Soon, you, your horse, and your two new female acquaintances reach the marketplace, which is bustling with activity. Thankfully, the three of you (four, if you count Aerion) are not very conspicuous.
When you are certain you have successfully evaded the mercenaries, you sheath your sword and turn to Kinvara and Quaithe. You remark "This is my first time outside of Westeros. Naturally, I do not know very much about Qarth. How familiar are the two of you?"
"Well, I myself only got here a few days ago," Kinvara tells you, "I came here from Asshai to the far east."
"Originally, I too am from the Shadow Lands," Quaithe reveals, "However, I have been a resident of Qarth for years. I am on favorable terms with the city's warlocks, merchant princes, and the Thirteen."
You grin at that. "Then do you have any suggestions as to where someone like me might find work?"
"That would depend on your skills and your requirements," Quaithe remarks.
"True," you mutter, "My only requirement is that it has to be somewhere that speaks the Common Tongue. I only know a few words of High Valyrian. As for my skills, it happens I have experience in almost every field. Smithing, hunting, mining, foraging, farming, archery, melee, and even being a bodyguard, to name a few."
Kinvara seems impressed with your background. "How old are you?"
"Six and ten," you reply, "I have been all on my own for over half that time. I chose to diversify my talents to better my chances of surviving this world."
"That was wise of you," Quaithe says in approval. She then points out "Did you say you were a bodyguard?"
"Yes," you confirm, "Back in the Seven Kingdoms, I sometimes protected various nobles. None of them for more than a month at a time, though. But it was always my decision to end the contract. I was never discharged. Let's just say most nobles and I don't tend to agree with one another."
"Do you currently have any loyalties to any particular parties?" Quaithe asks.
"No," you respond, "Why? Do you know anyone who is looking for a bodyguard?"
"Actually, yes," says Quaithe, "She may be willing to accept your services."
"'She?'" you note. Already, this has caught your attention. You have only ever served under lords and landed knights. You would welcome the concept of serving under a woman for once instead. It may help you to fulfill your OTHER ambition at the same time.
"I believe I know whom she is speaking of," Kinvara interjects, "If so, you should come with us. We were on our way to see her before those mercenaries accosted us."
"I'm interested," you declare, "Please, take me to this potential client."
The red priestess and the shadowbinder nod, and they proceed to lead you to this unnamed female individual. Who is she?
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