“So, hold on.” Tristain’s face flattened out and he folded his arms over his chest, staring flatly at the unkempt man who was scratching at one armpit as he stared with his one good eye at the heavily armored warrior. “You know that there is a heavy presence of bandits on the route that you're wanting to take.” Shaggy hair bobbed in a slight sway as the man nodded in response to Tristain’s question. The young Edelven bit back a sigh of frustration as he reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to ward off the headache that he could just feel building at the back of his eyes.

“And I, am the only guard that you are looking to hire.” Another nod, this one more vigorous than the first. Tristain shoved down the irritation bubbling in his throat. Instead, his voice rasped out. “Why only me?” It was a sincere, valid question in his mind. The man who was trying to hire him fidgeted for a moment, his eyes not quite meeting Tristain’s. The mercenary kept up his steady gaze, his eyes boring into the man.

“Yer cheap.” Tristain narrowed his eyes. “Ye ain't part of no guild or band, so yer cheap. I jist want ta take my family and some small goods down th’ road. One wagon at most, yea? Don't need a bunch of guards for that, might make th’ bandits want ta take a looksee more.” In other words, the man was cheap and wanted to have the appearance of protection without really paying for it. Which was likely why he had approached Tristain in the hiring hall - few other mercenaries were as heavily armored as Tristain was, most preferred leather or chain armor over the heavy platemail that he was wearing.

As Tristain turned the man’s words over in his head, his brown eyes flicked back behind his potential employer. Huddled together a short distance away were three women, and older one and two teen-aged girls. They bore a strong family resemblance to each other, and looked almost afraid, and hopeful, as they whispered to each other and stared at the armored man. Inwardly, Tristain sighed. It looked like the appearance of security wasn't just to keep bandits at bay, but also for the family's sake of mind.

He couldn't, in good conscience, walk away. He had to start somewhere in building a reputation for himself - and taking on rough jobs for little pay would be a good way to start. So he took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, refocusing his attention back on the scruffy man in front of him. The man squirmed, avoiding looking directly into Tristain’s eyes, until the heavily armored man gave one short, sharp nod. “Very well. Payment upon arrival to your destination as agreed, for escorting yourself, your family, and your goods.” The shaggy-haired man let out a sigh of relief as Tristain held out his hand, and clasped it firmly.

The deal was struck. Hopefully, the rumors of bandit activity were exaggerated. Still, at least it would be a start, and everyone had to begin somewhere. Tristain folded his arms over his chest as he watched the man go back to his family and tell them the news.