<span class="bbc_u"><strong>Character's Name: "Jolly Jack"</strong></span><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong>Location: The Starting Point Tavern</strong></span><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong>With whom: Johara, open</strong></span><br/><br/>'Ahh, a realm I am wholly unfamiliar with.  I try to avoid places with the word 'Death' in it." He says with a laugh. Sure enough, though, the conversation would momentarily be put on pause as he caught sight of one of the over-worked serving lasses, and  made a sharp, beckoning gesture with his hand in the air, drawing her over.<br/><br/>"Apple cinnamon rum, with ice, for my lovely friend, and more mulled cider for myself." He'd order for them, before turning his attention back to the dancer.<br/><br/>"I'm from all over, really. Born on the road." He said, at no point breaking the sincerity he has shown throughout the night. He spoke openly, without hesitation; clearly he has enjoyed his life, and had no misgivings about it. "My father was a minor merchant, worked for one of the larger establishments as a caravan master.  My mother worked alongside him, and so I've been wandering the world since before I could walk."<br/><br/>"I dare say I've been to nearly everywhere in Avalon over the years, save for the Still Lands and Death Desert. I didn't take on the family business, though I do often spend my days traveling with caravans. It gets me places, gets me money. Don't let the romanticized tales fool you, though, there's no glory in  it. Mostly, it's avoiding the road apples." Which was a polite way of saying 'horse droppings'.<br/><br/>"But then, there's also been the times where I strike out on my own, exploring the wilderness, doing whatever it is that I please. I only seldom find something of interest when doing that, but when I do, I feel quite pleased with myself. Besides, it keeps me in shape. The wanderer's life isn't for the weak of body, or mind, you know?"<br/><br/>"I'm building myself up, though. I know I'm a fool for it, but one of these days, I'm going to go after Heliopolis. I don't believe in no curse; I think all the doom that falls upon other adventurers is simple failure to prepare for its traps. And even if I should die, at least it's doing what I love. By and far, not enough people get that privilege." He spoke oddly when it came to death, by virtue of the fact he seemed to view it as... well, no big deal. Most people spent their lives being afraid of death, avoiding it, or perhaps enamored with it; but for Jack, it seemed, death held all the fascination and terror of an unpainted clay jar.