David's outburst forced the edges of Maia's lips into the curl of a smile. She hadn't expected him to be pushed so easily, his feelings forcing him to lash out at the two women as they really conversed among one another. David hadn't really been included in the conversation - Maia felt as if they'd left him out of it on purpose because he really didn't know anything about Eldorath or what he was up against. Did he know how Kaithor had died? How his soul was sucked from his body and he became nothing but a hollowed shell of a creature that reigned destruction, even now, upon the land that she had come from? No, he was naive, but the dancing fire in his eyes spoke more than even she could have ever thought possible. Perhaps - perhaps Neria had gotten it right this time, but the trust she held for the council was small even still. They had done that to Kaithor, and as Maia watched David for a long moment, she decided that he would not end up like her beloved.<br/><br/>Leara, on the other hand, was not overly impressed by David's lack of self control. Whereas he thought of her minimal enthusiasm toward teaching him was entirely a lack of confidence, it was more the opposite. Sure, there was some self doubt - she absolutely did not think she was ready or prepared for a task like this, couldn't even begin to understand why the council had wanted her to do it, but if training him hand to hand combat was what was wanted, she could certainly try. However, in her mind, the best option would be to find someone more versed in weaponry, such as the man that had trained her. David was the savior of Eldorath, after all - she was merely the woman who had found him, and he deserved the best training that could be offered.<br/><br/><b>"Get yourself under control, David, before I do it for you."</b>Leara said curtly, looking at him with scorn. Her eyes were narrowed and she frowned deeply at him.<b>"If you've an itch to put me in my place, then so be it, but you will not embarrass me in front of the eyes of the people that I have sworn to protect again."</b>Leara's voice was calm but harsh as she spoke, practically spitting angry bolts of rage that collected beneath her surface.<b>"If you want to make a fool of yourself, that is your own prerogative, but you'd be wise to refrain from dragging me down with insults. I am only trying to offer you the best chance at success, and while I do not think that I am capable of training someone without even the slightest knowledge of blades or hand to hand combat, I know someone that could assist. But if you'd rather not have your best shot at success then by all means,"</b>Leara stood and gave him a flashy curtsy.<b>"Carry on, David, Savior of Eldorath." </b>Leara tossed a few coins on the counter and pushed passed David, escaping toward the stairs in an embarrassed rush. Her face burned from his outburst, and she couldn't believe that he had called her out like he had. What nerve.....<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Maia's smile continued to widen. The whispers of everyone around them weren't missed by her, but her focus was on the man that was the "supposed" savior of her world.<b>"Don't mind her, David. She is just a little sensitive, but she does have a point."</b>Maia steepled her fingers and leaned toward him slightly.<b>"I can't say that I don't like you, because that's not quite what it is. Perhaps it's just that I've yet to figure you out. With that little outburst, though, you've shown me that you have something that I see in many of my people. You abilities are strong - limitless if you know how to capitalize upon them."</b>Maia stood, following Leara's earlier actions and placed coin on the counter top to pay for her drinks.<b>"Your training will start tomorrow. You'd be wise to get some rest. It will take much energy."</b>She walked to stand in front of him, toe to toe, her finger trailing up his chest until she reached the neck of his shirt. Making a fist, she balled up the material tightly, holding David firmly in her grasp.<b>"But be warned that I am not as sensitive as Leara, David. You call me this 'sweet cheeks' again, and I will make you eat your tongue. That is not a threat, but a promise."</b><br/><br/>She released her grip and dusted the front of her skirt with her hands.<b>"Now that is settled, you'll meet me at dawn if you have any hopes of learning more about the magical powers that you seem to have. Zaesan mages are some of the most powerful in the world. How will you best them if you don't understand them?"</b>Maia walked toward the stairs that Leara had escaped to, giving David a wave of her hand as she retreated as well.<b>"Good evening, David. 'Twas the most delightful pleasure making your acquaintance."</b><br/><br/>Tag:<a class="username" data-user-id="82" data-username="@Manaan" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/82/">@Manaan</a>