[center][h1]Morning Knights[/h1] [color=red][b]Flashback[/b][/color], Monday, 1st Ignis[/center] [@Remram] The sun sat yet early in the sky, morning birds still calling as the scent of freshly baked bread wafted out from a portion of the training grounds. Many of the guards, soldiers, and enthusiasts gathered there were at some stage of enjoying various baked goods to be found in a very large breadbasket, set aside near some equipment racks. A tartan cloth covered it, to be lifted at the corner and replaced when retrieving morsels, protecting the contents from getting dirty. The woman responsible for the basket, Captain Stratya Durmand, and her lieutenant wore training raiment of cloth padding and hard leather plates, and each held a wooden parrying dagger in the left hand, with nothing in the right. The lieutenant, a right-handed man, was struggling to keep up with his commanding officer, while she seemed perfectly comfortable. After another very controlled smack to his hand, the lieutenant let out a frustrated groan, “let me use my main hand.” The captain sighed, straightening up out of her stance, “Do ye intend tae wield yerr shorr’sword in yerr left, then?” No, he didn't. James Clearwater glanced at the hand holding the parrying dagger, seeing her point. He knew he was supposed to be training his left, but it was frustrating and difficult when the captain seemed naturally inclined to her left hand. “Reyt, so we’ll keep on like this. Aah, but, perr’aps we’ll take a lit’le brreak, first. A cinnamon rroll sounds keen.” And perhaps she could let him take a break from such focused training. He was doing well, actually. She was ambidextrous, which gave James a rather high bar to try to overcome. She didn’t expect him to beat her with his offhand, only to get better. A knight should never miss a day of training. If he didn't train one day, no one would notice. If he didn't train for a week, only he would notice. If he didn't train for a month then everyone would notice. That was why Askel found himself on the training grounds in Sorian, to keep his skills sharp and honed as the blade he wore by his side. The clothes he wore were loose and plain though someone with a discerning eye would be able to tell that they were of exceptional make. His violet eyes scanned the compound and... why could he smell baked goods? Was there a bakery nearby that he was unaware of? No matter, he had more important things to worry about. He asked a passing Caesonian soldier who'd he would need to speak to in order to get permission to use these grounds. Askel was pointed in the direction of one Captain Durmand. It was a surprise to see a female knight, though a welcomed one. [color=#C84808]"Captain Durmand?"[/color] He asked to confirm as he approached her. [color=#C84808]"My apologies for intruding, I am Askel Camilia, knight of Varian and prince. If it is not a bother, would you allow me to train on these grounds? I will do my utmost best to not interfere with neither the training of your knights nor your own."[/color] The woman in question turned at her name, an upbeat[color=peru] “mm?”[/color] escaping her throat before she received an introduction. A [i]royal[/i] introduction. Something about him seemed less strict than Prince Wulfric, at least. What a time to be caught with a bite of cinnamon roll in her mouth - the remainder of the morsel was in her gloved hand. That large basket nearby was shaped to rest on the hip as it was carried on the arm, and large enough to warrant it. Captain Durmand gave a few hurried, final chews and submitted the carbs to her stomach before she spoke,[color=peru] “g’morrnin’, Prrince Askel. Yes, please, our grrounds arre open tae guests. Cerr’ainly, one such as Yerr ‘ighness, aye?”[/color] She smiled warmly, and stepped to the side to allow the royal a direct path to the training gear. Most of the wooden training weapons had metal cores for weight and durability. Captain Durmand continued,[color=peru] “though they arre day-old, Yerr ‘ighness is welcome tae m’ baske’ o’ baked goods. Nowt good, trrainin’ an’ fightin’ wit’ an empty belly.”[/color] A moment passed, and an idea came to her. Stratya glanced at James with a mischievous grin,[color=peru] “If yerr in’errested, ‘ighness,”[/color] she gave a slight pause, to let Askel bring his attention back to her,[color=peru] “[abbr=if you’re keen for a sparring partner, I believe my lieutenant tires of clashing offhands with me.]if yerr keen ferr a sparrin’ parr’ner, I believe my lieutena’ tirres o’ clashin’ off’ands wit’ me.[/abbr]”[/color] James, who had been watching an ongoing sparring match as he munched on a simple breadroll with a bit of cheese, looked over suddenly. He seemed a bit like a prairie dog that wanted to disappear down a hole it didn’t have. Ah, yes, there was also cheese in the basket. Well, at least he knew where the smell of baked goods wafted from. What he wasn't expecting was for the captain of these knights to have a mouthful of sweet, buttery baked goods lodged into her mouth. Apparently, he caught her at a bad time. Askel patiently remained silent as she hurriedly packed away the cinnamon roll. After a brief greeting and confirmation, he was offered to partake from the basket of baked goods. [color=#C84808]"Ah, I appreciate it, but I already-"[/color] His stomach rumbled loudly, eliciting a slight blush from his already rosy cheeks and an embarrassed chuckle. [color=#C84808]"On second thought, how am I supposed to refuse the gracious hospitality of a fellow knight?"[/color] Askel glanced down at the basket and picked up a croissant and sliced a small slab of cheese. As he prepared his morning treat, his attention was brought back to the attention of the knight captain. A playful grin stretched along his face. [color=#C84808]"Ah, a cultural exchange between blades? Color me intrigued."[/color] He glanced back at the wooden weapons and then back at Durmand.[color=#C84808]"Well, wood. The last time I sparred with wooden weapons was when I was a child. In Varian, those who seek further advancement as soldiers train with steel on steel, so it's rather strange to see from my perspective. Not bad, just different."[/color] He bit a hunk out of his quick fix breakfast and nodded with approval. [color=#C84808]"My compliments to the baker. I must admit, Caesonian pastry is quite a delicacy."[/color] Stratya smiled softly as the fellow knight and neighboring prince stepped forward and prepared for himself a morsel to hold him until breakfast. A little giggle, warm and kindhearted, escaped her throat. A prince, hungry enough that his body complains about it? This was a prince much more like Auguste than Wulfric or Callum. Askel’s comment caught her ear. Aah, the wood?[color=peru] “Aah, hahah, aye, [abbr=an old habit, that.. These ones’re a little more serious than the ones when I were small, though. We’re just about to change over, in fact. We start the day with teaching the squires a bit. I’ve been rapping poor Clearwater’s knuckles all morning. I’m sure he’s thankful it was with and not steel. It’s available, and we’ll bet getting more out as the sun climbs.]an old ‘abit, tha’. These ones’rre a lit’le more serrious than t’ ones when I werre small, tho’. We're jes’ abou’ tae change ova, in fact. We star’ t’ day wit’ teachin’ th’ squirres a bi’. I’ve been rrappin’ poorr Clea’wa’errs knuckles all morrnin’. I’m sure ‘e’s thankful it was wit’ wood and nae steel. T’is available, an’ we’ll be gettin’ more ou’ as t’ sun climbs.”[/abbr][/color] The wooden weapons in question were, also, certainly not children's toys or some such. Their make was far too fine, and hardwood had been used, whereas children would be playing with almost exclusively soft. “If you would prefer, Your Highness, I would not be opposed to using proper blades,” James had found an opportunity between bites to offer, and Stratya gave her lieutenant a nod. If the Prince would prefer, he would retrieve. When Askel took a bite and found himself delighted, it was Stratya’s turn to blush, just a little. She tried to contain a smile and, only so slightly, gave a bashful squirm,[color=peru] “ooh, weh, complimen’s rrecieved, yerr ‘ighness. Mos’ days, I bake [i]somethin’[/i] in th’ morrnin’. S’how my motherr taugh’ me.”[/color] Askel could help, but to chuckle if a little awkwardly at the level of formality being offered to him. Perhaps it would have been better if he only introduced himself as a knight only? [color=#C84808]"We're all soldiers here. Please, call me Askel or Sir Camila if you must insist on formalities. Right now, I am here as a knight, not as the prince of a nation."[/color] He said with a warm smile that begged them to push aside the other aspect of his identity. He gave Stratya a kind smile of approval. [color=#C84808]"Your mother taught you very well! If they're this good after a day, then I can only imagine how great they are fresh out of the oven."[/color] He nodded, a mental image of steam wafting off of freshly baked bread and other delights filled his mind. [color=#C84808]"A knight should have interests outside of their profession. Keeps the mind sharp."[/color] Askel said before he took another hunk out of his cheese sandwich in a way that was most unrefined for a prince. He walked over to check out the wooden weapons and to his surprise the quality was definitely high. In fact, perhaps they were too finely crafted and that was saying something because he remembered the wooden weapons he used for practice for being rather sturdy though this was of another order. When told by the lieutenant that he could use proper blades if he so wished, Askel shook his head. He called back, [color=#C84808]"No, that's okay. I would rather you not accommodate me more than what your kingdom has already granted me. I am grateful enough just to be able to share the grounds."[/color] Askel grabbed his training weapons of choice, a wooden long sword and an arming sword, after inspecting the balance of weight. Askel gave Stratya a thankful slight bow of the head. [color=#C84808]"I thank you for the pick me up, Captain Durmand. I think I can begin warming up. Forgive me James, it will only take a few moments."[/color] He placed his practice weapons down for a moment and rolled up his loose sleeves past his elbows. What was revealed were too large, well-defined arms that looked like they were carved straight out of stone. They were the arms of a man that had dedicated a great deal of time to swordsmanship. He picked up the practice longsword and gave a few practice swings, precise and strong as if they were performed hundreds upon hundreds of times. Then he took a deep breath and exhaled, and something visibly changed with him; the soft kindness in his eyes was replaced with cold and calculating focus. With an unexpected burst of speed, Askel began what could only be described as a dance, switching between various guards as he swung his weapon with immaculate footwork though they were not just random attacks, but perfectly optimized to not disarm, but to kill. It was plain to see that he was trained by someone exceptional, but what was obvious was not only his keen instincts, but experience that could only be sharpened through countless battles. The air that the practice blade cut through sounded like it was screaming with the force of his strikes. One could only imagine the resounding sound a single strike would have made should it [i]hit[/i] someone. However, he was not just on the offensive; there were parries, feints, and blocks thrown into the mix and anyone with experience would realize that he was [i]fighting[/i] someone, an imaginary opponent in his mind. Whoever it was, they were skilled because if it were any other soldier then he would have killed them ten times over. He eventually came to a standstill and exhaled before he turned to James with a big grin on his face and an excited light in his eyes that should not belong to the same person they just watched only moments ago. [color=#C84808]"Alright, I'm ready!"[/color] He wished to dispose of the formalities? The baking knight was surprised - did he consider himself more knight than prince? She watched him put together his croissant, appreciating his choice of cheese, considering, [color=peru] “Askel, a fellow soldier, then, is i’?”[/color] It was a simple request, and one that would ask no difficulty in fulfilling it. The baking knight chuckled softly at his compliments with an easy grin,[color=peru] “ye’ll ge’ yerr chance if ye stick ‘rround.”[/color] She took an appreciative breath, as though she smelled something fresh on the breeze. Indeed, having a wide variety of experiences growing up had allowed Stratya to find hobbies besides hunting, baking, and training. Those other hobbies had, in turn, made her a much more rounded person.[color=peru] “[abbr=How right you are, Askel. Life is more than just fighting. You need cause, and balance. Keeps the mind sharp and the spirit well.]How rreyt you arre, Askel. Life is morre’n jus’ figh’in’. Y’ need cause, an’ balance. Keeps t’ mynd sharrp, an’ t’ [i]spiri’[/i] well.[/abbr]”[/color] As Askel took his weapons of choice, the captain found herself intrigued. A two-weapon fighter, as well? Not a shield, or a single sword, but two. It took a lot of practice and awareness to use two effectively. Askel must be skilled. Stratya glanced at her lieutenant. He didn’t seem to have picked up on the implications of Askel’s choice in weapons. Hm. It wouldn’t take him long to see it, though. As Askel launched into an impressive display, she could almost feel the poor guy’s apprehension. Askel gave the title “Royal Knight” a good look. In the back of her head, Stratya wondered how his knighting went. Did he [i]need[/i] to be knighted? Or could he just declare it himself? He didn’t seem the type. At any rate, Stratya walked herself over to the weapon rack and started picking out her own kit for a proper spar. By the time Askel had declared himself ready, Stratya put a hand on her lieutenant’s shoulder as she walked past him,[color=peru] “[abbr=your hand hurts, right, Clearwater? You should rest it.]y’rr ‘and hurts, rreyt, Clea’wa’err? Y’shoul’ rrest i’.[/abbr]”[/color] “Ahh, yes, it does, actually. I will.” Captain Durmand bore a targe on her right arm, with a wooden dirk in her right hand. In her left she had seen Askel’s wooden longsword with a shortsword. [color=peru]“[abbr=Right, then. He’ll have a bit of rest, and I’ll spar with you.]Rreyt, then. He’ll ‘ave a bi’ o’ rrest, and I’ll sparr ye, instead.[/abbr]”[/color] In truth, such a capable opponent had Stratya a little excited. Even if she had a wooden swordbreaker, it was most effective against one-weapon opponents. Askel kicked the practice pairing blade that he left on the ground and caught it. He tilted his head back to look at her and a grin crept along his face. [color=#C84808]"I'll be in your capable hands then, Captain Durmand."[/color] With the grace of a prince he turned and bowed politely to his opponent though he raised his head back up she could see that same bone chilling stare again from his dark violet eyes, leaving him completely unreadable. It was the kind of gaze that would have made wonder if this was his true nature and if not, what kind of life would a royal have to live to be able to adopt such coldness in battle. Slowly, he shifted his stance, the pairing blade was held in his off hand and held lower down while the practice long sword was held above his head. It was a stance meant for a one-handed sword and a pairing blade, but he had the strength to manage it with a two-handed weapon such as a longsword with ease. However, even though he entered this stance, he did not strike first. Askel only watched Stratya for every bit of muscle movement, every breath, and everything thought. Stratya took a moment to consider the sudden change in the Prince’s eyes. She’d noticed it before, but to be under his intense stare was another thing entirely. Hm. The knight studied the other as she circled slowly. She walked almost casually, if not for her obvious readiness. Her shield, she kept to him, the dirk poking out from underneath. Her eyes, in contrast, seemed [i]almost[/i] flirtatious. If you were daft, you might think so, but no. They were admiring his hard work, examining him for openings, and evaluating his threat. Gradually, she circled closer, until the distance was right for her to leap forward, shield raised to her chest and concealing her shortsword behind it. With a single step forward, it began, an explosion of violent energy dancing to the tune of a knightly waltz. The sounds of reinforced wood echoed throughout the training grounds as Askel and Stratya clashed, a demonstration of the skills and unrelenting instincts between two knights who have achieved a level of combat experience well above the average soldier. Try as each other might, neither could penetrate each other's defenses; every strike, every guard, every step, and every feint was as open to each other like words to the pages of an open book. They would break from their clash and circle each other, their gazes never leaving each other as they searched to predict each other's next moves. Askel loomed like a bear, his form bearing brute force that betrayed the finesse he wielded, and yet his eyes were icy, piercing, and somehow unreadable. Stratya continued to look at him with that same admiration though with mirth to find such an opponent would simply appear to her one day. And then Askel would step in, a feint and then downward strike. Stratya would parry with her shield, the force resounding all throughout the training ground, and return in kind, thus repeating their dance. Other soldiers stopped to take notice of the fight between the knight captain and the Varian prince, their mouths agape. Murmured chatter was shared between men, some making bets on who would win with some more faithful to their dear knight captain while some were less loyal and betted on the unexpected prince-knight though the smart ones were the ones to not bet on either of them. Eventually, the two would meet eyes over locked weapons and come to a silent agreement before pulling away, each quite exhausted, drenched and breathless. Neither had made a single nick on each other save for the poor treatment their practice weapons received from their heated practice. The coldness in Askel's melted away and a hardy laugh barged through the air. [color=#C84808]"Oh you're good, really good! Ambrose would like you! Shame I couldn't convince him to swing around too!"[/color] The Baking Knight tucked the shortsword she’d used under her arm and wiped some sweat from her brow. The grin she wore said it all, she’d had a great time,[color=peru] “yerrsen’s nae slouch, eitherr.”[/color] A slight, certain hesitance in her motion signaled the moment she recognized the name,[color=peru] “Ambrrose? Serr Ambrrose Thrrane? Aye, no small wonderr i’tis, then. Owt considerred, I s’ppose I augh’ tae ‘ave expected such.”[/color] Stratya took the wooden shortsword from under her arm, tossed it into the air and flipped it around to catch it by the “blade”, before handing it off to someone that seemed to want it as she made her way back toward the equipment rack.[color=peru] “Ooh, I could go ferr a prroperr meal. Ey, Askel?”[/color] After such a fine spar, it seemed only right to take the Prince-Knight to one of the fine dining establishments that Sorian had to offer. Somewhere in her mind, Stratya wondered if Askel’s pallet would more reflect his nature as a soldier and knight than as a prince. Askel was just handing the practice weapons off to have come to collect it from him when she had asked him out for food. He raised his brow in surprise though he knew it would have been rude to decline an invitation from someone so highly regarded. [color=#C84808]"Oh, sure. What do you feel like?"[/color] He asked so innocently and plainly. Clearly, his own palate was not high on his list of priorities right now. [color=#C84808]"I mean, I [i]am[/i] a prince of Varian so I can get us in just about anywhere at short notice though I would just be as happy going to a tavern or a stand if that is what you wish. I know only some of the cheaper eats and the like when I was last in Sorian, so I would be in your very capable hands once again."[/color] He gave her a slight bow of appreciation. His nose crinkled and he looked down at the sweat stains in the pit of his arms. [color=#C84808]"Though if you wish to go somewhere with a stricter dress code, then perhaps I could be allowed some time to make myself more... presentable. I think my title only can carry me so far before I offend the senses."[/color] The prince-knight grinned embarrassedly at her for being in such a state. The captain decided that Askel probably ate more like a knight. She gave a warm chuckle,[color=peru] “ooh, I doan think tha’ll be necessarry. While ‘forreign prrince’ [i]is[/i] hard tae bea’, you migh’ be surrprised ‘ow much influence I’ve got ‘rround herre, m’self.”[/color] Still, however, she could already hear Wulfric’s stern manner chiding her for taking a Royal guest to someplace as dubious as, say, The Tough Tavern.[color=peru] “[abbr=There are a few places around the inner city I’ve not been to. How about a tavern? There’s Prince Callum’s Tavern I’ve been meaning to go to. Though, aye, we’ll have to have a bit of a faff before we go.]Therre few places ‘rround t’ inner ci’y I’ve not been tae. ‘ow abou’ a taverrn? Therre’s Prrince Callum’s Taverrn I been meanin’ tae go tah. Though, aye, we’ll ‘af tae ‘ave a bi’ o’a faff ‘forre we go.[/abbr]”[/color] [color=peru]“I s’ppose ye’rr stayin’ on t’ castle grrounds? ‘at’s where I’ll be ‘eaded, too. Shall we?”[/color] It wouldn’t make sense to split up, if they were both going to the grounds. She’d be able to point her house out to him right away, once they got past the inner walls. His brow arched with curiosity when he heard that the tavern that Stratya suggested was owned by a prince. [color=#C84808]"Now you've colored me intrigued. Either I'm about to see a prince slinging drinks around or I'm about to be incredibly disappointed. At least the company is guaranteed to be pleasant."[/color] A chuckle rumbled from his throat. Askel nodded in response to her question. [color=#C84808]"Ah, yes. I'm staying in the guest house with my family and soon the delegates from Alidasht. Let us go together if you do not mind the company."[/color] The prince was quick to follow her by her side for a short walk through town. It wasn't very far at all, from the training grounds. Stratya’s abode was one of the first buildings encountered on the castle grounds, once you were past the gate of the inner wall. It stood out, due to the large domed window that curved around the left side to meet the side wall. It let sunlight in to nourish a collection of herbs Stratya grew inside. Previously, the room had been an underused greenhouse, but her steward had done some remodeling for her. The rest of the room was now a bar, with her kitchen behind. If she hired staff, she could probably turn it into a proper establishment.[color=peru] “Therre t’is. I’ll wai’ forr ye, shall I? Swing ‘rround whene’err yerr ready. If I’m nae, my stewarr’ will show ye in. I’ll tell ‘im y’ c’n look a’ m’ ahmorry, if y’like.”[/color] Once he saw her house he said, [color=#C84808]"Oh, so that's it, there? A lovely home you have. Well, I better not keep you waiting then."[/color] With an elegant bow from the hip and with his hand on his heart, Askel gave his goodbyes and went off to the castle grounds to freshen up and dress for the occasion. Though it did leave him with a question; what does one wear at a tavern owned by a prince? Was it literally owned by a prince or did whoever owned the establishment just take the piss? Well, he’d figure it out later. [hr] Stratya had also been a tad unsure of what to wear. Due to a somewhat recent encounter, she’d been to the tailor a time or two in the past few days, looking to expand her wardrobe. She’d grown rather comfortable with the various colors of formal dress for the Caesonian military she had available, and she was finding it was causing her difficulty if she ever wanted or needed to break away from that. Eventually, she’d settled on something that wasn’t military dress. A snug pair of almost black fabric slacks, this time, beneath a girdle and a shoulder-bearing white tavern blouse with red floral embroidery at the shoulders and the wrists, extending toward each other. Gold fastenings and trimmings decorated the brown leather girdle and satchel at her side. [url=https://pin.it/6X48rbCGz]Reference~[/url] Her steward answered the door. Upstairs, Garcian had put one of the maids up to serving as Stratya’s handmaid, something the Captain had fiercely refused before and had also protested against this time. A look on Garcian’s face made her relent, and so she was still under the careful grooming of Lily. And Alma. Garcian had not missed the opportunity to increase the handmaid staffing immediately. He’d hire a more experienced handmaid later, now that he had the opening. “Prince Askel, we have been expecting you. Please, come in, Your Highness, if it pleases you.” He stepped out of the way, opening the path into the foyer, furnished with a long corner couch, center table and end tables, as well as an armoire on the left wall, which would border the kitchen and bar. He’d prepared the tables with ammenities. “Her Excellence-” a faint ruckus from upstairs cut him off, muffled behind a heavy door,[color=peru] “nae, nae, he is [i]here[/i],”[/color] a door opened and shut upstairs, her voice became much clearer,[color=peru] “I look [i]fyne[/i],”[/color] she sounded more impatient than narcissistic as she stepped out from the hallway that disappeared over the kitchen and bar. She looked down from the balcony there and smiled, any tension disappearing from her voice,[color=peru] “Askel, welcome!”[/color] She crossed and began to come down the stairs,[color=peru] “ah, I shoul’ prrobably be morre forrmal now, rreyt?”[/color] Askel just stood there awkwardly, shifting his weight on each foot. It was one thing to eat a meal with family and Ambrose, but it was another to eat a meal with someone he just met, especially a knight captain of Caesonia. It had been so long since he had been around anyone of any status, an odd thing to worry about when he was a prince of an entire nation. He gave himself a once over to make sure that he was presentable; the prince wore a light dark blue waistcoat with a matching tie over a white collared shirt, light grey trousers, and brown boots. His train of thought broke when he heard a door open followed by Stratya's voice ringing through the foyer. The prince's gaze followed her as she walked down the stairs. A laugh of relief wanted to come out, but he held back; she was just as nervous as him. Flashing a smile and raising a single brow Askel said, [color=#C84808]"Captain Durman, we are going to a pub. You are dressed appropriately and wonderfully for the occasion. It's very Varian."[/color] He motioned towards the exposed shoulders. [color=#C84808]"It suits you."[/color] A soft, pleased smile rose from her. A compliment already? Hala’s advice was paying off.[color=peru] “Ooh, thank ye. You’ve done qui’e well, yerrsen, if I may. I’ rreminds me..”[/color] she tapped her cheek thoughtfully as she came to stand in front of the Prince. Garcian retrieved a fur mantle from the locked armoire on the side of the room, which also contained an array of weapons,[color=peru] “o’a strream nearr m’ ‘ometown. Peaceful spo’. Found a gem therre, once.”[/color] The mantle was draped over her shoulders. It was a tenderly cared for thing, it sat on her shoulders with a familiarity that can only come with years. She looked over her shoulder at her Steward, speaking softly,[color=peru] “my dirrk, please.”[/color] The man bowed, and went back to the armoire. A boar’s head could be seen within, to match the pelt that formed the main body of the mantle over her shoulders. From within, the man retrieved her antique of a thing with a time-worn crest on the bottom of the hilt. [color=peru]“If we’rre nae in frron’ o’ t’ men, I’m fine wit’ ‘oweverr forrmal y’d prreferr tae be, Prrince Askel.”[/color] Her steward stepped to her side and presented her dirk to her.[color=peru] “Garrcian,”[/color] she began thoughtfully as she accepted the sheathed weapon and began to secure it to her girdle,[color=peru] “if y’ do so [i]insist[/i], I think I’ll need an ‘andmaid wit’ t’ ken o’a squirre.”[/color] Garcian gave a thoughtful, enlightened hum, nodding obediently, “yes, I see Your Excellency’s point.” Of [i]course[/i] she’d make this difficult. He did, however, see her point. A soft nod was her response as she turned back to Askel,[color=peru] “shall we?”[/color] She would close the door behind them herself as they departed. She caught herself looking at him studiously. If she had any thoughts, she kept them to herself. Instead,[color=peru] “wha’s yerr favorrite booze? Drrunkarrd’s Dae’s tomarrah, I can poin’ ye someplace good for wha’e’err yerr lookin’ ferr.”[/color] Askel chuffed amusedly at her flipping the script on him. [color=#C84808]"Stratya it is then"[/color] The prince walked beside her, matching her stride. The streets were abuzz with people getting on with their lives, wealthy people mainly, as they went on about their business. It was an odd thing for him to walk among them like this again after living a life that was so detached from the fineries that made up noble life, a life that so many try to claw up towards while it was just given to him. Such a thing left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he needed to keep himself together. After all, he needed to be good company for the captain. When asked of his favorite booze Askel shrugged though it was good natured rather than indifferent. [color=#C84808]"I'm not too picky. I am always open to trying whatever is suggested by the locals. They always know what the real good stuff is."[/color] While he walked beside her, he looked at her mantle both inquisitively and appreciatively. [color=#C84808]"So, I have to ask. Did you hunt the boar yourself or was it purchased? It's very unique... as well as warm."[/color] A look of concern was etched upon his face. [color=#C84808]"While I do not wish to underestimate your constitution, we're approaching the middle of Ignis. Are you sure that you are okay to wear such a thing in the middle of the day?"[/color] The sun indeed beamed down on them, and he noticed that she had not brought a parasol. He could only wonder how in the world she was not melting wearing a literal boar upon her shoulders. Stratya leaned back as she heard he had no particular favorites, and couldn’t help the smile that came over her,[color=peru] “ooh, [abbr=no particular favorite? Perhaps I can put forward something to catch your eye Prince Callum’s always a friend for a drink]nae parrtic’larr favrri’e? Mm~, perr’aps I can pu’ forrwarrd some’in’ tae catch yerr eye. Prrince Callum’s always a frriend ferr a drrink,[/abbr]”[/color] said with only the utmost kindness in her tone,[color=peru] “[abbr=and the wide variety of drinks on the menu reflects that]an’ the wyde varrie’y o’ drrinks on t’ menu rrefects tha’.[/abbr]”[/color] When he brought attention to her mantle, she couldn’t help but smile a little out of pride.[color=peru] “I did ‘un’ this fierrce beasty m’sen, some..”[/color] she tossed her head back gently as she considered how much time had passed,[color=peru] “faaaaaw, twelve yearrs ago? Tae come o’ age, as ‘un’err’s apprrentice, I prrovided the cen’errpiece ferr sprring feast. Those werre some fyne rribs, aye. Aah, Mr. Keinly, good day!”[/color] She waved to a vendor who’d set up on the edge of the fountain square. It was leading up to Drunkard’s Day, and Stratya had given permission to a few enthusiastic vendors to set up the day prior at the edge of the inner city fountain square. For the holiday. Strictly for the holiday. As he expressed his concern for her, she offered him a kind smile. A good man, this one. Considerate and strong, a stalwart ally for the battlefield. If they found themselves in some conflict, she could only hope the circumstances would be such that they could stand together. As for his question,[color=peru] “[abbr=I can see why you might think I’d be a little warm. I think you for your concern, Askel. The of vermillion wear their furrs all year, aye? I think the pelt must be doing for me whatever it does to keep the boars cool in the heat.]I c’n see why y’ migh’ think I’d be a wee bi’ warrm. I thank ye ferr yerr concerrn, Askel. T’ boars of Verrmillion wearr theirr furrs all yearr, aye? I think t’ pel’ mus’ be doin’ ferr me wha’e’err i’ does tae keep t’ boarrs cool in t’ hea’.[/abbr]”[/color] The mantle itself remained cool in the sun, despite the intensity of its shining. As they passed the knight’s barracks and began to see the residences and shops of the inner city, Stratya began to look them over. He thought she’d bought it? It’d be a pretty penny, surely. Fur wasn’t cheap.[color=peru] “It’s still new tae me, y’ken. ‘avin’...”[/color] she paused and watched the road in front of her as she thought of how she wanted to say,[color=peru] “‘avin’ [i]gold[/i]. Any gold. Silverr was abou’ all we’d see in t’ village. You’d find people- merrchants, wit’ [i]a few[/i] gold, at the trrade post, bu’ in m’ village? Naaaae. So, it.. feels awkwarrd, spendin’ sae much. Capi’al’s [i]expensive[/i], i’ is.”[/color] Now there was someone that could get things done. Askel looked quite impressed that Stratya had hunted her own kill though he was more fascinated with the insulating qualities of boar hide. However, he would have never expected her to be so open about her insecurities. Askel gave her a look of understanding for her discomfort with her newfound sense of wealth. For someone like her who came from more modest means it must have been a shock to casually carry a purse with gold coins jingling around. [color=#C84808]"As strange as it may sound to you, I get it."[/color] He stated and then took in the sight of festivities in the middle of preparation for a night of libations. [color=#C84808]"Almost as soon as I was knighted by my mother and father, I left and lived as a knight-errant for years. I left with only whatever I could carry and my horse. I only just returned and I have to say it is an odd feeling to return to wealth."[/color] Askel grinned sheepishly because he knew it was such a strange thing for a prince of all people to say. [color=#C84808]"I travelled all over Varian, Caesonia, and Alidasht to learn what I can about this world beyond castle walls. Fundamental truths and experiences that I could never hope to have otherwise, both the good and bad."[/color] For a moment there was a faraway look in his eyes. It wasn't reminiscing or nostalgia, just someone thinking about the sum of knowledge and wisdom he had gained from his journey. His lips curled up in a wry smirk, and he tilted his head to look down at her. [color=#C84808]"If I am to serve as a knight of Varian, then one must know of the world for all of its briar and roses. To remain ignorant is reprehensible, wouldn't you agree?"[/color] Stratya couldn’t help but smile as she heard Askel describe his experiences. It seemed like he’d gone through the proper paces, unlike her own left-handed journey to knighthood. Despite the differences between them,[color=peru] “[abbr=Aye, maybe it’s how you step away from formalities, but I felt it to be in your ken. You’re the earnest sort, aye? An excellent quality for a knight.]Aye, maybe it’s ‘ow ye step away frrom forrmali’ies, but I felt it tae be in yerr ken. Ye’rre t’ earrnest sorr’, aye? An excellen’ quali’y ferr a knigh’.[/abbr]”[/color] Despite their very different backgrounds, they presently stood in very similar positions, and she even felt like he was looking at her as an equal. It made him very easy to talk to. [color=peru]“I’ve nae been fa’ beyond ourr borrderrs, m’sen. I’ve kept busy since my knigh’in’, and I’m,”[/color] she hesitated slightly as she considered how she wanted to phrase, [color=peru]“rratherr familiarr wit’ cer’ain ci’ies now, as it ‘appens.”[/color] There had been a purpose behind her touring Caesonia. She took a breath, thoughtful,[color=peru] “I’d verry much like tae trravel moar, ‘n see t’ rrest o’ t’ worrld. At least some.”[/color] Maybe travel for something other than work, even though supposedly they'd been leisure trips. They hadn't, she'd been pursuing an investigation, but advertising that was counter-productive.[color=peru] “As ye say. Y’ cannae be sa’isfyed wit’ t’ breadth oa depth o’ yerr ken. Ferr such, as well, I should like tae see moar o’ t’ worrld..”[/color] A meow came from nearby and Stratya was quick to look and spot a tabby cat, coming out from under a bush and looking at them.[color=peru] “Ooh~, hello.”[/color] The knight crouched down with her hand out, a gentle smile beaming at the critter, who trotted over and rubbed on her hand eagerly.[color=peru] “Oooh, what a sweetie. C’n I pick y’ up?”[/color] Before she could try, the cat jumped up onto her knees, keeping a shaky balance as it rubbed against her face,[color=peru] “gods, what a swee’hearr’. C’mon, then.”[/color] She gathered the cat into her arms and stood, letting the fuzzy cutie rest on her shoulder as she pet it. Askel bent his knees slightly to get a little closer to the cat's eye level. It looked to be quite satisfied being held in the knight captain's arm [color=#C84808]"My, aren't you a cute one?"[/color] He cooed softly and held his hand out to let it sniff it before rubbing its face against it. Internally, he was screaming for joy to receive kitty cat acceptance. Askel gently began to scratch it under the chin and in response, it stretched its head forward to receive more. [color=#C84808]"I was lucky to have the luxury of choice to go and explore when I could. Not everyone gets to have that, so there's no need to beat yourself up over it. Your time will come."[/color] He said while giving that cat all the love he could give. [color=#C84808]"But I hope when you do go you do it as a tourist rather than as a wandering knight. Makes for an entirely different experience I'd imagine,"[/color] As a tourist, huh? As a noble at leisure, not a knight or a soldier. The thought of not dealing with [i]something[/i] at most times distracted her for the briefest moment. Alas, there was too much happening currently for her to consider taking a leisure trip. Maybe if she could resolve some things, first.[color=peru] “Tha’d be reyt keen, it would.”[/color] With a nod, the Captain knelt to put the cat down, but it meowed loudly in protest and clung to her. She stopped, straightening back up and looking at the little beasty,[color=peru] “Ooh..?”[/color] The little fluff settled into her shoulder, and she started to walk once more for the tavern, giving Askel a sheepish grin,[color=peru] “guess we’e brringin’ a ca’.”[/color] Not that she was opposed. Sidelong, she glanced at the critter,[color=peru] “Lucky yerr cu’e..”[/color] Epilogue Seated at the tavern, Stratya pulled the cat away from her plate of food, back into her lap,[color=peru] “nooo, if ye're 'ungry, you go mouse up a mouse, [abbr=you brat]y’ brra'[/abbr].”[/color] The cat looked up at her before flopping and doing that cute roll cats do when they're totally baiting you to touch the belly but you're just going to get attacked. She did her best to ignore the stretch and the way the little brat flopped in her lap afterward. Eventually, a slow, relenting sigh painted her defeat,[color=peru] “I ken yer doin'.”[/color] Stratya looked from her drink to the cat,[color=peru] “ye ken yerr doin'. [I]I ken ye ken[/I] yerr doin'.”[/color] A steady breath in, one last attempt at resistance.. a defeated sigh, [color=peru]“and it's werrkin' besides.”[/color] Captain Durmand turned to the waiter to order a bit of meat for the cat. Should she just name the thing, at this point?