The whole experience seemed a little surreal to Valdaris, who now felt entirely conflicted. On the one hand, this demure and innocent-seeming damsel sat before him acting courteous and coy, drawing him into wanting to know her on a more personal level, while simultaneously knowing that this was the same ruthless assassin who had mercilessly cut down a victim in cold blood and fled the scene of the murder with little to no remorse. He shook his head in disbelief as he watched her go about her work. She was capable, no doubt; and she possessed a magnetism which left him wanting to know more. Nor could he deny the stirring he felt as tended to his wound with such a delicate touch – especially as it had been so long that he couldn’t even recall the last time he had experienced such a thing. His approach was pragmatic, though, and he decided that he should at least provide her with the opportunity to explain the actions which had led them here in the first place.<br/><br/>“That’s only fa-ir.” He said, with a small grunt of discomfort as she tightened the bandage. “Thank you.” He reached towards the ale and took a generous sip as he placed it on the table with a more serious expression, glancing around to ensure nobody was eavesdropping before changing the conversation.<br/><br/>“Now, we have a problem…” He began, not knowing fully how to broach the subject. “I just watched you take a man’s life in cold blood. And I followed you to your meeting and witnessed the attempt on your own life which was, no doubt, arranged through your affiliation with the woman you met.” As he spoke, he reached into his coat and withdrew the symbol of his rank in the Grand Army and showed it to the woman. “The only reason I was there was to take you into custody… but I saw what happened to you; and I could not, in clear conscience, watch you be slain without taking action. But that still leaves me with no explanation of your crime…”<br/><br/>He looked directly at her, concern evident in his eyes and his tone deadly serious. “Please tell me you have an explanation for your actions. Tell me there is a reason why you need not visit the hangman’s noose... and I will help you as best I can. For if you cannot, I swear to the gods that I will see you punished for your crime.” His body was rigid, tense; ready to explode at a moment’s notice if she tried anything foolish. He wanted desperately to listen to her, but he would not allow her escape even the slightest opportunity to escape.<br/><br/><strong>[Current Wounds: -5]</strong>