Ridahne was silent. She was content to see to her meal instead of looking in any place in particular. It seemed like the entire tavern gave her a wide berth, like a school of fish parting to avoid a predator. She didn't mind. She was used to it by now. Most humans were a little wary around Azurei elves, even the ones that didn't give off such a dangerous vibe, as their inked skin often gave them a fierce look and most, even simple merchants or sailors, carried knives. Most weren't as deadly looking as Ridahne's and in fact most of them took on a more utilitarian feel, but they all had at least one. It was as much for daily use and defense as it was a part of their culture. The use of the blade was an art, so much so that the word for practice sparring was the same word used for actual dancing. 

Ridahne was quick to understand the implications of everything Darin said. There was no telling when the task would be accomplished, and no telling how far they had to travel in order to see it done. And, Ridahne knew, that would mean going back home. That was a small hitch, but not anything that couldn't be dealt with. But what made her stop and look up at the woman, studying her carefully with those piercing eyes was her insistence that she not treat her differently. Ridahne examined her for a long, long time without saying much. Just looking. Watching. Thinking.

"I unnerved you with the 'Ri'atal' thing, didn't I?" Her tone was uncharacteristically soft, understanding. It seemed incongruous that someone so fierce, so prickly and aloof could be so gentle and sympathetic and yet she was. "I have no illusions that you are...any more than you seem. You're a farmer. You desperately need riding lessons--and, by the way, I think it's good Talbot is coming. He will serve you well, and Tsura could not carry us both for long. You can't defend yourself all that well and we both know you need to. You're inexperienced in a lot of ways, Martin, and this world is too cruel and it will consume you if you aren't careful. We have work to do. But that doesn't negate what you are. You can avoid it all you like, downplay it all you want. But it doesn't change the fact. And that fact doesn't make you a great warrior or a skilled ranger. It doesn't make you intelligent either. If it did, you wouldn't need someone like me. I wouldn't have been sent here at all. But I assume you were not randomly chosen. You didn't find it on the roadside, it was given to you. Specifically you. And that isn't nothing. Understand that Ri'atal," she said, using the term as something of a code, "and the naive farmer you are are not different things. You are both. The fact remains that there is a job to be done and you are responsible for seeing it done.  Not me, not anyone else. You." She poked one long, slim finger into her sternum gently. That gesture might have been seen as forward or aggressive in these parts, but commonplace where she was from. "I am only here to aid you where I can." 

Ridahne took a moment, gathering her own thoughts while letting her words sink in. Finally she looked away, staring at some point on the opposite wall. "I understand the risks and implications. Realize that I have nowhere to be and not much to return to when this is over, so I'm in no rush. I only want to fulfill my own purpose and give worth to a hundred years of empty deeds and mistakes. I'm not entirely welcome in Azurei...If you take me with you, I will tell you what brought me here." She looked down, growing quiet. "You have a right to know but...just...I ask that you give me time. It's not something I want to speak of. But know only that I traded one wrongdoing for a greater good. That said..." she sighed. "Azurei does not see it that way. Especially those that don't know the full story. If--[I]when[/I] we go, people will know  what I've done just by looking at me." She tapped the most recent tattoo on her face. But the Sol, our 'queen and princesses', they know everything. They know my purpose and yours. We would have to seek audience to explain and I would need to gain a temporary leave to travel Azurei without being harassed. That won't mean people will treat me well, but I won't be challenged to a duel or assassinated in the street." she smirked, though it didn't sound like she was joking. "I have connections in the Sol's palace. He--" she swallowed hard. "[I]They[/I] can escort us safely until I am given amnesty."

That would be a hard trip, bittersweet, but she would do it when the time came. This task was all she had left and nothing would stand in her way once she had determined to go.