Transcript from emails:<br/><br/>Saphiraah:<br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>The tavern was only mildly crowded, its inhabitants all keeping to their own business for now. The bar maids milled about, replacing empty drinks with fresh ones, the smiles on their faces only showing their strain to those observant enough to see it. The smell of cooking food, of wood burning in the hearth, and of tobacco smoke mingled to give the Tavern a heavy, warm, and pleasant air. Just when the night seemed perfect to the usual customers who sat enjoying their drinks and their conversations, a stranger came to town. In these dark times, with orcs milling about, and the dark works of the Twilight Cult causing such catastrophies, the site of a lone stranger arriving in town on his own boded ill. <br/><br/>The stranger entered the tavern bearing a large, well worn pack over his muscular shoulders, and a hood covering his face. He stood tall, confident, but his gaze was averted, avoiding eye-contact discreetly. There were few tables with any privacy left empty in the tavern, so he selected one and approached it. After thumping his pack into one of the chairs, he turned another chair so that he could sit with his back to the wall and keep his eye on the door without looking obvious about it. This done, he removed first his dust-coated gloves, then finally the hooded cloak. When removed, his cloak revealed a dusty, though pleasant face of strong build. His cheeks and jaw were firm, chiseled lines, his eyes a soft, deep brown, almost black, as if they were windows to his soul, hinting at bottomless depths. <br/><br/>His eyes combed around the room one last time, a hint of a pleasant smile softening his expression. The bar patrons all jumped and pretended to be engaged deeply in conversation, but it was obvious that he still held their attention. He was unphased by the scrutiny, having expected it. He settled into a chair and signaled to the bar maid. <br/><br/>When she arrived, he smiled up at her, a sparkle in his eyes, "Dear lady... could I perhaps trouble you for a mead? I am greatly parched after a long and difficult journey."<br/><br/>The woman smiled warmly, showing no sign of her hesitation around him. She was good at her job. She hurried off to fetch the drink and the stranger sat back, content to sit and watch the room for now, getting a feel for his soon-to-be audience. </div></blockquote><br/><br/><br/><br/>Aly:<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>Hooves pounded the hardened earth beneath them hard and steady. Shadows passed over her as her horse moved as she continued her break-neck speed, the light going from blinding to dark every few moments. Air whooshed past her ears in a deafening rush, almost enough to drown out her horse's movements...and those of the hooves behind her. Slapping her reigns against her faithful stead's neck, she urged him faster, swerving in and out of trees as she tried to shake those following her.<br/><br/>It wasn't as if she'd done anything wrong. <br/><br/>All she'd done was go for a ride, trying to get away from the destruction that seemed to follow her in the orc's wake. <br/><br/>Yet now, here she was, on the run for her life as they bore down on her faster and harder. Pushing your horse harder only goes so far...<br/><br/>On the horizon, a tavern loomed, and her hope soared. If I can just get there, she thought to herself, I won't be as vulnerable...I can make it! It was with renewed vigor, she pushed her horse onward, looking back to the small hoard angry orcs descending upon her. Branches whipping her in the face, her heart nearly beat out of her chest.<br/><br/>Almost...there...Just...a little...more...<br/><br/>Her breathing was nonexistent as she let out a cry, and dove from her horse, rolling to a stop against the wall of the tavern as her horse continued to sprint past. Stumbling to her feet, she yanked the door open, darted inside, and slammed it shut once more. Her back pressed to the door as her chest heaved up and down, trying to pull in deeper breaths as her heartbeat continued to dominate her hearing. <br/><br/>The smoke wall overwhelmed her as she began to calm down a bit, an atmospheric change she didn't notice right off. Pushing her auburn hair from her face, it slid down her shoulder to fall behind her back, as she peered out the window, awaiting the orcs that had followed so swiftly behind. Her dress, once a clean emerald, was now covered in a bit of dust. Twigs<br/>had embedded themselves into her curly locks, some having fallen into her cloak to stab at her upper back, the exposed ethereal skin itching as her nerves got the best of her. Her arm was a bit sore as the realization she'd gotten too close to a tree hit her. Her ankle twinged from the dive off her horse, and the sudden stop as it'd twisted beneath her weight. And a small cut now adorned her glowing cheeks. Blue eyes now turned to scan the tavern she'd thoughtlessly barged into, almost afraid of what she'd find.<br/><br/>Thankful it wasn't anything life threatening, she chose a seat by herself to take a breather until she was sure danger had passed.</div></blockquote><br/><br/><br/>Saphiraah:<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>The stranger accepted the mead when the maid brought it, offering her a smile, complete with a sparkle in his eye. She blinked and dipped in a surprised curtsy before hurrying off to see to a shouting customer. The stranger watched her go, using her interactions with the customers to gauge them each in turn. He spotted them for what they were easily. The drunk who was starting to lose himself to a drunken anger... the weary soldier stationed as a guard, miserable about having been shipped off to this nothing-town, the old man who'd likely sat in this very tavern every night for the past thirty years... and the list went on. It was the same gathering of people he'd seen in every tavern along his very long road. <br/><br/>Confident that he had a decent understanding of the crowd that was soon to become his audience, he stooped to his unusually small pack for a traveler, and pulled open the flap. From inside its depths, he pulled a small, stringed instrument. It was surprising enough that an instrument like this would be carried in such a careless way, but even more so that the instrument fit in the first place. He at once caught the attention of everyone in the smokey little room. A few of them pretended not to be interested, but the stranger could feel their intense gazes. Traveling minstrels were a rare treat in small towns, and he knew they'd be excited. <br/><br/>After a preparatory sip of his mead, he leaned back casually, pretending not to be aware of their stares, and began to pluck at the instrument, tuning it by turning small knobs at the top. <br/><br/>Ten minutes later, he was in the middle of a merry song involving a drunken donkey and his master, when the door burst open so violently that every pair of eyes spun wildly to stare at the newcomer. It was a girl... a frantic, battered girl with clear panic in her eyes. She was cut, wind-swept, and bore the signs of attack: debris caught in her hair, scrapes and bruises, a limp. The stranger's intense gaze missed nothing. He resumed the song to get the attention of the crowd off her, then when she seemed to have caught a few breaths, he ended it. <br/><br/>"Thanks, folks..." he bowed from his chair as they applauded, "Now... I'll just give his old pair of lungs a rest and let you enjoy your drinks. Thank you." <br/><br/>They all groaned, but went back to their drinks and their friends. The conversation at once picked up to a happy retelling of his songs thus far. The stranger rose from his chair and approached the girl, caution and kindness in his eyes. <br/><br/>"Good evening, milady..." he bowed before her, "Pardon my intrusion. I couldn't help but notice your injuries... may I offer my assistance? If I am not mistaken, you could likely use a hand."<br/><br/>His eyes were kind and he kept a respectful distance from her, hoping not to cause her to feel alarmed by his approach. <br/></div></blockquote><br/><br/><br/>Aly:<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>The sound of singing, yet another atmospheric change she'd not registered, abruptly died. She could feel every pair of eyes on her, and wanted to sink beneath the floor boards, to save herself the humiliation. If only... she thought dejected whilst she sat there.<br/><br/>Yet, something changed. The singing that had only moments before stopped suddenly, resumed its jaunty tune, and she felt relieved. A heavy sigh left her as her head dropped into her hands, eyes closed and exhausted. She couldn't relax, could barely breathe, barely think...Her world had been turned upside down, and now here she was, in a room full of strangers, wanting to be farther away than was feasible. All she could do was pray the orcs moved on, and that her horse didn't run too far away.<br/><br/>Running her fingers up her face, her eyes caught sight of the blood sliding over her fingers and she grimaced. While she wasn't sure to the extent, she had a feeling that she looked as if she'd been in a fight with a tree, and it won. Her hands made quick work of picking the twigs from her hair, letting the loose curls fall around her face as her neck cracked with each movement. Her muscles were unbearably tight and she tried to get the out discreetly, failing to keep the winces of pain from being seen. It was while she was working them out, that the stranger made his way toward her. <br/><br/>Her blue eyes met his gaze warily, untrusting, her hand moving into her cloak where her knife was kept. Those his gaze was kind, she'd seen many a liar of the eyes, not trusting them any further than she could throw them. Her eyes swept over him briefly before returning to his gaze, taking stock of his actions more than his actions.<br/><br/>"Good evening, milady..." The bow he imparted was something she'd not seen in ages. Most formalities had been lost when the world began its fall to ruin. Her eyes sparked with shock before returning to normal. "Pardon my intrusion. I couldn't help but notice your injuries... may I offer my assistance? If I am not mistaken, you could likely use a hand."<br/><br/>If he's offering me a hand, I must look a sight... she thought with an inward grimace. Getting up from the table, she dipped into a curtsy, albeit a shallow one before nodding apologetically. Her tone low, she finally gathered he meant what he said, so she nodded, gaze dropping to the floor. "I'm sorry, m'lord, to have come in here in such a distressed state...Orcs were in pursuit...I can't account for how I look, but any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated..." Her stance wobbled as her ankle throbbed, so she steadied herself on the table. "What do you know of Orcs?"</div></blockquote><br/><br/><br/><br/>Saphiraah:<br/><br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>The stranger at first chuckled when she apologized, opening his mouth to assure her that no apology was needed. When she continued to inform him that she was pursued by Orcs, his eyes immediately became serious. His voice was still polite and casual, but he lowered it and stepped closer, eyeing her with concern. <br/><br/>"Dear lady," he reached into his pocket to retrieve a clean handkerchief, "Do not trouble yourself over the opinions of others... especially under circumstances such as yours currently. Common standards of bearing and appearance do not apply, nor would any in their right mind hold you to them. Now... do you mind if I..." he didn't know how to finish the sentence. <br/><br/>Instead, he shook his head and handed her the handkerchief to use with stopping the bleeding. Keeping a respectable distance from her, he kept his attentive gaze on her, missing nothing. He took in every detail of her appearance and actions, interpreting much in what he saw. <br/><br/>"As for Orcs..." his voice was casual despite the content of their conversation. He seemed to be making an effort to cause possible eavesdroppers to lose interest, hoping to gain some privacy, "I cannot say that I am expert in their culture or language... but I have had my dealings with them in the past. Enough to know that they do not lightly pursue a single figure over great distances as you say they have pursued you. You are quite fortunate to have reached the safety of this tavern. However... do not think yourself safe. They will most assuredly be waiting for you the moment you leave here."<br/><br/>Clasping his hands behind his back, he fought the urge to help her staunch the bleeding and remove the twigs from her hair. His instinct was to soothe the suffering of others, but she was a stranger to him, and he felt certain that she would not look kindly on his actions were he to lay hands on her.</div></blockquote><br/><br/><br/>Aly:<br/><br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>She wasn't sure how she felt about the chuckle that escaped the stranger, feeling somehow annoyed that he found her apology amusing. It wasn't as if she were apologizing to make someone laugh, but rather to uphold the little manner still observed by some. Her face hardened for a moment, before softening back to its former humor. Accepting his handkerchief, she started cleaning herself up, not exactly sure where everything was, but taking a stab at it nonetheless.<br/><br/>However, even as he spoke, acknowledged what she said seriously, instead of laughing it off as others had before her, the stranger took what she said as if it meant something...As if it wasn't some dolt of a woman talking, but truth. Her eyes hung on his, almost in a desperate sort of way, the fear still beating rapidly through her chest and her mind interrupting itself with new and increasingly undesirable scenarios.<br/><br/>"If they're waiting for me...then I have to leave, though I've no idea where to go, or how to lose them..." she admitted quietly, something she would normally act confident in the face of. But, if there was someone willing to talk with her, listen to her, why shouldn't she utilize that? He seemed to want to help, even if they were complete strangers. Peering out a window, her eyes took in the treeline, took in each and every shadow, every grain of sand, trying to figure out just where they'd gone to to wait. Peering back at him with askance behind the deep blue depths of her gaze, a glimmer of hope flickering hesitantly within it.<br/><br/>"...Any ideas on how to get out of here alive?"</div></blockquote><br/><br/><br/>Saphiraah:<br/><br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>Oh, he knew how to get away from orcs, sure enough... but it wasn't an answer he could give. He has an image to maintain. An image that he'd carefully established over years of careful behavior. <br/><br/>After a careful moment's thought, during which he peered at her closely, examining her injuries, then pulled his gaze to the door to search outside, he offered her a smile. The expression was genuine, despite the worry gnawing at him and the thoughts and plans he was beginning to form. <br/><br/>His demeanor remained relaxed and he moved to her side, speaking in a cordial voice, "My lady, this seems rather an ideal situation for me, though it saddens me that you have had such a harrowing experience. . I shall have to thank your orcish friends when I see them, for they have provided me the opportunity to see to the rest and restoration of such a beautiful creature. You see, your only option is to wait here with me until they leave. Will you allow me to see to your entertainment while you stay here?" <br/><br/>As he spoke, glanced around the tavern, noting each of the occupants in the room. He knew how to read people, and these were simple folk. It was obvious to him. They were likely all regulars in this tavern, and almost certainly lived close by. He noted possible weapons on each, spotted signs on a few of them that they might possibly be casters of some kind. All of this, he noticed without appearing to have done so.  </div></blockquote><br/><br/><br/>Aly:<br/><br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>His smile seemed out of place for such a time, such a fragmented time of death and destruction...But he was so kind. Seeing the smile instilled the urge to smile herself, an urge that was quashed as he spoke, his words bringing a vibrant hue of red to her cheeks. The compliment took a moment to sink in, not connecting it right off as she'd been so focused on the task at hand: getting away from the orcs.<br/><br/>Yet...the minute it hit her that he saw her as beautiful, despite being covered in dirt and twigs and surely some dried blood...the telltale crimson glow took hold of her features and refused to leave. Tearing her gaze away from his, she looked pointedly at the floor for a moment, trying to regain the composure she'd held prior to his sweet words, only to have her gaze slide to the window once more.<br/><br/>My only option is to wait here until they leave...she repeated to herself, brow furrowing slightly while she thought. Doesn't seem so bad...But staying doesn't seem right either... Slanting a glance in his direction, only to look back out the window, she took in his appearance, factoring it into her decision. As he seemed knowledgeable enough, didn't seem to be blowing smoke where it wasn't needed, she nodded.<br/><br/>"My entertainment, hmm? ...I quite like the sound of that..." came her dulcet tones once more, eyes finding their way back to his, a brow raised slightly in teasing fashion. "I'll stay here...with you...until they leave."</div></blockquote><br/><br/><br/><br/>Saphiraah:<br/><br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>He brightened at once, offering her a wide grin complete with twinkling eyes. He had an idea as to how he would be able to break her free of her situation, but first, he needed to see to her comfort. He had never been one to sit idly by when there was need for assistance which he was able to give. What was more, she was a woman, which only increased his natural instinct to protect. He could see that she was favoring one leg, though the injury didn't seem to be critical. He turned to the side, offering his arm to her with a gallant flourish. <br/><br/>"Milady.... your grace has indeed made a humble handyman's night! You have my gratitude! I am most deeply thrilled by your agreement to sit with me! Please, would you allow me to see you to a table before I arrange food and drink?"<br/><br/>His thoughts were racing with plans of the spells he would use, the violence he would bestow, and the death he would bring to the orcs who had harmed this woman, but it never showed on his face. Until she was safely hidden away, he would remain here as a distraction to keep her from rushing off again. If he was ever good at anything, it was distracting women.<br/></div></blockquote><br/><br/><br/>Aly:<br/><br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>The gallant flourish of his arm had a smile pulling at the corners of her lips, her eyes dropping to it as her hand took hold of it. "Seeing me to my table and everything? My word...Tis new to be treated as such in times like these..." she replied, a nod following. <br/><br/>Even as she did such, however, her eyes wandered back to the window, torn.<br/><br/>Staying, she was putting people in danger, if those orcs decided to run the place down, it would be because of her. But, as it stood, she had no chance of getting out of there without his help...and he'd advised her to stay. That decision alone had her mind churning, her body on alert, constant guard, despite his jovial nature. It wasn't so much that she didn't trust him, but more to do with the situation in general.<br/><br/>So, she'd stay...For now.<br/><br/>But...the minute something seemed amiss...she was gone. Danger be damned.</div></blockquote><br/><br/>======================================================================<br/><br/>He was a perfect gentleman, attentive and polite, as he showed her to a table and saw to her chair. When she was comfortably seated, he moved to her side and smiled warmly.<br/><br/>"And now, dear lady, for the most important question I shall ask of you this eve... What is it you would like to drink? I would be honored if you would allow me to see to it."<br/><br/>He chuckled jovially and bowed his head to her. As he did so, he allowed his eyes to rake over her body, assessing her injuries, and noticing details of note about her appearance. He gathered much from what he saw, and even more from what he didn't see. His protective instincts snapped into full gear. He sensed a fight coming, and felt himself begin to charge with anticipation. He would be ready when it come.<br/><br/>Through all of this, his eyes never lost the kind, warm smile as he awaited her answer.