Slow Night

[MILIANA BRANFERD]

A rather simple quiet night for the simple swordswoman known as Miliana. She had been traveling for the past few weeks and now felt it was a good enough time to stop and rest. So the city of Stanimir was her stop. Before even entering the city she checked herself over to make sure her appearance was not too road traveled and walked until she found the first inn she could. Walking into it she felt all of the eyes of the few patrons that where sitting at the makeshift bar in the corner turn and look her over. ::Lecherous men.... Let them even make a move toward me and they would meet my steel... ::

Her evil thoughts where interrupted by the proprietor of the inn who approached her. "Good eve to you miss. I see you look a little bit traveled could I be interested as to ask if you need a room for the night?" Turning to face the voice she saw what appeared to her was a kindly older looking gentleman with whitening hair. Giving the man a simple nod Miliana spoke up "I would love a room good sir how much would it be for a simple room and perhaps for some food and a drink to be brought there after I am settled in?"

The man would give her a laugh at her proper talking. "We are a simple establishment young miss. We have our bar which can supply you with food and drink which you pay for there. Otherwise for the room it is a simple five gold pieces for the night. " Miliana would give the man a nervous laugh and place the gold onto his hand before being lead to her simple room. Placing her travel pack within the room she would walk out as she did she would be stretching out her back.

Plopping herself down onto a small table beside the window she would sit there and scan the room. It was a reflex of hers as she did not know if there could be someone worthy of dueling within.

[ABEL FABRICE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][cs=2][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, width: 420px; background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png'); -moz-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; -o-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; -webkit-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px] [style=font-size: 26px; font-family: verdana; color: #648db8; text-shadow: 2px 2px 5px #b7b7b7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: -5px]i don't know where i'm going[/style][style=background: #4c85c1; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 4px; text-align: right; -moz-border-radius: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 15px; -o-border-radius: 15px; border-radius: 15px; padding: 2px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; color: #466484;]i don't know why i'm trying[/style][style=color: #4c85c1; padding: 2px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 4px;]i just want to see the world with clearer eyes[/style]
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png');][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]words -- 310[/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]tags -- miliana![/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]notes -- please try to keep things in past tense in your posts[/style] [style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 100px; padding: 7px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px;][/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #597da2; text-align: center; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; font-family: tahoma;]credit to ZETTA of LS & BTN[/style]	[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png');][style= width: 265px; height: 350px; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px; color: #4b4a4a; background-color: #FFFFFF; text-align: justify; padding: 5px; overflow: auto;]It had been a long day. Abel was eager to get back to inn he was staying at with Estelle was waiting for him. He had sent her back to be looked after by the elderly woman who ran the inn with her equally elderly husband, despite her meager protests. She had wanted to stay and help him, which was honorable, but Abel would not risk her health. And so, with the moon climbing higher into the night sky, Abel returned from work for the day. He brushed a hand through his hair and heaved a sigh, he had been working the streets here for too long. That was evidence in the decreasing amount of money he was making here. Mercenaries weren't very popular in Renais, and this wasn't exactly a 'hot spot' for a traveling merchant. It was already a fairly big city, and without tourists he really was a bit out of place. But, business was business, and every little bit helped. He was relieved when he finally made it to the inn, walking into the bar area with another heavy sigh, but this time it was much less stressed. He didn't have much money, but he leaned over the counter and ordered food for Estelle and himself anyway. He would just have to make due. While he waited, Abel turned around so his back was leaned against the wooden counter, resting his elbows on the counter top. He huffed yet another sigh, his gazed sweeping across the population in the bar with a bored expression while he waited for the food and drinks he ordered, non-alcoholic of course. Estelle was far too young and he didn't much care for the taste. Plus, he wanted to be a good role-model for Estelle, so it all worked out well. If only it came faster; then it would be perfect. [/style]
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][cs=2][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, width: 420px; background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png'); -moz-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; -o-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; -webkit-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px;] [style=font-size: 26px; font-family: verdana; color: #648db8; text-shadow: 2px 2px 5px #b7b7b7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: -5px;]i don't know how to be myself[/style][style=background: #4c85c1; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 4px; text-align: justify; -moz-border-radius: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 15px; -o-border-radius: 15px; border-radius: 15px; padding: 2px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; color: #466484;]how i can become myself[/style]

[MILIANA BRANFERD]

After a few minutes Miliana moved her hand onto her stomach as she felt it rumble. Looking up and around she would notice the gentlemen who had taken her money for the room. Waving him over she would give him a big smile and speak up. "Sir can i please get something to eat and drink? Is there anything special you have that I may want to try as I am not from around this area of Renais and do not know when i shall get the chance to come back by."

The elderly gentlemen smiled back at her as he returned her questions with answers. "Well there is nothing too special about this area of Renais but lemme see what all we have for a weary traveler such as yourself." After she finished speaking with the man she would stand and stretch once again. Her attempts at breaking off the 'road rust' as she would call it kept failing as she slumped a little and let out a dejected moaning noise.

After regaining her composure she stood and looked at the people in the bar. Noticing a newcomer to the small inn she sized him up in her usual way of sideways glances and making attempts to make it appear as if she wasnt actually looking at the man. After some time passed she made up her mind and walked up beside the man. Giving him a sideways glance and a smile she would lean against the bar. As she leaned against the wooden bar both of her blade's hilts would hit against the wood with small thudding noises. Her appearance would easily make it obvious that she had been traveling across the roads of Magvel to the man who she was standing beside.

Turning to the man she would give him another smile before speaking up. "I happen to notice that... you seem to be the most comfortable about yourself inside this inn. So may I ask you something? Are you a mercenary of any sort as the air about you strikes me as one that would belong to such a person..."

[ABEL FABRICE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][cs=2][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, width: 420px; background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png'); -moz-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; -o-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; -webkit-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px] [style=font-size: 26px; font-family: verdana; color: #648db8; text-shadow: 2px 2px 5px #b7b7b7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: -5px]i don't know where i'm going[/style][style=background: #4c85c1; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 4px; text-align: right; -moz-border-radius: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 15px; -o-border-radius: 15px; border-radius: 15px; padding: 2px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; color: #466484;]i don't know why i'm trying[/style][style=color: #4c85c1; padding: 2px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 4px;]i just want to see the world with clearer eyes[/style]
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png');][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]words -- 412[/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]tags -- miliana![/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]notes -- they're in renais, not frelia XD[/style] [style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 100px; padding: 7px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px;][/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #597da2; text-align: center; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; font-family: tahoma;]credit to ZETTA of LS & BTN[/style]	[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png');][style= width: 265px; height: 350px; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px; color: #4b4a4a; background-color: #FFFFFF; text-align: justify; padding: 5px; overflow: auto;]Hm? Abel looked up when he heard a woman's voice right next to him. He was a bit surprised to find that she was actually talking to him, but it didn't show on his face. In fact, nothing about his stance really changed until she asked him if he was a mercenary. Right then, his muscles tensed somewhat, but only slightly, and his eyes narrowed a little at the woman. He really hoped she wasn't asking for the sake of picking a fight, as most would. And he was skeptical as to why she would. Most mercenaries at least knew his name or appearance, sometimes both. Which saved him the trouble of answering questions like these. His temperament was infamous. Perhaps she knew his name, but not his face, which was the general case. So there was still a chance he could avoid a fight that night. After all, he hated violence. As difficult as that was for other people to believe, he didn't like fighting. And he was feeling particularly lazy at that moment, so that only enhanced his desire to avoid coming to such a scenario. All in all, he figured he should answer her. "Yeah," he admitted with a bored tone in his voice, "I am." Okay, that was less than polite. "But I'm a traveling merchant most of the time." He added, trying to communicate that, at the moment, he wasn't in the mood to fight. He didn't mind revealing that kind of information, and if she asked he would tell her his name. The one piece of information he never wanted to fall into the hands of other mercenaries, was that of his sister. That would make her a target, and he didn't want to drag her into this part of his life. It wasn't even something he could be proud of. Abel would hate it if Estelle suffered as a result of his lifestyle, and if it was because he revealed her existence to another mercenary then it would almost be entirely his fault. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if that were to happen. So, he kept his casual and bored stance and tone, though now there was some caution in his eyes. He didn't trust this woman, who appeared to be another mercenary, as he viewed her as a rival. And would unless she proved she wasn't. It might seem cold, but it was the best way to stay alive. "And you?" [/style]
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][cs=2][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, width: 420px; background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png'); -moz-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; -o-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; -webkit-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px;] [style=font-size: 26px; font-family: verdana; color: #648db8; text-shadow: 2px 2px 5px #b7b7b7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: -5px;]i don't know how to be myself[/style][style=background: #4c85c1; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 4px; text-align: justify; -moz-border-radius: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 15px; -o-border-radius: 15px; border-radius: 15px; padding: 2px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; color: #466484;]how i can become myself[/style]

[MILIANA BRANFERD]

In her position she would immediately see him tense up if only a little to her question. That would confirm to her that he at least knew of the work of mercenaries, whether he was still one or not she could not tell from just his body language. Knowing full well she was just prodding him for any information as she was new to the area and had no idea where to travel to next. Her mind was racing at possibilities and conjecture when she heard him speak up confirming her question. At that her mind stopped racing its own questions and stopped to listen to him and process what it is he had to say.

When he spoke of being a traveling merchant more than a mercenary she would almost release a squeal at the news. "Oh your a traveling merchant that is awesome. As for myself well you can tell I am just a rather normal run of the mill traveling swordswoman. I like to try and help wherever I can so I usually avoid these larger towns as they normally will have groups already inside of it for protection."

She would speak plainly and while speaking about being a swordswoman she would pat her hand down upon the ancient blade hilt upon her side. Moving her hand back onto the bar's top she would lean forward some and look back and forth around the room out of the corners of her eyes. "I see this as a rather chance encounter how about you? It is not too often us mercenary type pass one another and not get into some scrape or another is it not? I would like to try and make this not be hostile as I am weary from my travels of the day..."

With that spoken she would place her hand over her mouth and start a little as if something just hit her. "Oh here I am rambling on and on and I have not even introduced myself to you. My name is Miliana and may I ask yours sir?"

{{Notes: Derp derp on my part... Like I said its been a while for SS for me. Also trying out new dialog colors as the blue was disappearing to my eyes on the white background.}}

[ABEL FABRICE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][cs=2][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, width: 420px; background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png'); -moz-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; -o-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; -webkit-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px] [style=font-size: 26px; font-family: verdana; color: #648db8; text-shadow: 2px 2px 5px #b7b7b7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: -5px]i don't know where i'm going[/style][style=background: #4c85c1; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 4px; text-align: right; -moz-border-radius: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 15px; -o-border-radius: 15px; border-radius: 15px; padding: 2px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; color: #466484;]i don't know why i'm trying[/style][style=color: #4c85c1; padding: 2px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 4px;]i just want to see the world with clearer eyes[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png');][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]words -- 350[/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]tags -- miliana![/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]notes -- haha, its fine. ^.^ i'm just trying to help. =] take your time adjusting and everything. ^.^[/style] [style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 100px; padding: 7px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px;][/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #597da2; text-align: center; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; font-family: tahoma;]credit to ZETTA of LS & BTN[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png');][style= width: 265px; height: 350px; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px; color: #4b4a4a; background-color: #FFFFFF; text-align: justify; padding: 5px; overflow: auto;]What had he gotten himself into? All of the sudden, the woman was extremely chatty. That wasn't the behavior typically expected from a mercenary when they into another mercenary like this. He was her competition, and she his. Typically, this led to a fight, to eliminate competition. However, Abel certainly wasn't complaining about it. "Hm." Was the only sound that left his mouth, and it was huffed. Almost like a grunt or a puff of air, but not quite. Somewhere in the middle. He wasn't annoyed, he rarely lost his temper with women. He just didn't know how to respond to her sudden stream of information. However, when she spoke next he was relieved to hear that they were on the same page about something. "Don't worry," he said, though his eyes didn't go to her as he spoke, "I'm not looking for a fight either." His voice had a lazy drawl to it, but it wasn't so much that he was lazy. He didn't want his sister to come downstairs and automatically get herself involved in his fight just by revealing that she knew him. He wanted to protect her from his life. But he didn't reveal this sentiment to the woman, as she was a stranger and still a potential danger to Estelle. Even if she didn't want a fight at that moment, people were entitled to change their minds later on. And he wanted Estelle to safe in the scenario that this woman did. "My name is Miliana and may I ask yours sir?"

[/b] Abel raised a brow and looked at her from the side at how much that seemed to bother her. But he didn't question it any further. "Abel." He said, simply and casually. Abel then wondered briefly if Miliana had given him an alias, or if that was her true name. But it was a fleeting curiosity, and he didn't dwell on it any longer. It was pointless, as he had already given his real name. What's done is done. And so, Abel brought his attention back to Miliana, to wait for her reaction.



[/style][/td][/tr]

[tr][td][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][cs=2][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, width: 420px; background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png'); -moz-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; -o-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; -webkit-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px;]

[style=font-size: 26px; font-family: verdana; color: #648db8; text-shadow: 2px 2px 5px #b7b7b7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: -5px;]i don't know how to be myself[/style][style=background: #4c85c1; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 4px; text-align: justify; -moz-border-radius: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 15px; -o-border-radius: 15px; border-radius: 15px; padding: 2px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; color: #466484;]how i can become myself[/style]

[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[MILIANA BRANFERD]

Lowering her hand down from her mouth she felt as if she was being annoying to the man as he seemed to not want to talk with her. It was dawning to her that she was not acting what most people would assume a mercenary would act, but she paid her thoughts no mind as she was just acting natural to herself. Hearing the simple "Hm." emerge from Abel's mouth she would give a huff out of frustration. Despite how short they had been chatting to her she felt like this man was holding back, but she would never press information that was not volunteered freely.

After he spoke though she would put out a smile toward him. As with her own not wanting to fight it was welcome news to hear him speak those words. "Abel you say? And you are a mercenary... I believe I may of heard of a mercenary slash merchant named Abel, but I have not been in this profession to long so I cannot say for certain."

With her words spoken up she would notice the elderly gentlemen walk up to her on the other side of the bar and place down a plate of food. A simple meal of a single piece of meat, a hunk of bread, and a a little bit of local greenery. "Here you are miss. I hope this meal suits your palette." A little clap came from Miliana as she would reach for the fork and knife to cut up her meat. Slicing up the meat with ease she would demonstrate that even with a dull knife such as the one she was holding that she beheld a skill beyond what most would assume.

As she ate she would continue speaking to Abel. "I know it is none of my business, but have you come to this section of Renais for work as I have?" A rather simple question, but she would not know how the man would react to it as she had received quite the cold shoulder from him not a few minutes earlier. Finishing off the food she would place the fork and knife upon the plate and push it away. The plate was clean to the point where it looked like she had licked it clean, but obviously she had not.

"If my last question made you nervous about anything than perhaps if I tell you something about me than we can speak on more fair terms? Simple enough to say is I am from Jehanna. I was trained by a swordmaster and was released into the world to do what I was taught and that was to defend others... I know a rather mundane and silly story, but with that out there perhaps you will feel better about talking with me?" With that spoken Miliana would turn her full attention back to the main after taking a glance around the room. Most of the people had left the inn minus the elderly gentleman and from what she could tell the cook inside the back.

[ABEL FABRICE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][cs=2][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, width: 420px; background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png'); -moz-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; -o-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px; -webkit-border-radius: 30px 30px 0px 0px] [style=font-size: 26px; font-family: verdana; color: #648db8; text-shadow: 2px 2px 5px #b7b7b7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: -5px]i don't know where i'm going[/style][style=background: #4c85c1; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 4px; text-align: right; -moz-border-radius: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 15px; -o-border-radius: 15px; border-radius: 15px; padding: 2px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; color: #466484;]i don't know why i'm trying[/style][style=color: #4c85c1; padding: 2px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 4px;]i just want to see the world with clearer eyes[/style]
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png');][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]words -- 831[/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]tags -- miliana![/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #000000; text-align: justify; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma;]notes -- i'm such a terrible person! DX[/style] [style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 100px; padding: 7px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px;][/style][style=background-color: #b6b6b6; width: 110px; font-size: 9px; color: #597da2; text-align: center; padding: 2px; opacity: 0.7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; font-family: tahoma;]credit to ZETTA of LS & BTN[/style]	[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png');][style= width: 265px; height: 350px; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px; color: #4b4a4a; background-color: #FFFFFF; text-align: justify; padding: 5px; overflow: auto;]This woman, Miliana, he wondered if she would ever stop talking. Or at least, not speak so much in one breath. He processed what she said, and it came as no surprise to him. He was, generally, a well known man. The word would be 'infamous'. "That's not surprising." He said casually, as though he did not care. And truly, he didn't. "I've heard that I'm pretty infamous in our world, so it's very possible you've heard of me." Not too long after he had spoken, the elderly who ran the place approached them, placing a plate of food down in front of Miliana before walking off. Abel's gaze turned to watch the old man, and he promptly called him back. "Excuse me, but where's my meal?" He asked, his words rough, showing that he did not leave a wealthy life with wealthy people, but his tone was polite. For Abel anyway, as there was, as always, that tone of nonchalantness to his voice. As though he really didn't care, but felt like asking anyway. Which couldn't be further from the truth, he didn't want Estelle eating too late. It would be bad for her stomach. It's coming, sir. The old man assured him. More food takes more time to make. Abel nodded, he had been afraid of such news. But, he returned his gaze to Miliana anyway, a bit regretful that he couldn't escape to his room just yet. He was looking forward to eating too, and sleeping. He turned just in time to here Miliana speak again, and let out a gruff hmph at her question. She was right, it really was none of her business. "Yeah," he replied, "though not really of the same kind." He answered, realizing it might sound strange for him to say so. They were, after all, under in the same line of business. Or at least, partly. And, even though he truly believed it was none of her business, Abel leaned his back against the counter again, crossing his arms loosely in his 'I don't care' mannerism, and with a sigh decided to elaborate. "I prefer my merchant work to my other business, and here there's more money to be made that way." He explained. "Renais is, officially, in a time of peace. So the merchant side of my business booms in places such as this." Even for such a gruff man, Abel's words had a tinge of elegance to them. But really, it was more the accent of the time era than his own doing. If it were up to him, he'd use slang almost constantly. It was easier, faster. Abel couldn't help but blink at Miliana for a moment when she continued after having finished her meal. Sure, most mercenaries would have felt uncomfortable, and seen this as a fair trade of information. But Abel had answered her question in a harmless way, save for the fact that he perhaps made it sound like he would hesitate to kill. A sad misunderstanding, although he did hate violence. He was surprised, but had to admit that it did make him feel more relaxed. But only just. Miliana, again, had proven that she wasn't the type to go after an easy target. And really, while some mercenaries actually liked killing and did for a hobby, most did it for the sake of money. To be able to pay for the essentials. Abel did not judge the latter, as he did this himself. However, the former was what he had to look out for. Plus, most mercenaries wished to eliminate their competition, so in reality Miliana could just be trying to convince him to drop his guard before making her move to kill him. But, as Abel nodded his head tentatively to respond to her final question, his instinct told him that Miliana was not such a mercenary. "Even though I answered your question...it does offer me some comfort to know you would even the grounds like that." He answered honestly, his gaze fixed on Miliana for a moment. Trying to read her eyes and get a sense of what she was thinking. However, Abel knew that an experienced mercenary would know how to prevent themselves from being an open book to others, a survival tactic. And even now Miliana's eyes did not tell much of a tale, but what he saw of it was sincere. Abel sighed, turning his gaze from her's to the empty wall across the room from him. Noting the emptiness of it all. How'd you end up a mercenary?" He asked, glancing at her quickly before returning his gaze to bare wall. "I mean, if you were trained to defend people, how'd you end up roped into that line of work?" It was a simple enough question, and he had already prepared himself for answering a similar question. He figured indulging Miliana in a short conversation was better than staring at a wall as he waited for his meal. [/style]
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0px,true][cs=2][atrb=vAlign, bottom][atrb=style, width: 420px; background: url('http://i.imgur.com/gdBBi.png'); -moz-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; -o-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px; -webkit-border-radius: 0px 0px 30px 30px;] [style=font-size: 26px; font-family: verdana; color: #648db8; text-shadow: 2px 2px 5px #b7b7b7; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: -5px;]i don't know how to be myself[/style][style=background: #4c85c1; opacity: 0.6; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 4px; text-align: justify; -moz-border-radius: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 15px; -o-border-radius: 15px; border-radius: 15px; padding: 2px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; color: #466484;]how i can become myself[/style]