[center][i]Haven't I woken up yet? I'm still dreaming, but this...[/i]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/P0VLZr0.png[/img][/center]

A shadow dipped close; she felt its breath on her ear. She blinked and the shadow became flesh; a dark-eyed bandit.

[center][i]It's not Xanxus... this man is different. He looks younger, and has an entirely different atmosphere surrounding him... almost like unpredictability?[/i][/center]

“Did you know, Lady Knight, that even criminals have their standards?” 

She was still, even as he slipped her hand into his, as easily as drawing on a glove. She felt herself being moved to a strange and languorous rhythm (might she call it a dance?), like an infant ship being gently rocked by a deep-lit sea.

“I have one policy that I hold for myself,” he continued, gaze flitting over the swimming lights, over the sentries posted throughout the room (useless), over the myriad of couples that swayed obliviously, merrily, towards their doom. This place would soon collapse.

“I think you’ll agree that it is a reasonable one.” His tone was amiable, as though he was certain she would have no qualms with anything he might say. A sudden swelling of noise bloomed as the orchestra began to play; he leaned closer to speak. “I don’t allow anyone to steal from me.”

[center][i]Where am I? What's going on? Who are these people?[/i][/center]

A pause. Her eyes were sharp like crystal even in the dim light.

“Unless,” he inclined his head closer just because he could, “I am reimbursed twofold.”

She had not spoken a word, but he could tell she was listening from the tautness that wrought her slender back. A gentle jostle from an unwitting passerby closed the distance between them; a ghost of a smile hovered on his lips. He spoke into her ear.

“I hope you’re ready to pay me back?”

[center][i]Wake up...[/i][/center]

---

[i]This kid was just asking for death.[/i]

[b]"First, allow me to draw the line,"[/b] Xanxus followed through, tapping the hilt of the iron sword resting at his left side. [b]"There is no 'match' between me and you. You could live three more lifetimes, and you would never understand nor reach my stage when I was a [i]teenager.[/i] Let's make that clear, shall we?"[/b]

If the man thought that Xanxus was being arrogant, than he was sorely incorrect in his assumption; he was only speaking both the truth, and wisdom that this Carn fellow should take to heart. Even if it seemed like he [i]was,[/i] he would not mind setting it in stone with another victory under his belt. At this time of day, it wouldn't have been too bad to have a warm-up with killing yet another suicidal imbecile. This man was all but disgusting to Xanxus just by the way he spoke. [b]"A sell sword of [i]your caliber?[/i] A bag of gold? Stature and grace? You're a funny kid."[/b]

[i]Why should you fear who knows your name? Because [b]no one knows your name.[/b][/i]

[b]"I have a kid brother who also hails from Regna Ferox, and I'll admit that he's more worthy of being my personal blade cleaner than you are."[/b] Xanxus sighed, already bored of the conversation. The last remark that Carn, however, was perhaps the most boldest and daring thing that someone had ever requested to him; their help. [b]"While your Hero King Marth rots away underneath the ground, I'll kindly reject your insult, seeing as I'm far from a noble. Now, excuse me. I have [i]actual[/i] business to tend to."[/b]

And with that, Xanxus simply walked away.