[i]Damn. I was so close to getting out of this clean. Nothing is ever that easy.[/i]

Wiping his free hand wearily down his face, Gareth sighed. "Alright, kids. I'm short on time and short on patience. If you can't come to an agreement nicely, then I have to make the decision for you. Young Prince, if you think that you can keep me busy long enough for your sister to escape, you're making a mistake. But... if you insist on trying to fight me, well," he turned to Namyna before continuing, "it might do the lady well to stick around and make sure I don't do any lasting harm. Broken bones and a cracked skull is no joke, I hope you know. You probably don't believe me, but I really don't want to hurt you any more than I have to."

As his second hand returned to its place on his sword, Gareth bent his knees, ready to pursue Namyna if she tried to flee, while simultaneously preparing to deal with Brelan if he charged forward. Of course, the former was his priority, and he was confident in his size, enough to bowl the prince over if it turned out that he had to chase the princess. In this low stance, Gareth began slowly advancing forward. His goal was to separate the two siblings if possible, or at least to get within arm's reach of Namyna. If he had to incapacitate the both of them, he could, but either way, it was clear that he needed to get out sooner rather than later. If they wouldn't act, he would force their hand. And if they did act, he would react. It hardly mattered which came first.