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Post by Èdan on Oct 14, 2020 14:25:16 GMT -6
The friendly jab is noted, but it does little to dissuade the absolute certainty the knight continues to put forth, "They are a wise and generous lord, indeed, so I have been fortunate to be within their service. And they, too, believe that words should not have a price upon them, but given freely and accepted with grace." (It wasn't wrong. Words by themselves aren't very costly, even if they were written in gold inscription upon a diamond sheet - the cost was in the material, not the message. Anyone and everyone could use them, and most do. Their purpose was a whole different matter entirely).
To the notion of compensation, the knight's pace slows, almost stopping, "Ah, my lady Nadia misunderstands. I do not seek to be hired, but to offer my service freely." The look in his eyes seems to be genuinely taken back that compensation was even a subject, perhaps even alarmed that it could be taken as such. (It would be nice, but not something for Sarv, alas). "It is the duty of a knight to protect those who cannot protect themselves. As you have no guardian, I can offer to be such, should you require it." He joins her pace again, the elbow extending to offer his arm in assurance, should she wish to take it. "And a knight stands by their word."
. 8 .
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Post by Nadia on Oct 14, 2020 14:43:57 GMT -6
For free...? Nadia was visibly confused. This City of theirs was notorious as a hub for trade, and she had found that everything had its price; much of her finery had been peddled away to keep herself afloat. To be offered something with no strings attached (at least, none she knew of) was quite a novelty. Would it be such a bad thing, to allow him to escort her if she felt it necessary?
No, not in the least. Even in the short time they had spent together, she was coming to enjoy his company, and would not grow tired of chivalry in the near future. So, she beamed at him and nodded.
"I am honoured to accept, with great gratitude," Her hands shook somewhat as she took his arm, but her usual aversion to men was subverted by his status as a knight. It was not improper to touch a man of honour. "You offer me an invaluable service, Sarv. I am touched."
The ghost of her pursuer had faded away, melting into the background of her mind. Whoever they were, they mattered little, while she was protected.
"I should know how to contact you, I suppose. Do you live locally?"
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Post by Èdan on Oct 14, 2020 15:07:11 GMT -6
Trepidation, anticipation.. It is a bold move, he doesn't fault her for taking a moment to consider. The City was truly something else, and though it has as many layers as people, he has to admit it's nice to find familiar customs and sensibilities in however long a time - their origins might have differed, but some rules of society crossed several borders, it seems. He doesn't flinch and he doesn't extend any further, allowing her the space and time necessary to decide. And once the decision is made, though the helm only shows the eyes at most, there's a change in them, a more assured smile that's hidden by the rest of the helmet. "The honour is entirely mine, lady Nadia." The head bows in respect. "I shall endeavour to live up to expectations."
Ah.. Contact. Yes. That part. The knight doesn't answer immediately, but parses out the words first, before replying, "Of a sort, in honesty. My lord has many estates that they travel between, and I assist in a few locations they have. But they do have a manor here. It is not a home as such, as it is recently acquired and requires much repair before it is operational, but should you need to contact me, you may send a missive there and I shall receive it." He takes in their surrounding more thoroughly, recognizing the general direction of Miisaa Ave and motions towards another street with the glaive, "It is located on Centu St, near the furthest end."
. 9 .
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Post by Nadia on Oct 14, 2020 15:17:10 GMT -6
Contact was a tricky beast in the City. There were various levels of technology, from very primitive to positively futuristic, and not everyone had access to the same kinds - Nadia felt it best to stick to pen and paper, as no man was better than that simple medium. Her free hand went to lift her skirts again as she navigated mud and droppings. The paths always got rougher as they came towards dwellings, what with beasts coming and going.
"I see! Centu St, I know it," She said. "I... just so happen to be investing time in a spot of falconry, of late. I hoped to train some messenger birds... they may deliver you a letter directly. I shall ensure they will do you no harm."
It was a soft tease that she couldn't resist. If she'd learned anything about Labs creatures in her time living nearby, it was that no matter who you were and what you did, they could surprise you.
"I hope you recognise how greatly this pleases me, Sarv." Her voice took on a more honest tone, almost embarrassed, like she was confessing to something untowards. "It brings me relief, to experience that which I loved in my home country."
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Post by Èdan on Oct 14, 2020 15:45:02 GMT -6
While Nadia still has the lead, the knight follows her cue, assisting in guiding them along the path while also navigating the unseemly, given their present arm-lock. (The knight might be a seasoned warrior, but no-one likes cleaning faex out of their boots, nobility or no. Worse so if it got in the armour - there's only so much a sand drum can scrub off). Some streets were better about it than others, and it mostly seems to have everything to do with how many farms were located in any given street. Even so, he sometimes is forced to wonder how the City deals with.. flying creatures, in that regard. The seagulls of ports had been lessons enough in the dangers of that. He would hate to have to contend with a dragon in the same regard.
"Falconry is a fine and time-honoured sport," the knight agrees, "I shall keep an eye out for your missives and birds, in such case." At the notion of the birds harming him, there's a small noise echoing in the hollow of the helmet. If one didn't know better, it could have almost been a chuckle. "Worry not, lady Nadia. I shall not be afraid of your birds." He raises the glaive arm to tap the helmet on his head, near the horns with a gloved finger, "I have fought a drake of the north and taken it's horns as prize. My helmet shall protect me well."
The honesty takes him back, as the glaive is returned to be held on the shoulder. No, not so much the honesty. (The vulnerability). "I am glad to hear," he begins, in that slow, northern drawl, "And I understand, lady Nadia. It can be terribly frightening to be so far from home. Should you wish to remiss over homesickness and days gone past, my offer of listening still stands."
. 10 . (added)
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Post by Nadia on Oct 14, 2020 16:00:09 GMT -6
Fighting a drake, indeed! That made sense of his title, at least. Nadia's eyes widened at the comment, trying to imagine what strength one might need to go up against a drake and survive to tell the tale. Not only that, but to bring back its horns as trophy! Then, she had little to worry about while in his presence. If a fearsome beast could not best him, then a stranger who skulked in the shadows and waited for the opportune moment to ambush a helpless lady would have no chance, and this pleased her.
"You would do well not to underestimate my animal companions, dear knight. They are savage indeed, like their mother," She laughed for the first time, raising her free hand to stifle it. "Though I do not carry a weapon, I do have rather the sharp tongue, as do they."
All was softened again by Sarv's kindness. His accent was foreign to her, and yet made her feel at home; it was different to what she was accustomed to, but still brought her comfort. A puzzle to be certain, but a welcome one. She was not growing weary of it. They were coming upon the turning to her estate, however, which disappointed her greatly.
"Thank you very much," She said, quiet. "My home is at the end of this path. I... I can escort myself from here, if you must be on your way."
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Post by Èdan on Oct 14, 2020 16:25:03 GMT -6
Oh, and nor would he. The knight's experience in creatures might be limited to a particular set, but the Labs almost take it as a challenge to shock, amaze and utterly confound at the manner of creatures they breed. From ghosts to dragons, from fuzzy harmless things to beasts to melt bone and obliterate minds (At least, if some of the rumours are to be believed.. and given the proof of the rest isn't hard to get, said rumours might not be entirely so far-fetched as they seem. Unfortunately). So, too, it would not shock him if there really are a species of bird who could peel metal like a can opener. Perhaps not in the woman's possession, but all the same.
"A sharp tongue and a sharp mind may yet serve better than a blade, at times," the eyes smile as she laughs. "And savage companions are good to have around to guard your home. I am glad you have such." Quite a curious case, this one - fear and joy all in one, one after the other. (Or perhaps the fear is the curtain to keep the joy at bay, lest it be stolen. Sufficed to say, there's all sort of people in the world, and all sorts of reasons to wear masks). If ever she comes to tell the tale, it would surely be a most eventful one.
Nearing the home, it seems that the stroll is coming to a close. At least, in theory, as she has not yet let go of the arm. He looks to the bend in the road and back to her, a quiet, "I would not wish to impose, and a promise is a promise. Should you need it, I may escort further. My lady need only ask." There is room to make a jest, at the vicious birds circling down to snatch her off at a moment's notice.. (But perhaps not yet).
. 11 .
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Post by Nadia on Oct 14, 2020 16:51:50 GMT -6
Nadia smiled. Yes, she had many a strange creature in residence at her home, and most had the capacity for savagery - it was the most common trait she had found amongst them. However, very few of them could yet tell the difference between friend and foe when it came to blows. Thus, for everyone's safety, they were better off not accompanying her. She would be the one doing the defending should her companions ever try to harm someone without cause.
"I would be grateful if you could come with me, Sarv," She said. It was possible that this part of her walk could be the most dangerous, as although she was not amongst crowds of strangers, the path led her off into isolation, between trees and bushes. If someone were to wait for her and snatch her there, no one would come to her aid if she cried out (unless they happened to be passing by, but that relied on too much coincidence). "It is not a lot further."
Indeed, the house could be seen in the near distance, nestled in light woodland. The first thing that sprung to mind was that she should have trimmed the hedges; she didn't wish to look untidy in front of a new acquaintance! It couldn't be helped now, but she made a mental note to fix it later.
"Now you know where I live, and I am forced to trust you," Nadia's words were serious, but her tone was not, to disguise any true concern. "I hope I have not misplaced said trust."
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Post by Èdan on Oct 14, 2020 17:14:49 GMT -6
"As my lady wishes," he inclines the head respectfully, but there's a glint of a smile in the eyes. Perhaps a bit too forward, for merely a servant, but the formalities provided an interesting social playground - He has an understanding of some local customs, and the customs of those deemed 'nobility' around these parts, but he's hardly been to a ball or larger-scale event to see them in practise. They might not even match up at all - The City has this strange pull, where it draws things in, melts them, and spits back out slightly different. Case in point, as he gestures for her to lead, in step beside her and arm still offered, the cabin in the distance with it's unkept hedge was hardly what someone immediately considered when someone said 'noble finery'.
(And he is the last person on earth to judge by appearances. And speaking of.. ).
Trust is a delicate balance, regardless of who you are. She is right, of course, and as much as he is putting himself on the line guarding her, it's not his place they're walking up to. A cynical man might reverse the opinion, and suggest the trust is on his part, as she could be leading him to some form of trap. It is her territory now, after all. But a cynical man would be paranoid, and paranoia had no place in staying alive, as backwards as that sounded. One had to trust, to survive. One could regret it, but they had to, to begin with.
"I would not sing my own praises, for it would not be proper," the knight begins, "But I swear to never betray such trust, on my honour as a knight." The arm had not left his, and he understands the stakes for it.
. 12 .
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Post by Nadia on Oct 14, 2020 17:27:26 GMT -6
Bloomwood was little in the way of luxury in comparison to what she'd had at home. Home - Nadia used that word so frequently to refer to a long-lost place, rather than where she lived in the moment. Towering ceilings, polished stone, and heavy embroidered drapes decorated the backgrounds of her memories, so terribly different from the cosy lodge she had taken on in her time of need. It embarrassed her. Now, in the presence of a knight, she found herself ashamed of where she had ended up.
There was no reason to be. She had fought hard to get to this stage, with a roof over her head and food in her belly. Yet, her gaze fell to the ground, and she drew into herself. The presence of Sarv was a comfort, but also a reminder of what she had lost, and how far she had fallen.
"I thank you for your service. Nothing shall come to bother you on your way back," Her hand was removed from his arm, and fluttered at her throat again, as it was known to do, before falling to her side. "I... I shall send my bird to you, when I can."
Nadia lifted her skirts to curtsey.
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Post by Èdan on Oct 14, 2020 17:48:26 GMT -6
He keeps his head pointed forward, respectfully attentive, but keeping an eye on the sidelines in case of dangers (Letting him take in the surroundings more). It is a quaint place, smaller than he expected, but none the less familiar in style to what the City offered. (And it's not like he's one to talk). While architecture isn't his forte (More of a hobby and occasional necessity) he can admire the craft-work put into it. The knight perhaps a little less so, as his expertises lay more in the sword and shield category of things. The drop of the mood beside him doesn't take long to notice - the change of posture, the longer quiet (Holding on more like a thread than support. Ah, if she only knew.. )
The door comes up quicker than anticipated as well, and he extends the hand to allow her to step up to the porch, supporting gently until let go. There's that motion again, to the jewel and back, and he takes a deep bow while subtly trying to catch a glimpse of it. "It has been my honour to have met you and escort you, lady Nadia. Your company has been a wonderful present in a dreary day, and I commend your house." The meaning here could be either 'family line' or the structure itself, but it seems appropriate to leave it up to her. (One way or another, it all came back to houses, didn't it).
He extends the hand for hers one last time, "I shall await your missive with great anticipation."
. 13 .
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Post by Nadia on Oct 14, 2020 17:58:16 GMT -6
Nadia was once again warmed by his kind words. How could she not be, when he showed such dignity and chivalry? She often found it difficult, living in her little house with her menagerie of critters and no one who truly understood her mind, but this was a step in the right direction. It was a breath of fresh air. No matter what feelings the remembrance of her past brought her, she could remind herself of who she was. "Please, Sarv, you flatter me," Her hand was placed in his lightly, hesitantly at first. The pendant at her throat glittered as the sunlight filtered through the leaves above their hands; it appeared to be Galabex-like, with a red jewel. "Thank you. I appreciate your assistance on this day more than you can possibly know." They couldn't possibly still be around. A subtle glance over the knight's shoulder (about as subtle as a brick, with her anxious movements) showed nothing - they were alone. Blissfully alone. Sadly alone. And she was to be lonelier still, when he left too.
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Post by Èdan on Oct 14, 2020 18:18:53 GMT -6
The hand it taken gently, and he bows again, bringing it to the forehead of the helmet. The motion is both formal in greeting and farewell, though perhaps a few regions removed (For in some the hand is to be kissed, while in others it's more the motion that matters). When he stands up again, the hand is let go, and the standard posture of a knight at attention - glaive on shoulder, is resumed. For all the seriousness of his usual manner, there is a lightness in the eyes, perhaps another of those almost-smiles, as he simply explains, "A knight must speak the truth, my lady. And if flattery is due, it is only right to provide it."
"Until our next meeting, lady Nadia. May you fare well," the head inclines and he turns, to take his leave at last. The road back isn't likely to be more or less dangerous than the road here (Barring the flying dragon issue), but he doesn't necessarily hurry as he makes his way back along the woodland road, along the housing street, and eventually towards the marketplace again. There's a lot to think about (A lot to process), after all. And much more potentials in the future.
All in all? Well, this has certainly been an interesting day, to say the least!
. 14 . (added)
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Post by Nadia on Oct 15, 2020 9:33:29 GMT -6
It was almost a shame, to not be kissed. Nadia shoved that thought away violently, as quickly as it had come to her - she was becoming all kinds of improper of late. She was still practiced in keeping face, though, because her expression didn't twitch. Her placid smile was fixed in place. "Farewell, Sarv. Take care." Seeing that glimmer of lightness in his eyes was its own kind of encouragement to her. So, the knight did not think her a common fool just yet. There was no promise that he wouldn't change his mind, so she savoured it while she could. "I will be in touch." It would have been more appropriate to turn and head inside once the knight had taken his leave, but Nadia watched, resting one hand on the porch stairs' bannister. Be safe, friend. Presumptuous, perhaps, to call him such, but she looked forward to their next meeting already. [Logged]
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