[center][h1]Bartimus
Surface > Crypt[/h1][/center][hr]

As Kara clung to him and protested the handing over of warden duties to this shadow man, Lorick, Bartimus couldn't help but feel ever so slightly honored by the gesture of trust and comfort. He let out a pleasant coo as he patted the young girl on the back. An endearing companion such as her would make this trip into the Crypt perilous, but the idea of watching over her felt less and less like a burden and more a learning experience as she showed her true colors.

Bartimus furrowed his brow and smoothed his feathers at Lorick's rather... sudden request to turn over watch of young Kara to himself. Proclaiming prior experience with children softened the tone but the request still took him aback.

"As kind as the offer is, I'm afraid that on my honor, I cannot decline this charge. My duty is to guard this girl against whatever horrors this crypt may contain and I will not fail in it. Rest assured, I've not had chicks, but I know how to watch over fledglings."

Kara filed into the crypt first and he cracked a smile at her forwardness. 

"She seems happy with the arrangement as well. We will get along just fine."

He gave a reassuring nod to Lorick and a small salute to Irthorne in the distance before moving into the crypt as well, keeping pace so as to stay at Kara's side as watchful protector.

"Remember to keep your eyes open, and never dismiss shadow as safe, young one," He said to Kara, voice barely above a whisper, "A great many terrors hide in the shadows, and it's best to be prepared for anything."

[@Kafka Komedy][@Bishop][@Banana]