Alianor paused and glanced back into the shop behind her. "I'll catch up," she whispered to Galneak, who simply grunted an acknowledgment in her direction. It was true that Galneak wasn't chatty or warm on a good day, but on the bad ones, it was like embracing an ice-covered thorn bush. It made Alianor long for her friends in the monastery, someone to share her thoughts and emotions with. Alianor bowed her head as the last mercenary passed by her.<br/><br/>She quickly returned to the shop and scanned the inside before pulling the jade figurine from the pouch. The green-marbled surface was cool to the touch now and utterly unremarkable. It could have meant any number of things, but all she knew for sure was the young man was recognized by Otean.  "Everything okay, Ms. Alianor?" Lancolm looked up from a ledger on the counter.<br/><br/>Alianor tucked the figurine back into the pouch as she approached. "Yes, I just need to ensure we have some extra supplies. Bandages, powdered pure silver, oil, flint," Alianor tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear while she tried to think of what else.<br/><br/>"Everything will be fairly easy, the silver might take some work, but I'll see what I can do." Lancolm paused in his scribbling to look up at Alianor. "Everything will be okay dear."<br/><br/>"Oh, I know, everything will work out as it is willed. I can't think of the last thing, but if I think of it, I'll let you know." Alianor put on a brave smile that never managed to reach her eyes. Lancolm laid the quill down and nodded his head.<br/><br/>"I'll bring the extra supplies with me tonight."<br/><br/>"Thank you, I should see how the trials are going."<br/><br/>~~~<br/><br/>Galneak gripped the sword with both hands and squared his body to face the young men. While they were eager for this new challenge, Galneak seized the opportunity and charged forward. The man's eyes widened as he forced the young man from Panthums Retribution back a step, and a series of strikes were exchanged. The rhythmic beat of metal being slammed together filled the clearing with increasing intensity.<br/><br/>Alianor could see the men; three of the five stood off to the side, exchanging whispers. The man that had caught her attention earlier stood ready with his sword out while Galneak continued to drive the other man back. Once again, she felt the statue in her pouch warm several degrees; she kept her face neutral as she stood to the side to watch. Despite her efforts, only half of her attention was on the fight as she cast sidelong glances toward the man from Pride's Righteous. When the pair fighting locked swords, she winced as Galneak pivoted suddenly. Galneak drove the hilt of his sword into the man's abdomen and shoved him back. While the man was doubled over coughing, Galneak smiled at the man from Prides Righteous.<br/><br/>An unspoken look was exchanged, but for a breath before the man moved. Alianor's jaw dropped as she tried to follow his agile footwork. In the time that it took Alianor to close her mouth, the pair had exchanged several blows. The youth flowed like water, adapting to Galneak's stances and pressing him at every turn. Sweat beaded on Galneak's furrowed brow as he took note of the movements. "Interesting style. Where did you learn?" Galneak grunted as he managed to break a hold in time to sidestep a charge from the other man. For the moment, Galneak managed to hold his own against the pair as they circled.<br/><br/>The scene reminded Alianor of being home and watching the fighters train in the courtyards. Once a day, the acolytes and headmasters would join the fighters, but that was different than watching the dance of combat. Alianor wondered if the handsome young man had noticed that Galneak favored one side and tried to force his opponents to move. Pressure suddenly began to build in Alianor's head; she gasped and put one hand against her temple. Images flashed through her mind of men fighting. It was like staring at a painting that had been doused in water. The faces, colors, and scenery all bled together. It was impossible to tell if the image was old or new, where it was at, but it felt critical. She took a step back but 2managed to remain upright as she blinked the images away.