He didn't stir when the newcomer crossed the room and graced his table.  He didn't seem the least bit offended at the action however, and as the man pulled the chair opposite him he glanced up to meet the stranger's gaze.  He offered a friendly enough smile which never quite warmed his eyes,<span style="font-weight: bold">"Evening, neighbor.  I could say the same for you, I should think."</span>His tone was just as quietly confident as with the girl, perhaps a touch bolder then the gentle tones he had spared the young one, simply for the fact that he now spoke to a man.<br/><br/>He delayed in answering the question, pondering just what to say.  Honesty, while his preference, was sometimes not the best option, but he still refused to lie.<span style="font-weight: bold">"Choices made, none regretted, have left me stripped of House and Name.  So I travel.  I am little more then a common sell-sword these days, offering my services where they might be of use."</span>He had standards of course, the sort that set him apart from any 'common sell-sword'.  A strong sense of duty and honor still bound his actions tightly.<br/><br/>He finished his tea and set the small cup aside, hands resting fisted on his knees below the table, ever straight backed and proper.<span style="font-weight: bold">"And you neighbor?  Not many that travel alone at night in these provinces."</span>It wasn't that the region was really all that dangerous; the chance of bandits was no more then further into civilized lands; highwaymen were an ever present threat even within scant hours of the larger cities.  But, on the other hand, there were Orcs and wild animals, and corupt officials could get away with more in such isolated regions, where any amount of personal power translated to leadership.