Curse of The North {Vax'ildan x Reader}

Chapter One - A Game Of Wit And Words

Vax'ildan looked around the room cautiously, his gaze sharp as he searched for any threats. 

The tavern was packed. A bustling fighting pit laid in the center of the building, a large crowd of people gathered around it, their cheers echoing. Vax scanned the tavern carefully, assessing the atmosphere. His eyes landed on the fighting pit, silently observing the onlookers' behavior a bit before making his way through the crowd to the edge of the pit. A young woman grunted as she fought, her jaw clenched as she swung. Vax raised his brows as he watched. She was fighting a man at least three heads taller than herself, she wore nothing but a pair of baggy trousers and a long strip of cloth that bound her breasts to her chest. Black ink stained her skin, whirling tattoos covered her entire body, flowing up her neck behind her slightly pointed ears. Bandages were wrapped around her bare feet as well as her knuckles up to her elbows. He crossed his arms as he looked down at the fight, interest sparking in his chest. The young woman growled as she shot forward, her slightly pointed canines bared. Mage, he thought to himself, the pointed canines and tattoos telling him everything he needed to know. He pursed his lips as he watched her swing, she was aggressive, her fighting style almost feral as she attacked. She dropped down, swinging her extended leg at her opponent's ankles, sending the man toppling to the ground. Vax smirked to himself, appreciating the swift take down. The woman rolled, quickly locking her opponent's head in a choke hold. Pieces of her dirty blonde hair that had fallen from her long braid hung in her face. He was more than interested in her close combat skills, he was impressed. His eyes followed her every move, her strength and skill mesmerizing. The man she fought yelled as he stumbled to his feet, quickly bending forward, throwing her from his back. She quickly rolled back up, spinning to face the man. A cocky smirk graced her freckled face as she ran forward, jumping up to kick the man square in the chest with both feet, sending him flying back. Vax chuckled to himself, a hint of concern still blooming in his chest despite being more than impressed. She twisted as she fell, landing in a crouch before shooting up. The woman yelled as she spun around, kicking the man in the head, his body falling to the sandy floor unconscious. The crowd erupted with cheers and laughter, the sound nearly deafening. Vax watched in astonishment as the woman landed the final blow. He couldn't help but let out a small, impressed whistle as the cheers filled the air. It was clear to him that she made a formidable opponent in hand to hand combat, a fact that he made a mental note of. The woman raised her arms, grinning as she looked up at the crowd, her dirty blonde braid swinging behind her. Vax watched as she raised her arms, her victory celebrated by the cheering crowd, his eyes caught sight of the deep scars that littered her back under her whirling tattoos. He couldn't help but notice her confidence, basking in the crowd's applause. His gaze stayed on her for a moment longer before turning away, a subtle smile on his face. Vax meandered back to the bar, still watching as the young woman swiftly exited the pit. His eyes landed back on the scars, contemplating what she could have gone through to bear such significant marks. He considered approaching her for a moment, unsure if he should. He took a deep breath, his curiosity getting the better of him as he pushed himself away from the bar, taking cautious and measured steps towards her. The woman walked to the corner of the tavern, pulling a loose fitting undershirt over her head, fastening dark leather armguards onto her forearms. Vax approached her, keeping his movements subtle and unassuming. He cleared his throat softly, catching her attention. She turned to look at him, a brow raised, her dark brown eyes hard. He offered her a small, soft smile as she turned. As soon as his eyes met hers he grew nervous, he rubbed the back of his neck and spoke. He could nearly feel the magic radiating off of her.

"Impressive skills you've got there." He motioned to the fighting pit with a soft smile.

Aenwyn looked the man up and down, her brow still raised. He wore a dark tunic and cloak, appearing to be half-elven. She had seen him and his party earlier in the night, she had even caught his name when she listened in on their conversation.