[IC] A Tale Of Fantasy - 2 Spots Open

[Hawlin]

"A scary bunch..." Kaite echoed softly, turning their head and leaning at the mere glance from the girl. Behind the visor, their eyes narrow before relaxing to a comical expression as they see what they saw. What it was isn't entirely easy to express, though the uncanny feeling of formless familiarity pierced the ebony veil of the armor's hold to the woman's core.
Her steps skipped a pace as they lifted their head from their previous readied stance to look into the back of the cart from their distance. The easy six-foot-five of their high-elf lineage was a considerable factor for intimidation that Kaite never really had an opportunity to utilize in any other way. On the topic of intimidation, the names and implications that had been shouted by mentioned lesser men gave alight a hint of wit. "Fuhuhuh...Oh, frau fraulein, zeh flowers zeht bandits want are not kept in jyour cart~" Kaite teasingly chirped with a sly grin, slowing their walk to keep pace with the cart that they walked behind and to the side of. They mused to themselves as they quietly leveled their sword with an amber glint from the evening sun to poke around through the cart's contents, "Ahh...Es ist entzückend , dass Sie nicht verstehen..."
(It's adorable that you do not understand)

Their voice trailed off in a series of phrases in their foreign language, to a point that it became like speculating on Ein's inventory before the glint of the silver saber caught Kaite's eye. They inhaled sharply and with a slight hiss like they were biting back venom which never came as though a perceived insult had been mustered by the girl who was on the receiving end of such treatment. What instead came was a long sigh and a silence as the knight looked from the sword to the unarmored girl. Kaite opened her visor and raised an eyebrow upon receiving Ein's question of her suspected banditry-rooted motives. Her expression was far more comically casual than the inhale had hinted, accented with the tilt of her head in a 'seriously' fashion, as if expecting Ein's legitimate question, given the situation, to be a joke.

"Luckily no" Kaite said with the shake of her head, sheathing the bastard sword on her back. "Today I am en efficacious associate" they continue, implying their wayward profession as they pick the pace up to gradually approach Ein in parallel pace. They remain quiet for a moment while looking over the girl. "As I haf mentioned, iz bold to be alone in such places...my group vahz killed by such unsavory sorts" they went on before flourishing a gesture to her with one hand in an offering manner. "Unt I, in turn, undid zehm" they concluded in an unphased tone. Mercenaries were usually like this, having no attachment to the job or associates since there are always more to look for when one falls through. "If I may help vith your cart?" Kaite offered from out of arm's reach.

One couldn't help but find it the slightest bit odd for armored mercenaries to approach flower girls in the forest. If they were traveling mercenaries, certainly they'd have the gold to maintain their clothing. The breeches and top for Kaite were in tatters while the ebony black of their armor was polished so clean that Ein could see her reflection in it. So much care went into maintaining that goddamned armor that it was unsettling at times.
Still, the impression Kaite gave off meant well though, near the end of their offer, their eyes made an obvious cue from Ein's eyes to the saber and then back, all the while lifting an eyebrow. It wasn't a challenge so much as a self-perceived insult that wordlessly said, 'Are you serious...?'
It was clear that the knight knew the girl was 'armed', though they had no barest of notion to take her seriously. With that, the armor discouraged interacting with the girl since she wasn't any level of perceived threat. On the surface, at least...

I know what I saw, Witchsteel.
You don't see it often enough to simply pass up.
...what did I see? ...hmm.

[Karos]

Amon turned to the lady and smiled, 'Thank you my good lady, I have come from far off lands but I am glad to see that such common courtesy is global' he said by way of reply.

He then turned to the Knight looking up at him 'Perhaps you and I Sir Knight should seek an audience with this Lord together? I have found that a bladesman and a sharp mind are always fine assets to a master well worth the coin' having said this Amon realised he'd yet to ask the strangers their names.

He stepped back so that he might see both figures clearly, 'I seem to have made quite the poor first impression... here I am asking you for information and suggesting joint ventures and I've yet to introduce myself or inquire as to your names!' he took a step back and bowed. 'Allow me to introduce myself' he said drawing himself back up to his full height once more 'My name is Amon, I have come across the great sea in search of knowledge and service. If I might, may I inquire as to your names and proper titles?'

Amon looked at the strangers expectantly, they seemed to be well intentioned. The Knight certainly fit the figure in the vision, Amon didn't have to be gifted to see the sense of purpose the Knight carried himself with. However, the armour still continued to bother Amon. Such an ancient relic should be in a museum thought he. It might be the last suit of its kind, and even if it were not the exquisite craftsmanship merited pride of place in a collection.

Whilst still waiting for a reply he reappraised the Lady, her voice had been soft sounding and fitted her aesthetic, and yet... such sorrow. Amon did not know why but he felt immense pity, he reached down to his scrying glass as surreptitiously as he could. When he touched his hand against the case it was cold to the touch, like a shard of ice in his palm.

The Lady then seemed to mutter something and turned back towards the castle. If anyone else had done such a thing then Amon might have felt ever so slightly insulted, and yet he knew on some plane that this apparent absent mindedness was not the fault of the Lady, but something that afflicted her terribly so.

Noticing the Knight was still sat upon his horse Amon turned to him once more. 'Come good Sir, you can answer my questions over this last stretch of ground and on our arrival we can seek audience with this lands master' as he finished speaking Amon placed his right hand atop his sword and set about walking towards the castle.

[Oxenfree]

Carver nodded his head and dismounted his horse. "Certainly, friend. I would be glad for company in my audience with the King - you seem a noble, clever sort. But pardon my manners - I shall not ride where you will walk."

Leading August behind him, the knight proceeded after the man who'd called himself Amon and the strange lady. It was become apparent that she was not only bizarrely graceful, she was also terribly... addled? Confused? In any case, she seemed to have difficulty holding one topic of conversation - perhaps she was simply excitable.

Coming up alongside Amon, Carver smiled good-naturedly and removed his helmet. "Ah, that's better for a conversation between friends. I am curious, Amon - tell me your tale. Where do you come from, and what do you seek?" Part of this question was the good natured curiousity it seemed to be - part of it was that the knight was very curious to know what was different about this man - or, what was different around man. He himself seemed normal, but the air around him was cloaked with abnormality.

[Lady Absinthia]

The Lady Amalthea began to step towards the castle, having forgotten her usual evening trek to the village; her attention had been diverted by Amon and Ser Carver and now her thoughts drifted back to where she resided each evening. Each step she took was silent and while the gravel and dirt of the path was loose and would roll under the common fall of foot they did not beneath her steps. She did not answer the question posed to her on who she was for at that moment it had slipped from her memory once again. It did all too often.

The smell of salt hung heavy in the approaching evening air as she took meandering graceful strides towards the walls that surrounded the castle. The two guards who stood post at the gate watched them approach, their spears crossing to block the entrance once the Lady Amalthea had passed them; keeping the two new comers from stepping foot within the walls.

“What business do you have here?” one asked in a gruff voice. The Lady Amalthea stopped and her head turned, shimmering hair waving slightly in the wind as her eyes flashed towards the men who had accompanied her to the castle.

“Let them pass,” she said in an airy voice before she continued silently on her way towards the doors of the old castle. The guards looked at each other for a moment before their spears were pulled back to allow Amon and Ser Carver to pass at their leisure.

From the castle emerged a middle aged woman, her clothing tattered and poor. Matted straw colored hair and large brown eyes darted towards the new comers as she raced over towards the Lady Amalthea and took the womans hand. “M’Lady, you return to early, is everything alright?” she asked concerned.

“Yes, I believe so,” she answered as slender fingers curled over the calloused palm of the servant woman. The woman looked at the men who were following her lady oddly for a moment before she spoke.

“I am Molly, thank you for bringing our Lady Amalthea back safe this evening,” she said kindly towards them. “Who might you be?”

[Karos]

Amon turned to the Knight who now strode alongside him, he was taller than Amon and his appearance was more in keeping with this land. Amon thought that he should feel at odds striding alongside this Knight, the stark contrast between them was evident from their dress alone if not their complexion. Yet Amon felt perfectly calm alongside this individual, he guessed that his long association with strangers and foreigners had allowed him to aclamate better than those who were more xenophobic.

Then the Knight then asked Amon . I am curious, Amon - tell me your tale. Where do you come from, and what do you seek? Amon thought a moment before starting. 'Me good Sir Knight, I come from a land far across the sea the besets this lands shores. The name of my homeland is Ashir, at least in my native tongue. In your words it would most closely translate to The Place of Many Sands. It is a rough place of sweeping deserts and scattered oases, but amidst the unremitting landscape there are many great cities. Their walls are a bright white untarnished by the elements, and the minarets glimmer in gold, silver and blue. I remember they where always the first things one could see of a city on the horizon. My father would always wake me from my slumber on one of the camels when he could first see the minarets.' Amon looked down for a moment, his face briefly portrayed a deep sadness, and grave melancholia.

'But enough of my home for it must be of little interest to one such as yourself. I can tell you are a man of the people, interested in the deeds and reasons of things. So I shall answer your second question. What I seek is knowledge, I am a scholar by trade so I wonder the world in the search of the esoteric and the arcane. But these ventures do not come cheaply, so to fund myself I serve various noble lords. They are always in need of a man with a sharp mind, and my knowledge of many tongues is always in high demand.'

Amon stopped for a moment wiping the sweat from his brow, this climb was exhausting, long weeks of sea travel had given him little time for exercise. He contemplated the use of his powers once more, but clamped down on the thought. No most certainly not! He thought to himself. Some Knights he recalled exterminated men such as he, they thought the powers of magic to be unclean and unholy. Amon doubted this Knight to be such a man but one could never be to careful.

'But enough of my story' said Amon starting to walk once more 'what of you? I do not even know your name, I can tell by your armour that you're from one of the ancient houses. Such armour must be a priceless family heirloom passed down over many generations. If I were to guess I would say that is from Kallen... circa the 11th Era... I'm surprised that it glints as it does, by rights it should be naught but rust by now. From what little of the heraldry I can make out that armour is from one of Paladin orders too, what do you know of them if you don't mind my asking?'

Whilst the Knight began to answer his questions the two of them arrived at the entrance of a vast castle. There the lady stepped between two guards a white phantasm slipping between the men who stood there in burnished steel and polished leather. As Amon and the Knight approached they continued their conversation. Amon leading the way so that the Knight could bring his horse through without trouble, Amon suddenly found the guards spear's blocking his path.

He looked to each and then with some half whispered words from the Lady who'd told him of King Hagard the guards raised their spears. Amon entered a small courtyard, an old lady a matron or cook by the look of her came bustling out of a door and engaged in a somewhat quiet conversation with the strange lady before addressing Amon and Ser Carver, which was what the Knight had introduced himself as.

“I am Molly, thank you for bringing our Lady Amalthea back safe this evening,” she said kindly towards them. “Who might you be?”

Amon brought his hands together in front of him and bowed his head to Molly as was traditional in his home country when welcomed inside someone else's home. 'It was our pleasure good lady. I am Amon, Scholar, Interpreter and Traveller. I have come seeking an audience with your lord to inquire about potential employment. And this' he continued presenting Ser Carver 'Is the Knight Ser Carver, he too seeks an audience with your lord.' Amon bowed and stepped to one side in order that Ser Carver might present himself also.

[Guilty Spark]

Mazen Alurat

---

The mixed aromas of the tavern battered Mazen's delicate senses, but among them was the unexpected scent of something refreshingly inhuman. Like hot coals, his red eyes tracked the girl as she abandoned her seat with a basket of seafood that he found pungent, though most of the humans would likely see the oysters before they smelled them. As she left the tavern his eyes flickered back to the bartender. Seeing nothing worth his time in the man, the dark elf lifted off his stool and bid the humans a silent farewell.

Of all the human kingdoms that Mazen had traversed, this was perhaps the most frail of them. It would be hard to imagine how realm could remain independent if it wasn't so far off from the "great" centers of "civilization." He shook his head, as if to clear it of the inanely human thoughts that clouded his mind. The sun was falling on the horizon as he stepped out of the tavern into the street, his boots not making a whisper on the road of packed dirt. Following his nose, he turned in the direction the child of the sea had headed, catching sight of her but keeping his distance. For now.

[Lady Absinthia]

"An audience? With King Hagard?" Molly half repeated and half questioned in surprise from the tone of her voice as she looked at the two men. No-one dared to come to seek an audience with the king, he was known to be stand-offish and very quick to anger with almost any but the Lady Amalthea.

Molly wondered to herself just what could bring these men to the castle and then she glanced over towards the Lady Amalthea, figuring that if the very sight of the castle had not driven them off her Lady must have intrigued them enough to continue up the path for it was not an easy climb.

"Molly, where am I?" The Lady Amalthea asked absentmindedly as she looked over towards the woman. Molly reached up and gently brushed Amaltheas hair behind her ear and gave her an understanding expression.

"You are outside the castle M'Lady," she said in a kind voice. Molly looked back over to the men. "And we have company."

The Lady Amalthea looked over her shoulder towards the men who had walked with her back to the castle, a gentle flash of her throat occurred as she turned more to face them.

"Oh hello," she said softly in an airy voice as she bowed her head, as if she had never laid eyes on them before.

[Karos]

Amon turned to molly, 'Is it really so rare for the Lord of this castle to accept visitors?' Amon inquired quietly. 'It seems to me that he would be in need of some servants and aides in order to administer to his lands properly at the very least. Perhaps if he is so unwilling to deal with others the hiring of a steward would be a prudent decision? King Hagard is surely a busy man, and my skills would suit me to such matters of administration. At the same time I noticed that the regional guard seems to be lacking, the men seem poorly trained and their motivation seems lacking. Ser Carver would be able to whip the troops into shape for sure, as you can see he is a fine warrior and would be well worth his pay in order to ensure the security of Lord Hagard's lands. Surely your Liege Lord is a man of fine intelligence and logic? I'm certain he will understand the excellence of this suggestion if I were allowed to present it to him.'

Amon paused for just a moment before continuing his conversation with Molly, but he spoke much more quietly this time 'As for the Lady, I feel rude to ask but is she well? Is there an affliction that ails her? I may be able to cure her, she doesn't appear to be quite herself. Of course you know her better than I so I shall bow to your superior knowledge, but my skills as a healer are at your service should you wish of them.'

With this Amon stepped back, he looked to Ser Carver, before looking back to Molly. 'How might we arrange an audience with King Hagard, and where might we stay if he is not yet ready to see us?' he inquired.

[Oxenfree]

Carver nodded at Amon's answers to his questions. "I... see. I am not familiar with this Place of Many Sands, but from your description, I should certainly like to see it some day." He tilted his head. He had never been to such a place, surely? For some reason, he had his doubts. Whoever he'd been before he lost his memory, he must have been remarkably well traveled.

The man's questions caught him off-guard. He knew next to nothing about the armor he was wearing - only that it was his. To hear that it was an artifact was certainly surprising. "Apologies, I forget myself! My name is Ser Carver - if I am of a house, I can no longer recall. I fear you have the advantage of me in your cleverness - all that can be said of my armor is that I have been wearing it ever since I... well, you know, for a great long while. The paladins... I'm not familiar, I'm afraid. Perhaps you could enlighten me with what you know?"

The knight waited patiently as the Lady dealt with the guards, and nodded at Amon's introduction. "It is so. I am a knight errant, seeking to spread the cause of goodness throughout the land - if your King Hagar has any tasks you wish me to complete, it would be my honor to carry them out."

He turned to August and clicked his tongue in a command - Stay, and await me. It would not do to bring the horse into the castle, but Carver did not trust him to obey any stablehand. As far as he had seen, his horse answered to him and him alone; he would remain until Carver returned for him shortly.

The knight smiled again at the lady's greeting. "Hello again, milady. You'll see I have not left you."

Carver coughed loudly at Amon's words. "Apologies, but I am not looking to be hired as a master-at-arms. I do not seek to take up much of your lord's time, my lady Molly - I seek only to serve the cause of righteousness."

[Lady Absinthia]

"Oh I will arrange a meeting, if anything it should be very entertaining," Molly chuckled slightly before turning her attention back to the Lady Amalthea and patting her hand softly.

"There is no cure for humanity," Molly said as the Lady Amalthea watched Ser Carver closely and gave him a faint smile. Molly grinned seeing the change in her Ladys expression, it was a rare sight and Amaltheas small smile was heart warming and brilliant as the suns rise cresting over the winter sea. Molly looked over towards Ser Carver.

"There is nothing righteous here; save her," Molly said as she wrapped an arm around the Lady Amalthea and began to lead her inside the castle.

"Stables are over there and then you can join me in the main hall, I need to get M'Lady inside. Come on Lady Amalthea, let us get you settled," Molly said as she lead her.

Inside the castle was as dreary and forlorn as the outside and then some. It seemed the castle had not been built but merely carved from the cliff side. Sweeping rough arch ways and jagged edges climbed the walls. Spider webs and dust seemed to cover most everything but the floors.

Molly took the old worn cloak from around the Lady Amaltheas shoulders and revealed the full length of her gown beneath it. Her bare shoulders held perfect posture and her thin frame was covered in light lilac silk that flowed to the floor. The Lady Amalthea wandered off towards the stairs and began to climb them, with the removal of the cloak her gracefulness seemed to increase; as if the very fabric had been hindering her movements.

Molly watched her until she was out of sight at the top of the stairs before turning back to Amon and Ser Carver. "I will arrange an audience but I must warn you, hold your tongue before the King. Do not let it get you into trouble."

[Karos]

Amon smiled at Molly's words, despite her laughter he felt confident that his ability with rhetoric should secure him at least some temporary employment. Hopefully it would maintain him until he could discern the content of his first vision, and why Ser Carver and Lady Amalthea were significant in the skeins of fate.

Amon heard Lady Amalthea's words, he processed them slowly, and made another mental note to look more into such matters later.

After Molly had finished speaking to Carver, Amon walked over to him. 'Carver, you wish to serve do you not? To spread righteousness, what better way than to teach others? The guards here would be better able to defend the innocent people's of this land after a few weeks of your tutelage, and no doubt you could lead them in all sorts of expeditions to rid this locality of its horrors. Don't you worry my friend I don't seek to shackle you here, but surely you can see the troops here are in dire need of training. I would undertake the task myself but I can tell that you are a better swordsmen then I.' With that Amon paused and waited for Carver to put August in the stables.

After that he followed Molly through into the entrance way of the castle, he was quick to note that it was in a state of relative disrepair. Amon's mind already began to work out how he might organise various workers to revive the castle, an old habit from his formative years as a slave. Molly then addressed Amon and Ser Carver

"I will arrange an audience but I must warn you, hold your tongue before the King. Do not let it get you into trouble."

Amon smiled at these words, he'd dealt with all sorts of nobles. He was familiar with this type of ruler and began to work out how best he might address him. He looked over at Ser Carver who seemed to be unfazed by Molly's statement. Amon turned to his new friend and said 'Would you be happy if I spoke on the behalf of both of us my friend? I do not know how familiar you are with the finer intricacies of noble speech but they are very familiar to me. I have had many audiences such as these and have yet to loose my head, something that was quite common in my homeland.' Amon smiled at Ser Carver and Molly and followed them into the great hall. 'Perhaps Ser Carver we should discuss our audience over a light meal?' Amon turned to Molly and handed her two gold pieces 'For any inconveniences we have caused you or may cause my lady.'

[Avanhelsing]

Usually Wally would be okay with just sitting around and doing his thing. He would be fine with just watching the peasants. They had so many stories to tell anyone who would listen to them. There was just one problem. Wally was not here for peasant gossip. He was here to get intelligence on King Hagard and the surrounding area.

So of course there was only one real way to do that and it was to break into the castle. It was what he did best. SO Wally quickly traded places with the other bartender and wandered out of the tavern towards his hiding place. Wally grabbed his gear and quickly pulled on his cloak and other things he would need to break in. So he decided to use the side of the cliff. Course any guard who would look could see him. So he was moving slowly and visibly.

Wally ran up the path towards the castle. Wally never needed an audience when he could just climb the wall and get over it. Wally scaled up one side as he threw his grappling hook over the top and shimmied up the side of the building from the cliff side. This was not easy at all and one mistake and the guards would see him. There was something unnatural about this place. Like that carnival he had stolen from awhile ago.

[PM]

@Hawlin

From the corner of her eye, Ein watched as the stranger quickened their pace and moved around the side of her cart, a pleasant smile still spread over her face. She wasn’t entirely sure what it was they mumbled while they poked around at her things, but made no move to stop them from snooping. After all, she had nothing worth hiding. Slowly, Ein turned to face ahead again, listening contently to the stranger mumble in what she guessed was their native tongue.

A sharp intake of air had the brunette turning back to the stranger in time to watch them release the breath with a sigh and, before she could question the sound, flip up their visor. Ein’s expression remained calm but smiling as she was now faced with piercing blue eyes and a soft, feminine face. She noted very briefly that the color reminded her of a midday sky. At the tilt of the strangers head and raised eyebrow, Ein simply shrugged, believing her question on banditry to be well warranted, given the time and place.

"Luckily no" the woman replied. "Today I am en efficacious associate"

With that question now answered, Ein made no wary movement when the stranger stepped over to walk beside her, instead flashing her a friendlier smile and continuing her leisurely cart pulling. She kept her direction slightly rounded enough so that she lead herself and the stranger in a circular motion, still intent on avoiding her home. She listened silently while the woman retold the fate of her previous group, and then the subsequent ‘undoing’ of the bandits thereafter. Had it been anyone else, Ein might have offered them an empathetic look, but the uncaring tone that the other woman used left her feeling like it was unneeded.

"If I may help vith your cart?"

The question caught the brunette a bit off guard, though all that showed as a slight tilt of her head as she looked back over to the woman, expression unreadable for only a moment before she smiled again.

“That’s a kind offer, but I’ll have to decline.” Ein responded politely. “It would be in poor judgement to trust a stranger with my wares.” Her tone was light and teasing, despite the truth in the statement. She didn’t miss the obvious gesture towards her saber, which made her smile more sheepishly.

“Ah- a precaution, you see.” Ein replied after a moment. “You never know when a bandit might decide they want to steal a bouquet of flowers.” Her tone was unconvincingly innocent, “or just the flower girls head.” She chuckled a bit at her own morbid joke. Another short moment of silence passed by them then, which Ein used to note how low the sun was beginning to fall now. Navigating these forests with her cart in toe would be even more difficult in the dark. Perhaps risking her homes location would be worth the avoidance of aimlessly wandering around with a stranger all night. Her face fell a bit while she contemplated the idea, but after a familiar grumble from her stomach, she finally relented and slowly began to turn towards home again. Caution be damned when she felt hungry. If the worse were to happen, then she could easily outrun someone in such heavy armor.

“Do you like stew?” Ein inquired quite abruptly, not bothering to face the stranger now while she walked. The fact that she would likely be bringing a guest home now was quick to settle in her mind, which now only left common manners to attend to.

[Hawlin]

@PM
Niceties of company aside, there was always one simple request that always come too late for those that the Knight affiliated themselves with. The cautious sort that the girl claimed to be had made numerous flaws that wouldn't dissuade the least violent idiot, her demeanor was so pleasant and welcoming that the sarcasm danced in tandem with Kaite's demons. It was nothing to lose her grip over, although the 'innocent and coy' act was glaring in ways that made the Black Knight hesitate a step to regain distance so they wouldn't be tempted to do something silly like attack an unarmed girl for being unable to make up her mind.

Kaitra reached a hand under her helmet to do her best to rub her temples, "A fair point" she sighed, making judgments and deductions about the woman with the passing moments. If Kaitra had been wrong and the girl simply lived in the middle of nowhere, of course they'd have no clue who she was. The knight's heart sunk slightly, pushed back up with a dark force which time and time again had put her back on her feet when she thought the next step couldn't bear her weight.

I mean, it's not like I could go to town to get provisions if I needed to. If everyone knew the rules, then I'd surely starve...The curiousness was in how many lives such a fate could potentially save-hhhrrn...Or harm? I mean, it's not like I've done so much more good than harm. The merchants with their asking what I want. It was always so close. Technicalities kept me from speaking once the hunt was on and...I guess call me weird, but I knew what I was doing as long as there was no reason to feel threatened. I would rather weird-it-up on the first unguarded stranger in weeks that didn't try something than dick around in a thicket, trancing over the faces of people who didn't deserve my steel.

She blinked out of her thoughts at the mention of stew. "I haf fresh provisions if you vould allow me to...hrm..." her sentence halted, convinced that helping wasn't worth pushing for. In truth, it was difficult for Kaite to read the girl beyond the nonsense they were fed with being led on a winding path to nothing in Kaite's forest. As far as the knight knew, the girl thought she was a dunce with no experience in these parts...but that was hopefully the paranoia talking. Her voice began again after a moment of silence, accompanied by the jingling of coins as Kaite counter her gains. "I cannot go into town, alone...iz suspicious" she spoke in a serious tone, doing their best to drop their visor to hide their expressions, "Ehn I can pay you quite vell to let me stay for even just ze night. Zeh dirt unt stones pale to the simplest of roofs over mein head. Ehn...hrm...no, zeht vould be enough."
She hummed a soft sigh as she finished counting. Kaite's disappointment wasn't in her inability to carry her word with gold, but quite the opposite. The coins weighed heavily on her soul and she wanted to be rid of as much of the small fortune as she could. It was by choice that she didn't know how much she had, exactly, since every cent belonged to corpses left to rot by her hand. The murders were like a bad addiction she couldn't control. It was such a slippery slope that sometimes all it took was a passing glance of disgust to set her off. In this, the pleasantness of the girl was refreshing. Again, it wasn't so much that Kaite had a problem with sleeping in the woods, however tempting a weekend stay in a VIP suite worth of gold was to butter up her intended host to ask if she could fix herself a bath at the very least, but that the money wasn't worth its weight and the idea of sharing a meal with someone who wasn't being held at knife-point...

Fortune smiles on those who do not recognize the ebony glint. Kaitra simply wished to be a 'gentlemanly' guest somewhere away from accusing eyes.

[Lady Absinthia]

The guards turned and watched the exchange between the new comers and Molly. One of them arching a brow deeply. They had not had anyone dare come towards the castle in sometime and now there were two right there following the Lady Amalthea and she even seemed to welcome them in some distant manner.

One guard glanced over towards the other before he spoke in a hushed voice that would ensure that his words would only be heard by his comrade in arms.

"Stupid or ignorant?" the one guard asked.

"Ignorant, they are not from these lands, they will learn soon enough," the other replied. "Arrogance or a naive heart will be their downfall."

"And what of the smile on our Ladys lips?"

"Have not seen such since Prince Leer, May he rest in peace," he said before lowering his head in respect.

Their exchange had given Wally an opportunity to be able to sneak passed them unnoticed but some loose rock that fell quickly brought them back to attention even though they played it off as just the crumbling of an old castle.

[Oxenfree]

Carver scratched the back of his head in confusion as he led August in the direction of the stables. "Train them... I hadn't thought of that sort of thing..." The idea seemed alien to Carver. As Amon put it, it was the sort of noble thing he should be doing - helping people help themselves. Perhaps it would be worth considering. "We shall see."

Taking August to the stables took but a moment, and he returned to the warning of Molly about the king. This caused him some amount of concern - he'd heard nothing good about this man so far. The knight would have to judge for himself, but so far he sounded like a tyrant; the sort to be removed from power rather than obeyed.

Amon had offered to speak for him, and discuss the audience over the meal. "This is a fine offer, friend. You seem to have the advantage of me in the application of your speech, and I would be glad to have you present my case in my stead." The knight leaned in closer, so his words would be audible only to his companion."Though... perhaps we should have this meal, and this discussion, sooner rather than later? I confess, I am ill at ease with things."

[Lady Absinthia]

Molly looked at them and nodded slightly before she placed the Lady Amaltheas cloak up to hang off a sharp jutting of stone from the wall. Pushing her hair back she glanced towards the top of the stairs and wondered to herself for a time before turning back to Amon and Ser Carver.

"Yes, let me finish preparing the evening meal. You should be able to speak with the king come morning. He will be occupied this evening," she remarked as she wiped her hands on the tattered apron which hung around her waist.

"You will forgive me, but we have no dining hall for guests, you are welcome to eat in the kitchen," she said in a remorseful voice. "After which I can show you to some quarters for the evening unless you would rather return to the village to dine and rest there."

[Karos]

Revoked, is there a way to delete this?

Amon looked to his friend, his unease was not unfounded though Amon seemed more capable of hiding his discomfort. 'A wise plan Carver' Amon began but then Molly returned inviting them through to the kitchen for supper.

Amon followed after Molly, letting Carver walk behind him. Amon felt safer with the knight at his back, it was always better to have friends he had found. Amon took a seat with Ser Carver whilst they waited for Molly to finish cooking, not wanting to do discuss secret matters with strangers present, Amon decided to strike up the conversation they'd been having before entering the castle. 'So my friend I believe I was telling you about that fine armour you're wearing was I not? 'Tis an ancient thing to be sure, especially if it is from the Paladin Orders as I suspect. They were an ancient order of warrior knights bound to the service of Kallen's people, who were by their nature a peaceful people. Being so peaceful however, they soon became the target of less savoury types. But as they were beset, a warrior in white armour appeared in their midst. He held a flaming sword in one hand and smote the various enemies around him, or that's how the myth goes.' Amon smiled and chuckled slightly 'personally I don't think that part to be too ridiculous, the account only mentions fighting brigands hardly a challenge for a knight. Things get strange though, when they start mentioning an angelic host that accompanied the warrior. Anyway the story then says that he stayed amongst them for a few short years and taught those who were the most pious, brave and resourceful the ways of chivalry. From these initiates sprung the first Paladin order, who forged armour and weapons in the image of their saviour. Your armour bears a striking resemblance to the images of seen of the saviour of Kellen, so it is more than likely wrought by the hands of the Paladins of long ago. You should be honoured, it was said that such armour would only shield the virtuous, and that whilst the wearer trod the path of the righteous light he would not come to any harm.' Amon paused in his tale and smiled at Carver and Molly who had both been listening to the tale.

[Avanhelsing]

Wally looked up as he heard the guards talking about something important. Something about a Prince and outsiders. Usually he would have listened to them but he needed a distraction. He ran across the wall as the rocks fell from where he went. Wally quickly dove in away from the guards line of sight. He stood there looking at the great hall looking building. Most of the guards were looking away from that area, so Wally ran towards the building as he climbed in through one of the windows near the top.

He looked down from one of the beams as he tried to listen in. Before he could do anything, he lost his footing and fell. The only reason that there was not a Wally shaped hole in the ground was that he grabbed one of the tapestries on the wall. It managed to hold his weight as he slid down to the ground. Wally looked up at the collected group before him.

"Well that could have gone better." He said looking over at them. "Uhh... Name's Fletcher." He said sounding unsure. This was not what he had wanted to do. It could have gone better.

[Karos]

Amon turned to the man who had rather artfully just fallen from the ceiling. He turned to Molly and Carver momentarily before wheeling back around to face the individual who had just joined them in such an unorthodox manner.

The figure introduced himself "Well that could have gone better." He said looking over at them. "Uhh... Name's Fletcher." He said sounding unsure. This was not what he had wanted to do. It could have gone better.

Amon stepped towards the figure and drew his sword from its sheath not sure what to make of this figure. Then he suddenly recognised him, his scrying glass seemed to burn within its case. The man who was out of place! He was certain of it, Amon said nothing, but continued to level his sword at the figure not daring to take his eyes from him. 'I've no idea who you are Fletcher' he began, addressing the figure 'But I am inclined to accost you for trying to enter a lord's home in such a manner, 'tis most unbecoming of a gentlemen to resort to such measures.'