Salem watched the other halfling with growing interest. He looked over at Logan, folding his hands and resting his chin on them. "This could be an excuse to leave without raising suspicion," he murmured quietly. "Should we see what this is all about?"<br/><br/><span style="color: #BFFFFF">Logan nodded, fingers playing in the condensation of his glass. His eyes were focused on the new halfling. "Yes, I think that would be a... good plan." He wiped his fingers off on the napkin.</span><br/><br/>With that, he stood, having made his decision. "My companion and I say we are available for hire!" he announced.<br/><br/><span style="color: #80FF80">The small man looked over, grinning at the thought of new recruits. Seeing the prospects however, his grin wained. "You two? Did you not hear the quip lad? I need taller guards than our kind. And I've not much use for a half-breed. Why should I hire you?"</span><br/><br/>Salem looked over at Logan, and decided he could speak for himself. "I am an adept magician. While I am not the best fighter, I can bewilder and distract any enemy while they don't notice the man behind them, about to dispatch them."<br/><br/><span style="color: #BFFFFF"> "I can provide food," he said quietly. "And I can make sure we're safe from animals during our travels. I'm fairly adept with a bow, and I can handle a knife." A smile. "And, this man here," he indicated Salem, "says he'll help me by giving me a charm to change my appearance, so that won't hinder any movement."</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #80FF80">"The mage I can get behind, yes that could be useful" the halfling spoke, hand at his chin. "This elf bastard with you boy?" He asked harshly.</span><br/><br/>He nodded curtly. "Yes, he owes me a debt, and is paying it to me with a year of his service. He speaks true about the charm, too. That much I can prove." He was irritated, but didn't let it show. Used to dealing with people, he was accustomed to controlling his expression and tone no matter the mood he was in.<br/><br/><span style="color: #BFFFFF">Logan didn't seem bothered by the harsh language. He just half-smiled and waited quietly, calm and serene. It was daily life for him; why get upset?</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #80FF80">"Good, good. We could use an archer. Just be sure that charm works, I don't need trouble with my client. You're hired, meet at the front gate of the city by noon tomorrow. You'll be guarding my shipment to the border of Shoven, and if you do it well you'll have 200 gold in your pocket lad by the trips end." With that, the man walked back through the room, looking for the last 2 he would need for the expedition.</span><br/><br/>Salem shifted uncomfortably. He needed time to make the charm. He followed after the other halfling. "Is it that crucial we leave tomorrow?"<br/><br/><span style="color: #80FF80">"Without a doubt. Is there a problem?"</span><br/><br/>"I need exactly three days to make the charm for my companion," he explained.<br/><br/><span style="color: #80FF80">"Then I hope you can make it on the road. The caravan leaves tomorrow on schedule, with or without you." he walked off, leaving no further room for discussion.</span><br/><br/>He walked back to the table. "If he weren't paying us so damn much..." he grumbled to Logan, scowling at his mug of ale.<br/><br/><span style="color: #BFFFFF"> "Mmn. Pleasant man," he commented dryly, taking a sip of his water. "I can see this trip is going to be an experience I shan't soon forget."</span>