Amari didn’t like the fighting, but being up close to the man… he was intimidating, his presence extruded something the woman couldn’t quite put her finger on. His untamed hair stuck to his angled face and cheekbones, his hazel eyes bore into her. Two wide and twinkling orbs a mish mash of green and brown hues that reminded her of the forest. “I uh…” She felt her cheeks redden. Was this what Jake meant by handsome? She had to admit the man most definitely had that air about him.

“Yes?” She loosened her grip from Jake, only slightly. “How do you…. Know my name?”

“Ar’tuel,” the man breathed softly, “of course… so it’s not really you, is it? You wouldn’t remember me anyway. That was another man’s life, my memories are borrowed. But we have met before… long ago. Who’s your friend?” He asked, giving the half elf a cursory look.

Questions buzzed in Amari’s muddled brain. He knew her? How? Ar-what? She didn’t quite catch the word. She had all but let go of Jake now, stepping closer to Breaker, the mix of alcohol, the adrenaline of the fight and the curiosity creating an odd concoction that caused Amari’s inhibitions and concerns to all but disappear. “Met before? How? Why?”

She blinked and looked to Jake. “He’s my friend...he helped me get out of a very bad situation. His name is Jake.”

“Jake Narmolanya,” the half elf cut in, extending his hand. He clasped forearms with the tall warrior. “That was quite the show you put on, sir. Are you the same Breaker who fought for the red belt of Akashima?”

“And won,” Breaker grinned. “My name is Joshua Cronen. You may call me Josh, but most people just say Breaker.” His gaze drifted back to Amari. “Would you care to join me in my rooms for some refreshments? Both of you, of course.” He added, noticing Jake’s scowl.

The scowl went unnoticed by Amari she was too focused on the form of the man before her. Joshua Cronin...the name didn’t ring any bells, nor did he invoke any sense of familiarity. “That would be lovely.” Amari said as she began to follow Joshua. She turned to look over at Jake, offering him a small smile. “You said that the alcohol would make things better, and I think you’re right.” She whispered loudly to him. Unaware of how loud she was actually being, she continued, stumbling slightly. “Do you think every woman thinks Joshua is handshome too? Isn’t he?”

“Bloody probably,” Jake muttered, kicking the dirt with a leather boot. He took Amari’s arm again and they followed the prizefighter, who was grinning like a daft drakeling, through the darkening streets. He led them to the finest inn the city offered, a three story affair with stone walls and arched entryways. Breaker stopped at the front desk and asked to have a meal and a bottle of Yurik’s (whatever that was) sent to his rooms, and then led them up the stairs to the top floor. There he unlocked a suite and invited them inside.

Inside reminded Amari of the luxuries of home. Thick ornate rugs littered the floor, polished redwood furniture decorated the exterior, side tables with expensive lamps, chairs, and large cushioned seats by a roaring fireplace. Amari stepped in, breathing deep with her arms clasped over her chest, once again pulling away from Jake. The air was thick with the smell of citrus, it was pleasant and made Amari feel warm. Her eyes were drawn to the large oil paintings that were hung on the gold painted walls. They were scenic. “Are they...of Salvar?” She asked, turning to see a grinning Breaker and a not so grinning Jake.

Her smile fell. “Jake?” Was he alright? Wasn’t this what he wanted? To talk to Breaker away from the crowds? “Is everything alright?”

“Everything’s lovely,” Jake said, flashing her a weak smile. “This painting is a view from atop the walls of Knife’s Edge.” He pivoted and pointed at the next piece of artwork. “That one looks like the Red Forest of Raiaera. And this one…” he shrugged. “It’s the great palace of Scara Brae.”

“You’re quite knowledgeable, for one so young.” Breaker said, sitting on a cushioned chair next to a polished table top. “Please make yourselves comfortable.”

“I travel a lot,” Jake mumbled, but he sat down on one of the seats nearer the fire.

Amari didn’t catch the subtle nuance of Jake’s distaste, her bi-coloured eyes fell back onto the paintings. “I want to see them someday…” she breathed, slowly walking around the room to inspect each one closely. She turned her gaze to Joshua. “Joshua Cronin, correct?” He gave her a small nod. Amari gave him a gracious curtsey, “Thank you for your hospi-” only to trip and fall, losing her balance as the world around her spun. “Ah…” She held her head. “I”m sorry..”