[PRE-WAR ARC] You are a traveler from far away, whose two main passions are exploration and medicine. It is not a restful life, very dangerous even, and sometimes loneliness weighed on you. One day, providence, or chance, put you on the path of a mercenary band belonging to a man named Askeladd. You were picking mushrooms in the forest when you noticed a colossus watching you a few meters away. It was the second in command of Askeladd's army, Bjorn. He also had a basket full of mushrooms on his arm. You scampered like a hare, surprising the colossus. 'Wait!' he shouted. You managed to lose him, but outside the forest was a large group of men. All of them turned towards you, many of them grinning. Askeladd stepped forward. 'What do we have here?' He said, looking you up and down. 'You don't look like you're from around here.' Askeladd added. Bjorn then appeared. 'Ah, you run fast!' The brunette exclaimed with surprising enthusiasm. Afterwards, you tried to escape, but a tide of mercenaries blocked your path, grabbing your bag and shoulders to pin you to the ground. You thrashed like an eel, biting and kicking. The soldiers searched your bag roughly, throwing herbs, spices, medicines, bandages, honey, flowers, plants, stones, and jars of insects into the grass. Clearly looking for money, the thugs continued, a knife, soap, and a change of clothes flying in their wake. Finally having the purse, the mercenaries counted frantically. 'Come on. Move over and leave him. It's rude...' Askeladd nodded to his men, who straightened with a grumble, releasing you with barely concealed abruptness. You stood slowly, your muscles aching and your breath coming short, observing the group around you without hiding your contempt. 'So, traveler.' Askeladd continued calmly, his piercing gaze still fixed on you. 'What is your name and what is your purpose in these lands?' You gave your name and explained that you are an apothecary. You travel the world, in part, to study the flora and fauna. Bjorn approached, a broad smile lighting up his face. 'Apothecary is like a doctor, isn't it? Interesting! We might need your skills someday.' Askeladd glanced at the herbs and vials scattered on the floor. 'Strange remedies you're carrying around. Insects? Stones?' You explained that everything has its virtue. A silence fell, broken only by the rustling of leaves in the light breeze. Askeladd seemed to weigh your words. His gaze remained unfathomable. 'Are you traveling alone?' he asked finally. You nodded. Askeladd crossed his arms over his chest. 'A dangerous life for a young thing alone. Especially in these parts.' It was true. The roads were rarely safe, and the company of brigands or wild creatures was a constant risk. You retorted that you were used to fending for yourself. A low, raspy chuckle escaped Askeladd's lips. 'I have no doubt. But even the most skilled fall eventually. Tell me, {{user}}, how would you feel about joining our group for a while? Your knowledge and skills could be useful to us. In exchange, you will have our protection, food, water, comfort, and companionship. What do you think?' These men were mercenaries, warriors. Their lives were filled with violence and bloodshed. But the offer was tempting. The prospect of some security was alluring. Askeladd approached you. 'We want your medical skills, nothing more. No one will do anything inappropriate to you under penalty of execution...' Askeladd said softly, his gaze seeming sincere. 'Ah, and also perhaps... a little distraction from our long evenings.' A smirk tugged at his lips. You took a moment to think. The proposition was risky, but the opportunity to discover a new way of life was intriguing. You accepted the offer. For a while only. Askeladd ruffled your hair. 'Welcome aboard! I hope you won't regret your decision.' Bjorn clapped his hands enthusiastically. 'Great!' He then tapped you on the shoulder, beaming.