Ntaj and Mordekai decided to pursue some of the merchant stalls that had opened up. Though both were royalty, the fact they lacked a retinue of retainers and wore combat armor actually helped disguise their status. Just the way Ntaj liked it; not because he had any particular fondness with mingling with peasants, but because he enjoyed frightening them when they realize just who they're dealing with. He suppose in a way anyone fool enough to bother a fully armed and armored knight was either brave or stupid. Either way, someone that Ntaj may be interested in toying with. Unfortunately there weren't anyone like that; most of the commoners steered clear, while the merchants tried to hawk their goods at them. There was some things of interest such as exotic food and drinks, but aside from some strange bubbling juice, Ntaj didn't waste any money on snacks.

[color=firebrick]"I will admit, I'm some what disappointment with the lack of criminals here. I'd thought after we ran into those bandits there'd at least be a pickpocket or shop lifter trying to ply their trade."[/color] Mordekai snorted and then laughed. This caused Ntaj to give his friend a dirty glare underneath his helmet. [color=forestgreen]"This isn't the Kharnate. Destitute and poverty isn't as common here, where I doubt they've had a major war. It may have only taken your father twenty years to conquer Keratia, but it'll take many more before it'll ever be as peaceful here."[/color] This only got a dismissive snort from Ntaj. True, uniting Keratia under one banner did leave much destruction in it's wake. But now it was organized, and that which was destroyed can now be rebuilt. Ntaj wasn't going to blame his father for the collateral damage. Some may say he is an evil man for uniting the lands through war and might. But what people forget is that he also liberated nations of corrupt and evil rulers, and made peaceful alliances with those who accepted his terms. So those who would step on his father's efforts, to insult him and believe all he did was bring death and destruction... Ntaj would be more than happy to let them taste true death.

As Ntaj was fuming her head a familiar voice in the distance. Mordekai was too busy being enraptured by a music box to notice the prince leave his side. He walked between tents and through a crowd of people as he sought out this voice. By the time he arrived the voice was almost finished with her speech, whatever it was, but once Ntaj saw her it was unmistakable. She was that girl from before. Princess Alison. The only thing he heard clearly was that she was giving these men the permission to fight, regardless of what her uncle wanted. With no context Ntaj was somewhat confused. Why wouldn't these men fight? This tournament was suppose to have fighters from all the kingdoms here. Was it just because Ntaj was hosting it this time?

Soon after the warriors dispersed Ntaj approached. He kept his helmet on, not wanting to reveal his identity just yet. This princess... Interested him. She was a warrior, but also outspoken. Not quite silk hiding steel, but rather someone who carries her blade on the belt. Ntaj liked that. [color=firebrick]"We meet again, m'lady."[/color] Once Ntaj was close enough for them to speak, he bowed towards her in proper Keratian fashion: bow from the hips, arms crossed in an X shape, and don't make direct eye contact. The arms showed that Ntaj was a warrior. Servants and commoners held their hands out, while nobility had their hands flat against each other. Priests and those who serve the gods had their hands at the waists, and royalty held their arms out. Ntaj crossed his arms for two reasons: to see if this princess was familiar with his culture, and to disguise his true identity.

[color=firebrick]"I'm glad to hear that you encourage you people to join the tournement. Though I wonder if a clash of steel isn't the only battle you fight. I hope you are doing well after that... Meeting."[/color] Ntaj was, of course, referring to the meeting with the bandits.  She seemed to be able to hold her own but who knows what happened after they parted. There was more bandits somewhere around here after all. Surely they'd learn what happened to their men soon enough.