River frowned. She was a loner, not fond of people. He got that, truly, but the people of the village? She didn't understand. Loners in Grisly weren't trusted. Especially when they were strangers. "18." River mused while scratching the scruff on his chin. "An adult, years past maturity. You should be married off and living with a husband." His calculating gaze fell upon her again, still he scratched his chin. "Not dependent upon parents." He wondered if she had thought her lie through very well or if it had been an on the spot thing. "You know, nobles marry their daughters off for money. You're pretty, young, well spoken." River shifted his axe to his other shoulder, his overalls clinked with the movement. "You would have fetched a pretty penny of a dowry."<br/><br/>He walked in silence for a moment and as the men's singing grew closer, River rounded on the slight girl. "I don't think you understand my position." His eyes were cold, narrowed. His jaw was tense and the hand that held the axe over his shoulder tightened it's grip with a creak. "Our village has had an unfortunate...accident. I don't trust outsiders." His eyes narrowed even more, if possible. "Especially ones who lie." He wasn't going to keep up with some game. He wanted everything out in the open. "You don't want to burden anyone? Then you can live with me, but until the village feels they can trust you, you won't be living alone." River turned from her. He hoped he had made himself clear. Of course, he knew nothing of her power.<br/><br/>"My name is River Shieldbringer. I am the one in charge." He continued his pace. Now that the unpleasantries were out in the open, River's voice took on a more relaxed tone, even if his body said otherwise. "I will be bringing you up to the village council. If they decide you are a threat, you must leave." River's shoulders drooped slightly and he rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "Please understand, I do not mean to be rude, but caution is a necessity for us. You will see why when we get to the village." The men's voices put them at roughly 200 feet away. "What is your name?"