[b][i]Ashton Andrews and Flame Brooks[/i][/b]

Ashton opened his mouth to say something, only to find that Kimura had taken the words right out of his mind: An application to be a Guard. So he said, "I was going to ask the same thing earlier, actually. The way I see it, I have no weapons, no money, and I am literate in my own language, not this Kingdom's. But so that I don't appear to be a bandwagon jumper, I'm going to ask: What branches of the local armed forces are open for a young man, of military age - sixteen - who, despite his suspicious origins, clearly has a bright mind and a strong body?"

A grin. "Plus, Aer said you're short-handed and are dealing with a bandit problem, so it's not like there's a glut of manpower."

Flame looked at Ashton. "Ash, this isn't the best idea. We should go join an Adventurer's Guild instead. Those provide much more independence as well as their own share of money."

Ashton looked at Flame, "Actually, that's a good idea as well. If we can think up a way to keep in contact with each other, we can probably split up; one of us goes adventuring, the other serves in the guard, and we can teach each other useful skills when we visit each other."

Flame's response was, "That's too dangerous, Ashton. We can't afford to be divided." [I]Divided further than we already are.[/i] A pause. "But I see your logic. Nevertheless, I don't think a common guard is going to get benefits that will allow one to learn more about why we're here and the troubles that we might come into in the future."

So the redhead turned around to Captain Crunch and Mono and said, "There are two of us and there are two of you. Two people with suspicous origins and two people tasked with watching over people with suspicious origins. We need to know how to survive in this Kingdom, and you two need both manpower and proof that you can trust us." A purse of his lips, which trembled. "So... We're asking for an apprenticeship. This allows you to watch us, and if I recall my knowledge of Pre-Modern law well, also gives you legal rights over us. A fair bargain, won't you agree?"

Ashton said, "Flame, weren't you saying something about adventurers and independence just some time ago?"

His boyfriend nodded. "Yes, but quite frankly, an apprenticeship with these people, if accepted, would put us close to the centre of events in a way that doesn't cause mistrust and provides guarantees for all. It's a fair bargain and would grant us [i]the best[/i] opportunities for growth."

Flame turned to Chieko. "Yes, we're ambitious. And yes, I've seen your mean looks."