• Closed • Greasing the Wheels

[Han Hetra]

Ashan 30

Rain poured over Ne’haer like a waterfall, creating small rivulets in the streets and byways, feeding into one another in greater and greater channels until emptying into the bay. Even in the gloom and rain, the white stone of the city gleamed proudly, as if defying the very weather and choosing to remain a thing of beauty. The occasional clap of thunder boomed overhead. All throughout, people dashed to and fro, covering themselves where they could while others accepted that soggy clothes and waterlogged boots were now a reality that would simply have to be dealt with. Five trials it had been now of rain and storms. But dreary as the weather had been, all around Ne’haer life was flourishing. Green was returning in full strength, refusing to be laid low by the abiding frost of the long dark Cylus. Warm winds and water brought rejuvenation and rebirth to the land, and it was a thing of beauty to see. It would be doubtless more brilliant when the sun made its return to the land.

Dashing from cover to cover along the city streets, Han was biding his time and planning his moves with great patience. He had business to tend to this trial and he was loathe to tend to it with soggy clothes. Each few bits as the rain subsided or slowed, he would be seen quickly sprinting to the next awning or open store front or canopy, sometimes narrowly avoiding the oncoming torrents, sometimes being just a tad too slow. Despite his best efforts, he was still decidedly soaked by the end of it all, and wondered if it had even been worth the trouble to try. It was raining and that was that. As he finally entered the doors of the massive stone structure that housed the Council of Minaih, he was pleased to see that there were plenty present in a similar state, shaking themselves off and getting dry however they could. He was thankful he had avoided much of it as he looked on some, and decided he was comparatively in quite a good state.

His business that day was simple, at least for now. He was following up on a lead of sorts. Earlier this season, in a brief encounter with Lady Petronel and some others, it was brought to his attention that the settlement of Yurrova had fallen on hard times. Political issues arising with some other settlements seem to have cut off aid to the small town, causing suffering and starvation. While Han certainly intended to go and see this himself, he was well aware that there was only so much a single man could do, and as he was not possessed of great wealth or some magical gift, he sought to resort to something he knew he could do: grease the wheels, so to speak. The lady had mentioned the council being too busy with affairs here in the city to divert their full attention to outer settlements. The solution then, was simple: resolve these affairs. If Han could alleviate the work load of the council, perhaps they would find themselves more able and willing to give an ear, and more importantly, to give some food, to those in need. This in mind, he approached a large desk in the entrance hall where a young woman sat, handling various requests and appointments for the council.

“Hello!” He said, a smile on his face. “My name is Han Hetra. I’d like to make an appointment to meet with Lady Petronel, if that’s alright.”

[Chronicle]

Rain soaked many that came entered the Hall of Judgement and it would do the same to those that left also, but it would be counted as a blessing among the people as rains were blessing for crops. Han did well to try and keep as dry as he could but even then the downpour wasn't easy to avoid, therefore he naturally arrived only modestly soaked compared to many others.

When he entered the Hall of Judgement the activity there would be quite busy, and it was quite easy to tell which of the worker's there had been inside longer compared to others. People who seemed relatively dry shuffled past one another, often with parchments bound for another part of the building, while those who appeared recently soaked represented the idea of having business there.

In his approach to the receptionist Han would quickly be able to gather the amount of work piled up on her desk, as the young brunette that he addressed seemed thoroughly engaged with sorting documents first. Yet upon hearing his voice her driven eyes moved from the separate stacks before her, and up to him as she turned to face him in her chair.

"Hello there." She reciprocated his warm and welcome greeting with a smile, curiosity in her eyes as she stood to look up at him eagerly. "An appointment with Lady Petronel? Is that so?" The brunette reiterated with a crook of her head to the man, the vacant stare of her soft brown eyes changed to a contemplative one afterwards.

"Is this a business meeting with the good lady or just a personal visit we're making?" Another voice happened to interject as he approached Han from behind, once the hunter turned to see who had come asking he would see it was a man. Well aged and somewhat balding with only hairs grayed in his goatee, while his head and shoulders also appeared somewhat wet from the showering rain that drenched the city. He spoke a little more softly than one would expect, and he observed Han carefully as the question he asked would soon be answered.

"Oh mister Thalin! Good Trial to you sir!" The receptionist quickly greeted with warm enthusiasm in her voice.

"You as well," The councilman returned with a nod yet small faint grin, "Amélien's expecting me to-Trial and I'd hate to keep her waiting." Thalin returned his stare to Han however, before moving from the receptionist's desk where the two men stood. "Why don't you come along sir, if Amélien's expecting you as well we can discuss whatever concerns you have together." At his offer Thalin proceeded to nod for Han to follow alongside him, and proceed to turn to walk down a corridor deeper into the Hall.

[Han Hetra]

Before Han could respond to the question posed by the receptionist, another participant entered the discussion. His presence made itself known before he was either heard or seen, the receptionist smiling wide and granting a happy greeting to Thalin Glaurid, another member of the Council of Minaih. Han, having now called Ne’haer home for a little more than three arcs, knew very well who the councillors were- everyone did, if at a distance. There was Thalin Glaurid, a white bearded old man who was rumored to be as wise as he was long lived and oversaw the agricultural aspects of the city. Blonde and beautiful, Lady Petronel worked with the citizens of the city along with the immaculately stylish Rauve de Visci. The ports belonged to Saebin Disanti, a fiery woman with hair to match, who supposedly was quite the jokester. Military and defense fell to the outgoing Loren Ne’haer, an Ithecal. And of course, there was Antony Fransse, the recently deceased councillor who had handled relations with the surrounding cities and settlements- some of this trouble was undoubtedly a result of his loss. There were rumors and opinions abounding about all people of power, and it was no different here. They were all the same to Han, though. Powerful people made powerful allies and effective problem solving tools, and if he had to rub shoulders with them all to make the lives of the common folk a little easier, that’s what he had to do.

“That would be excellent, sir. Thank you.” Han was pleasantly surprised when Thalin offered to have him tag along to his own meeting with Amelien. It was certainly more convenient, and could even offer a more effective opportunity. Two birds with one stone, as they say. “Good trial to you as well.” He quickly offered to the receptionist, nodding his head as he took his place next to Thalin, now walking with him. “You’re Thalin Glaurid, right? Pleasure to meet you. My name is Han Hetra.” He was admittedly unsure of how to approach conversation with someone of this kind of position. Doubtless he had more things on his mind than the greetings or thoughts of some common citizen. But then, weren’t they all common citizens?

“Thank you again for allowing me to come with you. In truth, I think what I want to address will only be better helped by having more ear to hear it.” Han knew that the kinds of problems that plagued a city like Ne’haer had to be bigger than the purview of one councillor. Of course, he also knew that he was walking into a meeting with the express purpose of requesting that he have burdens laid on him which were in all likelihood, entirely too large. Adding another participant to that could easily double the load. But twice the work also meant twice the payoff, or so he hoped.

[Chronicle]

Thalin's offer had been extended and therefore accepted with a receptive nod as the councilman proceeded to move onward, a wave provided to the receptionist as he just so happened to do so. When the hunter proceeded to bid her a good trial she proceeded to bow respectively, to both Thalin and Han, as she gave her farewell to the two men as well. "And to you as well sir, thank you both for stopping in." She warmly said to them as the two walked onward down the hall, thus she quickly took her seat back to resume the endless work piled before her.

"Yes that is me!" The older man cheered with a bit of mild enthusiasm, the step in his walk halted as he turned to look at the hunter. "Han Hetra you say? The pleasure's all mine good sir." At that note the councilman extended a hand to shake with Han, a very firm grip as Thalin eyed him inquisitively. When it had been given appreciation for the chance to follow along, one corner of his lips slightly turned up in response. Even as withdrawn as he tended to be, hearing citizens thank him for trivial things such as an accompanied visit felt unusual. Probably because the members were revered by so many, and not all who remarked upon the council did so fondly these Trials.

"It's no trouble at all really," He finally told the hunter as they continued to walk further down the hall, yet it seemed they were heading into another part of the building less open to the public. "And I certainly hope we can do whatever needs to be done to address your concerns, the Council itself will be happy to do what it can." If it could that is. So many problems were commonly the great obstacles Ne'haer faced these days, add that in with every citizen's personal issue towards the city or community... then naturally numbers and efforts already proved stretched thin. Nevertheless Thalin spoke confidently in regards to his fellow peers, as the would all do what they could to help every citizen out if possible. Or at least try, that's all they could expect anyways.

They would continue down into another corridor that seemed more quieter than the Hall of Judgement, the only prominent noise being the raise as it echoed through the stone. Thalin led Han past several wooden doors that were shut tight, up until they arrived at one where he stopped at seemed partially cracked. With a couple of light knocks he leaned just a little to push the door open on his way inside, the room beyond appearing as a large office filled with shelves of books and documentation. Wooden file cabinets were also neatly arranged in the corner of the office, and nearby those cabinets was an empty desk with a door behind it. Within the doorway was a woman with dark hair tied into a knot and a parchment board in her arm, while she seemed to be speaking with someone within what could only be another office.

"With the recent report from our Underground agent, activities have been minimal with some of the cults. So far only the one you said in particular to watch has remained unchanged, with only a few new members recently welcomed to their... uh, 'family'." The lady explained with a slight accented tongue, as her deep brown eyes moved from to her front past her shoulder into her own office. "Oh! Councilman Thalin is here as well m' lady."

"Is he?" The sound of a chair rubbed across the stone floor, and with a few familiar clicks Han could likely identify; Amélien stepped forth at the doorway with her secretary politely moving away. The blonde Councilwoman looked first to Thalin with a warm and bright smile, but then found herself surprised to see someone was with him. "Thalin! Early as always, who's this that's with you?"

"This young man needed to set up an appointment with you my dear, I had figured it to be important business if he asked for you personally."

At Thalin's explaination Amélien looked at Han a little more observantly, a flash of memory sparked within her eyes after a moment. "Oh yes! I recall seeing you that night."

"Wait," Thalin interjected with a narrowed gaze briefly shot to Han, "you don't me that particular night? Is Han the one-"

"Oh no, that was the Ellune man named Zafir." She quickly reassured him, her head tilted slightly as she widened her smile some. "Han is it? Please do come in, thank you Domina for keeping me informed. Let me know if anything else changes."

"Of course m' lady." Amélien's secretary bowed and quickly moved to her desk after the councilwoman released her, her door still wide open for the two men to walk through. At the gesture for them to come in Thalin nodded for Han to proceed first, as he would be right behind the civilian as they entered. Inside would be more filing cabinets as well as potted plants and flowers for decorations, with several paintings of natural landscapes resembling the forestry around Ne'haer. Thalin wasted no time in grabbing one of the chairs before Amélien's desk while she closed the door, thus leaving Han with the other empty chair next to the councilman once she took her seat.

"Good Trial to you Han, lovely to see you again as well." The lady greeted him more warm and vibrantly than before, all while she tactfully lifted some documents to place them in her desk. "What can I do for you To-trial?" She asked of him curiously with eyes on the hunter, Thalin also watched him as he waited to hear what he had to discuss.

[Han Hetra]

Han found the councilman’s demeanor to be pleasant and disarming. The firm handshake they shared and his gentle smile both worked to help Han feel less like he was walking next to a powerful politician and more like he was meeting an old friend. As they walked he spoke of hoping they could resolve whatever problem Han had- an ironic gesture all things considered. Venturing through several doors and corridors, they finally arrived at their destination with a soft knock on the door. After briefly overhearing some very interesting information about apparent cult activity, the woman- Han presumed she was some kind of assistant- announced Thalin’s arrival.

The office space they seemed to find themselves in was full and very well assembled, lined all about with bookshelves and filing cabinets. Beyond was another office, likely belonging to the lady councillor herself. This then must be her assistant- or secretary, he wasn’t exactly sure what you called someone whose profession was doing the paperwork for someone else. Whatever her title was, she was a beautiful woman- Han always had liked dark hair the best, though Councilwoman Petronel’s blonde was a force of nature in its own right, he reckoned. ’I guess they only hire good looking women here.’ He thought to himself with a slight smirk.

Watching the two councillors discuss Han right in front of him amused him quite a bit. For a moment, he couldn’t get a word in as the two friends greeted one another before quickly hashing over the events of the night that Han had met the lady councillor. He even caught the momentary glare of Thalin as he seemed to wonder, for a moment at least, if Han was the one responsible for the new engravings on the statue in the the city square. In that moment, he was certainly glad to have only been a bystander at that momentous occasion. As they finally moved from the small talk of the outer office into Amelien’s own, Han spoke up.

“I appreciate you both for seeing me, unexpected as it may be. Truly, and it is a pleasure to see you again, lady councillor, this time under more... Auspicious circumstances.” As they looked to him to lead the way forward in discussion, he continued. “In part, my presence here is a result of our encounter that night in the city square. You mentioned in parting that some of the difficulty in providing adequate aid to the outlying settlements stems from the glut of issues that need dealing with here, in Ne’haer proper.” At this he raised his arms a bit and looked around, giving the image of referencing the whole city around them. “I may not be a politician but I do understand that even the smallest enterprise requires great efforts, and must overcome many hurdles. This must be the same for you, yes? You see, the reason I’m here today isn’t to have you help me solve my own problems. I want to help you solve yours.” He paused here for a moment to let his statement sink in. “If the wheels need greasing, so to speak, for the people who need help in this region- in this city- to get it, well, I would humbly ask to be put to work.”

[Chronicle]

As the two members sat and listened to his words, both considered with great levity what Han had to discuss. He did not have anything of concern to bring up, but rather intent to provide and offer his own service for the city. Thalin himself gave him a deep and invested look, as though he were gauging the man thoroughly during his pitch. Amélien however first leaned back in her chair with her head tilted some, with a smile slowly forming across her lips as she too listened closely. To hear him speak with such integrity already convinced her that he could be a great help, but the true question as to where he would be of most use remained to be seen.

Council resources were already stretched thin and there was no way of hiding that, but personally taking on another agent seemed like something they could do. Especially given Han's particular skill set as a hunter, which Amélien wouldn't be afraid to bring to light in just a Bit. "Is that so? I somehow knew you were the kind of man Ne'haer would need in the future, to be honest I neglected to consider inviting you here until after I had already left." She sheepishly admitted with an embarrassed shake of her head. "Twas a foolish move on my part, but all the more reassuring that you decided to come here anyways."

"Coming to see Amélien of your own volition, after hearing such praise from her already no less; that certainly shows how dedicated you truly are to the city." Thalin added with a minuscule grin towards the hunter.

"Indeed, Thalin quite liked knowing you stood up for your Tunawa friend. It takes a courage to be able to do the right thing, something I'm seeing more in you than many people as of late." Amélien agreed warmly with another lean forward as she reached into her desk once more. "I hope this doesn't dishearten you any Han, but I took the liberty of learning a little more about you myself. As one of the Council members I pride myself in knowing all I can about our citizen's, and you are definitely one that has been worth knowing about."

"Apart from helping your Tunawa friend you're a local hunter, still rough around the edges but adequate considering." Thalin couldn't help but remark as though he too knew a bit of the man.

"We have people all the time who wish to help Han, people who would contribute in easier ways such as providing aid to the faithful. Or even handling odd jobs that even members like myself may request sometime." Amélien added as she pulled out a few documents that appeared to be reports, at the top of them the name "Han Hetra" seemed to be scrawled over the parchment. "But there are even greater ways people like you can help. The Council needs agents if we want to work together, to bring peace to Ne'haer as well as the territories that surround us. That is why I'm glad you came here to seek me out; because I truly believe you have the means to help us, all of us, work together to bring peace to the city."

"But before we proceed with this..." Thalin seemed to look more serious now as too did Amélien, although she still smiled while he did not. "You have to be aware that everything discussed from this point on is strictly confidential! There are always two sides to a coin, and the politics of Ne'haer is no different. If you decide to stay then we'll be delighted to offer you opportunities, however if you feel the darker side of Ne'haer isn't right for you; then perhaps the safer decision is to leave now knowing how others have helped thus far."

The pressure in the air felt a little heavier now that it remained for Han to decide; would he remain in the side of the light and help in his own way? Or would Han accept the charges involved with the dark, and become a part of the political purview of the city?

[Han Hetra]

“Of course.” Han even surprised himself at how quickly he’d agreed. No point in wasting time dallying now, he supposed. Thalin’s words resounded in him in a way he hadn’t felt in some time. Two sides to a coin, just like the two sides to everything: the light and the dark. Life and death. He knew that all too well. One could never be without the other, and for anything to reach its potential, it had to learn to embrace both. Even as he felt a tinge of mental pain at the implied acknowledgement of his on hypocrisy, he also felt a desire to walk this path for the people it could help. Somehow, the idea of allowing darkness in this case- doing it for a greater good- made it easier for him to stomach, though he would not admit to himself that he would do more than stomach it- he relished in the opportunity presented to him.

“I’ve seen a lot of what you speak of, individuals here and there helping where they can. I’m one of them. It’s important, it really is. But when I look around, I don’t see our problems getting any smaller. I don’t see the kind of progress we need. People still suffer, people still slip through the cracks, crimes go unpunished, and ties with the settlements grow weak and poisoned with bitterness. There is only so much one man can do in that capacity, as I’m sure you know. A lone good samaritan can only make so much difference, and it’s an uphill battle.” He nodded to both councillors as he spoke, his face taking on a serious expression to match the mood and the subject matter. “If I can do something more- be something more- then that’s what I want and I accept the limitations that come with that. I’m sure you both agree that the good of the people trumps personal desires. Whatever you ask of me, I will do all in my power.”

He had thrown down the gauntlet. The pleasantries were long gone now, and it was time to be about the business of getting shit done in Ne’haer. He was simultaneously stern and invigorated. How long had he hoped and prayed for an opportunity to do more? To really make a difference? And here he now stood, at the precipice of his future, and agreeing to play the great game of politics, something he had spent so much time trying not to. Why did he do it? It was true that much of the impetus had come from his chance encounter with Zafir in the city square that fateful night, when the words “Yurrova starves while you play at politics” had been etched not only into the stone but into his own mind. But to leave that as the lone inspiration would be far from the truth. The real, cold truth of the matter was that Han knew he was losing the battle. Even though he would continue in full ernest to help and love the people of Ne’haer, even though his life was still so much about those in need, he knew that he was losing. There was too much for him to do in the position he held. Like it or not, he had been coming to acknowledge a small but important truth lately- The only way to make a real, lasting difference for the better is to do it from a position of power. For now, he would be the grease on the wheels, freeing up the powers that be to do what he could not. But not forever.

In the end- he had already decided, deep in the recesses of his mind- in the end, they would be the means to his ends, and he would do what they either could not or would not. He would do something real for the people of Idalos, for those who truly needed it. He didn’t know what yet, but he knew this was the way. So he would do what was asked of him and he would do it gladly. And every step along the way, he would watch, listen, and learn. ’First rung on the ladder.’

[Chronicle]

"Then you know good and well there's no turning back, not from something such as this." Thalin proceeded to warn the man once more, even so both he and Amélien smiled heartily seeing that he still chose to stay.

"As someone available to serve in part for the Council Han, you will find our resources aren't so limited. At least not in terms of agents that work together for the cause."

"You already see them among the streets of the city, some obviously standing out while others blending perfectly in with the crowd." Thalin added to her little speech as though it were an important note.

"The Blades of Zafra are just one example, as well as the sailors that are part of Ne'haer's own navy. But the ones you don't see? They play a much more critical role for the city, and they tend to serve as eyes and ears for a member in particular." As she admitted this she left that open for interpretation, the warm smile on her face still there as she hoped Han would catch on quickly.

Thalin couldn't also help but offer his own proposition of course, as he too was part of the Council and therefore had his own resources. "It's a very big and very important decision Han, and you must certainly be good at keeping secrets. But if you feel the cloak and dagger lifestyle isn't suited for you, I too have a bit of a handful of agents you could be an asset to. Unlike Amélien who specializes in the shadow and secrecy, my agents are more out in the fields and wilderness surrounding the city. You're already a hunter so that shows you're capable of survival out there, but you'll be doing more than just surviving if you sign on with me."

Amélien couldn't help but giggle as she felt sure the hunter himself would be astounded by this, being given not one but two potential offers to be a part of the Council's own agents? Individuals were lucky to be given such rare opportunities, as they were typically hand picked by members themselves. Hence why such an alarming amount of information had been collected on Han, ever since Amélien had the chance to meet him that fateful night in the square. "While you're to consider which of us you feel best suited for, you might also want to consider where your own goals align. Thalin and I can help you surely in our own ways, but first you'll have to do more than just civic duty. You'll have to work hard and train proper, if you are to play a part in the machinations of Ne'haer's politics."

"And bear in mind Han," Thalin added with a bit of a stern and serious look, "while this is an opportunity you'll find rare, it's also a very dangerous and risky one to follow through with as well. No matter where you go and who you choose to serve, you'll not only be marked as an agent of the Council to our enemies; you'll also be dealing with many life threatening problems in your career."

"Careful Thalin!" The Lady cheered with a little amusement as she couldn't help but giggle. "We don't want to scare the poor man from making his choice." On that note she still smiled and looked from the older man to Han, a glint of intrigue in her eyes as she proceeded to ask. "The choice is all yours Han, you can either join my agents and become a spy. Or you can work with Thalin and his rangers, if the untamed wilderness suits your fancy more. Which would you prefer?"

"Amélien"
"Thalin"

[Han Hetra]

This time, Han was slower in responding, taking a more hesitant approach in considering his options, and so it seemed, his future. He’d come here looking simply to help with Yurrova but as he could see it, there was quite a lot opening up before him now. This wasn’t just going to be a few quests. This was an immortal-damned career path. He certainly didn’t mind that, not at all, but in the midst of all the political talk and offered opportunities, he felt himself beginning to slip away from the real reason he was there in the first place: to help the people that were too small for the council to notice. He could take advantage of this to gain power and influence and through that to help. But he steeled himself, knowing that whatever came next, he must not allow himself to be lost to the depths of intrigue and espionage. There was something at his core that he had to keep intact. Something so easily lost to those who were consumed by the endless power struggles of this field: selflessness. It wasn’t ever about him. It was only about those he might help. That would be his lantern as he entered the darkness. That would be the rope tying him to the mouth of this cave. Whatever came next, it was not about him.

His mind ran quickly over the thoughts of immortals and what they might do in his position, as silly as it sounded. Ralaith of course came first, closest to his heart. Wisdom and time. He’d see the benefit of this. In time, at great distance from the moment to moment emotions of life, what mattered was results. Wisdom was whatever led to the greatest benefits and effects over time. A plunge into the underworld was a difficult decision in this moment, yes. But Han had to look at the grand scale. The big picture. If this even only alleviated suffering in Yurrova, lives would be saved. And here he had a career laid out, promising the opportunity to do so much more. What if he could save more? What if he could gain the standing necessary to save thousands? What about tens of thousands? He had to take it. Next came Xiur, another well fitting name for this occasion. The association of stars and hope was very relevant. For many, especially in this city on the sea, Xiur literally represented their lantern in the dark, his stars guiding the way home. For Han, his mind took the image of a light in the blackness of the dark night. A lone star, shining in a place without light. That is what he was already doing so many days in his own soul. Now he must take that light into a real darkness, a world on the other side of the coin, like Thalin had said.

Having steeled himself for the overall task, his mind then progressed to the next decision: Did he want to be part of the cloak and dagger- a spy, in other words- or did he want to be out in the wilderness? He saw the value in both. Information gathering, espionage, being directly involved in the events within the city, these were all important tasks. He also got the distinct feeling that it was dirtier work. He knew admittedly little of the real lives of spies in Ne’haer but he did know from long ago that cloak and dagger could easily be more dagger than cloak, and that was something he wasn’t sure he had any interest in. Still, if this was what he had to do, he was ready to accept the task. ’Light in the dark. Keep the lantern close.’ Thalin’s offer was met with more ready acceptance. It was true, he was a hunter, if only a neophyte. He loved the wilderness, even as he had seen some of the true dangers therein. It would not be work in the city, but that wasn’t necessarily an important factor. More criminals, monsters, and secrets found their hiding places in the open fields, dense forests, and damp caves of Idalos than they did in any dark alley or abandoned building. He felt more confident of his decision the more he thought of it, and was finally ready to give an answer, bolstered by his own thoughts and the immortals that gave him courage.

“Don’t worry my lady, I don’t scare so easy.” He said to Amelien, a slight smirk and a chuckle showing that he was comfortable with the two of them. Quickly switching back to a sterner face, he continued. “Now then, this is certainly quite the decision. I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting such a grand opportunity to be presented to me, much less two of them at once. Thank you for the honor you’ve offered me, both of you, I know this must be a rare circumstance. That being said, I think I’ll have to side with Councilman Glaurid on this one. I know there is much to be done beyond the great walls of the city and I shall be glad to be of use.” He nodded at Thalin as he spoke, not breaking away from his sternness. He could tell Thalin was, while polite, likely not the type to waste time on pleasantries and feigned smiles. If he was to find himself in the employ of this man, he would begin to act like it immediately.

[Chronicle]

Both Council members were quiet as they waited on Han, watching as he considered the two options laid out before him. They were both big opportunities to choose from, and deciding on one alone would more than likely outline Han's future career. Therefore they weren't going to bicker over which position it better for him, not when it was ultimately Han's own choice to begin with in determining his future. Should he choose Amélien then he would be a spy above all, practicing the good game of secrecy and espionage as he worked under her wing. Choosing Thalin would be no safer either, since the rangers were required survival know-how for their role as well. He would surely be tested no matter which he chose, therefore they both waited to see him make the weighty decision.

It did however please Amélien when he reassured her that the hunter didn't scare so easily, a statement that only further highlighted his potential in whatever choice he soon made. Therefore he made it with clarified honesty in his statement, and both Thalin and Amélien seemed to relax after hearing his decision. "I think Thalin is a good choice for you, although he will definitely put you to work just as well."

"Something I'm hopeful you're looking forward to." The councilman admitted with a soft chuckle, finally, as he shot a warm grin towards Han. "You do us both an honor in stepping up the way you have Han. Not many people have the guts to face such a bold decision, and rest assured you'll not be disappointed in placing your future with us."

"Certainly not," Amélien agreed with a short giggle, "He may seem a stern man but Thalin is quite good at heart!" At that note her smile lessened just a little as she seemed to focus more on Han next. "We are honored to count you as an agent of the Council then Han, though there is much to be done before we can celebrate anything yet."

"True enough Amél,", Thalin agreed as he leaned forward to accept a parchment the lady handed over, "But that doesn't mean our new recruit shouldn't celebrate a new beginning." With that Thalin handed over the document which he took from Amélien, an official statement which seemed to decree the one currently reading it an agent of The Council of Minäih. Within it's contents Han would read that he would be provided wages for his service to the city of Ne'haer, as well as access to whatever provisions were required to help him work the field. There was also the aspects of danger reiterated in the parchment as both Council members highlighted before, and that in serving as part of the Council's agent all manner of secrecy must be upheld in part of his service.

"As part of my merry band of rangers Han, you'll be provided essentials to help you on the job. You'll start out as a recruit as do all the others, but with enough time and dedication you'll definitely earn better rankings. But first you'll have to sign down here," Thalin pointed at the line near the bottom left margin of the parchment, "And then we can officially say you're an agent of the Ranger's." At that point Amélien presented to Han a quill she'd dipped in ink, her lips still turned into a gentle smile as she waited to watch the man sign the form. "Now's also a good time to ask any questions that you might have in mind, you'll definitely be busy learning the ropes when the time comes."