A New Chapter Begins...

::A stanger enters the door of the forgotten Tavern::

::Reminsing of the times spent here, he strolls over to an empty table where he can put his back to the wall and take in all the sites.::

"huh..."

:: Seeing the man step into the tavern, he decided it was about time for another drink. He walked in and sat down at the dust-covered bar. ::

"A pint of your darkest ale."

- Being the paranoid individual he was, he had already noticed the familiar face sitting up against the wall, along with the two men on the other side of the tavern, and the less than nubile bar-maid in front of him. None but the man against the wall seemed to pose a threat. -

"Hmm..."

- Acting as though he was merely enjoying his drink, the man at the bar was discretely sizing up the stranger, as the stranger was him. For an assassin, the man at the bar didn't dress very appropriately. That is to say, he drew much attention. A flowing black hooded cloak concealed his armor, mostly made of scale with a black leather chest piece. At the mans sides you could see what appeared to be the hilts of his daggers, and on the floor beneath him a sword so covered in dust that it seemed as though it had never been removed from its sheath. -

Stranger - "I'd recognize that outfit just about anywhere."

"And I'd recognize that voice."

:: The man at the bar let down his hood to reveal a head of short white hair, spiked to a point in the front and patted down everywhere else, and eyes of the most haunting gray. He began to turn in his seat to face the stranger. ::

"Its been quite a while since I've seen anyone familiar in these parts..."

"Yes, it has been a while since I have been in this area."

:: Shifting in his seat, the stranger's cloak reveals a hint of armor layered on armor. ::

"I have been on a pilgrimage of sorts. Traveling to the far corners on the known world."

:: Waving his hand in a fanning motion outward as a slight of hand artist would do to show a coin, the stranger produces a faint flare of light that quickly deminishes.::

"On my leave of absence, I have learned a great many new skills, and adapted them for my needs. You know me as Harwin, but on my travels I went by the name of Brueson. My teachers on my journey know me only by this name. So now I lead a life of double. So it may prove wise to only whisper the name you know me by."

- Knowing the stranger revealed as his old friend Harwin was never big on armor, much less metallic armor layered ontop of similar heavy looking armor, Mordeuis' eyes lingered for a few noticable moments on the hint of armor Harwin casually revealed.-

"I see you noticed the armor, and your next question is where are my weapons. Even a well placed concealed weapon is noticed by those of our skill. Fear not, I did not forgo the tools of our trade for the mystic arts. My weapons appear when I need them. All part of the knowledge gained."

:: It was at that moment that Mordeuis realized they were at opposite length's of the room, yet Brueson's words were only being heard by him as mere whispers in the wind.::

"So we lose another one to the arcane do we? You know, I have my tricks as well, friend."

::Disappearing completely from view for just a moment, I reappear in the seat next to man.::

Brueson - "Good to see you're still spry after all this time."

"I do what I can. Certainly I can not bid the elements to do my will, but I have no need."

*The physical skill of our kind is all I need.*

*I am no master of the arcane arts, but I do weild it now and again. Mainly for theactrical purposes. Makes it much easier to get to a mage marked for death when you can walk right up to him. Besides, the ladies love a dazling display cantrips. It also has the side-effect of keeping the ignorant ignorant. I do have some unique weapons from 'masters' that over stepped their bounds though.*

"But enough of the arcane buisness. I have studied many forms of combat outside of the magic realms. To know thy enemy is to win before the battle starts. I have longed to return to the guild, and to reimmerge myself with those of like minds.

I am greatful after all this time away, to get a message that my absense was verging on deserting."

:: Nodding in respect ::

"And with that, let us start this reunion off on the right foot!"

:: The bartender's back was to the two gentalmen as a flash of light next to his head startled him. Looking around, Brueson made no sign that it was him that created the illumination. Brueson acted as though their gazes met by chance. And raised his hand in a drinking motion. Then indicated to bring two.::

"This one is on you." Brueson said with a smirk.

*Not like we ever truely lose money while drinking*

With a nod to the real bartender, I bring my old friends their drinks allong with a third for myself. As I approach, the illusion of my disguise disapates and I am rather pleased by the looks of shock that flash quickly across their faces.

"I'll cover the tab this evening my friends, but you'll both do the same for me some other night - and thats when ya go broke." With a wink, I seat myself across from them.

"Whats with the looks you two - we all have our tricks don't we?"

"Oh I knew you were there all along... I just didn't want to hurt your feelings." Smirking mid sentence and exposing the lame lie.

"Good to see you so soon upon my return home!"

::Brueson jokingly checks his hip coin pouch to make sure it was still there. Even though nothing of true value is there, even a master of the arts can still lose to a kid's luck in a crowd of 100's. And chasing a kid down is a waste of time. So small, like gnomes, can fit anywhere with ease.::

"So, since I got both of you here. How are things on the homefront? Business as usual? Or has this area gone dry with suitable marks for our time?"

::Laughing::

"You should know how cities like this are old friend. When you're at a trade route crossroads like we are here there is never an end to bisness for the likes of us..."

Noting finaly an excuse for the actions I'd seen from him since he stepped through the door, I finaly come to the realization this visit is not soley from that of an old guildmate making his return.

"...Something tells me though that your question was ment only as politeness and not actual interest. You have your mark already?"

Aware that Mordeuis tenses beside me - surely just in some discomfort over the conversation turning so quickly to bisness - I laugh once again and sit back doubley pleased.

"Oh must we? I come here to drink and for the occasional bar fight, not to talk about business."

::Sitting back in my chair, I finish my drink and gaze over at the bartender, who's busy dealing with another customer::

"Use some of that fancy magic and get me another drink, would you?"

"I accually just meant in general. Growth percent, guild coffers, ect. But if you want to see if I still have it after all this time away, all you have to do is ask. Don't have to buzz kill Mordeuis."

::Noticing a fair madien sitting at a table near by, Brueson preps himself to stand.::

"I will return with drinks, gents."

By this time the bar had started to become populated with travelers from outside of town. Just enough to work some magic.

::Producing a faint illusion, Brueson innocently grabs the attention of the lady he had his eye on. Passing by the patrons at the bar, Brueson made his way to her table. Talking for a minute or two with the lady, she blushes and gives a small girlie laugh. Neither Athentix nor Mordeuis could make out what was said due to the angle.::

"Hurry up Brueson. My glass is almost empty."

::Brueson then kisses the lady's hand and excuses himself. While turning around he removes three mugs freshly placed by the bartender shortly after the bartender took the money from the man buying four drinks for his buddies at the bar, leaving one of the four drinks there. Paying too much attention to the skantily clad woman at the opposite end of the bar, Brueson escapes unnoticed by the man. Timing is everything.::

"There. Was that fancy enough magic for you?"

::Content with his performance, Brueson relaxes and leans back in his chair and places his arms behind his head.::

"And I have somewhere to sleep tonight."

"Well, brazo Harw... 'Brueson' - good show." Leaning back in my chair once again, a smile crosses my face thinking of the little show our comrade just gave.

"Showoff..." Smiling himself, Mord takes a deep swig from his mug draining it and continues with a laugh. "I must say - it is good to find the three of us once again gathered here. It's like a return to those good ol' days, and I am actually feeling excited about the adventures that lie ahead for us"

"You may be right Brueson - I think I messed with his buzz a bit - hearing HIM talk like that is a bit unerving..."

Laughing at my chide Brueson adds: "Aye, I told you so."

"Well, lets make something of the night then. We'll bring him back around yet, and you can search out that lovely wench in the morn if not later."

"How about a debate? Silk or leather? Which one gets the job done better? and why?"

::Brueson sits up and take a swig from his mug::

"If it comes to it, I'm sure the bartender won't mind us making room for a demo if the debate turns that direction."