"Uh- one second." Norton said, tightening his sword and belt around his waist.<em>How did she know?</em>He didn't scream. He didn't shout or even jolt awake. He was a paladin... he did not have fear. He shouldn't have... The lightbearer always had a sense that Thayla knew things she ought not to. A hunch, she called them, but it was an almost unearthly insight. When she barged into his room, he was not yet fully dressed. Thankfully he'd gotten his pants on, but the young man was bare foot and chested. Though he was shorter than his aunt, Norton was indeed strong and handsome. Even standing still and slightly shrinking away from the hermit sorceress, the form of his muscles could be seen beneath the skin, lithe and built. He had spent these years training his mind and body tirelessly- though many of her lessons upon the more intellectual pursuits had fallen upon deaf ears. There was no longer any night or day to pace himself in training, and the youth had slept little these days.<br/><br/>He looked up at her, blue eyes gleaming with a doe-like innocence that she always saw right through- even when he was trying to be fierce. His hair was short, cropped, and blonde, so unlike her own. They were an unusual pair, as distinct physically as they were in demeanor. Still, they were closer than most, and even if he felt vulnerable half-naked in his quarters, he did not mind her seeing him so. He returned her hug, "I'll be fine." He said, "The dreams do not trouble me e'er more. They remind me of our purpose."<br/><br/>And then, suddenly, he felt her draw him in closer, tight against his chest. Though it embarrassed him to no end, he couldn't very well refuse his aunt's affections. At least in private. Here, he did not have to don the guise of the tireless and fearless lightbearer. He could just be... himself, and he was still very young in many ways, needing of her protection. His face was slightly red when she let him go, and Norton nodded at her words, "Yeah. I'll be right out. Let me just.. finish up here."<br/><br/>He brushed his hand against her own, a subtle gesture asking her to let him go. The paladin turned on his heel and grabbed the remainder of his clothes. His armor lay flat on the floor, indecorously placed there for want of a stand in these cramped quarters. He wasn't inclined to wear it while they were at sea, anyways. First came his tunic- the young man slipped it over his head and stretched his arms through the sleeves. He pulled the hem down and then stuffed it into his trousers, then came the doublet vest- a pale grey, slightly brown hued thing. He laced it up as quick as he could manage, loathing the thought of making his aunt wait on him. Finally, he shoved each foot into its respective boot and tied them up. The rest of his attire, mostly for the long road, he left in a chest at the foot of his bed. Here he did not need to hide his face or his purpose. Here he was among compatriots and could rest easy. Well, easier than normal. He took one last moment to check the reliquary, ensuring that the small red egg inside was still there.<br/><br/>The unlikely pair came up on the deck together, Norton putting on his most inspirational smile for their spirits. His sword remained sheathed at his waist, its power muted and dimmed, but still strong at his side. The first thing he saw was Alyssa, fighting ghosts by herself. There was no bright sunlight to blind him... the interior of the ship remained as illuminated as the sky above, perpetually in a state of unsettling twilight. Her movements were graceful and well-practiced. She was good, he could tell. Though he could also tell when she was unsettled by something.<br/><br/>Seeing her at work inspired a passion in his own breast. He wanted to join her, to show that he could match her. For a second, he looked to Thalya, almost to ask her if he could go along and play with his friend. He went over to the arms rack and picked out a longsword to match her own. No sense in drawing Sunmaiden's Kiss for anything less than its chosen foe. Eschewing a shield, he held it in both hands and approached Alyssa, cautious not to alarm her until he caught her eye.<br/><br/>Finally, when she did notice him... the young man smiled, "Is there much sport in slaying ghosts?" He asked, teasing her. Perhaps it was a mean jest, but he'd hope that they'd spent enough time together that she knew his intent. In his own experience, sometimes it was easier to let yourself be provoked than to see right through it.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Knowledge; Religion... 17. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4782023/)</div></div>