Omni5876

Hoseforn’s Academy for Gifted Adventurers

The metal armed lad had been otherwise pulled away to other more fertile pastures to sow….whatever wild oats are. The young dwarf had heard that saying from one of the farmers which had given him a lift and stated that schools such as Hoseforn’s were great for sowing them. The insinuation was lost on the sheltered mind of the cadet however. Arn finished his draught of ale after Finn had also drunk to his health. This insinuation was the least of the pressing conundrums that began to rise in his mind. He had many questions.

The answers did not manifest from the bottom of the mug he was drinking from no matter how convenient it would have been. No longer the center of attention, the cleric in training considered what had transpired. Finn had stated that his uncle, a man who had once been of great renown and which had fallen to neglect due to his dabbling in magic that went beyond the socially accepted practices of shamanism, rune crafting, and to a very small extent the healing magic of a cleric. Why had his uncle chosen to embrace another family?

Something else that baffled him was the whirlwind of emotions that had manifested themselves in his stomach like a maelstrom that threatened to engulf him and sink him to depths of uncertainty. These feelings were the kind of which he had never felt before. Had his father played a part in his uncle’s departure? What exactly had transpired to make such a celebrated figure be so taboo? Would he face the same treatment after his own stay at Hoseforn’s?

At this difficult time in his life, the wise words of his old drill sergeant were like a life preserver in the raging waters of confusion. “When in doubt, stuff your face full of food and mead!”
The table in front of him practically groaned and was filled to the brim with food. The other people at his table started to talk to each other. While the young dwarf still did not know his reason for being at this place among other unknown variables, he figured the best way to attack this issue was to treat his time at Hoseforn’s as a mission. The first thing was to gather information.

His hands reached for the delicious smelling dishes all around him. Dwarves had no social norms or etiquette when it came to feasting. This was evident in the hearty portions and quick disappearance of the food from Arn’s plate. While they were not pigs when it came to eating, they still where not shy in their delight of enjoying food. Indeed, it was actually considered a compliment to the cook when food disappeared from plates and was consumed heartily.

The constant shoveling of food actually helped the dwarf to stay out of the various conversations around him and afforded him the opportunity to really take a look at his table mates. The Dwarves kept just enough tabs on people in regards to military movements and political situations that could translate to said military movements. Apart from that, very few interchanges of culture between nations ever transited across the huge gates of Iron Keep.

This meant that ignorance was a two way streak. He knew very little about those on his table and in turn, those around his table, save probably Finn, knew very little about him and his people. Arn’s eyes delighted on the variety around him as much as his taste buds delighted on the bounty of food.

Taking in every detail he could, he began at one end of the table to his right and swept it towards the left making sure to commit to memory as much detail as he could of the people fate had managed to sit around him. He began with the water soaked girl who had commented on Finn’s metal arm. At the time, Arn had only slightly nodded in her direction.

"Rune magic? Runecrafting and regular crafting really do go great together."
He remembered her comment and while not blatantly staring he took in her sight really looking at her for the first time. She was very well put together. Slender frame and riged, almost bark looking tan skin made her look like a pretty flower come to life. While dwarves did not really have a type of woman in general, they were not blind and appreciated the physiology of other races if nothing more. Kyera was attractive for sure and it did the young cleric no harm in acknowledging that.

His face shifted to the left as his hand picked up piece of bread which he dipped in what looked like hearty stew and then lifted the soaking morsel to his mouth. The young cadet appraised his so called cousin and the two girls who sat opposite of him. The pink haired, fluffy tailed girl with big almost bunny ears was for sure eye catching. He had never seen anything like her before. Not in the limited amount of books that was available to him. Basedon the reactions of others at the table, the purple skinned, spectacled horned Anisel specifically, the dwarf inferred that Selene was not a common sight.

An almost inconceivable smile quickly fluttered along his lips but he hid it behind a mug of ale. While he did not necessarily have anything against mages, he enjoyed the banter between the human Ixus, whom he recognized as having been the one to get bumped upon his arrival, and Anise. The blonde haired Calven seemed to be a child trapped in a grown up body. Apparently, Arn was not the only one who did not fully appreciate the boy’s bubbly demeanor.

His ears caught more than he intended from the trio to his left. “Our own persons, by our own efforts,” Arn digested the saying Finn had offered the lass named Valeria. The girl had light hair matching that of his so called cousin and looked very much human. However, the hue of her skin led the observant cadet to bet there was more to the delicate porcelain like face. To a dwarf, family was first and foremost. The honor of the clan needed to be upheld over your own desires. Unknown to Arn, this was the reason why Krum had fallen to whispers. He had pursued a passion and neglected his rightful place as the heir to the StoneHammer clan. Indeed, the young cleric was only at the school to add the necessary skills of being a battle field medic. In this way enchance his own honor and by association, that of the clan.

The sweet dulcimer like voice of the lady directly in front demanded his attention as he gulped down a hearty helping of sweet roasted ham. ”Meh I’m only in this for the money…”
The cleric raised an eyebrow in a mixture of agreement and denial of that statement. It was almost a dwarven trait to pursue riches and glory. However, very few did so as adventurers. Lorelai intrigued the young cadet. Not only because she was very exotic but also because she gave off an air of self-assured deadliness that made a few hairs on his back shiver. He was not necessarily afraid but for a dwarf who had been raised all his life in battle, reading your enemy’s battle ability was a skill that was pounded into you quite literally.

He was surprised how much complete strangers were willing to disclose to each other. While emotionally speaking, this opened up conversation and fostered friendships. Logically, it was beyond the dwarf’s understanding. However, this did not stop him from gathering any and all data.

"Just how far could these cases span over Ealinata...?"
He stopped mid chew as the conversation turned away from magic aptitude, mythical progeny, and other mundane subjects to actual practical concerns. While the dwarves did little to react to the woes of the rest of the world, even the Iron Keep had experienced a certain increase in patrols and the feeling of some underying danger could be felt in the upper echelons of leadership. Of course, as a lowly foot soldier, Arn was not privy to information that could be useful. Not tht he would disclose any information as readily as his fellow students were doing. Instead, he kept his peace and kept chewing.

"So in other words, we really don't know anything do we..."

Arn grunted as the food trying to go down his gullet and the chuckle that tried to escape it collided. He coughed with his mouth closed and grabbed his mug of Ale to help the invading food to wash down. Knowing full well that his near choking would bring attention to himself, he decided to get in front of the awkward moment by tackling the bull by the horns and also introduce himself as politeness dictated.

He cleared his throat as he stood up to his full 5 foot height and in a clear voice proclaimed. “I have had the pleasure of meeting some of you already.” He nodded to Cal and Finn. “I would like to introduce myself to the rest of you here. I am Arn second son of Thur of the HammerStone clan. Proud vassals and banner men to the BattleHammer clan, protectors of the Iron Keep. It is a pleasure and honor to make your acquaintance.” With that he gave a sweeping dignified bow to all on the table and promptly plopped down.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

@vancexentan sure man do your thang. I will be here like I said. hope you get top marks.

Hoseforn’s Academy for Gifted Adventurers

Arn had finally started to release his death grip upon himself that was leaving his knuckles white and the back of his hands red. When the bow wielding white haired lad asked something than never in his life the dwarf would think he would hear outside the hushed whispers of the Iron Keep Halls.

"Excuse me, you did just say your Arn HammerStone? Are you related to Krum HammerStone?”

The young Cleric lost all his composure. He snapped his head in the direction of the young bowman so fast that his speed would have broken his neck had it not been resting on a properly muscled roped neck of a dwarf who had been training for almost 50 years as a cadet. His already big eyes extended greedily across his face occupying more real estate in an effort to visually understand how the name of his estranged uncle could be proceeding from a human lad.

Back in the deep halls of the mountain kingdom few spoke the name of the once celebrated blacksmith. Those who did, spoke in an negative tone. Not out of disrespect, but out of pity and shame. Two words that should never be linked to a dwarf that wanted their names to be sung in glory in the Ale houses of the kingdom.

Arn had never met his uncle, having not even been born when the man left the close knit dwarven community. He had only learned bits and pieces from hearsay and small talks he had with his mother. His father would never speak of him and while he did not openly renounce his brother, it was clear that the memory of the once famous warrior was not welcomed in the HammerStone clan.

The young Cadet uttered an almost babbling “What.. HO.... How…?” The obvious disbelief and total shock in his voice readily apparent to any one within ear shot or paying attention. His current behavior would have been quite and affront to his military training and stoic people.

Indeed, his drill sergeant often said. “Control your emotions, surprise is like getting caught with your pants down…it makes it easy to get Fucked!”

The fates seem to be smiling upon the young dwarf. A distraction came in the shape of an accidentally tail swipe given by the strange, yet enthralling, fox girl whom Arn had tried to analyze via his peripheral vision. The timely arrival of two demon looking individuals and an interesting colored haired girl to their table, coupled with the good natured teasing of the curiously tinted pleasing silver haired girl at the end of the table, allowed Arn to calm himself and gather his wits about him.

As if this obvious hand of luck was not enough, the appearance and sudden commanded silence of the entire hall as a group of eye catching individuals further diverted attention from the erring dwarf. He silently thanked the fates and hoped that this great amount of luck would not negatively affect him in the back draft.

It was almost evident how he neatly packed his emotions back in order as efficiently as he packed his ruck sack for a long march. The stoic face that he presented to the world appeared once more on his face and his hands once again interlocked like the gates of Iron Gate Fort.

The young dwarf waited patiently as some food and introductions went around. Once he had the full attention of the white haired bowman again he proclaimed clearly. “Please excuse my sudden outburst. Krum HammerStone is my uncle. Please forgive my forwardness but If I may, how do you know that name?”

Finn was smiling at Selana as she finished introducing herself, Valencia and himself. She was really pushing herself out of her comfort zone. He glanced back to Arn as he got his attention once again. Being formal with him. He smiled at the dwarf and said, "Well that would mean we are cousins. Because I call him Uncle as well. My father and he are close friends, and he spent some time with us over the last four years." He paused to give the dwarf a moment to let the confusion set in. Before pulling back his left sleeve. Revealing the ghostly glow of the core of his prosthetic. "Where he made and has adjusted this for me."

A sudden wave of jealousy and cryptic anger swept over the dwarf, the origin unknown.

Cousins? How could a human be considered family? Had his uncle gone as far as to mate and form a family with a human? If so, were there other cousins unknown to him in the world? Why had his uncle preferred the company of humans over that of his own flesh and blood?

Arn’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Thankfully, other than a slight twitch to his left eye and the tightening of his hands, not much was revealed. His voice was controlled as he hoped to ask the questions that flashed in his brain in a more proper way.

When the young man showed him the prosthetic his mind raced even more with questions that threatened to make the young dwarf almost faint. However, thanks to his strong mental fortitude instead Arn was able to produce a forced. “That is very interesting. He made this?” His tone was tinted with disbelief but with hope and wonder.

Finn's smile faded slightly, as the Dwarf barely moved a muscle. Not even seeming excited at the prospect that in this vast world, they knew the same man. Krum mentioned a falling out with his brother before. Perhaps Krum's brother had a larger influence on his son's outlook on his uncle. Or perhaps it was the cousins comment. Humans never did get along with Dwarves... perhaps dwarves had the same feelings towards humans? When he asked if he did make this he tilted his head to the side, glancing at the table he grabbed a fork with his left hand and spun it between his fingertips as easily as one would with real fingers. "Indeed he did. He also made my leg as well." He added with a smile. Pulling his pant leg up enough to see the blue glow of the core just above the boot. "Also excuse me for calling you cousin. I just grew close with the man, he's gruff and ornery at first. But a good man. Just don't break any of his creations...." He said with a chuckle...suddenly feeling old bruises long gone pop up on the back of his head from a head smack from the few times he did break one or both of them.

Arn’s eyes were glued to the arm first and the leg second as the archer showed him the marvelous items. A deep sadness settled in Arn’s soul as he felt cheated from having interacted with a man capable of such wonders. His face remained calm but his eyes briefly showed that slight sadness to the world.

The young cadet gave a slight shake of his head. “No excuse need to be given. You must forgive me. You see, I have never met my uncle.” His eyes went back to the prosthetics. “However, I had heard that he was capable of great works of metallurgy but nothing could have prepared me to witness such a marvelous work. You are very lucky.” He then looked at the young bowman. In the young dwarf’s eyes there was a slight tint of sadness and longing.

As quickly as it appeared it was gone. “Please forgive me. I do not believe I caught your name.”

Finn did catch the hint of sadness in the dwarfs tone and in his eyes. " I'm sorry, I didn't realize you didn't meet him. " He said scratching his ear. When the Dwarf asked his name he answered, "Finn Reinheart. It's a pleasure to meet you Arn Thurson of the Stonehammer clan Vassals of the Battlehammer Clan ." He said offering his left hand for a handshake.

Arn extended his own callused hand and taking the metal forged one. It almost felt as if he was holding his own uncle. For it is said, that a blacksmith pours their very soul into their creations. The young dwarf offered Finn a slight smile as he nodded in deference.

"You honor me and my clan addressing thus. I shall take no further of your time." The young cadet let go of the archer's hand grabin his mug of Ale raised it towards Finn. "To your health." And he took a swig, downing the drink in one gulp. He was going to need a few more of these before he could steady his emotions.

@Aerandir

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

oK, well I am standing by to continue playing

Hoseforn’s Academy for Gifted Adventurers

Arn, ever the cadet, had focused his attention beyond the immediate party at his table, to analyzing those at other adjacent ones. He noticed that the vast majority of the student’s were humans. Which made sense as the race proliferated and reproduced at much faster rates than Dwarves. Non humans were the obvious minority with small pockets sitting close together with those of similar backgrounds or race.

He was just finishing appraising the weapons of a what looked like a some beast men looking group when he heard a sound that made the hairs on his back stand straighter than a phalanx of spears ready to receive a Calvary charge….the clearing of a throat meant to catch your attention before being addressed.

“Hello there, I couldn't help but notice you staring at the empty space in front of you. Here, face us instead,"

The young dwarf’s head swung slowly to this left slower than the Three-ton metal and stone doors of the Iron Keep. Finally, his eyes caught sight of something that made his skin craw under his chain shirt. The eager and smiling face of a blonde lad was looking straight at him. The boy’s eyes bright and expectant made the cleric in training swallow hard.

Arn tightened his interlocking fingers so hard that a lesser race’s skull would have been crushed between them. His mind raced trying to find excuses to avoid interaction. However, there was no possibility for tactical retreat. Especially when the deadly first introductions were fired into him like a cloud of ballista bolts.

"My name is Calven Fallard - but you can call me Cal!" the blond chirped happily before pointing to the magus next to him, "...and this is my lovely roommate Ixius Delthrane! We’re both from the Magus’ Librarium if you’ve heard of it."

The dwarf offered a slight nod to to Cal and in the direction of Ixius. He may abhor the idea of being chummy with strangers but he was still required to show proper etiquette and respect. Keeping the majority of his body taunt and facing forward so that only head was turned in their direction, the dwarf took a deep breath and then produced a properly respectful and polite voice.

“Greetings, I am Arn Second son of Thur HammerStone and Vassals to the BattlerHammer clan. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Yes, I have heard of the Librarium.” He immediately snapped his head to the front as if to signify that he had done his social obligation of being polite and that the conversation was over.

As he did so, his heart dropped as yet another new comer showed up. The dwarf started to scan the other tables nearby. He was looking for some sort of dwarven looking body that he could excuse himself to under the premise that he might know them. At least, if there was a dwarven person then they could be quiet together.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

@vancexentan We can continue without Auriel as we had stated and then you can do a mini quest for her. Or we can just put it on pause if you want. Is there any character development we can do in the mean time and we can retcon or if not, we can wait unless you think that we can proceed with the mission ourselves. Either way I am good.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

@Whoami its ok, I completely understand. I think a fulfilling post is better than a rushed one. Also, please take care on your Field EX. Dont get bit by chiggers and ensure to hydrate.

To Claim a Starting World

@Blizz Aw I was about to bring you a wolf thing but I understand. You still 100 in my book

Hoseforn’s Academy for Gifted Adventurers

Arn had followed the crowd of students into the dining hall. He had believed to be early due to the lack of long lines, but the dining hall was so vast that it easily accommodated the students who sat on long tables. He had tried to find a table that was not already being used to sit apart and solitary rather than be coaxed into engaging into conversation.

The dwarf had enjoyed his walk towards the Dining Hall. The school was well suited to house the multitude of students. The grounds sported trees and patches of grass that were gently traversed using the flag stone paths. Benches dotted the paths here and there and small ponds completed the scene of extreme serenity. Truly a place to focus on training.

While looking at the map he also noticed an area labeled “Training Grounds”. He made a mental note to visit this in an effort to maintain his physical and weapons training up to date. The Academy boasted many buildings and classrooms. It was not wonder that it held such a reputation for training and producing quality adventurers that would serve rulers and the elite as mercenaries, body guards and sometimes even in their armies.

A thought started to nag at him as he walked. Getting entry into the Academy was very difficult. One had to be of exceptional skill or exceptional wealth. Arn had neither. While it was true that they were vassals of the Battlehammer clan, the patriarch being the cousin to the ruling dynasty for more than six generations, his own StoneHammer clan was nothing more than a small family. They were little more than glorified landowners. Even amongst the bannermen of the Battlehammer clan, his family was medium in power and importance at most.

While it was true that a few members of his family had distinguished themselves amongst the people of Iron Keep, the young cleric was definitely not amongst them. His brother Krev, was a legend amongst the Underdark, or the Beneath as some other races called it. While the legend did not extent much beyond the confines of the great Iron Mountains and the dwarven kingdom, many inside these borders knew the name.

Another well known person was his uncle, Krum of the Silver hand. Now HE was famous and known through out the world as the great Magic Smith. He had devised a method of combining magic and metallurgy to produce prosthetics that almost mimicked the original body parts. Despite this this obvious useful and worthy achievement, many in the dwarven kingdom frowned upon the blatant use of arcane magic.

His own father, Thur, had not spoken to Krum since he left the ancestral home almost 100 years ago. Nor had Krum returned, even after graduating from Hoseforn’s. It was rumored that the Magic Smith had set up shop in some remote location Krum’s wares however, had become highly priced and came at a high price.

Arn hoped to one day be able to set his eyes and study one of these wares. As a cleric, having the ability to make broken men whole and in this manner enhancing the fighting force of Iron Keep was almost a necessity. He needed to do this despite the bad taste in his father’s mouth. Delving so deep in the Arcane was very untoward of an honorable dwarf who relied solely on the strength of his arm.

So here he was, in the Academy his estranged uncle had once attended and which he had no idea how he managed to enter. After all, he had not applied or had the means to enter. This was a matter he needed to figure out. But first, he needed to figure out where to sit.

The cadet was not really shy but his social interaction was limited to either dwarven people who were boisterous and hearty or the military professionalism drilled into him. In situations such as these, he often opted for the latter. This is why after failing to find any spots readily open and been give a few dirty looks from tables filled mainly with humans or mainly with non-humans, for he looked very much like just as short human, he worked up the nerve to approach a table that had the most open seats. Currently it housed two girls and three boys.

He approach from the direction of a white haired lad who was sporting a bow. He stopped a respectable distance to the lad’s side and clearly opened his mouth to efficiently say. “Greetings. Respectfully request to use this seat if it has not been taken yet”. The lad, who seemed to be just slightly taller than him but much more lite, offered a friendly "of course" and pointed to the seat next available seat next to him. His eyes caught something pink from the corner of his eyes and realized he was looking at girl who had long fox ears. The girl smiled and nodded, obviously trying to be friendly but Arn quickly assumed a thousand yard stare posture. He had been graciously allowed to sit and he did so.

So now he was here, sitting with the white haired archer to his right and a blonde haired boy to his left who was really eagerly looking at him. A second mage type (was he the one who had been bumped?) sat to the left of the blonde boy. A silver haired girl and the fox girl sat to the right of the welcoming white haired archer. The young dwarf was trying to make no eye contact, with his hands clasped in front of him and resting rigidly on the table. His back straight and his face stoic. Every now and then he would steal glances at his table mates. He most often looked at the pink haired fox tailed girl. As a Cleric, he was very interested in anatomy and he had never seen or heard of a demi human with fox ears. To be fair, his interaction to the outside world was very limited.

He took long controlled breaths. Hoping that he varied company was enough to deflect any sort of engagement in his direction. After all, why would any care to engage a dwarf who seemed to be content in keeping quiet? The seating arrangement would also enable him to stay in middle ground as it seemed that the two boys knew each other and the two girls and the white haired lad was a trio. Unfortunately, there seemed to still be some space open in front of him. He hoped that the feast would start soon. Dining times at the Fort always meant quiet. Then perhaps there would be some sort of presentation that would further aid his mission of staying in the background.

Jewel of the Skies

Arn had no problem in sharing the bed with the sleeping Eilis. The oversize mattress was more than roomy for him to be basically next to her with his back to the head rest which was padded and more comfortable than the mattresses at the barracks.

Yet despite all this comfort, his soul and body was not ready for rest. It rejected it. His mind was racing down paths and up others so quickly that had he not been sitting he would be dizzy.

To center and anchor himself he recalled the event of the night. His sharp mind analyzed and was able to recreate the scene to almost perfection. The way the dark haired witch looked, attacked, felt in the Aether. The way that her and Eilis had conjured magic almost as if creating it from thin air. His own actions and results of those actions.

He detached his feelings from the situation or he would wake the sleeping lady with his disturbance of the Aether. Even the scenes when the witch hurt her, even the scenes when Eilis hurt Tyrhallan and attempted to hurt him. Even the scene where he had to basically choke the woman he swore to protect.

The battle mage dissected and stored every sliver of information for further study. He was very efficient at this. Few knew but he even could even recall the death of his mother specifically. The way the sooth fell on her face and every second as the fire consumed her….his fire.

He felt the same pit in his heart as he had then. Innocent people had been hurt because he was too weak to defend them. The young girl next to him. He brushed her hair gently with his hand every now and then. Almost as if to ensure she was still alive. Also, as a way to reinforce his connection to her. The other innocent, a man of honor who had done nothing more than be unfortunate at meeting the mage.

Arn still remembered the kind words the man had spoken to him while still bearing a gaping wound. The consequence of the mage keeping his promise and denying the knight information on the danger the girl and any who was around her faced.

“I am a knight and a noble, poor knight would I be if I were to send those in need of help away from our door.” Tyrhallan calmly replied as he made no attempts to stop Arn, instead he reassured him.
“Rest well and rest easy. Have no fear of us for we will not turn you out. I would bring shame upon my family’s name if I were to do so. The Venray family does not shirk its duty for fear of some troubles and inconveniences. So do not worry about it. There is no debt to settle nor payment to fulfil.”

The Knight Captain may not keep tabs or demand repayment but the Master Mage would forever carry a debt that little more than his own life could settle. The ex Captain had demanded an explanation and the mage could not fault him for such a desire. He would hold his side of the bargain and tell as much as he could. However the secret was Eilis to reveal.

His mind wandered back to the sleeping girl at his side. The even rise and fall of her chest in such a peaceful manner made his soul drop even lower. He recalled the taunting truths of the witch regarding the purity of Eilis. He cared not even if he truly believed that the girl was not longer pure. To Arn, she was spotless. What he focused on was the idea of connection.

He began a sort of trance, not truly sleeping but aware enough to sense any danger and be ready to operate should the need arise. In this state, he was able to navigate his own Thread. Via a third eye, he began to slowly discern the different sections of the weave. They glowed, the more magic flowing through them the brighter they were.

Looking down at Eilis he could see her brightness as he remembered it from the hospital ship. She was so pure white that it was almost blinding, like looking at a star with your naked eyes. He forced himself past that enjoying the feeling of her energy. Suddenly, he noticed them, slithering dark tendrils that lustfully clung to her thread.

They seemed to be crawling on her Thread, almost as if part of it but not. This would prove to be an issue if clearing needed to be performed. Also, not understanding the nature of the actual magic performed and how the bonds intertwined with her made the procedure very dangerous. He would have to study it more and research any available data.

He felt the tiny change in her Thread and came out of his trance just as she called his name.
“Arn…”

His hand moved to brush her hair. “I am here” he said softly. As he positioned himself, almost laying down sideways so he could look down at her and staring into her eyes. His gaze was searching, trying to see if any semblance of the dark Eilis remained. All he found was the eyes of the girl who he had met in that hospital ship.

“I’m sorry…”
He frowned. There was no reason that could come to his mind as to why she should be apologizing. But before he could say anything she continued. Her tone of voice hurt him more than the words she was saying.

"I…hope I still…will you forgive me?”
He shook his head. Thinking quickly that she may misunderstand this motion he quickly added. “Eilis, there is nothing to forgive.” He must have spoken too softly because she continued.

“I…I know I am probably past that point, having squandered your good will.” She started. “And I would understand that you would want to send me away after all of that…but for my own heart sake I must ask. Will you forgive me?”

Arn pursed his lips at the foolishness of his protegee. He used one of his hands and gently using his fingers to lift her head to look back up at him he gave her the most tender look that even he taught possible. His voice was soft and reassuring. The full conviction of his words clear in the tone he spoke. “There is nothing to forgive. Indeed, I should be asking you to forgive me. I promised you would not need to fear your pursuers and yet under my very nose you were assailed.” It was his turn to avert his eyes but he steeled himself and continued. “I will say, your secret did surprise me. Perhaps it should be you who should be protecting me.” This time he offered her a smile.

“There is nothing to forgive.” He said again as if he wanted to drive the point forward. “I must say that you are full of mystery.” His tone changed to one of awe and longing. He quickly reined it back to a calm and reassuring one. “Nothing has changed. You are still under my protection and we both are under Knight Captain Tyrhallan’s.”

Trying to cut off any dismay she had he put a finger gently on her soft lips. “Before you say anything, no one blames you for last night. But there are many questions. I will honor my promise to you but I do feel that we all could be better prepared if you could and desire to share the full story with us.” He again looked assertively into her yes. “Only if you wish.” He straightened up and his voice because a bit more business like.

“Now, are you hurt? I cleaned your cut and bruises but I dared not invade your privacy searching further.” He said embarrassedly implying he did not search her fully.