Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: Cautious

As the moments pass, Andrea fingers danced on countless pages as she buried herself deeper into the book. Her emerald eyes shined on the falling snowflakes as she smirked to herself on the pages that seemed to be the only things that matter. That and the monsters that terrorized this place, often speaking to herself. “Show yourself.” She whispered to the forest, her eyes narrowing slightly before getting lost in the book again. Yet, her ear twitched, followed by the clanking of armored footsteps against the stone. It wasn’t a soldiers march, but a more familiar one. Andrea nimble fingers snapped the book shut as her eyes reverted back to it’s ruby hue. Unsure if this will be the stabbing he mentioned or another round of the witty banter.

Her hands relaxed on her hips as she slowly faced him completely. Wearing the uncaring and neutral face she wore all day and during their travels. Yet hearing her name on his lips caused her to raise an eyebrow towards him. Finally saying her name to address her, it was a little respect that she always craved. She stayed silent for a moment longer hearing the hidden meaning behind his words, and the way he carried himself. Something made him speak up, that or this is him fully sober without any ale in the morning. She couldn’t wich, as she thought about his question for a moment before a soft and subtle sigh parted her lips and her gaze focused on the soldiers down below.

“[color=ed145b]You are not the only one that acted beneath their normal routine, and for that we share the apology and hopefully understanding. After all, strangers forced in the same room are bound to cause some drama.[/color]” Andrea’s eyes glowed a little brighter but more pinkish as she offered a small smile. Glancing towards him for a moment longer before focusing on the soldiers. “[color=ed145b]I understand. The need for gold is great in the world, it pays for the bare necessities of life and even more. I also needed the gold as well.[/color]” Andrea nodded before walking away from the soldiers and instead leaned against one of the stones on the battlement. The question pondered in her mind as she tapped her arm, fighting within herself.

“[color=8dc73f][i]Tell him, show him that you are the queen of monsters and need new fighters to take your people’s freedom back. While becoming an unstoppable being of creation.[/i][/color]” Her eyes shifted to the opportunist emerald eyes, whispering the idea with a sinister green, but before she could say anything to him she shakes her head. Her eyes return to the ruby color as she takes a small breath. “[color=ec008c]Nor should you trust me. Trust is hard to obtain and incredibly fragile. But know that I will not betray the group or you.[/color]” She answered as honestly as he did, though she was still curious. Her gaze focused on him, building the courage.

“[color=ec008c]But I suppose you were honest with me, and that deserves some honesty in return.[/color]” She gestured as she gestured with her hand, before lazily gesturing towards the people below. “[color=ec008c]In simplicity, I want my people to have the same freedom as these men and women. To no longer be shackled and collared as slaves again[/color].” Andrea stated before patting to her hip where the book faintly glowed a little before she captured his attention. “[color=ec008c]But I cannot free my people alone. I need strength. And the strength I seek relies on the wicked souls.[/color]” Her eyes focused on the outskirts.

“[color=ec008c]So I travel to expand my knowledge and practice my power. But my power and magic is considered forsaken in most cities. So I leave, just before the pitchforks and torches are lit up.[/color]” Andrea stated plainly though there was some regret echoing in her voice, for just a small moment. Yet she brushed it away, forsaken it with new resolve. Andrea turned towards Axol again, her hand behind her back as her eyes narrowing towards him. “[color=ec008c]I answered your question and now could you answer mine?[/color]” She studied him for a moment longer before tilting her head slightly. “[color=ec008c]Do I have your word that you won’t regale my tell to the others? Even if the drinks loosened your tongue?[/color]”