<b><span style="font-size: 18px">Beldabar's Rest</span></b><br/><br/>Happy to have the pretty blonde's undivided attention, Ivan moves in closer, their knees brushing as if by accident.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(163, 143, 132)">"Yes the welfare of those poor missing young ladies in the prime of their young lives and fertility, we must do something to help them."</span>He was happy to tell Ixana whatever it was he thought she wanted to hear at the moment she wanted to hear it.<br/><br/>He listened with interest as she laid out the basics of their plan.  With a bit more secrecy, or at least the checking of references for those she considering hiring for the key role of bodyguard, it might have even stood something of a chance.  A small chance, but better than laying it all out to a total stranger who saw her notice in the Fishyard.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(163, 143, 132)">"Seems a fine plan, I am sure all eyes will be on thine beauty as you demonstrate the latest in binding technology."</span>He offered up in way of building her confidence up in her plan and his part in it.  He was truthful at least in the fact that all eyes would be on her as she was bound and taken into captivity.  She would fetch a high price, that is if she even made it up on the auction block.<br/><br/>As she asked about him he looked down for the first time, seeming to be too modest to talk of himself, though his eyes did linger on her body for a moment or so before looking back into her eyes.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(163, 143, 132)">"Well not much to say really, after my village was burned down, my parents murdered, my dog dying, and myself taken away into slavery; I vowed revenge upon the world.  As I grew up, the hard work of a slave honed my body into what it is now and I escaped by beating 3 men with my bare hands.  I was taught to use a sword and other weapons by some itinerant monster hunters who taught me to fight but also how to look out for those less fortunate than ourselves.  Since then I have been travelling seeking adventure and injustice.  Maybe some day I will meet that perfect woman to adventure with until we decide to have a bunch of kids with straight teeth, unblemished skin, and perfect hair." </span>He gave her a shy smile, as if he had just bared his soul to her.