Aaron started - the last thing he'd expected was for his innocent greeting to be met with defensive action and a tense standoff. His hand was halfway to drawing his back-up dagger from inside his greaves, but he restrained himself from following through. Just a bit of miscommunication, he told himself. No need to go brandishing a weapon whenever someone made a sudden movement.<br/><br/>He raised his hands in submission, slowly rising to his feet.<br/>"Aaron Calderwood, Order of the Rose." he stated, turning to face the girl in the distance head-on and give her full view of himself. No secrets, no tricks - his red emblem across his breast marked him for what he claimed to be.<br/>"And my purpose?" he asked, speaking with calm, almost casual tones. "To protect the weak, mediate conflict, slay the wicked, and die for my King. In that order, mind you." Aaron shrugged, lowering his hands. "You know. Knight stuff."<br/><br/>While he diffused the confrontation as best he could, Aaron carefully studied her appearance. The grime and dirt on her face and dress spoke of desperation, though her posture didn't speak of immediate oppression. She wasn't anyone's victim, but clearly of the city.