Over the years, he has slain quite a few supernatural creatures (even you would even want to call some of them that, they were that monstrous) who would give just about anyone a shiver down their spine the moment they locked gazes with them. He visited the tavern every night and a lot of people who came through there told tales of their encounters with such beings, exaggerating of course, but it was always somewhat amusing. Drinking a lone was something he was use to ever since a dear friend of his passed away a year ago, and Ivan was placed in exile. A part of him missed those days, but these stories entertained him nonetheless. As for himself, he remained humble, keeping what few stories he had to share to himself. Nobody needed to know about him in his mind; not only that but he simply does not like being an open book or getting too attached to people.<br/><br/>Despite his somewhat anti-social, lone wolf demeanor, the bartender here has taken quite a liking to him. He felt it was because he was once one of the Kingâ€™s loyal knights. It seemed to be the only logical reason why anyone would show any interest in him whatsoever since he never really thought of himself to be a particularly interesting person.<br/><br/>Tonightâ€™s story was an odd one that was for sure. Two people had wandered in, claiming to be from a town about an hour and a halfâ€™s walk from here, saying that there has been a vampire skulking about the streets of the town, and that they heard this tavern was often a gathering for mercenaries. They must have believed most of the rumors the poor souls. The vampire had managed to snatch their only child and a dark pool of blood was all that remained of her. It was needless to say that the entire mood of the tavern had changed completely; it was no longer lively, but almost completely dead silent. Nobody knew what to do, which was a shame since they had been flaunting their bravery around for the past few hours. The couple, still in shock from losing their child, could not cope with this. The mother especially, as she broke down in tears before her husband did.<br/><br/>They explained that they were searching everywhere for the longest time for someone to rid their town of the menace, but their speech was slurred a bit and they talked over each other. It took one of the more sober people in the bar to calm them down and get them to explain their situation a bit more slowly. He was amongst the drunkards here but sober or not he was continuing to listen to the couple speak. Something about this seemed like it would give him some entertainment. He has not seen real action in a few months however he does not meddle in the affairs of vampires. They were powerful creatures, clever too. He has always done his best to live and let live as they say, but not because he was afraid of them, oh no, but because he knew his place. Vampires were not something to take lightlyâ€¦ and he could not help but wonder what they would want with a child.<br/><br/>Other demons have said children tasted the best, but those were demons. Vampires were much different from demons.<br/><br/>â€œDo you need somebody tooâ€¦ take care of your little pest problem?â€ He asked casually. He was a bit drunk from drinking so his words were slurred, but there was a hit of interest in his voice. â€œI suppose I am available for hire, if you wish.â€<br/><br/>The taverns mood changed again just then. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room staring right through him almost in awe. Nobody had expected him of all people to speak up, especially those who knew him as a regular. Even the couple seemed surprised at his offer, they just stared at him, and he soon regretted even speaking up. The regret soon faded, however, slowly being taken over by his drunkenness. This would not be the dumbest thing he has done while half drunk that was for sure and he would not exactly count it as stupid per say either. More or less, the boredom he has experienced the past few days was really starting to get to him and he needed something to do before he completely lost it.<br/><br/>â€œAre you sure?â€ The man asked him, looking over him with concern. â€œIâ€™ve heard there are some tough people that hang around hereâ€¦â€ he spoke a little louder. â€œIs a drunken knight the best you have?â€<br/><br/>â€œWell this is a tavern, mate,â€ one of the drunkards snorted before he could say anything more. â€œAnd you best let him go along and help you, if you know whatâ€™s good for you.â€<br/><br/>The man looked to his wife, who nodded. It did not surprise him that the couple agreed to let him help, they would have been if that man had not said anything. He was a rather skilled knight, one of the best so he has been told, so it was natural that they let him help. The rest of the people in here only wished they had half the skill he hadâ€¦ but that was thinking a little highly. He does have a sense of pride about him but never does he go around showing off. No, he was more humble about his swordsmanship â€“this could also be because he was reserved though. When he was drunk he was a little bolder and did tend to be slightly egotistical.<br/><br/>And the next morning, despite his mild hangover and wondering if he would regret agreeing to this, he set out for this town.