Private Tales Take up the tainted mantle

[Ademar Acero]

In general? No, he little did he joke around. Something that the academy failed, although he didn’t notice it, was to help their students to develop as actual human beings with understanding emotions and behaving as one. Everything was meant to be perfect in the Academy; everyone was to act like a machine. If someone found interest in another, it was to be rid of and punished for it.

It explained why a lot of Apprentices did things in secret from the proctors.

Ademar? He pursued to be a perfect warrior which is why he didn’t attend taverns and brothels as much as his peers.

“Is it that hard to figure out? It’s a waste of time and doesn’t produce anything.” How could one think in jokes? Pathetic, he’s rather sharpen his claymore than that. “I don’t need to ask for anyone’s help, Zana. It’s like asking a damn baby if they are hungry. If you see someone needing a hand, then help or don’t.” A regressive way of thinking, perhaps, but it’s what he knew. Asking for help and apologizing were difficult things for him to say.

“Don’t be just a good soldier; be an excellent soldier.”

 

[Zana]

Zana took a breath like she was dealing with a child and let it out slowly before responding. He had missed the point entirely.

"No..." she made sure her words were as clear as day in her mind before speaking them slower and without the sarcasm and humour. "What I am saying is that I did help by stopping those arrows. Then you reprimanded me for it when you should have just accepted that I was doing my job," she watched the cogs turning before continuing. "So, for a higher ranking officer to tell someone that it makes a soldier believe they are unnecessary and getting in the way. Why would I, then, have interfered a second time? Not only did you give off the impression you would shout at me for doing so but, you also gave me the impression you saw my help as worthless. Why wouldn't I then just stay out of your way and ask before becoming an apparent hindrance again?"

It was definitely obvious he was new to the role of command and even more obvious now why she had been sent on this mission and not another Dreadlord from Luana. She was pretty certain that by now it would have descended into a fight.

"Being an excellent soldier isn't just what you need to be anymore, Ademar. You need to be an excellent commander too."

 

[Ademar Acero]

For once he was at a lost for words after hearing Zana’s words towards him. His titanic size did give the impression he could be dull or slow, but he wasn’t or at least he wasn’t when it come to military tactics and the various aspects of warfare. He could also pick up some common sense, and there was plenty in Zana’s words.

Her criticism wasn’t harsh or aggressive, it was constructive and her words were true enough to annoy Ademar. People say that folks often didn’t like to hear harsh truths and reality about themselves, and this was one of those moments. Ademar could accept her words and be humble, knowing what she had said was true.

But his pride refused to lower its head down and accept this kind counseling Zana gave to him.

“I am an excellent commander,” he retorted in annoyance stopping in his tracks and looking down at Zana while making a bridge with her eyes, “those of House Virak recognize my talents and know of the capabilities I possess as a commander.” He was new at the position and, frankly, he’d sacrifice Anirian Guards in order to achieve a victory even if the costs were heavy.

“And what do you even know of being a commander? Tell me, I’m curious to hear.”

His pride made him feel superior above her, though part of him did recognize the talents she possessed. There was wisdom from her, very foolish of Ademar to refuse it.

 

[Zana]

Zana took two steps before she realised he had stopped and she turned on her heel and put her hands behind her head, lacing her fingers. The look she gave him might would consider a blank one but there was a wave of incomprehensible emotions warring across her light hazel eyes. She knew he was attempting to use his physical presence to intimidate her but she had dealt with bigger, stronger, and worse tempered. She might have looked all soft curves and sensual eyes but it was as much a weapon against certain foes as her sword. His defence sounded like that of a childs and she guessed in a way he was one. Just how many years had he served out of the Academy? One? Two? Her lips curled at the corners a little into a closed mouth smile.

"I'm sure they do," then she turned back to the path at hand and began walking offering no comment on what she thought or whether she believed his House even did. Her boots crunched on the dry leaves as they walked. Zana thought over his question and then to what he had said earlier about the weakness of a Dreadlord if they searched for advice from those of lower rank.

"I have Commanded over 300 missions since leaving the Academy so I would venture I know a little bit of commanding, though of course nothing like a Second Level would know," it took effort to not roll her eyes at her own comment. "The Battle of Teqwyn was one I commanded," Zana glanced sideways, unsure of how much history the man might know. It had been a clean and good victory for Vel Anir and they had only actually come back with one extra man.

 

[Ademar Acero]

She continued to walk forward after her response, leaving Ademar behind and making him glare at her. He was wasn’t sure if he wanted someone else other than Zana. If it were another, he’d already beat them to a pulp. This woman? She disguised her sassy words with calm words and didn’t offer a fight.

At least she had a nice back which Ademar made note of, taking a glance at her person from toe-to-head and then back down.

She had beauty in her appearance, but that wouldn’t sway him to change his thoughts and behavior.

“I doubt that,” his pride not allowing him to see. It wasn’t because she was a woman, it was because of the house she hailed from. “Three hundred missions and still a Third Rank? I find that hard to believe.”

And at her age? Why did she not find any advancement as a Dreadlord?

“Tell me about this battle. Seems an accomplishment you take pride in.” Maybe she did commanded some battles, but three hundred? A bit skeptical.

 

[Zana]

Zana heard him walk after her and then caught him in the edge of her vision as he caught up with her. She hadn't been walking fast and his long legs were more than enough to catch up with the pace she had set. At his comments she suppressed the urge to smile; she had thought the talk of commanding and battles would pique his interest. Her hands were still clasped behind her head at this point but she lowered them back into the pockets of her breeches.

She decided to go with the lie that was the Luana party line when it came to the reason Zana had not advanced, for he was not the first to query it.

"My Telekinesis is quite weak compared to the level of magic a Second Level should have, that's the only reason I haven't advanced," a small shrug. "Though it seems I am developing a new gift so perhaps that will push me over the edge. You're not the first to query it," her gaze drifted to his and she gave him a friendly smile despite his grouchy expression. She held it for a moment before her eyes returned to the pathway in front of them. "The Battle of Teqwyn was about three years ago in the Northern Territories. One of the Warbands from Amol-Kalit was getting a bit too big for his boots, he had taken over quite a large mass of land and people and decided he wanted to spread his influence this way. I was chosen because I'm good at horseback combat and that's how they fought. It was a good fight, I think you would have enjoyed it. It was a stroke of luck really I was against the warlord himself - they mounted his head on the walls for weeks," of course it wasn't exactly luck but she had no qualms with being the lucky Dreadlord.

 

[Ademar Acero]

Every Dreadlord was versatile in different aspects and that required them to know different fields in magic. Ademar preferred his own magic that he had enhanced and took time to develop than others, but he knew some College Magic and other variations of magic. Just little, however. Zana was skilled in telekinesis and surely knew other magical powers. Perhaps this new gift would advance her in rank. Dare ask? She probably wouldn’t answer or at least gave a very vague answer as all Dreadlords were secretive of their magic.

He did enjoy the little war story Zana gave him, especially since it was a warlord of Amol-Kalit. Ademar wished they could be proactive and launch a campaign to conquer the Northern Territories and know more about this Empire people spoke about. The fact that Zana commanded this battle against the warlord and vanquished him did earn some respect and admiration from him.

“I think I would have enjoyed it,” he confirmed her words. Even if she was his commander? Maybe, depends on her tactics. “I take it you like riding?” an inquiry that could be taken as an honest question and as a flirt.

“How far are we from this camp? And how do you know of its existence?”

 

[Zana]

Was he actually warming up to her? Perhaps she should have started by talking about her prowess on the battlefield. It was a good thing in a way they had run into these bandits, it had broken the ice between them. It even sounded like he was attempting to flirt with her which was adorable. As a reward she gave him a coy smile and a wink before laughing and turning her attention to where they were going. There was meant to be a sign nearby.

"Yes I prefer riding - it's a good thigh work out," she stopped when she saw the subtle mark. Most would have gone past it but it was clear as day in her mind. Running her fingers over it she turned their course towards the West. "Not very far - I just got the information out of one of the men I shot," Not a lie per se... just... missing a few facts. They walked a couple more minutes before she pulled him down behind the thicket of bushes and parted them a little so he could see. There were a circle of tents set up and there looked to be another 10 or so people milling about that they could see. She let the leaves fall back in to place and she turned to him now, her hand resting on his arm.

"Now are you going to let me work with you as a partner on this one this time?"

 

[Ademar Acero]

In a good way he was taken back at her wink and smile. It slowed down his pace in his steps, trying to assess her wink and smile. He never was taught or helped on how to deal with emotions. The only emotions he was familiar with was anger and hatred, also being pride and confident. The only time he could act somewhat normal was at a tavern with a mug of ale in his hands. This, however, did make him feel strange. He couldn't find a word to call it and he didn't know how to rationally describe it. He did feel a bit warm in the inside; something he did not understand.

Was it some kind of a spell? If so, that was advanced magic.


A few minutes and they came up across the camp Zana spoke about and was pulled down to hide in the tall grass and thick bushes. There it was: their target. More elf ears to collect and parade them around in pride. Almost the same number of bandits they faced earlier. More or less. Before they made their assault Zana placed her hand on his arm and Ademar looked into her eyes. This was the first time he was this close to the woman, and was somewhat entranced by her eyes and touch. Part of him wanted to protest, but it was silenced.

"I...uh," stuttering in his words as he tried to produce a cohesive, firm sentence. He did not know but a small shade of red colored his cheeks as he felt...embarrassment and shyness?

"...yeah, I'd like that," finally deciding on his mind as his emotions influenced him. His pride retorted inside him, stirring the pot with his emotions. He had never felt this kind of internal conflict before as he was always sure on what to do based on his beliefs and personal truths.

 

[Zana]

The stuttering she hadn't been expecting and neither had she been expecting the long look he gave her. It was getting to the point she was worried she had over stepped a mark here when he finally blurted out another shock; he as not only fine with working together but he would like it. But yet he looked confused about such an admission. Another puzzle to solve on their road trip together it would seem. But for now, they had a job to do. She squeezed his arm once and then took the bow from her back and knocked two arrows quietly.

"One of them, he had a scar down his jaw, has poison on his axe to just be careful not to get cut by it, ok?" Zana caught his gaze and held it until she was sure he would at least keep it in the back of his mind before she nodded slightly. "I'll go left you go right, ok?" she shifted her stance a little and then raised her bow. Blotting out the sounds of the forest she took an inhale in, aimed for the two sat by the fire with their weapons closest at hand, and fired. The bodies dropped with the arrows through their throat but the sudden movement caught one of the others attention.

"Let's go," she drew her sword and leapt.

 

[Ademar Acero]

His breath remained still as Zana squeezed his arm, his heart pounding in a frenzy. If his face was anything grumpy and angry, it vanished and was replaced with one that was slightly awed looking at Zana. Awed and kind. It was something polar opposite of him in general.

“Scar on his jaw, got it,” he nodded at Zana. Normally he’d reply back with something more aggressive. Maybe something that he didn’t need her looking out for him and and he can fight his own battles without aid. He forgot all about that, but why? Why the sudden change of attitude? Did Zana notice it as well?

And why did she care about him not getting hurt? It was so strange.

She then loose the arrows on her bow, her aim true as landed critically on the bandits. The attack would catch the attention of the others and now was the time to act. Ademar took his right just like Zana suggested with his cleaver in hand. Both made their appearance known to these bandits and would be met with numbers charging at them. Hardly a fair fight...for the bandits. They would drop like flies just like the other bandits that attacked them earlier. Normally Ademar would get more attention than Zana which would serve as an advantage for them. His brute size and strength always attracted multiple foes to attack him.

 

[Zana]

Ademar was right that most of the Bandits went for him. Zana was slim and petite and she was also only wearing light riding clothes. Her companion was the polar opposite and required more attention. With two men down there was a series of shouting throughout the camp as the alarm was raised. A group of five of probably their only real remaining fighters emerged to confront Ademar, one of which had a nasty scar down the side of his face.

Zana was met with a group of three. She raised her blade as the elf came screaming at her, the sword arcing down towards her face. The Dreadlord used the flat of her blade to block it then pushed it to the side at the same moment she spun herself into the woman's side. A dagger slid into her hand and she brought it up sharply under the elf's rib cage as the same moment she yanked her sword back and swung it to the second opponent.

Her other opponent threw a dagger whilst she was engaged with his partner. It sliced across her cheek and drew blood giving her a moments pause. The man with whom she had locked swords pressed his advantage and his friend drew his blade to join him. Zana enjoyed the thrill of fighting without the use of magic so for now she merely smiled and quickened the tempo of her movements. A sword arc down then it switched hands and came up sharply for the others hip. She had trained for man hours to perfect her use of fighting with both hands and it paid off in the way it threw off her enemies.

 

[Ademar Acero]

An eager fighter seemed to have his emotions influencing his decisions and thinking as they charged Ademar with intent. There was passion and purpose in the charge. Did Ademar admire it? No. Did he respect it? No. This foolish elf, probably a matured young adult, would have a quick death. He’s probably be thrown around by Ademar had it not been for the group of fighters also approaching. The lad didn’t even last more than two seconds as Ademar’s claymore gutted the man, leaving him to bleed out on the earth with their intestines leaving out of his body.

Four more fighters and Ademar caught sight of the man with an axe and a scar. The one with poison on their axe. What kind of poison? Any kind, but Ademar was actually wondering if they brought any herbs or medical supplies to remedy poisons.

But then Ademar believed to be impervious and invincible to this poison because of his magic. Arrogant of Ademar, but it was a bad habit because of the many victories he achieved.

Ademar than grabbed his dagger and threw it into the eye of bandit which probably caught them off guard as he hoped an aggressive, powerful attack from the behemoth of Ademar.

The Dreadlord took a moment’s glance to see Zana and her situation. She made it seem like cutting through butter, displaying excellent combat techniques. Even better she didn’t have to use magical powers.

Ademar than focused back on the remaining fighters he had on his plate. At this point he was bored in using his claymore, dropping it and opted to use his hands. He still earth absorbed in him, though just some amount. He parried the attack of a spear with his bare hands, closing in to land a solid punch on the attacker that would definitely break his nose and knock out some teeth. At that moment the man with scar on his jaw swung at Ademar with his axe and the Dreadlord had every intention to catch it...just to prove a point.

That would be a mistake as the axe made a small cut on his hand, proof his magic was wearing out, and then suddenly...

...Ademar dropped on the floor. He was confused as to why he could not move his body, but then he realized it was the poison. A poison that caused paralysis when entering the bloodstream. It made him an easy target and soon the same axe swung at his armored body, the axe making a dent. Soon the other fighter, a woman, jumped in with her sword and swung as well.

How long would this last? What could he do?

A kick went to his face, grunting at the impact although the attacker shook their foot because of how hard his face was. Almost like kicking a well placed stone. It wouldn’t remain that though. Once the magic would be worn off his body would then feel the blunts and traumas from these attacks.

Ademar did attempt to move his mouth, even having struggles to talk, to call out for Zana; however, his voice would be low and weak even if he did pronounce her name.

 

[Zana]

The fight raised Zana's heart rate and she actually felt like she was starting to sweat a little. With two opponents attacking her at once it was not the first time she thought about the benefits of getting another blade for occasions such as this. Her blade arced up to catch a downward swipe towards her head and she brought her leg up sharply in between the mans legs. He let out a high pitched cry then slid to his knees. Zana didn't have time to finish him off straight away as the other man came at her hip. She danced away, putting the injured man on his knees between them then brought her sword down and slid it across his neck. The man still standing gave her a look of hatred then lunged at her.

Zana had been expecting a sword blow but the man threw himself at her into a tackle. His shoulder hit her in the chest and then went to the floor in a tangle of limbs. Clearly the man thought he had the upper hand now it was a matter of weight and sheer strength; Zana was well built but her form never screamed warrior to people. Wrong assumption. Her hips thrust up as she pushed both their weights onto her shoulders, her hands on his chest. The result was pushing him up and over her head and she rolled over in the same movement so that she landed on top. There was a look of panic as she smiled then held her hand out. Her dagger, which had been buried in the first assailant, flew to her hand and she drove it through the man's throat as he opened his mouth to scream.

Hid body spasmed as she stood up and blew the hair from her face, turning to search for Ademar. Who was on the floor.

Zana bent to retrieve her sword then began to run. Her vision hadn't shown exactly at what point the poison would wear off or whether it would wear off before they managed to kill him or not. It wasn't in her interest to find out. Both of them had their backs to her and didn't seem to hear her approach so she went for the man first of all. Her sword went in his back and came out through his chest. There was a moment of shock as he looked down and tried to grasp at her blade. The woman looked at her with wide eyes and then swung her blade. Zane pivoted so she struck the body of her friend instead of her then put a boot on the mans back and pushed her off her sword and onto the woman.

She gave a sharp yell as the weight of the dead man kept her pinned then began to utter obscene curses.

"Oh, do be quiet," it was the first time she had used magic. The girl was wearing a necklace of sorts and it tightened around her throat. Her eyes bulged as she clawed at it. Zana crouched down. "Where's the antidote for the poison," the woman gasped and pointed to the dead mans belt before using her last breath to plead. If Zana even heard she showed no signs and the woman's eyes eventually turned vacant. Rolling the man over onto his back she searched the pouch on his belt and then walked over to Ademar whilst wiping a bit of blood from her face.

"I thought I said, not to get hit by the man with the axe?" she raised a brow at him before crouching down beside him and placing a leaf on his tongue. "Chew," her eyes then ran down the length of his body to assess for any other damages.

 

[Ademar Acero]

He didn’t feel fear during that time of paralysis and being beaten by his foes. He would have felt it if he started to feel pain and his magic wearing off. He only felt frustration and anger, wishing to vent it out in a violent way towards these bandits. Fortunately, Zana arrived and disposed of them; also, she managed to find the antidote to counter the poison.

He began to chew on the leaf? That was the antidote? He didn’t question it as he was able to move his toes, maybe in a few minutes he’d get control of his entire body.

“Oh, fuck off,” he said rather aggressively when Zana told him not to get hit by that particular man with the poison axe. The moment he said it, however, he began to regret it which could be seen with his facial expression. “Sor- ... I’m sor-“ but he couldn’t come to terms to actually say that he was sorry. He was taught to never be sorry, and that lesson was beaten into him.

He moved on from that topic before Zana could say something.

“Are you hurt?” he said with a genuine tone, although within him Ademar felt...shy to ask? He was also somewhat worried as whatever conflict within him still resumed to take dominance of his personality.

 

[Zana]

Instead of looking offended at his sharp words Zana merely smiled and produced a handkerchief from her pocket and gently dabbed at the cut on his cheek from the dagger earlier in their fight, back on the road. As he stumbled over the apology she quirked a brow at him waiting for it... waiting... but when it didn't come she didn't press the matter either and merely nodded, another faint smile tracing her lips.

Still in her crouched position she shifted herself so that she was instead sat down and turned her attention to assessing his own question. With deft fingers she undid her coat and tugged it off. She really loved that coat so she was glad she had no rips that indicated a cut, but there was definitely bruises and there was blood on her white riding breeches.

"Mmm," Zana tugged up her shirt a little to expose her left hip and ribs and the colourful bruise that was beginning to spread. Silvery scars of other battle wounds marred her dark skin here and there. She twisted to try and get a better look. "Nothing feels broken - does it look bad?" her gaze flicked to his for an answer then she dropped the shirt and turned her attention to the gash across her thigh. "The cut isn't too deep either. How about you?" her eyes flicked over his body searching for any physical signs of injuries.

 

[Ademar Acero]

Truly the lad was confused. Usually he’d get some sort of offensive retort when telling someone off, but Zana only smiled. Her smile, however, wasn’t a mocking or sarcastic one; it was an actual genuine, beautiful smile that melted him. Her hand with the handkerchief dabbed at his cheek, the wound still not clotting to stop the blood escaping his skin. That gesture made him skip a beat and inhaled deeply, almost as if he was panicking with a mix of other emotions.

When Zana rugged up her shirt to reveal the flesh of her hip and ribs, Ademar was staring with muse only have his eyes look away when Zana gazed at him for a moment. Was there a hint of a blush on his cheeks? He tried to fade out the color on his cheeks, and looked back to Zana and her skin. There was a bruise that began to color and spread, there was also other scars decorated on her body. For a civilian, it would look bad. For a warrior, it would look great.

“It looks good. I mean uh,” he stopped in his words, knowing nothing could be done to take back what he said. He felt slightly embarrassed, feeling a bit of fear of what Zana would think and her response.

“I’m good, I think. Probably some bruises, what’s new,” and he could feel to get some control of his body. He could stretch his hands and so. Probably a bit more time to run and anything else with mobility. He could sit up from where he was lying down.

“You uh...you fought well,” and looked at her eyes. Ademar’s face was calm and tranquil, nothing angry as before. A rare thing to spot from the man.

 

[Zana]

The boy was flustered, which was rather adorable, but much better than angry and grumpy at the very least; maybe their mission from here on out would not be so tense. She decided it was probably the safest for his own ego and pride if she pretended she had interpreted it in a different. As such she gave a bubbly laugh and gently rubbed at her side. Now the adrenaline was wearing off it was beginning to ache.

"Are you one of these people who like a good bruise?" her eyebrow rose. "There are people like that in my House. It becomes a contest in the bathhouse, like a mantle of pride, to have given someone the best bruise," he might take it as a sign of weakness that Luana Dreadlords got bruised but sharing the little piece of information felt like it eased the awkward tension in the air that hung between them after his comment on her appearance.

As he sat up she nodded approvingly. It would be good for them to get on the road soon if they were still to make the half way point before dark. Who knew what else would lay in wait for them along the road. Even though he had given his own assessment however a small line appeared between her brows as she looked for herself. His magic was such an interesting one; the way those two had attacked him when he had no defence should have seen him bleeding and broken not just mildly bruised. Her eyes were lingering on a particularly nasty one on his arm when he ... complimented her.

The surprise was clear in her eyes for a moment but then she reined in her emotions and she inclined her head.

"Thank you, I should have had your back a little better though. I am sorry," she turned her gaze now to the dead people that lay around them before pushing herself up and holding out her hand to him. "Do you think you can walk?"

 

[Ademar Acero]

“I’m on of those people that enjoy a good fight, the bruises and scars are always a guarantee,” the lad replied to Zana, finding it a bit interesting that people in her house do a contest like that. House Virak specialized in advancing the military of Vel Anir as well as their own. With that description every Dreadlord under House Virak trained and honed their skills, and the best were often pushed beyond their limits; almost like in the Academy. It made sense though. The strong belonged in that house, and anyone who showed a sign of weakness and sloth would be discarded as cannon fodder or just a lesser pawn that would be used for assignments that most likely would kill them off.

“I’ve gotten my best scars from the Academy, I don’t think your peers can do better than the Proctors.” With his kind of magic the Proctors abused him physically. Often times they’d attack him lethal ways and the only way to counter them was by using his magic. It paid off in the end; it got him here to this point and was favored by the Princess of House Virak.

“If it hurts to walk, I’ll force myself to walk,” and accepted her hand, bringing himself up. The bruises did ache in his body, the only nuisance he can feel. “Can you walk? I don’t mind carrying your stuff,” or her, but was too shy from saying that. Unless she offered herself, of course. Right now they needed to get to a checkpoint for them to rest, and one off the highway.

 

[Zana]

Zana grimaced at his mention of the Academy, a shadow falling over her face and closing off her smile. They were not happy memories at all for her but then she doubted they were for any of her fellows. When he took her hand she pulled him up with considerable strength given her size and then slid her hand so that it was under his elbow to steady him a bit. His comment about making himself walked warranted a little chuckled and a shake of the head. She would have protested further but in truth he didn't look seriously hurt just a little battered and bruised.

"Yeah, I can walk. My medic supplies are back in my saddle bag so I'll stitch it up as we ride," she paused, sensing his comment was actually one that had taken a lot of effort and gave him another smile. "Thank you, though."

As they walked back to the road Zana played up her injury a little more than it really did hurt when she noticed the fatigue on his face from his own injuries. It didn't damage her ego like she felt it would his. Even when they were mounted once more and she had stitched up her wound she made excuses for them to take it easy so he didn't have to ask. Despite all this the pair made it to the check point in the early twilight.

"I am starving," Zana exclaimed after they had been handed their keys by the innkeeper. "Do...you want to join me for dinner?" some people preferred to take meals alone in their room after a day of riding but she thought she would offer. The owner hovered, over hearing their conversation.

"We have some fresh hog, just roasted, warm potatoes and veg? If it would please you both."

 

[Ademar Acero]

If Zana was starving, then so was Ademar but twice. It shouldn’t be a surprise considering his height and build, the man was a heavy eater. What was more interesting is that he preferred a diet of vegetables and other foods that weren’t meat, although a small slice of roasted hog wouldn’t hurt.

What surprised him and fluttered him more was the fact that Zana invited him to eat with her. She was the first or one of the few to ever ask him that. Most of the times he ate alone, even if it was Dreadlords of his House.

“I, uh...yeah, sure,” making his sentence short in accepting her invitation. A bit incoherent, but it got the message out.

“Lots of vegetables, and a slice of ham,” giving his order to the owner, “and a mug of ale.” Couldn’t forget the ale. There were, supposedly, other drinks like mead. What the hell was that.

The owner now waited for Zana’s order. Would give some time for Ademar to think about something to talk about. Wasn’t really a talker, always had his aggressive voice and fists speaking for him.

 

[Zana]

"The same, but no ale for me - water's fine," Zana's tolerance for alcohol was extremely low, appalling so. She had learned early on in the academy that it had a bizarre impact on her visions and so she chose not to whenever she could. The barman passed them their drinks and then told them he would bring over their meal in a short while. As they were turning Zana stopped, turned back with a mild look of excitement.

"Oh and a slice of that apple pie when it comes out the oven please," the man looked a little confused - how had she known that that was on the menu when he hadn't mentioned it? But Dreadlords were not to be argued with so he nodded and agreed to bring it over when his good wife had finished with making it. Then Zana led them round the occupied tables to a small one by the fire. When she sat down it was with a sigh of relief and she stretched out her injured leg some to ease the dull ache. It wasn't bad when she was on the move, but now they were resting it stung.

"Have you ever done one of these missions before? Going to fetch a kid I mean?" she began to tug off her coat now they were back inside, pushed the sleeves of her shirt up to her elbows too.

 

[Ademar Acero]

“Hope the water doesn’t taste like piss,” he commented on Zana’s choice for a drink to go with her meal. From his experience the water served at taverns was inconsistent in keeping taste. The water at some places was refreshing and rich while at others was poor in quality. It was much better to enjoy a meal with alcohol or another substance that wasn’t water.

The pair went to sit down at a vacant table, one near by the fire. Most of the patrons looked to where Zana and Ademar was, probably because of their occupation as Dreadlords or because of Ademar’s hulking size. Nothing new to Ademar, it would honestly surprise him if no one would shoot eyes at him when visiting a tavern.

“Never. This is the first time on a mission like this, it’s a waste of time for our talents,” he noticed when he said “our” and not “my”. He was arrogant and sometimes self centered, often thinking he was superior than most. That didn’t come out of him from this time after dealing with the bandits.

“Uhm...how are you feeling?” Took a bit out of him to ask that. He felt strange and unfamiliar with himself with Zana. A different person with emotions he quite couldn’t understand.

“Is this your first time on this kind of mission?”

 

[Zana]

"I bring these everywhere for that reason," Zana rummaged in the satchel she had kept with her and pulled out a small woollen bag. Inside were small flowers and she put one in her water, turning it to a slightly rosy shade. "They're Jinbers, flowers that grow near where my family were from. They make the water taste more like limes, want to try a bit?" she offered the mug towards him and then leaned her weight on her elbows if he took it to watch his expression with interest. It wasn't to everyone's taste but Zana liked a little punch of sour in her drink; it refreshed her and kept her alert. If he didn't take up the offer she would merely shrug and enjoy it herself.

She smiled into her cup when she included him this time in his assessment that the mission was not a worthy one. Zana shook her head.

"My first one too - I think this was meant to be a test to see if I could handle my own apprentice," it was not unlike her superiors to throw curve balls in like this and see her reactions. So far she had shown an aptitude with dealing with more troublesome Dreadlords when they were already in Luana, but perhaps they wanted her to scout out talent too.

"I'm fine, Ademar," her smile was bigger this time with a flash of teeth and a dimpling of her cheeks. She put her hand over his and then the expression changed to one of concern. "How are the bruises?"

 

[Ademar Acero]

It wouldn’t hurt to try the water with these flowers that enhanced the flavor. He had never heard of people doing that and was genuinely curious to see how it would taste. He accepted Zana’s offer and took the mug of water, now with a shade of rose to the liquid, and took a modest sip of it. He could detect a better taste than based water. It was alright, but he’d rather have a mug of ale over that any day. He’d remember that if only water was available for him to drink.

He wanted to say thanks, but couldn’t. Ademar did, however, give a faint grin in gratitude. A rare thing to see from the man as no one had ever seen him grin.

“I hope my superiors don’t assign me to an apprentice anytime soon. I can’t have a meager pup holding me back,” Ademar said to his companion as she mentioned the topic of mentorship. Of course, he was a pup a year or two ago, but he made sure to pull up his weight. Ademar would have high expectations and doubted any apprentice would meet his standards. Not to mention he wanted to develop his magic and skills, and earn a place within the House of Virak.

Suddenly he was breathless when Zana’s hand was placed over his own, the lad catching her smile that was a gorgeous one. His face was in awe and confused, his eyes looking at Zana and then to the conjoined hands. He was trying to make an assessment over it, trying to use some logic in what it meant but was left without an answer. His emotions, the ones he repressed due to his training, caused butterflies in his gut.

“They’re fine, I think. I’ve been through worse, but I’ll check them later. Should check yours, too,” with a genuine tone in his voice. He could feel his breathing quick, a sign of anxiety. What he did next was interesting for himself as his thumb began brushing against Zana’s hand in a gentle way. It didn’t make sense to him, but he did it either way; though he did notice it made him more nervous than ever.

“Is that...normal? I feel like I’m being bewitched or something,” when in truth it was just his emotions pouring themselves out.