Private Tales Stalked by Darkness

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynnestri Ravaneiros could not rest. Being a princess, these threats to her safety should be expected, but it still didn't make it any less real, especially after a near miss with Death. Just the other night, she had been walking through the courtyard, when she had been tackled from behind, a blade pressing against her back. She had only made it out alive because her shriek had alerted her guard and they had fended off her attacker. They had been unable to identify him beyond his gender, and in an effort to console her, Gwynnestri's father had promised swift and immediate justice, in the form of hired bodyguard.

Someone to protect her and hunt down her stalker, who was getting braver by the day. She supposed she should be glad that she would be protected, but she wouldn't sleep until she met her protector, and even then she might not rest until her stalker was dead.

Currently, she was sitting on her smaller throne, besides her mother and father as they awaited the mercenary's arrival. She fidgeted nervously with her ivory skirt, curling and uncurling her toes inside her embroidered satin shoes. Her hands froze when the door to the throne room opened and a footmen spoke up. "Reynard De Eramant," he announced stepping to the side.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

All of this was new to Reynard. The spine was an area he had spent little time in for what we're fairly obvious reasons. It was a harsh and treacherous stretch of land that wouldn't treat the careless well at all.

Thankfully he was far from careless and the trip to the kingdom of the sky elves was fairly uneventful and he made it without issue. The reason he was here at all was a simple on, the same reason as always, he was here for a job.

The princess was in need of a bodyguard due to some recent issues with an assassin. Reynard had plenty of questions, like why they'd hire a mercenary instead of assigning a soldier to guard duty.

Of course Reynard knew strikingly little about the sky elves and even less about their internal workings. Whatever reason they had for hiring him was their own and either way he was being paid and helping someone in need, his favourite combo for a job.

Just like the journey to the kingdom itself, Reynard made it to the presence of the royal family without issue either as it seemed his presence was already prepared for.

As Reynard passed and offered a smile, first to the footman who announced him and then to the Royal family themselves. It wasn't a forced smile or even one that came easily because of practice, no this smile came easy because it was genuine as were most of his smiles.

Reynard swallowed a bit of nervousness as he realised he had no idea how to act around royalty, foreign royalty even less so. Was a bow appropriate for this situation? Better safe than sorry really.

Reynard offered a bow. Not so low as to fully prostrate himself but enough, he hoped, to be appropriately courteous. He was already hired sure but it never hurt to stay on the good side of those who employed him.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynnestri forced her hands back down to her sides and straightened as Reynard walked in. He was not a bad looking man and appeared to be young, by human standards. Gwynn was trying to decide if she should speak before her father made the choice for her.

"Young man," he said, his warm, full voice filling the throne room. He was known for his laugh- just like his voice, reminding anyone who heard it of a father or father figure. "You know why you are here, so let's not bother with the formalities. The captain of the guard will get you acquainted with the fortress and your quarters, and prepare you for your service to my daughter," he said not unkindly.

Gwynnestri decided she might as well speak up now. "I thank you for coming to my aid," she said, her own voice so different from her father's. She was known for her sweet, gentle nature, and it could be seen in the way she smiled, nearly glowed as she leaned forward, all previous nervousness gone.

Reynard De Eramant

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard kept down a sigh of relief that he didn't have have to be the first to speak and even better than that it was straight to business. Reynard stood up straight and listened intently. From the way the king spoke it seemed they fully expected this job to not be a short one.

Well with an unknown foe making assassination attempts on the princesses life it really only made sense. He'd have to stick around until they had a culprit and that culprit was taken care of.

It didn't make much of a difference for Reynard though. He didn't have permanent roots anywhere and that was for exactly these kinds of more long term jobs. The terms of the job were good as far as things go. He'd have a roof over his head and food in his belly all the while getting paid to protect royalty. It was the sort of jobs up and coming mercs dreamed of.

There was more in it for him than the material however. Reynard was grateful for the opportunity to help keep the princess safe. Helping others was half the point of his career choice in the first place.

Reynard smiled even wider at the princesses words. It seemed he was in plenty of good luck because so far the royals had been far kinder than expected. There was always an image of royalty being cold and calculating and he was more than happy to be disproven on that assumption.

Reynard looked to the princess, her smile reminding him much of his mother's in it's gentle kindness, and put his hand over his heart. "It's my pleasure. I can only hope to have earned your thanks once all is said and done."

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Her father was right- Gwynn did feel better, knowing there would be someone to protect her. The king spoke up once more. "The captain of the guard and the princess will give you all the information necessary for you to begin your service," he said, standing and effectively ending the brief meeting. Gwynn stood as well, and stepped off the dais, walking up Reynard with the captain of the guard, Conall Valynn. Reynard and Valynn would be working closely together to protect the princess from her stalker.

"I am Captain Valynn, and this is the princess Gwynnestri. You will address her as Highness and then my lady. If you'll follow me," Valynn gave brief introductions. He was not known for his talkativeness, and adhered to the rules so strictly that he never seemed to have any fun.

Valynn led them out of the throne room and through the halls and down the stairs of the castle, pointing out important rooms and listing the rules. The trio finally paused at a floor that appeared to be a training room, for the upper ranks. There were groups of men and women training scattered throughout. A rack of training swords sat next to one of spears on the far wall, and the scent of sweat hung heavy in the air. Valynn turned to Reynard. "The king may have requested you but until you prove yourself, you will not protect the princess or recieve payment," he said bluntly. "You will train with these men and women in preparation for your trials, and only once you've passed all three trials will you recieve the honor of protecting Her Highness," he explained.

Gwynnestri turned her head slightly to Reynard, trying to catch his eye to see what he thought of all this. Valynn made it sound quite difficult.

Reynard De Eramant

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

The meeting was short and to the point. That wasn't an issue really as it meant Reynard could get started sooner rather than later.

The captain of the guard was obviously a pretty gruff individual. All work and no play seemed those apt description. After the kindness of the royals it was a hell of a tonal shift. He was also glad to have given something to call the princess as it wasn't really a question he was excited to ask.

Reynard simply nodded his head and followed Valynn through the castle, taking in the sights and rules as they were rattled off one after another. It was a lot to take in at once but with time he'd warm up and get a rhythm for how things worked for nobility and those of a higher class.

Reynard grew up in a very small village in a modest home. This castle was far beyond anything he'd known before and all this was because of his very first Royal request.

Eventually the sounds of fighting were heard as they approached the castles apparent training room. This is where the soldiers and guards sharpened their skills huh?

After listening to Valynn explain the need for passing three trials in order to be allowed t protect the princess, Reynard had to suppress a chuckle. It seemed things wouldn't be so easy after all.

He wasn't a fan of his abilities beyond doubted but Reynard knew better than to question the captain. This was a weeding process. Their method of separating the wheat and the chaff.

It was a bit of a pain but he didn't complain. If anything Reynard felt a ripple of excitement. He always appreciated a good spar and was in need of some preparation for the job anyways. He needed to make sure he was in peak physical condition and likely would've asked to visit the training ground anyways. In the end this was a win for all involved.

Reynard let a smile dance across his lips, this one more playful than his usual but with no less sincerity. "An honor indeed. I can hardly blame you for wanting to make sure I'm up to par however I'll do my best to exceed whatever expectations you have. I'd be more than happy to train with the best your kingdom has to offer." Reynard couldn't help a glance to Gwynnestri. This was also his chance to give her the peace of mind, let her know he'd he capable of safeguarding her life.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn met Reynard's gaze, blue on blue. He looked mostly positive, but a little nervous. He seemed to be reassuring her, and Gwynn found herself trusting him before he'd even proven himself to Valynn. She gave him a small smile and turned to face Valynn, who was talking about the trials.

"In the first trial, you will have to run an obstacle course," Valynn was saying. "If you pass it, then you will be told of the second one. Focus your training on brute strength and endurance for now," he said. "You will begin tomorrow at dawn; for now Her Highness will escort you to your room,"

Gwynn nodded at Valynn who turned to scold a soldier on his form. "This way," she said. "You must be exhausted after your journey, and then we drag you around the castle,"

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard nodded his head in confirmation that he was listening. A good old fashioned obstacle course was an appropriate start. If he couldn't even hope to chase after the person trying to kill the princess then he might as well just start the walk back home to find another job. 2 years as a mercenary meant he was used to chases as well as running away from things he couldn't afford to fight. Treacherous terrain also meant a bit of experience with obstacles.

Admittedly though an obstacle course didn't really speak to his core strengths. He was a talker and a swordsman, those were where he truly shined. This first trial would be a tough start but Reynard was still fairly confident he'd have no large issue passing and proving he was a worthy choice for protector.

He was glad to be free of Valynn for a moment. He was a sever man and besides that it was a good opportunity to get to know the person whose life he may be directly responsible for. Reynard dutifully followed Gwynn, he was more than happy to find his room and more importantly his bed after the long journey he's had.

"Admittedly your highness, I am tired." He started, the royal form of addressment feeling unfamiliar on his tongue. "however your castle is an incredible place and I can't complain about getting to see all the beauty inside it's walls." He did cast a meaningful glance to Gwynn herself, certainly counting her among that which was beautiful. It was to him an objective fact as well, she was clearly an attractive elf but he wasn't going to come out and say something like that to the princess. He was fairly positive she was already aware of her beauty anyways. The glance lasted no longer than a second.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn nodded, meeting Reynard's brief gaze. Something strange flickered in his eyes but Gwynn couldn't decipher it before Reynard looked away. She looked away as well, and turned a corner to walk up a curved staircase. The eyrie, built into the mountainside, was taller than it was wide, and there enough staircases to keep those that lived inside it fit. Gwynn gathered her skirt in her hands, lifting it above her feet so she could climb the stairs with ease.

"I would imagine so," she replied as she climbed. "The only bad thing is the amount of stairs you have to climb whenever you want to get somewhere," she continued. She stopped at the floor where the royals lived. There was a small parlor just off the landing, and the stairs continued to floors above behind them. Gwynn led the way forward, the guards standing at the large doors recognizing her immediately and bowing. they stepped aside and pulled open the doors, letting the princess and her soon-to-be bodyguard into the hall on the other side

"And you really don't need to call me highness, I get enough of it already from Valynn and the others, and if you and I are going to be spending a lot of time together in the future, it would be easier if we were friends," she added, stopping outside the doors to her chambers. "Call me Gwynnestri, or Gwynn if you'd rather," she said.

The guards standing outside her door pretended as if they had heard nothing, and opened the doors to let them in. There was another parlor and the door to her bedchambers hung ajar. Another door to the right from the entrance would lead to a recently added bedroom and bathroom. The king had had it built as soon as he had settled on the idea of hiring a foreign bodyguard, with the intent of keeping said bodyguard close to Gwynnestri at all times, forgoing what might've been scandalous by some accounts for his daughter's safety.

Gwynn pushed open the door and gestured at the room within. It was empty save for a table, a bed, and a fireplace. It still smelled like construction and fresh paint but Gwynn figured the smell would fade. "Here we are," she said, albeit anti-climatically.

Reynard De Eramant

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard's smile persisted, as it usually did. While the amount of stairs was quite a bit more than he was used to it wouldn't anymore than he could handle. Besides it meant that even on a slow day with nothing going on it would keep him fit and healthy. The last thing he needed was his body wearing down because he had it too easy. Even on an important job like this he doubted every day would be busy and full of danger. "Plenty of stairs for sure but I don't mind it. Keeps me ready."

They continued on through the floor, now passing by a door guarded on both sides. Reynard got the impression this was where the royals lived. This was only confirmed the farther in they went. At Gwynn's words Reynard couldn't help but lift his eyebrows for a moment, smile still present. "Plenty fine by me. Admittedly I have little experience with royalty so that definitely removes a bit of pressure on my part. Gwynn works for me, thank you. And as you already know, my name is Reynard." He continued as they stepped into what was a very nice bedroom.

Multiple bedrooms connected to one another in fact, and at her final words the reality of the situation set in. He'd be sleeping in the room directly connected to hers. Tactically it made sense of course. The closer to her he could be at all times the safer she'd likely be, that was his job. His job was to protect her from that which threatened her life and being separated by multiple rooms or even different floors definitely defeated the purpose of his presence.

Any person of a worse mind than him would think to take advantage of the situation or give in to base desires but those thoughts never occurred to him. It was a bit unusual and unexpected sure but his job remained the same. Ground rules were sure to be set and he'd everything he can to keep her safe with the tools given to him.

"It's quite a nice room. The whole castle is beautiful really but I'm lowborn so all of this is very new to me." he said with a nervous chuckle. It was incredibly hard not to feel out of place here in the castle, in a land filled with people not quite like him. Even though he had no problems with those not like him and was adaptable, even the most prepared person could feel out of place in a situation like this. Either way he'd soak up the experience and get whatever joy he could manage in between saving the life of royalty.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn found him strangely calm and peaceful for a mercernary, but then she had never seen many to begin with. Perhaps it was rude of her to stereostype. "I'm glad you like it," she replied. "The servants will bring a meal up to our rooms shortly, if you don't mind sharing a meal with me," she continued.

She pushed open her own door. "I'll leave you to get settled," she said with a small smile as she entered her room, shutting the doors behind her.

She leaned against them once they were shut, wondering why she was so on edge. It was not because she found it hard to make friends, rather, she made friends quite easily. Perhaps it was the fact that this time, it was too easy. Reynard's smile had been too kind, his demeanor too perfect. Maybe she was being selfish and ridiculous, but those two traits were rarely ever used to describe Gwynn.

She knew her father had wanted to hire a foreign bodyguard because it would be someone who was unaware of all the important and potentially deadly information her guards knew.

She pushed her confusing thoughts to the back of her mind, and walked to her window. The sky stretched blue, softened by the thick white clouds.

Reynard De Eramant

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard looked to her and nodded his head in agreement. "A meal with you sounds wonderful. I don't mind one bit. See you in a bit then." He gave her a wave and returned her smile as she went into her own room. Seems like he'd be having dinner with a member of the royal family. It almost felt like he wasn't a lowborn commoner. A small chuckle escaped his lips at the thought. Reynard was never the type to dwell on class and status, it rarely effected how he lived his life and he was plenty happy besides. Sure he felt more out of place in this unfamiliar setting but he was no less happy to be experiencing it. Perhaps that would make saying goodbye down the road that much harder but by all means that was a problem for a later time.

Reynard wasted no time in heading to his own room, setting down his things and heading back out into the common room. He would do what he could to only ever really sleep in his bedroom, and intended to spend most of his time in this connecting room. It was furniture so he somewhere to sit and had one less door in between him and the princess should she need assistance at a moments notice.

Perhaps he was taking it all a little too seriously but in truth this was his first time bodyguarding royalty. It carried more weight than the average merchant escort job. If he were to fail here it would have catastrophic effects on the kingdom and it's people. The last thing he wanted was to be responsible for the harming of lives. On top of that he was specifically hired. Not for his world renowned skills or anything but he was still chosen to a degree, and he'd be tested even further to stay. He knew of the trust and faith being put upon his should to protect Gwynn and he needed to take that seriously, if for nothing else than to keep Gwynn herself safe. He already knew that seeing her harmed was the last thing he wanted.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynnestri heard the servant's footstep early with her extended hearing and she opened the door to the sitting room early, pausing when she saw Reynard sitting on a couch. She smiled a little, and sat down across from him, a table between them. Seconds later, the maid carried in two trays of steaming food; nothing too fancy. She bowed in Gwynn's direction and then backed out the door.

Gwynn picked up a glass and the pitcher of water and poured herself and Reynard a glass of water. "So, Reynard," she said. "If we are going to be friends, we must know more about each other. Where did you grow up?" A hint of nervousness could be detected in her voice if one was astute enough.

Reynard De Eramant

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard was more than happy to see the food brought in. It wasn't a 5 star meal or anything like that but it was plenty enough for him. After a long journey some food and rest were exactly what he needed to get to one hundred percent again.

Reynard smiled at Gwynn. One of attentiveness as well as understanding. He had always been good at talking. Conversation skills were one of his best skills. He could pick up on body language signals better than most and with that skill he could certainly see the tinge of nervousness in her voice. He got the impression that this wasn't a conversation she had often but he could be wrong on that assumption.

"I agree." he said offering no argument to getting to know each other, he wanted to the same after all. "I grew up in a small farming village a long ways from here. Then around 18 I left to make my own destiny and it's taken me to quite a few places by now. I assume you were born here?" He said, returning the conversation point.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn was glad for the ease in which the conversation began, but that same nibbling doubt from earlier wondered if it was too easy. She gave Reynard a thoughtful look before replying.

"Yes, and it was anything but quiet," she said, picking up her fork and beginning to eat. Once she had swallowed, she continued. "Did you know," she started, leaning forward almost conspiratorially, "I am the first heiress apparent; the throne has usually gone to male heirs." she sat back on the couch and lifted her glass to her lips, watching Reynard's expression over the rim.

"I don't think my father intends to step down any time soon, however," she said. There was no upset or jealousy in her voice; she did not want to rush to an increase in pressure on her shoulders. She felt rather relaxed, sitting here, eating dinner with Reynard. Despite being well-loved throughout her kingdom, Gwynn had no real friends who she felt entirely comfortable with, and perhaps that was why she was testing Reynard in her own way, and so suspicious of his kindness.

She was suddenly tempted to ask him a rather inappropiate question, knowing he couldn't exactly refuse her an answer, and before she had even decided to go for it, she found herself opening her mouth to speak. "Reynard, have you..." she paused. She likely knew his answer before he would even give it to her, and it would implicate certain things she might not want implicated in their certain situation.

She moved to grab the wine bottle to pour herself a glass of wine to perhaps make her decision easier, when there was a sudden thud from out in the hall. It was soft and barely audible to the human ear, but magnified slightly to Gwynn, who froze, her muscles going rigid.

Reynard De Eramant

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard smiled, the conversation was proceeding smoothly and it seemed like Gwynn was a good conversationalist, something he appreciated quite a bit. To be able to fall into a conversation like they were old friends took plenty of stress off his shoulders and made it easier to feel comfortable in such a new and strange environment. It helped that she also seemed very kind and understanding, a quality lacking in many people not to mention royalty.

"The first huh? Nothing better than making history and shaking up the status quo. I respect that. Though I'm not much built for royalty myself, I can tell you would do a fine job at it." he said with a kind smile. He believed it, despite not knowing her very well. Reynard was blessed to be a great judge of character and Gwynn radiated only positive qualities. Perhaps his mind may change later on but for now he was certain of his stance.

Gwynn seemed ready to ask a question but she stopped herself. She seemed nervous to ask which was the opposite intended effect of their conversation in the first place. She'd probably need time to warm up to him further, in all fairness they barely knew each other at all. He'd just have to continue to prove himself and see if she opened up more later on.

Before either of them could change the subject a thud sounded out from the hall. Reynard barely heard it at all and if it wasn't for Gwynn's physical reaction and fear he wouldn't have payed as much mind to it. He moved quickly, sparing no time unsheathing his sword and leveling it at the door, both hands clutching the sword. "Get behind me." he said simply. This was the time to do his job. Despite not technically being her full time bodyguard yet he was still her only protection. There was a chance the thud was mundane but he wouldn't take the chance. He stayed silent and serious, no smile on his face now.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn put her question to the back of her mind and rose from her chair after Reynard. Obeying him, she rounded the table so that between her and the door to her chambers stood both Reynard and the sturdy table. Gwynn thought it was ironic- his first night here, and already his skills were being put to the test. Perhaps, if all went well, Valynn would go easy on Reynard.

There was another thump, this one louder and more easily audible to the human ear. Gwynn bent over slightly and slowly, lifting the hem of her white dress clear up to her thigh and pulling a thin dagger from its sheath along the outside of her thigh. She let the dress fall with soft swish and faced the door. Dusk was falling over The Spine, casting the first shadows of the night into the sitting room.

There was a moment of tense silence in which no one moved, not even the figure waiting outside of Gwynn's door, poisoned sword in hand. Until all of a sudden, everything happened at once. The door was flung open and in swept the princess' stalker, cloaked in darkness. His sword came flying towards Reynard and Gwynn could only hope he managed to block the swipe before it delivered the fatal blow.

Reynard De Eramant

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard knew the attack would be made, he was ready for the moment the door opened and their enemy came through, and he was not disappointed. The assassin came threw the door in a flash and if Reynard wasn't already prepared for the attack it would've been much harder to react in time.

Reynard's muscles, already tense coiled for action, sprang into the battle. This was the real deal and it was time for him to do exactly what he was being payed for. Reynard attempted to parry the swing from that attacker and would counter with an attack of his own, attempting to bring the sword across his opponents chest. He didn't know if it would work of course, had had no way of knowing just how strong the assassin was in comparison to himself and could only hope his experience in battle would help him do the job.

Of course he would prefer to capture the assassin and put the whole issue to rest immediately but for now he would focus on the fight itself and decide what the next step was. Reynard put himself in between Gwynn and the assassin and wouldn't move out of the way till he was a corpse. This assassin would have to kill him before getting to Gwynn.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Reynard managed to block the stalker's swing, and then the two were locked in combat. The cloaked figure pulled his sword back and blocked Reynard's swing quickly, pushing back against their swords that made an X between them.

The stalker looked over Reynard's shoulder at the princess. She was holding a dagger in front of her, the fear obvious in her eyes. He was momentarily distracted by the room- it seemed whoever this man was had not only been in the princess' chamber, but seemed to be sharing an intimate dinner with her. He was confused. He had been watching her, and he didn't recall her marrying anybody or even beginning a courtship. So what was this man doing in her rooms?

Reynard De Eramant

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Whoever the attacker was they were good at combat that much was for sure. Reynard wondered how much effort would be required to take him down. Reynard couldn't know for sure but from what he could tell this individual was a man. That of course didn't change the fact this fight needed to end.

Reynard pushed his sword against the attacker, attempting to push him backwards and create more distance between the fight and Gwynn. Reynard also had no idea just how good in a fight Gwynn was but considering the fact he was hired to be her bodyguard it was safe to assume she was far from a master swordsman.

"Whoever you are I recommend you leave or lay your sword down now. As long as I take breath you will not harm the princess. I do not wish to take your life but I'll do what I have to in order to protect her." Reynard would always attempt to negotiate. To avoid the loss of life was a big priority for him. The last thing he wanted was to take someone's life if it wasn't needed but at the same time his top priority was Gwynn. If he needed to take this mans life then he would do exactly that.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn was moved by Reynard's words, and she lowered her dagger slightly. The stalker was surveying the room. She could not see his facial features, and could not discern whether he was elven or human, or any other number of races. That issue, however, was quickly taken care of as Reynard pushed the man away with his sword. The hood fell back, revealing what might have once been an Elf. He was bald, and his skin was a strange shade of gray. Scars pockmarked what was visible of his skin, arcing across his scalp and face. His left eye was gouged out, a massive scar sewing the lids shut. Another brutal scar ran from his temple across his missing left eye and over his mouth and chin. Bile rose in Gwynn's throat as the stalker bared sharp, grey teeth.

The stalker was quite obviously not moved by Reynard's words. He thought it very unlikely this man, whoever he was, would not kill him here, tonight. And it was that thought, accompanied by the warmth in the princess' eyes for this man and the disgust at his face, that influenced him to take a large step forward, bending the arm holding his sword and bringing the hilt down hard on the top of his head. The attack was unexpected and before either princess or defender could try and recover, he disappeared with a swish of his cloak.

Gwynnestri let out a little shriek and ran around the table, dropping to her knees at Reynard's side, the dagger clattering to the floor.

Reynard De Eramant

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard was focused on the fight sure but he couldn't help the look of surprise that crossed his face as the hood fell of the mans face. He was scarred and physically disfigured. It looked as though this man had either a horrible accident or was incredibly experienced in his profession. Reynard was leaning towards the latter possibility.

In the time Reynard was distracted by the mans appearance the attacked managed to bring the hilt of his sword down on Reynard's head. Reynard stumbled backwards but still stood, his read ringing with pain after the blow. Thankfully the assassin decided to not push his advantage and left before Reynard could stop him. Reynard could only curse himself for letting such a blow get through. He should be better than that but he let himself get distracted in the middle of a fight. He would make sure it didn't happen again.

Reynard's heart filled with warmth soon after though as Gwynn's worry for him was evident. It was always nice to have someone worried about your safety, though it was possible she only cared because he was her hired protector that didn't lesson the good mood it put him in.

Reynard sheathed his sword and dropped to a knee, taking in a few deep breaths to steady himself. It was probably not going to be fun sleeping with the headache this would no doubt give him. "I'm sorry for letting him get away. Usually I don't get distracted so easily. I'll do my best to make up for my mistake here tonight." He said lowering his head. The guilt at essentially losing the fight overtaking him for a moment. It was one thing to lose a fight and another to do so in front of the person he was meant to protect. Of course it wasn't an absolute loss, there was no way of knowing the final result of the assassin had stuck around but it sure felt like a loss.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Guilt nagged at Gwynn as she listened to Reynard apologize profusely. "It's not your fault, don't you see; if you hadn't been there I could have been killed," she said, her nerves still jumbled. She straightened and picked up her dagger, lifting her dress to her thigh once more to sheath it, not caring that Reynard was right there to witness it.

She turned to face the table, with their half-eaten dinner on it. "I'm no longer hungry," she said, looking back at Reynard. "Take as much of it as you like, and let me know if you need anything else." Twilight had settled in quickly, and Gwynn moved to light some of the candles.

She had seen first hand Reynard's skill with a blade, and knew he was capable and willing to protect her. But she felt bad for making him sacrifice his life for her, a girl he just met. She froze in the middle of lighting another candle in the sitting room, and slowly looked up to meet Reynard's gaze. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice soft.

Reynard De Eramant

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Though Reynard still felt guilty at his failure, Gwynn's words helped him to feel better about the situation. Regardless of how the fight went the end result was what really mattered. She was safe and he was still alive. He'd just have to do a better job next time though he hoped there wouldn't be a next time in the first place.

"Thank you for the kind words." he said offering her an appreciative smile. "And frankly I'm not hungry either. A shame too because the food was good. A nice change of pace from the travel rations I had to eat on the way here." he said with a chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood, that was before she apologized.

He met her eyes as she looked into his. She had just said sorry and he didn't really know why. He was the one who failed to capture or kill her tormentor and she was the one who was apologizing. Reynard couldn't help the confused look that crossed over his face. "What could you be sorry for?" he asked earnestly.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn was silent for a moment, trying to find the words to say. "You're sacrificing yourself for me, and you don't even know me," she replied. Perhaps she was overreacting, or maybe even the sight of her stalker's face disturbed her so much.

"We should get some rest," she said after a few seconds, straightening. Servants would be in in a moment to clean up their dinner. "It would be best to notify my guards that my stalker is likely still on the premises, and if we can catch him, this can all be over," she said, forcing a smile to her face.

She turned and walked into her room, shutting the door behind her. She did not think she would be getting much sleep tonight, her stalker's face in the foreground of her mind whenever she shut her eyes for too long.

Reynard De Eramant