[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/7iJKKu5.png[/img]
[color=FIREBRICK][b][H3]MALAKAUS FIREBELLY[/H3][/b][/color][/center]

After much time adventuring, getting caught up in local troubles, outfitting, and finally looting various hordes and treasure troves, Malakaus and his squire Atisha had finally managed to get to the capital of Lugnica. Still as glorious as ever, though Malakaus didn't intend to stay here for long. Since he had come back to the kingdom from the countryside, he had seem some of the troubles the people outside the city walls were having, and he wanted to get ready to head back out. But first, he'd need to gather some supplies and report to his lords. He was somewhat certain that a few might be curious about where he had been this past month, not to mention he needed to formally bring in Atisha as his new squire. Though Malakaus did have some concerns that the lords would command him to do some other tasks aside from that which he wanted to do now. Boring things like patrolling the city, or acting as an honor guard for one of the noble families. Such positions were ill-suited for someone like Malakaus; he wasn't an ornament to decorate a party. He was a tool meant to kill enemies. Malakaus never spoke out against his lords, but there are times he wished he could remind him that Malakaus is a warrior first, and a noble second.

The two's trip to the castle was largely uneventful, both keeping quiet and no one getting their attention. A few of the peasants bid them good morning, to which Malakaus responded with a good morning himself, but otherwise nothing to distract them. At least not until they arrived to the gate and noticed someone scaling the castle walls. It wouldn't take a genius to figure out that he didn't belong. Malakaus was about to give chase when Atisha stopped him, explaining that he couldn't possibly chase after a thief in his armor. [color=firebrick]"You do not know this city well."[/color] But Atisha was certain she could take care of herself. Malakaus thought about it and simply allowed her to go. She wasn't wrong, though this would mean he'd need to find her later. As she ran off, Malakaus proceeded towards the castle and to the Iron Bell HQ. While he was not a part of their order, they were the only order here that Malakaus knew he could reliably report in with. They usually never left their HQ.

Of course that didn't mean they didn't have trouble from time-to-time. Black smoke was coming from their HQ, which could be anything from a new chef burning a meal to an attack. Malakaus quicken his pace and got inside the building, only to see many knights fallen ill, aside from Maria herself, as well as Tani, another fellow knight. It seemed that her people had tings under control here, but Malakaus figured that something had just happened. Something that probably involved the thief who just ran away. 

[color=firebrick]"Malakaus Firebelly, reporting in. I apologize for my recent disappearance. What happened here?"[/color]

[@liferusher][@ADamnFiddle]

[hr]

[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/MR5RyzW.png[/img]
[color=FORESTGREEN][b][H3]ATISHA ELUVIAN[/H3][/b][/color][/center]

It has been a month since Atisha had partnered with Malakaus. During that month the elf had considered abandoning him to pursue her own interest, though often when she tried, they'd run into each other again. Perhaps because their interest often collided with each other; once Atisha was in a village and heard that it was being attacked by mabeasts. She had gone to defend the village when Malakaus himself was already there to do the same. Another incident had Atisha hearing the cries of a wounded traveler, only to find Malakaus fighting off the bandits who attacked the traveler. Incident after incident the two crossed paths, before eventually Atisha simply chose to allow Malakaus to accompany her. She's quite adamant that she is the one allowing him to travel with her; she has no interest in being his subordinate. Even her titles as his "Squire" is simply a cover to justify their purpose together and her equipment. Though she was at least thankful that Malakaus was willing to foot the bill to get her some weapons and armor after the two managed to deal with a bandit gang. While she was still getting used to wearing her Rogue Leathers, it was better than her dress and stockings. If only she didn't have to wear the boots.

Once the two reached the capital of Lugnica Kingdom, she couldn't help but gasp. She had never seen a city this huge before, and couldn't imagine how it was ran. There were so many buildings and people that Atisha couldn't help but stay close to Malakaus, otherwise she would get lost. Yet despite it's splendor, between the alleyways and grand buildings there were still a gritty darkness that reminded her that no where was safe. Especially not among all these humans. It was jarring for Atisha to see so many humans in one area. She rarely liked even going into human villages, and yet here she was at their capital city. She tolerated it of course, knowing that despite her dislike for the short-lived mortals, if she acted out of turn they could easily end her life as well.

Atisha and Malakaus proceeded towards one of the largest, most grandest buildings in the city, the royal castle. It was both majestic and pretentious, at least in Atisha's eyes. While it certainly suited someone with a royal title, Atisha couldn't help but wonder if the stone and labor put into making this castle could have been better served protecting the outlaying villages around the city. The whole reason Atisha and Malakaus took so long to get here was because of all the troubles they ran into involving bandits and mabeasts. While they did run into patrols keeping the peace, they seemed too far and in-between for her liking. As they got closer, they both spotted and odd sight; a demi-human escaping the castle by climbing over the walls. Obviously a thief, otherwise why else would be need to use an exit? Malakaus looked like he was about to give chase by Atisha stopped him. [color=forestgreen]"You can't hope to catch him with your armor weighing you down."[/color] Malakaus retorted that Atisha did not know the city, but it's not as if she needed to. [color=forestgreen]"Don't underestimate me. I can take care of myself no matter where I happen to be."[/color] Malakaus didn't argue any further as Atisha ran off to pursue the thief. 

While she might not be able to catch him immediately, the thief made the mistake of pausing while he was on the castle wall. Atisha's eyesight was good enough that she saw his face, and knew what he looked like. If he was a thief, then surely he would head to the shadier parts of town to pawn off his goods to fences, though Atisha herself had no clue where such people would be. She just needed to keep a sharp eye out and stay out of sight. That part would be easy; she didn't torment human armies for years if she couldn't hide in plain sight. Sinking into a crowd, Atisha kept her eyes out on the thief, curious about what he had stolen.

[@Heckno12]