[FIN]Making an Entrance.

[kaythenia]

The Bard hadn't jumped to the conclusion that Youkai was flirting with her for a good reason, if he were looking for that he wouldn't have chased her down and got himself involved in the mess that was her situation. Kaythenia still thought him entirely mad for wanting to get involved, he hadn't even seen the worst of Davik's behaviours yet but that alone had made him angry. She wasn't sure she wanted to witness the reaction if he ever did. Things might possibly become ugly very quickly, she knew that Davik would not hesitate in hurting or even killing Youkai if he stood in his way. He seemed capable of looking after himself but it was still a risk she wasn't wholly comfortable in taking. She worried the fabric of her sleeve between the thumb and forefinger of her gloved hands at the thought of it.

"We'll head to one of the Inn's Robert is in competition with. It will be populated and it is close by so Davik may not think to look there. However there is something I need to tell you first. Something I've been trying to avoid."

Kaythenia looked Youkai over carefully, momentarily distracted by his suddenly closed off body language and lack of eye contact that he had so stubbornly maintained while trying to get her to open up to him. He had a point about throwing Davik off their trail by staying close to the same area, Kaythenia's usual pattern of behaviour was to get as far away as quickly as possible. Staying close by might just throw him off if only for tonight...The young woman wasn't quite sure what to make about Youkai's abrupt change in demeanor, something was on his mind. That much was obvious, all she could do was listen if he felt the need to get something off his chest. Whatever it might be...after all she didn't really have any moral space to judge.

"What is it?"

She asked carefully, unsure of what to expect from him here. After all, this entire evening had been unexpected. Laughter rang out from one of the nearby taverns, the reaction to some kind of crude joke or perhaps an amusing tale told by a Bard just like herself.

[youkai]

Youkai continued to hesitate, not knowing how to word what he had to say. Should he be formal about it? Casual? He wasn't sure. As time ticked by he was fully aware that the longer he took, the more he was building it up. It was probably not as big of a deal as he was making it out to be, but that really couldn't be helped now could it? He began to fiddle with the emblem in his pocket. The Emblem in question carried the sigil of the knights on it, marking his proof of the claim he was about to make.

He was brought back out of his trance by her voice, which seemed both unsure, yet curious. His hand retreated from out of his pocket as her question both reassured him and startled him. Looking up at her he was able to regain his composure, and with a deep breath he relaxed. "When we get to the Inn, or even before we get there, some people may recognize me." He paused as he once again tried to figure out how he would word the rest. There was no turning back now. "So you are not surprised, you should know my full title. he paused again, still trying to come up with the words on the fly.

"I am Sir Youkai Ookami, Lieutenant of the Hylian Knights." He finally finished his thought, his eyes averting their gaze from her to the wall of the building beside him. His name was known, but not in the good way. Though there was a title he was proud of that he had heard people call him. Perhaps now was the time to possible use it? "I have heard some people call me Zelda's Guard Dog." He looked back at her with a more confident look. Maybe she hadn't heard of the slaughter which occurred a few short months ago.

[kaythenia]

"When we get to the Inn, or even before we get there, some people may recognize me. So you are not surprised, you should know my full title."

Title? What now? Kaythenia raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything for the moment, she would let Youkai finish before interrupting him.

"I am Sir Youkai Ookami, Lieutenant of the Hylian Knights. I have heard some people call me Zelda's Guard Dog."

There it was, Kaythenia had to admit it was somewhat...a surprise to say the least. Youkai didn't behave like some petty, stuck up noble. From what she had heard tell of some of the Hylian Knights in Taverns and Inns outside of Castle Town was that they threw their weight around. The Mage wasn't so sure about the accuracy of those claims but she had heard of the a slaughter a few months back, even if Youkai had been involved it in it wasn't her place to pass judgement on him. The shock of it was evident on her face, she could understand why Youkai hadn't announced it to her but still it was a little unexpected. Well more than a little. Once the information sank in, Kaythenia took a deep breath and shrugged her shoulders. She might as well be honest with Youkai since he had the decency to do so to her.

"It doesn't matter much to me, I'm in no position to pass judgement on your or anyone, I have heard rumour about the Hylian Knights and not all of them have been flattering. But I'll make my own decisions on if I choose to believe them. Although I won't be calling you 'Sir' anytime soon." Kaythenia couldn't resist a tiny dig about that but otherwise it didn't matter to her if Youkai was noble or common, rich or poor. He wanted to help her even if he was completely out of his mind to wish to do so. "I appreciate the warning though."

She didn't know what more she could say other than that, the young woman had made where she stood on the matter of Youkai's Knighthood clear and she didn't judge him for it. Kaythenia could only hope for a similar understanding when she had to speak of her own messy past, not something she was looking forward to. The thought alone made her feel sick to her stomach, although once they had some privacy she had to get it over with...

"Perhaps we should move on? Standing in the street is making me feel uneasy."

[youkai]

Youkai was relieved at her words and couldn't help but let slip an amused smirk at her 'wont call you sir' remark. He nodded in agreement. He didn't like it when his friends called him sir, and did not expect that of her. In fact he had hoped that they way she had viewed him didn't change at all, which luckily seemed to be the case.

Nodding at her words he motioned for her to follow him as he turned to face the direction of the Inn he had in mind. He opted to walk in silence for the time being. Davik heard his voice and no doubt had her's memorized, so it made sense to speak as little as possible for now. The Inn in question was called The Brogue Inn and was one of the Inns that he had over heard Knights talking about. It wasn't one of the more popular Inns that they had visited but there may be two or three Knights there tonight. Youkai had hoped there were none.

Looking back at Kay as they walked. Youkai couldn't help but notice her looks. She was an attractive woman, and if he did run into anyone he knew at the inn, he would have a lot of explaining to do later. He met her eyes and quickly turned to face the front again. Judging by the distance they had walked, he had been staring for a little longer than he intended. He had to break the silence if he wanted to try and distract her away from the fact he had just been staring.

"The Inn I'm thinking of should only be about a five minute walk away. Around this upcoming corner, and down the street." He continued looking forward trying to avoid looking back at her for the time being.

[kaythenia]

Kaythenia followed Youkai down the street, forcing herself not to nervously glance around. Walking in silence was a practical idea for them, exposing themselves via idle chatter anywhere near Davik could be a disaster. The young woman wasn't sure if she would feel safe talking much until they reached where-ever the Knight was taking her to, the only sounds that filled the air now where the noise of their boots on the cobblestones, faint music, laughter and chatter from the lit building nearby. It seemed that people in this town enjoyed their entertainment...more than she could say for the smaller villages that completely shut down as soon as the sun set. The silence there had been more distracting than anything and the fact that strangers were often unwelcome, as an entertainer it was a little easier.

It was a change of pace for some but others looked upon her with thinly veiled distaste. Kaythenia wondered how long she would be able to stay here before the precense of Davik forced her to run.

She was pulled out of her thoughts when she could feel Youkai's eyes on her, he felt like he was watching her intently. Feeling slightly uncomfortable at being studied she met his eyes and he was quick to look away. How odd...She didn't bring it up though, there was no need for it. Being stared at when she wasn't performing was a little unnerving. Although she was distracted when Youkai spoke to her.

"The Inn I'm thinking of should only be about a five minute walk away. Around this upcoming corner, and down the street."

The young woman nodded, glad to hear it wasn't far away. She would feel much safer once they were off the streets although she noted that the Knight was now making a point of avoiding looking at her. She didn't comment on it, there was no need. They both had other things on their minds. Kaythenia was more than glad to see the swinging plaque for the inn coming up ahead and she let go a sigh of relief, it seemed fairly crowded and bustling. A perfect place for a Knight and a Mage on the run to blend in.

"Is there anyone you know?"

[youkai]

The sounds of the inn grow louder as they drew closer. It began to drown out the ambient noises of the other inns across town. Youkai's first instinct was to look for the now familiar figure of Davik in the crowed. They were at a far enough distance that if he was there, they could easily duck into a few alleyways and sneak away to a different location. Luckily however, they wouldn't have to as Davik was not one of the many people in the crowd outside of the inn.

He continued to study the crowd as her question reached her ear. He couldn't recognize anyone outside so at least he had that. But Knights usually hung out at the bar anyway, so he wouldn't' know the true answer until they were inside.

For the first time since he had been staring, Youkai looked back at her and shook his head to answer his question. Turning back toward the inn, they continued to grow closer and closer to the large crowd outside. When they finally made it, Youkai took the initiative and politely made his way through the crowd, creating a path behind him for Kay as well. Reaching the open doors he stepped in and immediately surveyed the room, looking for a familiar face.

To his relief, there were no Knights around. However, people recognized him. As he looked around the room he could see people whispering to themselves and looking at him in disgust. Some were even afraid. He averted his gaze and simply looked down at the wooden floor. For months he had been able to ignore the stares and whispers, but lately they have been getting to him. He just wasn't able to live it down. "C'mon... I'll pay for the room..." His voice seemed defeated. He began walking toward the innkeeper trying to ignore the rest of the room. The sooner they got out of the publics eye, the better.

[kaythenia]

The Large crowd was somwhat intimidating but it would easily hide them from Davik should he wander by, hopefully the Innkeeper here didn't possess such a freely wagging tongue as Robert had done. She could hope anyway....Even if this was a diversion from her normal reaction to a run in with Davik it was still a risk, what if he was already in there waiting just incase she turned up. For once Kaythenia was glad that she wasn't alone, even with the protection of the large crowd of people nearby. She took a deep breath and followed Youkai through the gap he was creating through the large gaggle of people outside. This establishment didn't have quite the same homely feel as The Sage and Fool had done, more people were gathered around the bar and she noted that people were quick to stare. Not at her, but at Youkai.

"C'mon... I'll pay for the room..."

As soon as they began to make their way through the inn, Kaythenia realised that it wasn't only the small towns and villages who had a problem with the Hylian Knights. People were whispering and pointing without discretion as they made their way through the crowds, the Bard kept her head down after hearing a couple of comments aimed at her and what she was doing her with Youkai. She did her best to ignore them and glanced up at the Knight, it appeared to be getting to him and Kaythenia couldn't blame him in the least. In amongst the crowd she rested her hand briefly on his forearm and gently squeezed it, as if to acknowledge that she knew what was going on with the reaction of the Inn's other occupants. Kay would be more than glad now to be somewhere away from watchful eyes.

"I'm sorry."

The Bard muttered under her breath, only just loud enough for Youkai to hear her over the hum of chatter and gossiping voices.

[youkai]

Youkai had lifted his head to gaze at his forearm as he felt someone gently squeeze it. When he noticed it was Kay's hand, his gaze returned to its forward position. It definitely made him feel better even if by just a little. He shook his slightly at her words as if to say she didn't have anything to apologize for. It wasn't her fault that these people thought negatively of him. It was his. If he was able to control his ability in the first place than he would be a respectful leader of the Knights.

Finally reaching the innkeeper behind the bar who was, as Robert was doing, drying out a clean mug with a rag, Youkai placed a good amount of rupees on the counter. "I need a room." he said with a serious, yet defeated tone. People were starting to get less subtle with their whispers. Youkai could hear someone near the far corner call him the Slaughter Lieutenant.

The innkeeper looked down at the rupees and up at Youkai and Kay. As an innkeeper he was well informed and knew of Youkai's black spot on his record. He also knew of his achievements. Many Knights came in here after all and he heard the stories. He had lost respect for the Knight when he heard of the slaughter but knew such things are sometimes unavoidable in an ambush. He simply nodded at Youkai, took the rupees and place a key where they were. "Up the stairs, last room down the hall. It should say room 5 on the door, but those things have been known to fall off." And with that, the innkeeper went back to his business.

Youkai simply nodded and turned to face Kay gesturing with his arm that she take the lead. He had been doing the leading all night afterall.

[kaythenia]

Kaythenia felt for Youkai at the not so subtle insults that people from the crowd were shooting at him. These people had no right to judge anyone else! She took a deep breath in to calm herself, no need to lose her temper with someone and draw unwanted attention towards her and Youkai. They had enough of it between them without encouragement, she kept her hand on his arm in quiet support. There was really nothing she could do or say to make him feel better about it, if he hadn't been here insisting on getting involved in her mess of a situation, he could be back at the Castle without people judging him at every turn. When the words 'Slaughter Lieutenant' reached her ears, the young woman had to grind her teeth in an attempt to not say something she would most likely regret.

"I need a room."

She noted the look that the Innkeeper gave them, he took his time staring at them both as if trying to pin a reason why they were here together. She glanced away, all Kaythenia wanted right now was just to get away from these people so she could breathe again. Luckily the Innkeeper wasn't half as nosey as Robert was and she felt a wave of relief when he took the rupees and handed over the key.

"Up the stairs, last room down the hall. It should say room 5 on the door, but those things have been known to fall off."

Charming...But that wasn't the point here, she saw Youkai pick up the key and gesture for her to take the lead down the hall. Kaythenia didn't hesitate on that front but forced herself to walk calmly through the crowd despite the glares of distate and comments that Youkai seemed to be getting from every turn. She counted slowly to ten to make sure that she kept her mouth shut in that regard as they reached the hall. Luckily there were less people here, just the occasional person or couple coming back and forth from the rooms. The one they were directed to had a brass number 5 hanging...well, only just on the door. Kaythenia took the key from Youkai and open the door with the click of the lock, stepping inside and into the room, luckily it was lit with oil lamps and was sparsely furnished but servicable and clean. One double bed, a small table and two chairs and a basin and jug on the bedside table. The windowsill had been carved out into a seat with cushions, Kaythenia went over to it and sat down, putting both legs up and pulling her knees to her chest. Looking out of the window.

She wasn't likely to start her explanation unprompted.

[youkai]

Youkai was actually starting to get surprised at the amount at which people had been berating him. They were never this hostile. Most people just gave him unsure glances but then continued on with their day. He figured the reason why everyone was treating him like he killed a baby was probably due to their alcohol intake of the evening... at least for some of them. Others just simply disliked him. He was relieved when they reached the top of the stares to say the least.

He began to try and regain his positive attitude as he handed Kaythenia the key and watched her open the door. He knew that she had taken notice to the amount of insults that were aimed toward him and he decided to pretend like they didn't phase him. He followed her into the room and locked the door behind him. He stood there for a while, almost as if his mind turned off. The insults had been flowing through his head and he hadn't realized his body froze for a second or two. Shaking it off he sat down in one of the chair by the table and rested his elbow to the wooden surface and his forehead in the softness of his palm. He sighed gently rubbing his head before looking at her with a clearly forced smile. "Tough crowd huh?" He asked her as he attempted to make light of his situation.

Pushing off the table slightly he sat up, leaning back on the chair. He was trying his best to show that what had happened downstairs was not bothering him, though he couldn't deny to himself that it in fact was. He needed to take the focus off him, so he looked at her with a soft expression and began what was to be the inevitable conversation. "So what is going on with this guy?" He paused and almost looked like he had regretted jumping right into it. It seemed a little to rushed. "I know you don't want to talk about it... But you don't need to face this alone. I'm here for you."

[kaythenia]

"Tough crowd huh?"

Kaythenia watched Youkai take a seat at the table out of the corner of her eye, he seemed to be trying to shake off the unpleasant reaction from the crowds downstairs. She thought distasteful looks and the occasional comment were bad enough, the amount of alcohol flowing probably had more than a little to do with the forwardness of the crowd. Youkai seemed to have taken it fairly well although the tone of his voice downstairs had given away that it had struck him in a sore spot. And she couldn't blame him for it in the least, even if now he was trying to brush it off with his offhand comment. Talking about it further probably was far from what he wanted but it seemed that the Knight had other plans on the topic of conversation, he was quick to jump into questioning her about Davik.

"So what is going on with this guy? "I know you don't want to talk about it... But you don't need to face this alone. I'm here for you."

She turned her gaze to him and noted his expression, as if he wished he had approached the situation perhaps a little more delicately or phrased his question differently. Kaythenia couldn't blame Youkai for wanting to know after this evening and dealing with Davik face to face. None the less it was not an easy subject for her to broach, she did her best not to even think about it unless it was necessary. Kaythenia sighed and rubbed her temples with her first two fingers, as if wracking her brain about how she could explain it. There wasn't any easy way around this and she doubted that Youkai would appreciate the abreviated version which left out a lot of explanation, the Bard was going to have to swallow her pride and start from the very beginning. The whole mess was a tightly woven tapestry that would take time to unravel, but now they were alone...she hoped he had time.

"It's complicated so I'll have to start right at the beginning, you might have heard local legend from centuries past about a Hylian Sorceress named Evalle who was supposedly a traitor to Hyrule. She was a Mage of great talent but an Order formed to take her down stripped her of her powers, before she died she left the threat 'My bloodline lives on'. And it does, she's my ancestor. As a child I was completely unaware of this, I didn't realise why my Mother never married and kept us away from the towns and villages, she was trying to protect us. But of course rumour spread around that she was a Witch and was teaching me Black Magic, total idiocy. I was only a child!." There was a pause as if to stop herself reliving the feelings before she carried on.

"Word got back to the same Order who killed Evalle, they had made it their 'duty' to hunt down her descendants and strip us of our powers. It's a Death sentence. a man named Marcus came to our home, I knew something was wrong from the way my Mother was acting. She shut me in the larder and made me promise to stay quiet, I heard shouting and I heard her scream, I didn't see it happen but it seemed he had made the ward around the house for her, but he didn't kill me...he put a sack over my head and carried me out, took me away from my Home. From there he passed me off as his Daughter, despite killing my Mother he was educating me and training me in my powers. At the time I was too naive to understand, I know now that I was no use to him until I came into maturity because the powers they take from us...they take them into themselves even though the effects aren't permenant. He was raising me so he could do the same to me. When I turned seventeen I was finally strong enough to be of use to him, so he made the same ward in a room of the house we lived in and finally told me why he kept me alive..."

Kaythenia reached for her leather gloves and loosened them at the wrists, pulling them slowly away from her hands. The backs of them appeared to be branded with a single sigil on each hand and the skin around both wrists was a shade lighter than it should be and slightly puckered as if something had burnt her. She pointed to the brands.

"Part of the ritual...I'm not proud of what I did next, I don't even remember it, it's a blank. All I remember is coming around on the floor and wondering why I was still alive. And when I sat up I realised that my hands and clothes were covered in Marcus' blood, the body just lying on the floor next to me."

At this she closed her eyes tightly as if she was seeing it all over again and went quiet for a time, feeling ill at the mere memory of it. Sometimes she still had nightmares about it, it had been either her life or Marcus' and something deep down had chosen her own. She took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled to steady herself before continuing.

"From there I did the only thing I could, got out of there. Soon over Marcus' Order must have wondered why there had been no communication from him. They must have found the body and from there they sent Davik to hunt me down...he's come close several times, too close. But he sees it as some kind of game, since I'm the last as far as they know he wants to draw it out, make it last."

Kaythenia held up one her hands in the lamp light and gestured to the scars the circled her wrists as that looked like she had been bound in heated chains. To be more specific by the same Braigh that the Order used everytime to bind anyone of Evalle's bloodline. She didn't keep them exposed for long, it made her feel uncomfortable so she replaced her gloves once again. Covering the scarring once more.

"That is all I can say."

[youkai]

Youkai watched as Kaythenia rubbed her temples. He could tell that this was a very hard thing for her to have to relive, which was obvious from the start really. From that, he decided not to speak until she was done. No matter how long the pause, no matter how many times she struggled with words, he would let her speak at her own pace, never attempting to rush her. He simply just met her eyes with respect and listened to her story.

As the story went on, many things crossed Youkai's mind. He had heard the legend but only as a tale that the elder folks of Denwind told the children. Even the Hylian Knights had no official knowledge of such an organization. That fact certainly bothered him, however for the moment he figured it would be better to keep the Knights out of this. This which hunting group seemed like a big deal if they've been around for centuries. If the Knights went looking for them, surely a war would break out.

She was being hunted for absolutely no fault of her own. Like an animal she was forced to run and live a lonely life constantly on the move. He now understood why she was so closed off about it all. Why she though of him to be crazy for wanting to help. Crazy or not, he would not back out now even if he wanted to.

Hearing about her mother's death hit Youkai in familiar ground. They both had lost their mothers, and although the situations were far different, the pain was no doubt very similar. Not only did she lose her mother however, but had to live with the murderous man who committed the crime. Disgusting. How cruel were these people and their ancient beliefs? He could relate to the incident that caused Marcus' death. He knew what it was like to black out only to realize that you've killed when you woke up. Waking up to the blood of others covering your body was a terrible experience even if the people who you killed meant you harm.

He could see her struggle with her thoughts. The memories of the past no doubt assaulting her as she spoke. Youkai wouldn't have minded if she had stopped there. But she continued and explained in more detail about Davik and his cruel look at hunting. Just seeing the man for the brief moment he had, Youkai could tell that he in fact love toying with her. It was one of the things that pissed him off the most about the man.

After she had taken off her gloves and explained the burn marks, it was clear to Youkai that they were not so different. Both had little to no control of their abilities and had accidentally killed because of it. Even their loss of their mothers made another similarity. Perhaps Youkai had sensed this before. Perhaps that is why he was so hell bent in helping her. It wasn't important to dwell on.

When she was done speaking there was a long pause before he stood up. Slowly, he walked over and sat on what was left on the carved out bench, facing away from the window. He glanced to his side, his eyes meeting hers in a soft and understanding expression. "First things first." He spoke in a tone that was just as soft as his expression. "What ever happened to Marcus when you blacked out, he had coming to him. If you feel any guilt for what you had done. Don't." His tone was stern on that last word, though as he continued the softness returned. "I don't want you to feel like you are in this alone anymore. I am involved now, and I will not let them get to you without a fight. Each and everyone of them will get what they deserve!"

His tone grew to an angry one near the end. What this organization was doing was disgusting. Hunting people down for some stupid old fashion belief was ignorance at its finest. Stupidity such as this must never be allowed to go on without correction. He didn't know how he was going to do it. But he would make sure that no one would suffer at the hands of this group again. Starting with Kay. After giving her a reasuring, yet serious, look he shifted his body to the side so that he could look out the window as well. He didn't know how she would react to what he said. But regardless, he meant everything. She had his help whether she wanted it or not.

[kaythenia]

Kaythenia couldn't look at Youkai through some of her tale, the mix of emotions that passed over his face was a little hard to deal with. At a few points he looked about ready to get very angry even if Marcus was already dead by her hands. Although she was grateful for his patience whilst he listened, the Knight didn't interrupt her at any point and just let her get the words out at her own pace. That was something she hadn't expected of him but was glad for none the less. He seemed to understand elements of her history, the look on his face when she mentioned the loss of her Mother was one of understanding. He knew what that was like, even if he hadn't ever really had the chance to meet his real Mother. Once Kaythenia's Mother had been murdered, Marcus had taken on Loco Parentis although he had never been a Father figure unless there was someone around to observe. Having to call him 'Father' had often felt wrong passing her lips, otherwise he was Marcus or 'Sir' if he were feeling especially spiteful towards her that day.

None the less, Youkai's responses had been different to what she had expected despite the darker elements that clouded her bloodstained history. All because she was the descendant of Evalle, all of this had happened over two centuries before her own birth, yet here she was still paying the price that the Order believed she owed. All of this for having Evalle's blood running through her veins...there was silence between them once she had finished recounting everything. It would at least make sense now to Youkai why Davik chased her so zealously and enjoyed every moment of it. Although the silence made her a little nervous, waiting for a spoken response from him. Once he sat opposite her on the window seat, Kaythenia briefly looked out of the window over the small courtyard that belonged to the inn before glancing back to Youkai.

"First things first. What ever happened to Marcus when you blacked out, he had coming to him. If you feel any guilt for what you had done. Don't. I don't want you to feel like you are in this alone anymore. I am involved now, and I will not let them get to you without a fight. Each and everyone of them will get what they deserve!"

Kaythenia couldn't help but involuntarily flinch at the anger in his tone although it wasn't directed at her, it seemed he wasn't going to easily give up despite the complex mess she was in. She felt more exposed than she would prefer to now that he knew the details but the other side of the coin...well, it felt like part of the weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Someone knew and understand at least part of it, Youkai probably wouldn't understand it fully for a while but this was a start that she hadn't anticipated. But Kaythenia felt the need to give the Knight an outclause should he need it, this was jumping into something that had been going on for centuries now. It wouldn't end that easily. Even if they took down Davik there would be someone else sent along to take his place and the Order were a silent power.

"You don't have to do this, I appreciate your understanding but if it becomes too much and you need to get out for your own safety. Do it. I'll just have to carry on as I've always done, I've run for the last four years after all." She shrugged as if trying to make light of it. "Well practised."

That probably wasn't going to give her a positive reaction but for Youkai's own sake she wanted to give him a way out, it would be easier if she offered it than if she grew to depend on him and something happened to him, or things became too much. He was a Hylian Knight who had a duty to Hyrule and the Royal Family. Not to a Mage on the run for having dirty blood in her veins and an ancestry that she couldn't change. She tucked a rogue lock of red hair behind one ear and glanced back out of the window, watching the young stable boy lead a horse into the small stable. where the travellers housed their steeds.

[youkai]

Youkai could tell that she was struggling with her own feelings on his involvement. His perception helped him realized that she was both uneasy and relieved with him knowing the situation. He figured as much. This was her life. She had been dealing with this alone for her entire life, constantly running away for the last 4 years. Relying on someone else was not something she would be used to right away. He understood that. Strangely he understood the entire situation, or at least he understood the entirety of what he was told.

Her reaction was predictable. Just as he was stubborn in insisting on helping, she was stubborn in insisting he had a way out should he need it. He shook his head at her words. Yeah, he had a duty to the Royal family, and to Hyrule. He knew Zelda personally. He knew she would not stand for such an organizations existence. It was a stretch, but he could consider this his duty as a Knight to see the end of such a group of hunters.

He wasn't sure what they would do from here. He figured taking care of Davik would be first on the agenda but they would be stupid in going on the offensive with so little information on the group. Youkai would have to look into the legend more. He had access to the largest library in Hyrule as well as informants he could send to try and sniff out this secret group. He had to be careful though. For all he knew these people could be everywhere. They could even be Knights.

He shook off his train of thoughts and gave Kay a reassuring smile. Before they could do anything they had to fully trust each other. They had to come to terms with the fact that it was no longer just Kaythenia enduring this group, but Youkai as well. "You don't need to run anymore." He shifted his body again so he was facing away from the window toward the opposite side of the room. Looking straight ahead with touch of determination in his eyes. "From now on we face them together."

[kaythenia]

It seemed that Youkai was about as stubborn as an old mule, even though Kaythenia gave him the option of an outclause he didn't take her up on it. The look in his eyes was one of quiet determination, her entire situation just seemed to make Youkai angry. If he challanged Davik, word would be sent back to the Order. They would try to find a way of dealing with him, the way they worked wasn't through outright attacks, they were subtle about it, hence why only Davik was in pursuit of Kaythenia rather than the entire Order. They did their best to keep Evalle's Legend as a Legend rather than the true story it really was. The Bard didn't know who Davik reported back to but whoever it was it had to be the same person that Marcus had been working for. All Kaythenia could do was hope that Youkai didn't end up hurt or worse in the process...She noted his reassuring smile, he wanted her to trust him even though that was extremely hard for her to do. Letting anyone in further than the surface was hard for Kaythenia and even now she didn't feel like she could. Not yet at least.

"You don't need to run anymore. From now on we face them together."

Bold words...maybe Youkai would live up to them, she could only hope so. The Knight seemed utterly determined to at least, that counted in his favour. She was still shocked that someone she had known only a few hours was now hellbent on helping her despite knowing the details of her situation. The Bard couldn't help but feel grateful for it. She uncurled herself from the seat, relaxing her tense body posture slightly, putting her feet back on the floor and her gloved hands in her lap. There was a moment of almost companionable quiet between them before Kaythenia rested her hand on Youkai's shoulder, a slight smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"I still say that you're crazy but...Thanks."

The low hum of chatter and laughter from the crowds downstairs could still be heard through the floor. The background noise was comforting in a way, total silence often made Kaythenia feel nervous. At least she had somewhere relatively safe to stay tonight, hopefully she would be able to avoid Davik at least for tonight...she hoped at least. Youkai would probably return to the Castle if he had any sense, staying here after the unpleasant reaction of all those people downstairs.

[youkai]

Her remark caused Youkai to laugh slightly. He was a little crazy wasn't he? Here he was willing to put all his efforts in helping, and protecting a girl he had only known for just a few hours. No. To Youkai, he wasn't crazy. That was just who he was. It was how he was raised, and it was in his blood. His birth mother before him was the same way, his father would tell him. It was why even though she was a Knight, she would always opt to heal others in battle rather than defend herself. It was likely the reason she had fallen.

Youkai pushed that last though out of his head. He was done with being sad for the day. He straightened his posture, reaching his arms up toward the ceiling in a stretch. He stood up and turned to face the window. Looking out in the distance he could see the castle standing tall. He stared at it for a moment and then let his eyes wonder to the night sky. He had an issue with going back to the castle and leaving her here alone. If Davik somehow manged to figure out she was here and she froze like she almost had earlier, he would be powerless to help her.

He contemplated his options for a moment. He could stay in the room with her, but that would no doubt make things awkward and uncomfortable. Renting out another room was a viable option, but would involve going back downstairs and Youkai didn't know if he could contain his frustration with many of the drunks. His patience only went so far. Perhaps Kay could chime in on the problem. "So what now?" He asked, looking back at her. "It's getting late, and after that run in at the Inn, and all of the traveling you've been doing I'm sure you're tired."

[kaythenia]

"So what now? It's getting late, and after that run in at the Inn, and all of the traveling you've been doing I'm sure you're tired."

Youkai was right, Kaythenia was growing weary now that the adrenaline from earlier had completely worn off, leaving her feeling depleted. It wasn't helped by her two days of rough travel to get to Castle Town. She sighed and reached one hand over her right shoulder to rub the slightly aching muscles at the back of her neck, that was camping for you. Did wonders for putting a crick in your neck that just loved to stick around for days on end. A night on a proper bed would help with that, just incase she would be locking the door and the windows. After four years it had become force of habit. The young woman listened to Youkai's question and shrugged, she didn't know what he planned to do but she was hoping to remain here for the night. It seemed relatively safe, at least she hoped it was. There had been no sign of Davik so she could rest easy for a few hours at least.

Kaythenia stood up from her seat at the window, apparently she had regained some of her earlier calm.

"Yes..I am. I can give you some of the money for the room, I'll have to perform out in the square again for the rest. You handed over quite a lot." She couldn't help but feel a little guilty there but she intended to return it to him when she could. "Are you going to return to the Castle? I can't imagine you really want to stay here with those idiots downstairs making comments..."

Kaythenia couldn't depend on Youkai to protect her even if he wanted to help, it wouldn't be fair to drag him away from his no doubt much more pleasant home in the Castle where no one was being crude to him. After all, she knew what it was like to have little to no control over your abilities through no fault of your own. She wandered over to the bed and perched on edge of the forest green coverlet, running her fingers over the spare woollen blanket that was neatly folded at the end of the bed for extra warmth if needed.

"I'm sure I'll be alright. I know after this evening we probably know more about eachother than I anticipated but..."

[youkai]

Youkai listened to Kay when she spoke, shaking his head when she began to say that she would pay him back some of the rupees he had spent. There was no need for that. Though he figured saying so wouldn't change her mind. She was just as stubborn as he was after all. She would probably continue to insist that she pay him back. He shrugged it off. When the time came he would simply not accept the rupees. That probably wouldn't go over well but it was really the only thing he could do.

After hearing that she in fact did plan on staying the night there, he began to rethink the situation. She was relatively safe in this room providing Davik didn't see them enter, or see Youkai leave. The doors and windows had locks on them, not that it would be much help if Davik knew she was here. Still their were a few Knights downstairs and some might even stay the night as well if they managed to find a certain someone for a one night stand. So this was as safe a place as any even if the Knights here were off duty. Worst come to worse he could just tell her to make a run for the castle if anything happened. He would inform the guards at the gates of the chance someone might be coming looking for him.

He was about to inform her on his idea when she spoke again, however this time she didn't finish her thought. Youkai looked worried for a moment. Why did she stop. 'But'? But what? Maybe she regretted sharing what she did. She had been alone for a lot of her life. Maybe this new found friendship made her uncomfortable. He pushed all of those thoughts to the back of his head. "But...?" he asked with a curious expression on his face.

[kaythenia]

"But...?"

This new found friendship did make her uncomfortable because the concept of it was so alien, Kaythenia wasn't used to there being a possible constant in her life. Well...other than Davik but having someone hunt you down like an animal was a different experience. There were faces in her memory that had tried to befriend her in the past but she was always forced to move on before this came to fruition. Even if she returned to these places she either never saw them again or they were offended by her long abscence even though there was nothing she could have done. She had to put her own life above the feelings of someone else as harsh as that sounded in her own head. The Bard pleated the woollen blanket tightly as if she needed something to do with her hands. She was fully aware that Youkai was watching her with open curiosity after she had cut herself off. Kaythenia shrugged casually before responding.

"Nevermind, it doesn't matter. I'll be fine here, it's not like I'm the only person lodging here is it?"

All she had to do was lock the door and windows...then hope that Davik hadn't been in the area to see her and Youkai enter the building together and then the Knight leave alone. Her hunter was a coward at heart, he liked to get her on her own to play the majority of his mind games with her. The last time he had her alone had been the worst of all, she still remembered that one as if it only happened yesterday. If Youkai could read her mind he would realise that despite the encounter at Robert's inn being extremely frightening for her...the previous encounter had been worse. At the very thought of she still swore she could taste the coppery, metallic taste of blood that had smeared his lips where she had struck him before he got the Braigh on her.

"It's a shame reallly..."

Davik stated, tipping her chin up with a single, long finger and forcing her to look at him. Kaythenia was on her knees, fighting against the silver Braigh that bound her wrists tightly, burning the skin on it's contact. Everytime she tried to summon her abilities it felt like a knife had passed through her which caused ragged cry to escape her lips. Her hunter then yanked the chain of the Braigh, pulling her closer towards him.

"You're very much like Her." He meant Evalle. Davik reached for Kaythenia's hair and played with a red lock, twisting it around his finger. "You're almost a dead ringer for her. Same fire but I do intend to break you of that, Red."

"Not...likely." Kaythenia managed to force out through the wall of pain, her expression a veil of defiance over the almost paralyzing fear that coursed through her like poison. That response seemed to please Davik, a low chuckle escaped his throat and his smirk caused the cut on his lip to trickle a thin red line down his chin. What he did next was worse than any violence he could have threatened her with, he roughly grabbed her chin and kissed her, smearing his blood across her lips. She fought against it but it didn't end until he finally let go, she wanted to vomit at the bitter taste and the intrusion of it. Davik got to his feet and his booted foot collided with her stomach, Kaythenia's breath left her in a rush. She couldn't intake a breath, it hurt too much. From there Davik removed the Braigh from her wrists.
"I'll give you half a day's head start...better start running."

Don't think about it.

"Just go, I'll be fine."

[youkai]

Youkai reluctantly nodded at her words. He could tell she wasn't fine, but he had already pushed a lot of information out of her this evening, any more just wouldn't be fair to her. Still it worried him. He could see the hidden pain behind her blue eye and it made him feel uneasy about leaving her alone. But perhaps some alone time was what she needed to fully let today's events sink in.

Slowly, he made his way to the door. He said nothing at first, allowing the silence to engulf the room, only the muffled commotion of the events downstairs intruding on it. He stopped at the door and stood silently for a moment, never turning away from it. He began think of an alternate possibility that she may attempt to flee before Youkai returned. She would see it as a way of freeing Youkai of his crazy intentions. He shrugged off the thoughts. Thanks to his time with the wolves in the north, his tracking ability far exceeded that of Davik's. He would find her easily, though not with the same hostile intention of Davik.

Turning his head to the side slightly he took one last look at her. Even from this distance he could sense the pain in her memories. She needed rest. Time alone to reflect. "If he shows up. Make a break for the castle. I'll inform the guards of your description and name so that they know you're not some fool trying to get into the castle. He said in a calm and caring tone. Lifting his hand to touch the lock, he turned it moved down to the handle preparing to open the door. "Sleep well Bard..." he spoke with a smile and made his leave.

She was still troubled, but Youkai wasn't going to force it out of her. She would tell him when she was ready, and he would listen.

[EXIT Youkai Ookami (unless your next post has something happen that says otherwise xD)]