Looking down at the dwarf, Vigil was able to see her smile that seemed to be hiding a great deal of melancholy. He didn't know why that was the case, but he thought it better not to get too involved in matters like these. So, he pretended like he didn't see anything.
After flashing him that smile, Elata then told Vigil to grab his weapons and get suited up in his armor, as he would be using it to make a first impression.
After he had finished getting ready in his armor, except the helmet, Vigil walked to the front door, expecting Elata to be dressed in her full gear. Unexpectantly, however, all that he could see was the dwarf standing there dressed in casual clothing.
She was currently sporting a loose white blouse with a long red bowtie around the collar, as well as a skirt that matched her red colored tie, that fell right below her knees.
Seeing her all dressed up, Vigil couldn't help but question it.
"Hey Elata... Why did I have to wear my armor while you, seemingly, just got dressed for a peaceful outing on the town?"
In response to his question, the young woman gave him a polite yet curt answer.
"Well it's because you are the one that's trying to become a mercenary. While I, on the other hand, am just going out so that I can lead you to where you've got to go... That and I am a bit bored, so I thought that afterwards we could go on a nice stroll around town?"
Listening as the words escaped her mouth, Vigil just gently shook his head and proceeded to walk out of the door.
However, as he was past Elata, he did squeak out a small response to the last thing that she said.
"If all goes well, then sure, we can go on your little stroll."
Those simple words made her elated.
Growing up as an only child, Elata had always been just a tad bit jealous of the people her age that would talk about their siblings, young or old.
Listening to all of those stories about how they would have fun together, get mad at each other, be there for one another... Well, it made her sad, sad that she would never get to experience something like that.
But now that Vigil was here, she thought that maybe, just maybe, the two of them would be able to get closer.
That way, Elata would have her little brother, while he would have someone to trust and rely on. It was a win-win!
So, with this outing, she was hoping that it could be a good bonding experience.
However, there was still one thing about this whole situation that might make people question, why him?
Why try and make the guy that has made a habit out of trusting no one and being slightly indifferent to most things around him, into someone that she would see as a little brother?
I mean hell, he still hasn't told anyone his real name!
Well the answer to all of that was simple. This whole thing wasn't really for her in the first place.
Yes, she did want a sibling of her own and yes she was excited that Vigil might be able to be that person, even though they barely knew each other.
But the real reason as to why she was doing this, was for him.
Now although she didn't know much about the boy, she could tell from the day they met, that he has been through enough bad things in his short life that would make even her twenty-six years of experience seem like child's play in comparison.
Due to this, all that she wanted to do was become someone that could be there for him, no matter how long it might take. Elata is a kind soul afterall.
Snapping the dwarf out of her thoughts of siblinghood was the sound of Vigil's voice as he was standing by the ajar door, waiting for her to come along.
"What's taking you so long? Second guessing your outfit or something?"
As she heard this, she rolled her eyes then proceeded to walk past the boy.
"I'll have you know, I am more than just a little confident when it comes to fashion. Now come, let's be on our way."
Elata finished her sentence as she walked out the door.
Although she did slightly upset the boy with that last part.
'You can't be serious... She says that as though I was the one keeping us from leaving.'
With that final thought crossing his mind, Vigil followed directly behind Elata, gently closing the door and locking it on his way out.
As they were walking away from the house, Vigil couldn't help but admire the scenery that surrounded him once again.
Although he'd been living in Mercy for a little more than a week, he still couldn't help but be enthralled by the presence of it all. Especially since he was currently standing on a floating chunk of land that was only being held up by a few giant chains and a bridge that was attached to it.
That's right, the place that he'd been living in was one of the houses on a floating island.
With its modern look and wooden exterior, the place looked like it had to have cost a pretty penny.
When Vigil first learned of Elata's living situation he was more than just a little confused.
Why didn't she just live in a cheap apartment or condo? How could she afford all of this by herself?
But as it turns out, plenty of mercenaries that are in a warband own actual houses instead of apartments or the like.
That's because, most of the time, everyone in the warband lives in the same home. That way it can double as a sort of gathering center to plan things out easier.
So although Vigil might've called it Elata's home at first, the reality was that it was the home of everyone in their group.
Anyway, as they were walking away and towards their destination, the Central Mercenary Hall as Vigil had been told, Elata found it upon herself to teach the boy about some of the basic needs to know before getting there.
She then cleared her throat, grabbing the boy's attention in order to do so.
"Alright, while we're on our way, allow me to teach you some unwritten rules before you end up embarrassing yourself."
Lifting up two of her fingers in front of her, she continued.
"First rule, don't get intimidated, especially since you're so young. If you do then they'll throw you out in a heartbeat. The second rule is to make sure that you mention that you're a Child of War. That way you can actually become a merc. Afterall, people that are below the age of eighteen aren't normally allowed to become one, with the sole exception of Children of War of course."
When Elata had finished talking about the two rules, she put her fingers down and continued walking.
As they were walking, Vigil decided to ask the young woman about something that he'd been wondering about for a while now.
"So Elata, why are we specifically going to the 'Central Mercenary Hall' instead of any other one?"
He said while using his fingers as a gesture for air quotes.
In response, the dwarf turned her head to glance at him for a moment before turning back and answering his question.
"That's because there are only five mercenary halls within Mercy, one for each park. Since our house is on the border between the northern and central parks, everyone decided that coming to central was better since we've been there more often."
She said, shrugging her shoulders.
Then she continued, ranting about how she thought that they could make things just a tad more convenient for the eighty percent of people that make up all of Mercy, the mercenaries.
"Honestly, most people think that it's kind of dumb how they have it that way. But even with all of the complaints, they refuse to budge and make any more halls."
Her tirade continued for the next half an hour, receiving more than a few understanding nods as they walked past other folks.
While walking, Vigil was able to see more and more people all geared up with armor and weapons of different shapes and sizes. He was even able to see a forged titan for the first time while in the city.
But it was only after Elata had stopped her criticisms that the pair was able to see a large, exquisite building made out of stones with dark wood acting as its support beams while red shingles covered the entirety of the roof.
All around the building were tables full of people talking to one another while enjoying glasses of... whatever it was that they were drinking.
As Vigil was standing there, taking it all in, he heard the sound of Elata's voice ring out right beside him.
"Oh and one last unwritten rule that I almost forgot about, since it isn't used that often."
She said as she urged him with her hand to bend down to her level.
When he did, she cupped her hand to his ear and whispered in it as quietly as she possibly could.
"You are going to be asked for a name to register under in order to become a merc, unlike how it was to become a registered citizen. Stupid, I know, don't ask. When that happens, all Children of War that have received monikers have always used the ones that they've been given as their name.
She paused for a moment to look around, making sure that no one was able to listen in on what she was saying.
When she had confirmed that it was safe to keep speaking without anyone overhearing her, she continued.
"What I am trying to say is that, instead of your real name, use Dread instead. Got that?"
When Elata had finished talking, she backed away allowing Vigil to be able to stand up straight again.
Glancing at her for a quick moment, he nodded in understanding.
Seeing this, Elata grinned from ear-to-ear then said:
"Alright then, you're all good. Go get 'em tiger!"
She said as she pushed him forward.