As Alo and Iris approached the gates of Lord Marm's manor, a sense of fear settled over them like a heavy shroud. The stone walls loomed high, casting dark shadows that seemed to stretch out further than the eye can see and envelop them as they passed through the heavy iron gates.

Once inside the manor they were guided by an old hag of a maid whose skin seemed to nearly fall from her bones, the stench of her perfume not the least of Alo’s concerns. His senses were assaulted by their very surroundings, ornate paintings lined the walls, depicting scenes of battles and conquests and the floors of marble echoed the clacks of their boots with every step. Alo's discomfort grew with each step, the grandiose surroundings serving as a reminder of the divide between his world and the one inhabited by the likes of Lord Marm.

They enter a small room and the old maid gruffly says “The elf waits here, the lord only wishes to see the Druid.” Iris is taken back but doesn’t protest as Alo continues down another long corridor behind the grizzled old woman.

With a shove of a massive oak door he was ushered into the presence of Lord Marm himself, a man of small stature but sharp eyes that show he is not a man to cross. Alo felt a chill run down his spine as Marm's gaze settled upon him, piercing through him breaking his normal stoic nature that he struggled to maintain.

"Greetings, Alo," Marm's voice was gruff but soft, like he has smoked rosemint multiple times already today. "I trust you received my message?"

Alo nodded apprehensively . "I did, I’m sorry we were delayed, a situation arose that held us back a few days" he replied. “Might I ask why you called me here?”

Marm leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers thoughtfully. "I know who you are, your reputation as a smuggler is legendary, you take no prisoners and I appreciate that. I have certain enemies in power that need to be eliminated. I want to raise my standing in this kingdom."

Alo's jaw clenched as the weight of Marm's words settled upon him. He knew all too well the kind of man Marm was, and the kind of deals he was capable of striking. But even so, the offer he was just given was one that isn’t taken lightly.

"You want me to be your enforcer?" Alo said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I am not a killer for hire.”

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Marm's face was frighteningly calm. "I prefer to think of it as an arrangement of sorts," he replied smoothly. "One that will be mutually beneficial, I assure you."

Alo's mind raced as he considered Marm's proposal. On one hand, the thought of once again embracing the darkness that had consumed him in his past life filled him dread. But on the other hand, he knew that with great power came an impressive opportunity, and the chance to secure a true future for himself and Liv was one he couldn't afford to pass up.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Alo spoke. "I'll do it," he said, his voice strong but wary "But on one condition."

Marm's eyebrows rose in surprise, but he quickly composed himself. "And what condition might that be?"

Alo's gaze never wavered as he delivered his ultimatum. "I want a manor," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "In Waneta meadow. And I want it to be grand, hidden from the view of everyone and protected."

Marm's lips curled into smile. "Consider it done," he replied, extending his hand across the table.

With a sense of resignation, Alo reached out and clasped Marm's hand in his own. And as their deal was sealed with a firm handshake, Alo couldn't help but wonder what price they would ultimately pay for the promise he had just made.

Alo withdrew his hand, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face once more. "Actually there's one more condition," he added, his voice low and firm. "You can't let Iris know what we're doing. Not under any circumstance. And you must fabricate convincing stories for each task we undertake."

Marm's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. "You drive a hard bargain, Alo," he remarked, his tone laced with amusement. "But I suppose I can accommodate your request. After all, discretion is key."

With that, their pact was sealed, and Alo felt a weight lift from his shoulders even as a new one settled in its place. He knew the road ahead would be full of danger, but for the sake of Liv and their shared future, he was willing to do whatever it took.

As he emerged from Lord Marm's chamber and met Iris once more he beckons her with a wave and they leave the manor and mount their horses, the sun now hangs low on the horizon, throwing shadows across the cobblestone streets. "We have a job to do," he said simply, his voice strong .

Iris nods, "I trust you, Alo," she replied, her voice steady and strong.

Together, they set out from the capital city once more, their horses' steps echoing against the stone walls that surrounded them. And as they venture into the unknown, Alo couldn't help but wonder what awaits them on the path ahead, and whether their newfound alliance with Lord Marm would ultimately lead them him to salvation or damnation.