The energy of the tavern was contagious, but Leifr didn't just come here to drink and make merry. Avoiding a few stumbling patrons, he found his way to the bar counter. The burly man was currently occupied with other patrons... or so Leifr thought, but suddenly the man was directly across from him. Leifr fumbled with his words as he tried remembering how in Gallastre the man moved that fast, but with a quick shake of his head he ignored the question and refocused. As soon as Leifr was about to open his mouth, the barkeep was occupied pouring more ale into another patron's flagon. His speed was truly unbelievable...

Finally waving the barkeep over, Leifr spoke quickly and efficiently so as to not waste the man's time:

“I came here after hearing about a rumor about missing peo-”

A laughing patron threw his arm around Leifr's neck and slumped over nearly dragging Leifr with him. Leifr tried helping the man up, but he quickly pulled Leifr's head down.

“Be a little quieter, will ya lad?” The patron whispered somberly. “There's men here who aren't drinking because of the festival.”

Letting Leifr go, the patron nodded towards the barkeep, and stumbled back to his table with a big, drunken smile on his face.

Leifr rubbed his neck where the man held him down, but looked back to the bartender with a both apologetic and expectant look.

"Guess I'll just have to figure this out, bit by bit." Lyrisa said as she stuffed the book away in her bag. This book obviously required constant study in order to make sense of its contents. Alas, her stomach growled. What her mind denied earlier, her body requires now. Food. Begrudgingly, the girl made her way back to the tavern she practically stormed out of last time. She found that, in the short time she was gone, all the tables had been taken. Looking around she spotted something out of place. Greatly, in her opinion. "Forbannet?" She asked herself. The Forbannet were a rather peculiar house if Lyrisa remembers right. Regardless, she had to sate her curiosity. She walked up to the man with the emblem on and asked, "What, may I ask, does the Forbannet House have to do here in this out of the place?" Compared to where the house's zone of control was. And, nobility or not, she was just about ready to punch him or someone else out if she gets treated like some little kid again. Or at least attempt to anyhow.

The voice behind him not only knew that he was a noble, she was also able to recognize his house. Spinning around eagerly, he thought for a moment that the voice was just a mirage... until he looked down. Would young be the right word? No, the word he was looking for was "unexpected." She realized who he was and he noticed that no one was really paying attention or looking for her. But who she was can come later; she asked him a question and it was rude to keep her waiting.

“I came on my own volition, milady. I had heard a rumor in a neighboring village and came to confirm it myself.”

Leifr felt uncomfortable holding two separate conversations, but upon glancing over his shoulder he saw the barkeep perfectly able to hold three conversations, including Leifr's. His size, his speed, his ability... Leifr felt slightly belittled, but thankful that he allowed Leifr to be able focus on one at a time. Then again, this girl who appeared out of nowhere went straight towards Leifr, even known he was a noble. Did she have some business, or- Ah, that must be it.

Looking back at the young girl, he smiled lightly at his realization. Yes, it was definitely that. Out of all the people here, one would definitely go to him for that. That reason must be why he didn't see any guardians and why the patrons seemed to avoid looking at her. Without a doubt, it is that.

He stood to the side and gestured to the bar.

“If you wish, milady, I could order you something. Pray, do understand that there are things I shouldn't order, but you seem an intelligent woman who knows better than that.”

If Leifr remembered correctly, little girls like being treated as adults. Sometimes. Oh, shoot, did he makes a mistake? Maybe she wanted to be treated like a little girl instead! Darn it, Leifr, he berated himself in his head, you should have thought harder before making such an assumption!

"Ah, so you aren't here for the festival then." The barkeep, who looked at now Leifr and the patron who had the nobleman slumped over, also dropped his tone to a quieter one. He looked at the little girl as she spoke about this man being from a noble house, something which he seemed to recognize after staring at Leifr's garments for a few moments. "Heh, a noble huh? One who actually cares for the people. You're..." his speech stopped for a moment as he gestured for the patron holding Leifr down to let go, the tavern keep resting his arms upon the bar counter to get a little closer to Leifr.

"Much better than some other certain... nobles... who claim that they rule these lands." After that, he moved back a little, that statement having to be extra quiet for a very special reason. He also looked at the girl when Leifr began to speak to her once again. "Ah, so ya came back lass? Saw ya here earlier. Seen many people, but not too who wear those scholar robes. Scribes was it? I believe there is a Scribe in the next town over as well, but uh... I recommend staying off the roads for now lass." The man gestured for Lyrisa to take a seat, one next to Leifr being empty so that she could sit in it.

"Those rumors are right though laddy. Four people within this cycle have gone missing as of late. Good people to. Some say its those bandits up north others... say its something else. The chieftan doesn't want to talk about it though, says it'll ruin the festival. The guard captain, Captain Selvus, on the other hand wants to do somethin' bout it." The barkeep looked at Leifr's sword for a moment, then at Lyrisa, then back to Leifr. "You two look dependable enough. Captain' Selvus says he be looking for folks like yourselves, anyone with the skill and guts to go about investigatin' this matter. If you wanna earn some coin its a good thing to try as there is a reward for any information found. Captain Selvus can be found at the barracks on the other side of the village."

After that, his whispering stopped, the barkeep leaning back from the counter, grinning at both of them. "Anyway, enough about that. You want some swill for your thirst? Or perhaps its fillin' the stomach you're after? Well whatever it is, we got both."

Lyrisa smirked. It was the first time in this entire city that someone treated her with the proper respect she deserved. Her goal here wasn't taking peoples money though, "I can buy my own stuff, thank you. I have my own money for living expenses." She had pegged those of any nobility for foolish before now, at least they weren't as completely foolish as she had thought. "You seem to have a better head on your shoulder than most around here." She said to the Forbannet man. So far, he was the only person worth introducing herself to. "My name's Lyrisa Kortine. Scribe Initiate. A pleasure, I'm sure." Her overconfidence knows no bounds.

Her mind went to what he was saying about rumors. Earlier that annoying wench mentioned something about people missing. "If it's rumors around here, the only one I know about is the one about people disappearing. That's as much as I know though." As much as she loathe to admit it, there was something she did not know. "Chasing rumors around trying to spread your houses name?" She then asked.

Leifr frowned a bit when the barkeeper declared that the girl besides him look dependable, but as it turned out she announced that she was able to pay her own living expenses. In addition, apparently his insight at treating children like adults was spot on for this one. Her introduction was a little cheeky, but cute as well. Leifr bowed his head lightly to her and introduced himself with a warm smile.

“I am Leifr, a noble of the House Forbannet as you had already confirmed. I am at your service, Lady Kortine.”

Turning back towards the barkeeper, he was just about to speak when Lyrisa asked him his purpose for being here. That was a good question, an vague one that he assumed would probably go over her head but Leifr dare not say that. But, what could he say? Something that would appease a girl that liked being treated like an adult, something that was vague but not rude. Something that allowed him to leave without being forced...

Leifr couldn't think of anything and panicked.

“Nothing like that, milady! I'm here to, uh... I am...” The more he stumbled on his words the less options he could think of. “It's... complicated. I said before that I was acting of my own volition, milady, and I meant- You see, I...”

He cleared his throat and spun back towards the barkeeper and started fumbling around for his coin-purse. “S-Sir Selvus of the Guard is at the barracks, was it? The other side of the village.” Finding the small bag, he slipped his fingers in and with a single motion pulled out one iL, set it on the counter, and slid it towards the barkeeper.

“Thank you kindly, milord,” Leifr spoke as he abruptly stood from his seat and gave a slight bow towards the large man, “You have my gratitude.”

Turning towards Lyrisa, he performed a deeper bow.

“I thank you for your attention, milady. Our chat was most interesting thought it pains me to say that I must be on my way. Take care of yourself, Lady Kortine.”

And without giving anyone a chance to say anything, he briskly retreated from the tavern and was outside before a patron had a chance to look at him. How humiliating it felt not knowing what to say. And to a little girl, even!

He quickly approached his warhorse and let out a nervous breath. After a moment of collecting himself, he spoke to his steed.

“We have a destination now, Vera.”

A dismissive snort.

“Still no good?”

"Leifr, ehh?" Lyrisa said as she took his seat. "I guess I could head over there. I'm a bit hungry though so I should probably eat first." She grabbed an iL out of her pocket and put it on the counter for him, "Don't go around treating me like a small child like everyone else around here seems to, and I think we'd have a good calm time here." She said seriously but jokingly. "Now then, you have any specials around here? Food-wise, that is. If you do, that. Otherwise, whatever would fill my stomach." She wasn't too picky with her food as she use to just take whatever was given to her.

As Fiore walked down the street, following the guard to who knows where, his mind began to wander.
He could easily kill us with his other friends around... Fiore thought as he followed the guard through the busy and crowded streets. I suppose I could be walking into a death trap... but we are in need of money...

We? Fiore's other consciousness asked. I'm sorry, I thought you were the one who gave that wench 2 iL? You're the one who bought that horse, the extra rations, and the extra canteen of water, I can let you slide on buying Odysseus because he's actually pleasant, but every single purchase you have made has been nothing but useless, and you've been spending money like no tomorrow, giving that 2 iL to that wench, are you absolutely stupid? Wait, that's a trick question, yes! Yes you are! Fiore stayed silent, trying his absolute best to concentrate and try to assess the situation he found himself in, but with his consciousness' noisy rambling, he simply gave up on trying to assess the situation.

You know, I could do without your noisy rambling, Fiore thought in his head, but would soon regret the decision to think such a thing.

Oh, I'm sorry, your highness, If there was ever a point where someone could become more angrier than they already were, this was that point for Fiore's consciousness. I'm not the one who didn't save his village, I'm not the one who killed that poor man, I'm not the one who likes children! But I am soooooo sorry for interrupting you in your train of thought, oh what ever shall I do? I am here because I am the burden that you must carry for the destruction of your village, do not forget that. Fiore simply heaved out a sigh and looked around the busy street.

"Mister, are you rich?" The voice came from a young boy not so far away from Fiore.

Someone's rich? Hey, idiot, kill the rich guy, steal his money, than run off, that'll be some easy coin, Fiore's consciousness said without any hesitation, the sound of drooling could be faintly heard. Fiore then saw a man standing up, leading a warhorse by the reins, staring down at a small boy. Fiore's eyes widened at the glimpse of him. ... Hey... is that who...

... Yeah... Fiore then looked forward, entering the barracks as soon as they got there, with the faintest hint of a smile on Fiore's face.

---

It had been a full twenty minutes now ever since Fiore entered the barracks, and both the guards and Fiore were quiet, with Fiore looking around the guards barracks, not in awe, but in disbelief.

"... Small is the word that comes to mind..." Fiore said as he sat down at a chair. "Yes... small..." The guard's barracks was somewhat small, smaller than a normal one, and Fiore could not see where the beds were as the guards usually slept in the barracks, but, fortunately, there were very few guards in the barracks.

The tavern keep smiled as the iL was slid to him. "Thank ya kindly laddy." After pocketing the coin he watched as Leifr left, looking now to Lyrisa. "I have to say lass, you don't really see people like that every day. First person to call that ol' Selvus by the name of Sir Selvus. Man is no knight, but i'll bet he can fight better than one. Drinks better than them too. Still, that Leifr fella will be a face I remember for a while. First person ever to call me 'milord'."

"And probably the last, eh Khelgin? The only thing you're the lord over is holding your swill." The patron who had held Leifr down earlier spoke, laughing as he took a drink from his flagon.

"Aye, ain't that the truth. I'm also the lord over knocking smug fellas like you face first to the floor with my fists." The tavern keep let out a hearty laugh before turning back to Lyrisa. "Sorry bout that lass, and don't worry, I know not to treat ya like a child, although others might. You're gonna have to get used to that lass, anyway..." He pocketed the iL that Lyrisa slid to him.

"If its specials ya want, come back on the day of the festival. For now, its some beef, meat, and drink for ya. Ya seem more like a water drinker though, most Scribe or knowledgeable types like ya are."

A few minutes later a different tavern wench than the one Lyrisa talked to earlier came by, placing a plate with some pork and bread upon it, a basic tavern meal. It was warm though, and tasted quite good for a basic meal. It was also filling as well for a person with an empty stomach.

---

When Fiore entered the small, but effective barracks they were small, but they worked. When Fiore entered the guard that brought him here looked back to him. "Alright, stay here for a moment, ill go grab the captain." With that, he left, walking to a door on the other side of the barracks.

A few minutes later the guard returned with another man. He seemed to be in about his mid thirties, a halberd strapped to his back and an axe upon one hip and a short sword upon the other. The man had an air of confidence around him, one that was needed for protecting a village.

"So, you are here to help investigate the disappearances? Probably here for the promised coin no doubt. Doesn't matter really, just as long as someone finds out what happened to them stops them, maybe even bring the missing people back alive. The name's Selvus. I take it you are someone who likes to get to the end of things quickly, so lets cut to the chase. You'll be awarded upon your return with either information on the disappearances, proof that whoever is doing this is stopped, or perhaps even those who have been abducted." Selvus then walked over to a table, a map upon it, gesturing for Fiore to come over.

"If its leads you want, we think that the culprits are a group of bandits, who we believe have made camp a north of here by about a day's ride. They've been harassing traders, hunters, and whoever else is unfortunate enough to travel that area." He pointed to a small group of hills on the map, which were not too far north of their current location. A day's ride about. "Any questions?"

“...Maiken.”

No response.

“Kaia.”

No response.

“Lisbet?”

Leifr's trusty steed snorted, and in response he ran his hand through his hair in deep thought.

“And I thought they were all cute names, too. Not strong, not fierce, not girly... Maybe you want something dignified, like a noblewoman?”

No response.

Leifr nervously chuckled, the back of his mind pestering him that he was talking to a horse. He glanced around his surroundings and breathed a relaxed sigh when no one was paying him any mind. Still, it felt odd being seen as an equal, or at least not as a noble. Walking through the streets on foot or leading the warhorse around busy haulers, people barely passed him a glance and when they did I was usually a brief flash of a smile or a nod of the head before going on with their lives. It definitely felt odd, but the faint grin on his lips proved that it wasn't unpleasant.

Of course, time flies when you are naming a (finicky) horse and observing the populace. Leifr would've walked past the barracks if he didn't the more numerous guards around the area. Tying his warhorse to a nearby post, Leifr turned towards the front door and stood outside it for a moment. His first time in a barracks, he was bracing himself for anything as he didn't know what to expect. As he reached for the door, a guard opened the door from the inside first. The guard scrutinized Leifr from head to toe, and closed his eyes and rubbed his chin as if deep in thought. Leifr stared motionlessly, half frozen from confusion and half frozen from anticipation. The guard's eyes opened calmly, and with an experienced grimace he nodded. Leifr stood their quietly, wondering why the man was nodding. The guard maneuvered around the statuesque Leifr, when his voice suddenly commanded from behind.

“If yer goin' inside, go inside. We don't 'ave time to waste walkin' 'round gawkin' folks like ya.”

Leifr studdered a “yes, sir!” and hurried into the barracks.

It was, in a way, cozy. There weren't many guards, but it was still... cozy. A guard approached Leifr, to which Leifr immediately replied:

“I'm looking for Sir Selvus about the, uh, rumor.”

Leifr couldn't help but shrink back with all the chuckles and snickers coming from the other few guards as they waited for Selvus' reaction.

Alright, who's this doit who decided to interrupt? Fiore's consciousness asked him bluntly without any hesitation. Fiore turned his head to look over his shoulder, and upon seeing who it was, the corner of Fiore's mouth hinted at a subtle grin. Huh, it's him... well, I don't normally like taking your suggestions, considering the fact that you're an complete and utter idiot, and you're also kind of into children judging by your past interactions with that one child, but what exactly should we do about this? Fiore's grin widened at hearing this.

You want my suggestion? Really? Fiore asked, astonished. It's a miracle... an Ithelian miracle... anyhow, I suppose we should simply wait and play this out, or do you suppose we go up front with it right now?

We wait, simple at that. We wait for the right opportunity, probably at the end of this, and when it's all said and done, we reveal ourselves, sound like a good plan, idiot?

Fine by me, Fiore then stopped grinning and walked over to the table where he first sat at, maintaining eye contact with the man. Fiore, after staring at him for three minutes, slightly nodded his head, trying to say in body language, "I am an ally," although this could have easily represented something else. Fiore then calmly sat down at his chair, which faced away from the man, and stared at Selvus. Fiore, with a much more renewed sense of confidence, crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair.

"Selvus, tell the man behind me what the job entails," Fiore barked out as a command. "And then, at the end of it, tell us the pay, or the reward, whichever one is better, although, I'm assuming that the coin will be the reward you'll be offering us?"

"Sir Selvus eh. Didn't take you as one of those 'noble' knights eh captain?" The guard who brought Fiore in jokingly said this to the captain, who also just chuckled, looking at Leifr. "Ya don't need to go referring everyone so respectfully. You might find yourself getting pushed around if ya do." Then he noticed Fiore sitting down at the table, barking out a command and acting rather smug and arrogant.

"Oi, show your respect to the captain ya damn sell sword!" One of the other guards came forward, hand on his sheathed weapon, but a glare from Selvus immediately stopped that guard in his track. "Silence Tillen. Go outside and back on controls, cool your damn head at the Hilk if need be, just get out of here."

The rookie guard, whose name was Tillen, just gave a nod, glaring at Fiore for a moment, before looking back at Selvus. "Aye Captain... I still think its a bad idea to use these sell sword types though. They respect coin more than lives." Tillen left after that, looking not to happy.

"Sorry bout that you two. He thinks that we guards should be investigating this and, while I agree, the chieftain says that our main concern should be protecting the festival and that the letter he sent to Gallas Tildein would take care of this as they would send soldiers to help, but if ya ask me, that damn 'king' probably won't do a damn thing about it, which is where you two come in. Not that I don't respect the chieftain, but his damn loyalty to that blasted 'king' at Gallas Tildein will get us killed one of these days" Selvus went into the back room once again, coming back moments later with a small box, placing it on the table and opening it. Inside was a pleasant sight. A large amount of silver and bronze coins were in the box. There were more iL than Talms, bronze coins, though, alot more. In fact, the there were only a few Talms in there at all.

"Any information you find will get ya some coin. You stop these disappearances yourself and bring back proof, you'll be rewarded all of this. Bring back any of the missing villagers and you'll be rewarded even more than that. I personally think that it was those bandits up north of here, the ones that set camp up in those hills. A day's ride about. If you're gonna start anywhere, I suggest starting there, but be careful. Those bandits are a ruthless bunch who have been plaguing traders, hunters, and anyone else who has the misfortune of traveling in or near that area since those hills aren't too far from the main road traveled by merchants and others who wish to avoid monsters."

Once the details were explained he closed the box, locking it and handing it to the guard who brought Fiore here, who took it back to the back room. "So. Any questions?"

"Right you would be," Lyrisa said to the barkeep when he figured she was the water type. Then she was glad to have food in front of her finally. For the first time recently, a genuine smile fell across her face. It smelled good, better than crap for travel food she had been eating. It was warm and well prepared unlike what she usually overcooked due to reading while it's preparing. She took a bit of the pork first. It's taste melted on her tongue as she chewed and swallowed it and continued on to her bread. It wasn't too much later that she finished the food off and got up. "I suppose I should now. I've finished what I came here for." She nodded at the barkeep, "It was good meal, thanks," and left her dishes where they were, figuring someone else would come and pick it up for her. That's what they usually did at these places.

Outside she concentrated on what to do next. "Hmm, I guess I need some money for supplies for this experiment. I might have to fund an expedition into damn nowhere. Maybe I should pay a visit to the Captain Selvus. Coin never hurts to have. . . Unless it makes you a target for bandits." She laughed it off as she headed for the barracks. She however, decided to put her hood up. It was at least better to have the guard think her a shorter person than someone young. It made it easier to at least get in on the action. Finally ending up at the barracks, Lyrisa walked in as the information giving was almost ended. It was quite the brisk walk she took to get there. She caught just enough to know where to go. "None from me." She said to the Captain in response to his question.

He is acting familiar with me, thought Leifr as he tried remembering if he ever saw this man's face. The man had a subtle, pleased expression on his face when he saw Leifr, and then he even asked Sir Selvus for the job description on Leifr's behalf. Then he nodded to him. Why were people nodding to him? Ignoring those strange occurrences, he listened to Sir Selvus speak until he reached a distrusting part about the king.

“No, the king is-!”

Leifr bit his own tongue to stop himself from carelessly speaking. Luckily, Sir Selvus did not seem to hear as he had left to a back room. The Forbannet House was loyal to the King of Gallastre, and of course that meant that Leifr—who was taught everything he knew at the Forbannet manner—was also loyal. However, he left the house specifically for the reason of finding out more about the world, not changing it. But, still, His Highness wouldn't ignore these people's pleas without a proper reason. Even if it went against his goal, he couldn't just let this bitter taste for the king remain. But how would he prove that the King was a benevolent man?

Upon placing the small box upon the table and revealing its contents, Leifr exhaled a sharp breath. It truly was a large sum of money. His hand instinctively felt his own coin-purse for reassurance that his own coins were still there. Sir Selvus then explained their leads and directed them towards hill bandits a day's ride north. When Sir Selvus asked for questions, a familiar voice chimed behind Leifr.

“Lady Kortine?” He questioned in surprise, turning around to confirm her presence. Leifr had suspicions, but this proved that Lyrisa was no ordinary girl that he had previously thought. And the manner of which she spoke, with such confidence and assertiveness, made Leifr think that she was no stranger to such tasks like these. Shaking off his confusion, he decided to test his theory and asked, “Does milady have experience in work such as this?”

Oh my dearest of all words... Fiore thought in his head as he recognized the voice, with a mental image of a small child coming up in his head. Why is a child here? Why? Oh dear, why? She's just going to get in the way, she will get hurt, you know that, right?

... You know, when you complain to me, it makes moaning and complaining a lot less fun, Fiore's consciousness said without any thought, Fiore could have sworn he heard a faint chewing sound coming from his consciousness. Let her comes, if she gets hurt then kill her and take her gold, simple as that... I also say you kill the boy of the Forbannet.

How dare you say such a thing? Fiore asked, his voice raised. I will not hurt a child, and I will not hurt somebody under the house of the Forbannet, you of all people know how important he is to me!

It'll just be a test of skill, to see how good he is with the blade, although, I hardly doubt you will be of any challenge to him, A smiling grin with sharp teeth came up as a mental image in Fiore's head. Besides... I want to see how good he is... I want to see if he is able to worthy to be under the house of the Forbannet, let me at him, let me at him... c'mon, Fiore, you and I BOTH know that you want to see how good he is!

"Dammit... stop it... stop it..." Fiore muttered under his breath. "Control yourself... Fiore, don't let him get the upper edge..." Fiore's mind was a war zone right now, a complete and utter war zone, a war between Fiore and his other consciousness. Fiore suddenly stood up, his chair falling down to the ground due to the sudden movement, and he slouched over the table, his two hands rolled up into fists as he tried to control himself.

C'mon Fiore... LET. ME. AT. HIM.

"Not now of all places, dammit!" This time, Fiore's voice was a little bit more audible. "There will be... no questions from me... ex- excuse me..."

Fiore suddenly stood straight up and rushed out of the barracks, running to a safe location, his consciousness was getting the better of Fiore, and they both knew it.

Fiore Concentration: 18 + 2 Talent = 20

---

Fiore, soon after leaving the barracks, would get his mind into order and get power back over his consciousness, something that he really should try to get permanent control over one of these days.

---

Captain Selvus just sort of blinked for a moment, a bit surprised at not only the new arrival, a robed, short woman, but also at Fiore's sudden outburst before he ran out of the barracks. "Well... someone is eager to get going..." Selvus just chuckled slightly, knowing that probably wasn't the case, but it always helped to joke. "Anyway, if there are no more questions for either of ya, then I suggest you get to riding. I remember another figure a day or so ago, according to Tillen, had asked about the disappearances, but didn't even request the reward. You might be able to catch up with him though as he was on foot, or so I was told. Might of left his horse outside of town instead of bringing it in, I don't know. He was a rather short fellow, hooded and cloaked just like you" he gestured to Lyrisa.

"Only he had a veil over his face and his robes didn't have the insignia for the Scribes on them, which I reckon you are a part of. Don't get too many of your types around here. Of all the people to come from that city of arrogant fools though, the Scribes are the only ones I can tolerate and respect, even if their decision to pick up tomes instead of swords is rather strange. Still, even a simple guard like me understands that someone has to learn the knowledge of things in this world, so I guess its understandable." After that, he adjusted the halberd on his back and weapons on his hips before heading towards the exit of the barracks. "Anyway, I suggest you start riding. Sooner you get there and get to the bottom of things the better. I really don't want any more disappearances happening this close to the festival, or at all in general."

After that, Selvus left, most likely to attend to some other guard duties, leaving Lyrisa and Leifr in the barracks with Fiore outside of them.

"Well then. Seems like we got a group for this." Lyrisa said to Leifr. "Not that I want to travel with that good for nothing ass with a rapier." She removed her hood and started fumbling with her robes. "I don't think these are good for traveling in. They're too hot. I'm getting it off." She took the robes off, revealing a more, multi-colored outfit. It was exotic enough. That was for sure. It was pretty out of place, even the Scribe's Robes she had on seemed to fit better. "Anyhow, I'll put these in here. . . And I'm ready to go." She looked at Leifr. "So, the Captain said it was a day's ride, right?" She knew she was right. Lyrisa felt it was good for other's self esteem. "You got a horse? I sure as hell don't got one."

“I am grateful for you assistance, Sir Selvus. I will-” Leifr was interrupted by a bit more snickering from the surrounding guardsmen and remembered that Sir Selvus warned him of the way Leifr referred to others. But, that was the only way Leifr knew how. It's not like you just call strangers by their first name, right? 

Upon thinking a bit about that thought, people did in fact do just that and that he was the one speaking out-of-place. But it's not like he can just break his habit right then and there. And so far there didn't seem to be any person that Leifr had met that seemed the way Sir Selvus warned. Perhaps it was just needless worry. 

Listening to Lyrisa speak, he turned to face her and smiled kindly in response, though the corner of his mouth twitched slightly and he had to force his smile to stay when such vulgarities left her tongue. Then she took off her robes. Underneath, her clothes were... Well, Leifr just couldn't find a word for them! But if she asked he would be in trouble. Eccentric, no that sounds a bit rude. They were unconventional. That might work. Hopefully. He knows he was trying hard to be as nonchalant and natural as possible while avoiding scrutinizing her clothes, but she was still as cheeky as ever. But if she really didn't have a horse...

“If I may suggest so, Lady Kortine, I am sure that the horse outside belongs to the man befor-”

Ah, that vulgar phrase must have been directed towards the man that just stormed out. He didn't get a good look at the man, especially since the man was acting so strangely, but he was sure that the man had a thin-bladed weapon like a rapier. She seems to know of him, and speaking of which he seemed to know of Leifr. He also seemed much more familiar than simply knowing of his nobility as Lyrisa had. His curiosity was growing, but that was besides the point. The point was that Lyrisa, for some reason or another, didn't seem to enjoy the idea of his company. Leifr yielded to the idea of offering her a ride... No, this impudent girl was already expecting a ride regardless of what Leifr had to say. With a yielding sigh betraying his still smiling face, he agreed to her demand.

“As you wish, milady. It would be my honor to escort such a noble woman as yourself.”

Leifr wondered for a moment about the girl's history with that man, but quickly dismissed it. It was their business, and Leifr was much more interested in why the man seemed so friendly to him despite Leifr not remembering ever meeting him.

“As you undoubtedly already know, milday, we must make sure we have the proper supplies before heading out,” Leifr stated as he turned around and opened the door to the barracks. “We should also find our companion who had just left; it would be safer to travel in a larger group.”

Stepping out, Leifr spotted his steed hitched to a nearby post. He wasn't fully aware of the customs of this village, but no one said anything about Leifr leading his warhorse around wherever he went so he just assumed that there was no problem. Well, besides the fact that unhitching and rehitching his warhorse every time he went to a different building was an inconvenience. He approached his steed and began untying the reigns from the post.

“We'll be riding soon, Eydis.”

A dismissive snort.

“I'm starting to wonder if you want a name at all...”

Fiore walked back to the tavern, feeling self defeated. "How could I?" Fiore asked, his tone whimpering. "I almost let myself be taken over by some madman... and who knows what he would have done..." Fiore's consciousness stayed quiet. It was customary for him to stay quiet after a defeat like this. The two were both ashamed, Fiore because he almost let him get the upper hand, Fiore's consciousness because he couldn't win.

Fiore looked up, and upon seeing Odysseus, paced a little bit faster, smiling upon seeing his trusty horse exactly where he left it. "I have practiced with the rapier all of my life, but perhaps there is something else that needs practicing..." Fiore's tone wavered, wondering about him and his well being, Fiore truly was scared. "If I were to go mad in a city like this, there's no doubt that I would be killed on the spot... or worse, sent to rot in the dungeon... I can't do that to Odysseus or I..." Fiore kept on the smile, albeit fake, he had to show Odysseus that nothing was wrong, that he was fine.

Fiore, upon reaching Odysseus, unhitched the horse. "There you go, Odysseus." Fiore showed an unwavering smile, but it was a fake one, on the inside, Fiore wanted to cry out, Fiore wanted to die, he almost let his other side get the better of him, and if he did, he would have killed the boy of the Forbannet. Odysseus stared at Fiore, almost expecting something, like a reward of sorts, which took a few moments for Fiore to register in his head.

"... Oh! Now, now, Odysseus, just because you stood still for who knows how long doesn't mean you get a treat." Odysseus rolled his eyes, not because he didn't want a treat, but because he somehow had this instinct that something was troubling Fiore, but Odysseus couldn't communicate that. Fiore simply grinned and patted Odysseus on the head, then grabbing his reins. Fiore looked out into the streets, they were way too crowded due to the festivities, there would be no way for the two to be able to ride out into the street and out of the village at full speed without harming anyone, Fiore would have to walk Odysseus out of here, leading him by the reins.

"Odysseus, we can either go with the others or we can go alone, what do you think?" Odysseus glared at Fiore, affixing his gaze on him, expecting Fiore to realize what Odysseus was trying to say. "... Yes, I know you're a horse, but you can make decisions for yourself, can't you?" Odysseus kept glaring at Fiore, which slowly starting to become nerve-racking for Fiore. "... Alright, we'll try to find the other two, how about it? Besides, if I remember correct, we have to question or get rid of a group of bandits, I don't think that'll be a good job for just me alone, huh? Unless you want too join me in the fight-" Odysseus looked towards the other direction, which usually meant "no." Fiore sighed and started to walk down the street with Odysseus, reins in his hand, going back to the barracks.

Lyrisa watched as Leifr left. What exactly did she need? She had supplies for a few days and all the other things she needed. There was a ride already secured for her so that was another thing accounted for. The last thing wanted though, was to be paired up with that one fellow. The one who treated her like a child of course. If he drops it, she will. Lyrisa was a reasonable person after all and found that division in the group always led to disaster. It happened many times in her days studying. For now she walked outside of the barrack, unsure of where they were suppose to meet up.

Walking down the street a bit, she found a seat in the open. It was a more visible spot than where she sat prior. The nobleman would likely be able to spot her here while she read through her tome some more. Mostly, she hoped to ingrain the knowledge in her head. If she didn't understand it now, she would eventually, and maybe she could figure it out while she slept or something. It wouldn't be the first time that has happened to her. "Hmm, Mana Crystals seem like they're important. . . Everything here looks like it's important though."

She sighed as she eyed through the pages. Nothing was really sticking though. Was she beginning to doubt the ease of this project? It was definitely something more than she had ever done before. She was a genius, true, but something she lacked was experience. The many years of experience that Ulrich had and many years of leading and teaching that the old men that turned her down had. "Hmph." She muttered to herself as she continued read the book as she waited on Liefr.