[sylvanSpider]

“I happen to enjoy a warm mug of milk on cold winter evenings,” Arabella said simply, “Don't worry, Deadwaltz, the things that do managed to get knocked out of your head with maces I will have happily recorded for you.” Where another person would have pat Deadwaltz on the back, Arabella couldn't reach so she settled for a wry smile. Here, however, her face turned a bit more serious, “Not all who are big wish to fight and not all who are small should be underestimated. You have seen me fight before; I like to think that I at the very least hold my own. As far as handling things in the Midlands, it seems have been getting darker recently. I assume something larger is at work here, but I can't be certain. It's all talk presently. As far as being in the South goes? I'll be thankful I decided not to settle there.”

Kastivi looked down. She always perceived herself to be a hard worker, whether in the fields or on the road with Arabella, she took everything that was thrown at her. Sure, once in a while complaints were warranted, but she did work hard. In fact, half of her training with Ara had been to restrain herself, which was something Ara had never before had to deal with. She had a hard time instructing the novice how to keep her powers toned down rather than simply trying to summon them up. They were always right there just below the surface. Even in the chill of the morning fog, Kastivi was warm, and any that got close to her could feel heat radiating from her skin. “I...I can manage it, thank you, Christoval,” she said finally, keeping her head bowed so as not to earn more attention from the dark mage.

Percival narrowed his eyes, but kept his cool, one of his hands reaching down for the flask he'd had filled at the guild hall, “If they are sentient, you're right. And spells that don't cause excess pain take a moment to cast, so you are correct. I will need protecting then for the sake of you and your friend's lives. But do not underestimate me, good knight. I have some offensive spells up my sleeve as well and do not intend for you to be completely beside yourself in battle. I look forward to your protection as much as you should look forward to continue seeing your friends alive.” He took a small swig from his drink, winced a bit, and went in for more, “I think it best we remain on friendly terms, yes?”

Arabella seemed more than content to let her apprentice flounder under the gaze of the dark mage. After all, the dark mage did speak truth. Not every creature they came across had reason enough to accept apologies or peace treaties. Kastivi, on the other hand, was stuck trying to duck out of said gaze, wishing she could go back to stealing quick glances to the knight. Instead, she had to hope that the dark mage would spare her. She said nothing, hoping that she would get bored and move on, choking when Arabella answered her question, “I think it would be a good learning experience for her. Yes, go ahead with that when we rest.”

The party was now on the outskirts of town, passing the bodies. Beyond the town's borders lay a forest, one that they seemed to be heading straight into. Based on what Kastivi had overheard at the guild hall, there were stories about this forest; stories, that soon she would soon see if there was any truth behind.