[BCOLOR=transparent]When Darvan's gaze moved off of him, Nori let out a hefty sigh and his eyes returned to looking forward. With everything in him he hated that giant of a man most of all. Cold, unforgiving, negative, and a naysayer to boot. If that wasn't bad enough he was also a member of the infamous Dragon's Talon, who were irrefutably the strongest in the land, but also traitors to Resthaim. Why would Miya choose someone like him to be her personal guard? Whether it was out of jealousy, or simply a hate for Darvan personally he did not know, but this was one of the few topics he and the Queen did not see eye to eye on, even after hearing all her reasoning. Though honestly he wasn't sure why the Queen picked out many of the individuals of this group either...[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Darvan didn't seem to notice anyone talking back to him, even making fun of him, but Nori had learned early on that Darvan didn't care much for petty words, instead he valued action above all else. Words were cheap, anyone can say whatever they wanted in whatever way they wanted, but actions would never betray a trained eye. After a few short words Darvan simply turned and started a slow run, perhaps more of a quick jog, through a forested area. Anyone would be able to tell they were heading in the direction of the Castle walls, after all if you're heading away from the castle itself, where else could you go? After only a few minutes Nori's assumption was proved correct, they made it to their destination, the castle wall... or rather a large dark room underneath the castle wall.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred seemed very disappointed with the lack of reaction. "Oh, I get it," she decided sullenly as her flirty attitude fell off was shed off in one fell swoop. It was almost unnerving how smoothly she was able to swap her moods...it was a sign of a skilled actress. She waited for Nori to lead the way and then jogged idly behind the others, making sure she had everyone in her sights so nobody could pull a fast one and try to knock her over or something equally as stupid.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Nori's eyes took a while to adjust to the dim lighting, he found it hard to see much of anything other than Darvan who was standing under the light of a single torch. Darvan began by reintroducing himself, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"I'm the queen's pawn, call me whatever you'd like... Most of you here are perhaps among the strongest and most skilled men and woman in the kingdom but as you can tell I have little to no respect for any of you. Make me respect you and perhaps you'll get what you came here for." [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]After his short, rather uninformative introduction he went on to explain the test then finally he told them the pairing. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Nori and Hildred for gate number three." [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Nori's mouth went dry and he clenched his fists. Why was he paired with her? Did Darvan really hold a grudge against him? Was he hated that much? Sure the two of them didn't get along but... to this extent? Nori glanced down the line at Hildred before preparing to request a new pairing, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"If you have any objections to the groups then take it up with her majesty." [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Nori's eyes widened and briefly he wondered if he had done anything to offend Miya as of late but he quickly shook that thought out of his head. 'I must be paired with her for a reason... but I'll worry about that later, first I need to survive this test.'[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred grinned at Darvan's very, very vague remark about being called names. It counted as a small victory in her eyes, but she was too busy picking apart his words. Get what you came here for? But Hildred did not come here to get anything. And was the test just stroking this man's ego and trying to get a sense of respect out of him, because that would simply be too easy...Hildred's grin faded. She pulled her hood up. Everything that was thrown at her thus far was confusing; The queen assembles the strongest adventurers in the kingdom and tests them by forcing them to gain the respect of what remained of the Dragon's Talon. For what? 'What you came here for?' Was she left out of the loop here?[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]As soon as Darvan had finished talking Nori had taken off. He approached the nearest gate, 5, after only a slight hesitation he turned left, sliding slightly, and moved down the line before stopping at gate number three. His hands hit the stone and somehow Nori managed to move the large stones, in fact he did so with ease. Despite keeping a blank or cold expression almost 100% of the time Nori's face practically glowed with his surprise. He stood stunned for but a moment as he watched the doors slowly continue to open without any assistance before once again dashing forward. He didn't have any time to waist, he could not let Hildred catch up with him. That backstabber would not gain his trust and he would not be her next victim.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]But Hildred wasn't in any rush. She let Nori rush off, smirking with amusement - he seemed determined to do everything on his own and certainly didn't want to get near her. She cracked her knuckles, waved to Darvan jovially and strolled down to gate three...only she paused briefly, passing Torgeir. The thief tapped him on the arm. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Good luck," [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]she muttered before carrying on. It was curt, all business - out of all of the people she had met today there was something familiar about another hired killer in their midst which seemed to naturally attract Hildred towards the walking meat-shield. If anything, she was rooting for him.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Nori had misjudged the test. He assumed it would be some kind of obstacle course that required its participants to dodge multiple hidden traps and use wit to get through it, after all it was designed by a world renown trap artist. Nori was the furthest from prepared for what was to come. Nori made it to a large circular room and his eyes quickly dashed around trying to find a path or a lever, anything to help him move forward. After a few seconds Nori began to panic, at this rate Hildred would catch up, and heavens know he didn't want to deal with her. "Hello." A voice soothing voice echoed around the room. It was a voice Nori could only compare with the quiet voice a mother would use to calm her babe. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Who's there."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Nori instinctively drew his bow as he once again searched the room. "It's been awhile since anyone was brave enough to visit me. Stay awhile." As the voice finished its sentence Nori felt like his mind was swirling until finally his arms dropped limply besides him and his bow hit the ground.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred arrived shortly afterwards, but she took a much different approach. She entered very cautiously and her footfalls were nigh silent; best case scenario she could spook Nori with her entrance, worst case she could make a sharp U turn and tell Darvan she needed a new team-mate because her last one was now a pile of entrails on the floor. She poked her head around the corner and found...an empty room. Or, well, almost empty - Nori must've passed out with excitement in the middle of the floor like an idiot. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]His body could no longer support his determination to piss off everyone else and he's dead,[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] mused Hildred, stifling a giggle at the thought.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred nearly bolted it back up the ramp and out of the gate again when a soothing voice spoke right into her brain, skipping the whole 'ears' business entirely. "Another one?" it - she - asked curiously. Hildred thought fast.[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] "I am here to rescue the princess!"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] she announced gallantly, puffing her chest out and crossing the threshold into the room. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"I have located the princess,"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] she added, gesturing to Nori. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"So, uh, it was nice meeting you and I'll just-...grab that-...y-yeah,"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Hildred carefully approached Nori's unconscious body and wrapped her arms around it. As she hefted the lad up into her skinny arms with a grunt and thanked every deity out there that he was just as light as she thought he would be, the voice spoke again.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Going so soon, though? Don't you want to be with your friend?" Hildred gulped as the world started to spin dangerously. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Wouldn't call him a friend-..."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] she stammered, stumbling a little. For some reason, Nori had become much heavier. "Stay, wait around…" crooned the voice and Hildred fell to her knees. She felt dizzy, her legs just stopped working. She tried to say something witty but all that came out was an incoherent gargle as she dropped Nori. The last thing she saw was the gate closing as she tipped forward and landed on top of her partner, the darkness rushing in.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]When Nori awoke he was in a very familiar room. There were many people he hadn't seen in years, the highest of Nobles, the richest of merchants, and a handful of the Royal family. The mood had quickly changed as soon as everyone saw him, "There's nothing left here, lets leave." Nori's heart felt like it was tightening. His hand found his chest but no matter how he squeezed he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling. "Hurry, we can't be caught here. It'll hurt our reputation." "To think the Lightseer's would stoop to such a level." This was a seen Nori knew all too well. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"W-wait."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] his voice was nothing more than a whisper. When this had first happened he didn't know why everyone was giving him dirty looks, why everyone was leaving. His first thoughts had been, what was his party missing? But reliving this moment he knew all too well what was happening, and it only hurt more. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"P-please, don't go. I didn't lie."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] He stood from his seat, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Wait!"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] His voice resonated within the banquet hall. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"I may have lost my magic, but I still have my character!"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] He announced. Some stopped and turned to the pitiful being fighting a hopeless fight, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"I still have my strength, my body, my wit! I'm not to be pitied, there's no need to leave!"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred had no previous experience with magic. She never meddled with that part of the world because she was almost certainly at the bottom of the food-chain when it came to anything that wasn't...well, normal. It was not surprising, therefore, that when she passed out and woke up in another room she simply assumed she dreamt she was sent up to the palace on a grand adventure with a bunch of random people. She was now following the looming silhouettes of her parents out of a banquet, still feeling a bit woozy. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"What-...what are we doing?"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] she asked uncertainly, but her parents ignored her. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Mother, where are we?...Mum? Mummy? Moo-mah?" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]The nicknames were completely ignored - she was completely ignored. Something was not right so she turned around at the sound of Nori's voice.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Nori's eyes wondered over the people, most were still leaving, only a few still stood near the end of the table glaring at him. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"I-"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]. Nori's voice broke as he caught Miya's eye while she was ushered out of the door, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"T-the foods still good! The drink is flowing! It would be a shame to leave all this food to go to waist!"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] No matter what tactics he used more and more people continued to leave, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Please, just dine at my table."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Nori whispered halfheartedly to himself as he fell back down to his seat. When he was younger he hadn't been able to move under all the condescending eyes. He had thought, maybe, just maybe if I called out to them would that have changed anything? Of course it didn't. There was no proof... proof![/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Nori quickly stood and grabbed the decorative bow that hung on the wall together with the arrow resting with it. The bow was not supposed to be used as a weapon but that didn't stop Nori, he drew the bow and loosed the arrow which found its target, an apple stuffed in a roasted pig's mouth. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Look, I'll become one of the legendary bows of Resthiam! I'll make Dragon Talons tales look like dirt compared to my own tales of glory!" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Even though he showed his skill, still no one paid him any mind. They continued to quickly break away from the banquet hall. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred was hidden at the back, and she used the crowd to slip behind one of the ornate decorations and keep out of sight. What she saw was nothing short of heart-breaking; Nori struggled pathetically to keep a hold of the disinterested audience and he was slowly left on his own. With a start, Hildred realised that she was watching one of Nori's worst moments; this must've been the moment he became famous as the failed Lightseer mage. She had been there but she did not remember it too well, and now she was revisiting it. The question was how - but every time Hildred tried to figure it out she felt like she was trying to remember a dream. Details were slipping from her mind...all she could do was focus on the here and now.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]And the here and now was painful. Really painful. There was the man Hildred thought was so arrogantly set on his course to outshine everyone and prove himself, his voice breaking, desperately trying to maintain the attention of an audience he could never redeem himself to. His hands were shaking, he was frantic, she could see Nori's chest heaving and his jerky movements all betrayed signs of fear. He was terrified - it was unlikely that he could face this moment again. Hildred glanced back at the exit thoughtfully….she could just leave him there.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]But she knew she couldn't. Hildred knew the feeling all too well, and being hard on your luck was a bitter ache that she learnt to live with, but apparently Nori needed a gentle push in the right direction.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Noir had given up, he fell back into his seat and watched the events of his fifth birthday party unfold before his eyes just as they did so many years before. He had tried several different things, his tiny hands dropped the decorative bow and he bit his lip, was there no redeeming himself? No, there must be something, maybe not now, but in the future perhaps? It's not like what happened that day was his fault either but magic doesn't just suddenly get up and leave… where did it go?[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]She practically materialised from thin air by skipping out of her hiding space, grabbing the arrow shaft with the apple and collapsing into a chair in one deft movement. Two thuds later, and Hildred's boots were on the table, her chair tilting back a little and the ornate bottle of summer wine that was unfortunately in the way spilling all over the table. Hildred took a bite out of her apple and watched Nori carefully - because she did what everyone else didn't. She stayed behind when she could have left.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Fame's a terrible thing when you get it," [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]she finally remarked, crunching a bit of her apple. Her bright blue eyes bored into Nori's; there were no theatrical performances, no gesticulation, just plain-speaking. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Take it from me, I'm one of the most famous people in Resthiam and it's not all smooth sailing. So I wouldn't bother with your 'Legendary bow' dream."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Hildred leant forward and grabbed the half-empty bottle of wine.[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] "It's time we had a talk,"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] she decided firmly.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Nori hadn't noticed Hildred nearing the table, nor did he see her grab the flimsy arrow stuck in an apple, nor did he even notice her sit down right before him. Only after her feet hit the table was Nori pulled out of his swirling depressive thoughts and excuses. His eyes fell on the mini-Hildred (who looked rather peculiar, yet somehow he recognizable, despite the obvious age difference). 'I wouldn't say you're famous, maybe infamous, but not famous. Being loved and hated are two different things. And what do you mean Legendary Bow whatever? Receiving that title is one of the greatest honors of any archer!' Nori thought to himself but found it hard to open his mouth. After being ignored by so many people it was hard to find meaning in his words anyhow.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Now, I don't know what's got your knickers in a twist; I've seen you twice in my life, and you've only spoken to me once, and even then that was just a rude little comment."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Hildred didn't pretend to be hurt. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"You kept entirely to yourself, said nothing, stormed off to the gate without waiting for your team-mate and managed to get yourself into this mess. And it looks like you're having a tough time getting abandoned?[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]" The thief leaned back, frowning. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"No wonder you're so worried about being on your own, you're not making this easy on us. Hell, I don't blame 'em - I'd abandon you if I didn't know any better. Tell me, Nori, did you run ahead because you were excited to get the test underway or because you didn't want to work with me? Actually, let's not mess around, we both know the answer."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Nori listened as Hildred continued to go on and on about how he was going it all wrong, how he was making it difficult for people to like him and about how he forces everyone around him away. Well, being honest, Hildred was much better at making enemies than making friends so she shouldn't be one to talk but she did have a point, although he wasn't always like this, it was certainly true he was pushing people away now… However! It wasn't like he didn't have any friends. He had a few… well one… although perhaps her friendship was out of pity rather than anything else… but it's not like friends were a requirement. For all he knew they could just be a hindrance. Friendships were troublesome...[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred sighed, pulling the apple off the arrow and prodding the tip with her finger. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"You're so dead-set on proving yourself as a Lightseer that you forgot to focus on the Nori bit. Now you've got no friends and you're flinging yourself into dangerous tests on your own. Ever stopped to think about yourself instead of what your parents think of you? At all? Ever?" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred rubbed at her face. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"I'm a Harlow, Nori. Don't sit there and mope about how I can never understand the burden of living up to a name, because I can tell you right now that we're in the same boat...it's just your end that's sinking because you keep trying to make it into a battleship without plugging the holes."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred leapt up to her feet and then onto the banquet table, kicking aside meals and drinks - mainly because she could - until she was right in front of Nori. She crouched down so she was face-to-face with the understandably shocked boy, grinning. She held her hand out. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Hi, I'm Hildred Harlow. Thief and assassin extraordinaire. The Harlow Harlot. Hildy. Hilly. H.H. Pleased to meet you at least, Nori, I hope we become the best of friends."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Wait! What did she care? He could throw himself into any dangerous test he wanted, run after any fleeting dream out there, even get himself killed and it wouldn't affect her at all… don't tell me even the cold hearted assassin is pitying me now… Nori frowned. To think he'd fallen into such a state that even an assassin and thief would pity him.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Despite being completely thrown off by Hildreds appearance and words he still managed to reach out his hand and grasp hers. Nori's eyebrows raised, he hadn't expected her hand to be warm and soft. If anything he would have imagined them to be cold, hard, and rough. Something on the inside had always wanted friends and in a brief moment of weakness he had caved but he wouldn't let that moment control the situation. Swiftly he dropped her hand and stumbled backwards, knocking his chair over as he attempted to gain some footing. Hildred watched him, hawklike and crouched on the table. She tensed up a little.[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"You don't understand the first thing about me. I'm not living up to a name, I'm trying to save a dying one. The difference in like night and day, the pressure of one is like sitting at the bottom of a pond, while the other is at the bottom of an ocean. You can get almost anything you want, I can't even get my own father to look at me! You're known around the world for things you've done, I'm known for thing's I could never do!"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Nori threw his arm out to the side simply to blow off steam, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Look at this scene! An empty banquet hall, I'm five! Five! This is what I've been living under since I was five! This is my cursed isolation."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred personally wasn't quite sure how to take it. She never had someone open up like this before her. She flashed a smile, a sad one...who was he to claim he alone knew about that feeling? Hildred stood up on the table and loomed over him, hands on her hips. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Well, I don't know about you, but...uh, well, I-..."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Hildred paused uncertainly. She felt like a giant up there and when she looked down...well, she never took into account the fact she was so gosh-darn small. She sat on the table and tried to find a way to lower herself, leg wiggling in the empty air for a few minutes - [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Not one word, kiddo"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] - before managing to locate the chair and slip down from the tabletop onto the floor . [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Felt weird up there. Listen, Nori. I just told you we're in the same boat. Okay, maybe you don't believe me yet - but wait until we get out of the castle walls. You'll see some pretty interesting stuff. But for now, please…"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Hildred placed a hand gently on Nori's shoulder, her expression showing concern, her eyes just as unreadable as ever. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"...Trust me?"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Nori's arms crossed as the miniature Hildred stood up on the table, even she looked down on him, not that it was anything he wasn't used too. He'd continue to stand tall and let her know he wasn't backing down. After all, no matter what she did she wouldn't be able to intimidate him with her four year old self. Much to his surprise however, she didn't stay up there. After maybe a minute of fumbling around at the edge of the table she finally managed to find a safe root to the floor. All the tension between them had disappeared and a smile even made it to Nori's face as he huffed in amusement but the mood quickly swayed back as she rested a hand on his shoulder. Trust? Trust her? … [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"F-fine. For now…"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred sighed, standing up. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"You'd think I would get used to people being difficult...I guess I don't really have the patieeeeooowoah,"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Hildred groaned as she suddenly keeled sideways, falling off the table and grabbing the chair for support. Everything was swimming in and out of vision. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"N-nori? I don't...I don't feel too…"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] she murmured, feeling her grip loosen. She was out before she hit the ground.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Just as Nori thought they were done Hildred suddenly grabbed her head and fell to a knee while complaining about not feeling well. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Wait. What? Uh."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Nori took a step closer, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Did… did you drink some of the alcohol. You're four, you probably don't have much of a resistance to it at your age, I'll go get you so-som-some water."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Nori's body felt weak and before long he was also on the ground as well.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred woke up in a cell. Again, her inexperienced mind filled in the gaps since she couldn't begin to understand the complexities of the magic, so she simply assumed she had been jailed for something...stole something, somewhere, who knew? Hildred felt like a wreck, though. She was having weird dreams - the Dragon's Talon, and banquets, arrows and apples, princes and ladies and the Queen herself? At long last, Hildred was in her element. She strolled to the bars on the window. "Planning an escape, are we?" someone said behind her.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred glanced over her shoulder at the royal guard by the door. Hildred mockingly pressed a hand to her chest. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Never, officer. I'd never escape,"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] she gasped in fake outrage.[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] "What do you take me for, a criminal?"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] The guard started to unlock the door and Hildred's eyes flickered to the group of guards standing by. She felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach. "We've heard about your antics, miss Harlow...and we're gonna make sure you never see the light of day." The guard opened the door and stepped inside. Hildred reached for a knife that wasn't there. Her throat went dry. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Heh, really now? I'd like to see you try - where's your proof?"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"But we don't need proof, miss Harlow," replied the guard silkily. Hildred stammered [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"B-but I'm innocent. What are my charges? I have witnesses. I can pay my bail."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] The guards weren't listening - more and more of them were entering the cell. Hildred pressed herself against the wall. "This isn't about the law, this is about justice. You've been allowed to run rampant for too long...it's time someone taught you a lesson."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Nori woke up and found himself in the dungeon located in the nobel section of the Royal Capital. He had been here a few times for various reasons, normally training or turning in a bounty but he had never slept here before… Slowly Nori slipped himself out of a guards cot and stretched his arms before hearing a rather familiar voice sternly arguing with a guard. He slowly made his way out the guards quarters to see a group of maybe seven guards all standing around a cell. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"What, did the thief finally get herself caught?"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] He mumbled grabbing his gear from the wall not minding the abnormally large amount of guards standing around Hildred… after all this was Hildred they were talking about.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred yelped as the guard sent the back of his hand into her face, the red print already starting to form. Realisation struck her as sharply as the blow did. She was going to be beaten, and it'll hurt all the more due to the fact she knew, with unwavering certainty, that she was innocent - and she wouldn't stop crying out that she was. A set of knuckles smashed into her nose and she felt the snap and the flood of blood into her mouth, causing her to cough and sputter. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Please! I'm innocent - stop this!"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]At Hildreds yelp Nori's eyes jolted to the cell. He stood still, still not understanding what was happening, until Hildred started crying out. Nori quickly moved, bow in hand, and jumped on a bench across from Hildreds cell. Finally Nori knew, without a shadow of a doubt, what was happening. The guards were beyond anger with her and she was about to be unlawfully beaten. Knowing the strength of some of these guards, Hildred might not even survive.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Without a hint of hesitation Nori drew a specialized arrow and gave a shout, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Stop!"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Of course the guards, blinded by their rage, ignored him and continued to slowly encircle Hildred while randomly swinging their fists just to torment Hildred before the actual beating began. Nori's fingers relaxed and a whistling arrow soared into the chief guards hand causing his freshly drawn baton to go flying. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Aren't you ashamed to call yourself the chief of the guards?! You are the face of justice in this district. Children look up to you, the citizens adore you, everyone can feel safe knowing you're protecting them, yet this is how you treat an unarmed prisoner?!"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Nori was pissed, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"I don't care who they are or how much evidence you have against them, all of them go through the justice system and no matter what floggings are prohibited under the Queen's rule! By doing this you are directly insulting her royal highness!"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] The chief was obviously angry at first, his hands balled as his mind rapidly searched for some kind of reply to justify his actions but soon his hands relaxed. There was nothing he could do in this situation. "She was resisting, perhaps I got a little too upset. I apologize for my unsightly behavior." Quickly the guards dispersed leaving just him and Hildred.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred said absolutely nothing, she lurched forward and hugged Nori tightly, shaking from head to toe, too shocked and scared to even bother crying. She had a bruise on her face and the bloodied nose left red drops on her upper lip. She remained gripping onto him for a long time until, slowly, carefully she started to calm down. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"E-every day," [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]she stumbled over her words, her usual fluency beaten from her. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Every day, every second, every time a guard walks past. Every time. I get so scared." [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]She sniffed loudly, her voice cracking. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Th-ank you…"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Honestly, Nori had little sympathy for the girl. She was afraid of the guards because of what she had done not because the guards were untrustworthy or corrupt. Still, he couldn't leave a battered bloody girl unguarded. For now he would let Hildred cling to him… even if that also meant she'd bleed on him. After a long pause Nori finally spoke up, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"If you stick with me you won't be beaten unfairly… but don't think I'll let you get away with anymore heinous crimes."[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] For the time being they were stuck together anyways, he might as well help her feel at ease, if only in the slightest. He loosely wrapped an arm around her, "Don't do anything stupid and you won't have to worry." Nori suddenly started to feel dizzy. He moved his hand from Hildreds back to his forehead and struggled to stay conscious. If he went out now both of them would end up on the floor. *thud*[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred woke up first, realising she was sprawled on top of Nori. For a moment or two she remained there trying to figure out why everything stopped hurting. Was she dead? The thief kneaded her eyes with her knuckles...she felt sick with fear, the remainders of that nightmare only far too vivid in her mind. With a shudder, Hildred realised that she probably just experienced the so-called test that she was meant to be taking. Her gaze focused on her new pillow Nori as she gingerly poked him in the chest. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Did-...did we win?" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]she asked woozily...clearly she was entirely unused to the psychological attack, and it left her feeling weak and nauseous. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Nori groans as the pressure on his stomach shifts and his stiffness becomes apparent, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Hildred, get off me."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Wuz...wuzzat the test?"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Yes, get off me."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Nori, Nori...do me a favour. A solid. Help me out." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Do me one to-"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Tell. No-one. About what we saw in there. That's our little secret. 'Tween you and me." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Alright, but do me one too - get off me."[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Hildred tried to get up - the room stopped her, the floor slid under her and everything went dark around the edges again as she crumpled back onto the floor. This time, however, she simply blacked out instead of being forced into nightmare-land, and Hildred decided to let her partner know this by releasing another pitiful moan and wiggling a little. She looked rough, weaker than before, and unable to stand without assistance.[/BCOLOR]