<div style="text-align: left;">(http://s21.postimg.org/vky934kl3/ranger.jpg)<br/>Varis Galanodel (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=90899)<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Inspiration</div></div></div><br/>Varis followed along patiently, Dae walking at his side patiently. The wolf was more comfortable than his master, sniffing around patiently as they made their way toward the Jarl's home. He quirked an eyebrow at the guards, wracking his brain to remember the last time he had encountered anyone of this type. But then as soon as they had been warned, it hit him. D'Undren the Bear. He closed his eyes and hesitated, groaning lightly. D'Undren had been a man he had encountered in his travels before, a man from a culture that Varis had assumed were living in huts, not buildings like this. But Donovan had been a force of nature. To Varis, everything D'Undren lacked in "Polite Society" he made up for with brutish strength, unbelievable endurance, and a drive that he had to admit he admired. He hadn't seen this man since several years before the fall of the great Goddess of Light.<br/><br/>The two had shared many meals, and had spared several times. Varis had never beaten D'Undren. Every time it was close, but the massive bear of a man would just fly into a frenzy and then Veris would be waking up on the ground. They shared talks of their homes, both well away from home, each an exile, though Varis believed the barbarian berserker had been on some sort of quest to find a proper foe. He could recall many stories and customs shared between the two of them, and couldn't help but wonder what was in store. He knew the wrong thing said could get them all thrown out, battered and bruised. Well, him at least. He looked at the women he traveled with and mentally made a check list.<br/><br/>The captain wouldn't do anything stupid, but if she didn't know how to address these people she might say something that would offend them. She was skilled with her tongue in many ways, but he was sure that these people valued honesty in one's words over being subtle. And he was sure that if she tried speaking in subtlety she would be waved off as a woman in the presence of men. Unless she wanted to fight, and they wouldn't look too kindly upon spell slingers in a fist fight.<br/><br/>Anna could hold her own. She was a strong woman, and he was sure most would see that. But that made her a problem in itself. These people valued the strong women most of all. And since she was a beauty to see in combat and out, he was sure someone was going to try and make a move. He couldn't help but wonder if he would have to pretend to be her husband to get her out of anything that might happen.<br/><br/>And Aria. He worried about her the most, she was not exactly delicate, but she was vulnerable.  The ranger eyed the priestess, as if sizing her up for a fight, or a night in bed. But then quickly averted his eyes. She was a friend, and he wouldn't allow himself the thoughts of her like that. Not while she was unsullied. But she was the last hope of the realms, and these people could be extremely powerful allies or enemies.<br/><br/>Then it hit him. They had no gift! He didn't let it show on his face as they moved into the crowded hall. The Jarl was obvious right away. He scanned the room calmly, not acknowledging the lord as they entered. He stopped a good ten feet away from the Jarl and brought himself to attention. His right hand moved up, making a fist that he pounded to his chest. He followed this with a gentle bow to the Jarl. He wasn't sure if the bowing part was needed, and wondered if it might be seen as weak or perhaps confident. Nobody would willingly show weakness in the presence of the Jarl so he imagined some might snicker, but the strongest man present wouldn't care what anyone thought of his actions. He had to play this right if he wanted to avoid the worst.<br/><br/>"Good day to you Jarl. How do the hardships of your realm treat you?" he asked, hoping the greeting would win them some form of favor with those present.