What do you want? (John Doe)

[John Doe]

His smirk remained as he twisted the knob.

"Just make sure you have what I want when I bring him back."

And with that, he'd leave. He had a job to do.

[Raikotsu Sudeki]

The officer grumbled and looked agitated but as soon as the door closed he would smile.

"Succeed or fail, I still benefit. Trash."

Then he would get back to the paperwork that he was still pissed at from before John had arrived.

[John Doe]

John didn't mind the insult per se. He'd get what he needed, either from the deal or carving it out of his flesh. It didn't matter which way. So with a spring in his step and a jaunty whistle he'd be on his way!

[Raikotsu Sudeki]

At the border of 235 there would be a couple of guards standing at the entrance.

"Oi! Who are you, and what do you want?"

[John Doe]

John put on a big ol' smile and waved at the guards, reaching forward with an extended hand for a shake!

"Good Afternoon! Name's John, a pleasure to meet you? What's your name friend?"

[Raikotsu Sudeki]

The two guards would look at each other, shrug and look back at John.

"James. What brings you to our fair Kingdom traveler?"

[John Doe]

"Memories I suppose. Among other things. I'm old enough to remember what this place was like before the Lord Dragon's reign, though it's been a fair minute since I've been here to be sure. I've always had restless feet, moving from place to place. A lifesaver during the war, but now just an oddity I suppose. But all the same, I get nostalgic and homesick for so many places and sights. Man-made ones that change, or don't. More often then you'd think on both counts. And natural splendor and beauty that just sort of... endures. You know what I mean James?"

[Raikotsu Sudeki]

"Honestly? No. I've been here my entire life. This is my home and the King protects us. I joined the military to support him in the protection of my friends, family, and home."

The other guard nodded.

"That is how most of us feel. Though, I personally can't deny that I would be ecstatic to get some outer territory missions."

James turned to his friend.

"I mean yeah that would be cool. But if we were ordered away from the Kingdom then that would mean some serious shit would have happened, and I'm not so sure I'm down for that..."

The second guard shrugged.

"I guess you're right."

They both turn back to John.

"As is I think it's safe to say that while we enjoy our work and our station, we do envy that free spirit you've got there."

[John Doe]

"Well thanks, it's nice to have a pleasant conversation about it. But I will say that being ordered to go on a mission doesn't mean something horrible has happened. Have you ever considered applying for a diplomatic envoy guard position? Boring work in a pampered city far from here. A chance to see new sights, new foods, and a very minimal chance of serious conflict. I've done it once or twice, it's a nice gig, if a bit dull."

[Raikotsu Sudeki]

Both men would swell with pride at that moment.

"Ah but you see, we are Proud Crimson Knights! It is our sworn duty to protect these lands. None hear have a higher authority with the exception of the Royal Guard. It is our job police even the other military factions if any start to get rowdy or disobey the King. That's why we say it'll be bad if we are asked to leave the territory. For our position that means something terrible happened to our city and we need to abandon it, or something happened to our King and the Royal Guard couldn't handle it alone."

[John Doe]

He snapped his fingers and pointed at them.

"You know, that's a good point. How did you two score that gig? Sounds like it must be pretty sought after. Best fighters? Know the right people? An actual lottery?"

So many places did it differently.

"Sorry if it's a dumb question, but like I said I haven't been here since before The Lord Dragon took command, so I'm legitimately interested in how things work here. The last thing I want is to accidentally offend someone or cause a problem. Hate to have my ass kicked for saying or doing the wrong thing. Ya know?"

He finished with a laugh.

[Raikotsu Sudeki]

Again both men were REALLY taking to the compliments.

"We joined the military when we were old enough, got top ranks and excellent scores in the academy and got scouted by the Lord Commander of the Knights himself!"

James would say. The other guard would laugh.

"Ah, no worries. Not likely to insult many. Most of us aren't thick headed assholes. But there will be a few, everyone has them after all. But for the most part as long as you don't go around hating on the King or our home you should be fine."

[John Doe]

"Wow, that's pretty impressive. I can't say I've ever been scouted for a job I've loved as much as you seem to love this one. Hold on to that, you are luckier than you might know."

He nodded at the second guard's words.

"Good to know, I got nothing against most territories and how they do things. What works for you works for you, I don't like it I can leave. That's how I see it at least, ya know?"

And if they try to stop him from leaving he bashes their brains out with a rock. Crass, but effective.

[Raikotsu Sudeki]

"True enough. As long as you don't cause a disturbance, and we won't have to get involved."

They both would nod at each other. This dude was cool.

"Yeah, you should be good. All we need from you is a little bit of blood, and you are good to enter."

[John Doe]

"What's the blood for?"

He asked with a cocked brow. That was a new one.