An Unexpected Run In{Arthur}

[Aliyaha]

The forest was quiet this time of day as usual. Light wind ruffled through the trees, making them sway only a little. It moved pass a young blonde haired girl, making her waist length hair stir. A smile crossed her lips as she raised her head to stare at the sky with blue eyes. Aliyaha managed a small smile before she continued on her way. She was heading to Camelot. Aliyaha was born in the outskirts of the city and had lost both of her parents when she was only twelve years old. She had hoped that the two people that her parents were working with would keep her there until she was of age to move out and get work on her own. Apparently that didn’t happen. They were having trouble with their money problems and they couldn’t afford to keep the handful of servants. At least they had good intensions. They didn’t want to let her go. She remembered walking into the master’s study, looking up at him with a curious look on her face. The mistress was crying softly and the master was grief stricken. Aliyaha remembered having a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. She remembered thinking that something wasn’t right. It was the master who had eventually told her the bad news.

She remembered feeling hollowed. Surely this couldn’t be happening! Not when she had lost both of her parents already and at such a young age to. Aliyaha shook her head, trying to get rid of those thoughts as she looked away from the sky and to the area in front of her. She took a deep breath as she pushed back a strand of hair that had managed to fall in her eyes. She would find some work in Camelot. Or she hoped anyways. The fifteen year old hoped she would find work in the lower city, or perhaps in the castle. Wouldn’t that be grand? She thought to herself with a small sigh. She wished that one of the guards, Matthew, were here. He would have lighten the air with one of his jokes. The small smile grew a little bit bigger. There was a wistful look in her eyes as she continued to walk on foot. If she had, Aliyaha would have ridden a horse. But she didn’t know how to and she didn’t even think to ask. Well that was late on that, she mused slightly to herself. She made sure to keep one eye on her surroundings. Who knows what would have happen to her. She had heard stories about bandits catching people off guard when they were lost in their thoughts like she was.

Hopefully that wouldn’t happen, Aliyaha thought. Not now anyways. Her main goal was to reach Camelot and find work. She had what little money she had earned stored away. But that wasn’t enough. She bit down on her lower lip as a worried look crossed over her expression. Aliyaha shook her head again. She was being foolish. The fifteen year old would, with luck, find work in the city. Being raised as a servant, and two years on her own, anyone would have taken her in at some point or another. Only if they could afford it, a tiny voice in the back of her mind whispered. Aliyaha blinked away tears that had managed to gather in her eyes. She took a deep breath and was about to walk on when her ears perked up, hearing the distant sound of yelling and hooves. “There she is!” A voice snapped. It sounded like a captain or someone with higher authority, she noted before running. How long had they followed me? She asked herself with a panicked look. “Let’s get her and bring her back home. We would surely get a bundle with her being young.” They were talking, or rather yelling, about selling her? Dear God help me, she thought as she ran. “Ha ah! Gotcha you little brat!” Aliyaha screamed as the bandit in charge suddenly caught up to her, grabbing her by the hair. She continued to scream, hoping that someone would hear her.

Tag: Arthur
Words: 693
Time Line: midmorning to late afternoon-The Dragon's Call

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[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had to admit, it was nice to get out of the city for a while. With the celebration coming up to recognize twenty years since the Great Purge, there was a lot of preparations being done. But Arthur needed a break. A break from seating plans, and hearing about what people were going to wear -- even though he secretly had concerns himself for he was undecided as to what he should wear for the various festivities -- and all the general planning that went into a feast. So instead, he had sneaked away, knowing that his presence would not be too missed . . . for it barley would be noticed. Everyone was too busy to pay attention to where the prince was . . . which for once ,worked in his favor. Dressed in casual attire, with his usual hunting wardrobe on, he rode deep into the forest, enjoying the light afternoon air. The weather was perfect for a ride and he wished to have one without any disturbances. Unfortunately, no sooner had he thought this that he suddenly heard someone cry out, a scream that instantly caught his attention.

Arthur brought his horse to a halt and swiftly dismounted, quickly tying the reigns to a tree nearby. He then pulled out his sword in preparation for whatever had caused such a scream. Arthur carefully began to head towards the general direction that he heard it from, knowing it could not be too far away, and sure enough, it wasn't. His steps were light as he did not want to make his presence known until he had properly assessed the situation. He remained inconspicuous, in the concealment of a few trees and he looked at the scene before him. There were a few men, grabbing hold of a young girl. There was nothing more to assess. It was clear from the sneers on the mens faces and the way they looked at her and kept hold of her, what their intentions were. Arthur felt a surge of anger and disgust fill him. As a knight -- as a human being! -- he was raised to respect women and to protect them. Having Morgana as an adoptive sister had given him that strong brotherly instinct to protect her, but even then, his need to do so was not limited to those he knew. This young girl was a complete stranger to him, and yet, he was completely intolerant of the way the men acted towards her. Which was why he did not take long to step out of his hiding spot. Arthur stepped into the clearing, gripping the handle of his sword as he pointed the tip towards the man who was grasping the poor girl.

"Unhand her." The bandits -- or whoever they were -- may or may not recognize Arthur as prince, for among these woods were many travelers and foreigners, sometimes even people from outlying villages who may not have come to the city to ever meet or see the royal family. Additionally, he was not dressed in any armor nor anything that bore the Pendragon crest. So it would not surprise him if they did not know, nor would it surprise him if they did not care he was the prince. His tone of voice however held strength and authority to it; an undeniable sternness that was meant to suggest that it would be in their best interest to heed his words, and comply with them. Arthur found any sort of harassment towards women completely unacceptable and hated to think what sort of perverse thoughts entered the mind of such vulgar men. He was not going to wait to let the young girl find out. It was why he had intervened and why he was prepared to engage in a combat, if that was what it came to. As he always preferred less blood shed, sometimes, others were not as inclined to avoid violence by choosing an alternative.

[Aliyaha]

Aliyaha was too busy struggling that she almost didn’t hear the young boy telling the bandits to let her go. But the person in charge did. He sneered as he gripped her hair even tighter. “Who are you to order us around?” four of the bandits pulled out their swords and glanced at their boss, wondering what to do. He rolled his eyes. “Get him you idiots!” he snarled while twirling her hair in between his fingers. She managed a small whimper. “Don’t try anything funny or you wouldn’t like the consequences you little brat,” Aliyaha flinched against him while raising her head to stare at the young boy. He seemed to be a lot older than she was, she figured around five years older anyways. While he looked like a commoner to her eyes, there was no denying the air of power that she sensed about him. Was he a noble lord perhaps? She shook her head slightly. She was letting her imagination run wild again. Aliyaha was silent, staring up at him with a look of curiosity as the boss gripped her hair even tighter. Even the bandits had sensed that something was important about him. They had stopped to stare at the boss with a nervous look on their faces. “Idiots!” he snarled again while shaking her. “Kill him! The faster you kill him the faster we can sell her for money!”

Her eyes widen slightly, the fifteen year old girl glanced up to look at the boy. ‘Help me,’ she mouthed. She wouldn’t even think about saying that out loud. Not unless she wanted to get hurt anyways. She wasn’t stupid. “But boss he looks powerful,” one of the bandits protested, bringing Aliyaha back to focus on the present situation. He snarled and threw her to another man, who gripped her arms and yanked them up behind her back. “Stand aside dolts. I’ll deal with him,” Aliyaha cried out in pain as she struggled, desperately trying to get away from them. “Let….me….go” Her voice was soft as she managed to speak. She was shaking with fright. “Not likely girly.” The man holding her drawled while the boss was slowly advancing on the young boy, a man really. “We’re going to get some good money on you,” She wasn’t going to let them get her. Even if she would have to get hurt or die in the process she would try to get free. Light wind ruffled past them again as she closed her eyes and struck out with her legs. She hit something and the man holding onto her snarled as he dropped her, doubling over with pain. Aliyaha whirled around. She did hit him pretty hard. Good, she thought. Maybe that would teach him not to grab me.

The fifteen year old girl made a quick dash for the young man. Or at least tried to anyways. She yelped in pain as she was hit in the back of her head. She stumbled and lost her balance. She fell and felt her back hitting something. Aliyaha raised her head to look up at the man. Probably one of the most stupidest bandits. He grinned, revealing missing teeth as he gripped her arm. Aliyaha couldn’t help but to shudder in fright. “Who are you?” the boss snapped, glaring at the young man. “So bold to try to stop our business. And yet you wear power around you like a cloak.” The man holding Aliyaha chuckled at his words. “We could sell them together boss!” he yelled out. “Perhaps one of the most intelligent ideas you ever had your whole life,” his voice was filled with sarcasm. The man scowled lightly as Aliyaha bit on the inside of her cheeks, trying hard not to laugh. “I thought bandits were supposed to be smart and quick,” she mused. She ended up getting slapped in the face because of that. “Quiet girl,” the boss snapped. “You’re probably nothing but a lowly servant or a commoner!” Aliyaha cringed at his words, her cheeks turning slightly crimson. A servant whose looking for work, she thought but didn’t dare say it. She looked up to meet the boy’s eyes before looking away, a frightened thought crossed her mind. What if he decided to leave after that? Then what would she do? Aliyaha slowly turned her head to look back.

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[Arthur Pendragon]

Yes, Arthur knew he was outnumbered, but he was also confident that they were outmatched. If there was one thing that always put bandits at a disadvantage, it was their lack of strategy in combat. They had not skill, for everything they learned was self taught and lacking any sort of formal training. They were never strategic in the way they moved and they fought to kill. Arthur had encountered countless bandits in the past and they had become practically predictable in how they moved about and what sort of blows they struck. It was not easy to catch on to their pattern for it was the same thing: swing, block, swing block. It was why Arthur remained confident right now; why he stood his ground. Why he refused to leave this girl in the clutches of such ruthless men. "Who are you to order us around?" Who was he?! He was the Prince of Camelot!

When the leader told them to 'get him' Arthur moved his wrist in a bit of a circular motion to loosen it, and hold up the sword at his side, prepared for anyone who wished to administer the first attack. For the time being it would not be him, but from the way he spoke to that girl, Arthur was getting more and more restless, completely disapproving of this entire situation and wanted that to be known not only through his words, but also, through his actions. But none of them moved. Arthur internally cringed when he saw the bandit leader pull her hair, gripping it tightly. The Prince's expression intensified a bit, becoming more stern and more determined than before. Still. No body moved and the leader shouted once again. Sell her for money. Revolting! Arthur slowly took a step forward, unable to just stand there motionlessly when he saw the girl mouth for him to help her. He wanted to alleviate her fears as quickly as possible and it would not be achieved by just standing here.

"But boss he looks powerful." Powerful was right! He was the Prince! The leader of the knights! Oh if only they knew. Arthur took anther step forward, noticing that none were doing the same. He subtly glared when the girl was thrown about, completely disrespected; treated so inhumanly. It was disgusting! Arthur was waiting for the man to make good on his words and 'deal with him' as he so eloquently put it. Suddenly, everything took a turn. She hit him which would have created ever the slightest smirk on the prince . . . had she not been hit right after. That was the last straw. It was bad enough they were trying to abduct her and harassing her . . . but abuse? No. This would not do. This would not be tolerated in any way. If possible he felt more anger build up inside of him over witnessing such an act . . . how could a man lack so much conscience that he could so carelessly hit a woman? Whether it be a young girl or a grown woman, neither should ever be condoned!

He did not answer his question about who he was. And in addition to everything else,the man had the audacity to suggest they sell him?! HELL NO! And there it was, another slap across her face! While the bandits had seemed distracted among themselves to bicker and . . . make plans for selling them, Arthur had used the opportunity to close more distance between them, one step at a time. He knew which one he wanted to get to first, and for once, it was not the leader. It was the man who had been hitting her. The one who Arthur wanted to kill for such actions! The slap would be the last time they laid a hand on her. In one swift motion, Arthur reached for his dagger, which was wrapped in a thick cloth and threw it directly at the bandit's forehead -- the one who had the girl in his grasp. The handle of it landed between the man's eyes, obviously not killing him, but impairing him. There were a number of reasons he had done this. One, to disorient the man. Two, to give the girl a weapon. Three, to show that he would not kill them unless they made him. As soon as the clothed dagger hit the man, Arthur clenched his hand into a fist and punched him across the jaw as hard as he could. It would be a lesson -- though a very minimal one compared to his crime -- to never hit a female.

With these attacks, the man's grasp on the girl was obviously loosened and Arthur took full advantage of this. He grabbed the girl's arm and pulled her behind him, taking several steps back, away from the bandits without turning his back to them for an single moment for when in the presence of an enemy, in the midst of battle, it was unwise to take your eye off your opponent. In this current position, he was now the barrier that the bandits would have to get through to get to her. "Stay close," he told her in a low voice, hoping she trusted him at least enough to not make a run for it. Arthur could easily distract the men but he could not control the direction they made a run for and he feared they would only chase her. He continued to hold out his sword, prepared to further protect her if need be. "If either of you try to lay a hand on her, I swear it will be the last action you will ever make in this lifetime." His words showed no sign of exaggeration or sarcasm. They were dead serious; spoken still with that same authority and confidence he had first spoken to them with. "So make it known now, if any of you still have a problem." As in, if any of them were going to be stupid enough to try and attack him or the girl.

[Aliyaha]

Okay so this wasn’t exactly on Aliyaha’s list of things to do today. She wanted to go into Camelot to find work. Even if it was an inn at least she would have a roof over her head. Not to mention hot meals if that was possible. The mere thought of having hot meals made her eyes brighten a little. It was a joyous thought to the young girl, who only survived on rations that she had. And they were slowly going down. She shook her head. She really didn’t expect to run into a person in the forest, let alone a couple of bandits. Aliyaha didn’t know what they wanted to do with her at the beginning and now she knew. They wanted to sell her for money. Now that the young man in front of her had showed up they wanted to sell him to. She didn’t mean to get anyone into trouble, let alone hurt on her own account. She also didn’t expect him, or anyone for that matter, to come to her aid. Despite the situation at hand she couldn’t help but to stare at him. The young girl then shook her head at herself. If they manage to survive the encounter she would have to ask who he was, but not before thanking him. She made a mental note in the back of her mind to do just that.

Aliyaha was brought back to the situation by the tightness of the man’s grip. “Well….how about a bargain then?” the boss drawled. “We will give you the girl and you can give us the money. Just tell us how much she’s worth,” a rather greedy look appeared on his face. Aliyaha couldn’t help but to shudder slightly. The man holding her chuckled softly as he pulled her arms up behind her back even tighter and she let out a small yelp at the pain. What came next, though, she honestly wasn’t expecting it. She watched as the blonde haired boy pulled out a dagger and flung it at the man. She didn’t want to see where it had hit. The young girl figured that must have hurt anyways. She cringed as she was grabbed and pulled back. Aliyaha opened her mouth to protest but it died in her throat as she was pulled behind the young man. She nodded at what he was saying. “Yes sir,” her voice was equally low. He had wounded, perhaps even killed she had hoped, the man that was holding onto her. Aliyaha could trust him. She wouldn’t even dream of running away, not when it could perhaps cost her life. She saw how fast the bandits were in grabbing her, to make sure that she didn’t escape. But how were they in killing? She shuddered a little.

The young girl was pulled out of her thoughts by the boss’s laughter. His eyes were glittering coldly. “Seems you had done me a favor boy,” he drawled again. “I was going to kill him for his stupidity.” She hid even further behind him. “But in the meantime I wouldn’t mind settling for you and the girl,” the boss had pulled out an old, worn out sword. He started to advance slowly on them but he stopped when the young boy had spoken. The rest of the bandits looked uneasily at the boss, waiting for their next order. The change in the boss was stunning, at least to Aliyaha anyways. “Fine,” he grumbled. “But the next time we see you roaming around these parts, you can be assured that our next encounter would not be easy at all. Move out!” he yelled turning away from them. It was clear that the bandits were stunned. “But boss-” one of them started to protest but the others shushed him as they followed, throwing nervous looks over their shoulders at the young man. Aliyaha breathed a sigh of relief as she took a step to his left and slowly raised her head to smile shyly. “Thank you,” she whispered as she curtsied briefly. “Thank you for saving my life. May I ask who you are?” she inquired while looking at him with a rather curious look on her face.

Now that the bandits were out of her way she could breathe again. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before. Well…there was that one time were she was almost attacked in the master’s and mistress’s home but that was different. Those were by nobles who knew what they were doing. Aliyaha shivered as she forced those memories out of her mind. She linked her arms behind her back as she looked away from him and stared at the ground, biting down lightly on the inside of her cheek. A worried look soon crossed over her features. “I…I don’t have much sir. My parents are dead and there was a…a..cut on the staff of my former owners and…and I’m only a servant….” Soon Aliyaha found herself babbling to him about her life. “I only came to Camelot to try to find work in the lower city I hoped…o-or even the palace.” There was a faint blush to her cheeks as she stopped and glanced down at the ground, her whole body was tensed as she waited for a reaction from the boy.

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[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur did not say anything to encourage conversation. He just waited, bracing himself, prepared to fight defensively if they decided not to leave. Arthur had to fight a smirk, finding it rather humorous that the man was threatening him. The Prince was arrogant enough to believe that it was the most ridiculous threat he had ever heard in his life. And he almost, almost wanted to tell them who he really was. But he did not. There was no need to make them any angrier when there was a young girl's life at stake, and that was the most important thing right now. Had he been alone, perhaps it would have been different. But they had already struck her twice and he would not let there be a third time. The poor girl has been put through enough. Besides, she could very well have a family . . . parents who were worried senselessly about her. Arthur's slightly narrowed as he watched them, listening to their ongoing commentary with one another. Bandits were idiots, but the fact that they decided to leave was probably the only intelligent decision they made during the entirety of their lives.

When they were finally out of sight, Arthur's body relaxed a bit, though he was still on guard instead they decided to avenge their pride. When the girl began to speak, he turned his head to the side and down to look at her. He did not feel she had to thank him, for this was his duty as prince and leader of the army, but it was clear that her appreciation was sincere and he acknowledge it with a short nod of his head. Her question about his identity was a valid one, but he waited for her to finish speaking before answering it right away. The next part of her story dismissed his earlier thoughts about her having a parents that would be worried about her. He felt saddened hearing that she was orphan but also knew that this was no rare occurrence. Of course that did not make it any easier to see the people he so loved in a kingdom that he would one day rule . . . be subject to such loss and force independence at such a young age.

Considering what had just happened to her, it seemed that there was some good fortune to compensate for the misfortune. Nothing compared to the loss of parents, but she was a servant, looking for work, hopefully in the palace. Well, it just so happened that she had crossed paths with one of the owners of the castle. His expression softened a bit with the hopes of relaxing her as he could clearly tell there was worry behind her eyes. He did not want his aid towards her to end now. It was a dangerous world for such a young girl to be traveling alone, and a difficult lifestyle if she had no means of income to pay for shelter, food, clothing, etc. What small things he could do to help his people, he would. And besides, there were always positions available in the royal household. It would be easy enough to grant her a job there. "I'm sorry to hear about your parents," he said first and foremost for he knew the loss of one and it was no easy burden to bare. He could not imagine losing them both.

"You are in luck, for my destination also happens to be the city," he said with a faint smile. The luck of course, did not end there, but he was slowly easing into it. "You owe me nothing," he said causally but sincerely, so that she knew that he meant these words. "Other than perhaps your company for a little while longer as we venture to the city?" His remark was said a little bit jokingly in a way. Instead of explaining the dangers of the woods, which he was certain she was already aware of, he was trying to make it sound like more of a favor to him to ease his mind by allowing him accompany her to her destination. For if he were to find out that he let her off on her own, and then later discover a body . . . it would forever fill him with regret. And a strong hurt and pain over losing a beloved citizen of Camelot.

[Aliyaha]

It was such a relief to Aliyaha that the bandits were gone. She could relax a little but she wasn’t foolish enough to let her guard down. Not after what she had been through. And besides, it was dangerous for her to be in the woods without any type of weapon. Not for the first time did Aliyaha wished she knew the basic fighting moves for defending herself. It would have made her life a little bit easier perhaps. Bringing herself back to the present Aliyaha still wondered who he was. The blonde haired young man that was standing in front of her. The bandits certainly thought that he was of some importance. Or maybe they were delusional perhaps. Whatever it was, Aliyaha knew it wasn’t the latter. “Thank you sir,” her voice was rather soft as he said he was sorry about her parents. While it was the typical response she somehow found it comforting. When her father had died in battle Aliyaha was too young to be told the cause of it. Her mother and the master and the mistress had said that it was during battle. When her father was fighting for the freedom for her and for the rest of the people. She remembered asking for him every morning only to be told the same thing. Then her mother had died and she was left to be raised by the master and the servants. It was a good home. Her owners were very generous people.

A small sad smile was starting to spread across her lips as she took a deep breath. She pulled out of her thoughts before glancing up at him, in time to hear what he was saying. Her eyes suddenly held a bright, hopeful look. She frowned, a little taken back but smiled a bit shyly. “I would never forget that you saved me sir.” Aliyaha had a surprised look and she immediately jumped at the chance. “I would love that sir. It would save me the help of asking for directions,” she added the latter as an afterthought. Her cheeks were turning slightly crimson as she returned her look to the ground. She still didn’t know what his name was. It would be nice to have been told but Aliyaha immediately pulled that out away from her mind. He had taken the time to save her. When other people would have walked by and let the bandits continue with their attack and possible assault. Not to mention selling her for money as well. The thought made Aliyaha paused a little. She was sure they were bluffing when they were fighting over the possibility of selling both her and the young man for money. Then again the looks on their faces weren’t at all too reassuring. The thought terrified her. It would have made her life more harsher. Her arms were still linked behind her back. Her curiosity didn’t keep her from being quiet. “Pardon me sir. But I do wish to know your name. The name of the person that saved me,”

She wondered what his response would be. Her curiosity was always seen as a weakness to the young girl. It had gotten her into trouble when she let her guard down as well. Soon Aliyaha found herself asking him questions. “Do you live in the city? How is the city? Do you…do you know anyone that might need work?” She felt her cheeks turning even more crimson at the last question. Aliyaha was always worried about the little things. She had noticed that ever since losing her parents within a month apart from each other. The young girl had thought of life as being unfair in certain times. There were times that she wished that her father had survived the battle. She wished that she was in the mansion, in the home that she grew up in and loved. Aliyaha knew that most servants didn’t have the good things in life that she did. Most masters were cruel and harsh to them. Starving them and not giving them any food until the work was complete. Beating them until they learned what not to do or whenever they felt like it. It wasn’t the life for her. She was fortunate to have grown up the way she did. Silence stretched between the two and Aliyaha was too deep in her thoughts to noticed. After a few minutes she shook her head a little to get rid of the thoughts and memories.

“How far is the city from here?" she wondered out loud. It seemed as if she was thinking out loud but she was looking at the young man with her head tilt to one side. A curious look was starting to show. While born in the outskirts of Camelot, Aliyaha had never ventured any further than three miles from the mansion. Her parents had insisted on keeping her close. She wondered what possibilities the city of Camelot had to offer. Surely it was a lot if not more. Aliyaha looked at him shyly, blushing for her slight ignorance. She grew quiet again, not wanting to make him angry or possibly offend him by asking such questions. She shifted a little anxiously as she waited for him to speak.

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[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had to admit that she was a very respectful young individual. Without even knowing his true status, she was referring to him as 'Sir' and giving him through small curtsies. For all she knew, he could be some random blacksmith. But then again, she seemed to recognize he was not quite that common . . . or maybe she was like this with everyone. He supposed he would find out eventually, especially if he would be seeing more of her as he planned to grant her a position in the royal palace. When she told him that she would never forget he saved her, he just gave her a polite nod. Servant or not, he never expected anything in return for when he fulfilled his obligation. But he would not dwell on the subject for he knew that the most he insisted it she need not thank him for this, the more she would. Despite her evidently shy demeanor she seemed to know what to say, and how to say it to not appear overly bold, yet equally inquisitive. Not to mention perceptive for she apparently noticed that he had failed in disclosing his name. "Arthur," he told her casually.

He hoped with the nonchalant way he presented the name, she would not make the connection. Not yet; for he wanted to have a bit of fun with this. After all, he couldn't possibly be the only Arthur in the world. And that Arthur, that rudely arrogant one would never give his name with such lack of titles . . . of course, that was where the fun in deception came in. Even the young Prince liked to find ways to amuse himself every now and then. Seeing the look on people's faces after discovering that he was the prince of Camelot was so very amusing and he hoped he'd not spoiled it by meeting her request. He supposed only time would tell but he would hurry along the next subject -- or answering the next question that she had -- so that she would not dwell on his name too much. "I do live there. Have lived there for my entire life," he began to explain to her. "So therefore know it well," he added. He not only knew the city well, but the entire kingdom. It was his home after all and with all his travels that either was required by his duties or simply by his desire for a good hunt, he had grown familiar with most all the land.

"I cannot not think off the top of my head anyone who needs aid. Perhaps once we arrive, I can see who would be interested in giving you work." Oh the irony in his words, for he knew that very person was himself. He was more than willing to give her work if she had no alternative, which seemed to be the case. "Do you know anyone in the city?" He asked, wondering if she had acquaintances there of sorts, or if she was entering it a complete stranger to all within it. Well, previously that would have been the case, but she had gained an ally today: him. "The city is not far from here. But a bit of a distance to walk." Again, he was used to the long travels, but he was unsure if she was. He reached to his side and pulled out a small water pack, offering it to her. "You will need to keep up your strength." She was so petite and young, that he did not know how much would ire the poor girl. He could pace himself easily if need be. Besides, the trauma of recent events may have drained her and made her feel less strong than usual. He could not blame her for such a thing. She had almost been abducted! But he would see, for perhaps, his first mistake would be underestimating her.

[Aliyaha]

There was a small smile appearing on her lips as she bowed her head respectfully. “It’s a pleasure Sir Arthur,” Aliyaha told him, her voice was still very soft. Her arms were still linked behind her back. She raised her head a little to glance at him before quickly looking back down. She was raised well. Both of her parents had seen to that. How many fifteen year old servant girls were quite polite as she was? Aliyaha bit down on the inside of her cheeks to stop herself from blushing at that thought. It was just mere foolish. Servants had to be polite by nature no matter how the person was individually. That’s what she had thought at least anyways. That was how the servants were when she lived in the mansion. Aliyaha sighed softly to herself a wistful look in her eyes but she managed to push that out. It was replaced by her usual faraway glance. There was no need to dwell on such memories. Those were things of the past now. As far as she was concerned, Aliyaha was heading towards a new future. Now how she was going to get there that was of another matter. There was a worried look in her eyes now as she wondered how she would managed to afford a modest room in an inn.

She supposed she could earn her keep while staying there for as long as was needed. The mere thought didn’t comfort Aliyaha at all. She shook her head slightly as she raised it again in time to hear what Arthur had to say. The worried look was replaced by a bright glint in her eyes. She was glad that he had managed to cross her path. In a…most unusual circumstance when she was concerned. Aliyaha hoped that Arthur would be able to guide her around. She perked up a little when he told her that he had lived there his entire life. Maybe he knew someone that could take me in! Aliyaha thought to herself. Hope was rising in her as her eyes sparkled. The spark dimmed down when he asked if she knew anyone in the city. Her cheeks turned a little bit crimson as she shook her head. “No sir,” she replied. Then she frowned. Did she have any family members in the city by some lucky chance? That was unlikely. Her parents did not talk about other family. Well as long as she remembered anyways. She wondered if they had any friends that managed to make a living in the city. Pulling herself from her thoughts Aliyaha found herself telling the other.

“I don’t think I have family this far. My parents didn’t talk about them if I remember right,” a rather sheepish look was starting to appear. She ducked her head to hide her redden cheeks. Aliyaha felt that she was being of no help in that matter. The young girl finally managed to get herself under control and looked back up at him. “How much of a walk?” She wanted to know, a look of curiosity was starting to show in her eyes. Aliyaha blinked several times as she slowly took the water pack with a quick thank you. “I probably need to fill up my food store,” there it was again. The sheepish tone. “Before I left my previous owners made sure that I had enough food and water. I think it’s going down the last time I had checked,” She think? Or she wasn’t sure? Thank goodness she was keeping her mouth shut. She didn’t know why she was feeling a bit…ignorant was the word that she was looking for. The look she kept on her face was blank right now. It didn’t show what she was thinking which was a good thing right now.

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[Arthur Pendragon]

For a second, when she said 'Sir Arthur', he wondered if she realized who he was. But that thought was quickly pushed aside as he realized that she had called him Sir before, prior to knowing his name. Now, she just had another name to add to the title. It was a strange thing to play around with, the secret of his identity, but he found it refreshing at times to just be able to hold a casual conversation with someone . . . rather than have it filled with awkwardness and a strong formality. Of course, this only went so far . . . because ones someone defied him to a strong extent, he often made his rank known. He doubted Aliyaha would cause him to do such a thing though. She was far too shy, too timid to seem to do something that would directly offend him. "Likewise," he said with a smile when she told him it was a pleasure. Even if she was just a citizen . . . or a servant from what he heard, why not extend the same sentiments? He was after all, playing along with this whole 'I'm just a citizen' idea.

He felt all the more sympathy for her when she revealed she had no family. A young girl, ventured to a stranger city on her own, with no family, friends, or peers of any sorts? Not even a job? Arthur was feeling more and more inclined to grant her a position in the royal household. At least she could reside in the servants quarters if no where else. "You are all on your own then?" He asked, both with concern and curiosity. Concern because . . . well, the city could be a dangerous place if she was all by herself. Curiosity, just to further work out the details in his head over giving her a job. If she had nothing else, then he had a strong feeling she would accept his offer. Not many refused such an opportunity to work in the royal castle. "How much of a walk?" Not far compared to the great distance she had traveled. She must be tired. Poor girl. The last thing she would have needed was to be attacked by bandits. He hoped his next words would give her a bit more encouragement. "To the city, it is far enough," he began, but his words were not said in vain. "I have a horse up ahead," he added, assuring her that she would not have to remain on foot for too much longer now.

At least her previous owners cared for her enough to give her food and water . . . even if they sent no escort with her. The roads were dangerous for a woman, let alone a young one . . . as recent events just proved. "Do not fear. We are not far enough from the city for you to run out of your supply." Either she would still have some left by the time they got there, or they would arrive just as soon as she ran out. Either way, he would make sure she had a decent meal. He may not be able to help ever citizen in the kingdom, but the few he crossed paths with, he would do what he could to aid them. Is that not what a future king did anyway? Use his own wealth and resources to benefit the citizens of Camelot? He walked alongside her, trying to see if she needed a break. "Let me know if you need rest," he said, unsure of how much of it she had gotten. The encounter with the bandits certainly did not count. "I am rather surprised you managed to make it all this way on your own," he told her. It was not said in a way to doubt her capability . . . but more, almost in an surprised and admirable way, that she possessed such strength.