Alianor saw the rigid tension that locked into Anders's shoulders and set his jaw, the way his eyes lingered on the art spanning her chest. A romantic hopeful heart would want to believe that it was lust or curiosity of the unknown. Yet the rational mind knew it was a cautious reverence and a wall being put into place. It wasn't the first time she had seen someone's eyes change when they learned the truth. At least it was early instead of days or weeks later.<br/><br/>Alianor exchanged a nervous glance with Galneak, who seemed as unperturbed as a statue in a gallery, as Anders bowed. It was ironic that a fallen noble turned mercenary was showing them more respect than she had seen in a month. In hindsight, perhaps that should have been Alianor's first indicator something was amiss in Kuwari. The overly friendly La'Vertin elves, loose-tongued Gravitean dark elves, and aloof high council. Pieces of a puzzle clicked into her mind, tiny interactions sutured together to form a whole.<br/><br/>Alianor's fingers worked deftly to tighten and retie the laces on the tunic. Somehow she'd been blind, and a man might still die for her ignorance. How had she missed the signs? As she looked down at Anders, a discomfort knotted in the pit of her stomach. "Stand, please. That's unnecessary." A million questions and thoughts rattled around Alianor's mind. She wanted to know more about the Swordsborn and Esmer, but perhaps it was safer if she didn't know. It would be another secret that someone would undoubtedly kill for.<br/><br/>If someone possessed Anders, they held a claim to a large swatch of land, and he certainly possessed his family's talent if his fight with Galneak was anything to go by. "See Galneak, if he can have hope, then so can you." The smile threw her off balance, but she was thankful for it. A portion of her heart melted as she returned the smile. Some of the tension and guilt melted with his warm smile.<br/><br/>"He's not seen Dravin. This will slow us down." Galneak mopped a hand down the front of his face before pinning Alianor with a steely stare.<br/><br/>"I won't leave him," Alianor uttered quietly without looking at Galneak. "Thank you for your kind words, Anders. If you're willing, I could use some help moving him since it's been decided that we will leave shortly." Alianor's hand softly brushed Anders's arm as she headed towards the door they entered.<br/><br/>"This is another mistake, Alianor," Galneak growled as he rearranged the cart to make room for Darvin. This time Alianor said silent prayers but didn't allow herself to be goaded into a response.<br/><br/>"Please make sure that Anders has a horse. Take it from my travel funds." Alianor didn't pause to see if Anders would stay with Galneak or come with her. If he chose to help Galneak with travel preparation, then she would have their host help her. It wasn't a fair spot for Anders to be placed in, and she hoped it wouldn't become common.<br/><br/>Galneak continued to work quickly; when Alianor disappeared through the door, he looked at Anders. "I've got this under control. Go help her." He worked his tongue within his mouth as he debated his following words. "She's younger than she realizes, which doesn't mean she lacks intelligence, just experience. So if it's within reason, do as she asks."  When Anders turned away, Galneak stared at his back.<br/><br/>"Sorry about your family. If you're interested, I'm sure the order will take you. Something to think about on the way. And if Dravin does recover, I'll release you from your contract with full pay. It's a rough trip up the mountains. It's why they are nigh impossible to take by force." Galneak returned to slamming things around within the cart, the items seeming to bear the brunt of his frustration.