His Arrival

Casimar and his group arrived at Ladrio's pearly gates. The city's guards greeted them warmly.

"What brings you to the Eastern Jewel of Spalis?"

"Business."

"Short and concise. Welcome to Ladrio."

The city guards moved out of the group's way. So, they entered Spalio's sister city. It was here where everyone finally separated. All off to their new lives. Casimar, Rilia, and Dathma stay stuck together. Those of Ladrio are far more accustomed to the presence of Executioners. Although, some still give a quick glance.

"Where are we going?" Casimar asked Rilia.

"We can't walk straight to the Crest's Hideout, Casimar." Rilia responded. She continued: "We're gonna do other things in the city right now. You need to get accustomed to it anyway."

Casimar didn't answer and just followed behind Rilia as she continued to walk through the city. He noticed the city was shrouded in green. Emeralds were obviously a beloved jewel of the city. The city was surrounded by a ginormous wall of blackened stone. In the city's center, the river Citu. The river gave birth to Ladrio. Without it, there would be no Ladrio, or Kingdom of Spalis. No Magito.

The brooding height of Dathma in his blackened coat often confused Casimar, believing it a part of the wall. Especially with Dathma's beaming green eyes. Dathma's nature, his quietness, Casimar wondered how he could become so cool-minded and strong-willed.

As the three continued walking, they came across a weapons shop.

"You need your own sword, Casimar. Something really sturdy." Rilia

"Do we have enough coin?" Casimar responded.

"I know the shopkeeper, he might give us a weapon for some errand."

"Running errands? Really?" Casimar questioned.

"Everyone starts somewhere, Jester."

"You won't die under my watch, Casimar." Dathma said with pride and conviction.

"A man who can't defend himself, is nothing but a bastard, Dathma." Casimar answered back.

"I can even train you some, Casimar." Rilia said.

"I'd appreciate that, Rilia."

The three entered the shop. Walls lined with maces, axes, and swords. The shields section was a minor stand in the corner of the room.

They walked up to the main counter. The shopkeeper faced away from them, examining his swords. He grabs one of them and swings it down to the floor. It chips the floor sending little bits of wood everywhere.

"My precious! You're becoming dulled!" The shopkeeper says to his beloved sword.

Rilia tried to speak to the shopkeeper. But the second she opened her mouth, the shopkeeper continued chatting to his sword.

"Why would no one want for such an exquisite sword? What else are you missing?!"

Rilia appealed to the shopkeeper.

"It's missing nothing sir, in fact, my friend here is in the market for a sword and if that sword is truly your best. It'd be exactly what he wants." Rilia spoke with confidence paramount. It's because she is back in her element. Ladrio was her city. She was known here, the confidence shift wasn't immediately noticeable, but it was quite obvious now how much prouder she'd become. The shopkeeper recognized Rilia after finally looking up from his beloved sword. He apparently wasn't listening too well.

"You, you! Rilia!"

"Yes, yes." Rilia said sternly. "I'm back my friend.."

"It's great to see you! Rilia the snake! Back again!"

"The snake?" Casimar asked.

"Tis' nothing, only a nickname. Don't worry about it." Rilia responded.

"I take you not only here to catch up. Need a weapon?"

"Yes, that one in your hand. How much? Said it's your best work right?"

"Well yes, but it is a sword I love. I can't part with it for cheap."

"I know the deal, mister. What do ya need?"

The shopkeeper told the three about a shipment of oils he needed that had gone missing. The shipment was in a nearby town, Tilton, and an animal on the loose was terrorizing townsfolk and they can't seem to pin it down. Rilia said they'd take the job without a second thought. He handed Rilia the shipment paper with all the details. Casimar explained he'd need some kind of weapon in order to help complete the contract. The shopkeeper went into one of his large chests and rummaged around. He pulled out an old dagger that was beginning to chip. Casimar, displeased, thanked the shopkeeper for the gift. The three then exited the weapons shop.

"We just got here and now we're immediately leaving?" Casimar questioned.

"In this goddamn country, you'll need a sword before anything. Don't worry, it shouldn't be too long of a job. Then we'll come back here, go to a tavern, do some other things in Ladrio and then finally meet up with the Crest, again.." Rilia said.

The group made their trek to the city's western wall where Tilton was a straight path away. Rilia read the shipment paper on the way. It had little notes added that stated the mysterious animal had killed 2 people and other livestock. The shipment paper said, "for the weapons shopkeeper in eastern Ladrio." The paper also had a sketch of the supposed animal which was depicted to be large, stood on two of its legs, and had rough looking skin.

"At least it's not an errand right?" Rilia said.

"That damn sword better actually be worth it Rilia."

"Trust me Casimar. It will be. So will this fighting experience. Hey, Dathma, try to give Casimar some breathing room. Let me see what he's got."

"All I need to make sure of is that he does not die by anyone else's hand." Dathma said.

They soon arrived at the western wall, they told the guards where their journey was headed and then they began the trek to Tilton.