Ambra continued to hold the fruit even if the man didn’t accept or reject it. She kept it close to her, looking out the window to quickly check what time of day it was before she looked back at him. He had… been waiting for her? His voice, though. Ambra expected his voice to be gruff, dark, and menacing. She found that it was the exact opposite: it was indeed enough to make a young lady such as herself melt. She pushed the thoughts to the back of her head and listened. He said that he had something to ask her, and she knew it had to be important. Probably something about another member of the Shepherds. Maybe he had suspicions? The thought worried her. What if someone was a spy? What if the reason that the Ylissean army had found them so soon was because they had someone on the inside? Her smile faded as she thought this. Who would it be, if there [i]was[/i] an inside man? Maybe it was Talbot? His disappearance could mean that he hadn’t died, just went with the army on his merry way.

The question came and she stared at him for a long while. It was an unexpected query, and it left her with her head tipped to the side as she thought. The answer was obvious, of course. [b]”I’m a healer. I’m supposed to tend to wounds, no matter if the person is hostile or not. I have to admit, it is tiring. However, the feeling of accomplishment is left undaunted. It makes me happy when I see people up and about after their wounds have healed.”[/b] she paused for a moment, and thought some more. [b]”Your wounds have been shut and you are no longer starving or parched. Your voice is much stronger than before, and that fact makes me joyous. I believe that a master in the art of swordplay should not be struck down by hunger and thirst.”[/b] 

---

Darrian wasn’t surprised when Xanxus brought him close. The drink had made him mellow like his friend, and so, he did not care about the bodily contact. His words struck a nerve, but his anger did not surface yet. [b]”Xanxus, Lantus is a good general, almost or as strong as you. I trust him—and you –with my life. I shouldn’t let my trust in him waver.”[/b] he drank deeply from a freshly filled flagon and sighed. [b]”His words unnerve me, I have to admit. Perhaps he does not believe I am as good as a fighter as I think I am. I can defend myself, I don’t need a wife.”[/b] he drowned that statement in another swig. [b]”I’m telling you, I don’t need one.”[/b]

[i]Death comes for everyone, eventually.[/i] Darrian shuddered at the thought. [b]”Maybe it [i]is[/i] the best choice. I do not want to be on my death bed, worrying if some mere mongrel will take the throne.”[/b] then, Lantus [i]was[/i] right. He should marry as soon as he could, then. [b]”When I get married and the bitch whelps, I can name you my child’s uncle. They will know the true art of the sword with you and I teaching them.”[/b]