It took far too long before their attackers fled, before the echoing stomps of rushing armor gave way to guardsmen. It seemed to Alexi that he had been yelling for ages, that Katherine had been fighting for ages, and he would listen to no argument to the contrary.

Still, both he and his escort were safe, the footpads were gone, and the guards were here.

"We- *Ahem* We were attacked." He managed to get his voice back down to a more respectable tone, moving back over to Katherine and the guardsmen. He nodded appreciatively towards them both, a grateful smile cross his lips. "His Grace bless you both, the thugs who attacked us ran off as soon as they heard your steps."

He offered them each a low bow, before turning back towards Katherine. She seemed slightly... unwell. As if she had taken too much drink -or possibly food?- but aside from the cut on her cheek seemed unharmed. Part of him wanted to ask about the wound, if there was a risk of poison on the blade that scored her or if it should be treated now, but he held his tongue. He knew something of medical [i]theory[/i], but had no practice. Again, it seemed wiser to trust that she would know how best to treat her own injuries.

Or, at least, to wait until a little later before pressing.

"And thank you, Miss Galt." His smile widened now, genuine appreciation to accompany his bow. "For... everything you've done tonight, really."

Alexi wasn't quite sure what to think about being saved by his escort mere minutes after hiring her, but well-earned gratitude seemed to be appropriate. Part of him prayed fervently that this little scuffle would not set the precedent for their future travels -he wanted to actually [i]make[/i] it to Avantshire- but the rest murmured quiet, heartfelt thanks to the heavens. 

They came in time, after all.