[color=turquoise][center][h1]AVA[/h1][/center][/color]

The now familiar scrape of the dungeon door echoed across the stone walls. With a languid stretch, Ava positioned her limbs where they needed to be as shackles clamped back in familiar places. A pair of youthful and unfamiliar guards nodded at her once the chains were set, stepping back and motioning for her to follow. Taking a tentative stride forward, Ava sighed in relief as the guards allowed her to walk herself from her cell and into the hallway, her bruised arms safe for now.

[color=turquoise]“Are you two new?”[/color] She piped, walking as quickly as the shackles would let her as the guards led her from the dungeon, [color=turquoise]“Normally there's a lot more dragging, shoving, angry glares... I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm into trying new things but...”[/color]

“We were told to escort you for a meeting, not to the gallows.” A hint of a chuckle under his breath, the guard continued his brisk pace.

[color=turquoise]“Your babysitting job would probably pass quicker if I could walk properly,”[/color] A delibertate harder step caused the irons to clatter against the stone path, [color=turquoise]“Get you back to more important duties, hey?”[/color]

“No,” His reply came swift and curt, the whisper of playfulness gone from his voice, “They'll be removed once the Steward releases you, no sooner. We've been warned about last time.”

Ava's mouth opened to object but nothing came out, her head nodding lightly a few moments later as she continued to follow the pair through various hallways. Turning around the last bend, a set of wooden doors opened as they arrived, the guards each nodding in turn to a pair stationed here. A quick scan of the room proved fruitless, Ava imagining crickets chirping as her eyes landed on a smattering of furniture and a handful of people, mostly other on duty guards. Instead of a group of rag tag adventurers, some friends included, the only person that looked not paid to be there leaned against a wall. Ava's pair of escorts broke in half, one leading her towards a furniture barren area as she eyed up the unknown man. He didn't seem like the old world plundering type, but Ava knew she shouldn't judge him by appearances, with her luck he's probably one of the wizards.

“Right, we wait here until this meeting is adjourned, then you can take your leave with the group if the steward deems so.” He motioned towards the wall, “Stand there.”

[color=turquoise]“Hey stranger,”[/color] Ava grinned, attempting a wave as her shackles clank against each other. Without acknowledging the guard, she did as told, her eyes never leaving the new face, [color=turquoise]“Are you one of the lucky few to work for the king? Did it mention how much it pays by chance?”[/color]