In the heart of town square things were always upbeat around noon. Children chased each other underfoot as the many shoppers and shop-keeps bought and sold wares. A couple of jugglers tossed colorful beanbags high into the air to one another as passersby dropped rupees into the hat was placed near the two of them. A human hunter was attempting to trade his furs for arrows. A Hylian man in shining armor perused the shields at a mobile armory cart. A suspicious looking man in a cloak was eyeing jewelry at a nearby jewelry cart. A woman with a staff was pushing rupees towards a hag-shop. An old man with his own staff stood awkwardly close to her as he tried to find words to say to the young woman. All colorful types were here today, all of them being shouted at by vendors as they shopped.

"Freshest fruit in all of Hyrule!"

"You won't find a sharper blade anywhere else!"

"Nobody protects your rupees like we do!"

"Be the envy of your friends while wearing our deluxe clothing!"

"We give the finest haircuts! Nobody will be able to resist you!"

Through all of the unbelievable claims, one man stood on top of his cart in complete silence holding a sign that some in this town would smile upon- others a scowl.

<center>"Adventurers Needed: Seeking Protection for Travel"</center>

The boldfaced letters were bright red upon the dark deku-wood sign, and easy to read from where you stand. You notice the sign and glance down at the feeble old employer. He was dressed in robes and a grey beard cascaded down to his elbows. His thick grey eyebrows drooped over his eyes and he looked around for takers.

Then his eyes landed upon you. He struggled to lift the corners of his lips into a smile as he tried his very best to look approachable. He waves in your direction and points to his sign.

OoC: Sorry I'm late

IC: Everything had been quiet for several weeks. The efforts in the South had been going strong for a while, but recently it seemed as though the constant fighting and exploring had taken a toll on "The Adventurers", as they had come to be called, and for the past few weeks there had been little to no activity to push the advancement into the South. And to be perfectly honest, Leth was fine with that. They all needed a break.

But the break period was coming to an end, and Leth had been found himself casting more and more glances at his bow as it hung on the wall. It was definitely time to get out and do something; at least be sure this lull period wasn't making him lose his edge. He had grabbed all of his gear and was planning on heading out into the Deku Woods for some target practice when he caught the glance of the old man with the sign on his way out of town.

...Perfect.

Leth approached the man, and felt a twinge of sadness as he got closer. How long had this poor old man been standing out here? How many people had passed by him? Leth was determined to do whatever he could to help. When he was near enough, he gave a graceful bow, and said, "Hello, sir. My name is Leth Evandale, and I'd be honored to assist you on your journey."

"Hello, sir. My name is Leth Evendale, and I'd be honored to assist you on your journey."

He slowly climbed down off of his cart before excitedly shaking Leth's hand.

"Oh good, good, very good! Thank you!" He let go of Leth's hand and turned around to fumble around in his card. "No doubt you realize that it could be dangerous. I'm paying you to lay your life down for me, here." He called back to Leth as he turned around with a freshly dipped quill and a piece of parchment.

"In order to make our deal final, I'll need you sign this liability waver. I'll pay a quarter right up front and then the rest when we get safely to Rauru." He turned back around to dig through his cart while he waited for Leth to sign the paper.

"Name's Wasco, by the way. Kids in Rauru call me Old Man Candy, cuz' I'm always giving out free candy! Ho ho ho!" He turned around and studied Leth for a moment. He looked him up and down before bringing a hand to his chin.

"Well now... It isn't that I don't trust in your handy-work, but... I'm thinking I'm gonna need at least one more body-guard. It's just safer in numbers, y'know? See if you can't convince one of those folks in the crowd to come along with us- I'll pay them just the same as you. Bring two if you must, but keep in mind that more travelers could attract unwanted attention to my supply cart. I'll trust you to make the decision." He took the paper from Leth and pushed it into a filing cabinet within his cart. "Hurry on now, we've got to make way for Rauru fairly soon. It's a whole day's worth of travel! We mustn't dally!"

Turning around to the crowd, Leth would see a group of scattered but fairly suitable candidates.

There was a hunter, much akin to Leth in stature and weapon-choice not too far away. He had long blonde hair down his back, and was donning minimal armor. He was a human man with worn boots and a hunting knife at his side. He was trying to sell some furs for more arrows. No doubt his hunting prowess could come in handy if it came down to a combat situation, though he looked rather... erm... flimsy.

About twenty yards south of the hunter was a Hylian man clad in gleaming plate male taking stances behind several different shields as he tried them out one by one. He had a completely shaven head and intimidating brown eyes. Certainly a man tempered by combat could be very suitable for the job, though he didn't look like the brightest bulb in the box. He had a large sword strapped to his side resting snugly in its sheath.

East of him about ten yards, stood a cloaked man near an empty jewelry cart. His features under his hood were covered, and he looked rather frail. With good sleight of hand and keen eyes, his skills could come in handy for a variety of reasons, though it's not certain how trustworthy OR reliable a man of his... occupation... will be.

Clear across the way, a woman with bright red hair and a slender build was pocketing some brand new potions. She had a staff strapped to her back, which hinted at magical expertise. Thought judging by the herbs and potions she'd just purchased, it was more likely that she was a healer of sorts. It could certainly be useful should Leth OR his contractor become severely damaged during battle.

Just behind her, there was an elderly man with a long white beard reaching out to tap her on her shoulder. He also carried a staff, but the lack of alchemy bag set him apart from his fellow staff wielder- that and several several years. It was more likely that he was a practitioner of arcane might- strong magical spells that could prove very useful and versatile in a combat situation.

Several options to choose from. One follower would attract less attention and make the journey somewhat easier. Two followers would make the cart a bigger target, but provide increased power and versatility. The choice was up to Leth.

Casting his gaze around the square, Leth's brain quickly kicked into tactical mode.

Logically, for a trip like this, only one other person would be necessary. It was only a trip from North Castle to Rauru, and the paths were generally pretty safe. It didn't look as though the old man was transporting anything terribly valuable - though it was hard to be sure. The fewer people they had, the less attention they would draw. Obviously if there were several people guarding this cart, it would appear to be extremely valuable - and draw all kinds of bad attention. The fewer, and the quieter, the better.

Leth initially considered the hunter looking fellow, due to their perceived similarities in travel and fighting style, but that also worked just as well against them. Leth wasn't sure who they might encounter along the road, so it may be a better idea to have a more diverse skill set among them. Especially considering that the age of the man would make him an easier target, so they'd need to appear intimidating enough to ward off the casual roadside thieves. And this guy just didn't fit the "intimidating" bill.

The armored man... he was a good contender. Someone who could take some hits and deal out the damage in equal measure. The problem was... he would draw a lot of attention. He didn't seem to be the quiet type, and besides, armored guards generally implied something important was being guarded. But at the same time, his diverse skill sets would certainly come in handy. Leth kept him as an option.

The shady character was an immediate out. If they were meant to be guarding this man and his cargo, it just didn't make sense to bring someone along who could potentially be just as much of a threat to them as the people Leth was hoping to guard against. No, that wouldn't do.

Logically, Leth didn't see much reason to bring the woman along. If Leth was only bringing along one other person, it would need to be someone with capable offensive prowess. He didn't want to bring along an extra person he would just end up having to guard.

The older bearded man was also a promising figure. Magicians tended to be better equipped at dispatching numerous foes at once, and if they ended up being out-numbered, even with the help of the armored guy it would be a difficult situation to work out of. A magician would be much more capable in that scenario.

Logically, Leth had narrowed it down to either the armored man or the older magician to accompany them.

But truth be told? There was more than logic guiding this mental debate. Leth could not keep his eyes off of the cleric. Whether it was a trick of the light, or the confusion of some spell, he did not know, but he was absolutely positive that standing before him was the very image of beauty itself. Something about her seemed... radiant, and her presence commanded his attention like a teacher in a schoolroom. So as illogical as it was, as much as he was mentally kicking himself every step of the way, Leth found himself walking towards her and the older man behind her.
Okay... how could this work out? ...Two old men, an (attractive) young woman, and myself... we could easily just be seen as a family, or at the very least, a group of friends. Especially considering neither the woman nor the old man call a whole lot of attention to themselves as "armed guards". We'd have a larger group for greater effectiveness in combat, but not in a way that would draw as much attention as Tin Man and The Huntsman over there would. This could work.

So thinking, he approached the two of them and said, "Greetings! I'm Deth Evenlale-" he paused for just a fraction of a moment, realizing his tongue-tied mistake.
Pull it together, bud. This is just business, and you need their help.
"No it's not, I'm sorry. New tongue." He joked, giving a good natured laugh. "I'm Leth Evendale." He corrected himself, continuing to chuckle. "I'm talking to you - or trying to, at least, if my mouth will allow it - because this man over here -" and here he gestured to Wasco, "needs some help. He's making a journey to Rauru and needs an escort to be sure he can get there safely. I volunteered my services, but I'm not sure if my presence alone will be enough. I was wondering if you two would be interested in accompanying me- or us, rather. He did promise payment to anyone who helps."

...Stupid. Stupid. Stupidstupidstupid. Stupid.


OoC: What can I say? I'm a sucker for redheads

The red haired woman giggled, bringing her hands to her mouth as she attempted to cover her smile. "Awww... That was cute..." She commented, the man behind her coughing into a balled fist, "Yeah. Real smooth with the ladies, are ya?" His haggard voice cut in.

She turned around to see the old man, and looked back at Leth, sensing a small amount of animosity here.

"Who says 'greetings' anyways?" The old man added gruffly. It was obvious that he felt like Leth was cutting in on his dance, per se.

The woman sighed, "Oh c'mon. Don't be a meanie. I for one need the money- I'm coming up with a new brew that's simply incredible, but it requires such expensive and rare ingredients. I'm about 400 rupees short of finishing the new recipe. Count me in." She winked at Leth before lifting her staff, "I suppose I should tell you a bit about myself, since we'll be traveling together."

Emandra Goldenloft
Leve: 9
Age: 26
Race: Human
Alignment: Neutral Good
Class: Scholar//Cleric
Stats: STR-1; DEF-15; AGI-1; INT-3; SPI-5; HP-35; SPL-57; WILL-9
Detailed
Strength- 1
Defense- 2 + Tunic(10) + Racial Bonus(3) = 15
Agility- 1
Intelligence- 3
Spirit- 3 + Zora Spirit Lv2(2)= 5
HP- 25 + Exceptional Health Lv1)= 35
Spell- 27 + Exceptional Spell Lv3(30) = 57

Abilities
Lv1 Elemental Burst
Lv1 Life
Lv1 Temple Services
Lv1 Resurrection
Lv1 Divine Drain
Lv1 Nayru's Love

Special Bonus:

Emandra's Charm
Emandra, being a beautiful young woman, is never short of starry-eyed men clambering over-top of one another to help her out with whatever she needs. She's got an 80% chance to charm non-enemy men for a good of her party.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"I suppose I'll come along too," Wheezed the old man. "Not like I've got much else to do these days. 'Sides, I get to learn a little more about Emandra here, Ho ho ho ho~"

Sarthen Aethervile
Leve: 10
Age: "Oh, shut up"
Race: Human
Alignment: Lawful Good
Class: Scholar//Cleric
Stats: STR-1; DEF-15; AGI-1; INT-6; SPI-5; HP-55; SPL-57; WILL-9
Detailed
Strength- 1
Defense- 2 + Tunic(10) + Racial Bonus(3) = 15
Agility- 1
Intelligence- 3 + Hylian Intelligence(3)= 6
Spirit- 3 + Zora Spirit Lv2(2)= 5
HP- 25 + Exceptional Health Lv2)= 55
Spell- 27 + Exceptional Spell Lv3(30) = 57

Abilities
Lv2 Elemental Burst
Lv1 Elemental Explosion

Special Bonus:

Sarthen's Wisdom
Sarthen's wisdom runs deep. His, erm... Experience... Can be extremely useful in a variety of situations. Deep insight is always helpful, and this passive skill can turn out to be invaluable depending on the situations the party finds itself in.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The party pushed through the crowd over to Wasco's cart. The old man turned around and eyed the two newcomers.

"Ah ha... I see what you're getting at here, Leth m'boy. We look like a family! What a marvelous idea!" He smiled widely and rested a hand on Leth's shoulder. I wouldn't have thought of that... It seems we've got a tactician on our hands here!" He turned to the two spell-casters.

"I'll need the two of you to sign these." He handed the forms over to Sarthen and Emandra. The two of them signed the contracts and handed them back to Wasco, who leaped with joy. "Alright then! We leave in one hour!" He cheered. <a href="http://desertcolossus.com/adventures/vi ... f=2">"Meet me at the gate</a>, and we'll depart!" He returned to jostling things around in his cart.


OOC: Interesting maneuver, Leth

OoC: Well, you know. I like to keep things interesting.

IC:

The red haired woman giggled

and Leth could feel the heat on his face as he tried not to blush. Which, of course, only made it worse.
I'm such an idiot.
Oh well, it was done now, and for better or for worse, this was the group he had picked.

"Who says 'greetings' anyways?"

Now look at what you've done. All you had to do was recruit some help for a trip to Rauru, but you just HAD to get all starry-eyed and go and talk to the cute girl and rile up the only other help you've got on this trip. Leth looked back at Sarthen as he was introducing himself. ...how old is this guy anyway? Is he really trying to hit on Emandra? He's got to be at least twice her age. Probably more.

...gross.

As soon as they finished conducting their business with Wasco, Leth headed back to his house. He had planned on spending all day out of town, but his trip was going to take a little longer than he had originally planned for, and he had to go grab a few things. All the way, he was thinking about the trip they were about to embark on.

So.... We've got an old perv mage who hates me, a beautiful cleric who will no doubt be an endless source of distraction, and a frail old man with a load of cargo to protect.

This will be interesting.

...shoulda picked Tin Man.