The day after the meeting
Pasha checked his sack of goods. He had the ale Tala loved so much, an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a few sweets wrapped in paper to prevent them from rubbing the frosting off against the rest of his stuff. I think it will do us both some good to get out of the city for an afternoon... and I know a good spot. We can ride Emerald out, tie her reins to the tree, have lunch near the river, maybe stay out all night... He smiled to himself. He had spent a lot of time out in the wilderness on his own, since often it was faster to cut through forests - avoiding inhabitants like bears and bandits, of course - than to take the roads. Especially since outlaws tended to watch the roads more closely than they did the less civilized areas.
Just as he finished paying for the loaf of bread, the merchant took a look behind him and hid under his table. I wonder what that's all about. He turned to look around for what could be causing such a reaction. Nothing really stood out, except for a man - probably a mercenary - with a two-handed sword crossing a longsword on his back and paired blades, one at each hip. Hmm, I don't recognize him. Maybe he's in town looking for work? I'm going to be a baron soon, I suppose I could use a bodyguard... I'd better get a feel for him before I ask anything, though. For all I know he's already on his way to a contract.
Hefting his sack over his shoulder, Pasha fell into step beside the man, making sure the side with the sack was the one towards him, as if to indicate he wasn't planning anything untoward, if only because of how awkward it would be to attack with his far hand. "Good day," he said, looking over at him as they walked. "New to Ligoria? It's a bit chaotic right now with the recent change in regime." He offered his free hand, even though it meant reaching across his body. "My name's Pasha, what's yours?"
(Welcome to Ligoria, adwarf. ^^^)