[center][h1][color=8FBC8B]Olivia[/color] [color=lightgray]&[/color] [color=#C84808]Askel[/color][/h1][/center] [i]Ignis 4th[/i] [@Potter] [hr] The streets of Sorian were bustling with people. Flora Road’s bazaar had garnered attention from nobles and peasants for ages; whether merchants from other lands came to sell their goods,nobles to sell their wares, or peasants selling their goods for cash, it was nearly always busy. The cacophony of voices drowned one another out. Olivia sat on the edge of a nearby rooftop observing, her legs dangling over the edge. She wore a dark navy blouse, pants, and boots with a sunhat covering her head, and her lock red locks hung in braids. She watched a young girl dressed in rags with greasy hair, dust and dirt covering her and holding a basket that had seen better days. She bounced from stall to stall, attempting to convince people to purchase her eggs. Liv’s heart clenched; it was as if she were watching herself in the past. Two noblewomen, arm in arm and nearly identical brunettes and their escort stood nearby, buying goods and selling whatever trinkets they decided to part with. Realistically, Liv wouldn’t be surprised if they were scamming others. As the peasant girl moved away, the man from the noble trio bumped into her. The girl, frail as she was, fell, and the contents of a basket spilled all over the ground. Eggs, milk, bread, and other average artistic trinkets fell to the ground. There was a pause as some people looked, and then the woman-a brunette-gasped loudly and dramatically as she gazed down at her dress. The young peasant girl (Olivia decided to nickname her Helena) stood up and dusted off her clothes sheepishly. She began gathering her items, but the women’s shrill yell made her flinch and stop. [color=yellow]”You wrench! You got your filthy milk all over my dress? Do you know how much this costs?”[/color] She raised her hand but the man caught it and held onto it. [color=lavender]”Now now, Priscilla, we shouldn't yell at people,”[/color] The man softened his voice as he began to dust off the lady’s dress. [color=lavender]”It’s not this brat’s fault she was born unlucky.”[/color] He paused for dramatic effect. [color=lavender]”Be a good rat and clean up your mess.”[/color] The two women howled with laughter. Olivia’s face reddened with fury and the girl’s expression cracked like an egg. [color=yellow]”Phillip, that was great!”[/color] The woman, apparently Priscilla, exclaimed. Her sister, still howling with laughter, pushed the girl to the side. She cried out and hit the ground again, and Olivia noticed dots of blood on the ground from where she must have skinned herself. She stood up, clenched her fists and cursed herself for not carrying her bow. [color=aqua]”Here little rat, clean up your mess.”[/color] The other girl teased, as she kicked around Helena’s items. Her face was red with embarrassment and anger, but she didn't say anything. As she went to grab the bread, Phillip picked it up and chucked it to Priscilla who held it out of the girls’ reach and laughed harder. [color=yellow]”What’s wrong little rat, you can’t reach it? Here, Petunia!”[/color] She tossed it to her sister. Phillip kicked her milk carton and eggs further down the road and picked her basket up. [color=lavender]”This is a basket? Are you serious? I guess you don’t need this thing anymore,”[/color] He ripped it apart as the girl jumped for it, tears streaming down her face. [color=pink]”My mama made that! No! Please!”[/color] Helena cried out with grief. Heat rose in Liv’s face and all she could see was red. Her heart clenched as if someone were squeezing it, and her lungs begged her to breathe or else she might collapse. Nobody stood in to help the poor girl and watched with horror and amusement. Phillip watched her leaping and kicked her backwards into the dirt, the trio howling with laughter. Priscilla set her foot on the girl’s back to keep her down. Olivia moved silently. She parkoured and landed behind the group–silent and vibrating with controlled fury. A few heads turned to see her and blink with surprise. [color=8FBC8B]”Put down the bread and give her back her basket.”[/color] Her voice was low yet menacing. Liv stopped the milk carton from cascading further away with her foot. The quartet turned to her, all pausing, expressions and laughter halted to discover the saver of the young girl. Helena’s locks were smudged with dirt–in fact, it was hard to truly tell how much had been added during the scuffle. She flashed her a kind smile then turned to glare sharply at the group. [color=8FBC8B]”I said, put down the bread, and give her basket back. Can you hear?”[/color] Priscilla scoffed. [color=yellow]”And who are you supposed to be?”[/color] Liv ignored her and stepped closer to Phillip. [color=8FBC8B]”I’m asking you one more fucking time and then I won’t apologize for what happens next.”[/color] Phillip gulped, seeing the fury in her eyes, the controlled calm she was oozing and the menacing look in her eyes–and tossed the bread to Petunia, but Olivia moved faster and intercepted it. She snatched it out of the air and handed it to Helena with a sweet smile. [color=8FBC8B]”Stay behind me, darling.”[/color] She ushered her behind her. Helena froze, then ran behind her and clutched her bread. [color=8FBC8B]”You three are picking on a weaker target; that doesn’t make you noble, it makes you cowardly. You are the worst of the worst.”[/color] Petunia scowled at her and stepped forward. [color=aqua]”Do you know who we are, girl?”[/color] She bristled with indignation. [color=8FBC8B]”No, but you’ll find out who I am in a second.”[/color] Olivia raised her fists and the three of them began laughing again raucously. Phillip, enthusiastic about the fight and odds, pushed his sleeves up. Liv’s eyes narrowed and she stepped forward. [color=8FBC8B]”You going to pick on someone your own size now, sugar?”[/color] She taunted with fury. She gritted her teeth and could feel the urge to use magic raise, yet she resisted–for now. Phillip swung first, hoping to punch and knock her out–but Liv, anticipating his moves, leapt out of the way quickly and performed a roundhouse kick to his head. He yelped as his fist swung wildly, and stumbled backwards. Priscilla gasped in horror–again, was that all she could do?-- and aimed to punch her next while Petunia recoiled and then tried to intercept behind. Liv dodged them both and punched Priscilla in the abdomen and kicked her hard backwards. As Philip regained his balance, he was ready to charge right back into the fray when he felt gravity fail him. Something lifted him into the air, a hand gripping the collar of his shirt. When he turned to see the cause, he discovered it was a young man with auburn hair and violet eyes that glared daggers right into his heart. Before he could say anything, he was just casually tossed aside like a bag of potatoes and landed unceremoniously onto his ass. [color=#C84808]"Three against one? I'd ask if you had any shame, but I think we all know that this isn't the lowest you can go,"[/color] Askel said with an amused smirk though his eyes told a very different story. To Olivia, he was just another noble judging from the way he dressed though his choice of clothes were far more subdued though of fine make. However, his clothes failed to hide an impressively strong physique that laid beneath it and attached to his side was a sheath that held his longsword. His presence could only be described as suffocating. The young man feigned a polite smile and with clasped hands began to speak though his words, polite they may be, were laced with venom. [color=#C84808]"Pardon me, I couldn't help, but to overhear your exchange as I was passing by. Well, it seemed rather one sided by the looks of it. It's no wonder Caesonia's state of affairs are in such shambles with rabble like you running amok. Just a bunch of hoodlums,"[/color] he said with never letting the corners of his mouth droop into a frown. [color=#C84808]"Now I am a most gracious man. I am giving each of you a chance to repent and pay for whatever damages and more you have caused. A peaceful, just solution is better for all parties involved. Respectfully speaking, the three of you probably do not stand a chance against her and, well,"[/color] For just a brief second, there was only menace. That polite smile fell and there was only scorn, those dark blue violet eyes were colder and sharper than any blade. [color=#C84808]"There are only a handful of people in Caesonia that could handle me and none of you are one of them."[/color] He let his words hang in the air like a heavy morning fog before his expression relaxed and a smile crept upon his lips. [color=#C84808]"So let's settle this as cordially and politely as possible!"[/color] Olivia’s eyes widened. Who was this? His outerwear described a nobleman and his physique told her there was more than meets the eye. She didn’t relax because she couldn’t tell if he were to be trusted yet. She huffed–three against one, she had done worse than that. Did she look like a damsel in distress? A spark of irritation rose inside but she quelled it with a deep breath. His politeness was merely a play–one that the trio had so graciously begun earlier. The venom could not be disguised with his flowery words of cordiality and peace. His words offered a threat, and though he was capable of carrying it out, she had difficulty judging whether there would be further consequences. How could this trio of insolent pigs be allowed to wander freely? Who was to say the trio wouldn’t perform such cruelty again? Clearly, whoever he was, he was the [i]most gracious man[/i]. She wouldn’t say no to assistance, especially from what appeared to be a higher up nobleman. The fury she had been withholding was beginning to dim, as the trio now looked flabbergasted that two people had stood up to them. She glanced at Phillip who was now sheepishly dusting off his pants while the two girls' feathers couldn’t have been more ruffled. [color=8FBC8B]”You heard him.”[/color] Olivia gestured impatiently with her hand and glared at them. [color=8FBC8B]”Give her back the basket, food, and get the fuck out of our sights.”[/color] Priscilla, the queen of gasping, let out a tinier one and grimaced as she picked up Helena’s now dirty and broken basket. Olivia glared at her hesitation, then snatched it and handed it sweetly back to Helena who was trembling and wiping her eyes. She moved up to Petunia and glared menacingly at her. [color=8FBC8B]“I see you have food you’re not giving her.”[/color] she said coldly. [color=8FBC8B]“She’s clearly starving–share, for once in your miserable life.”[/color] Petunia’s face flushed, and her fury gave way to reluctant compliance as she shoved food–bread, eggs, fruit and vegetables–toward Helena. Olivia didn’t wait; instead, she guided them into the basket, then moved back in front of her, with her shoulders tense and ready. [color=8FBC8B]”Get the fuck out of here.”[/color] The trio exchanged a look before scattering, tails tucked. Olivia exhaled and carved their faces and names into memory. She turned to the red-haired, violet-eyed man and offered a faint smile. [color=8FBC8B]”Thanks for your help. What’s your name, sir?”[/color] Liv turned, hoping to find out the girl’s real name, but she had scattered like a leaf in the wind. Olivia sighed and fixed the onlookers with a glare until they remembered their business. [color=8FBC8B]“And just so we’re clear,”[/color] she added, glancing back at him, her smile thin and humorless, [color=8FBC8B]“I could’ve taken them but your help was [i]most graciously accepted.[/i]”[/color] She paused as a mischievous smirk flashed across her face. It wasn’t arrogance–it was a promise. Askel had stood there with his arms crossed and still like a statue, his gaze stern and unwavering as he made sure that dear little girl was given her basket back and more. The only thing that moved were his eyes that followed every morsel of food that was shoved into the child's basket. As much as he would have loved to drag these nobles by the hair and throw them in front of a judge for their shared crimes, he knew that this was going to be the most amount of justice that could come out of this situation. His eyes followed them as they skulked away, making sure that they truly had gone and were not just lurking around a corner. A sigh heaved from his body, not of relief, but of frustration that this was all he could do. At the very least a little girl had food, so he'd take whatever victory he could get. His attention was turned to this spitfire of a young woman. The stern look faded into something softer and a chuckle light as snowfall floated in the air. [color=#C84808]"Oh I have no doubt that you could, but the trouble always comes afterwards. If a noble can't hurt you physically, then they are damn sure to try to hurt you in any way that matters. If you're going to fight nobles, you need more than a kick to the head."[/color] A scowl flashed upon his face as his gaze trailed back to the direction that the hoodlum nobles went towards. [color=#C84808]"Makes me wish those fools tried to punch me; King Edin would throw fools like them under a trolley to stay in our good graces. About the only way to get any sort of justice with people like them."[/color] Olivia listened to the newcomer with her arms folded. Her gaze kept scanning their surroundings then landing on him. Anytime someone looked their way, she would scowl at them and they’d turn away sheepishly. While his words rang true, OIlivia was unconcerned. Her reputation was not something she worried about. As he continued speaking, her eyebrows rose–what did he mean with the King? Who was she talking to? Her chest tightened and her heart rate quickened. His fury towards the idiotic trio began to dim towards kindness and sheepishness. A look of realization dawned upon him and gave her a sheepish smile. It was certainly a departure from the man whose words were laced with venom and a smile to kill. [color=#C84808]"My apologies, I have yet to introduce myself."[/color] He performed a small bow from the hip and laid his hand over his heart. [color=#C84808]"My name is Askel Camila, knight of Varian and second in line for the throne, but please, call me Askel."[/color] Once he introduced himself, Olivia stiffened. She was speaking to a knight [i]and[/i] a Prince? That explained it. Liv swallowed hard and quickly moved into a curtsy. [color=8FBC8B]”Oh dear me, excuse my ignorance.”[/color] Olivia replied fervently and raised her head to meet his eyes. [color=8FBC8B]”I am honored to make your acquaintance, Pri- Askel.”[/color] She corrected herself quickly. The prince-knight returned to his natural pose though he was far more relaxed now than before. [color=#C84808]"So, do you usually go around playing vigilante or is this your first go around?"[/color] He gazed at her though one could tell there was no ill-intention; Askel was quickly studying her, and a look of worry painted his face. [color=#C84808]"To say you're awfully ill-equipped would be an understatement. What would you have done if either of them had a weapon?"[/color] Olivia straightened once he had as well and smiled gently. Vigilante, huh? That was what he called her. Was she? She scratched her head and bit her lip. [color=8FBC8B]”I was just enjoying the scenery and saw those thugs messing with the poor girl. So no to vigilante, but I do like to look out for the… lower class.”[/color] Calling them peasants caused her throat to clench. [color=8FBC8B]”Eh, weapons don’t scare me much. I would’ve handled it just fine. They weren’t really lookin’ for too much trouble.”[/color] As the memory of the tavern slunk through her thoughts, she bit her lip and leaned against the nearby brick wall. [color=8FBC8B]”So, it looks like you handle yourself well too.”[/color] She paused, thought about her words, and continued. [color=8FBC8B]”You seem to know what you’re doing, how do you feel like teaching me more defensive or offensive stuff? Cause if I see more nobles picking on the… lower class, I’m going to step in.”[/color] Askel's brows lifted from his head at the sudden request to train her, this stranger that really took who he claimed to be at face value. On one hand, this was a terrible idea; one should not teach random people he meets on the street how to wield a sword. On the other hand, if she was going to keep taking justice in her own hands then she may meet her match one day. With crossed arms and a furrowed brow, the prince said, [color=#C84808]"Normally, I would be against civilians throwing themselves headlong into danger, but in this case, I get the feeling that the responsible thing would be to teach you. I'd never stop worrying if you end up dead in an alley."[/color] The idea of this girl lying dead in the streets, cut up all because she had no way of defending herself properly and it would have been his fault. With a sigh, Askel relented to the imagery that filled his head and said, [color=#C84808]"Alright, I'll do it. You don't look like the sort to go out of her way to hurt someone, at least I hope so."[/color] Preemptively, he held his palm out to her to signal her to stop her from saying anything else. [color=#C84808]"Before you offer compensation, and I do mean this as kindly as possible, I don't need anything. This is for my peace of mind alone."[/color] However, he offered her an appreciative smile. [color=#C84808]"But your name works too. I can't keep calling you 'you;' I may have been away from the court for years, but even I still must address a lady properly."[/color] Laughter nearly bubbled out from Olivia at the word civilian. Not to mention, him thinking she'd end up dead in an alleyway. She knew her request was sudden, but how often would their paths cross? Then again, he didn’t know she was feigning nobility–perhaps they would meet more often than she anticipated. She folded her arms and listened to him–how he didn't want anything, and how it was for his peace of mind only. She smiled wryly. [color=8FBC8B]“I do appreciate your acceptance. I’m not just some random stranger, Prince Askel. I’m Lady Olivia Hawthorne, and I am a family friend of Duke Lorenzo Vikena’s family. Also,”[/color] she smirked and pulled a blade from a hidden pocket. She twirled it briefly before letting her hand rest. [color=8FBC8B]“Noblewomen aren’t usually walking around armed.”[/color] Olivia paused as she set it back. [color=8FBC8B]“I had this blade waiting in the wings, should I need it.”[/color] Askel slowly blinked as he processed what she had just told him. She was a noblewoman? And a friend of Duke Vikena's family? And he spoke to her like she was just a commoner? Oh. Oh no. [color=#C84808]"I am so sorry"[/color] He exclaimed with great exuberance. [color=#C84808]"I just assumed that you, well, weren't. Most nobles don't go out of their way to those less fortunate than themselves."[/color] Askel tried to explain though a heavy sigh just poured from his lips. Maybe being away from the court for so many years had some drawbacks too. Taking a deep breath to regain his composure, he said, [color=#C84808]"Be that as it may, a knife is not going to cut it in most scenarios, Lady Hawthorne. It's better as a secondary weapon, for surprise attacks, or extreme close quarters combat. A knife is light has very little defensive measures against anything bigger and heavier."[/color] He folded his arms and looked at her as if he was peering through her, examining her build. As far as he could tell she certainly did not live a sedentary life, especially with that roundhouse kick she landed earlier. [color=#C84808]"So, when do you want to start?"[/color] The prince asked. [color=8FBC8B]”No apologies needed,”[/color] She brushed his apologies off and smiled sweetly. She giggled at his reaction, but it struck a chord in her heart. It was true–most nobles didn’t care for the lower class. Charlotte was an exception. She waited until he had regained his composure and gazed around the marketplace briefly. Then her gaze returned to him as he spoke. She nodded in agreement. A knife wouldn’t cut it–her past told her that. Still, she wasn’t used to running around without her bow on her–these damned noble rules were too restrictive. [color=8FBC8B]”I’m available when you are, Prince.”[/color] She replied and put her knife back in her pocket. [color=8FBC8B]”I do appreciate it. What works for you? Also, I know it was random to just spring this on you. I was at that tavern event the other night on Drunkard’s Day and I really do want to protect people around me better.”[/color] She sighed. [color=8FBC8B]”It’s been lovely chatting with you, by the way.”[/color] She then added with a grin, mischievously. [color=8FBC8B]”I’d have hated to be the guy you picked up and tossed. You tossed him like a sack of flour,”[/color] [color=#C84808]"I don't exactly have a packed schedule if I have time to throw men like that."[/color] He said with a humorous smirk. There was plenty of free time he had on his hands ever since he arrived in Caesonia; all of his duties as a prince and knight of Varian were on hold until the ball where he needed to show his best face. Well, his duties as a knight certainly were never put on hold. Olivia certainly was earnest in her desire to protect people though he could only wonder what happened during the Drunkards Day night. Well, it was not really any of his business; if she wished not to go into the details then it was not his place to dig into it. With all of this free time on his hands he suggested, [color=#C84808]"If you wish to train right now then I would be able to accommodate you."[/color] However, he took a moment to consider what he just said. [color=#C84808]"But I understand that you may have your own commitments, so how about this? The training grounds across the brewery are open to the general public, so I've been training there in the early hours of the morning. Meet me there and I'll give you your first tasks then."[/color] Askel offered as a compromise. He certainly would not mind having company in the wee hours of the morning. Olivia laughed at his joke. Not only was he a knight, but he had humor and was friendly. It was oddly welcoming, but she didn’t let her guard down. Still, Olivia remained jovial and friendly herself–he was willing to train her, and she needed all the help she could receive. [color=8FBC8B]”Tomorrow morning sounds great–thanks!”[/color] Liv replied. [color=8FBC8B]”Um, I’m not sure where you were heading again, and I don’t want to keep you either in case anyone important wonders where you are. Think I’m going to go home and hope I don’t see any more trouble.”[/color] She nodded to him and then disappeared into the crowd like smoke.