Katherine didn't really like how Stefan was treating Felix, she remained polite, however. She frowned a little, but forced it away, replacing it with a light smile, "He...he did yes...I doubt I could've made it here alone, considering we were attacked. And I suppose you're right. Some time to rest might be a good idea. It is a long road ahead after all..."

She didn't like it, but it seemed there wasn't much choice. Kathy did wonder how the man could've been so unprepared for her, though. It was a bit odd. The man would've had at least a day or two, depending on how long it took Emmerich's letter to get here. Would it really have taken that long to gather up some men and prepare a wagon? Granted it is a longer trek to the mountains than it was to Stefan's manor. Was he just lazy? Regardless, something was a little off about Stefan. He seemed polite enough, though. Well, to her anyway.

"Well then, I've a room prepared for you," Stefan explained, leading Katherine in. "You can rest there while my staff prepares a meal to celebrate your safe arrival." He led her through the halls to a side room and had a servant open the door to some luxurious chambers.

'Swanky digs...' Felix thought, about to step into the room and look around, only to find a hand placed on his chest, stopping him. "Huh?" Felix blinked, looking at Stefan, who had a look of dismissive disapproval on his face.

"Don't you know anything? It's rude for a boy to enter a lady's chamber." Stefan sighed. "Honestly... Such uncouth behavior."

Felix swallowed a grimace. He wanted to give the bastard some attitude, but he held his tongue. He couldn't cause a scene, for Kate's sake.

"A-Alright, then..." she said, as she followed Stefan inside. She kept close to Felix, though.

She entered the room her had provided for her, but turned when she heard Stefan. She smiled at him, "Oh, it's quite alright, Lord Stefan. There's no one I trust more than Felix ....Well... maybe Emmerich, but it's still pretty close. Besides, it's not like I'm changing or anything right now. What's the harm? And I think Felix would like to take a look around. He's never seen a mansion like this before." Neither had she, really.

Stefan crinkled his nose slightly. "Surely you can understand a bit of adherence to propriety," he sighed. "Still, I am but a humble servant before you, so if it is what you wish, I've little choice but to concede, Lady Katherine." He shook his head as he walked off.

Felix crossed his arms once the man had left. "What an ass..." He mumbled to himself. "I really hope that guy doesn't pull anything funny..." He sighed.

"Oh, before I forget," Stefan's voice came, causing Felix to stand up straight. "Captain?" He asked with an odd tone.

"Yes?" Felix replied.

"This letter arrived for you from Prima." Stefan handed over a rolled up scroll, then left once more.

"... Hmph..." Felix sighed, opening the scroll. "Ah..." He frowned, looking to Katherine. "Hey, Kate... Emmerich wants me back to Prima on the double..."

Katherine smiled at Stefan as he left, "Thank you."

She waited for Felix to read the letter, listening, "Yes, you were only allowed to escort me here, unfortunately. But surely you've deserved a little rest before you go back, right?" she asked, clearly not wanting him to leave her.

"... I wish... Apparently there was a sudden issue..." Felix sighed. "He suggested I ride the horse back to be there quickly as possible, but..." He shook his head. "Ugh... I hope everything goes well... No, I mean... I know it will. You're going to do great, I know it!" He said, affirming her as he took off with a sigh.

After an hour, a knocking came at Katherine's door. "Lady Katherine," a woman's voice spoke. "Lord Stefan has asked me to show you to the dining room."

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Felix was able to get some bread and meat before setting off, but for some reason the horse was being stubborn about having a rider. He'd been more delayed than he'd thought possible, and it was practically sunset as he was setting off, walking the damndable animal instead of riding it. "Kate... She'll be fine..." He sighed to himself.

Katherine smiled at Felix, "Thanks. You be careful, too okay?"

---

"Alright, I'm coming." she said, she had just been walking around the room, examining it the whole time. It took her mind off of feeling so alone and Felix. Kathy went over to the door, and opened it. She'd follow the other woman to the dining hall....or wherever it was she took her.

Katherine was led to a lavish hall, lit by a number of magically enchanted candelabras. On the table were several very fancy looking courses, foods the farm girl was likely to never have even seen before, least not anything so extravagant.

"Ah, Lady Katherine," Stefan spoke, standing from his seat. "I'm glad to see you again. Please, take your seat." He motioned to a place setting across the table from where he sat, before taking a seat himself. His hand came to rest on a velvet covered box, which he drummed with his fingers. "I trust you're finding the room you've been given accommodating?" He asked.

Katherine looked at all the food as she walked by. It all certainly looked nice, but she wondered about the taste. Nothing beats a homegrown homecooked meal for her. Plus, she wasn't all that hungry, she felt very uncomfortable here. But she supposed she ought to eat... She'd need the energy.

She took the seat he gestured for her to take, "Yes. It's a lovely room. Thank you, Lord Stefan. You have a beautiful mansion here....I really do appreciate your hospitality. You really didn't need to go through all this trouble just for me." she said, giving him a bit of an uncomfortable smile. "It's just all a bit much, don't you think?"

In some ways, she almost felt sorry for the nobles that lived in this manor. They thought they were safe here, surrounded by luxury and dozens of guards. But what use were those guards, when somebody could just waltz right in and take whatever they wanted. Twice in fact. This was the second time in a single week that Emara had snuck into the manor. The first time, they hadn't seen her and likely didn't even realize anything was missing. This time, she was hoping things would go just as well.

The biggest mistake that guards ever made was that they never looked up and that was what Emara was taking advantage of. She was crouched in the rafters of the dining hall, body pressed against a wall as she allowed the shadows to hide her presence. As usual, the hood of her coat was up. Even if she was seen, her face would remain hidden. Between she skills and the hood, she had been thieving for years and had yet to get caught.

That didn't mean she didn't come across setbacks. Like this one she was experiencing now. When she had last been here, Emara hadn't had this problem, but today the dining hall was being used. From the sounds of conversation it was a guest of the manor's lord. He was putting on a big, fancy show to impress the pretty noble woman. She had seen it all before. If she wasn't trying to stay hidden, she would have gagged. But instead, she simply made a disgusted face. The was only a minor setback, she would simply have to wait until they left the room to continue on with her thievery.

"Not at all," Stefan spoke, shrugging and shaking his head. "You're the rightful heir to King Alphin's throne," he explained. "To give you any less would be an insult." He crossed his arms. "Now then, I want to discuss a serious matter with you regarding your position.

"I've been told you're going to Mt. Ignis in order to collect one of the Regalia. That will prove your place as the ruler of Iris, but I fear that will not be enough. Many of the noble houses, as well as the people, may not be likely to accept a commoner, and if you'll pardon my wording, a bastard child, to rule this country." He closed his eyes. "Now, with that, I have a proposal. If you are to be partnered with a noble house, then it is much more likely that you would be accepted, thus allowing for a more clean transition."

Stefan opened his eyes, then placed a hand onto the box that had been touching on earlier. "So with that, here is my proposition. Lady Katherine, daughter of Alphin," He stood and opened the box, revealing a pearl colored bangle topped with a clear crystal flower, handing the box to Katherine. "I offer you my heart and the backing of my house, if you would take my hand in marriage."

Katherine frowned as she listened to Lord Stefan, becoming more and more uncomfortable as he spoke, she looked down at the box as he opened it, saw it's contents, and then looked back up at him, "I didn't think everyone would accept me that easily, but I...I'm sorry. I do not know if I can do that, my lord... We've only just met, after all. I realize I am new to... noble affairs, but I am... still me. I can't just jump into that kinda thing." she said softly.

She sighed and rubbed her arm, "I know that yes, logically, you do have a point that it might help... but, I take matters of love very seriously. I can't just give you my heart for the sake of convenience... Besides, I am a cleric. Not that we don't marry, but we marry for love and know that the Gods smile upon our marriage. I... cannot honestly say the same for this. Please understand..."

Kathy didn't know what else to say to him. But she hoped he would take the rejection well. He could after all have her killed on an order if he really wanted to. That's why she hadn't specifically said no. Kathy wondered if Emmerich knew about this. The more she thought about it, the more she thought he might have. It would explain why he gave her this dress. It would also explain why he ordered Felix back so quickly. He would've had a cow over this. Although, there probably were other reasons too. It seemed she had fallen right into his trap when she decided to wear it this morning.

Stefan was silent for a moment. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. Oddly, he didn't seem to give off any sign of dejection at Katherine's words. He just seemed to sit there, shaking his head with a smile on his face before he shrugged. "Honestly, marrying for 'love'. What an ugly common viewpoint." He tutted. "Of course, what else can be expected? Even if you carry the king's blood, you're still the daughter of a dirty commoner, and were raised as such." He shook his head. "You're naive. With views like that, you will never survive..."

Stefan stood up and looked away from Katherine. "I'm glad I decided to prepare that fake letter to have that filthy common boy sent away... Honestly, that stubborn old Emmerich kept pushing for that rat's promotion... As if a commoner could actually do the world any good." He shook his head and raised a hand. A pair of guards moved to detain Katherine. "Take her back to her room to rethink about her decision." He said. "Girl... You'll be kept safe here until you come to your senses and accept my proposal. The only way you'll survive the upcoming days is by accepting my terms. You'll be kept safe here until that time comes, then we'll allow you to continue your pilgrimage. So please, enjoy your stay."

Emara heard every word of the conversation the lord of the manor and the pretty girl were having. The lord of the manor, which Emara nicknamed Lord Creep was trying to convince the pretty girl to marry him. She rightfully didn't want any of that, desiring to marry for love rather than politics. But Lord Creep wasn't having any of that. In fact, after she refused, he had her detained by his guards and basically told the pretty girl that she was going to be forced to marry him anyway.

It took every ounce of strength the thief had not to leap from the rafters and shove her blade through his skull. The digusting creep didn't deserve another moment on this planet. But, Emara knew better. After her first trek through the manor, she knew that there were too many guards. Even if she killed Lord Creep, the guards would either kill her and pretty girl, or have their way with them. Probably both. Instead, Emara did two things that she had never done before. Left a manor without stealing anything, and went to search for help.

Her feet propelled her small frame forward quickly along the road, looking for anybody who happened to be nearby. She couldn't afford to slow down, she was afraid Lord Creep would be trying something again soon. Thankfully it didn't take her long to come across another person. A blonde swordsman who was walking a horse. "Hey, you!" She called, pulling back her hood as she did. "If you have anything resembling a heart in that chest of yours, you'll help me."

Katherine frowned and listened to the Lord's words. And then abruptly found herself back in her room. Or she supposed "cell" was more accurate. She plopped down into one of the plush chairs and considered her options, grabbing her tome and staff beforehand. She looked around to see if there were windows or a balcony or anything and, of course, found none. He had clearly planned this room to allow her no escape.

"So the letter was a fake. Why would Emmerich send me to this monster? Surely, he wouldn't willingly? Hmmm..." she needed some answers, but it seemed she wasn't about to get any. She did, however, need to get out of here. She wasn't about to marry Stefan. She would NOT be a trophy wife.

Unfortunately, Kathy couldn't really think of anything to do right now. So she'd just have to wait....perhaps a chance would come.

Felix turned about, hand on the hilt of his sword, in case of an attack, but he soon saw the girl hailing him. 'Silver hair...' He noticed the same detail the defeated bandit had mentioned the night before, but he didn't have time to process that, as she quickly asked him for help with some task.

"Unfortunately time is a bit of a factor. There's an emergency, and a lot of people could be hurt if I don't hurry back to Prima." Felix said. "I'm sure if there's some emergency, you can ask the guard here." He sighed as he began to turn away.

Emara let out a low growl when the male refused her request and began to turn away. But her brain started registering what the male had said. An emergency? He couldn't be the boy that Lord Creep had talked about using the fake letter to send away? Could he? If that was the case, then he would be very interested in what she had found out. Emara made one of her famous, reckless, split second decisions. The ones that either went extremely well, or extremely poorly.

The thief lunged forward and grabbed hold of the horse's reigns, right above the male's own hand. "Now you listen here! Are you that commoner boy that they spoke about? There's a pretty girl in that manor over there. The owner, Lord Creep, sent a fake letter to try and send you away so that he could try and force the pretty girl to marry him. He's got her locked up right now and I'm worried that he's gonna do something extra creepy." Emara still wasn't even sure why she cared. But something told her that she should care very much about the pretty girl in the manor.

Felix was about to tell the girl off for being a snot, but something she said bothered him. He'd already figured the girl to be some manner of rogue from the association to the bandit he and Katherine had fought the day before, but what she said about the letter...

He pulled the letter from his satchel and read over it once more. As he did, the girl would see his face going red with frustration and his hands shaking. "... Dammit... I let myself be fooled..." He muttered as he realized the handwriting on the letter was wrong. He'd not been clear headed enough to notice before due to travel fatigue, but when he started looking for the differences, it was almost painfully obvious.

"That... Classist bastard... He played me!" Felix shouted as he turned around, crushing the note. He was about to charge forward, only to realize how idiotic a move that would be. The young man took a deep breath, then turned to the girl. "You snuck in and out of that pplace. Do me a favor, will you?" He asked, trying to stay calm in spite of the fury plainly bubbling beneath the surface. "I'm going to make a mess... I need you to follow me and let Kathy... Er... Katherine out... And... Well, someone asked me to watch over you, so I'm going to do that too. Stay out of sight."

Felix looked up, glaring at the door. He drew his sword and charged forward. "Stefan, you bastard!" He roared. "I'm going to fucking kill you!" He continued as he rushed towards the guards at the door.

It looked like this was one of those times where Emara's recklessness paid off. It turned out that it was the same guy that Lord Creep had sent away. Now he was pissed, Emara could see that clearly. At least now she had an ally, even if that rage wasn't exactly a good thing. The boy asked Emara to stay out of sight and free the pretty girl, Katherine apparently, while he cleared a path. She responded with a nod and a lopsided grin. She would stick to her strengths, he could stick to his.

Emara was just about to move to the side and slip into hiding when he continued speaking. Someone asked the boy to watch over her? "Father?" She muttered softly, but shortly afterwards shook her head. Right now she needed to focus. As the boy charged the guards at the door, Emara dove to the side, crouching behind a tree so that the guards didn't accidentally see her. The thief pulled her hood back up in place where it belonged. For a moment she didn't move, watching the boy and the guards to make sure nobody was looking toward her. Then she rose from her crouch and jumped, grabbing hold of the lowest hanging branch. It wasn't long before she was in the tree, watching the boy from the cover of the leaves.

Already the thief was planning how to get back inside. There were some problems this time that she hadn't had to worry about before. The first being that the guards were going to be on high alert. The second being that she had someone to watch out for, who was also watching out for her. Then there was the matter of the freeing Katherine. Emara didn't even know what room she was being held in. To check them all would take time. Hopefully the boy knew what he was doing, otherwise they would be in for one heck of a battle.

"Another quiet evening, Roderic. If only we were stationed inside the manor, Stefan apparently held a huge feast for some princess yonder."
"Aye. Uthelmann and Sarah got lucky this time 'round. Could really do with a bellyful of mead."

The two guards by the gate laxly stood and leaned on the brick walls with their their spears casually dangling off their shoulders. Their eyes were lazy, inadvertently gazing at the path that was in front of them with very little regard of what was around them. Of course, to them this was just another day at the job.

"How's your wife goin' Harry? She holdin' up with them three pests behind her?"
"That wench's out of her dang mind, she don't love me no more. Only the pests! I'll much rather stand here and be back home yelled up on that bitch."
"Don't let her caught you be sayin' that..."
"Shut up!"
"Stefan, you bastard! I'm going to fucking kill you!"

The earshot tightened the guard's senses as they reflexively stood up as if a stick had been shoved up their arse. The two see the warrior-boy who came with the princess with his sword drawn and they wielded their spears.

"Hol up' there messenger-boy. Ain't nobody killin' anyone up in here. Put your sword away!"
"Thinkin' of killin' a lord? What are you nuts or sumthin'?"

It wasn't going to be a quiet night after all.