Laughter rolled throughout his words, but a sensation lanced through her. It was fleeting, passing so quickly that she might have imagined it. Her expression turned curious and her features softened. The flatness that resided in her dark eyes shifted subtly, and for a moment her lovely visage mirrored that of the sorrow in his heart before her naturally reserved nature returned. Traces of empathy remained, and she masked the way compassion tugged at the corners of her eyes by looking away. Alaria went back to admiring the festive ornaments and radiant colors. It became clear to her then, that it was going to be an incredible challenge to manage their respective emotions and despite her decision to limit their entanglements—to avoid complication and compromise—it was likely inevitable to some extent. A passionate mage, one who regarded their traditions in high esteem, might have pried. Alaria would not, content to listen as he spoke of how his training began in his youth and how all his hard work and dedication propelled him forth in life, allowing him to become the accomplished knight his parents so highly of.<br/><br/>His story was not so different from others, magic users and warriors alike. Even she began to practice as a young girl, discovering her innate abilities when they developed quite rapidly. He did, however, have the advantage of connections in high places. She listened while he recalled his time as a squire, serving under the Wolfgang bloodline. While their paths of their class were different in many ways, they were more similar than she would have assumed. Alaria finally returned her gaze to the knight, catching sight of how his eyes became distant as he fondly reminisced, clearly proud of his journey to service—and rightfully so. Though she did not concern herself with too many details outside her role as a mage, unless relevant, she did know that the path to becoming one of the Royal Army’s fierce warriors was not an easy one. “Well then, I was wise to accept the word of Lord and Lady Jacominus.” She nodded, rounding the corner alongside him. Upon seeing the sign hanging above the business he indicated to, she blinked.<br/><br/>“Fineland Tailor & Company.” She read aloud, noting that the shops to the right and left were boutiques for men and women. A smile curled onto her lips, the first she had revealed while in his company. Amusement played on her features as she turned, leading them back toward the main road. “I’m sure it was not pins and thread you found so appetizing that you remembered the location of a tailor.” The blonde muttered, backtracking to take them to a restaurant that they passed along the way. Like most businesses on the day of the festival, where knights and mages gathered for the Ritual, it was thriving. Inside the Barking Spider the atmosphere was almost electric as spirits were high and patrons ate and drank merrily. The setting was not so ideal for conversation since rowdy men sang to the tune of upbeat and catchy melodies that played throughout the lively establishment. Flirtatious barmaids entertained them, fanning the flames of their lust by flaunting their assets and ensuring that their tankards were filled with the finest ale.<br/><br/>Alaria’s eyes scanned the bustling space from the entrance, spotting a table by one of the many windows that lined the wall. Weaving through the crowd, and skillfully evading collision with dancing maidens, she was able to claim the spot. “We won’t find too many restaurants that aren’t packed like this.” She explained apologetically over the music as she seated herself. Fortunately the handsome knight in gleaming armor attracted the attention of the promiscuous barmaids, who practically tripped over one another on their way to tend to them. Through the throng of bodies, they raced until one particularly busty maiden reached them first. Alaria thought she might have heard a collective groan from her peers over the joyous rhythms.<br/><br/>“A Merry Joining to you both!” She exclaimed, the inflection of her voice quite high. “My name is Sara, and it will be my pleasure to serve you. Can I get you a drink or something to eat? You must be famished.” The woman leaned on the table, pressing her palms against the surface which—not so inadvertently—accentuated her ample breasts in her low-cut top. Though she began to addressing them both, Sara’s attention was locked squarely on the knight.<br/><br/>“I’ll have a red wine, please.” Alaria smirked, willing to be impressed if she actually caught her order with how focused she was on Tedric.