Quinn entered the old prison his clothes covered with an inch of sand and dirt. Once inside the doors, he stopped hand began brushing himself off, clouds of dirt lifted off him and fell to the ground beneath him. It was clear that he had been out in the desert for a while, dirt and dried blood stuck to his cloak, his pants and shirt were warn and ripped. Looking himself over, he knew he needed some new clothes, he just hopped the bounty tied up behind him would give him enough to buy some really reliable clothes. His bright red hair was tied up revealing his pointed ears and tattoos over his forehead.

“Come on, lets hand you over to the authorities.” Quinn said with a tone of cockiness and confidence over his should to where his prisoner was bounded up so tight that he was being dragged across the ground by Quinn holding onto the other end of the rope. The guy looked worse then Quinn his lips were cracked and blistered from dehydration, but as soon as Quinn talked to him, he let out a spur of hateful words and struggled against the ropes. Quinn continued to walk through the stronghold ignoring the words coming from behind, with one tug on the rope the man fell to his back being dragged across the stone blocks now instead of sand, by his shouts Quinn knew that it was worse.

“What are you going on about? I only need to bring you in alive to get the reward, the shape your are doesn’t effect that. Now shut your mouth.” Although Quinn said these words in what others would think a pleasant way, the way he looked back at the guy seemed to have shut him up.

********

Within half an hour Quinn appeared on the streets of the Prison Stronghold again, this time alone with a nice smile on his lips. He had gotten his reward and free from the burden. Though the aspect of walking out of this desert he was in didn’t appeal to him at the moment. With his pocket full of coins he looked around for a tavern or inn, somewhere where he can get some more information about another bounty. He usually just left the town once his task has been completed and wondered around until he finds a new bounty. But if he was going back out in the wilderness out there, he wanted a firm destination in mind. He had to admit to himself, he almost didn’t make it out there, chasing that bounty. The desert was far rougher then he had anticipated, there was no way he was going out there without a target in sight.

Finding a tavern he entered, his clothes were still dirty and bloodstained, his katana sword hung from the belt on his side. Everybody stopped for a second to look at the stranger before continuing their previous actions. Quinn went right to the bar and got a drink, first a good glass of water then something with more of a kick. Then he just sat and listened with his long ears and thinking of where he wanted to head to next.

Cinaed sat at the bar alone, his hood up over his face. After escaping from his captors, he was sure that he had a bounty on his head. If they did not return to the Underdark with him, then the Matron of House Du'Xionul would not be happy. His relationship with House Du'Xionul was quite interesting. He was the Matron's prize. His excellent sense of combat was unmatched in their region; he had been the youngest House champion in centuries, and for good reason, too. Top of his class, he had excelled in both hand-to-hand combat, and wielding a sword; He had even been nicknamed the Battleborn by his teachers for his innate ability to read the flow of a battle.

Yet when house J'Delrndi had been destroyed, Cinaed had been forced into a battle regime reminiscent of slavery. Sure, they had kept him well-nourished, and allowed him the freedom to train and practice, yet their dominance assaulted the mind, not the body. Cinaed was a walking tool for house Du'Xionul. Yet, he had escaped, seized the oppertunity to fool the Knights guarding him, and now he roamed above the ground, hiding from both his captors and the sun. His exposure to the sun had given him the ability to atleast stand it, yet it will still quite unpleasant to be around.

As Cinaed put his glass on the table, he heard the door open to his left. Peering over from under his hood, he saw a man covered in sand and blood enter the tavern. From his hip hung a katana; this one had Bounty Hunter written all over him. Cinaed took another sip of the water, minding his own business. Cinaed was sure there were quite a few Bounty Hunters in this region, what with the stronghold and all, infact, it probably was not all too smart for him to be here, however he had no other place to go; another journey through that desert just may kill him.

Quinn shot back his drink then ordered some more water, he wasn’t an idiot he knew he was dehydrated from his desert extrusion, the alcoholic drink was more of a private celebration for capturing his target, but his body needed water not alcohol. He felt eyes watching him, no surprise really his appearance earned some questions. Peering over to his right he saw a Dow sitting beside him. Quinn gave him a friendly smile, Dow’s were an interesting race, he would give them that much, especially seeing one in this sort of climate.

“So you captured that thief, eh?” The bartender asked Quinn.

“Sure did, though I almost didn’t make it back, this desert almost buried my alive.” Quinn replied with humor.

“Happens to a lot of us.” The bartender added. “So you gonna hang around or take off?”

“Not sure, the authorities here gave me a few more tips on some bounties, but I usually don’t stick around one place too long. I’ll have to wait things out, get enough nerve to head back into that wasteland.” Both Quinn and the bar tendered shared in some laughter before the bartender had to continue on with his work. Quinn took this time to see if he could figure out why a Dow would be hanging around here.

“You know, I’ve never thought to see a Dow out here, no offence, I had the impression they weren’t fond of the sun, and well, this place has a lot of sun.” Quinn said over to the Dow, his voice was upbeat and pleasant, though in the back of Quinn’s mind something wasn’t added up.

Cinaed took another sip as the man beside him began conversing with the bar tender. He remained totally cool and collected, seeming almost somewhat distant; as if watching from a place far away. At least until the man spoke to him. “You know, I’ve never thought to see a Dow out here, no offence, I had the impression they weren’t fond of the sun, and well, this place has a lot of sun.”

Cinaed's head tilted to the side as he peered at the man with his twin glowing gold eyes from under his hood. "Quite observant of you," he said cooly as he lifted the glass of water once more to his blue tinted lips, draining it in a final swallow of refreshing purity in comparison to the sand and sun outside. Setting the glass back onto the bar, he snapped, signaling for another.

The Bartender soon brought another glass filled with the water, and set it before him. Wrapping his dark fingers around it, he looked again at the one beside him. As he spoke, the accent of the Drow people came into play; though this one would have no problem understanding him, since the Drow language shared accents with the Elven language.

"You're an Elf?" he asked rhetorically as he noted the two pointed ears and fair features of the being beside him. Cinaed looked back over the bar, lifting the glass as he took another sip of the water. "I never thought I'd see an Elven Bounty Hunter. No offence, but don't you have tree to hug or something?" Cinaed asked with an uncaring demeanor. In truth, Cinaed was wondering why this one did not attack him in immediately; Elves and Drow were mortal enemies, and apart from Cinaed, any Drow would attack an Elf as quickly as they could comprehend that they found one.

Quinn let out a laugh, they seemed to be more similar then he had first thought. The fact that this Dow didn’t attack him outright like he had experienced before with other Dows, proved to him that there was something different about this one. Quinn never really cared much for the hostilities between their two races. Another issue his parents couldn’t understand of him.

“I gave up tree hugging a long time ago.” Quinn said after his laughter died. “Actually I never really hugged a tree….my parents thought I was crazy for the longest time…I think they still do.” He hoped this might calm down the Dow, he seemed pretty tensed.

“Ya, I’m not your average Elf, never really felt as if I fit in there, so I just left one day. Been on my own ever since, away from all their beliefs being shoved down my throat. I’m free to live my own life now. So pardon me if I don’t continue the Elven ways and start slashing my sword at you.”

Quinn then waited a few seconds. “Unless you feel like fighting in the name of the Dows.” He shrug his shoulders not caring what was going to happen next.

"Thanks," he said as he put the empty glass back on the bar. "But I do not wish to fight for the Drow," he said with a correcting air. Cinaed's eyes narrowed in what seemed to be a slight annoyance, however his demeanor remained unchanged. He took little time to think over what the Elf had told him, and then blinked lazily as he rested his elbows on the Bar.

"Thanks for the story," he said sarcastically in return to the Elf's reasoning behind his unlikely career choice. "Now I know who to call if ever I need a good Bard." Despite his apparent calmness and arrogant attitude, Cinaed was completely ready. Not many Drow above land had found their way onto Wanted lists, and it was only a matter of time before people began to figure out that a wanted felon was under their noses. Perhaps this Elf was trying to make him slip so that he could collect the Bounty himself.

Bwael ap'zen, ussta abbil. Good luck.

"Listen, I do not mean to be rude," it was apparent that this was a lie; he obviously could not care less, "But what do you want?" Cinaed was a very laconic Drow. He had no time to waste beading around the bush, so if this Elf wanted something, he would have to spit it out now, or waste the oppertunity.

Then something struck Cinaed, an imaginary lightbulb lighting above his head; this one already recognized him. "Or perhaps you are aware of the bounty on my head," Cinaed said, as he turned his head to see the Elf, twin gold eyes glaring at him mockingly. "I prefer not to cause trouble, and hopefully I will not have to.

"But if you attack me; I'll be forced to kill you." It was a clear threat, Cinaed's eyes narrowing dangerously. Cinaed was infinitely confident in his ability to fight. In fact, it was all he knew, it was his career, and it was his life. He was the Battleborn, and there was a reason for that.

“Mmmmmm…a Bard….never considered that one before…do you think I have a chance?” Quinn replied sarcastically. But really why was he talking to Drow, probably because there was nobody else close by. Quinn was just about to tell the Drow this when the Drow poured out his own secret.

Quinn’s mouth just hung open in mid word, unsure what to do next. He had no idea there was a bounty on this Drow’s head, but he shouldn’t have been so surprised. But know the question was, will he be fighting again so soon after his adventure in the desert?

“Well…” Quinn stammered out slowly, his movements also became slow, he didn’t want this Drow to think he was up to something sneaky. It was also clear to the Drow that Quinn had no idea about the bounty. “…I’ve already collected enough gold for one day. I’m tired and dehydrated from walking the desert, so I think I’ll sit this one out for now.”

Quinn then took another drink from his glass of water, an expression of not caring on his face. “For the record, I tend to talk to the closest person next to me for no particular reason, other then for conversation. Sorry if I mislead you.” A smile appeared on his lips. Wow, he had not expected the conversation to turn into something like this, it was one reason he did talk to strangers, you never know what’s going to come out of their mouths.

Cinaed's eyes once more wandered away from the Bounty Hunter, and he peered gazelessly over the bar. With his thick Drowish accent, he replied simply, laconically. "Good" He took another sip of the water from his glass and set it once more back onto the table. He enjoyed a moment of the immediate silence, blocking out the noices surrounding them. Yet, as always, he was alert.

After a moment or two, he glanced back toward's the Elf. The two glowing orbs of gold looked at him curiously for a moment. "Where i come from," The Underdark, "We tend to keep to ourselves. You will understand if I do not quite understand your actions." Cinaed looked away with a blink, taking another sip from his glass.

He waited another moment, entertaining a notion within his mind. "I'm curious, though. I've never met an Elf who had abandoned his culture. Bounty Hunting is a long ways from the druidic and arcanum practices the majority of your people pursue."

Cinaed swirled the remainder of the liquid in his cup. He had just now began to feel as though he had a well-enough fill of water. However, he had never suffered such severe dehydration, and was still unsure. With one last, quick swig, he emptied the cup and set it back on the bar.

Another smirk crossed Quinn’s face, this time a bit more embarrassed. He raised his hand and began to itch the side of his face. He’s been asked that question a lot by his clients, though because of his occupation he never felt the obligation to answer. It usually comes out in a more humouredly way, and Quinn just let it slide, allowing his clients to fill in the blank with whatever they want to think. He had heard a few of their theories, which made him question their way of thinking.

“Yeah….” Quinn began and trailed off, not sure how to really answer the Drow. “I was sort of the…black sheep of my family. I liked to look at things from the opposite point of view. Because of that, I raised some pretty unruly questions and eventually I felt the need to escape and make my own opinions in this world.”

Quinn then paused, finishing his own glass of water and waved to the bartender to bring him another.

“As for choosing to be a Bounty Hunter…well it’s an excuse for me to capture criminals with my skills and sword and get some money for it.” Quinn laughed good humouredly at his own response, it sort of made him appear a bit superficial. That or a crazy elf who likes to swing his sword around.

“How’s that answer for you?” He then asked in a more serious manner, he wondered if the Drow would push him further on the details, but Quinn had a feeling he wouldn’t. With every question the Drow made to him, Quinn had his own questions to fire back, but he knew Drow’s don’t give up their secrets as easily.

Cinaed thought over the Elf's answer silently. The Drow was silent, as if he had been sidetracked by something behind the bar, yet his mind remained focused on the Elf's words. He and Cinaed were something akin. Raised to be one thing, yet so intending to be something different. Cinaed sat statue-like, even the breaths he took so light and slow that they seemed non-existent. If Cinaed had waited another moment, it would have seemed as if he had completely blocked off the Elf altogether.

"Very good," he answered with a simple tone of unquestionable easiness. "You and I, we are the same." His accent added a flourish to each and every syllable he spoke. "As you left your people, I have done so to mine; exiled myself to be rid of the culture they force upon me." He seemed to be talking to himself just as much as he was to the Elf, if not more.

Cinaed closed his eyes, thinking over and choosing his next words carefully. "However, you've walked your path much longer than I have mine. Undoubtedly you have found reason to the questions that riddle this road." Cinaed's eyes opened again as he looked over each shoulder, glancing over the other patrons in the Bar. The humans that filled the bar seemed to be regulars, and every few handfulls of them seemed to include a bounty hunter or two.

"Life is so simple for some people," he added as his eyes lowered to the empty cup in his hand. He inspected it so closely, yet he remained so unsure of what it was he wished to see appear within it. "Have you ever wished that you had been so lucky?" He asked as he looked to the Elf inquisitively.

Quinn remained silent but intent fully watched the Drow as he spoke, for someone who seemed to want to have nothing to do with an elf, he sure did keep up the conversation. Quinn kept on expecting a longer and longer wait for him to reply back, until the Drow ignored him completely. Stuff like that has happened a fair bit to Quinn in the past. But as the Drow opened up to him, a new side was shown.

So he had left his race just as he did, Quinn thought to himself, he smirked to himself but his outward expression changed to a more serious mood. This guy must have done something pretty rotten to be exiled from the Drow, he just had to be annoying to be kicked out, well he just left, but he had the feeling he wouldn’t be welcomed back with open arms.

“You do learn more away from the influence of your race, but only those who chose to leave can find that knowledge.” Quinn said with more respect to the Drow beside him. He then took a look around at the others the tavern.

“Wished to live in ignorance you mean?” Quinn restated the question, he loose and cocky attitude showing again. “Perhaps in my weaker times, but I then remember it’s all in your state of mind. I just found myself looking on the bright side of things and I deal with my past that way.”

Quinn then signaled the bartender for more water, this time putting up two fingers. The bartender brought over two glasses of water, Quinn slide the one over to the Drow.

“Best though, not to think to hard on that question, you get caught up in the what if game and that doesn’t help you in you real life.” Quinn said a friendly smile on his lips. “Name’s Quinlan Zylos, or Quinn.”

Cinaed almost smiled at the Elf's reply. It had made sense, what he had said. Maybe it truly was just better to not think about such things. Well then, that's what Cinaed would do. It was not a question of luck, but it was a question of strength, and a question of will. His gold glowing eyes seemed to dim as he mellowed out, taking to reason what had been said, the white's of his eyes now distinguishable from the golden coloured, illuminated Iris.

"I am Cinaed J'Delrndi," he replied with a bow of his head. His silvery-white hair fell fairly over his face, seeming to move at the whim out of his view as he once again lifted his head. A moment of silence passed as he thought over what next to say.

"Quinn," he said, his accent coming through forcefully. "I've been needing to make a certain... alleigance with someone." The word friend was not in his vocabulary, for the obvious reason that a friend in the underdark is not much longer a friend when a common enemy is defeated. However, it had become clear to Cinaed that Quinn was the type of person with which a lasting friendship would be beneficial.

Frankly, Cinaed would need help protecting himself from his enslavers, so to speak. As talented with a sword as he was, he feared it would not be enough. "I would be honoured to lend you my sword and my arm, in return for those of yours when the time is needed," he told Quinn, his smirk leaving his face. There was no matter for serious to the Drow than that of combat.

"What do you say?" He asked. It seemed like a fair deal to him, Cinaed would help Quin with his bounties, and in return would be helped against the Drow of his House. Cin watched Quinn quietly, distinctly waiting for an answer.

To Quinn the question came out of the blue, sure he was acting kindly to the Drow, Cinaed, they even shared similarities. Yet at the same time the two of them opened up more together then he had to anyone else in his past, well all but one, but she didn’t count. As his offer sunk in, Quinn let loose a free and wild smile, chuckling uncontrollably to himself.

“Who would have thought, the day when a Drow and Elf team up together!” Quin said as he brushed a tear away from his eye, his face showed nothing but open friendship. “This certainly makes the record books.” It had gone without saying that Quinn had excepted the Drow’s offer. He could sense the need for Cinaed to occupy his mind with stuff besides being brooding on his past and trying to survive to see his future. Helping him with bounties would be a sure way for him to get his mind off of things. Quinn was already imagining the money they were going to make, with the two of them, no bounty had even the remote chance of escaping their clutches, if they chose to go after them. He too was a man of his word, if Cinaed ever needed help with dealing with his past, he wouldn’t let him down.

Looking back at Cinaed, he could also tell that his previous comment wouldn’t really cut it, he seemed to be someone of a more noble stature, Quinn would have to reply in such a way if they were to seal this alliance between them.

“I’ll be there for you when you need me, that I promise. I accept you alliance offer, you help me, I help you. Sounds like the start of a beautiful friendship, eh?” Quinn smiled over at Cinaed, holding up his glass of water as if too toast their new relationship.