DrowsyPangolin

When the Flames Die

Sophia smiled when Wallace supported her decision. "Thank you, Mister Canti, I appreciate that, deeply." Truthfully, her growing guard made her a bit nervous, but it made sense for the Keilauds to want her kept safe. If she was harmed on foreign ground they'd have quite the fiasco on their hands. Still, it also meant she would likely get very little time to herself, something she wasn't overly happy with. She looked back at Gareth, who seemed more than a bit worried about her decision. She placed a hand on the boy's shoulder with a smile. "Gareth, don't worry. I promise, nothing will happen. This is just something I have to see through."

Jezin listened to Thomas' words, watching his eyes closely as he spoke. His proposition was fair enough. He didn't really have to side so anyone, so long as he didn't side with Wallace. He thought he could manage such a feat. Thomas' last words, though, struck a chord. Despite his feelings towards the man, he felt the last sentence, at the very least, to be completely sincere. He looked up towards the knight, leaning forward in his chair. "I appreciate the warning, Sir Thomas. I will be wary of Wallace. and... I appreciate your concern for Sophia. Rest assured though. I will die before any harm comes to her." He looked around the room. "Speaking of the Princess, I believe she wanted to have a word with you. About what I am uncertain."

When the Flames Die

Jezin watched Thomas closely, listening to every word. It seemed now, of all times, he was trying to make allies. Still, the bodyguard could see where he was coming from. He kept his eyes locked with Thomas' for a moment before speaking. "If things come to that, I'd like you to remember that my loyalties ultimately lie with the princess and her safety. Joining in a fight I have to part in would put her in danger." He broke the stare down for a moment, his dark brown eyes finding a nearby ray of light. "That being said, Lyok supports Bard II's right to the throne, and any move against that right stands in stark contrast with the Empress' goals." Jezin brought his gaze back to Thomas. "Do what you think you must, but from one man to another, make damn sure it's what needs to be done before you do it." Marching on the regent would be a bold, and likely dangerous, move. It could easily devolve into bloodshed, if Thomas wasn't careful.

When the Flames Die

Jezin raised his eyebrows as he listened to Thomas. Ordinarily, he would've only listened to the man to humor him, but the target of his suspicions was interesting. When Wallace had pardoned Thomas, he'd assumed the two were working together somehow. With Thomas raising these suspicions, however, it seemed his assumption had been wrong. Thomas was a murderer as far as he was concerned, but at the same time, perhaps he had uncovered a greater evil. Jezin nodded as he listened. When the man finally finished, Jezin spoke. "That does seem suspicious indeed. Instituting chaos is certainly a viable way to take control, and as Wallace already has taken the seat of Regent, it'd seem it's working for him... If he is behind this." He scratched his chin. "But tell me, Thomas, why ask me about this?" He was curious as to what the knight thought his input would add to the investigation.

Sophia frowned when Gareth warned her. "I am aware of that, Gareth, but despite any danger I might face here, I cannot bandon everything I set out to do and leave. My mother sent me to forge an alliance. I am a Princess of Lyok, and I have to uphold the honor of my realm. To leave now would be a cowardice I cannot bear." Her eyes glowed with a certain fervor, and she spoke with an almost regal tone. "I will alert my mother to my plans to remain here. She may protest, but no doubt she will accept my decision." She glanced to the ground for a moment. Gareth was right, she was putting herself, and everyone else, at risk, but this was something she had to do. She looked between Wallace and Gareth.

When the Flames Die

Jezin heard the voice from within the room. It was time to get things started. He opened the door with a creak and walked in, closing the door behind him. He saw Thomas sitting at a desk with a glass of wine and two letters. He nodded to the man and walked in, pulling a nearby chair up to face Thomas and taking a seat. He glanced towards the letters before finally letting his eyes rest on Sir Thomas. "Here we are again, Sir Thomas. Tell me, what is it you wanted to talk about?" His voice was back to it's normal prideful tone, though not as outright disrespectful as he had been earlier. He crossed his hands in his lap and waited for Thomas to reply.

Sophia smiled at Wallace, giving a slight nod. "Thank you, Mister Canti." She glanced back towards Tyler. "Of course." She then turned towards Gareth, smiling. "Fine, I suppose. It's been an... interesting day, to say the least." She looked towards Eva, then Tyler, then back to Gareth. She had yet to speak with Thomas about her plans, but decided she should go ahead and reveal it to those around her. "So... I've decided to remain in Keilaudrin for the time being." She heard a faint gasp from Eva behind her. It was dangerous, she knew that, but she couldn't just flee the country with a clear conscience. She looked around for a reaction.

When the Flames Die

Jezin nodded. "Right then, I will return in short order, hopefully." He gave a nod to Tyler and turned, glancing towards Sophia as he passed. He had no idea what the girl was planning, but he imagined it wasn't going to be good news for him. He walked out of the Great Hall, striding across the now nearly-empty courtyard. He looked up towards the Tower of the Thistle. He had no idea what Thomas wanted to speak with him about now. He walked up to the large door of the tower, expecting it to be locked tight, but was surprised when the door opened with ease. He wasn't entirely sure of where Thomas resided, but being that he was now Commander, he supposed the top of the tower would be a reliable place to begin his search. He climbed the long staircase, finally making his way to the pinnacle of the structure. Unsurprisingly, he found a room labeled as the commander's office. He took a deep breath and knocked on the large door.

Sophia watched with a bit of worry as Jezin left. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she had decided to stay true to her decision. They would remain in Keilaudrin until this mess was sorted out. "Thank you Sir Tyler. There's actually someone I'd like to speak with, if that's alright." She motioned towards Gareth before turning and strolling across the Great Hall towards the boy and Wallace. Eva stood up, following quietly behind Sophia and Tyler. She smiled when she neared the boy. "Hello, Gareth!" She called out to him, stopping a few feet away. "How are you, today?" She gave a deep bow towards Wallace. "Oh, and Mister Canti, a pleasure to meet you."

When the Flames Die

"A pleasure to meet you, Sir Tyler." She smiled up at the man's salute, despite his gruff and somewhat intimidating voice. She glanced towards Jezin when Tyler mentioned that Thomas wanted a meeting with him. It was now or never. "I'm certain he will oblige, won't you Jezin?" She looked away for a moment. "Though, Sir Tyler, there is something I wish to speak with Thomas about, as well."

Jezin rose to his feet, giving a curt nod to Noah as a goodbye. He took his place by Sophia and looked over the man before him. It was obvious he had seen plenty of fighting, and his armor seemed to set him apart from the other knights. He also noted the two swords at the man's sides. He had faced an opponent with two swords before. It hadn't ended so well. Jezin gave a nod to Tyler. "A meeting you say? Do you have any idea what it might concern?" Jezin spoke politely enough, primarily because Sophia was so near. He didn't particularly like the idea of having Order Knights with them constantly, but such a thing was unavoidable. He threw a perplexed look towards Sophia, noting her tone. What could she possibly want to talk to Thomas about?

When the Flames Die

Sophia glanced up from the table. It seemed Noah was interested in Jezin. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Gareth and Wallace entering from the far side of the Great Hall. She lept to her feet, giving a short bow to Noah. "I must beg your pardon, Prince Noah, there is someone I must have a word wi-" She stopped her sentence when she noticed an armored man quickly approaching the table. He was obviously one of the knights of the Order, but his armor had a special insignia, and his appearance in general struck her as something a bit different from the others. She remembered Thomas' words about having some of the knights guard her. She turned on a heel and walked towards the man, giving a deep bow. "Hello there Sir. I suppose you are the Order Knight that Sir Thomas spoke of?" Something about the man seemed intimidating. She remembered Thomas had promised to put their best knight on guard duty. If this wasn't the man he spoke of she had no idea who was.

Uldor, Land of Glory. (High Fantasy)

Fitch had listened to Louis' conversation with the man at the dock. It seemed their ship would be searched. That was fine, there was nothing on board that was questionable... unless they took his rum. He followed Rarden off of the gangplank, clutching his bottle tightly at his side. Louis had suggested they go find some food. The red-headed young man felt a rumble deep within his gut at the mention of food. They'd been just getting by, and a full meal sounded wonderful. He stood behind Rarden, a bright smile crossing his face. "Aye, aye Captain Caesar!" He adjusted his scarf and gave Edwin a nod and a grin before following his friends towards the town.

Uldor, Land of Glory. (High Fantasy)

Fitch laughed when Louis grabbed the rum bottle and took a swig from it. He took the bottle back, placing the cork back in it's neck. As they came into port, he noticed Rarden was quickly covering all the bases. He thought for a moment about what he could do, suddenly the thought struck him. The anchor. He ran to throw out the anchor, gripping the hunk of iron and heaving it up and over the side of the ship. It struck the water with a loud splash. He smiled, clapping his hands together and silently congratulating himself on his good work. He heard Rarden say something towards the front of the ship, and walked towards him, noticing a large, older, man standing at the dock. He waved to the man with a grin before turning towards Louis. "Aye, Captain Caesar, there's a man up here. I think he'd like a word with you."

Uldor, Land of Glory. (High Fantasy)

Fitch lept for joy when he saw Wortgott approaching in the distance. His heavy boots struck against the wooden deck of the ship with an obnoxious clack. Their first voyage had went surprisingly well, despite their inexperience. He was a bit disappointed they hadn't met any sea monsters, but supposed such things were a rarity. He uncorked his bottle of rum, which he had reacquired from below deck, and took a long drought, grimacing slightly at the awful taste. He recorked the bottle with a smile. Louis had decided they should call him Caesar. "Right, all hail Caesar, the greatest Captain the sea has ever known!" Fitch slapped his friend on the back with a grin, slurring his words ever so slightly. He rushed towards the bow of the ship, hoping to get a better view as they came into port. The sun glistened against his freckled face, and his bright red scarf fluttered about in the wind, a crimson beacon against the bright blue horizon.