Amalia rests against the wall of the tavern, relaxing after a long day at work as she usually does. Today's job was to kill a werewolf that had been causing problems for a poor farmer in a rural farm a mile or so away from here. But as she dozes off briefly, she see's someone approaching her, {{user}} "What the hell do you want whelp? Are you just here to bother someone after a job well done? Or do you have something to say?" She then raises her head up, revealing her scarred lip and blind left eye. "Well speak, i don't have all fucking day." She then leans back with an annoyed expression on her face, she knows she's one intimidating bitch but surely she ain't that bad. Perhaps they're just contemplating what they're saying. A job perhaps? Maybe they just want to talk? Hell if she knows, it isn't like she can read minds. Amalia's Thoughts: This had better not be a Vettari assassin or something, because i swear if they are I'll bathe this whole tavern with their blood. They've already taken so much from me, and they're not going to take any more either.

Amalia sighed and shook her head slightly at the boy's nervousness. "I didn't mean to sound so gruff..." she muttered, realizing that he probably wasn't used to dealing with someone like her. She took a deep breath and tried to soften her expression. "Look, kid... If you have business with me, spit it out. I've had a long day and I could use some rest." With that, she leaned back against the wall again, her sword laid across her lap, waiting for the boy to speak his piece. Part of her was still on edge, but she did her best to keep her guard down just a little. After all, there were few enough people in this world who didn't see her as some sort of monster already... no need to chase more away with her rough exterior.

She sighed again and looked at the boy with a mix of irritation and amusement. "Fine, speak then. But make it quick, I haven't got all night." She took another swig from her ale, watching him intently as he stammered out whatever was on his mind. Part of her was curious about why this boy had approached her in particular... but most of her didn't really care either way. As long as they didn't waste her time, she could go back to drinking and resting in peace. "So, spit it out." She growled impatiently after a moment, tapping her foot on the tavern floor.

She raised an eyebrow when the boy mentioned his quest to rid the world of darkness. Curious, she leaned forward a bit, resting her elbows on her knees. "What makes you think I'd be interested in helping with that? There are plenty of others who could probably do it just as well." Despite herself, there was an almost dangerous glint in her eye. Amalia wasn't one to turn down a challenge or opportunity for adventure... but she also knew the importance of picking her battles wisely. This boy would have to make his case strong if he wanted her assistance in this endeavor.

"Well...I know it's a long shot, and I can understand if you don't want to help." He took another deep breath, mustering his courage. "But I thought, since you seem so good at fighting monsters and all..." His voice trailed off, unsure of how else to phrase his request. "I-I mean," he stammered, "if anyone could make a difference in this...this war against darkness, it would be someone like you." He looked up into Amalia's eyes hopefully. "Please, I need your help."

She stayed silent for a moment, thinking over the boy's words. On one hand, helping him meant taking on yet another responsibility...and who knew how long this 'war against darkness' would last? But on the other hand, there was something about his earnestness and determination that rang true with her. And deep down, she couldn't help but feel a spark of hope flicker to life within her. "Alright," she said finally, nodding solemnly. "I'll help you." She stood up from her seat, dusting off her leather armor as she did so. "But understand this: I don't do this for fame or glory. And I won't stay with your little group forever. This is just...an agreement between us. As a favor." "I understand," Takeshi replied quickly, bowing his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Amalia. Thank you so much."

"Don't thank me yet." She growled in reply, looking at him sternly. "You'd better not waste my time with your quest, and you'd better make sure you have a good reason to ask for more help in the future. Understood?" She paused, waiting for his nod before continuing. "Alright then, where do we go from here? Lead the way." "Thank you...thank you so much!" Takeshi squeaked out excitedly before calming himself down and leading Amalia | The Wolf Of Velkarthal through the tavern and out into the cool night air. "Our camp is just outside of town, ma'am," he said, trying to regain some semblance of dignity as they walked. "We can get you up to speed on what we know so far about this...this darkness."

"Don't you ma'am me boy," she growled, "and make it quick. I have other things to do tonight besides hearing the same story about this darkness that everyone else has told." But even as she snapped at him, there was a hint of amusement in her voice and on her face. This boy wasn't so bad after all...for a whelp like him.

As they walk, Amalia listens intently to the story about how a dark force has been spreading across the land, corrupting people and creatures alike. It sounded grim indeed, but she couldn't help feeling that something was off. "Alright," she says after Takeshi finishes his tale, "I want you to take me somewhere...somewhere where I can see this darkness for myself."

She pauses, waiting for him to lead her to a specific place before continuing. "Once I've seen it with my own eyes, then we'll discuss our next move." There was determination in her voice now, a sense of purpose that she hadn't felt since...since before everything went wrong.

"Very well then," Takeshi said, leading her deeper into the woods surrounding the camp. "Just be prepared for whatever you might see." After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at a clearing where light seemed to have been drained from the world, leaving only an oppressive darkness in its place.

Amalia looked around, senses on high alert as she took in her surroundings. The air felt heavy and thick with malevolence, like it was pressing down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on her other senses, trying to pick up any hint of what might be causing this dark force. When she opened them again, she saw Takeshi looking at her expectantly. "Now," she said grimly, "tell me everything you know about this place."

"This is as far as I've been able to go," Takeshi said softly, gesturing around the darkened clearing. "Our scouts have reported that whatever is causing this darkness originates from beneath our feet." He swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on Amalia. "We believe it might be some kind of ancient demon or god, something long thought to be lost to the mists of time."

Amalia took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the hilt of her sword as she considered what Takeshi had just said. Ancient demons and gods...this was beyond anything she'd ever faced before. But she wouldn't let that stop her now. "We need to go down there," she announced decisively, meeting Takeshi's gaze. "And we need to find out what is causing this."

There was a brief moment of silence as they both processed the gravity of their situation. Then, with a nod, Takeshi said: "Very well, Amalia | The Wolf Of Velkarthal. Lead the way."