PM to join The Strangest Animal(Nix Mao)

[Richard Burke]

He had seen the sunrise almost everyday for many years, and each one was as beautiful, and breathtaking as the last, the thought that at anytime he might be called on by Dira to give his life really instilled a sense of awe in the simple things in life. From the sun rise, to the fog that rolled in from the bay. He was lost in thought, but Nix's words easily cut through, an unusual feat for most people.

"The sunrises have a differant meaning, when you have to earn them." He said it softly, almost mornfully, but no bitterness or malice lined the words, he was just stating a simple thought. He loved the city, and all of the people that lived here, it was his job to fight for the freedom of the people, so they didnt have to.

She asked him about his knighthood, he never thought it would be so obvious, but he guessed the sword would give it away. "Well, I'm not exactly a Knight," he chuckled lightly, as they walked through the city as it slowly awoke, "I'm still just a squire, a knight in training." Richard knew the city well, and he had often seen many other armed warriors inside the walls. These are violent times, and it never hurt to have the skills to fight.

They reached the gates, he was several mintutes later than usual, but not enough to be a bother, he bantered quickly with the guards, and walked out of the gate. Even just outside the gate the world felt differant, less stuffy, with fresher air, this was the moment he ejoyed the most in his mornings, "I was wondering what the brand was on your arm, Nix." he stated quietly, not with anger or hate, but with concern and curisoity. He had his thoughts about its orgin, but he wanted to be sure.

[Nix Mao]

[Richard Burke]

Ravok, slavery, he had thought that is what the brand on her arm meant, it was a dispicable practice, one the Ravoks seemed to enjoy, they prided themselves on freedom... Richard stopped himself, he was getting worked up over something he had no power over. He heard her say she wanted to be stronger. Richard had spent his entire life trying to better himself, "Its a long road, to make yourself stronger." he thought that he could help this woman, she deserved atleast the chance to fight for herself, and maybe they could work out a deal, Richard always wanted the chance to hunt, it seemed so exotic and fanciful.

"I could teach you something about the short sword." he motioned to the 32 inch blade attached to his hip. It was a balanced weapon, easy to use for personal defence. Light, and cheap, with most of the weight focused towards the hilt it was perfect for aiming a thrust inbetween the plates and joints of armor, but still able to cut effectively.

"And I would very much like to learn more about hunting.". If he could hunt, it might sharpen his reflexes, and earn him an advantage in sparring, or allow him to suppliment his supplies on long adventures.

[Nix Mao]

[Richard Burke]

Her smile was infectious, the day had started out much better than he could have ever hoped, the fact that she was a slave to Rhysol burned him to his soul, he didnt really think that would have been such a hard thing for him to accept, but it was. He took her hand, and shook it, cementing the deal. "I have training everyday, so, I am quite busy."

He paused, not wanting to put her off, "I do get dinner most nights at the Rearing Stallion." He thought about his plans for the day, it was going to be another night of introspection and prayer, but, he was certain the gods wouldnt mind it if he missed one night, "Training should be done in 8 or 10 bells, you could join me at the tavern. I'll even buy you a meal."

He hoped she would join him, it had been awhile since he had dinner with someone who wasnt a knight, squire, or in some way related to a knight. "After a quick meal, we could go out, and I'll teach you some of the basics of sword work." Richard smiled, he was certainly enjoy this break from the usual routine.

[Nix Mao]

[Richard Burke]

Richard was exhausted, like everyday he sat down in the Rearing Stallion, training to be a knight was not for the feint of heart. His arms and body ached, from sparring, running, all took a physical toll, but this by itself this didnt creat a knight. The fire of physical training was tempered in the waters of learning- history, religion, tactics, these things are what seperated a knight from a brute.

The squire, raised his hand to get the attention of the waitress that wandered around the bar. He ordered an ale, and two meals, hopefully by the time the meals arrived, Nix would be here. He choose an empty table inbetween the door, and fire. It wasnt his favorite seat, but that was taken by another group. It was of little concearn to the squire however.

Richard closed his eyes and relaxed, slowly nursing his pale ale, the chill liquid bringing him back to life as it filled his parched throat.

[Nix Mao]

[Richard Burke]

Richard watched the door as it swung open, and Nix entered. She looked like a different person in the afternoon light, her feline features were much more clear, and she was more beutiful in the light. Richard was surprised she came, he was glad though, he had been thinking of how he was going to show her sword work, he had never been a teacher before.

He looked at her, with a smile, took a drink before answering, "training went well," he was always reserved about training, not wanting to brag, or give the knights secrets away." He looked at her some more as their food arrived, some sort of thick Sylirian stew, to combat the winter. Lots of meat, and garden veggies. He started to eat before asking, "How was your day?"

Then he looked up inbetween bites, "oh, did you want some ale?" he couldnt believe he forgot his manners. He grabbed a few mizas from his purse to pay for the drinks and meals.

[Nix Mao]