William
"Buddy, you look like a gust of wind could knock you over. Like the prospect of talking to a stranger in a bustling marketplace is as scary as facing off against a troll."
James
Thorn huffed and remained quiet, the tips of his ears burning red in embarrassment. *It is that scary*, he thought to himself, absentmindedly playing with the loose cloth of his shirt.
William
"You should look into getting something enchanted with Courage." He says, "That should help with your fear."
James
"I don't go around people enough to have any need for it," Thorn sighed, scratching his arm awkwardly. "It's just... People are such a *Pain*, you know?" He asked softly.
William
"They're not so bad once you get to know em." He says, "Trust me, I've seen the worst of em, being Guard Captain and all."
James
He turned back and looked at the man and smiled softly, "What did you say that your name was?" He asked.
William
"Oh, I never introduced myself. I'm Captain Regulus Verus." He says, "I'd do a fancy bow, but I'm carrying a sack of feed." He chuckles
James
"Wow a strong Captain is helping me," He offered playfully, grinning at Regulus. "I'm Thorndroth Applehollow but just Thorn is fine."
William
He chuckles, "Pleasure to meet you, Thorn." He says, "How far out is your homestead?" He asks, moving the feed bag to his other shoulder
James
"Not far, it's a bit out of the way, over this way," He said with a point, continuing to lead the captain up to his secluded farm. "It's more calm out here. Better for me and my animals," He hummed fondly.
William
He nods and follows, "What kind of livestock are you raising?" He asks
James
His ears perked up in excitement at the question, smiling at Regulus. "I have one cow, two chickens, and sometimes a really sweet bird that I named Whistle will come by," He said with obvious giddy excitement.
William
"Big into animals, eh?" He says with a chuckle, "Well go on, tell me everything about em, not like I've got anything going on."
James
"My cow's name is Maribel, she's an awful sweet little thing. Well I say little but she's kind of big. I have 2 hens named Berta and Alga. They really like each other, always preening each other and whatnot. They're very sweet little creatures, very calm and kind. I like to think I taught them to be like that," He rambled, excitedly. The hill slightly inclined, a small, wooden house being barely visible in the golden and orange leaves. "Almost there."
William
He nods as he listens, "I've always had respect for farmers and the like, growing crops and raising animals that we need to survive." He says, "Always wondered what it would be like to work on a farm," He continues, "But I was a city kid, raised on and by the streets."
James
"It's hard work but very worth it," Thorn smiles, twiddling his thumbs. "We're here now, you can drop the feed anywhere, you've helped me plenty. Thank you," He smiled.
William
He places the seed bag next to the door, "One last thing before I go," He says, unsheathing his blade, it's odd shape would catch the eye, almost a normal blade, but towards the middle of the blade it makes a 45 degree angle, he walks toward the door, on the left of the frame he etches a symbol into the wood, a diamond with two overlapping circles in the center. He wipes any wood dust off the tip and placing his blade back into the scabbard.
James
Thorn's heart dropped as he watched the captain unsheathe his sword, panic settling in as he envisioned his own death. He flinched as Regulus carved a symbol into his door frame, letting out a breath he hadn't know he was holding. "What does that mean?" He whispered.
William
"It's a Shadowmark. The Thieves Guild uses the mto communicate about certain buildings. They're everywhere. I just so happen to know them, and use them when I need to." He grins, "Your home is officially protected. Guild members won't steal from you, and will punish any thieves who do."
James
"Oh, thank you," He said politely. He paused for a beat, "Are you a part of the guild?" He asked quietly.
William
"Not in the slightest. I've been trying to bring them down. Can't seem to find them though." He says, a partial truth. "Managed to get my hand on a not that defines the shadowmarks, though, so unless they change them soon, I can use them whenever I want."