James
*Vivere enters the library of Salvainia for the first time. She hasn't been in the city long, so she's taken the dravidian to learn more of how the people here operate before engaging too heavily with the community. She's heard a few things of the location and even has had some of her brothers and sisters describe their religious visits in the region. Her church mainly doing work to spread the religion's dominance and to strengthen the roots in the area. She's come here with a similar motive, albeit more independent, and also wishes to simply explore the culture and see something new. Whether or not she has minor or major success doesn't matter to her with a greater focus on discovery while on her trail.*

*As she goes forth her eyes skim over the tall shelves amongst her with curiosity and wonder gleaming in her cloudy silver white irises. Her posture is delicate and peaceful, and her expression is innocent and doughy. Her tall posture intertwined with her pious grace is similar to that of a beautiful white orchid in a summers breeze. When she begins to move deeper into the library her regal heels thud with a hesitant politeness for the readers and her shifting meek gaze clearly revealing her as a tourist to the area.*
Christopher
"*Runra... Runra... Runra...*"

He moved through the hallway of books, each shelf hosting an abundance of knowledge.

`...And knowledge, is power`. The guard could only tell himself such.

 The constant need to look up, browsing through lines of small texts slowly accumulated stress upon his neck. Knowledge is power, but it doesn't help with willpower. He stared at the ceiling and stretched. 

*Hm, a strange smell is filling the air. Like... Like... Orchid?*

The next thing he felt was a shove — against him, against the thing that he had crashed into — and then a warmth, which he had reacted to quickly by backstepping. 

"Oh, ohh! I... Am *Very sorry*. I-"

His eyes locked onto hers— two silvery pearls, slightly looking down on him. What he saw could only be responded with a silence: two ears pointed outward declared her superior heritage; her skin, perfectly cared for, smooth like alabaster silk; her lips, that of a true woman's, lustrously thick with redness— and then some. He was a peasant who stumbled across a king's palace. 

The guard had his jaw slightly ajar, before conscious returned to power and shut it close, *Tight*. Red on his face, he could only utter: "H-hey."
James
Vivere was walking through a section of books on various countries and cultures when suddenly she felt her side press into a figure of bristly might. She turns quickly with an analytically apologetic look upon her face as the man apologizes himself. When he does she graciously lunges forward to softly brush her hand on the edge of his cheek. The motion as if she is a parent checking their child for an injury, even lifting his face towards the light more as she does a quick look over. She then speaks, and her words flow sweetly like nectar, the tone within bright like a perfect summers day.* "I'm the one who should be saying that," *Her eyes are piercing with a serene warmth and a challenging conviction. The expression on her face kind and compassionate, but also full of a tender worry.* "Are you alright dear?" *She quickly withdraws her hand realizing the man may have wanted his space and rests her palms over her thighs as she squats down slightly to lower her height to his as she patiently awaits his response.*
Christopher
The hands made contact with only a small area of his skin, but every pore on his body was flaring up with its sensation. A Lathian Silnarian, flesh and blood, occupied the top 10 of the most beautiful women of *All history*, giving him, a nameless guard, this much attention. 

`Dirwe be damned, what's with the women I've been meeting recently?`

With a silly smirk— one that the Lathian must've encountered plenty in her life, he coughed out: "Uh-huh, uhh. Yeah."

Unconsciously, he puffed out his chest and flexed his shoulders, briskly rubbing his hands together while staring at the floor as if ready to flip a kettlebell over his head. Time to brush up his *Silnarian*. 

"Well, umm..."

...

`How do you begin a conversation in Silnarian?????`
James
*Vivere looks down at him and tilts her head with a soft smile. She sees his posture is stiff, watches as his hands rub together, and notices that he seems tense. Her expression reveals a newfound sense of hopeful pity as she wonders what is making him so anxious. She reaches out and places a hand over his shoulder as a part of it brushes against his neck, her fingers warm and comforting as they caress his skin. She leans in closer with her tone lower and near a whisper, yet the same brightness remaining in her speech,* "You seem to be having a rough day," *She says, her words soothing and calming,* "What can I do to help?" *She pulls away slightly and stands upright. Her eyes studying the man's features carefully trying to find what it could be that was causing his behavior. As she stares into his eyes, she feels a tugging deep within herself. It's like a weight, pulling her closer, urging her to give him comfort.*
Christopher
"Oh, no. No it's nothing," The woman leaned __in__ and the man __away__— *Despite how tempting it was to just stay still*, "I'm just... Looking for a few books on... Uh, Runru- I mean *Runra*."

He tried to explain with an air of casualness, but the crimson, red, ruby, bloody, tomato face helped as much as by adding oil to the fire. 

"Haha, strange Northern names, am I right?" He cleared his throat with a cough, and the smirk disappeared into a slit between his lips, "Anyways, hmm. Mhmm."

`She's not gonna kill you.`

"Runra..." He sighed, looking her in the eyes at last, "Books. Maps. Anything. Well, maybe maps— more than anything."
James
*The Lathian nods and glances around the room. The bookshelves are quite large and there are several rows surrounding them. Though there are many choices around them they aren't far from the books the man was searching for.* "I can help you look through them if you'd like," *Vivere beams, her smile radiant as her eyes dance over the books around them,* "I'm trying to learn more about *This* Place myself, and Runra has always seemed unique too.. I'm sure it is just as interesting as it's name.. Though I must ask what makes you want to learn of it?" *Vivere's voice has a soft, musical quality to it, like a song sung by a choir of angels, yet it is also full of wisdom. She then walks over to the nearest shelf and begins to scan over the titles,* "It looks like books on *Runra* Will be a bit further down..." *She points towards where the man was headed before they happened to collide. She didn't seem to have much concern in waiting for the man to approve of her help either with her generous nature taking the reigns.*
Christopher
He lifted his hand as if to half-heartedly reach out to her.

"There really is no need for that. It's probably gonna—..." He scowled. And there she went, further down the hallway with that clicking and clacking— what was with those boots anyways?

The Mentian followed her footsteps, eyes doing their best to keep looking at anything beside her. Difficult would be an understatement.

"A friend... Of ours—*Mine*, is headed that way; I made a promise," He thought about it deeper, and curtly tilted his head, "Well, n-not exactly, but I will be needing help finding our way there. Detailed maps that point to a safe route. Don't want us to be... Swallowed by some trolls, or something."
James
*As she wanders the shelf she eventually sees what she believes is the right spot. She then takes a small wooden stepladder and walks up it as she begins to scan the titles humming melodically taking joy in browsing. While she does, her Elvish ears twitch at Vaulter's words and she looks at him with intrigue from the corner of her eye smirking a bit when she hears the man speak of a friend. That is usually a good sign. She focused back on the shelf and runs her finger along the titles before she asks him,* "A friend?" *Her tone is full of curiosity as she suddenly moves her gaze over to some books in a section labeled by a small blue ribbon as 'Runra, Baninta, Irunia. It looks like she isn't unfamiliar with how a library works.'* "Let's see.. Runra: A History of the North, The Secret History of Runra, The Topography of Runra..." *She mumbles the titles to herself before skimming past some titles in a language she doesn't understand. She also doesn't pay as much mind to others with names centered around violence such as 'The Wars of Runra, Baninta, and Irunia' or 'The Armaments of the North.' A slight sense of discomfort being felt by her when seeing such. It also seems her eyes are taking note of some particular titles like 'The Traditions of Runra' 'The Plants of Runra' or 'The Religions of the North.'*

*When she finally finds one that seems to be of the best use, she slips it out and looks over to the man once again. She reads the cover out loud to him with steady precision but slowly enough to be well received,* "Here's one that *Should* Be fitting: A Cartography of Runra, Baninta, and Irunia: The Explorers Guide to the North." *The book appears to be an older work. It has a scratched and worn black cover with golden lettering and is tied with a fragile red ribbon. Her eyes looks at it proudly as she moves down the stepladder, albeit cautiously as it wasn't simple in heels. When she gets down she closes the distance between the two again and extends the book out

With two hands and a modest dip of her head. The gesture full of subservience and reverence.* "For *You*."
Christopher
She looked at him with the corner of her eyes, and something small tugged at the corner of her lips. 
`"A friend?"` she asked.

Slowly, he turned his head away from his own book, to look at her— body.
Gary
A scowl grew on his forehead unconsciously. 

"Yeah." He answered simply and certainly, as she continued looking. Mengele returned to the contents of the book, but he found that he couldn't focus.

Silence reigned until she clacked her way back down the ladder. The guard glared at her every move. 

"The Explorer's Guide to the North"— the book was within his reach. For a moment, he stared at it, a smile flashing in and out of existence. Eventually, he reached for the book and, slowly, took it from her hands. 

Mengele had a raised chin, and an interrogating stare, not a bit shying away from her enchanting eyes. 

"... Do you find it strange?"
James
*Vivere smiles happily— a contended feeling filling her chest as she watches the man examine the book in his hands— the one she spent so long searching for, the one she picked out specifically for his goal. The question he asked made her wonder what she may find strange, the friends, the location? If she was correct in understanding his response, he was either confused, surprised, suspicious, or a number of other things that might arise from a strangers interest in him. She looks down briefly in hesitance unsure how to proceed as she was no diplomat, but she still wanted to do the best she could to aid him and learn with him.*

*She then lifts her head again to meet the man's eyes with a soft expression, she starts slowly and politely with a slight smile on her plump lips. She only hoped he saw her intentions for what they were and also hoped that she wouldn't be burned for asking such things. She wasn't well accustomed to the Macen's ways.* "Strange? It is a bit odd to encounter someone so eager to learn about traveling to a region that isn't theirs. Especially all that way..." *She speaks with no sense of judgment or ridicule to her tone, but rather interest and intrigue. Her presentation of the idea soothing and sympathetic. When she finishes speaking her eyes remain sharply locked onto Vaulter's in an attempt at willing him to speak further without hiding behind his typical bluntness. Her form still and her body's voluptuousness able to be seen clearer than when she's in motion, but she was to never present it in a way that was vulgar. Her face up close being angular yet chubby as she was also not one to avoid the occasional treat, yet even still her Lathian blood kept her skin flawless and her form perfectly put together. Despite her straightforwardness and imposing height she was always doing her best to sway her motives with graciousness over intimidation. No doubt she is trying hard to help this man gain trust in her.*
Randy
Wrath is a man's greatest flaw, but also his greatest asset, for wrath can bring great destruction, and from great destruction, change, against a corrupted system. Wrath had blinded him, but love was a remedy that Mengele had yet to expect. Perhaps it was the smile that felt too genuine; perhaps it was the words that sounded like honey; perhaps it was the stare; perhaps it was lust. The resentment in his heart drained in two simple sentences, and simply by the way she presented herself.
Kristine
The frown that held so harshly onto his forehead melted off slightly; his eyes became a little more focused as his pupils grew back larger. The man lowered his chin and, once again, gazed at her with glance withholding malice. However, that silly smile did not return. 

"We are travelling not because we care about what is up there," Mengele articulated in a half-whisper, before he surveyed around him with his eyes, and looked over his shoulder.

He gave a dramatic pause, "I am a bounty-hunter, and a client— *Friend*," —he lightly clapped his hand, and declared with a tilt of his head— "I *Suppose*; her father was murdered."

His lips folded inward.

"Yeah. Unfortunate news," Said him without a change in tone, "He lived in Runra. Gangs, mercenaries, assassins, who knew what happened. That is why... *We are taking a boat there*."

Mengele decided to give her mere seconds to digest, and he was about to shove another "Occasional treat" Into her mouth: "*Do you know why...*" He lowered his voice, "*I'm telling you this?*"
James
*As Vivere listens she crosses her arms under her breasts and leans forward slightly. She wasn't sure what to do with the information that he was a bounty hunter, but a slightly fearful and timid look began to mix into her eyes.* "Is that so..?" *She sways about a bit and seems as if she's looking for a chance to exit the situation. The discussion of violence being one she isn't well suited for. She feels her heart begin to beat a bit faster as she gives the man a glance of both worry and caution for his endeavors, and her poise represented the same concern for herself. What would happen if he were to find those he sought? Would there be bloodshed? The question he asked only made her wonder the kind of person he was, what would happen if she was to get on his bad side? Empathy bubbles into her mind like a pot on a stove at the mention of the death of the father, yet she still can't reason why an eye for an eye, or the vengeful nature that may be found on the journey seems necessary.*

"What do you mean by that?" *She speaks in a firm, yet still peaceful manner. It was who she was to have her voice express exactly what she meant. If he means harm should he be left alone? Who are the people 'we' he will be going with? Are they the same? As she considers the possibilities her posture grows stiff but remains elegant—though while she is trying to remain as composed as possible there is a look of sadness within her innocent silvery white eyes. Her previous smile has shifted off her face and she doesn't seem to be happy about where the discussion has gone. If there was any underlying message at this point, it'd be a sense that she no longer wants any part of it.*
Kristine
The man stood still after she asked the question. He saw them: the smile gone, her body language shifting towards the nearest exit, the eyes. However, he only squinted his eyes and gritted his teeth, the intense scowl returning to his forehead. 

"A girl just got orphaned because a crew of evil-doers killed her father. That's what I mean."

Mengele muttered and allowed the words to sink in...

"You should've seen her, yesterday. I got into bounty-hunting just a day ago. Go back one more week I was a nameless guard in East Mentia with no one batting another eye to me," — he dramatically pointed behind him — "But when I saw her crumble to the ground that night in the tavern and cry her lungs out. I've decided to do something *Actually* Impactful to the world."

He shaped a dome with his hands, before they gripped into fists as words passed by his mouth faster. "Make it a better place than just another... **Global orphanage**."

"We are a band of few. There are only three of us. I mean even the *Client* Herself is supposed to be part of our team and she can barely swing a dagger," Mengele leaned in, voice becoming coarse as if it was his own father, "If she gets hurt in the journey, with roads filled with goblins and trolls and bandits and *Ädelqin*-knows-what. If she gets hurt... I-" 

He slumped his shoulders and his arms went limp, "I wouldn't know what to do."

Book readers chattered in the far distance. The floorboard creaked quietly for passersby.

"She's a good girl and if I ever had a daughter, I would want... Someone like her."

Mengele softened his features, raising his eyebrows and smiled with faint hope in his eyes.

"But I don't know if we can make this journey without a Healer."
James
*That last statement seemed to strike her mind quite powerfully, she purses her full lips as she thinks carefully on what to say. Her thoughts at that moment were purely of kindness and respect for the stranger that appeared before her in the library, yet deep down she felt fear and worry for all that which he said. A man who might end up risking everything to help a stranger and to aid the orphans of the world. She hadn't thought much of the adventure, but hearing the man speak of how desperate his circumstances had moved her greatly. She then decides to address the matter head on and thinks of how to respond to the statements he made. The possibility of if there was anything she could do to help. If she could come along. She also wondered if he would be able to rely on her, and more importantly, if she could rely on him.*
*For Vivere is a healer after all, and she too has faced life threatening situations, but with enough skill and care has found her way out of them. While she was also unaware of what the man sought and what sort of danger lurked in the wild, she couldn't deny the slight fluttering of curiosity that possessed her mind at what fate all of them would face together. She goes on, her voice trickling out delicately like a coating of sugar,* "Well... I am a trained healer, and my religion asks me to seek out the betterment of all living beings... Even the ones who will never return my love." *She is impassioned in her words and continues speaking as she steps closer to the man, placing her hand gently upon his arm.* "And while there is nothing wrong with using weapons in the heat of battle for fight against injustice... So long as your cause is noble, and you treat others with respect... Then I think we would both find common ground. But..." *She looks him in the eyes with great conviction,* "If you wish for me to pursue this endeavor, please remember that healing something is more powerful than hurting something."

*Her words are soft and thoughtful, but also quite firm. She slips her hand off his arm as she straightens her back once more and her warmth begins to return to his favor with a slight smile,* "And, if we are to become companions... A name would be helpful." *She finishes her words off with a modest giggle as she patiently awaits his response.*
Kristine
She straightened her back, finished talking, gave the most beautiful smile— and Mengele gave his best impression of a statue. His smile faded a little as he broke eye-contact with her, again staring at the floor, the clean, dustless, refined oakwood floors. He had just felt her touch a moment ago, but instead of a heavenly feeling returning a mirthful and innocent grin, he had only given her touching a brief glance; her tall figure became a blur. 

"Then... You're joining?" He whispered.

A few more seconds passed by. The bounty-hunter raised his head again. The scowl, and the grin that spread across his entire face, contorting his cheeks but not reaching his eyes: "Mengele. Bounty-hunter."
James
"Vivere," *Came her voice softly, as if a prayer, while she savored the name from his tongue. She held a gaze on him that embodied her heavenly mercy for a moment longer before it wandered over to the door of the library. She paused to consider the situation, but wasn't sure if she wanted to fully commit herself to it yet. She'd need to learn more of this man and the others. It wasn't as if she could simply ask those of her temple about the people and their habits as was often done at home. It may be safe to go on, but it would be unwise for her to simply dive in with a man such as Mengele. With a smile and words unsaid still lingering on her lips, she speaks again. Her tone as sweet as spring rain falling on a field of flowers.* "I'll need to hear more about the conditions... Meet the others... Know the route... Then I'll make my decision." *She continued standing at ease with her hands now clasped behind her back, looking towards a window watching as the sun began to set with its orange and pink rays beaming through fluffy clouds putting even the best artists to shame.* "It'd be for the best if we spent some time getting closer before then..."
Kristine
His grin disappeared quickly when her voice, despite holding elegance like the gentle spring rain, once again weakly and timidly spelled out her doubts— a voice that held no conviction, not one like the summer downpour. 

Hands on his hips and puffed out chest, Mengele breathed out loudly. 
`Maybe it's not worth it.`

Eventually, his arms dropped. Then, he turned halfway around and froze there.
James
*Vivere watches him puff out his chest and let's out a little sigh. She's seen behavior like this many times before, and thinks of those moments. Generals going to war, those in an argument. She wasn't one to enjoy such brazen acts of increasing self-confidence through physicality. As he turns she stands there and watches him for a moment crossing her arms under her breasts once more being left without any words. She then does the same herself, turning back to the bookshelves to search for what she came here for. Information on the city, and of places she may come to visit. She speaks hesitantly as the man goes to leave.* "May Dyarin guide you." *Her voice rings out calmly like a church bell while never being raised high enough to disturb the readers.*
Kristine
His lips folded inwards, heart beating quickly. In the distance, he saw a Salvainian guard wearing his country's insignia, staring blankly in the distance with a weapon in his hand. 

He gritted his teeth. 

Just as the woman was about to turn around herself, Mengele returned to her. 

"Lady Vivere, wait."

He held out his hand as if to reach out to her. Then, he gestured patting down the air, motioning her to halt. Once he was sure he got her attention, Mengele cleared his throat.

"I'm sure you and I are both familiar with the concept of 'cost of time'. The more time we spend snooping around in Salvainia, the more time we give evildoers to commit more... *Unspeakable acts*." He emphasised those two words, as if believing they were truly unspeakable. 

Mengele opened his arms. 

"Now why should we ever give injustice any rest? Those people are brutal. Absolutely brutal. But, okay. You say you need to trust my allies first," He bopped his head to-and-fro, "Fine. We could arrange a meeting tomorrow, *And* 1000 silver pieces."

He pointed at her futilely, looking to emphasise the amount of money. 

"1000 silver pieces, just for the initial recruitment. Tenfold afterwards, when we finish the mission," He used his hand, fingers curling and extending, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5- ten-thousand silver pieces. A significant stride towards money to buy— you're a Dyarin-worshipper? — to buy your own church. A Dyarin church, of your own." 

His lips curled downwards and his head tilted sideways. That *Was* A lot of money. 

"Once we are on our merry way up the river of Salvainia, we will have plenty of time, to get to know each other, *And* You get to keep the 1000 silver pieces, for doing *Absolutely nothing*." 

Mengele breathed in deep, and he kept his arms to his side, still with anticipation.
James
*Vivere's eyes widen and she gives a small gasp. She looks back at him, her expression still soft as the warmest spring breeze, but her thoughts are far from calm. She has never heard of a man offering so much money before and the fact that he had offered it so readily made her pause. Vivere was never one to take a bribe. She wasn't a healer for turning a profit. She didn't do anything for money, but rather for the sake of helping others. It was her belief that if she did so she'd stay in the favor of Dyarin and the rest of her gods. It was also in her nature as a person of faith that she doesn't wish to accept a man's payment for services she feels she could offer freely to those in need.* 

"That is a generous offer," *She says after a moment of thought.* "But, I'm afraid that I am no longer interested." *She continues speaking, her tone like a warm silky blanket. Some parts of this just didn't add up.* "I believe that your intentions are good and that you want to help others, and that is admirable of you. It seems to me though that the people you've recruited and the mission you're about to embark upon will be quite dangerous and will lead to unnecessary harm to those who don't deserve it..." *She holds a heavily-weighted gaze on him as she speaks, her eyes sharply assessing the man as if reading his scales of good and evil.*

*Vivere then thinks over her next words carefully, and when she speaks again her voice carries the weight of someone who has seen many tragedies in their life. One who knows all too well how cruel life can be. Her tone is straightforward and her mind firm in its standing, her voice unwavering and full of passion.* "I am a Dyarin-worshiper and my gods have chosen to allow me to seek and heal those who are hurt. Your friend who faced death won't find a resolution in her vengefulness, and neither would I." *She adjusts her posture and looks at him with a flicker of disappointment,* "May Dyarin guide you."

*She offers him a brief dip of the head and a clasping of her hands as if in prayer before she turns once more to browse the books, yet this time it seems she is not interesting in being engaged further. Her eyes wary and her face in a saddened innocence.*
Kristine
`"May Dyarin guide—"`

"Wait, just wait a second," Mengele interrupted her blessing as she turned half-way around, about to return to her bookshelves, "What do you mean 'unnecessary harm'; we won't be burning down villages, or killing animals for fun?" He joked with a nervous chuckle.

"We are fighting against injustice, like you said. I-" Mengele laughed, feigning obliviousness as if he had just found a dagger tucked away in a haystack, "What do you mean, 'you're not interested'?"
James
*Vivere looks back at the man with a bit of a frown. She tilts her head slightly as he speaks, his words making her feel uneasy. It seems he wasn't lying about his intentions, but the way he spoke made her feel uncomfortable. Especially the mentions of all the violence. It showed her that those may be the very things that cross the man's mind. She glances down at the books in front of her as if in thought. It takes her a moment, but eventually she looks up at him once more.* "And if I were to agree to work alongside you... What exactly would you expect me to do? Why is it *You* Need the healer instead of being the one healing others?"
Kristine
It was at this moment that Mengele realised he was still holding the book: "A Cartography of Runra, Baninta, and Irunia: The Explorers Guide to the North". He held it up like a trophy, before leaning onto the bookshelf with his free elbow, certain that it wouldn't tumble over. 

He leaned forward with his upperbody, and alchemised a smile from the residue of his laugh.

"When you went through all that trouble to give me this book, wearing that tight dress and those strange boots... You didn't even know me," He nodded admirably, before pointing at her with the corner of the book, "That is when I... Just knew."

The smile faded away. 

"You're a healer. You learned spells, and you chose to worship Dyarin." He pointed at himself, "I am a border-guard— *Was*. I learned how to use shields, and I chose to worship Adelqin..."

Mengele straightened his back and unconsciously puffed out his chest again, "Understand what I'm... *Insinuating*?"
James
*Vivere nods slowly. She does understand what he's saying, but she doesn't seem to be buying it. She glances down at the books in front of her as she thinks over what he has said. The crudeness of it. Her simple act of kindness turning her into a tool for the man's goals which he isn't being clear about. While she may have been more interested when the cause seemed just it appears now she is more distant from it. After a moment she looks back up at him with a small smile.* "I see." *Her eyes watch him patiently with a calculating gaze while her hands go to sit clasped together in front of her.* "I'd like to hear more about what it is you plan on doing when you get to Runra."
Kristine
He shifted weight onto his right heel uncomfortably, looked aside as if to escape her gaze.
Walter
``` The Good Silnarian (End)```