[font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif]The tavern wasn’t the ideal place to be, but needs must. Aoife was bitter that her quiet solitude had been so rudely interrupted, but no, Mikael had to just turn up. Four caravans she had met, four she had saved from demise. Did people ever learn? After the fourth offered a ride to the nearest village, Leaf accepted taking a spot on the last cart at the end, away from curious eyes and incessant questions. Her surname was not mentioned, only her first and the obvious fact she was well acquainted with dealing and putting down ruffians that preyed the road. Fucking bandits. [/font][/font][/font][/font]
[font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif]As thanks the leader of the group had treated her to a few ales, Leaf protesting at first but was now on her second after much urging. Korr licked, purred in her mind and while the demon said nothing, Leaf maintained a degree of alertness. Khali lay half under the table the mage was sat, nose between her paws the mabari quietly watched the room and over her mistress. If anyone but the leader approached the battle-wearied Champion the hound would rise, silently stare down those who dare try to disturb her and quietly sink back to her previous spot. [/font][/font][/font][/font]
[font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif]Relaxing into her seat, Hawke would ponder over her next move. Going back to her hideaway was no longer an option. Mikael would return if she didn’t show face, check in. This was why she should have been born first, as eldest then she could do as she fucking pleased. Casting an eye to Khali, Leaf would quietly sigh, [color=#44b8ff][font=UDF, serif]“Should’ve dropped him down that mine shaft in Darktown when I had the chance Kal…”[/font][/color] Why did she have to involve herself with these fools again? And without so much as a beat she could hear her brother chime in, “because they are innocent people, like them in Lothering”. [/font][/font][/font][/font]
[font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif][font=UDF, serif]Fucking idiots that’s what they were. [/font][/font][/font][/font]
He left miles of space behind as he traveled to the free marches. His muscles are all too heavy for him to stand, but he manages to present himself well within the establishment. His dried lips could be seen from afar even with his hood on; he couldn't even stand without his stave. A slight itch in the man's throat, a distracting desire to stop what he was doing and find something to drink. Water... he claimed, barely able to speak, as he sat down and threw what little he had at the counter.
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When he is finally able to sit, his eyes become heavy, a result of pushing himself more than he is used to. Even he isn't sure how he is still awake, let alone alive. A tear falls down his cheek, but he quickly wipes it away. It hadn't been an easy couple of years, but he knew exactly how to push it all back. For some, it was an act colder than winter, but it was simply his way of staying in the moment. Allowing his mind to travel too far into the past may cause him to be unable to return. As he waited for his drink, his legs shook up and down in a loop. Wa- he tried to call out to the bartender, but his vocal cords had dried out and the bar appeared to be full.
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He desperately searched the bar for a distraction, as he reached for some semblance of sanity. But he is afraid that if he moves even slightly, he will fall out of his seat, so he relies on his hearing instead. He inhaled and exhaled deliberately for concentration as voices and songs helped him go where his feet couldn't. Lively… His lone response to the flurry of shatter and color that erupted all around him. He even started to laugh a little, but quickly stopped himself lest he pass out from laughter.
From her seat, she could see the door and remain unnoticed. She was about to take another sip when he came in, the heaviness in his stride a dead giveaway to the exhausted body. Aoife took a deep pull of her pint, intending on ignoring the newcomer to the busy tavern. Khali, however, perked her head up from between her front paws. The black nose of the mabari sniffed the air, cheeks puffing as a familiarity seemed to carry within a new scent. She’d warble at her mistress, seeking permission to investigate this person, earning her a narrowed stare from the mage. [color=#1e92f7]“Don’t,”[/color] Leaf would warn, knowing full well a follow up whine was going to hum out of the hound's throat. Eyes squinted even more before a frustrated groan spilled from the mage, accompanied by a nod. [color=#1e92f7]“Go.”[/color]
Padding through the crowd, Kahli tracked the scent towards the bar and a newly filled stool. Pressing her nose into the man’s leg, the mabari waited, intelligent eyes scanning over the poor, weary soul. A concerned whine let out and with a loud bark, she alerted her mistress to the situation. Kahli shifted between her feet, worry mounting with every passing moment Leaf had not reached them. Again she’d bark, this time more incessantly and settling into a low whine as the man swayed in his seat. A tired Aoife would finally find her way over to them, eyes curbed on Kahli,[color=#1e92f7] “What is it?”[/color] she gave the hooded figure a passing glance. Well, he looked like shit, but who didn’t in this mad world currently?[color=#1e92f7] “What Kahli? He’s not our problem.”[/color] Shaking her head, Leaf would begin to turn away, but was stalled by a sharp growl from the mabari.[color=#1e92f7] “Hey, you picked me, remember? I didn’t ask you to come along.” [/color]
Azure eyes flickered over the pitching figure once again, Mikael’s words coming back to her mind. Honestly? Fine. The least she could do was see that he wasn’t a walking corpse she supposed. With a deep breath, Leaf sighed and stepped forward, calling the barman’s attention with a slam of her hand onto the bartop. [color=#1e92f7]“Water and an owed pint, barkeep. Make it snappy on the water,”[/color] a thumb gestured to the slumped form next to her,[color=#1e92f7] “Got a bench or something we can lay this one down on, preferably before he falls off and cracks his head open?”[/color] Yes. Let’s avoid having brains being dashed across the slabbed floor, especially at the bar.
[font=Times New Roman]His gaze snaps open as he feels the hound sniff him up, his mind at a loss as to the sounds he heard around him. A strange creature distracted him from his concentration. When he did notice it, however, he lacked the strength to care for it and instead ignored it. As he waited for the bartender, his breathing became heavier. He didn't have the energy to try again. It's unfortunate that after going through so much, it all comes to an end here. This idea, this way of thinking did not sit well with him. He gripped his hands so tightly that they were almost tearing through his own flesh. He did everything he could to get the attention he desperately needed. Built-up emotions overwhelm his mind and manifest true magic. His body became feverish, and his eyes burned as they briefly blazed with light.[/font]
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[font=Times New Roman]Is it pity or kindness? Pity is always looking down in acknowledgement and moral responsibility. Kindness, on the other hand, looks down and lifts the injured. Was the stranger there for herself or out of genuine concern? He was too exhausted to care. He was just thankful she intervened because he had no idea what would have happened if she hadn't. He managed to regain some composure after his eyes flashed out of brilliance, after she called out to the bartender. If true courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the refusal to allow fear to control your actions. Then he was afraid of fear itself. He needed to maintain a hold of himself. Back in the circle tower, he cried every time he accidentally lost sway of his gifts. Such was his resolve to master and rule over his magic. So, when he almost lost it at the tavern, his eyes naturally watered. He averted his gaze, tears welling up in his eyes, feeling vulnerable. He did this to avoid being perceived as easily walked over. [/font]
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[font=Times New Roman]Th-thanks... he stuttered. It was only fair to say as much, after all, she had done more than she realized. He does, however, wonder what the cost of such generosity would be. He reached into his pockets, attempting to draw something from them, but nothing came out. He made an effort to demonstrate and warn her that he had no means of repaying her.[/font]
Looking back at the half-comatose body, slumped into the stool, Leaf’s frown deepened to a scowl. He didn’t look or sound a bit well.
[color=#44b8ff]“We need a bench, now.”[/color] The words muttered mostly to herself. Turning around, Leaf would gesture to Khali with a jut of her chin to the nearest table. The mabari wasted no time, growling threateningly at the occupants surrounding it, all eyes turning to the tan hound who’s hackles and teeth were now bared on them. She pounced onto the table knocking tankards and such over and off, snarling but never snapping at the vacating patrons. Aoife reached for the figure masquerading as an abled person, hoisting them up under his arms, [color=#44b8ff]“C’mon kid,”[/color] laying him down on the table. The mabari took a spot as a watchful guard, keeping nosy patrons at a distance with a low growl if they drew too close.
Hawke wasn’t a healer. She had some skills in patching herself and minor things, but if this was more serious she’d have to ask around. Leaving him only to retrieve the glass, Leaf sat him up a little to take some water. [color=#44b8ff]“Easy now. Take your time. I’m going to channel some magic into you, it’ll give you some relief, promise.” [/color]Her eyes observed him as her hands took one of his, one wrapping around his wrist which the other palmed against his. A moment later a warm glow surrounded their joined hands, the comforting lull of healing and some restorative energy cast into his exhausted, ailing body.
[color=#44b8ff]“So..,” [/color]she began, letting the spell continue for a time, [color=#44b8ff]“you seem.. desperate.”[/color] Ever the blunt twin, though the meaning of her words were open for interpretation. He could’ve been simply fleeing the fighting, the spawn, or, the law, in which case Hawke was well versed in understanding and often avoiding completely, or frankly, handling it herself. What kind of desperate was he? Innocent or villainous?
Some people are really good at pretending to be fine when they aren't. He is usually as well; he enjoys pretending. Because when most of them believed he was fine, he would occasionally forget that he wasn't. Not for a lack of trying, but he appeared to be a novice who'd been lying about his current condition. He blabbered on despite nearly falling off his feet. Some might consider him a drunk, but he hadn't had a single drink. You know what! Maybe I am not feeling so hot… he meant to say, but his exhaustion was too much for him, and what came out were fragments of phrases, nonsense at this point.
Everything went dark as his eyes rolled back. Her words seemed distant as if they were coming from above the surface of the sea. Instead, he slowly descended into the metaphorical dark waters. Her voice was almost non-existent, but it was enough for him to cling to, and he swims back to his senses, waking up in her arms. As he slugged it with excitement, the taste of glass and refreshing water ran its own course through his throat. After being energized by the drink, he is finally able to speak normally. He tried to reach out to her, but his body ached in agony. He was too exhausted to notice, but he appears to have some cuts and bruises.
A warmth followed her voice, and it was as if he had awakened for the first time. Her gaze locked with his, and an overwhelming feeling swept over him. Had he grown accustomed to the absence of such emotion to the point of not recognizing it? No, his body still remembers, it remembers what it feels like to be safe. He hadn't met anyone like that since the circle, someone who made him feel safe enough to be himself. Still, he dared to hope. Perhaps, as he responded to her, he stuttered. His face recuperated some of its former colors.
With the aid of magic, he regained his strength. However, it may be some time before he is fully recovered. I apologize... he said insecurely, his gaze averting from hers. [color=#666666]"She has pretty eyes,"[/color] he thought to himself, smiling a bit, but then he shook his head, [color=#666666]"stop it!"[/color] he replied to himself. He sits up straight and on his own, bowing his upper body gratefully. As he looks down, he notices his staff on the ground and thinks, [color=#666666]"When did I..."[/color], recalling the embarrassing scene, [color=#666666]"right... I'm not going to outlive this, am I?"[/color] He sighs, disappointed and embarrassed. Returning to his senses, he stood up and smiled with the strength that had been kindly given to him. My end twas certain were not for you, he said in a euphonious tone, his hands on his lap. A sad end but an end nonetheless, he said as he turned away from her and to the bartender. With one hand over his throat, would it be rude of me to ask for another glass of water? he kindly asked.
If he thought himself good at deceiving the idea he was remotely fine, the Aoife must claim to be a master. [color=#ff857a]Until I came along[/color], the demon sharing her body purred quietly. Inwardly she would scoff, wishing the demon to cease existing but to no avail, Leaf was neither lucky nor blessed with such a fortune to be rid of the creature. An irritating spirit of valor would have been preferred than this bullshit hellscape she had now to endure.
[color=#ff857a]I am not that bad. [/color]
[color=#44b8ff]Oh the fuck you are[/color]. She'd think sarcastically, but Leaf would neither elaborate nor entertain him while her patient lay in need.
Of course he wasn’t alright, but the battle-weary and reclusive mage knew a bedraggled and exhausted fool when she saw one. She just hadn’t figured out what kind of fool yet. Watching him take the water so rapidly and desperately meant he’d ran till his legs gave out, not unusual but stupid in her eyes. When he fixed his gaze on her Leaf returned it, though cast more a look of indifference than one resembling either warm or cold. Experience had taught her to be wary of all shapes and sizes of people, motives were a constant when it came to people crossing her path from poor luck to a saving grace that would bite her in the ass later.
She kept the pressure of her hand even as he broached to speak, expression remaining neutral despite her brow arching curiously at the apology. A brief narrowing as he awkwardly shifted his gaze to sit up a little. The spell ended and she gently unclasped her hand from his, leaning back to observe the half-bent bow. The other brow lifted to join it’s neighbour in covert amusement. The crack of a grin lifted one side of her mouth with the way he spoke, a breathy snort escaped her lips before coughing to clear it away. “Um.. okay.” Oddly caught off guard by it, Leaf tried to move on from it.[color=#44b8ff] “I did very little. I’m not a healer, but you look a sight better than you did five minutes ago, so...” [/color]
Scanning him over quickly, Leaf continued to watch him as he asked for more water. Her brow wrinkled, [color=#44b8ff]“Of course you can,”[/color] azure blues shot towards the barkeep fractionally hardening on him before he scuttled away to fullfill the request. She watched him go for a beat or two and then slumped back into a chair, a patron on the neighbouring eyed the situation and silently passed the champion a new pint. It earned him a rare smile and appreciative wink from the usually sombre Hawke.[color=#44b8ff] “So… were you being chased by folk or monsters?” [/color]
Please, don't belittle your kindness, he said as he sipped his second glass in one gulp. Being the odd thing in the room was nothing new to him. He learned to read it in their eyes, in their joy, maybe even in their relief, that someone stranger, something more dangerous had arrived. Being an outcast without first being known was part of what it meant to be a mage. His gaze is unfocused, and his posture is relaxed, as his mind wanders back to distant days. As he looks through the empty glass, he has a slight smile on his face. The words from reality blurred as they were replaced by memories of laughter and friends.
His eyes blinked a couple of times as the voice of his rescuer brought him back to reality. Is there any difference... He spoke softly, mostly thinking out loud. People, he's learned, can be just as horrific as monsters. But not her; she went out of her way to help him, so he should be less concerned and more forthcoming. He knows very little about the free marches, so knowing someone wouldn't hurt.
Crooks ambushed the party I briefly traveled with. I went out of my way to assist but then deviated off the path, making it difficult to return. His words were clear, but his memory was fuzzy. He suddenly felt a sting deep within his mind. Flashes of images and the sound of steel and magic begin to overwhelm him. I apologize; I seem to have hit my head at some point and am having difficulty recollecting myself.
He bites his lower lip, looking down, worried about his friend. From what he recalls, it appeared to be quite a terrible mess. But he pushed it aside and focused on the present. Where am I, if you don't mind my asking? He was concerned that he had taken a wrong turn. He was walking aimlessly after the battle. He remembered falling and then... he woke up outside the bar. He is aware that there are gaps in his memory, but he is unsure why.
His oddities may have pushed him out the sphere of social interactions, but Aoife chose solitude. It was safer. These days mages shared their existence, empowered and emboldened by the merging of spirit, demon, or whatever variation of with the mortality of flesh. Still, even before her body became the prison of Korr, Leaf’s mind was already fractured. Ten years in Kirkwall had paled in comparison with Adamant, to this day she would never speak of the Nightmare. [color=#1e92f7]“Mmm, you give me more credit than you should. If it wasn’t for Kahli’s incessant whining, I would have just ignored you,”[/color] maybe, perhaps. Who was to really know? She shouldn’t involve herself despite the very reason she was even here in the tavern was because she involved herself. Being kind was going to get her killed one day.
[color=#c14700]You like being in the heat of it. Blowing people to bits, being a weapon on the field, destroyin-[/color]
[color=#1e92f7]Shut. Up. Korr. [/color]
[color=#c14700]I will work on a battlesong.[/color]
Leaf bit back a groan, but mercifully was distracted by the all true statement uttered, even softly spoken. Leaf could only snort, [color=#1e92f7]"Smart boy,"[/color] the laugh following hollow and bitter as her mind, and Korr, flashed the faces of some across her vision.
With her new pint in hand, the mage listened, eyes carefully watching him for any ailment unknownst. She would likely have to babysit him a short while to ensure no stupidity was attempted. Leaf had a chequered past when it came to past rescue missions turning to bite her in the ass later down the line. It paid to be certain he wouldn’t cause trouble.
She shrugged off his apologies. [color=#1e92f7]“So.. you got lost after the fighting,”[/color] it made sense, especially after hitting his head. Disorientated he could have easily made a wrong turn, wandered a completely different direction. It stung a little too close to.. No, she wouldn’t drift to that line of thinking.
After taking a deep pull of her pint, the mage would set it down. Her gaze travelling down to Kahli settling underneath the table before they focused back to his. [color=#1e92f7]“You’re in a village say... a day or two’s ride from Starkhaven. …is that good or bad?”[/color]
Huh, so still not there then... He whispered to himself.
He lowered his head to her answer, shoulders dropping as he faded to his mind. However, he suddenly clapped his hands together snapping himself out of grim. "[color=#666666]What…[/color]" he scratched his own cheek in response to the involuntary body movement he just experienced. However unusual, he did not push it further blaming his subconscious instead. Back at the tower he used to do that a lot when he felt demotivated, it was something Hope thought him to do. The purpose was to learn to focus on the now rather than dwelling on things one could not control. So-sorry about that he stuttered and forced a smile to move past the weird.
Anyway, it should be fine. Two days isn’t all that far. He got off from the table and walked over to his staff, bending to his knees to get it. Of course, using the same staff, he pushed it against the ground helping him rise from the floor. Standing hurt, but he smiled through it; was this determination or stupidity? He didn't care; he just wanted to sleep. A wish best served at a home, which he lacked.
Leaf’s eyes briefly narrowed, the whispered words and the physical reaction to her query gave her more insight than he might realise. Starkhaven was also her destination and the kind of reception she might receive… also unclear. She’d either be welcomed, or sent to the gallows by the Prince given their tumultuous past. Leaf blinked as he apologised.[color=#1e92f7] “Five minutes ago you were almost a corpse, you’re allowed to have a moment.”[/color] Good or bad. Clarity often came with a brush with death, at least for some things. Brush against death often enough though and Leaf knew it was only a matter of time before one became a living ghost.
Watching him get up, again, caused her lips to sink into a frown. Setting her tankard aside, the mage rose from her chair to her full height. [color=#1e92f7]“You should rest some more. Gather your strength a bit before you go waltzing back out there,”[/color] tone heavy in disapproval, almost scolding. Sensing her mistresses change in tone the mabari too, shifted back onto all fours, whine fraying into a disgruntled growl at the end. [color=#1e92f7]“Mabari can smell weakness, not that I need her to tell me what I can plainly see with my own eyes.”[/color] Reaching for his shoulder, Leaf aimed to push him back into the seat. [color=#1e92f7]“At least sit down. You escaped one set of bandits, do you honestly think you could withstand another group in your condition?”[/color] she scoffed, shaking her head heavily.[color=#1e92f7] “I’m heading that way and I have a horse. If you want to thank me for helping you, don’t waste it by selfishly pressing on too early.”[/color] It was goddamn rude so it was.
He shrinks himself by curving his neck, gazing at the floor, and avoiding her gaze. About to apologize again he stopped himself as he realized he had nothing to apologize for. Without a sense of urgency, desire loses its value. I will not apologize for wanting something so badly that I would do anything for it. However, after hearing what you've said, it seems reasonable that I stay put if only to gather my strength in case of another surprise raid. He said confidently and with a strong demeanor considering her argument, though he was surprised he did not wince once, even though talking back to someone is something he did not frequently do. For a long time, he had submitted to the orders and ideals of others, but not any longer, it appears. As a result, he wonders what could have changed him so drastically.
You did mention horses, they would be a blessing. He expressed a desperate attempt to change the solemn atmosphere they both created. So, you're also going to Starkhaven. Is it personal or professional? He looked at her with the interest and curiosity of a child, resting his head on his staff. Much can be learned just by looking at her, but he had learned not to judge others based on their appearance, lest they stab you in the back with a magical dagger. He still shivers up to his head from remembering the sharp pain. You don't need to answer that, he said realizing he may be stepping out of line by asking something personal. If we are to travel together, we should at the very least exchange names. My name is Jareth, he said as he extended his hand to her, expecting a response.
[color=#005dc2]“Trust me, when I tell you. Time isn’t always of the essence.”[/color] He was in relative safety, there was no course to be afraid of attack here in a relatively busy tavern. Unless he brought it in with him, but all he had done was cause a mild scene on a moderately dull Tuesday. [color=#005dc2]“Emotion can blind and in our haste we make mistakes.”[/color] With a bitter sigh, Leaf settled back into her seat, her head shaking. [color=#005dc2]“Some mistakes we cannot remedy or obtain forgiveness for. React, but not in haste, you have a head on your shoulders and it’s not there for show.” [/color]
The shrink in confidence did not go unnoticed, the ability to figure out the lad before her had often he tred underfoot was easily observed. Circles. Fucking cesspits of hell for some mages. Mikael would have been made tranquil, she was certain she’d have followed or be dead if either twin had landed in one. Maker bless good old dad, but then again trouble still seemed to follow them regardless of what they did it seemed.
[color=#005dc2]“A horse,” [/color]she confirmed, [color=#005dc2]“though I can see if they have a nag for you if you’ve an issue riding together.”[/color] She didn’t care nor was she worried about him entertaining any other notions. Khali would have his ass if he even thought the possibility was as minute as her father suddenly rising from the grave.
She nearly choked at his next question though, her ale catching in her throat over what business she had in Starkhaven. Aoife coughed, hand sweeping across to wipe the spittle of alcohol from her lips and chin. [color=#005dc2]“Well you don’t beat about the bush do you,”[/color] she scoffed, expelling a sigh as he mentioned she didn’t have to indulge the question. [color=#005dc2]“I asked you a few, seems a fair trade I suppose…”[/color] her voice trailed as azure eyes focused on nothing. [color=#005dc2]“A little bit of both, and neither at the same time. I’m not completely sure why I am going, but everything is going to shit and I have… friends there… I think.” [/color]
[color=#005dc2]“Aoife.” [/color]she started, hand eventually taking his but more in a warriors grasp than a handshake. A sly grin curled at the edges of her lips before she repeated, dropping the gravity of her identity. [color=#005dc2]“Aoife Hawke.”[/color]
So, where did you come from? he inquired, having assumed she was a circle mage given her control of the power she beckoned earlier. He assesses his mended wounds, appraising them with a twinkle in his eyes. Healing magic, I've always found it interesting how wounds close up in accordance with our will and power, he says later, rolling his eyes. Your work appears to be the most competent I've ever seen; you must have had a great teacher. In my personal experience healing it's not a a sought-after skill; most people just settle for making things explode. He stated, without trepidation, Jareth seemed to be extremely comfortable talking with Hawke up to this point. Though, given the state of the world, I can't blame them.
He sat up straight and continue to do what he does best: he probed. So you have high-ranking friends. It's unusual for mage to have ties with people of greater standing unless their blood runs in gold, a remark that implied more than he could realize. Still, he was unable to currently force a wise and proper persona, so he simply spoke. Perhaps it's the fact that she's also a mage that makes him feel at ease enough to speak his opinion without fear. But he forgets that the world isn't like the tower. I'm sorry, I hope I'm not being too nosy...
I just find you interesting, in a specific need to know who I am riding with kind of way. He checks himself and pauses for a time before continuing to speak, perhaps it is best I say nothing instead, he whispered to himself. Forcing a grin he looks aside before pinching his hand tightly for self-control. He was well aware that it was a very evident and quite harmful method to regulate one's own impulses, Um... do you know of anywhere I could lay down for a while? but it works. It's been a long journey, and the more exhausted I am, the less sense I make, he remarked, forcing a grin and a chuckle.
[color=#0074d9]“From my home,”[/color]at least what was left of it, but she didn’t add that. Aoife sighed. [color=#0074d9]“I live on a small croft, up high in the valley.”[/color] But that was not what he perhaps was eluding to. A little of her old self shone through her eyes as he complimented her skills, the urge to shoot a sarcastic comment back licked behind her bitten tongue. [color=#0074d9]“I have had a lot of time to practise. My life has been a string of very difficult lessons.”[/color] A truer statement never spoken. [color=#0074d9]“My healing is mediocre compared to some mages that I know and have met.”[/color] Subtle magic, the kind that took a delicate hand was not how she operated. Aoife was brash, heavy-handed and destructive to her core. The only reason she knew as much healing magic was due to necessity. [color=#0074d9]“You should see what I can do to gravity and a cliff side.”[/color] A slyness slipped into her grin, and the Champion couldn’t help the quiet chuckle that followed.
She’d been relaxed, sitting back into the chair now that he’d made the smart decision of resting some more. Yet at the mention of her friends and their possible advantages pulled her brow low, suspicion snaking its way back in. [color=#0074d9]“I have, perhaps, one who you could say is that, yes.”[/color] She was on her way to pay him a visit at this very moment, Sebastian Vael. The others may have some influence elsewhere, but none could call themselves a Prince, and Aoife was particularly protective of this particular friend. Even Khali reacted, scoffing through her muzzle at the tension sensed from her mistress. The lad seemed to sense this, apologising, but Leaf couldn’t lay the blame entirely at his feet, she had shared her name and it naturally would invite questions.
[color=#0074d9]“I… will entertain some of your questions,”[/color] she’d relent, though her eyes sharpened in gentle warning at his self infliction. [color=#0074d9]“Not all of them though.”[/color] Lips twitched into a light grin, eyes trailing from the tankard to glance around the bar, shifting towards his voice when he asked about a bed or something. [color=#0074d9]“I have a room,”[/color] she’d offer. Her things were packed, ready to head off, but his condition would fair better on the road if he rested before they set out. [color=#0074d9]“Come on, you can kip for an hour or two, then we probably should make some headway. We’re wasting daylight.”[/color] Jutting her head towards the stairs, Leaf slowly rose to her feet.[color=#0074d9] “Khali, bed.”[/color] The mabari stood, easily weaving her way in guiding the lad. With her hand she gestured for him to head up,[color=#0074d9] “Go, she will keep you company, if just to set you at ease.”[/color]
