As Gaikus worked to tend to the young Gem's wounds, he became vaguely aware of another figure moving swiftly towards them. He finished wrapping the bandage around the wound and then stood and moved to stop her- But before he could she was already there, hands upon the wounded Gem. 

He froze and stared for a few seconds, watching her work with awe. By the time the glowing water had subsided, Miry's burns were healed without so much as a mark left. "That is a rare touch, young one." Gaikus murmured to himself as he watched the Gems exchange words. He listened to the newcomers words intently, gleaning any information he could. Ayltam moved closer to him and whispered in his ear

"Norkaan, a nit te a an weli a an Gemeiz Aran? (Blackguard, is that one of the children of the Gemminite King?)" Ayltam asked with a curious look in her eye. Gaikus nodded slowly in response

"Ta a. An Muthseran zaraew gaiar kala losar a niz. (It is. The Grandduke would desire to learn of this.)" Gaikus mused- and then quickly moved his hand to his sword as he watched a large Drakken lord approach the two Gems. As Miry slowly backed away with the young girl Gaikus moved in to intervene- Then he paused with jaw agape and watched as Aymiria claimed the princess in the name of his lord. 

By the grace of the gods, these brides would be the death of them all.

Gaikus wasn't sure whether to be impressed with the quick thinking or incredulous at the audacity. The Warlord seemed to back off once he saw the presence of the blackguard, probably under the impression that the others couldn't be far away. Gaikus motioned for Ayltam to stay close to him and moved to follow the two Gems swiftly, lest more trouble brew in these dark halls...


[centre]***[/centre]

Zakroti breathed heavily as he slowly raised up from the floor to look at his grandfather, opening his mouth to speak- but then he was interrupted by the voice of Aymiria. He snapped his gaze towards the doorway and noticed that his bride was not alone. He cocked his brow quizzically and listened to the introduction before glancing towards Nastaki who had a slightly amused expression on his face. This settled Zakroti's nerves slightly; He had no doubt that his grandfather would like this development.

"Vivarieiz varlas, Aranwel Annaveya- acta narlemae wel zo niz narfin hame. Kree Zakroti! Niz te vasha o acta seranior gandra vit wre (Vivari's blood, Princess Annaveya- a lost child in this foreign land. Attention Zakroti! This one brings me a greater gift than you.)" Nastaki said with a twinkle in his eye. He looked down towards Zakroti once more and added "Kaan geh ma wreeiz lia, Muth Zakroti- cey o zaraew shanta wreeiz dava ogim. (Guard her with your life, Duke Zakroti- Or I will take your other horn)"

"Na wre gaiar, Muthseran. (As you desire, Grandduke.)" Zakroti replied as he looked to the floor; Nastaki brushed past the girls to the doorway, staring them down as he did- Then the Muthseran paused for a moment and looked to Aymiria. After a moments consideration, he tossed Zakroti's broken horn towards her and declared "Here girl! You're more worthy of it than him!"

Zakroti did not speak again until he was certain Nastaki was out of an earshot, though in truth the reality of what had just occured was setting in. "Geh shanta oeiz ogim- O zan... (He took my horn- I am..." Zakroti trailed off in a state of shock, his face pained and humiliated as he slowly looked around to his men. There was a deathly silence for a few moments before Gaikus, standing in the doorway behind Aymiria and Annaveya, spoke.

"Oeiz Muth, niz a ageaze wre epe kala acta wel; Wreeiz rof a zoze wreeiz ogim. Geh lyeze shanta wre grunda as sep wre. (My Duke, this is not a story you tell to a child; your strength is not in your horn. They cannot take your honour by cutting you.)" Gaikus said as he stepped into the room and approached the young Duke. "Wre zan rofior vit niz. Ka! (You are stronger than this. Lead!)"

Zakroti paused and gave a nod. He inhaled deeply as he composed himself, trying to block out the pain from the wound as he turned to face Aymiria and the Princess Annaveya. How was he supposed to act after they had just seen that? How could he achieve any air of dignity now? He felt exposed and inadequate.

[i]That's because you are inadequate. A midget Drakken with one horn, how terrifying.[/i] A voice in his head called out to him. He shook his head as if to dispel the thought before speaking.

"I- Forgive me the lack of hospitality, Princess- and my poor appearance. Had I the knowledge of your coming I would have endeavoured not to meet you covered in blood and sweat. Nonetheless, your grace, I bid you welcome." He gave a small and quick bow to her and his entourage followed suit, save for Vain who merely glared at the Princess from under his visor. "I am afraid that we will be departing shortly. It is the safest course of action following recent- events. I would offer you the choice of leaving and finding another Drakken but my Grandfather would find that objectionable."

"That is putting it lightly. I will see that the horses are prepared." Qeynate commented as he headed for the door. Zakroti nodded to him once before letting out a heavy sigh

"It is my honour to meet you, I hope we have time to talk for there is a great deal I would like to know. I thank you for helping Aymiria with her injuries and pray to the Mother and the Gods that your stay with us is not too uncomfortable."