While Evanora and Aron where casually making their way back to the city from the outskirts, the docking area had a commotion arise at the arrival of an airship.
Although it was nowhere near as luxurious as the Sovereign it was still an airship which was a rare sight in low class regions. Only those with wealth in the thousands of gold usually owned one.
As the crude yet intimidating airship docked, numerous peddlers rushed towards it but they couldn't get close as many guards prevented them from doing so.
Only one man in a luxurious outfit adorned in jewelry stood at the bottom of the airships departing platform awaiting for its crew. This was the fourth prince Mahil.
"Ahah, Mahil! Come to welcome me back I see?!" A loud arrogant voice echoed from the deck of the airship and soon a large man with unruly brown hair and a beard to match made an appearance.
He was clad in battered leather armor with dried up blood stains and held a larger than normal broadsword that only added to his intimidating appearance. Mahil showed this man a charming smile and gave a small bow as he descended close to him.
"Greygar! It's been ages old friend, I've long been waiting for your return." Mahil said in a pleasant tone before the two exchanged a brotherly hug, Mahil in particular seemed uncomfortable with this but the one called Greygar only smiled and patted Mahil's back with some force.
"Good Lad, you've grown a bit more manly. Tis a shame yer still lacking a beard." Greygar added before laughing at his own joke loudly. Mahil could only laugh along loudly before clearing his throat and bringing up a different topic.
"I take it you're here to try finding the ruin that could be in the north? You've always been one to chase treasure and adventure even leaving your long time friend here." The cunning Mahil asked in a joking manner as if he had no underlying intentions. His friend was a simple minded fellow and he took advantage of this.
"Of course you know me well, as for leaving you... wasn't it you who promised me you'd become a prince and in turn I'd become the leader of the greatest independent faction in the north!" He said before laughing and patting Mahil hard on the back. "Of course I remember the promise we made when we were growing up, I had thought you long forgot it." Mahil quickly retorted as he laughed awkwardly.
'Who would remember such a childish thing?' He mocked in his mind, although he and Greygar were seemingly good friends when he was young it was all an act.
Greygar grew up in the outskirts of Findel to a Lachestrian mother but even as a child he exhibited great feats of strength. He ventured into the forests many adults feared going and was often successful in hunting. Mahil approached Greygar and made his life along with his mother's far more comfortable in Findel.
All this so he could gain a strong ally when the time comes and with no surprise Greygar had indeed become strong but he had a burning desire to travel and explore the world. It was then that they made the promise but Greygar mentioned that Mahil could call upon him anytime if he needed help.
Mahil who had Khalifa of course did no such thing, he was confident in succeeding the throne with her by his side. Now however things had changed but luck seemed to be on his side as he had learned from Greygar's mother that he'd be returning soon and thus here he was feigning he had always longed to see his friend.
"If I can find that ruin then I'll definitely become famous throughout the continent! But seems I'm not the first..." Greygar's operations had always focused close to the north because he didn't have many ties so he thought he'd be the first to arrive in Findel.
Seeing the Sovereign's intimidating size and luxuriousness he couldn't help but worry about how fierce his competition was. Mahil followed Greygar's gaze and upon seeing Aron's ship he couldn't help but show an unhappy expression.
"Tsk. Don't worry you're technically the first to arrive, the owner of that ship won't live long with the bounty he has on his head. That airship is probably stolen as well." Mahil clicked his tongue and spoke ill of Aron. He had of course seen the bounty fliers that were now plenty in Findel.
Although no group within had made their move, everyone was now eyeing him like a pack of hungry wolves. Hearing Mahil's words Greygar had raised a brow in interest. "Hmm a bounty?"
....
Meanwhile the topic of there discussion has now arrived at the city's main gate, the path behind painted in blood. 'It seems some thought they could capitalize on me being outside the city to mount the attack, shame.' Aron looked back at the many dismembered bodies behind and shook his head in disappointment.
"They keep attacking even though they keep dying. Evanora doesn't understand" Evanora muttered in a curious tone as she wiped her dagger of blood. "Greed blinded their reasoning, it's almost comical how some thought they could target you as well because you look weak." Aron added and snickered as he remembered the shocked looks on their faces as Evanora sliced them up effortlessly after casting a paralysis art.
"Evanora isn't weak, she's very strong sometimes." She defended and raised her dagger near her face to look more menacing but it was simply too hard to find this odd girl scary. "Indeed you are not." Aron agreed as the two walked passed the quivering guards on duty who couldn't make eye contact at all with the two.
They could only sigh in relief when Aron walked passed them along with his menacing partner. "Hmmm, what does comical mean? Evanora doesn't understand." She asked as if only fully realizing what Aron said prior.
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