[FIN]Making an Entrance.

[kaythenia]

The early evening was setting in across castle town, the light had a pre-twilight softness about it. Although it's people were still bustling around the square, merchants were still shouting out to the crowds to sell their wares and a young Bard was taking advantage while she could. Kaythenia had finally made it to Castle town after a somewhat rough two days travel across the field. The weather had not quite been in her favour but thankfully it had not been cold, simply wet. The young woman hadn't let it dampen her own spirits, she had a crowd to entertain and rupees to earn before dusk set in. The luxury of another night at the inn would be within her reach with a bit of luck. She stepped up onto the stone edge of the fountain in the centre of the square, it was time to do what she knew she did well.

Tell a tale to the crowds.

Kaythenia put two gloved fingers to her lips and blew, a sharp whistle catching the attention of passers by. Good, now that she had caught their interest it was time to make sure she kept it. The young woman got into character, making a bow, her dark blue eyes surveying the crowd. No familiar faces in sight, good. That meant she could do what she had to do without worry for the moment.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, those of mind to hear a tale please, step forth!"

As always some of the group were not but such a thing was normal to the young Bard, but there was still a sizeable group left to watch her with intrigue. She waved to the small group of musicians who had been playing over by the fish stall, she had promised them a few of her rupees earned if they accompanied her. Obviously they had been as much in need of the money as she, the lute player and a young woman on the flute struck up a somewhat haunting melody. From here, Kaythenia could begin, her clear voice ringing across the square.

"Beaded chains surround the pillar,
The wind, the wave, the heart,
Shattered; one becomes many,
Soon from balance each depart,
To the dismay of the Healer,
And the return of the reciever,
Time passes,
The Wanderer sleeps,
Lost and Forgotten,
Forever it seems,
But in power, greed knows no limits,
The search begins, continues, ends,

Once broken, the circle is mended,
And set in motion now,
Only to be broken once more,
In darkness and flame,
Old chains are resurfaced and prisons refurnished,
And just when times were worst reknowned,
The tides turned, brief and fleeting,
Before distrust tore the Light asunder,
Across the hills of sand and thunder,
Nightmares see daybreaks greeting,
And what once was lost and never found,
Will remain lost on ashen ground,

New trust forms in the night,
Alliance broken on the morrow,
Betrayal, deception-no remorse,
But all is not lost,
All is not sorrow,
For in true trust one regains sight,
In the never ending circle of Light,
For in trust the truth is revealed,
A purpose beyond comprehension,
Where revenge knows no bounds,
In battle where tension rises and falls,
All to the whims of the heart."

As the music drew to a close, the group that stayed to watch the young woman tossed rupees into the bag she held out. Hopefully it would be enough for a room at the inn and a hot meal to fill her empty stomach.

[youkai]

Stepping past the gates from Hyrule Castle, two guards quickly stood at attention and saluted the off duty Lieutenant. Youkai nodded towards them in acknowledgment and a slight smile. It was finally his time to relax and get the recent events of his life off his chest. He knew that these two knights would have heard of what he had done just a few short months ago. He could sense it throughout the castle. The suspicious glares, and the whispers behind his back. Things were complicated since he lost control of his powers that day, but he took it in stride. He had friends, and so far he still hadn't lost respect from anyone. He understood their feelings. They were scared.

Shaking his head and taking a deep breath of the early evening air, Youkai shoved the thoughts to the back of his mind. Now was not the time to worry about the past. It was time to relax. He wore his simply navy blue outfit with the leather guards on his shoulders. Thankfully he wasn't as recognizable without his armour and trusty wolf companion so he would be able to enjoy his evening in he town. Swift had opted to stay inside the castle grounds. He loved going out, but didn't like it when people freaked out because there was a wolf walking the streets of Castle Town. It hurt his feelings almost. Youkai chuckled at the thought. Poor Swift.

He was awoken from his deep thoughts as he heard someone whistle. He looked around and noticed he had wondered into the market square without realizing it. Looking in the direction of the whistle at it's source, he found a young female bard preparing to entertain those who cared to listen. Curious, Youkai walked over to the group of people that took notice of the girl and watched from the back. He may not be as recognizable, but surely someone would know the face of a Hylian Lieutenant.

The music began, and the bard's voice filled the air. Youkai was taken back by the talent. It was a rare site for sure. Most traveling bards were entertaining, but this girl would not have been out of place had she been preforming at a royal event.

The performance came to an end and the group that had gathered began to applaud their approval towards the girl. As the last few people dropped their rupees into a bag, Youkai decided to also tip the young lady, who couldn't have been anymore than 3 years younger than himself. He dropped in a fair amount of rupees. Nothing that would turn heads, but more than what anyone else had given. Looking up at the girl Youkai smiled. "That was very good." He said. "You have a great talent you know."

[kaythenia]

Kaythenia bowed respectfully to the applause of the crowd, they seemed to have enjoyed the performance and it was going to put a roof over her head for the night. It seemed the exchange was a mutual one. The song was a recent one that she had written just a few days before. It was strange the things that crossed your mind when you were crouched in a tent listening to the rain splatter on the heavy canvas above your head. But it worked to her advantage, something new to add to her repotoire if she were to stay in Castle Town for any period of time. She would stay until she had to move on, sometimes it was all to soon but there was little she could do about that. She bit her lower lip at the thought mid bow, luckily her fiery hair shielded her expression like a red curtain. And she managed to turn on the charisma again by the time she lifted her face back to the crowd who were dropping rupees into her outstretched bag.

"That was very good. You have a great talent you know."

The voice caught her attention and she noticed a young man dropping rupees into her bag, by the looks of it a decent amount more than the other spectators of her performance. It seemed she would be set safely for tonight and perhaps tommorrow as well. She smiled politely at the compliment and hopped down from her perch on the edge of the fountain, her booted feet clicking on the cobbles as she landed. Finding herself looking up at the stranger now.

"Much obliged, it keeps me fed so I make use of it."

Despite Youkai's thoughts she didn't recognise him as one of the Hylian Knights, she heard of the Order but knew not the faces of it's members. To Kaythenia he was just a generous stranger who had enjoyed her act. Momentarily she was distracted as the musicians who had assisted her came over to collect their share, as promised she dug into the bag and tipped them as she had promised. The Bard was a woman of her word after all. They accepted gratefully and the flute player grinned at Kaythenia.

"If you're still around the town, Red. Look for us if you ever need some accompaniment."

Kaythenia waved them as they departed, obviously for wherever they planned to spend the night and called after the pair.

"I'll keep that in mind."

Before turning back to the stranger, tucking the bag of rupees safely away. The last thing she needed was to attract the attention of the a thief who was unwilling to work for their food. Kaythenia gave Youkai a sweeping once over glance, he didn't appear to be particularly rich, his attire betrayed nothing of the sort but then again looks could easily be decieving. Of all people, she should know. But for now she pushed such thoughts to the back of her mind, no use in pondering that.

"What brings you to the town this late in the Eve? You don't look like a traveller."

[youkai]

Youkai watched the interaction between the Musicians and the bard. It impressed him how they were not one in the same group. They had great chemistry even though they had never played together before. He nodded at the band as his way of showing his enjoyment. As they took their leave the Bard returned her attention to himself.

It was true that he wasn't a traveler, though being from the far north he had probably done more traveling than anything else since becoming a knight. He would often visit his family back in Denwind. Not to mention the places he was meant to go on his various missions to secure the peace in Hyrule.

He thought for a moment. He wasn't sure whether or not he should reveal himself to be a Knight just yet. He didn't want to make anyone nervous. Not to mention his little incident a few months back. That being said he had no reason to lie to the girl. "I can't say that I am a traveler, though I do travel a lot." He said before looking up at the Castle which the town was named after. "I live in the area and just needed to get out and relax." He turned his head back to face her with a polite smile. "I'm glad I did!"

(GAH! I'm not happy with this. I'm so rusty. though it has been a long time since I rped... I'll get better! ^_^)

[kaythenia]

"I can't say that I am a traveler, though I do travel a lot. I live in the area and just needed to get out and relax. I'm glad I did!"

Ah, so he was a local. That would explain his wandering around seemingly aimlessly at this time of the evening. Most would not unless they had somewhere close by in which they could stay. The young woman rocked her weight onto her right leg, her thumb hooked through her beltloop. A little odd that a local of the town travelled often, they weren't like her kind who moved on without any real place to call home. The closest simulation of a traditional home would be an impersonal inn room but that was a luxury, most nights were spent in camp. As a majority that wasn't a bad thing, especially during the warmer months where the skies were clear and full of stars. The cooler months were simply a case of wrapping up warm, it was really just the wet that Kaythenia couldn't abide. But her mind was wandering so she brought it back to the situation at hand. It was not her place to ask what he did, after all she disliked personal questions of that ilk being fired at her.

"Always a pleasure for an artist to hear that her work is appreciated, most usually are not so forward in their compliments as yourself."

The usual was applause, rupees in the bag before leaving her to her own devices. She occasionally did have someone hanging back to compliment her...but sadly those people quite often had far less pure intentions in mind behind the kind words. Thinking that a woman travelling alone is unable to take care of herself, in the rougher areas of town and villages it was to be expected. Castle Town seemed pleasant enough although she would rather not wander it's streets after dusk. The stranger in front of her was not giving off that odd feeling this time so perhaps the compliment was just so.

"I don't suppose you could do me a favour? I'm looking for a tavern called the Sage and Fool, I heard they still had rooms avaliable but I don't know where it is...and I would rather not be wandering around after dark looking for it. Could you perhaps point me in the right direction?"

[youkai]

For a brief moment Youkai could have sworn the bard was judging him slightly. Maybe to determine if he could be trusted enough for her request that was to follow. Youkai thought for a moment. At first glance this girl definately seemed like the type who could take care of herself. So the fact that she seemed worried about wandering around a night puzzled him. Though when he thought about it, It was definately easier to ask for directions than just wander around hoping to find it.

"Sure. Not a problem at all." He said, nodding and looking around to regrasp his bearings on the market. It was one of the more popular inns in town. It was pretty close to the market, which made it an ideal location for a lot of travelers to stay the night. Though the girl was correct in saying saying the inn still had rooms available. Youkai had also heard that buisness was slow for a number of inns for some reason. "It should just be around the corner." He turned and began to walk towards the inn, motioning her to follow. He walked at a slow pace at first, waiting for her to follow.

Suddenly he stopped breifly as he heard a noise coming from his stomach. Placing his right hand over his stomach he let out a short, and nervous, laugh. Thats right... I haven't eaten anything since morning... he thought to himself, looking back at the bard, who he had yet to introduce himself properly too. Ignoring his stomach for the time being he raised his hand slightly, offering a handshake. "My name is Youkai by the way..." He let out another smile, as he tried to hide the fact that his stomach was practically yelling at him in protest of his unintended fasting. If anything he would just buy some food when they got to the inn.

[kaythenia]

"Sure. Not a problem at all. It should just be around the corner."

As she watched the stranger wander across the market as if he were expecting her to follow, Kaythenia realised that now was not the polite time to point out she had only meant 'point' not lead. But at least he appeared to have manners which was more than could be said for some of the local populace. After a quick, almost...involuntary glance of the market area, as if she were so used to doing so that she no longer noticed. Kaythenia set off after Youkai, at least it wasn't far away, well he thought at least. She was tired and hungry so sitting down with a plate of hot food would be wonderful. Sleeping somewhere dry tonight would be even better. The young woman examined the landmarks so she could find her own way around during her stay here, she didn't know how long that might be, she never did. Sometimes a week, sometimes more...sometimes barely a day. She was distracted by such thoughts of the loud complaining of a stomach that was not her own.

"Apparently I am not the only one with growling innards..."

That thought caused a slight chuckle to escape past the lips of the young Bard, to break the tension at least on his part."My name is Youkai by the way..." The young man suddenly offered her his hand and felt the urge to introduce himself to her. At least he was well mannered about it and hadn't referred to her by any demeaning names that her gender usually suffered with. Darling was a particular one that grated on her last nerve, she was nobody's 'Darling' and didn't wish to be referred to as such but she digressed. She offered her own firm handshake in return, it was only polite after all. But her name was something she often hesitated with, there was a pause before she spoke it.

"I am Kaythenia, most refer to me as Kay, far less syllables."

That was Kaythenia's rather dry sense of humour coming into play, the nickname she often adopted helped her to blend into the crowd far more than her full given name.

[youkai]

"Kaythenia..." Youkai muttered out loud in his attempt to say her name perfectly. He surprised himself when he was able to on the first try. "Thats a nice name." he added. Even though he had been living among Hylians for the past few years, he was still getting used to the change in culture. Sure he was half Hylian himself, but he had grown up in a Human dominated town. He loved his Hylian side. The names were so beautiful compared to his Human relatives. Even his mother had a simple yet beautiful name.

Snapping out of his train of thought he realized what he said might have been to bold for someone he had just met. He wasn't trying to hit on her, though it may have come across as such. He didn't know how to correct it without looking awkward so he decided to play it cool and let it be. Thankfully his hunger provided a good distraction from his potential blunder.

It wasn't long before they turned a corner and low and behold, there it was. Just a few buildings down from the gates to the castle was the Sage and Fool Inn. Youkai looked back at Kay and gestured to wards the building. He was somewhat relieved. It had been awhile since he stayed at this inn. It was the inn he stayed at when he first got into town looking for his mother.

"I know the innkeeper there. He's a real nice guy. I could probably get you a discount if you like." He continued at a regular pace down the street. The innkeeper had been very kind to him in the past. Although it was Youkai that owed the innkeeper for his hospitality, He never asked anything from the young knight. To this day Youkai doesn't really know why the innkeeper was so nice to him. Perhaps he just wanted to help the then 15 year old Half Hylian find his mother. Youkai guessed that made sense.

[kaythenia]

"Kaythenia...Thats a nice name."

Kaythenia quirked an eyebrow at this response, the more common reaction was 'I can see why you prefer, Kay'. One of the few clear memories she had of her Mother was Eayeth telling her that she was named after one of her ancestors that she apparently favoured in appearence, although she never specified who. Marcus had explained that to her later on and it was one of the reasons she cut her hair short, perhaps a pathetic attempt at distancing herself but it made at least a small difference. Plus handling fire with long hair was just asking for trouble, she had to keep it short for practical reasons. Enough of that though, luckily for Youkai, Kaythenia didn't come to the conclusion that he was misguidedly flirting with her. So the Knight could at least save some of his dignity that way...if he ever witnessed someone trying to flirt with Kaythenia then he would know why.

In short, she didn't appreciate it. She shrugged her shoulders before speaking.

"My mother's choice of name, it doesn't mean anything in particular."

It seemed by now they have reached the Sage and Fool inn, the Bard sighed in relief looked through the open door. The atmosphere seemed somewhat homely, the smell of cooking and pipesmoke drifted through the air, the low hum of chatter and laughter gave it a safe feeling. Like she could blend in while she was here, that was a blessing wherever she was. She snapped back to attention when Youkai directed a statement at her and she glanced back towards him to listen to what he had to say.

"I know the innkeeper there. He's a real nice guy. I could probably get you a discount if you like."

Whatever saved her a few rupees was hardly going to be turned down but Kaythenia did have to wonder why Youkai was being so nice to her. Or perhaps she was becoming very cynical after everything? Who knows, the young woman didn't want to be one of those miserable women who glared at everyone just because they were smiling...although in general those women were twice her age and twice her width, anyone would be miserable if they were hefting such bulk around all the time!

"I don't expect charity from your friend, I would prefer to do something in return for it."

[youkai]

Just before entering Youkai looked back at her with a slight smirk. "With your talent I don't think you'll have any problem returning the favor. This place often lacks in musical entertainment." And with that he entered the building before her. Normally Youkai was a firm follower in the 'ladies first' routine. Though he was starting to get the feeling that she was a little weirded out by his kindness so he didn't want to take it to far.

There were a few people sitting around at tables, eating meals, playing card games, and simply just hanging out. It seemed like just another relaxing evening at the inn. Relaxing until a familiar voice shouted at the newcomers."Youkai my lad!" The voice came from behind the bar. A tall, well built human man in his 40's stood drying off a beer mug he had just cleaned. Placing it down, the man walked around the bar and to wards Youkai with his arms spread out for a friendly hug. Youkai of course returned it in kind. "And who is this? Charming yet another lady are we?" the man said, nudging Youkai's shoulder.

Youkai glared annoyingly at the man. "Oi! Don't say such bold things!" Youkai muttered. "She's a bard who needs a warm place to stay while she is in town. I thought I'd help her out is all." he defended himself.

The man snickered slightly. Youkai was known to be quite the charmer, so it wasn't surprising to see him walking in with a girl. Accepting Youkai's defense the man respectfully bowed to Kay. "Nice to meet ya! The name's Robert, and I am the innkeeper of this fine establishment.". Robert looked up at her from his bow. "And you are...?"

Youkai sighed slightly. Robert always was a little too forward with others.

[kaythenia]

With your talent I don't think you'll have any problem returning the favor. This place often lacks in musical entertainment."

Well that was a good thing, Kaythenia didn't particularly like owing favours to people so she would rather work for the discount on her room and food. Using her talent for music was often a handy way of doing so, it attracted more people to the inn to listen. A couple of places along the road had offered her something more permenant but as always she had been forced to turn it down. If circumstances weren't...how they were then she might consider it. But no point in thinking about that, Kaythenia had to deal with the cards that life had handed to her. She followed Youkai into the establishment, grateful that he seemed to have toned down the 'Perfect Gentleman' routine. It was more than a little foreign to her and was frankly making her nervous! The young woman soon forgot about that as she glanced around the inn, watching people eating, talking, playing games and laughing. Everything was so blessedly normal, but Kaythenia soon found herself brought back to reality when they were approached by the Innkeeper. He seemed to know Youkai well as he embraced him like a close family member. "And who is this? Charming yet another lady are we?"

What? Charming? Of all the outright nerve! Kaythenia took a step away from Youkai and fixed him with a very unamused expression, a somewhat cold and haughty glare. Perhaps a little extreme but being referred to as someone to be charmed was offensive to her, she crossed her arms over her chest, raising one eyebrow as the Knight attempted to defend his honour. "Oi! Don't say such bold things! She's a bard who needs a warm place to stay while she is in town. I thought I'd help her out is all."

Keep talking, Youkai. Keep digging the hole...She was suddenly taken aback when the Innkeeper respectfully bowed to her. She wasn't used to people of any sort bowing to her so she wasn't quite sure how to react to it..."Nice to meet ya! The name's Robert, and I am the innkeeper of this fine establishment. And you are...?"It appeared he was one of 'those' types, perhaps a little too freely wagging his tongue. Perhaps not but Kaythenia had to listen to her sense of self preservation this time around, the young woman cleared her throat before tightly responding.

"My name is Kay, a pleasure." Youkai might notice that she did not offer her full name this time but she briefly glanced over Robert's shoulder at him as if to say 'Don't even try to challange me'.

[youkai]

"Kay huh?" Robert straightened his posture from his bow and lifted his hand to his chin as if in deep thought. "I like it! Short and simple! he exclaimed, coming out of his train of thought. He motioned for the two the follow him up to the bar as he turned towards it. Youkai remained still with his hand up to his face. Kay's body language said it all.

Now behind the bar. Robert grabbed a cloth and wiped his hands. Leaning his elbows on the counter he looked up at Kay. "Now then. What can I get for ya? You must be hungry." Youkai sighed and looked at Kay. She was definately offended. He would have to choose his next words wisely, or just not speak at all.

(for some reason I struggled to come up with more than this )

[kaythenia]

"Kay huh? I like it! Short and simple!"

If only more things could be, the nickname she adopted was nowhere near as distinctive as her given name. Just incase someone came looking and Robert mentioned it, it would be harder to track down. Leaving behind as little evidence of her trail as possible was something she gradually becoming very good at, travelling like a ghost through towns and villages. It just kept things as Robert had described, short and simple. Well as much as they could be given her circumstance. She followed both Youkai and Robert to the bar, as irritated as she was by the implication that she was being charmed by the Knight...she was tired and hungry. Taking care of basic needs would have to come before a sharp, opinionated snap. Kaythenia perched herself on the barstool, the long back of her shirt covering the wooden legs of the furniture as the heavy fabric settled away from her skin. She drummed her gloved fingers on the bartop, mindful that the cuffs of her gloves safely covered her wrists with a cursive glance down.

"Now then. What can I get for ya? You must be hungry."

Her attention was brought back to Robert and Youkai, both appeared to be watching her. Well the latter appeared to attempted to do so more subtly than the older man. Youkai appeared to have picked up that she was far from impressed with the comment but Robert either hid it well or was oblivious to her shift in mood. Kaythenia glanced over the menu that was written on a blackboard, despite everything she was very hungry. She retrieved her purse and put it on the bartop. "I'll have the stew with a bread roll, please. And a pot of tea. Without 'charm' involved."

That last remark was quite obviously aimed at Youkai...

[youkai]

"Comin right up!" Robert looked at Youkai and figured he would get the usual before going to tell the cook about the orders. Youkai chuckled slightly at the 'without charm' comment. She sure did take things personally. They were still relative strangers to each other. So he really had nothing to lose by speaking up in his own defense.

"That man would say anything to try and embarrass me." He looked at her with a sincere expression for a moment, then turned around on his stool to glance around the room. "But if you still think I'm trying to charm you than I guess I can go sit somewhere else when my food gets here." He didn't want to make her uncomfortable. He only wanted to do something nice. He enjoyed her singing and just wanted to make sure she had a good place to stay. Thats as far as his intentions went.

[kaythenia]

Once Robert had taken his leave of them to give their orders to the cook, Kaythenia heard Youkai's laugh at the 'without charm' comment she had shot out. She wasn't sure what was so amusing about it, the Bard might have taken it somewhat personally but she felt the need to make her point. She was not easily charmed by anyone and knew how to look after herself in most instances. Being alone on the road made that somewhat a necessity. She sighed was glanced over to Youkai when he spoke to her. Apparently he was putting in one last ditch attempt at defending himself from Robert's brazen comment about his nobility. She leaned her chin one hand hand and fixed him a look which said 'Go on then, convince me.'

"That man would say anything to try and embarrass me. But if you still think I'm trying to charm you than I guess I can go sit somewhere else when my food gets here." He appeared sincere...Perhaps he could be afforded one chance to prove he wasn't out to charm her. "You'll have to excuse me if I am somewhat offended by the idea of being 'charmed' by anyone, since I'm travelling alone you've probably guessed I know how to look after myself by now. Those who've tried it have generally found their ego's bruised...but you seem sincere enough."

Kaythenia shrugged and continued drumming her fingertips on the wooden bartop. "Although I would not be surprised if your friend was a Cad in his younger days." A slight flicker of a smile played at the edges of her mouth at the suggestion.

[youkai]

Youkai nodded and looked at her, his body still facing away from the counter. "I apologies for both myself, and Rob over there for offending you." He began. "I do not doubt your ability to look after yourself. But as someone who traveled alone for a few years, I know how lonely things can be. he paused for a moment, as if thinking back to his past. "I also know how good it feels for someone to take notice and help... even if it is just a little bit."

Youkai gave a slightly amused smile as a result of he 'cad' comment and he turned back around on his stool to face the counter again. He looked up at Robert who was on his way back to the two with Kay's tea. Youkai didn't know much about Robert before he met him. To him, Robert just seemed like the type of guy who looked at the positives all the time and simply tried to make people smile. Even if he did come off as rude an awful lot. "Well even if he was cad. That man was kinda enough to bring in to his home a young Hybrid Hylian who was far away from home looking for his long lost mother..." Youkai's eyes lowered to the counter as the thoughts of the mother he never knew flashed in his head. He lifted his head and tried to recover with a smile that was somewhat forced. "If that isn't kindness then I don't know what is..."

Before that specific conversation could continue Robert arrived with the tea in hand. "Here ya go! The food will be ready shortly. I need to go tend to some of the other patrons so you two behave yourselves!" he laughed to himself and walked around the inn, checking on his other customers. He thought he was so funny.

[kaythenia]

"I apologise for both myself, and Rob over there for offending you. I do not doubt your ability to look after yourself. But as someone who traveled alone for a few years, I know how lonely things can be.I also know how good it feels for someone to take notice and help... even if it is just a little bit."

Kaythenia didn't hold Youkai's gaze at this strangely insightful comment and glanced evasively off to the side. Sometimes was it was nice when someone wanted to help, but Kaythenia didn't like owing people anything...or worse, putting them in a position of possible danger. It had happened before and she had felt sick with guilt despite the situation being out of her hands. It was just easier on all parts to deal with people as she currently did, keeping them at arms length. Not being particularly unfriendly but nor did she offer anything about herself, personal questions were often turned on the asker, even things that one might consider to be perfectly normal. So far she hadn't had to do so with Youkai, even if he had some insight he didn't appear nosey.

"Well even if he was cad. That man was kinda enough to bring in to his home a young Hybrid Hylian who was far away from home looking for his long lost mother...If that isn't kindness then I don't know what is..."

Those words made Kaythenia glance back at the Knight, she hadn't expected that from him and wasn't entirely sure how she was meant to respond. It seemed to be a personal matter, the fact that he couldn't look at her while he said it gave it away. What was she supposed to say? The young woman folded her hands in her lap, her expression unsure. "Yes...I suppose it is." Even if the Innkeeper to her seemed rude and perhaps a little nosey, he had taken in a young boy who had no one else. Maybe Kaythenia didn't need to have her guard so firmly up for now...Thankfully the moment passed when Robert came back with her tea and placed it on the counter. Gratefully she poured a steaming mug of it, blowing delicately on the surface to cool it enough to comfortably drink.

"Here ya go! The food will be ready shortly. I need to go tend to some of the other patrons so you two behave yourselves!"

She nodded her thanks to the older man and waited for him to be out of earshot before pushing the pot of tea towards Youkai and lowering her voice to comment discreetly. "Even if he does laugh at his own jokes..."

[youkai]

It appeared to Youkai that what he had said left Kay without knowing how to respond. He short and simple response was proof to that. Perhaps he had been a little to personal. He didn't mean to hint to wards his personal history, it just kinda slipped out. It made sense at the time to bring it up. He thought that it might allow her to open up a bit more and be a little more comfortable knowing Youkai was once a lonely traveler as well. She seemed to be locking herself away. Even though he hadn't intended to completely befriend this girl, he couldn't help but wonder why she acted so on guard. His curiousness was starting to get the better of him. But he would respect the girl and not go poking his nose where it didn't belong....At least not yet.

He shook his head at Robert's terrible attempt at humor and accepted the pot of tea from Kay with a thankful nod. Her comment caused a smirk to grace his lips. Her dry sense of humor was refreshing after the tenseness he felt over the past few minutes. Pouring some tea into a mug of his own, he felt the need to advance the conversation to something more practical. "So, where did you learn to sing with such a talent" he asked her, placing the pot down and lifting the mug up to his mouth. He recalled her performance and remembered how beautiful her voice was, even though the song seemed so sad.

His question wasn't a strange one. Having a natural singing voice helped, but one most always learn their craft regardless of how naturally gifted they are. As he waited for her reply, he took a small sip of the tea.

[kaythenia]

"So, where did you learn to sing with such a talent"

Kaythenia took a deep drink of the hot tea, letting the mug warm her hands through the leather of her gloves. She looked down into the mug and saw a blurry reflection of herself while she contemplated how to answer Youkai's question. The Bard supposed it wasn't too nosey, he had seen her performance after all but answering questions lead to more questions, more often than not she ended up with ones she couldn't answer. Stalling a little for time, she topped up her tea. Well...there was no harm in the short version, it wasn't particularly unusual if she thought about it from the perspective of someone without knowledge of her background. She took a breath and spoke carefully although keeping her voice low as if she were concerned that someone was listening.

"My Mother taught me while she was still alive and after she died. My..." How to describe Marcus? He hadn't been a Father to her, an image of the last time she had seen him came to the forefront of her mind's eye. Lying in a pool of his own blood, sightless eyes facing her...Kaythenia clamped down on that image and forced it back. Shaking her head slightly as if to bring herself back to what she had been saying. "My Caretaker continued my education until I struck out on my own."

She didn't care to elaborate any further than that, what she had said wasn't exactly a lie but it was a somewhat edited version of the truth. Not that Youkai needed to know that, none the less, Kaythenia felt the urge to draw the subject away from her history or herself in general.

"So what about you? Did you find your Mother in the end?"

[youkai]

Youkai patiently waited for her to begin. It was clear to someone as observant as he was that she was taking her time to pick and choose what she would reveal to him, and what she wouldn't. Clearly there was more to this girl than a simply bard. But he already knew that. Finally, she spoke briefly and then paused a bit. She looked as if she was once again trying sort out the right information and how it would translate to words. During this moment Youkai took another calm sip of his tea, subtly studying her as she seemed to struggle with a specific memory.

As she continued, the pause made it obvious that there was more to her 'caretaker' then she would likely let on. Could he have been the reason for her traveling? Not likely directly, but perhaps an event that involved him was the case. Youkai felt the need to push on. He would ease into his questions in a way that would show her that he was curious, but was not going to force her into telling him anything she didn't want to talk about. At least, he was about to.

Her question caused his eyes to widen in shock. However just as quickly as it happened, his eyes narrowed, and a sorrowful expression took on his face. It was his turn to stare into his own reflection in the mug as he held it. Despite the fact that it was a logical question for her to ask since he inadvertently revealed his reasons for traveling alone so many years ago, he was still caught way off guard by it. He had not really talked about anyone about his mother, other than the ones who knew her.

The tables had now turned and he was the one trying to pick and chose the information that he would reveal. He hadn't even told her about his knighthood yet. Taking another sip of his tea and placing it down, his sorrow filled eyes looked up straight ahead of him. "You could say that..." he paused as stared at the wall. He remembered the time he was told that she wasn't alive. The pure sadness that rushed over him at the realization that he would never meet his own mother no matter how badly he wanted to.

"She was a healer with the Hylian knights.... he continued. "She died in the line of duty before I even started looking for her..."