Penelope let out a shaky breath as they finally arrived at the castle gates. This was where they would part ways and where the mission would really begin. [i]Steady yourself.. You have to fool them.[/i] She took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself as she turned to Crow. “I will.” She promised him with a small smile. 

As he embraced her, Penelope didn’t skip a beat, quickly wrapping her own arms around him and meeting his lips with equal passion. She closed her eyes tightly, savoring the moment while it lasted. As he pulled back, she met his gaze. “I love you too. Be safe.” She said and gave his cheek one last fleeting kiss before moving away from him. She turned to face the castle gates, looking over the two guards before finally moving out into the open. [i]Time to perform...[/i]

The knight took on a nervous expression as she walked over to the guards. They saw her already but clearly weren’t that interested. [i]At least they don’t think I’m a threat..[/i] It was a good starting point at the very least. “E-Excuse me..” She began in a meek voice as she got close enough, putting on the Younisian accent. The guard on the right raised an eyebrow at her as she came up to them. 

“What’s your business here?” He demanded impatiently. He may not have seen her as a threat but he made it clear that he did see her as a waste of time.  

The other knight, however, glanced around with a confused look. “Are you all alone? Where is your escort?” He asked in a kinder tone.

“I-I don’t have one..” Penelope lowered her gaze to the ground and shuffled her feet. She lowered her voice to a softer tone, making it seem like she was losing confidence. “I’ve heard stories of people finding refuge amongst the staff here... I was hoping to find help.”

The guards fell silent for a moment and exchanged a glance. The colder of the two finally snorted and Penelope flinched in response. “And exactly what are you running from?”

“Amias, ease up a little...” The other knight muttered to his comrade before shifting his gaze over to Penelope. “Sorry about him... Everyone’s a little stressed out right now. But, uh, why are you here for such a thing?”

Penelope bit her tongue for a moment. “My husband... I’m trying to escape my husband.” 

“Just because you’re not happy in your marriage doesn’t mean you can just stroll in here, lady.” Grumbled Amias as he waved his hand dismissively at her. “Go home.”

“No you don’t understand!” Time for the real acting. Penelope stepped forward with a look of desperation as she finally met Amias’ gaze. “He’s- He’s been beating me... It was barely anything at first, maybe a rough touch but it got worse as time went on. He’d hit me over small things.. Stupid mistakes. I thought I could deal with it until..“ She trailed off and moved her hand over the bandaged wrapped around her arm. Her gaze fell again and she gave a troubled frown. Penelope hesitated and shook her head. “Please... I just want to get away from him.” She pleaded.

Amias fell silent, his cold expression now wavered. The other knight gave Penelope a look of pity. “You’ll have to wait here.. The head of the servants will need to approve before anything is set in stone but we might be able to help you.” He agreed. He looked at Amias. “I’ll get Matilda.”

“No need. I’m right here.” Came a new voice from just slightly past the gate. An older woman with graying black hair was making her way up. She was rather tall and walked with grace despite her age and position. Her eyes were a deep brown that held a hint of sharpness to them. Behind her, a shorter woman tagged along eagerly. She was younger, likely around the same age as Penelope, and had bright blue eyes with light brown hair. She bounced after the head maid, carrying a bucket of water the two likely just got from a nearby well. 

The two knights stepped back slightly as Matilda joined them at the gate. Her gaze ran over Penelope. “What’s your name, dear?” She asked. Her voice was rough though it was difficult to tell if it was from age or her sternness. 

“Farah.” Penelope replied meekly. 

“Hi Farah! I’m Dotty!” Chirped the bubbly short woman. Matilda shot her a silencing look and she ducked to stand back by the kinder knight who gave her a soft smile. Matilda moved closed to Penelope and held out her hand. “Let me see your arm, Farah.” 

Penelope looked up at her and blinked, mildly surprised that was what she asked for. She held out her injured arm to Matilda. The head servant eyed the bandaging before carefully peeling it back slightly so she could view the injury. “This was done by a blade huh? Your husband did this?” She spoke quietly, trying to keep the conversation between just the two of them while the other servant spoke with the knights. 

“Yes.” 

“How?” Penelope tensed slightly. 

“I was preparing dinner and he had just gotten home, completely drunk. He was angry... He was always angry when he was drunk but this time was worse. I tried to calm him down but he wouldn’t. At first he was just throwing stuff on the ground and when I tried to stop him, he picked up a knife and cut my arm... He threatened to cut my throat next if I ever got in his way again.” She kept her voice low and quiet, as if it was a story she didn’t want everyone to know. 

Matilda let out a soft sigh and nodded her head as she listened. “I see..” She mused softly then moved to place a hand on Penelope’s shoulder. “You can relax now. You’ll be safe with us. Come on inside, I’ll have Dotty here help get you settled in.” 

Penelope let out a quiet sigh of relief. So far, they seemed to buy her story. [i]So far so good..[/i] The knight thought as she looked over at the Younisians. As Matilda turned to lead the way inside, Penelope dipped her head gratefully to the knights as she passed by them. Amias paid no attention to her while the other knight gave a nod in return before saying his goodbyes to Dotty. The small servant quickly turned and hurried to Penelope’s side, seeming to beam at the idea of new company. 

“Looks like I’ll get to show you around, Farah! Oh it’ll be so fun!” She giggled.