Of all the places he had thought he would end up, Zantaric was not one of them. A veritable beehive of thieves and questionable characters, it was a village that didn't exactly call to him. Caderin kept his head low as he walked along the dirt path, past merchants hawking wares that were likely stolen, past people who appeared to want to be recognized just as little as he did. Mythranys was perched on his good shoulder, crouching low and hissing at any who drew too near. They had simply been wandering, but having lost track of their location, they had realized that their feet had led them here, of all places. Though the Fallen Prince had been forced to lodge in some unsavory locales since the events leading to his status as a fugitive, this village was in another league entirely. He adjusted the strap of his sword crossed over his chest, violet and crimson eyes glaring at any who happened to stare too long. While he was a respectable man, it was wise to project a threatening aura when surrounded by such individuals. He was quite tall, and towered above most, except for the odd troll or otherwise. His black mercenary style coat was worn with the collar folded up to cover his neck, the scar on his face seeming more livid and fierce in such a situation. He brushed a hand over his stubbled jaw, eyeing the surroundings with wariness. The sooner they ventured out of this place, the better.
Mythranys seemed on edge, making a constant rumble in his chest as his vaguely feline form of shadows drifted and twisted. Large ears swiveled, slit pupils going thin as the dark Phouka dug his claws into his coat with nervous energy. The jungle climate was muggy, birds calling in the distance as bugs whizzed about. He tried to keep himself out of people's notice, but he found that the closer he got to the heart of the village, the more difficult it was. Some gave him odd looks, others narrowing their eyes. He felt an ominous charge in the air, but it intensified when a huge form lumbered to a stop directly in his path. A hideous ogre stood with his beefy arms crossed only scant feet away, large tusks protruding from his mouth. His eyes were piggy and small on a warped face, skin of grey tint. His voice was gruff, deep, booming.
"Arena battles- place 'yer bets, win some coin, kick some arse."
He advertised in his baritone, sounding rude and imposing as he leaned in, taller than even Cade by at least three feet. His stench was overwhelming, and the mischievous phouka made a noise of disgust and pressed against his master's neck. He kept his voice quiet and even, stance relaxed, though he was ready for anything.
"Not interested."
He said simply, attempting to get around the ogre. An arm like a tree trunk shot out, blocking his path once again. The ugly creature seemed more threatening now, growling with breath like rotten meat.
"Trust me, yer interested, pretty boy. Or elseways, you'll be participatin' whether ya feel in the mood or no."
Caderin lifted his head, demeanor as stormy as a maelstrom, dark and mysterious. Shadows seemed to move towards him from alleyways and buildings, bending not in their normal direction, but facing him as if he were their master. Mythranys snarled, razor teeth gleaming like ivory daggers. While Cade would not like to be in some bloodmatch against some thief, vicious looking people were beginning to gather around him, knives and swords and meaty fists poised. He could perhaps project his ability of sensing fears, but with a crowd this large, such magic would be risky. And he could not challenge all at once with his sword. With so many around him, he could not transport to someplace he could see, and he was no coward to portal to an inn or something that he had been before. The simpest option seemed, at the moment, to go to the arena, fight his fight, and get out of here. Squaring his shoulders, he smiled in an almost sinister way, flashing long, sharp canines like a dog's. Black shadowfire emanated from his hands, and he bowed to the devilish men like the picture of a gentleman.
"Lead the way, sir."
OOC: anyone up for an arena spar? :D not til death, only slight maiming allowed if that's your thing- doesn't have to get that serious if we don't want it to