Closed Frozen Patrols [Orion]

[Alevadra Druva]

Ale let out a small, private laugh. Dinah had told her things, Orion wasn’t new to being on the bad side of a woman. She cleared her throat. “You mean Sera Lorene,” She waved off the slip with a quick comment before nodding. “Oh, I was told such. Perhaps this is a test to see if you can tick off every pretty woman you’re around for an extended amount of time…. Wouldn’t that be quite the test…” Ale tsked, generally speaking, it took a bit of effort to get her all knotted up. “Who would not be curious, Orion? Such a strange set of jobs, it’s as if you threw a dart at a list of possibly careers a couple times to see where to go next. I hope you’re done throwing that dart.” It was a slight, a question in the way of a statement. Was he serious about being a knight? Asking something like that boldfaced was rude and uncalled for, Ale preferred to be straight with people, but as soft about it as possible. His offer to answer a question in exchange for a question seemed reasonable—even if it was risky. “Alright, we have a deal, Orion. A question for a question. So tell me, why did you go from being a doctor to a cook to a masseuse to a doctor again and finally,” She gestured to him, sitting tall upon his stead. “You are here, beside me. Why such changes? Why not remain a doctor?” Alevadra paused a moment before speaking again. “I suppose that’s two questions… So you may ask me two questions. To keep it even.” She always did play fair. Ale let out a good laugh as his horse snorted. “Ohh… He doesn’t like you,” She tsked. “Bring them treats, talk with them. Lyris likes to be sung to sometimes. You serve them, and treat them well and you will be rewarded with everything you could ever wish from a stead. Perhaps, though, there is a larger scheme among horse-kind to end your existence. Perhaps you should look into alternative mounts. Or, just get them to like you.” Ale was naturally good with horses, naturally adored them. Ever since she was a child. Ale patted the golden mane of Lyris, who bowed her head slightly but remained quiet. “A weakness like that is hard to satisfy on a knights pay as well…” Ale hummed, she didn’t care much for wine—but she adored mead, perhaps because of the honey that was in it. Such a sweet tooth the little knight had. Brown eyes moved to look at the scar across his face, cutting across a vibrant blue eye. She’d noticed it before, but scars were stories and sometimes those stories were best to keep quiet. “Well, I hope we don’t encounter any Zith on this patrol, if only for your sanity.” Her attention moved again to the woods around them, listening to the movement of animals, the repeatitive thump of hooves upon damp ground, idle chatter before them, calm breathing from below her as Lyris took deep inhales. “Personally, I have a taste for mead, which is much more affordable than fine wine.” She watched between trees, in the distance a deer quietly grazed. Brown eyes returned to Orion as she continued. “I have no siblings, several distant relations who I honestly don’t know, those I consider friends can be counted on one hand and lovers are non-existent.” These facts didn’t seem to bother Alevadra, being alone wasn’t the best thing, but she was never really alone she just wasn’t particularly close to anyone. “I have a scar across my chest, from collarbone to collarbone from bandits. Went out along here while I was a squire for some hunting and archery practice.” She shrugged slightly, armor clinking with the movement. Ale’s attention seemed rather intent on the forest and their surroundings, not one to let her guard down her fingers idly tapped the strung bow that was strapped the Lyris’s saddle.

[Orion Michaels]

Another slip up. 

"But of course, Sera Druva. My mistake." He never should have hesitated to say her name. If he hadn't pointed out his habitual disrespect of Dinah's rank, maybe the knight before him never would have noticed. He doubted that very seriously, but he'd never know either way. "I don't see you correcting me," he quickly deflected. "A noted lack of humility, Sera, but it's good to see we're in agreement on physical perceptions." He flashed Alevadra a grin before looking down to horse as she replied. 

Her thinly veiled comment wasn't lost on Orion. He'd made somewhat of a living out wordplay and subtleties. To suggest he might run from the knights to another job wasn't farfetched considering the list of previous professions he could boast. "I'm quite weary of tossing darts at this point. Besides, the knighthood offers me the chance to combine all those skills into one, if you ask me." Except maybe the massage, of course. 

He was momentarily pleased when she agreed to his little alteration to their game. Instead giving information willingly, they could dictate the conversation a bit further. The satisfaction was, however, fleeting, when her first question came.  He'd failed to think things through. The wall of confidence he wore cracked for a moment, hesitation visible on his face as he fought with an answer. He shook his head, trying to quickly regain his composure before speaking. "Yes, I suppose I should have expected such an obvious question. I'm sure you'll be ecstatic to hear such a reply, but it's the path of a rebellious youth. I was raised to be a physician as my father was before me. Circumstances dictated otherwise, and I jumped from profession to profession."

Orion exhaled softly as his eyes trailed back to hers. "The Djed Storm  hit, and that sort of..righted me, if you will. I headed to the Soothing Waters. There I picked up massage and resumed my medical practice. I suppose I got a bit of a reputation for my skill in dealing with traumatic injuries, and the knights recruited me."

That was that. Just as he said.

It was almost the truth. Sins of omission. It had been over a year since he'd dared utter the name that tormented him so, and before that only his dreams brought her forth. Everything could pathetically be linked back to one blue haired girl, though he'd never admit it in this situation. 

"As for me and the knights, after I supported Dinah on a mission, she offered to take me as her squire." Orion shrugged from his place in the saddle. It wasn't anything dramatic, certainly nothing they would sing tales of. "I wish I could tell you that I felt a higher calling, but it was impulse. I know you're thinking 'why is this fool in the knights?' Well don't worry, I thought the same thing." Chuckling softly, Orion turned his head skyward, peeking at Syna's rays through bare branches of the Bronze Woods' trees. 

"I suppose you could say it grew on me, though. It's been a long time since I've felt this called to anything. You shan't be getting read of me anytime soon, Sera Druva." It was pretty simple, though it had taken him until last season to really find his resolve. "And thanks for the questions. I'll hold onto them until the most inopportune time, fret not."

He was appreciative of her suggestions regarding his mount. He'd been through a handful of horses as it was. The one beneath him was the best luck he'd had, though he was still sure that it would bite his face off if given the chance. "I'll certainly make use of that advice. You might call me desperate in this area. Dinah doesn't shy away from reminding....Sera Lorene doesn't shy away from telling me it's my weakest point." He  bit his lower lip in feigned embarrassment, tossing another sideways glance Alevadra's way. Orion would never be able to make the adjustment now. Even Dinah had given up on making him call her proper, at least in their individual training. 

"If they do come, it'll only give me a chance to continue impressing you so," he deadpanned, rolling his eyes at his own words. He'd rather avoid the creatures all together, but he'd not hesitate to fight if it came to it. He'd charged boldly, or stupidly, depending on perspective, into the midst of a group of them. It nearly cost him his life, but the unlikely reappearance of an old friend and the quick actions of his patron had prevented his demise.

Mead was a delicious drink, indeed, though it lacked the elegance Orion associated with wine. Sweets, however, were becoming a trend. He'd have to keep that in mind. "I'm glad you can appreciate a good drink, Sera. It's fine to unwind from time to time." Truth be told, Orion had been prone to unraveling in the past. 

No lovers?

He'd never met a person of their age who would openly admit such a thing. He swore everyone he'd met had been jilted by past romance and it had shaped their existence. People were so petching dramatic, himself included. He wasn't going to waste this chance. He had two questions he could ask, after all. He still needed to reciprocate her offer of information, but after that...

"I'm an only child, and I don't think anyone I could truly call a friend is even in Syliras at this point. I'm sure Dinah shared my thoughts on lovers, and.." Orion paused for a moment, losing focus on the area around them as he turned to look at Alevadra for his sudden outburst. 

"Why no relationships?" He gave a half smile, shrugging once more. "Ooops. A bit bold again, I suppose. It just seems like something like being brought up in the knights would foster." He didn't actually feel bad about asking the question. You could tell a lot about a person by who they kept close, how closely they kept them, and especially how many were allowed to really know them.

[Alevadra Druva]

“Well you are a witty one, now aren’t you? If I were to say the same to you, I’m sure you wouldn’t disagree with me either.” Ale winked, it wasn’t that she was prideful in her appearance like some were, it was more that she had no reason to assume herself unattractive—perhaps the strange hair to some, but in general Ale was fit, young, healthy, with a pleasant face and figure. “We all have our downfalls, Orion,” His comment about being tired of darts elicited a smile. “Very good, I think you will make quite the fitting and dashing knight. One of the sorts that little girls dream will save them when they are in distress.” She smiled and nodded, his skills were well suited for being a knight, and Ale was thankful to have someone more than competent with medicine. “Well, I am quite glad to be in the company of a doctor,”[/color [color=purple] “Ah… Rebellious youths…” Ale had dealt with a few of them since being a knight. She never had been one, always sticking to what was “meant” for her rather than straying at any point. Were she to take a gander and what she would have strayed to, it likely would have involved horses. “Well, that’s quite a tale… The barebones, but I suppose I shouldn’t have expected elaborate details yet.” Yet was the key word. No one ever let everything out of the bag, if they did the world would be a much different place. To be fair, Ale was the same as Orion in at least that respect. She would tell him of her life, but the devil was in the details, and the details, Ale left out. “Well, that explains your connection to Sera Lorene” She corrected once more. “Perhaps, but I would much rather deal with a man I think is a fool than a boy who thinks he’s a man,” She smiled and glanced over to him. “And I do not think you’re a fool. “Ohhhh… I didn’t realize that was a part of our game, Orion… Holding onto questions…” Alevadra tsked, shaking her head and sending blue strands waving in front of her face. “That’s playing dirty. Smart, but dirty.” The woman nodded slightly, understanding the struggle. “Well, I imagine it’s a shift from being a doctor-Masseuse-Chef to being a knight. Socially there’s a hierarchy one needs to adjust and learn.” “We’ll have to see about that. After all, seems like last time the gods were not shining too favorably upon you.” At least he seemed to be at least slightly jesting with the roll of his eyes. “Lets hope for a calm, uneventful patrol, now shall we?” While Ale wasn’t about to shy away from a fight, she didn’t wish harm upon any of her fellow Knights, and more likely than not one would be hurt and that was always a tribulation. From time to time, on special days or after a particularly bad day, Ale would enjoy some mead, unlike Orion though, it rarely if ever got her in trouble. She’d dealt with enough drunks to not wish the burden upon someone else--and she imagined she’d be a handful intoxicated. “Yes, occasionally it’s a nice treat. It’s been awhile since I’ve had some” Ale thought about getting a bottle when she returned to Syliras, but dismissed the idea for the time. Orion seemed quite surprised, or perhaps put off? Ale didn’t find her lack of bedmates uncommon. After all, she lived in the knights barracks, how was one to carry on any sort of relations? “Lovers are as common as fish in the Suvan Sea for you?” Dinah had said something along those lines--perhaps it was a warning for Alevadra to not let the Squires wit and charm best her. Bold, that was certain, though despite the question Ale remained rather calm. Smiling privately and nodding. “I should have expected that one.” Her attention returned to the woods, thinking of the best way to explain. “Come on, morning glory,” “Stop calling me that,” She seemed to zone out, recalling words spoken years ago. “Have you ever heard the phrase ‘love in vain’?” The knight asked, shifting slightly on the saddle--surely the other knights would want to take a short break within the next bell or so. “It isn’t for a lack of trying, but a lack of luck it seems.” “Why do you call me morning glory?” “Not today, Ale.” The knight seemed to regain focus, turning her attention to Orion to smile slightly, a bit of distress showing in her eyes--clearly this was not a topic she often spoke on. “Seems that I should seek aide from Cheva.” The woman shrugged slightly. “Its always been on one side or another, the feelings were not returned. I find it easier to not seek out any sort of love, if it happens, so be it.” The woman shrugged slightly, moving on with their conversation. “Now, Orion, I believe you still owe me more than that. I shared a great deal and you… Well,” She smiled, watching him. “You have not been as forth coming.”

[Orion Michaels]

”I insist you stop,” he replied, returning her wink. ”You’re going to make me blush.” She was quick with her words, and Orion liked that. It had been some time since he was able to enjoy a rapid fire exchange as this, especially with one so comfortable in her skin. Neither arrogant in her looks, nor craving attention to the point of desperation. Maybe this wasn’t going to be so bad a trip after all. ”How true those words are.”

Orion chuckled, shaking his head at the image. That was the last thing he’d ever imagined himself doing. Him as a hero? He broke more hearts than he stole. To be the knights of heroic stories seemed a magical tale of its own. ”Dashing? Me? You’re quite the flatterer,” he deflected once more. ”I’m hoping my skills aren’t of use, Sera,” he quickly added. It was a sad fact that his profession needed others to be less than a healthy state for him to be of use. ”But better to have me here and not need me, than the alternative, right?”

She didn’t miss his purposeful abbreviation of his history; he didn’t know her, after all. It was a test to share what he had. Her use of the word ‘yet’ brought a smile to his lips. She was going to dig more, was she? He wasn’t going to make it easy, nor was Sera Druva going to let him get away with calling Dinah by her name. ”You’ll break me of this habit at his rate, I swear. Sera Lorene,” he repeated.

”What can I say, Sera? I’m a thinker.” He’d hold onto at least one of the questions until a perfect situation arose. Especially since she seemed had no qualms with his alteration to their rule-less game. ”Feel free to ask more, but I’ll claim another question for each that you do. We’ve got several days to pester one another, after all. Nothing but time, Sera.”

Orion gave a double take at her statement on his physical past. Dinah had spared no detail, it seemed, and it was somewhat frustrating for the squire. His countenance momentarily fell, as he turned his head to the side. ”I hope you don’t judge me too harshly for past transgressions. Fate has seen it fit to reward me appropriately for my actions.” He’d have to ask Dinah why she was so forthcoming with his past, recent as some of them maybe have been. He hoped to avoid this line of conversation, but it seemed inevitable.

As she explained her experience, or lack of, in the world of love, Orion suddenly felt guilty, if for a moment. It wasn’t something she wanted to talk about, but as per their little game, the knight was forthcoming at least on some level about the questions asked. He didn’t understand why, and the confused look he shot her expressed it fully. ”I shouldn’t have asked,” he concluded aloud. ”It wasn’t my place, but I appreciate your honesty.”

He swallowed heavily, his own heart heavy at her words. He knew what she was going through, at least to some extent. ”I didn’t mean to turn the conversation so heavy,” he admitted with a shrug. In the past he’d always work to get the upper hand in conversation, make the other person uncomfortable, and then strike when he saw his best opening. Now, his habits would act without him thinking, leaving him with regret as he struggled through his growth of character.

He gave a laugh when Alevadra pointed out his lack of details. She was just as bold as he in ways, but with the rank to support such inquiries. ”You noticed that, did you?” He looked ahead to the pair before them, watching them for a moment as they rounded a tree. Orion hoped they’d be stopping soon; he was growing a little tired of the saddle at this point. ”Fine, here’s something juicy. I lived in Sunberth for about half a year back in 509. I’ve got an uncle over that lives over that way.” The squire braced himself for any further investigation. Dinah had picked his brain on the subject, so perhaps Sera Druva had been briefed on that particular subject.

If not, it was sure to be something of interest.

[Alevadra Druva]

“I hope they aren’t as well, but you never should plan for the best outcome. Plan for the worst, you’re likely to make it if you do.” That had helped Ale more than once in her past. “Even if nothing serious happens, I wouldn’t be surprised if some minor injury happens that requires aide.” A burn, a scratch, a multitude of minor injuries could occur and while the knights could handle it, it was like that with Orion expertise, it would heal faster. “Yes, better to have you than not,” The knight sighed, she’d gotten used to fools. “That you are, Orion, much to my chagrin. But, I agreed to the terms, so they shall remain in place. I am a woman of my word,” She was a knight after all. Sera Druva was flexible, willing to work with what she was handed. And this time, she was handed a spunky, witty, charming and handsome squire. “The past is the past for the reason. As I told you, I judge character on my own. Your choices are your own, my opinion of them matters not unless you put weight upon it.” Alevadra shrugged, surely he had an opinion of her and how her life was. Did he judge her for it? Perhaps, but Ale hoped not. “I will only judge you based on your current actions—and future, of course.” A wink and her attention returned to the bare trees around them. The woman waved him off with a covered hand, metal clinking together as she looked at him with a smile. “Oh bold squire, I believe your spine has slipped away.” She joked. “There’s no reason to apologize, Orion, if I truly did not wish to answer, I would have told you. And,” A playful grin crossed her face. “Now that I’ve rattled some of the skeletons from my closet… You must do the same.” “Oh, I am not broken and jaded, Orion. Heavy conversations or not. It was in the past, I believe others were hurt much more than I. Love was not returned on my end rather than the other way around.” She admitted—perhaps she was incapable of actually loving someone more than a childish crush? Alevadra mentally waved off the idea. “Of course, you can try to slip by with a smile, but I see past it.” She leaned closer to him, as if to tell him a secret. “I’m immune.” She said lowly, followed by a laugh. Now, he gave a tidbit she knew nothing off. Sera Lorene had only spoken upon Orion’s personality, not his past—that was hers for exploration. “Sunberth?” She looked rather startled. “In 509? Why would you ever wish to go there?” It was clear that Ale’s idea of Sunberth was not positive in any sort of way. “Alright, Orion, tell me, a question for another question that you’ll hoard away like a squirrel collecting nuts… What were you in Sunberth for? A lover?” The last was a tease, whether he caught that or not depended upon if he noticed the switch in her tone. Barely a chime could pass after her question when the line began to slow. “Ah, a break. Must be midday,” She nudged Lyris off to the edge of the trail. “Lunch, come on, better tie yours up to a tree so he doesn’t run from you.” The knight teased, moving Lyris to stand next to another knights horse before she slipped from the saddle and landed. “Oh, what I would give for some hot tea,” She sighed, stretching her arms and back before digging into one of the saddle bags, pulling out a piece of bread and some dried, salted meat along with a water skin. Alevadra moved off the trail, plopping down at the base of a tree with her lunch, stretching out her legs and motioning for Orion to join her as a few other knights began to settle down around Alevadra.

[Orion Michaels]

”I couldn’t agree more. My time with the knights may be limited, but I think the concept holds true outside the sword and shield.” His array of talents had come in use on more than one occasion, between his travels and the drama of life in Syliras. ”Don’t worry, if worst comes to worst, I’ll protect you.” The grin on his face announced the ridiculousness of his statement. He was a squire, and she a full knight. If a battle broke out, he’d likely have to count on her to save his sorry hide. If she were half the combatant which Dinah was, she was still twice as good as he.

Even from their partial day of conversation, he could tell she was someone who embodied what the knights meant. Honor, dignity, and an honest pride without being arrogant. Even in their banter she maintained that same professionalism. Curiosity began to dig at the squire. What was she like behind the armor? Beneath the steel? With his patron, he’d caught glimpses of a person far different than the powerful Captain Knight persona she wore day in and day out. Were all the knights that way?

He chose to let the discussion on his past rest, at least for the moment. If she were being honest, which he suspected she was, the squire had before him a clean slate which to ruin. ”Oh, Sera Druva, my spine is still quite present. Just a dash confused by mine own actions. I’ll be sure to ask my skeletons how they feel about it. ‘Cooperative’ is hardly the word I would choose for them.” It was possible Orion simple boosted the wickedness of his personal torments, but he’d convinced himself he had more to be ashamed of than most Sylirans. ”We’ll see if they come out.”

As she spoke on the truth of her attempts at ‘love’, Orion raised an armored finger as if to say ‘aha!’ ”It all makes sense! How did I miss it? Shame on me for assuming you were the one with a broken heart. With a beauty like that and a wit sharper than the finest blade, I’m sure you’ve left a trail of hearts longer than Kabrin Road.” He knew it wasn’t true, but anything to shift the focus off a rather uncomfortable trail of conversation. ”Tch, tch. I should have guessed it.” The squire’s eyes narrowed somewhat, the mischievous glint reappearing in their depths. His voice lowered, suggestive whispers escaping from his lips. ”Please don’t challenge me, Sera. You’ll tempt me to act in ways unbecoming a knight.”

Their light moment faded when Sunberth became the topic. Most Sylirans, especially knights, who knew of his brief foray into the city of anarchy reacted in similar fashion. Nothing good came of the place, and after his time there he was certain that it did no favors to those who visited either. ”Unexpected, right?” He nodded, a slight pained expression appearing as he chewed over his words. Slowly, he spoke. ”A lover? I..I suppose that’s not entirely off base..”

Before he could expound his words, the knights ahead of them broke off to meet for a break. It was almost a relief, if she would let him get away with it. ”Oooh. So sorry, Sera. Saved by lunch!” The squire dismounted, taking Alevadra’s advice to tie up the horse. It would be a rather sorry start to their adventure if he had to run off after the blasted horse.

”I’ll see what I can scrounge up,” he remarked. ”I made sure to pack a little extra in the way of supplies for this trip. We’ll have more than rations to enjoy as long as we get a fire going on tonight.” He had a bit of traveler’s stock to make a hearty broth soup for their travels, though with as many knights as there were, it would be gone in two days. They would have to suffer through the dried rations for the majority of their trip, but he figured everyone deserved a little treat as they went along.

After retrieving one of his rations, the squire took a seat by Sera Druva, placing his hand down to help him descend slowly in the heavy plate armor. ”Only a million more days of this, huh? Everyone doing well?” He received generally agreeable replies and grunts, though it was apparent than few in the group were actually enthusiastic about their Winter patrol. Orion thought to say something, but thought better of it. He didn’t really want to sour the mood of the group so early.

He smiled at Alevadra, giving a knowing nod her way before pulling a piece of bread from his supplies. Before taking a bite, the squire stretched his arms and back, holding the food high above him. After a satisfied ‘aaah’ came from his lips, Orion took a bite, reveling in the temporary silence that the woods offered. He didn’t suspect that Sera Druva would try and question him on something personal in a not so personal setting, but at the same time, he didn’t actually know the woman. For the moment he would just eat his stale bread and drink of his water skin, and pray she wasn’t as bold as he was known to be.

[Alevadra Druva]

She nodded slightly. The concept of always being overly prepared really did translate to pretty much every aspect of life. Though, Ale’s most prominent experiences had been with the knights, as such, the phrase stuck out most to her experience with them. To Orion’s statement of protecting her, Alevadra let out a good laugh, actually leaning forward slightly and placing a hand upon the saddle. “Oh, that’s a good one, Orion. I’ll have to tell Sera Lorene about that… She’ll have a good chuckle. The woman winked, she could take care of herself. “I’ll sit back then and pretend to be in distress, unless it’s Zith, in which case I presume you’ll be the one needing the protecting.” A jest, she wasn’t calling him a coward, but she was going off of what she already knew. The woman nodded slightly. “You’re curious. It’s understandable.” She shrugged a little, looking over to him. “Perhaps I’ll just have to find your skeletons and drag them out, kicking and screaming?” A playful smile fell upon her features. “I won’t pry where I am not wanted, worry not.” Curiosity would linger, but unless Orion actively wanted to tell her something, she wouldn’t push the issue. “You make me sound like some callous bitch,” She said with a smile. “I wouldn’t call it a trail longer than the Kabrin Road…” She frowned, thinking back for a moment. Ah, perhaps it was close, she was just far too use to friendships over lovers—and tended to value that over the other possibilities. “I’m a heart breaker, but I have a feeling that won’t be an issue for you,” With his rap sheet, Ale had no concern in that arena. “Oh, I love challenges; you’ll find my resolve obnoxiously steadfast.” A glance was given to him with a rather triumphant look in her eye. “Good luck if you take that on.” Of course, acting in ways unbecoming of a knight would never do. “Of course, Orion, you should remember, while we are on this patrol, I am your patron. So… Acts unbecoming of one who has sought the path of knighthood…. Well, they will be dealt with. Surely Dinah would like to hear of them.” As she dug in her saddle packs, Orion spoke on food, causing Ale’s stomach to grumble. “Ah, you know, I think this may be the best patrol I ever go out on. A cook and a doctor… You’re just full delightfully little things.” Lunch had come at an inopportune time, but Ale was stubborn, and the questioning would continue after the midday meal. “Oh, you are not off the hook, I’ll still expect my answer once we get back on the trail.” Her voice was stubborn and expectant as they moved to eat their sad looking lunches. A snort came from the woman as Orion spoke. A million more days—seemed accurate. With any real luck the sky wouldn’t open and rain down upon them. Even with it being winter, snow was a rarity. “Better than night watch along the gate… Now that is a dull, groan worth duty.” Ale hated the watches, especially at night near any of the gates. It consisted of a lot of standing and trying not to fall asleep from boredom. “Squire,” Her attention was on the young boy squire who was also with him. Beside him was an older woman—middle aged. Her name was Sera Greta Linten, and her squire sat beside her looking no older than 15. “How’s your first Patrol?” The boy looked a little startled to have been addressed. “Oh! It’s been, uh…” He tried to think of what to say while Ale chewed and swallowed a bite of her dried meat. “A little… Dull?” Alevadra laughed and nodded. “Oh, it’s nice though, getting out of the city, yes?” The boy nodded and the group went back to eating in silence. The break only lasted a few chimes and Ale stood back up after a bit of work and went back to Lyris. “Orion, come here,” Ale called, digging a bit in a saddle bag. After a moment, she pulled out three little sweets, a golden yellow color that indicated it was crystallized honey. “Here,” She handed him one before popping one into her mouth and making her way around to Lyris—who happily took the little sweet. “On we go, I suppose.” She sighed, setting herself back into the saddle, adjusting until she found a comfortable position. “Now…. Sunbreth?”

[Orion Michaels]

”I’m sure she’d love to hear about it. I was hardly the dashing knight last encounter I had in the woods,” he admitted, somewhat sheepish in his tone. ”If the bandits had been a story tall, I would have missed them by another ten feet. Fear not, I’ve improved dramatically. I’m sure I’d at least let them know I’m there this time.”

 ”Should those foul creatures appear,” he began, grinning widely, ”you’ll find me hiding directly behind you. My face is rugged with the addition of these scars. I couldn’t risk ruining such a beautiful thing, after all.” He’d of course spring into combat if the situation arose, but it was enjoyable exchange none the less. She was good at picking at his own self depreciating jokes; it was a trait he’d found lacking in much of the knighthood. ”I’m glad to see that you don’t have to exchange  your sense of humor when you accept knighthood, Sera,” he remarked.

Her response was somewhat unexpected, amusing as it was. ”Did I insinuate such a thing?” Orion brought his hand to his mouth, covering his barely stifled laughter. It was such a departure from the persona he’d witnessed thus far. ”I’m not sure what you’re talking about. I don’t know a thing about broken hearts,” he lied, still chuckling at her cheeky retort.

”And you’ll find me bullishly stubborn. Could be quite the conflict, Sera.” Was she actually challenging him to try? Curious… Adjusting his armor once more he turned his head to look around the woods, piercing blue eyes scanning for any dangers or threats. Just because they were breaking for a brief respite didn’t mean that eyes could turn inwards. ”Oh, I don’t Dinah….Sera Lorene…will be anything but interested in whatever you report on me. I’ll do nothing that brings dishonor to our banner, I promise.” Just another example of how the knight took her duty seriously. Even jokes about the knighthood were met with weakly implied warnings. He’d tread carefully around the subject in the future.

”Doctor and cook are good, but I see no mention of masseuse.  Interesting.” He childishly stuck out his tongue, retracting it before taking a bite of his bread. ”And I don’t doubt you’ll continue trying to explore the depths of my psyche, Sera. It’s fascinating, I know.”

Orion fell silent as she began to question the other squire. It interested him somewhat to watch the interaction of squire and patron, especially of those who were raised within the order. The dynamic was noticeably different in the cases he’d seen. There weren’t many twenty six year old squires to compare to, though.

The rest wasn’t long enough. They hardly ever were.

Rising to his feet, the squire made his way over to Alevadra at her command. She offered him the candy, which he accepted with a smirk. ”Should have expected that, huh?” The self-admitted sweet tooth wouldn’t be found outside the city with something to sooth her cravings.

After untying his mount, the squire mounted up again, ready to continue their patrol. They were to hit a few locations in the Bronze Woods before heading out to the Kabrin for a handful of days. A straight shot back to the city afterwards and that would end their adventure.

Alevadra wasted no time in getting back to the topic at hand. He was hoping that it would slip her mind, but she was focused. It was admirable, but it was also something that he wished she didn’t have at the moment.

”Sunberth, indeed,” he repeated quietly. It was a place which he’d tucked far back into the depths of his mind. It haunted his memories to this day. ”I don’t suppose you’ll buy it if I say I was visiting my uncle?” It would have been partially true. He did visit him. ”I was running from something, Sera. I’d rather leave it at that.” He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath into his lungs as he tried to clear his mind. Dinah had assured him that all his faults were in the past, that all he could do was live for the now and for the future. Sera Druva seemed to reflect those sentiments. ”But I owe you a little more than that, right? What if I told you I had a couple children but was nowhere near seeking Cheva’s favor? I’d be shocked if you hadn’t heard about this one. The dormitories were ablaze with gossip when that tidbit got out.”

If Dinah hadn’t told Alevadra of that, it would have come as quite the surprise to Orion. It was far from a well kept secret; there was no sense in it. If people would judge him, then so be it. Others who had no problem with it could continue to interact in the squire’s up and down life.

[Alevadra Druva]

“Well, you learn from your mistakes. At least, you should be a bit better this time around.” Or, at least Ale hoped that was a case. “Well, I suspect if something happens it will be… A learning experience in the least.” She shrugged, it would be an interesting event if it were to happen. “Ah… So I’ll be your dashing knight saving you from the evils of the world. What an amusing thought.” The woman smirked, finding the idea of Orion cowering behind her rather foolish. “Anymore scars on your face and you’ll go from rugged to unsettling. But, I fear I would just be completely unappealing with a scar like that,” She tsked, motioned to the scar that marred Orion’s face. “Oh, no… Well, at least not all the time. You can keep your humor, so long as you’re around the right people.” She looked to Orion. “There are some in the order who I wouldn’t dare jest with as I am with you.” It was true, Ale enjoyed playful banter, but that wasn’t an option with some of the knights, among them was her father. “Oh, well, perhaps that my own feared opinion coming out.” His laugh caused a small, irritated frown. “Have you never met a beautiful woman with delightful wit who never seems interested no matter your efforts? Usually they are a callous bitch,” Of course, Orion’s next response caused quite a laugh from Ale, nodding all the while. “Oh, of course, Orion…. You have never experienced heartbreak, no possible chance.” She winked, his commitment issues screamed of some sort of heart break or similar issue. “Whatever you say,” The woman hummed. The woman just smiled. “Would make for an interesting patrol… Two stubborn minds trying to best the other.” There was a slight shrug, leaving the choice up to him. “I’ll let you decide if you wish to take on such a challenge.” It would at least keep the patrol interesting during the dull moments. Sera Lorene had requested a full assessment of her squire, which Ale agreed to give upon their safe return. The good, the bad and the mediocre. At least he was getting an A plus for his ability to socialize without awkward silences like most squires seemed to have—constantly uncomfortable and tripping over their words. Masseuse… Now, Ale hadn’t found a use to that skill Orion had. Many knights would be happy to have a nice massage to relax their sore muscles. Alevadra hadn’t ever had a massage by a masseuse, but she had gotten this far in life without any, why would that change. “Perhaps your abilities as a masseuse will be of use, but I think cook and doctor is a bit more useful—at least to me—than a masseuse.” His response to the candy was fitting and Ale just smiled. “But of course.” Her tongue rolled over the sweet, pushing it about her mouth as it melted—oh it was delightful! She was happy, sitting in the saddle, enjoying her sweet and silently listening as Orion spoke of Sunberth. Her response to his question was just a shake of her head, a silent “no”. His response was unexpected, brown eyes watching him for a moment, a moment of concern slipping past before she nodded slightly. “Of course,” She tried a reassuring smile to the squire. Of course, he still needed to give her something, and so he shared something she already had heard. He had children—details of the children were unknown to Alevadra, and it really was none of her business. “Yes, I had heard that.” The knowledge didn’t seem to bother her. “I never wish to have children,” Ale admitted casually, her eyes avoiding Orion’s form. “A knights life is so uncertain, a child never knows if they will see their parent again. They never know if they’ll come back.” She glanced over to Orion for a moment. “As a child, that is very difficult to handle.” The woman shrugged and waved her hand with a slight curl in her lips. “Of course, that is just my opinion. My life is far different from others, perhaps children is what you truly need in life.” Alevadra enjoyed children, had she not been a knight, the woman would probably have a child already. Though, with her life, with her memories, Alevadra had no desire to put a child through the uncertain life of a knights child. Her childhood was one of regular worry, either her mother or father were off in the line of duty on a regular basis. As a child, the fear of losing a parent… Well. The woman looked to Orion with a smile. “Good news, we’ll be stopping for the evening before dark, and, by the looks of it… We have only a handful of bells.”

[Orion Michaels]

All he could do was shrug. He hoped he was better than the last time he’d truly been called upon to fight. Arrows had rained down everywhere at his hand, only a good chunk of them simply fell from his quiver. It had been an absolute mess, and if there had been anyone watching –and it wasn’t such a life or death situation – it may have been humorous to watch.

”I’m sure you’d steal my heart away if you did that. Maybe it’s better you just let them take me if it comes down to it. No one wants that old thing.” He grinned as he thought of her or anyone rushing to defend him. Things never went that way, at least not before he joined the knights. He’d been on his own for years; even those he’d begun to trust left him. The order had offered him a stability he’d never had the chance to appreciate.

Orion paused for a moment as she asked about a woman with her profile. A beautiful witty woman who’d turned him down. ”No, I can’t say that I have, Sera,” he replied with a smirk. ”Some call me charming, others call me a pain, but you can’t fault my persistence.” It was true, Orion had broken more than his share of hearts in the past, but something which was perplexing to him was the fact that for all the tears he left in his wake, he rarely suggested that his relations were anything besides what was offered at face value. It was the others who tied their heartstrings to him, even if he’d expressed the desire for a single night of fun. ”I’d be delighted to see what that challenge holds. It’s much better than sitting alone on the back of the horse, at least for me. If I had your love for the creatures, perchance I would feel otherwise.”

”Sera, I can soothe the mind with refreshing conversation, the soul with a delicious meal, and the body with a simple touch. I’d not be too hasty to dismiss its usefulness.” Though he somewhat exaggerated his skill, the truth of the matter stayed. One who didn’t know what it was couldn’t possibly understand what it was like to miss such a thing.

He wasn’t sure what he expected when he abruptly dismissed their conversation on Sunberth, but whatever it was, Alevadra’s reply wasn’t it. It was just so..accepting. Based on their earlier conversation it wouldn’t have surprised the squire for her to press on the matter, but the moment he showed genuine disdain for a topic, she dropped it politely and peacefully.

Somehow the subject of his children was more relaxing, though even that was short lived. Her lack of condemnation for his iniquities was only more astonishing by the moment. A knight, a beautiful knight, reserving her verdict until she’d seen him herself. ’Could such things be?’ he wondered, as she spoke of her thoughts on children, skillfully deflecting any awkwardness which the subject could have brought forth.

He wanted to comment, he wanted to tell her everything that he said was why he was so scared for his newborn, and even for Emily, but he couldn’t do it. It was too vulnerable a conversation, especially for someone who may never cross his path again after the patrol was over. Even Dinah wasn’t privy to the inner workings of Orion’s mind, a jumbled mess of emotions, fear, and desire to be more than he was.

All he could manage was a pained smile as he quickly set to retrieving the small candy she’d given him. After popping it his mouth, he avoided looking at her, unsure if his own embarrassment was showing through. At least it would be easier to hide his concern once the rays of Syna disappeared from sight.