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Post by Èdan on Nov 3, 2021 12:20:28 GMT -6
Extensively, although not in any way that he would dare let slip to her, if for no other reason than to avoid causing her worry. The task is to attend her as company and guardian, and if that means being a quite literal source of support, it would hardly do to shake that foundation. (Plus, out of the two of them he still managed on foot in front of the other rather easily, though whether that was a lighter state of intoxication or just better practise at disrupted balance was anyone's guess). "Not at all, my lady," the knight declares in full confidence, "The tavern was just a bit stuffy, so the evening air has helped awaken the mind from the staleness."
Feeling the weight on his arm, though, her words are perhaps saying more than just summarizing their rather eventful day.. To be sure, he'll be equally glad not to see a beach any time soon, much less the wreck of a ship, in case voices come a-calling again, but that isn't quite what is the issue here (Though it takes him a little bit longer to notice than usual, probably from the soft fog floating around the mind, dulling senses usually quite sharp). "Hmm.." there's a low hum, as he stops to take her measure, "It is still some distance back, perhaps too long for tired feet. A lady should not be making such a trek if she's tired."
What follows is a series of quick considerations of options (Though still sluggish by his standards). To his credit, the idea isn't the first in the list, but it ends up being the most viable, as the knight livens some at the thought. "Ah, I might perhaps have a solution," and he extends the available hand to her, "Do you trust me?"
. 31 .
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Post by Nadia on Nov 16, 2021 12:43:55 GMT -6
Not at all. Nadia gave the knight a heartily sceptical look; even in her inebriated state, she was not foolish enough to believe he could've come through the events of the day untouched by weariness. Even so, she didn't argue the point. It was no doubt his station - and subsequent training - that led him to refrain from discussing the truth of the matter, and she would respect that (for the moment).
"Oh, no, I..." It appeared difficult for her to find the words for what she was trying to express. A wiggle at the leash, a gesture to her legs, all meant to convey that she would be fine and besides, she had to consider Dylan. "I am quite alright, I--"
His question gave her pause. She stilled, looking at the offered hand and then up to his eyes. Do you trust me? If she did, would it be foolish of her? Would she come to regret having faith in him, as she had countless times before, with others sworn to protect her?
The drink had softened her. Her fingers slid onto his palm.
"Yes."
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Post by Èdan on Nov 16, 2021 13:22:00 GMT -6
Had he not been softer of mind, the hesitation would have been clocked a lot sooner. (And had he been softer of pride, he might've perhaps found it wounding even, but taking a hit and keeping rolling has become something of a speciality for him over the years). Though, she had the right to suspicion, all things considered, and all things shared during their little chat at the tavern. It's no simple thing to put one's well being in the care of another, when the past had given painful lessons in how it could fail.
So all the more rewarding is when she none the less agrees, despite the reservations. There's a smile, genuine though closed still, as he lightly lifts her hand, "Then allow me to carry you." and leans down to lift her into the arms in one smooth motion. One arm to support her back, the other to support the back of her knees, and leaving her plenty able to still hold the hound's leash. The sudden shift of weight does cause him to take a step back for a moment, as the mind tries to work out this change into the general equation and needing a moment longer than normal (But thankfully he's got excellent counter-balance, or things could have come up quite awkward). With her settled, and the general equilibrium figured out after a few moments, there's a tilt of the head with that same smile, "To home, my lady?"
. 32 .
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Post by Nadia on Nov 16, 2021 14:16:32 GMT -6
Nadia wasn't sure what she had been expecting. Even if she hadn't been drunk, she wouldn't have anticipated it - being lifted off of the ground was the last thing on her mind, and as such she made a squeaky noise of surprise when she found herself in the knight's arms. A frantic wobble followed in her initial fear that she would fall.
A few seconds passed, and she was still safe. Dylan's leash was still secure in her grip. He hadn't tossed her into the water, or dropped her on her head, or made any suspicious move whatsoever. In fact, he was smiling at her.
It was impossible not to smile back.
"To home, sir," She agreed with a nod, ignoring the heat rising in her cheeks. It could be blamed on the alcohol if push came to shove. "Please, take it... take it easy, I would not like to to-- to harm yourself..."
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Post by Èdan on Nov 16, 2021 14:51:05 GMT -6
The head tilt turns into a smiling nod, "As you wish," and he turns to walk towards the network of streets that would, ultimately, take them to Miisaa. Not exactly a straight line to make for from the Docks, due to the criss-cross of the City's layout, but not a terribly long distance either (And her shorter stature made for a lighter load, fortunately. He just has to hope the pup would be mindful to keep to their side, as he can't well see before his feet too well). A glance does linger on her long enough to notice the blush, but he decides its best to keep it discreet. After all, it's not exactly everyday someone is carried through the streets on something human, rather than a creature.
And yet, even with all that happening, there's that concern again. The knight makes a short laugh, careful to avoid breaking that balanced stride (In case he can't find it again, so best not to risk it. It was definitely one cup too many, he'll need to remember that). "If my lady does me harm, I'm sure it would be justified. And I'd be glad to bear it, as I do now." There's a brief look at her, bordering of amusement, before he keeps the eye on the road again, "But you could not wound me in a way that matters, short of dismissing me from service. I made a promise to take you home, safely. It is one I intend to keep."
. 33 .
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Post by Nadia on Nov 16, 2021 18:55:44 GMT -6
The alcohol didn't completely stop Nadia from being shy. Her gaze cast about them as they went on their way, lingering on any person who might pass by - it would not do for her to look like a drunkard in the streets. It was besides the point that it was unlikely that anyone would get that particular impression from the position she was in. Better to be in the knight's arms, held up off of the ground, instead of stumbling in the gutters!
"Oh, Sarv, do not... do not say such!" She knew it was a tease, and was grinning herself, but she still bumped a hand against his chest. "You make me sound like I may be after you with a... hmm. With a broom! Like a pest. I should never!"
It was a funny image, though. The conjured situation in her mind's eye, of the knight being scuttled along her pantry like a mouse, had her tipping her head back and exploding into a giggle. It was a good job the leash was looped around her wrist, or it may have been dropped.
"And how will yoooou get home safely, sir knight?"
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Post by Èdan on Nov 17, 2021 4:18:41 GMT -6
Indeed, for most passerby's the scene isn't perhaps the strangest they've seen, even if it still lands in the general classification of 'uncommon'. The City could be a dangerous place, more so for the accidents that can happen than for any real malign threat - A horse sneezing fire, a great big cow-lizard swinging its tail a little too wide, the splash of a sea serpent sweeping unassuming passerby's into the lake, a narcoleptic griffin suddenly falling out of the skies, lighting striking from the blue skies as a fish gets testy.. It honestly shocks him the Temple is as empty as it is. A thief stepping out of a side-alley with a knife would be something of a relief, comparatively (At least that's something he knows how to deal with).
So a weary lady being carried through the streets as if wounded would likely sooner provoke wonderment over what caused the accident, rather than how many cups were involved (Which was fortunate for both their sakes, and both their reputations). The scalemail beneath the tabard gives a soft click against her hand, and the knight can't help but chuckle along with her, "You jest, but a broom is no small matter, in the hands of the practiced. Those that provoke such ire would well do to be fearful of it." Granted, it wouldn't exactly pierce something like scalemail, but then a heavy enough knock against the helmet can leave a ringing just the same.
At the question, the head raises some, back straightening that little bit to show due properness, even as the jovial glint remains in the eye, "With one foot in front of the other. And a sharp stick."
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Post by Nadia on Nov 23, 2021 14:44:58 GMT -6
Nadia smiled at the response. Yes, it was as simple as that - one foot in front of the other. Hadn't that been how she'd gotten to where she was? Granted, she was finding it difficult to put her feet in the right place at that present moment, but it made the statement no less true.
"Very well and good... but I do hope that you are not too tired, or inca-- inpaca-- tipsy... to defend yourself, should you need to," She said. Her hand had been resting in a fist against his tabard, but raised away to rub at her eyes, and then stifle a yawn. "I should hate something bad to happen..."
Their luck had been poor enough throughout the day that it couldn't possibly get any worse. That didn't stop her anxiety needling at her, though. Thankfully, the natural rocking that came with being carried by a moving person was soothing her, making her downright sleepy. It would be a miracle if she made it back to the estate without closing her eyes.
"Would you still come with me?" A question out of thin air, and a touch of the vulnerable in her expression. "If I... should wish to venture out again?"
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Post by Èdan on Nov 23, 2021 15:13:30 GMT -6
(Do not yawn. Do not yawn. Do not yawn. Not the place, not the time, and certainly not the impression that should be left). The knight's closed polite smile remains at her words, even as the jaw tightens that bit more to stifle the oncoming urge. The reminders are only able to do so much, and much like a game of don't-think-of-the-elephant, it's difficult not to when you keep saying it. So instead he opts to keep talking, to distract from it, "Tired, my lady? A knight would not know such a word, so long as there's duty still calling." There we go, keep talking and keep walking. That's much better. "I admit that.. perhaps.. there might have been a cup or two in excess.. although you need not be concerned. I would expect most cut-purses and ne'er-do-wells to know better than to test an armoured combatant, especially one well armed. You can rest easily tonight."
Then again, maybe it was three too many.. Ah well, so long as he doesn't stumble, everything is still fine. And in truth, if she opted to take a nap while carried, he would not fault her, especially considering the ordeal of the day. After all, while his head might be ringing, it wasn't him that almost ended up taken down by some wayward magic food and a fever spell. But the question seems to take him by surprise, as he looks to her face, searching for meaning and only finding the vulnerable. She had been many things that day, but even in her joy there was still a subtle guarded nature underneath (And one he couldn't blame her for).
The smile fades, as he considers the words. And when he replies, "..Of course." the expression seems to soften just that bit from the standard solemness that underlies his, "You need but ask."
. 35 .
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Post by Nadia on Feb 1, 2023 7:47:35 GMT -6
Telling her to rest easy was perhaps not a wise decision, whether the knight knew it or not. Nadia was fighting to keep herself conscious, lulled by the comfort of the hold, like a child being carried to their bedroom. It would've made an amusing show, to watch her scowl and blink rapidly in an attempt to stop her eyelids from drooping.
She knew he would not begrudge her for sleeping. He seemingly would not begrudge her for anything, including dragging them into a mess that almost got the pair of them killed. That being said, she did not want to be rude - and did not want to test her luck with his tolerance, either.
But the vulnerability shown was real. Raw. There was no masking that; it was plain, even among the facial gymnastics she was performing to stay awake. And the relief in her eyes after hearing his response was equally as genuine.
"I do not wish to put you in danger." Not so much the lady speaking as the girl, as earnest as she could come. "I feel... such regret, for having done so."
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Post by Èdan on Feb 1, 2023 8:12:59 GMT -6
To say the day had gone according to anyone's plan would have been a severe understatement. To be sure, he knew going in that the Manor was likely to try some sort of light prank, a mind bend, or what-have-you. So while the fever and possession had nothing light about it, at least they weren't entirely out of the realm of possibility (Something he wouldn't be surprised about). For all the time he's known her, from that very first wayward collision up until the very drinks at the tavern in their wake, there has been a sense of walls around her. There's been smiles abound, yes - sometimes polite, sometimes mischievous, but still oft times reserved. And given what she mentioned at the tavern, at what shadows might stalk her, well.. who could blame her?
So it is surprising when her demeanor seems to almost fall away, the walls suddenly gone, the look earnest and open.. but some form of fight still within, battling that urge to fall asleep. It's a kind of sense to persist that he can respect (And a kind of trust he fully understand the depth of. Perhaps better than anyone). There's been few enough to entrust the knight that far, and he makes sure to handle that with care.
The slow smile returns, and he replies with that rough drawl, eyes ahead, "To be a knight is to face danger.. It finds us more often than not, but that's why we do what we do." One step in front of the other, head swimming, but still keeping point on their direction. "So others don't have to." The gaze looks back to her for a moment, and though there's a smile, there's also a steeled conviction, "I don't regret anything of today, and you shouldn't either. I would not have made the promise were it otherwise." Before continuing in a slightly lighter tone, "And moreover.. What's a knight to do, if there were no danger to face at all?"
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Post by Nadia on Feb 1, 2023 23:46:18 GMT -6
Nadia was pacified by his words. It was never going to take a lot to get her calm and relaxed, after having so much wine, but the knight had picked a perfect combination of words to turn her tense muscles slack.
No doubt she would wake up tomorrow with a nagging sense of embarrassment, even if she could not remember why. A touch of shyness about the situation would be her getting off lightly, to boot; the more likely scenario would be her beating herself up for being vulnerable and unguarded, when she was still not totally certain that he was not connected to her family.
But for the moment, she was content.
"I understand... but I still don't like it," she settled on replying, with a dramatic huff. "You are a knight, and thus you are brave and strong and... all of those things, but..."
Oh, sentences were hard to put together. The sooner she could sleep off the alcohol, the better.
"That does not mean you should be subjected to... to danger, through my own negligence. I shall feel sorry regardless... but I'll try to make my peace. How does that sound?"
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Post by Èdan on Feb 2, 2023 1:27:01 GMT -6
Beneath the helm, there's a small quirk of the brows at the short string of compliments. In truth he would hardly qualify bravery as something outright proven yet, considering she did more of that in the Manor than him (It's not exactly 'brave' to chase after an escaped dog, or sit there frustrated over a fever he does not understand the cause of or cure for. Saving him from being taken by possession, though? Whole other story). Strength? Well, at least that much is proven, given they're a fair ways towards the house by this point. The bemused expression lingers, as he replies, "My lady is most kind to say so."
Even after having given her the blanket permission, a free pass of sorts, she seems to cling to the doubt and concern. Which is admirable, and speaks more to her nature than most would think. (It's one thing to feel empathy for random strangers around you, a complete other when you're not entirely sure who is friend or foe and yet still treat each with the same compassion). There's a slow rise and fall of the shoulders, a careful motion as to not jostle her in the arms in the process, "We all make mistakes regardless of our best intentions. Fate's a fickle thing, and I do not think something we can ultimately control." While the expression is more solemn again, there a kindness in it, "Sometimes the best course of actions is indeed to simply try. I hope you can find the peace in that, at least."
With that, the journey back ends up quicker than he later recalls, but quieter as well, as the Lady is allowed to rest. At her house, he bids farewell at the door with a respectful kiss of the hand, before making his own way back to personal accommodations.
And somewhere back in town, in a little tavern by the docks, a polearm in an umbrella stand briefly shifts, then shudders, and finally disappears with a soft 'pop' of displaced air.
(The end.)
. 37 . (added)
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