[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/DmHThHw.png[/img][/center]

There were a few things to take away from this unpleasant conversation.  First, Lonan was not at the fort, which meant that they wouldn't be getting in by simply asking politely.  Second, despite his ability to turn someone into a frozen corpse with a touch, people were not afraid of him.  Second, this arrogant little squire was an obnoxious, unpleasant whelp.  Ethelred, stressed and increasingly angry over this whole ordeal, had half a mind to get of his horse and beat her senseless until she acknowledged his lethality, Harzelslack law be damned.  If anything, getting arrested would just get him closer to Elnith, especially if the local Harzel forces underestimated his powers or lacked the magical talent to counteract them.

On the other hand, it'd also be a pretty risky gamble, since he had no idea what they had up their sleeve for restraining unusual prisoners.    Not to mention that even if everything went smoothly, he'd forever wanted by Harzelslack, and it was doubtful that they'd recognize his forefathers' custom of weregild as a legitimate means of paying off a crime.  Alternatively, it might give him some relief if he let out his frustrations verbally, but he knew that such bluster with no bite would have the opposite effect of being intimidating.  No, the more that somebody shouted and demanded to be taken seriously, the less likely that anyone would actually take them seriously.

[color=6ecff6][i]Hmm, there's an idea.  Should keep their intention, without making myself appear as a real threat.  It could potentially get me arrested, but it wouldn't be anything serious.[/i][/color]

Ethelred pondered his idea silently, before abruptly turning away from Grainne and riding up to the elf.  He made no attempt to address Grainne further- he wasn't going to indulge her.

[color=6ecff6]Alright, elf,"[/color] Ethelred softly spoke as to not let Grainne overhear them, his somewhat pained and hesitant.  [color=6ecff6]"You win, we'll get her out your way, and I'll keep them distracted.  Conversing with that loud-mouthed whelp over there has proven to be just the inspiration I needed to come up with a good diversion."[/color]

[@Cu Chulainn]