Flashback Late is the Bell {Akhtar}

[Hadyn Skellig]

Winter 503 22nd Bell Morwen's teeth it was cold. Shoving her hands deeper into the rough depths of her overcoat, Hadyn Skellig turned her face from the road, the night's darkness as unforgiving as this particularly frigid winter. She left Sultros Blades later than usual, making the lengthy journey home to Brody's apartments. Her brother had just moved up in the world, renting a two bedroom hovel rather than the cramped studio she was accustomed to. With their eldest brother living with his female companion and Ioan off to gods knows where, she was thankful Brody was letting her stay in his chamber. The season was intolerably difficult for the young woman, opposition flaring at every turn. It was seemingly impossible for her to gain any shred of credibility as a smith (even an apprentice). Her skills, though they outshone her companions were always lacking. She was doomed from the start as far as the master smiths were concerned, all because she didn't have a codpiece. At least Liam had some faith. She barely heard the noise behind her, the shadows and cold hardly registering as she walked. It wasn't until a hand wrapped around her upper arm and pulled her deeper into the darkness that Hadyn hitched her breath with surprise. Fear didn't set in until she felt the press of a blade against her back, the warmth of another body uncomfortably close. "Your coins," the voice slithered from the blackness. Her hands were frozen and her voice unable to work. The thief gripped her arm harder, shaking her once so he need not repeat the command. For all the training and drilling her three brothers attempted to instill in her, Hadyn was useless. Fear drained the color from her face as she tried to snap herself into action. She had perhaps six silver pieces on her person. Impatience was the thief's master as he dug the blade further against her, dull to her skin with all the clothes but still terribly threatening. The young woman couldn't help but mentally reproach herself for the stupidity that got her into this mess. You ought to know better, Haddie. Don't make a sound or he'll gut you here and now. No Knights about to catch him while you bleed to death on the cold ground. "Tn-there's a few in m'boot," she murmured dumbly. The thief seemed surprised by her answer, standing still for a moment before grasping her shoulder tightly. His finger ground into the sensitive skin beneath her collar bone, causing her to drop down. "Get them," he commanded. She sank to her knees, cold fingers struggling to unlace the boots as she prayed silently for quick deliverance.

[Akhtar]

Akhtar stamped his feet on the ground, forcing life into them once more. Winter had grasped itself on the city, and even the young knight could feel that even as he paced his way round the dark of the city. At the time he had only just knocked off from his patrolling, and because of that factor he had laid out the plan to make his way to the nearest tavern at the first possible moment. He pulled his coat around him as he marched himself on, the quiet clack of metal as the sword rested in its scabbard. Even when off duty the man more than often kept his sword and shield on him. It was hardly cumbersome for him, more so when it gave him both mental and physical security.

He sucked in the cool winter air, his hands being thrust into his pockets as he weaved his way along the corridors. He stepped through the gloom, following the dull torchlight that guided him forward. He stepped past an alley, a deep darkness filling it, a murmur of voices in the air. For a moment he paused, and stared into the darkness, his ears pricking for sounds. He did hear something right? A voice. He looked about before taking a step in. His hand reached for the hilt of the blade, his eyes narrowing as they begun to adjust.

He saw the shadows of others, though barely. Panicked undertones alerted something was wrong, but as he stood there as a single man he knew that something had to be done. It was his duty as a Knight. Even if he was not patrolling he had to step in, he had to serve the city. And he did it with all the honour within him.
“Oi!” he gave a shout as he approached, his hand on the blade and ready to draw, and the shield brought down across his arm “What you think you’re doing?”
His eyes adjusted further, seeing the blade in the hand of the thief barely glinting in the light. He stared, though only for a moment, his mind going through what he perhaps should have done. It was however too late for second chances. The blade was drawn and the tip directed to the thief “You really want to try this game with a Knight about?”

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn did not revel in the idea of this being the end. Murder was not popular amongst the streets of Syliras but neither was it unheard of. And petch it all, wouldn't this fellow be the crazed homicidal maniac. The woman reminded herself to keep breathing and rein her racing thoughts in. He probably wanted her miza and that was it. As she pulled useless at the ties of her boots, another joined them. Panic seized her that the thief might have an accomplice. But the authoritative tone and non-rhetorical question put her mind at ease at once. Squeezing her eyes shut, Hadyn waited for the thief to do something untoward in response to the Knight's presence. She thanked her lucky stars the other man had come upon them. The knife that kept her submissive clattered unceremoniously to the ground near her, causing her to jump. She heard the thief shuffle backwards into the shadows away from the Knight's voice, then nothing. Opening her eyes, the brunette realized she was safe, her assailant no where to be found. Whether he ran or was otherwise accosted by the Knight she wasn't sure. Time passed strangely while she knelt there, overcome by fear and cold. Standing awkwardly she turned to address her savior, brown eyes widening with recognition, breath issuing forth into the frigid negative space between them in a whisper. "Akhter!"

[Akhtar]

The clang of metal against the ground sounded the retreat of the thief. His eyes stared after the shape into the gloom, the tip hovering where it was, before the blade was returned quietly. The thief was obviously little more than a man built on empty threats, weak willed and easy to turn desperate. He would of made chase, but right now there was a more immediate priority to deal with. He heard the quiet breaths of the woman, and with a strong stride he approached. Or at least he was going to, until his name was spoken. He stared at her in the gloom, his eyes squinting at the features that were barely caught.

“Hadyn?” he questioned the name.
He took a careful approach forward his head tilting slightly as he focused “It is you. By the Gods what you doing out so late?” The young knight shook his head, his eyes darting between her and the darkness “You alright? He didn’t do anything right?” It was perhaps pure luck that he managed to step in when he did, if he did not who knew what would have happened? He stretched out his now free hand to her a gesture in the dark for her to come over “Come, I’ll walk you back. Isn’t safe out.”
His eyes sharpened at the world, a careful eye on the world around him. The thief may of gone for now, but he was not about to let his guard down. Later however he would have to gather information from Hadyn and report to the rest of the knights, in the meanwhile though he would deal with the situation as it comes.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Brown eyes registered relief in his presence. Not only had a Knight stepped in but one who was a companion of her brother. Fortune favored her tonight as she stepped toward him, breath misted in the cold air. She shrugged a guilty shoulder at his question, coming to his side with a glance toward him. "Leavin' the smithy late," she answered, her voice hushed as she looked around the darknened street. Adrenaline beat through her veins as she crossed her arms over her chest. Looking at Akhtar again she quirked a little smile. "Thank you. And no, he did nothin' but demand coins." Though it could've been worse had he not intervened. She shuddered to think of the possible outcomes, instead following the young Knight where ever he lead. She could use a warm drink and a dry place to sit, her trousers wet from kneeling in the snow. Frozen fingers grasped at the fabric of her overcoat, the action encouraging blood flow. She likewise moved her toes in her boots, glancing at the man as they walked. While he was one of Brody's closest mates Hadyn honestly didn't know much about the Knight. He was quiet and had a rather hazy place in her memory. She figured she was of similar recollection to him. But by the gods was she happy to see him tonight.

[Akhtar]

He ushered her next to him, leading the way on through the night. He ensured the sword was slipped away, and his attention fixed on the world around him. He could not let his guard down. With a strong stride he lead the way, weaving his way to the brighter lit corridors and ensuring that Hadyn was never too far behind. He had only shared a few words with her in honesty, most of the time he was off adventuring with her brother. He watched her shiver as they walked ever on. She definitely looked in need for a stiff drink, if anything to break the nerves of the situation she had escaped from.

He breathed softly, a plume of steam escaping into the air. He paused for a moment outside of the Rearing Stallion, his eyes fixed on the wooded door, “You want a quick drink? Liquid courage and all?” he gave a smile, a brief flash of one before his tone turned authoritive once more “I’m going to have to ask you a few questions anyway, help in getting people like him dealt with. If that’s alright though. It can be left until tomorrow if you wish.”
Akhtar was not about to push her into doing anything, it was not his place to. His only current concern was ensuring her safety and getting her to where she needed to be. And in one piece.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn walked a little more purposefully now that Akhtar was beside her and the promise of warmth lodged firmly in her mind. When he stopped before the Rearing Stallion the girl couldn't help but smile. As a friend of her brother he was likely well aware how much the Skellig family enjoyed a drink. With a nod she proceeded him, holding the door after entering so he might join her. It was fairly empty this night, the most bawdy of customers already thrown out and stumbling home. Only a few milled around nursing a final drink before retiring. As it was the place would be closed in a bell or two. Making her way to a table, Hadyn felt the rush of heat warm her cold flesh as she took a seat, waiting for Akhar. "I'm grateful y'showed up when you did," she stated once they were properly seated. Her brown eyes met him as she rested her clasped hands in her lap, an appreciative smile on her lips. "Ask all the questions y'need to."

[Akhtar]

Akhtar remained quiet, his eyes looking at the patrons around the rearing stallion, counting the few numbers that existed there. He watched Hadyn go to a table and wait for him, whilst he himself tended to something that was much needed. Drinks. The knight hovered at the bar for a few chimes, paid the coin and returned with the two mugs.
“Liquid courage,” he gave wink as he placed a mug of Ale down.
He eased himself down into the seat, the shield being leaded against the table leg. He gave a nod to her statement, a brief smirk forming as he contemplated her words and thought of his own. The knight clasped his hands together, his jaw clicking as he settled into the atmosphere of the stallion. He drew a deep breath and met her eyes “You sure you’re alright?”

He awaited for her answer, before continuing on “So… dark alley a few chimes from here. I know this is going to be hard for you, but did you get anything distinctive about them? Eyes, face, tone of voice? Unusual marks that would make them stand out from the crowd?”
His eyes turned briefly to the world around them, before redirecting them once more on Hadyn. “I mean, if you didn’t that’s fine to. Just well… anything helps I guess.”
He claimed one of the mugs, his eyes narrowing as he thought quietly to himself. He was still in two minds if it was going to be a long night, or a short and brief one with no answers and a mystery hanging over the entire event. Not that he was about to complain, he had managed to pull someone out of trouble- to a degree.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn's expression warmed as he returned with the drinks. But she managed to wait until he sat as well before she began drinking. It took all intention of decency to avoid inhaling the drink but after a measured swig, she set the mug down. Looking at her brother's friend as he spoke, Hadyn sat back. "Yes, I'm alright," she answered with a warm smile. Sitting forward again to focus on his questions, the blacksmith set her hands on the table, processing his words with nods. Her mind wasn't cooperating when it came to recalling the events of earlier. The fear was still present, bubbling under the surface. "Distinctive? Hmm, I can't rightly say. Probably 'bout my height. Had a hood up I believe. I'm sorry, Akhtar," she murmured, brows furrowed with thought and disappointment. She wanted to give him as much as she could to help but it was so blasted dark and her anxiety made it difficult to recall any identifying details. Raising her gaze to his face, the brunette offered an apologetic smile, a blush creeping up her neck. "Probably shouldn't have been in that dark alley to begin with, eh? Brody'll have a day with that, I'm sure."

[Akhtar]

Akhtar drummed his fingers against the table with thought. He had indeed been given an answer, but there was too little in terms of information for him to work with. A face could not be supplied, nor anything really defining. He knew they were male, and stood at about Hadyn’s height. Anything else was a mystery. The knight raised the mug to his lips and took a sip. The cogs of his mind slowly worked their way round, leaving a dissatisfying feeling in his stomach. He gave a smile to the blush that had formed, before shaking his head.

“Think your brother would be happy with you being one piece,” he let his eyes fall to the table “And no need for apologies either. Just… if you remember anything well let me know. Even if you think it’s unimportant.” He took a second mouthful, a strong glug before a sigh as the drink was set down. He gave a snort, his lips pursing together as he tried to piece things together. Or at least until an element of awkwardness took over. Although he knew her, the pair had only shared simple greetings and pleasantries at most. He straightened himself in his chair an summoned out his basic levels of communication.
“So uh… How’s things going. I mean you’re still at the smithy,” he gave a shrug “Created any master pieces yet?”
Had Hadyn been another woman, the knight would have produced a witty remark by now and thrown down a string of terrible compliments. But it was not the case, this was Hadyn, the sister of his friend. Doing so would only prove awkward – in his mind at least. He licked his lips and quickly drunk a bit more.