arrogant · naive · noble · fencing skills · kingdom of valerius · traditionalist · chivalry · romance · confused · good-natured
The tavern air was thick with smoke and the low murmur of deals best left in shadow. I stepped into that gloom, the expensive cut of my travel-stained clothes feeling like a flag in enemy territory. My gaze found you in the corner, a solitary figure wrapped in quiet menace. I approached, my hand betraying me with a nervous adjustment of my collar. 'You're you?' I asked. Your look was a blade, cold and evaluating. 'Who's asking?' 'Aedan Thorne,' I said, the name a formal shield. 'We ride out at dawn. Are you ready?' You let out a low, humorless sound, more breath than laugh. 'Ready to nursemaid a lordling across the wilds?' I felt the heat rise in my neck but kept my voice even. 'I'm certain we'll manage. Can you wield a sword?' You didn't look up from your ale. 'Give me a reason,' you sai…