[Center]Collaboration with: [@Tangletail] and [@Searat][/center]
Farya and Wolyo both exchanged glances with one another as the other woman left. The words ‘mate material’ echoed dully in Farya’s head. Sadly, the kind of words did not seem to hold any amount of impact over her. A distant feeling told her that she was supposed to be overjoyed, but it didn’t come. The masked woman’s head slowly tilted, when she noticed her companion… beaming over the words. Tail wagging vigorously and tongue lolling out.

With a small shrug, she gently stroked behind the large companion’s ears and turns towards the oldest of the group.

“Those who are wise knows the dangers of silvered manes. The most dangerous of men, are those who grow old in a world where the young dies quickly. And where most seek out peaceful lives when oblivion nears, you march on by the sword, the sword is your world, and it shall be what takes you. Tell me, what are you to yourself and others?”

Roderick had turned from the group and began walking toward the exit when he heard the woman’s voice behind him. He turned his head only slightly toward her, showing his good eye.

[color=#C15607]”I am Roderick. Others have come to know me as the Iron Bear in some corners of the empire. And, you?”[/color]

His tone wasn’t intentionally uninviting, but the aged and rough sound of his voice made it seem as though he spoke in low grumbles and growls.

Gaius was content to simply listen to the conversation between the old man and the wildling and her wolf while he followed the older man’s lead to exit the throne room. Maybe he would go to the castle’s quartermasters and get his provisions from them?

That was until the older man had mentioned the moniker ‘the Iron Bear.’ Gaius paused in his movements. It had been nearly four years when he had last heard of the name. [color=khaki]‘Could this old man be the same Iron Bear that was with the band of mercenaries? The same band that had aided him in wiping out a bandit clan and saved his life? No...no thats unlikely.’ [/color] Even if he had dismissed the thought, Gaius now listened more intently to the conversation between the two.


The mask woman was undaunted by the man’s rumblings. Rather, found them curious. In a way, the voice was very similar to Wolyo’s. A low rumbling thunder with barely any malice to back it on a pleasant day. Yet like the wolf, it was the sort of voice one picks up from a life lived in blood.

[i] He’s avoiding the question… [/i] Wolyo’s voice echoed in her head. A low teeth bearing growl for those who don’t share such a bond.

The woman, remained still for a few seconds. Her face unseen, and her eyes hidden by the mask. Eventually, she took a step forward. Than another, and again, and soon she was walking towards the door. Wolyo hot on her heels, with his head raised to glare at the older man.

“Farya. My companion is Wolyo. I did not mean your name however. What are you in spirit, in life, and in death, Iron Bear?”

At that, Roderick fully turned to face the woman with his grizzled and scarred features. He looked down at the woman, one eye still with its golden brown color and the other lifeless and gray under the scar running down and across it, and barked out a soft laugh.

[color=#C15607]”I am a lucky fuck who’s survived longer than he should have living by the blade.”[/color]

That was the statement Gaius waited for. This old man could just be someone who was posing as as the renowned Iron Bear, but Gaius needed answers now. He turns to face the two, before speaking his mind and asking the older man if he was indeed the person he was thinking of. [color=khaki]”Sir Roderick. I could not help but overhear that you were the well known ‘Iron Bear.’”[/color] He pauses for a moment, thinking if this was the proper decision before speaking up again. 

[color=khaki]“If that were true…would you mind telling me which pass near Ferros did your band manage to slay a bandit chief and saved a small group of sellswords four years ago?” [/color] This was it. If the man answered correctly, there would be no doubt that he was the one who had rescued him and his comrades. May it be intentional or unintentional, Gaius still needed to pay respects to the man who had saved his life all those years ago.

Roderick glanced over to the other warrior type and looked him up and down a moment, taking in the armor and axe.

[color=#C15607]”I’m no knight. It’s just Roderick. Four years ago… Was the Anvil Pass if my memory hasn't completely left me. Which side were you on at the Pass?”[/color]

Gaius couldn't help but grin at the answer of the older man. The man he was speaking to was indeed the same one that rescued him and his comrades. [color=khaki]“I am unsure if you still remember, but my comrades and I were one of the individuals that were captured by that clan of bandits. Had you and your band not come, I along with my comrades would surely perished.” [/color] Gaius then takes a knee before pacing a clenched fist onto his chest. [color=khaki]“My comrades may no longer be with us to express their gratitude but, on their behalf and mine, I thank you for saving our lives. I may not know how I could possibly repay you for your deeds but know well that if you need aid, I will answer without question.” [/color]

As the other man kneeled, Roderick felt a wave of discomfort wash over him. The others gathered in the throne room would surely see. Now they would ask more questions or even assume he was some sort of hero when in truth he was nothing of the kind. 

[color=#C15607]”Please, friend, don’t kneel to me.”[/color]

Roderick offered a hand and pulled Gaius to his feet before continuing.

[color=#C15607]”If you feel the need to repay me, buy me a drink before we head out on the road together.”[/color]

Gaius gives the man a nod and a smile before responding. [color=khaki]“You are humble man, Roderick. I will take up your offer.” [/color]

Farya had paused by doorway, and turned to look towards the two. The wildling woman had seen the whole ordeal. But she made no comment on the matter. It’s not even clear if such a gesture that Gaius was doing had any meaning to her. Well, any meeting originally, as if it was true - she might be able to make an educated guess on what it meant.

“It seems you’re more than a ‘lucky fuck’ to others than you claim,” she hummed. Her tone had shifted just slightly into a note of humor. “However, if that is the answer I will get. Than I will accept it.”

Turning his gaze back to the woman in furs, Roderick gave a small nod with a smirk on his old features.

[color=#C15607]”It is, for now.”[/color]

“If there are no questions for me, I must be off. I sense I am not a welcome sight here,” her head gestured along towards the door where two guards were eyeing her massive companion. Wolyo in turn flashed them his teeth with a thunderous growl, causing both to lurch back and tightening their grips on their weapons. 

“But no matter. It is a long journey and supplies are short. Wolyo and I shall gather enough food to last. However…” she paused. Her gaze shifted between both men thoughtfully and rested on the older two. Intending the first few  words for him specifically. “Do not dare to die on us yet. I've seen signs of those smart enough to profit from desperation. Brave enough to hunt in our territory and seek out impunity. The evidence lies in ruins along the roads. Bodies strewn about, and rivers of red rolling through the grass to merge into a single lake.”