long hard pause, Alex was satisfied. This man is the right one for the job. Plus, I can learn something about the Avriel. Hopefully.
The job involves hunting down and killing a Death Worm on the plains near Hiladreth. It's not a job for the faint of heart, and it's going to probably get fairly gruesome. Now I know you're not from around here, but up that way there are a whole host of terrifying monsters, called Immortal's Spawn. They enjoy the darkness, so of course Cylus is a great time of year for them. But I need your help to get there, protect me while I collect a part from the dead Death Worm, and return."
She paused, attempting to gauge his reaction at the words. Most people would flat out refuse her at this request, but she had a feeling that she just might be able to convince him otherwise. She decided to take a stab at trying to persuade him.
"Now not many people would want to hire you for a full time job, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to be tied down like that. But at the same time, you need money. I don't care that you're an Avriel. As long as you can fight, and aren't going to try and rape me as I sleep, we are good. This is a longer trip, but I'm sure you wouldn't mind some time out of the city. It must get tiring looking over your shoulder constantly, having to deal with the drunkards who swallow enough liquid courage to think they can take you on, or any guard who watches you like a hawk as you walk down the street. "
She looked at him, gesturing towards the Bounty Board "Besides, most of that stuff is boring. I feel like you're a few steps above the average thief, and catching them must get boring after a while." She paused, and looked down at her purse, using her fingers to add up her costs. "I can afford to pay you half of what I get.That's as good a deal as you'll get from me. After we purchase supplies, half of whatever's left of the original payment of 200gn is yours. On our return, you'll get an additional 150gn if we complete the job to the employer's standards." She looked up at him, and impatiently waited.
