love as thou wilt [open]

[Joscelin William Teimlia]

[Open for any ideas for this thread. PM me if you wish to further discuss or simply reply to the thread!]

“It’s strange to think that I was born here,” Joscelin mused as he lifted a hand to his brow to blot out the sun. The burnoose helped with the insurmountable heat but even then Joscelin was not accustomed to such a thing. He preferred eastern Niendra’s current clime but there certainly was a semblance of a calling from Carthonia…somewhat that settled deep within his core, making itself known to him and beckoning him to learn more. It was partly that and partly a curiosity that he had longed to have sated, and now for the first time, he was truly going through with it.

“Quite strange my lord,” Fortun agreed, looking worse for wear under the heat. The man, fifteen years his senior, didn’t seem to be very fond of the weather and much less the desert as a whole. Joscelin, though, held a strange fondness for it, but then again, Joscelin had always been inclined toward ventures when having the luxury to do as he pleased.

“Do you think that my mother looked upon this very desert once?” Joscelin asked as Hyacinthe, his red-speckled stallion, tossed his head and snuffed at the air. All the while Joscelin’s eyes roved over the dunes and sloping hills of sand that seemed to stretch for an eternity all around them, at least until the moment the city of Ingril had come onto the horizon. It didn’t even seem like it belonged there, and yet at the same time, it did.

It fit the same way he fit here in a way.

“Mayhap, my lord,” Fortun replied.

Mayhap…Mayhap there were a lot of things she had seen, touched and experienced here that he would experience himself for the first time. Mayhap this day would be the beginning of many new beginnings and mayhap he’d find what he was looking for…the mark his mother left upon this world, no matter how small it may have been…someone would have known her here. There was always a chance of close friends and mayhap even surviving family. Gods, Joscelin wished that his mother would have penned her name with her surname. It would have made things infinitely easier, but unfortunately, she hadn’t.

He only had her true name to go on…Phèdre…

If only she was still alive.

“For too long I have neglected the other half of myself, Fortun. I will not do so any longer,” Joscelin said aloud, although more to himself than to his able bodied servant and guardian. “We should never forget the things that have created us, my lord…no matter how small it may be,” Fortun said, sounding rather pleasant for the first time since arriving in Carthonia. It took Joscelin aback as he lolled his head and looked to his guardian. He lifted his brows and smiled, looking amused.

“Is that so, Fortun? Well, yes…you are right, but I daresay I’m shocked that you sound…pleased,” he said, pursing his mouth. Fortun made a face, wrinkling his nose and furrowing his brow. “Well, Ingril’s in sight and there’s always refreshments to be had there. That and hopefully proper company…” Fortun said, smiling into the fabric of his thin hood. Joscelin broke into laughter then.

“I see. Well, I do hope you’d be mindful of your coin when it comes to it, Fortun. You are a foreigner here and the natives would undoubtedly try to get as much as they can…” Joscelin warned him, eying him and smiling the entire time; toothy, wide and full of humor. Fortun flapped his hand dismissively at Joscelin which made him chuckle as he looked back to Ingril, the walls large and imposing…commanding and defying the whole wide world around it.

It was glorious…as glorious as Joscelin wished to be one day…It made him lift his chin and sit in the saddle a bit higher, straightening his back further as he commanded that regal air of his. All the while he made that promise to the woman who he once knew as a mewling babe once upon a time ago…a woman whom he would have undoubtedly loved, who had loved him unconditionally.

Phèdre.

“Stay close, my lord!” Fortun shouted over the din of the city of Ingril. It was loud and so full of life! The streets were packed to the brim with men and women, children rushing to and fro and there were even hounds. Then there were wagons, horses and cattle, others leading mules with heavily laden panniers full of purchased wares and those to be traded. It was so wildly different from eastern Niendra and Joscelin shivered with delight and excitement at the sight of so many different faces of all ethnicities and walks of lives mingling together as differing languages flitted here and there. All the while he forgot of Fortun, nudging Hyacinthe forth the entire time and losing Fortun in the crowd.

“It’s lovely,” he breathed out heavily to him, clutching the reins as he pressed deeper into the markets. Oh, what untold things were there…? What arts were hidden amidst the stalls and what peculiar scents did they sell here or there? What fabrics and trinkets? What tales did this man or woman have…? What, what, what…so many questions and so little answers…such an eager curiosity and aching need to learn and know. Gods, he wanted to know it all as his mother had.

He wanted to love it as she had…as she had signed her letters once upon a time ago…

He wanted to love as he wilted as she had.

[Catriona Kellan Ó Faolain]

It had been awhile since Kel had hired that mercenary to help take her to her sisters place, and only because she had been tired of traveling alone. The younger noble was used to being alone now that her sister was married and that she had ran away from her own arranged marriage. Always the tough girl, strong and able to handle herself she had seen nothing wrong with it. In fact she had been enjoying it for over two years now and there was no sign that she was slowing down anytime soon, she was still rather young herself. On hindsight she was very glad she had that healing ability. Getting in the type of skirmishes she did often saw her bleeding and sometimes a great deal.

Once at her sisters place there had been celebrating and gift giving but Arina was not able to keep here there more then a fortnight before she had to leave again. Parents and the like, she refused to go along with some marriage plans they had. Not to mention, what man in their right mind would settle for a girl like her? She was prideful, willful, and entirely too full of the wanderlust. Kel had a sharp tongue and an even sharper wit and she had no trouble wielding those two weapons. She was just as adept with them as she was the two curved blades upon her back.

Not one for keeping track of time she really could not say how long it had been since she had been home, but she knew it was awhile. Traveling on foot did make things take a bit longer then on horseback...and really why was she still on foot? Kel groused, mostly to herself, about her lack of foresight and common sense. Though she had to commend herself, she had some pretty strong legs now, more so then before. But, poking at her midsection through her clothing, she was getting on the skinny side again as well.

Catriona was very careful when she had first entered Ingril, she was after all a Niendran. Though that wouldn't be blatantly obvious until she did something like take off her hood she figured. Though she had tried to keep her own self inconspicuous, her and her sisters looks were rather...famous? That could be the right word for it. Redheaded individuals were not that prolific anywhere, especially here in Carthonia, then you add that she was a woman and the shine of her obsidian eyes and anyone who knew such things would be able to figure out who she was. Oh, there was always that glaringly alabaster skin of hers as well.

Though the temperature was stifling she kept covered. Head to toe in the beige colors that were common here, and really what she normally wore anyway. The only difference was the style and even then it was a mish mash of so many places that it could not be placed on site. Just to make sure her hair was not spotted she had placed it into a tight braid and shoved the length, which she kept long for vanity and pride reasons, down the back of her layers. Layers which she desperately wished she was not wearing right now as she could feel sweat trickling down her skin, it's touch more intimate then anything she had ever felt.

There was a commotion near the entrance and the redhead just had to see what was going on. The murmuring was of someone with money, some noble of some sort had just came in. Not a lot of people were necessarily staring but there were plenty of thieves in such an area and being as nondescript as she had hoped she could hear some snatches of conversation. Quickly moving, shoving the last bit of a treat she had purchased into her mouth as she went, she spotted the show pony. It was her little nickname for the nobles, even if she happened to be one. He sat atop quite a lovely horse and again she cursed herself for always traveling on foot, though it did make her stand out less in such a crowd of people.

Black as pitch eyes watched as a small group of what were obviously thieves to her eyes began to sneak up nearer to the noble and she frowned. Ahh why did she have such a problem with her own kind yet want to protect them as well? It was time to act quick and think quicker. Being tall and carrying two large and heavy swords on her back she shoved her way through the crowd growling and complaining so that people moved out of her way more. Act like you are supposed to be somewhere and you could get so much more done. This was a trick she learned from the many mercs and sailors she had encountered in her life.

Though Kel could not help but laugh, the man looked downright delighted with a childlike intensity that bordered on cute. Perhaps he had never been in such a place before and that was the excuse for acting so...clueless? Finally she made it up to his side, well...his horses side anyway. “Ahh, there you are m'lord! I have been waiting for you to show up.” Oh, her acting was actually pretty good and as she peered back it gave the thieves pause. What manner of brigand wanted to tousle with a person who carried such large weapons and seemed very capable of using them? Especially in a crowd.

Catriona wanted to whisper to him about the thieves but there was no way he would hear her high up on his steed as he was. “Should I lead you to a stable now m'lord? It is incredibly easy to get lost in such a place.” Please oh please for the sake of my sanity and your money just go along with this! She fairly willed that he do, and belatedly wondered how she could disguise her voice better for even to her own ears it was deceptively feminine. The only problem with her disguise, her voice.

((I replied, I hope you do not mind it. Kel was adamant on what was going on lol. If you have an issue just PM and I can take care of it))

[Joscelin William Teimlia]

[Excellent post! Exactly what I was hoping for.]

Damn the throng that pressed at either of Fortun's flanks. It was nigh impossible to navigate his horse through it and Fortun was certain that he would lose Joscelin, and if he did and if something happened to his charge, Fortun wouldn't be able to forgive himself. You see, unlike most nobility, Joscelin was actually someone Fortun genuinely liked. There was simply somewhat real about the young and daring nobleman. Mayhap it was because of his unfortunate blood, which marked him as a bastard. It had undoubtedly humbled him in a way; after all, he had never been spoiled or treated overly kind ever in his life.

It was the sort of thing that tended to shape a man.

He had to earn his way through life, showing that he was more than a stain on his father's name. It was something that Joscelin had managed to do too. In fact, he had proved to be not only an able swordsman and horseman, which every father wished of his son, but an able politician and diplomat. He had a mind for polliticking and way of speaking that was eloquent and mindful without hesitation. He was everything he could have wanted of a son except that he wasn't legitimate. Nonetheless, despite the fact that Joscelin had been groomed and honed for foreign policy and polliticking as any diplomat, he was still prone to mistakes; especially the simpler ones.

One, he should have been more mindful of the common people; after all, there could have been anyone around the next corner. There could have been any sort of brigand there lying in wait for some helpless passerby. Secondly, Joscelin should have checked himself and reigned in his excitement instead of coming off as the foreigner he was. It's this as well which had labeled him as an easy target, and yet, someone had thought to intervene...to help him; save him, even, before the most horrid of things could have happened.

It was a moment that would change his life forever.

He had thought it Fortun at first, lolling his head to look upon a...well, a woman. He looked surprised at first, lifting his brows and then knitting them in confusion as he searched his mind to place her face with a name. There was nothing. He didn't know her. He hadn't made any plans to meet anyone upon his arrival in the city of Ingril, and yet, something told him that he should heed her. Joscelin let her words hang and as he searched her face for any telltale signs of deception, Joscelin only found that she was earnest in the way she spoke...that she was intent on helping him in some way.

He didn't dare look up and give it away that this was but a charade.

"Yes!" He exclaimed back, sitting taller in the saddle and more regal than he had before. "Show me to the stables now," he added more firmly, demanding and playing the role with ease. He drummed his heels at his mount's flanks, directing him closer to the figure. All the while his heart hammered in his chest with fear and excitement.

What had happened here...? He wasn't entirely certain. Yet, he surmised that he was in danger. That somewhere out there in that sea of faces were untold dangers; cutpurses and swift hands that could pickpocket anyone with a passing touch. That or mayhap even worse...men who would kidnap any foreigner with the intended use of ransom. The thought made him shudder at how much of a fool he had been within the moment and over the fact of leaving Fortun stranded as he looked around for his trusted guard. Well, for the moment he prayed and hoped that she would do right by him and that she wouldn't take advantage of him. If she did...ah, well, Joscelin could fend for himself and he was an able swordsman, but this was not his terrtiory and if it came to an end, he knew he'd fail. Nonetheless, he held to his confidence.

He'd live and learn what has happened here, and Godwilling, would find out who is his savior.

[Catriona Kellan Ó Faolain]

Saving this man hadn't been on a whim, as most things had in her life especially as of late. No, saving him had been because there was something about the way he held himself that made her think he wasn't like all the other nobles she had the misfortune of running across. Some of them her own family. The only nobles she had ever been able to stand for any length of time was her sister Arina and her husband Dante. Still, despite all that here she was helping him out because she had a 'feeling'.

Oh thank the gods for her self control, well when she chose to use it that is. The look of surprise and confusion on his face was priceless and not one she would soon forget. In fact it caused her own face to burst into a huge grin which took up the lower half of her face. Being up this close she could see that he wasn't too bad looking, though there wasn't much of a chance for her to really asses his looks. Not that it mattered, most nobles were attractive in some way or shape, it was amazing the things money could buy you. She wouldn't put it past some of them to have found a way to even stay younger no matter the cost, their vanity being the only thing stronger then their money.

Peering back just for a moment, going on the charade that she wanted to make sure they didn't accidentally trample anyone, she spied the thieves again. Just what she thought, they were more wary but still intent on their quarry. All she had to do was get him away from the open thoroughfare to where there were not so many people and then perhaps the pursuers would leave him be. Either that or they would be in for a fight. Looking the noble over she dearly hoped that he could hold his own. While she knew she most certainly could there were at least five of the brigands behind them and there was no chance she wouldn't get hurt in some fashion. While she could heal easily and fairly quickly it still hurt like a bitch!

Oh he went with it! There must be some spark of intelligence there after all, despite him having money and acting a bit foolhardy. In fact the man not only went with her plan but began to really act the part she was portraying him as. Well, she was suitably impressed. Not just because he did it but also because he was rather convincing as well. Not bothering to hide her smile she reached out a hand to his mount and patted it on the side, indicating she meant it no harm. Though he had moved close to her she still wanted to make sure she wouldn't be nipped at, then again this horse was nothing like Phoenix's either.

“Yes, right away sir. Please if you would, follow me.” Kel was good at acting too, if it was silent theater anyway. She never could change the girlish lilt in her voice or the obvious abundance of education she had received. It came out in the formation of her sentences and the very accent in her words. Most of the time she was unaware of this fact though, only realizing it when others brought it up.

Now that she had the noble she began to slowly wind her way through the crowd a hand around one of the reins to better guide. “It can get rather crowded out here, especially during open market times. Better to traverse on foot.” The young Countess kept speaking to him, acting like a guide of sorts all the while giving him hints and warnings. It did not take long before she led him to the stable house, during the entire time she had pointed out several important buildings like the Inn and Tavern, the specialty markets and other things that may have been important to anyone visiting a city for the first time. “Here we are sir. Just dismount and then you should be able to view the fair city of Ingril as you wish.” Unlike most Niendran, Kel was not really all that prejudice. She still believed that both people should just try and get along, there was no reason for this animosity.

Walking up to the stable hand she spoke in the native Carthonian tongue. She had learned some when growing up but he majority of it had been from the people she had met while traveling. Kel did not automatically assume that this man whom she escorted knew this so she did the favor of taking care of the stable lodging for him, at least for now. “He says there is enough room for your horse. I was worried with how busy they were that there wouldn't be.” Turning once more she favored the noble with a brilliant smile and checked to make sure her hood was still covering the top of her head. Though her eyebrows were also as red as her hair, same with eyelashes...so that may not help. Oh well, hindsight and all that.

There was no sight of the brigands, at least not yet. They could be waiting for them once they were both on foot, which, if that was the case, was exactly what Kel had planned for. She stood off to the side, leaning on the stable-house and crossed her long legs at the ankles, just waiting. Indicating she was not going to vanish on him the moment he stabled his horse.

[Joscelin William Teimlia]

He could already hear his father damning him for being a fool. Joscelin should have been more wary and cautious. He should have been more mindful to the threats that lurked Ingril as it would any other city. Instead, Joscelin had made himself the target of a handful of unsavory subjects and if not for this young woman...ah, gods, Joscelin didn't know what might have happened!

Joscelin wasn't some cleanly, prim and proper nobleman though; oh, no, anything but that. He could hold his own against anyone in a proper duel or even a wild brawl. He had learned the art of grappling as a child and had learned to wield a blade at the age of ten, honing it throughout the years. So, yes, he could hold his own and he surmised that he could defend himself againt a number of vagrants at once, but the truth was, was that it could have gone a number of ways and the worst was the fact that he could have been run through.

The notion of lying sprawled and dead on the streets of Ingril made him shudder involuntarily. Fortunately, he was alive, at least for the moment. He prayed that they wouldn't be followed. The last thing Joscelin wanted was having to fend for his life in some way, shape or form. Then there was her...his savior...whoever she was.

Hyacinthe seemed fond of her from the get go, leaning toward her touch as he wasn't wont to do with others. It shocked Joscelin somewhat to watch his normally wary horse press closer and obediently follow with little urging. Ah, well, so long as she wasn't leaning him into the mouth of the beast itself then he'd be grateful. Nonetheless, he couldn't help but steal a look here or there every now and then, especially when she moved closer to him and had begun to lead him as the obedient guide she was supposed to be.

"I've never seen such a bustling market before," Joscelin confessed. Well, it was partly truth and not so at the same time. He had been to bustling markets before but Ingril's stuck out in particular because of the fact that it was different and foreign. "It's very different than what I'm used to," Joscelin added, although he didn't heed her advice and did not dismount yet. He liked having a vantage, especially so that he could cast an occasional glance in the direction of their followers who ghosted after them at a distance they deemed safe.

"Is it alwas like this or have I made it in time for festival?" Joscelin asked then as they continued onward, his hands settling on the pommel and he leaning forth. He looked down at her, fixing her with his gaze, although she continued to look forward. He wanted to see her once more, especially more properly than last. Yet, she soon distracted him with the important things that made up Ingril. The Tavern and Inn and a handful of other important places that he noted down in his mind until they arrived at the stables.

Joscelin dismounted then as she moved ahead to speak with another. She spoke in the Carthonian tongue which Joscelin knew only in passing. He wasn't exactly as able with the native tongue as Fortun was, and quite honestly, he wasn't very fond of learning other languages since he more often than not tripped over them. Nonetheless, he knew enough to understand others if they didn't speak too fast and he knew enough to be understood.

It was enough to make sense of her words from afar and deem that she was genuine. When she returned, he smiled and looked to her, standing there as his hand ran the length of Hyacinthe's great neck.

"Thank you," he said. Her brilliant smile was infectious and Joscelin couldn't help but offer his own; a toothy, wide and genuine smile. He was grateful for what she had done and partly in awe at what he saw there from up close.

It was a lovely woman with a vibrant shock of red that accentuated her light eyes and flesh. Idly Joscelin wondered whether or not her hair was much the same. He longed to tug her hood back and put his hands to her hair, to feel it and smile at her in triumph. He didn't though. Instead, he settled with simply watching her and licking his lower lip.

"I'm not certain how I should thank you," he confessed suddenly and furrowed his brow. Was she looking for coin? Mayhap somewhat more? Joscelin didn't know what to expect from her. He simply knew that most people only did things for...well, something in return. Yet, mayhap she wasn't like most people...? It was a possibility.

The ostler soon drew up before him expectantly and Joscelin relinquished Hyacinthe into his keeping for now. He watched as the stablehand led his horse away and once out of earshot, Joscelin looked over his shoulder to find one man lingering in sight, attempting to blend with hte crowd as he watched them. Joscelin pretended to be distracted, looking back to her.

"I am not always so foolhardy...normally I'm much more careful but I suppose my excitement has made be a bit daft today," he admitted and frowned, wrinkling his nose thereafter. "If not for you I'd be...well, I'm certain I won't be here and that my purse will be infinitely lighter. That or mayhap I wouldn't even notice...lying somewhere," he murmured and looked thoughtful. "Where's Fortun...?" He asked himself, voice trailing and falling low.

Wherever his man was, he wasn't with him. It made him feel a bit more vulnerable than usual, but then, who could truly blame him? He took a deep breath and turned to look back at her, gathering himself up more solidly lest he look weak before her.

"May I ask the name of my savior, my lady?" He asked.

[Catriona Kellan Ó Faolain]

Though Kel affected a cool and calm demeanor she was inwardly cursing herself. Helping out a noble of all things, why? She had the tendency to detest them, only because she knew their kind all too well. Yet if given the option again she still would have helped him. She rarely second guessed herself and even now she wasn't doing that. The man had needed help, didn't seem like a complete fool or bore, so she had offered up her services without even being asked. Normally though she would have laughed at a pompous fool being taken advantage of by his surroundings.

After her last run in with a horse belonging to someone else, not including the ones that belonged to her sister and her new family, she too was surprised at how this man's beat was behaving. It was a welcome change and she found she enjoyed the beast. Still she needed to remember to get her own one of these times. Her wanderlust (or was that fear?) was so strong that she just wandered off without even thinking about it every single time. This time would be different she vowed, promptly forgetting about it the moment she laid her eyes back on the noble she had escorted.

She had seen so many markets in her day though much like him Ingril had been different and she had thanked the stars for her Carthonian lessons. Being stuck in a place such as this and not knowing the language as well as she did, or heaven forbid not at all, would have made her very confused and an easy target. Luckily she was not easily swindled and had surprised the stall owners with her skill at haggling in their own language even though she was obviously a foreigner with her light skin and pitch black eyes. “The market is always like this, especially this time of day. If it were a festival things would possibly calmer. More of the stalls set up close to where it was being held if they could manage that.” Or, that was what usually happened from her experience.

Speaking to him again she was a bit surprised at his thank you, still expecting him to be like every other noble. But that didn't last long because she was determined to have him prove her wrong, somehow. There had to be other people like her amongst their kind right? There was no way she was the only. “You are welcome of course.” Now she dropped the sir because there was no reason for it anymore and he smiled back at her which actually reached his eyes. That was rare as well. In such a short span of time he kept surprising her in ways that were only good. Kel was rather pleased and glad she had helped him.

“Well as long as you don't automatically assume that the thanks I want from you is something akin to a roll in the hay then we are alright.” Her full lips quirked into quite the cheeky grin at that and he was starting to see bits of the real Kel and not just the 'servant' air she had put on for that moment. Her stance changed to something more relaxed, her tone was educated but husky, flirty despite her words. Her voice was one of those things she just was not overly fond of, because though it was deeper guys liked it more and were able to pick it out as feminine no matter what she did.

So he admitted to being a fool it seemed. Again she was surprised. “To hear one actually say that they were being blind is very rare, especially one in your station whatever it may be. For it is obvious you have money. The only ones who wear such fine clothing are nobles or slavers and you do not strike me as a slaver.” The accent in her tongue would clearly identify her as a Niendran native. Kel walked up closer to the man she had saved from who knows what and cocked one hip to the side while standing there. He was taller then her, and...wow. Being up this close she could see just how attractive he was and could not stop herself from swallowing, hard. Damn her being so young and swayed by looks but...

“You mean that man I saw you come in with? I have no idea I'm sorry. I looked for him but he was able to blend in better since he wasn't acting like some country bumpkin.” The redhead teased him and she wondered if he could handle this as well. If the other man was able to blend in so well no doubt he would have little trouble. “Perhaps if you were to wait for him at the Inn and Tavern he would be able to find you better? That is where everyone ends up eventually.” She didn't outright offer to go with him, she had already done something for him and besides he may not want her to.

“Eh, don't do that my lady stuff okay? I'm not entirely comfortable with that. Yeah I know I am female but still. Anyway, my name is Kellan, you can call me Kel if you want to.” Again she did not give her real name or her title, those things were not important to her. Plus, Kel mused, she did not want him to start treating her different all of a sudden because she was of station and rank. “So what should I call you then, my dear sir?” Though she had just told him not to call her lady she was cheeky once more by calling him sir...the dear part she had no idea why she said it. Thinking to herself that there were many things she could call him, gorgeous being one of them. He looked like a real man and oh.. devastatingly attractive to be sure. Nonetheless, her lips were sealed on that.

[Joscelin William Teimlia]

Joscelin should have been more prepared for his venture here. Yes, he had done some things to prepare himself so that he wasn’t exactly marching blindly into the city, but it certainly wasn’t impeccable of him. Nonetheless, he had practiced the native Carthonian tongue with Fortun on the way here, since the man was fluent in the language, and they had made a game of it…well, somewhat. Then there was the occasional mention of landmarks that Joscelin had kept in mind and the current residents of each city’s office. Beyond that, Joscelin had to own that he wasn’t exactly ready beyond what was necessary such as clothing and coin. So, when she mentioned that the market was always like what Joscelin had been witness to, he looked genuinely surprised.

“Is that so? Normally the markets back east would be bustling when there’s a festival,” he admitted and looked thoughtful. It was just another thing that differentiated both Carthonia and Niendra. He nodded to her words then and looked back to her once more, noting everything about her once again.

She was not a native here, at least not from what he assumed to be the norm for the common people here. Instead, she looked…well, she looked like someone he would have seen where he had come from, at least a bit. Then again, that’s what made the city of Ingril so different as well. It was the fact that it was a melting pot of sorts and that people from all walks of life and ethnicities bustled here. Nonetheless, that all was set by the wayside when she had begun to speak.

“Oh, no, of course not…!” Joscelin exclaimed, looking shocked that she assumed he would attempt at coaxing her for a roll in the hay. That’s not to say that Joscelin didn’t like women though, or that he didn’t wish to be physical, but there was a time and place for that, and this was not one of them. Oh, no, instead, Joscelin wished to repay her in any number of other ways such as a favor, coin or…well, something that wouldn’t break him in any way, shape or form.

Either way, Joscelin did smile at her when he noted her own. It was infectious to say the very least. That and he smiled even wider when she mentioned that someone admitting themselves to being blind was rare, which it was. Fortunately, Joscelin wasn’t like most noblemen and knew when to own his mistakes. So, Joscelin smiled and listened, glad to know that he hadn’t been pegged as a slaver. If he had, he had a feeling that she wouldn’t have helped him.

“Well, I am a noble,” he said. “I am from Eastern Niendra…as I assume you are a native from there as well,” he said, eying her and looking genuinely interested in her. “You’ve a way of speaking like them,” he added but didn’t press further lest he make her feel uncomfortable. Mayhap he should have though, especially when she moved closer to him until there was only a mere foot, or even less he’d daresay, between them. He looked down at her, searching her face as his gaze trailed toward her hip. The curve of it beckoning in all the right ways, and yet, he kept his hands to himself as he merely smiled and pressed his teeth onto his lower lip. “Yes,” he said suddenly. “That man…Fortun is his name. He was supposed to watch me, but I daresay that I lost him in my…excitement,” he reluctantly confessed. Then he fleshed when being called a country bumpkin, but he smiled thereafter, not taking any offense from it.

“You’re right though. I should have been more mindful and careful. Instead, I must have come off as an easy picking.” He said and looked thoughtful, pursing his lips. “Mm, well, I think I will try the Inn and Tavern and save the venturing about for the morrow.” He added, and as his mouth opened to utter another word, she spoke and offered her name. It made him grin; toothy, wide and full of amusement as his eyes gleamed.

“Kellan,” he repeated her name fondly. Then Joscelin did something rather unexpected, especially of a lord of his station. He rubbed elbows with her…with a woman of a common station as far as he knew.

“Eh, don’t’ do that ‘dear sir’ stuff, alright?” He said as his eyes gleamed with that familiar, ever present humor and amusement. “You may call me Joscelin…Josc,” he said and trailed off, still smiling. “Now that we know each other’s names, Kellan, I would like to extend my gratitude beyond just a mere thanks…as you said, everyone ends up at the Tavern eventually, eh? So, why don’t you end up there with me now and keep me company? Of course, the wine will be on me, so you’ve no need to worry about that, and if you’re worried about my drifting hands,” and at this he accentuated his words by lifting them, palms up to show them off as empty, “then I will keep them in sight, I swear. Just, please, say yes.”

He hoped that this dark eyed, red haired, fair skinned beauty would say yes. There was simply somewhat about her that he couldn’t explain. Yet, he wanted to know her more thoroughly and there was a part of him, more bestial than not, that simply wanted to tangle his hands in her hair and pull her close. Yet, for now, he kept himself checked and mindful lest he look a fool.

“Please,” he said lastly, eyes searching hers and never once straying away toward that hip again.

[Catriona Kellan Ó Faolain]

She knew exactly what he meant about the other markets, if he was talking about Niendran ones anyway. Given his tone and speech pattern he probably was. She had been through many of them and only during festival time were they as crowded and lively as they were here right now. It really was a bit stifling but if you kept your head down and didn't cause a ruckus you could easily fade away into the background. Sometimes things like that were pretty important, especially if you were a girl just shy of six feet tall with flaming orange-red hair and alabaster skin. Just pull down your hood and move along.

Kel had a good laugh at the shock that the nobleman showcased when she mentioned the type of payment most men preferred. Oddly enough no she hadn't expected that of him, the shock that is and again her respect for him rose. He was beginning to grow on her in such a short span of time that she was a bit wary about it. Either way it was nice to see he didn't immediately think of her sexually, though it wasn't like he could see underneath her clothing to tell what type of body she had except that her waist was trim and hips swelled just like a woman's should.

If she could have heard his inner thoughts she would definitely have agreed with them. If Kel had ever truly thought that the noble in front of her was a slaver she would not have helped him out at all. In fact she probably would have joined in the ransacking of him at that point. Instead she had risked attracting notice to herself to help him out and only belatedly wondered how that was going to go for her. Peering about she noticed that the brigands had all but given up for now and wandered away. Well that was good at least, they wouldn't have to worry about being jumped the moment they walked around the corner. The inn and tavern were not far away from the stable-house but they still had to walk there.

“Mhm a noble. Eastern Niendra you say? It is a fairly large territory, Eastern and Northern whose to say just where I am from.” She hinted that yes she was from Niendra but did not elaborate any further, especially since he didn't ask. Then again if he would have there was no guarantee she would have answered. It was far too soon for such probing questions and Kel admitted to herself that if he had asked she would have thought less of him. Nosiness was something she was used to but she still disliked it. If he wanted to know more he would have to spend time with her, and that was even if she would stay around for that to be a possibility at all.

“If you keep surprising me as you are I will either think you a very good actor or a genuinely good person.” Her words may come off as insulting but the redhead meant everything she said and no offense to it. It was starting to be a bit shocking as he disproved all of her ideas of nobles, and not just from hearsay. Oh no she had been born and bred and raised right amongst them and had to deal with their less then favorable personalities. This noble not only flushed at her words of country bumpkin but also smiled right afterward not letting it get to him at all. He was very promising and perhaps if there were people like her and him among the aristocracy then it had some hope yet. Though Kel was not going to hold her breath and wait.

“No dear sir hmm? As it pleases you my lord.” Now she was being cheeky again because even as she said it the smile never left her lips and instead widened. This name, this noble named Joscelin was full of good humor much as she was and it was nice to not lose her smile so soon. Then again Kel was not the type to let anything get to her for long and would be smiling soon after. It was great to share humor with another person, noble or no. Especially one who was oh so pleasing to her gaze. Her mind wrapped around the fact that he was talking again, the young woman in her thoroughly distracted by his gorgeous face enough so that she hadn't heard the first part of his words.

The Countess ducked her head back into her hood some as a bright blush suffused her pale cheeks with embarrassment. Nice one Kel! Not only were you staring at him but you were so distracted by his looks you didn't hear most of what he said, such a rude thing! Mentally chastising herself she offered up a weak smile that was apologetic to the core. “The wine will be on you hmm? Wouldn't that be awfully sticky? Then again I can just imagine how many wenches would throw themselves at you for the opportunity to be the one to clean you up, with their tongues.” Josc would have to get used to Kel talking like this, she had very little shame in her speech. She hung out with pirates for the most part, not much wasn't said around guys like that.

She hadn't really thought about it when she said it but she bet he wasn't used to women speaking that way. Her chesire grin split her mouth apart again and she laughed. “Not only once but twice doth he utter the entreaty please! A fool I should surely be branded to turn away an offer as heartfelt as this!” Overly dramatic, acting with a flair for the fun she kept breaking into her own flowery speech with laughter. Though she was also giving herself a way bit by bit. Her speech was well educated, something most common folk could not claim to be. “I believe getting off my feet would be wonderful yes, so I shall go with you. Would you like to lead the way Josc?” Kel tipped one hip to the side and pointed off in the direction where she had shown him the building was, would he remember?

[Joscelin William Teimlia]

She was so different from anyone he had ever met before, especially when it came to women. It was attractive to say the very least that she had no shame and that she unafraid to speak her mind. That and she seemed to be a part of the world around her and in tune with it. She had an understanding of it that so few women had, much less men. It peaked his interest in her tenfold and he ached to question her about the things she did know.

Mayhap soon, he told himself.

Fortunately, Joscelin was rather patient and could wait for the moment...well, somewhat. Nonetheless, he made his interest in her rather evident as he eyed her and lifted his brow. "Mm, mayhap I will find out one day," he said and smiled at her. It was nothing more than pure confidence that made him say that. That and the fact that he honestly thought they will hold some semblance of an acquaintanceship for longer than a few minutes more. Either way, he didn't prod her any farther though, only simply jabbing at her with play as she had with him only a moment ago. Then she said something that made him flash a brilliant smile.

"I'd like to think that I'm a genuinely good person, but then I suppose you will only find that out if you spend more time with me," he pointed out, simultaneously hoping that she would agree and indulge. Then on they both continued, Joscelin's smile never faltering as he continued to look amused through and through.

"Don't be so cheeky," he said, grinning at her. Yet, he hoped that she would continue and not lose the fire that continued to burn when others would have been stifled by any 'proper noble.' Mayhap Joscelin could be convicted of supporting horrid ettiquette, but Joscelin believed that allowing those to act as they were instead of pretending to be something else was more effective than not.

It had been his time to make her blush though, and when she had...ah, gods! She looked achingly beautiful then...so impossibly beautiful! He wanted to touch her face and feel the heat underneath her cheeks and to run his lips over her flesh. He longed to soothe her and to make her flush even deeper, if that was even possible. Then she got him back instantly.

The notion of being sticky with wine, and cleaned up by the tongues of young women, was arousing to say the least. Yet, he didn't wish for that, at least not from any woman. Now, if given the chance of Kel performing such an act...well, he entertained the thought of it and shuddered. The image of the red headed young woman running her soft, warm and wet, pink tongue along his hard abdomen wet with wine made him ache and throb; her mouth on him, kissing, licking and...ah, gods! He cleared his mind there and then, scolding himself.

"Mayhap, but only if you'd help me with that sticky mess," he said shamelessly as his eyes gleamed with amusement. The truth was, was that he would have certainly welcomed that sort of company later that night. Now, if that would happen...well, was that another thing entirely. Nonetheless, he certainly wasn't used to any women speaking so frankly to him. It was very attractive in the moment though.

Then he laughed a full, loud and heartfelt laugh as she spoke in a theatric fashion.

"Highly unnecessary, Kellan," he said simply, eying her and pursing his mouth. He attempted at a look of seeming none too pleased. Unfortunately, it wasn't very well done and he ended up smiling at the notion of her being much more than she let on, much like himself.

"Well, I should be able to lead the way. If I don't then I wasn't exactly paying attention, was I?" He asked her, chuckling as he looked away and in the direction of the tavern back the way they had come. He hadn't forgotten, fortunately Joscelin had a sharp mind. "So, I would love to," Joscelin added and looked back. "Must I give you my arm?" He asked, offering it playfully and with a toothy smile. Whether or not she took it, Joscelin led her away with ease and was put at ease when they weren't confronted by his pursuers from before.

Kellan had been right. It was easier to navigate the hustle and bustle of Ingril on foot than it had been while astride. It was always a constant press from either flank and a neverending flow of people in two directions. The streets were constantly flooded at intersections as well, and knots of people at stalls didn't help here or there. Yet, Joscelin navigated it well enough as he led Kellan along with his good memory, leading them closer to the tavern with each step.

"I couldn't help but notice you're more than passing good at the Carthonian tongue," he said suddenly. "I assume you've had time to practice while here amongst the people?" He asked of her, genuinely curious of her way of learning. He looked thoughtful and even tried a few words on her, the bit that he knew.

"I know some but not enough, I think. Mayhap a bit un..." He looked thoughtful. "Unprepared, I think. I should have practiced more. Fortun has been teaching me more, but I was never quite good at foreign tongues," he reluctantly confessed in the Carthonian tongue, trailing off from it with a face and a smile thereafter. Then the tavern had come in sight.

It wasn't long until he led her within, holding the door open for her until he followed thereafter. The tavern, like the rest of Ingril, seemed to be a hub containing all sorts of people from all walks of life. They chattered amongst eachother, rubbing elbows companionably and carousing without shame. Here and there wenches ventured, balancing jugs of wine carefully and carrying platters about with practiced ease. He set his hand at Kellan's back to steer her mindfully within, leading her toward an empty table.

Once they reached the table, Joscelin drew back a chair for her by way of reflex more than anything. He hoped she wouldn't take any offense, especially with the knowledge that she was rather independent. Afterward, he lowered himself into another chair across from her as one of the women stopped at their table, eying them both mindfully.

"Wine," Joscelin said quickly before she could question them. "Two cups," he added.

It was as simple as that and now the day was beginning.

"Well, I hope you don't have anywhere to go," he said to her. "Gods know when Fortun will make it and I think I'll like drinking you under the table," he said playfully and wrinkling his nose. He meant to drink moderately though and not get blind stinking drunk. Either way, he smiled at her and waited for their cups as he spoke suddenly.

"Were you passing through only when you came across me?" He asked, genuinely curious.

[Catriona Kellan Ó Faolain]

She had caught him eying her and wondered just why he was doing such a thing. Was it because he was suspicious of her actions, the niceness with which she had treated him? Rather though, was it that he was observing her as a man would a woman? Somehow she figured perhaps it was more the second if not completely so. One of the reasons she kept covered as often as she did, her looks she knew were decent. In places like this they were exotic and prized by slavers. Either way he looked at her meant he was interested in some way which was nice Kel figured. Not being easily dismissed by a man whom you may have saved from something awful was always a good thing.

“Spend more time with you hmm? You must think you are awfully special to keep my interest for more then a few minutes.” It was not a jab but a joking comment as she gave him her crooked grin after speaking. Though, to be honest with herself, it had a lot of truth in it. Catriona was a wanderer because she was fickle more so then most women had ever been. She became bored easily of friends, family..cities. Then she moved on to something more. The only thing that made her want to stay anywhere was her sister Arina and even then it had only been two weeks.

See mother, I would never have made a good wife and broodmare this way. Now I am too old, or soon shall be, for you to marry me off to some noble! Her thoughts were venomous and sharp, showcased upon her pretty face for Joscelin to see if he happened to be looking at that moment.

He spoke about not being so cheeky and all she did was raise a brow at him. Pah, not be herself? He must be out of his mind. Though she had the feeling he happened to be joking with her and took no offense to it. This was hardly as cheeky as she got, just wait till he spent even more time with her or when she started to get some color in her cheeks from liquor. Kel could be downright awful and completely horrid at times, in a good way so she had been told.

Kel watched Josc shudder and wondered just what his mind was thinking about. The timing was ripe for something in particular but really she never claimed to know the minds of men, just that they had very little in the way of them. Then he mentioned what she thought may have been it and both of her brows shot straight up. “Ha! You wish I would do something so provocative and perverted do you not? However my noble friend the only men I dally with are the ones who can best me in a duel. Weak men have never been my thing, in fact I dislike most men in general.” The only problem with her rule was that she didn't get much fun that way. In fact she had only had one partner at all. Not only did they have to best her in a duel but she had to find them attractive in the first place which didn't happen often.

He accepted her challenge and held out his arm. Black eyes stared at him for a brief moment before she pushed his arm back to his side. She may be female but Kel did not like to broadcast that, nor did she think of herself a lady. She tried not to take his outstretched arm as an insult, at least he had manners. Yet it picked at the back of her brain as obnoxious and annoying. How could he do something like that to a warrior? She figured he would have been smart enough in that. Following his lead she could feel herself scowling but kept it under her suddenly pulled low hood.

“You learn a lot of things when you travel around.” Yet she had learned the majority of her Carthonian growing up along with her sister. As for being amongst the people well she heard a lot of interesting and rather insulting slang but nothing else she hadn't already known. Kel responded in kind to Josc, in the same foreign tongue. “Being fully prepared is the difference between victory and defeat.” not that she could talk as she always jumped right in, but she knew what was right and that her way was...well foolish.

He held the door open for her, then put his hand against the small of her back to lead her and she swore her color rose to match her hair. She was rather irritated and would tell him once they were sitting down. Angry eyes glared at Joscelin as he pulled open the chair for her and she almost slapped his hands away from it before sitting down. “I urge you to please stop treating me like some sort of lady, before it gets you a blade up underneath that pretty chin of yours. I may be a female but I am first a warrior and no one treats a warrior like they are weak and need help.” Her voice was full of hissing and strain as she gave him quite the nasty look there.

Her hands rested on the tabletop and she turned her body so that she would not have to look at him right now. The hustle and bustle of the room around her a wonderful distraction from the sudden urge to make this nobles smile a bit wider then it already was. That infamous redheaded temper, she had it in spades. Maybe that was why redheads were referred to as devil spawn?

He was speaking again, she calmed minimally and turned back to face him. “I drink fairly well for my age and body structure so we shall see then who out drinks who.” Kel was not completely forgiving him but enough so that she could function with facing him. “You shall have to forgive me I have quite the temper, another reason I wander so much.” He hadn't done anything terribly wrong she needed to remind herself, and really she should be happy he had. It proved he was not an idiot noble who thought himself better then anyone, this one actually had manners and compassion.

“Hmm? Well I have only gotten here today actually. I was getting a small bite to eat before I went exploring. Had just been finishing my food in fact when I saw you and your friend, Fortun you say, enter the place and stick out like a sore thumb. Well, you more so then him.” Now back to the joking. Could this noble handle such wild mood swings and invisible triggers with her? Only time would tell and as long as he didn't piss her off enough that she jumped across the table at him he may get that time.

“What brings you here to such a place. It's obvious you are not a noble from her, not with your accent.” Their drinks were brought over and set on the table and the wench looked them both over before nodding and wandering off. The place was so busy right now Kel figured she was running back and forth a great deal. In hindsight she was surprised they had gotten a table at all, what luck and a definite good sign. She liked good signs.

[Joscelin William Teimlia]

Joscelin should have been more thoughtful and mindful toward Kellan instead of outright assisting her with everything and anything. Yet, to be fair, Joscelin did such things by way of reflex more than anything. He had learned such etiquette since childhood and it was hard not to help her in some way, shape or form. So, he prodded at his mind, shoving the notion of her being more than just some simple woman into his head to assure that he wouldn't offend her once again for he didn't wish to be on the end of her vicious tongue once more.

He looked apologetic when she threatened him, knitting his brows and nodding to her words as she spoke of herself as a warrior. She had the right of it in the moment to say the very least; after all, hadn't she been the one to help him? Yes...Yes, she had and so she deserved that respect and distance that let her be exactly where and what she wanted to be.

"My apologies," Joscelin said hastily and shook his head simultaneously while leaning forward. His hands settled on the table as she had done. "It's simply reflex. I will be certain not to do it again, Kellan," he said. "I do not wish to offend you. I only wish to show you my gratitude is all, nothing more and nothing less. I swear it."

He thought back on her then and all the things she had said to him.

She had learned a lot of things from traveling and although Joscelin had done a fair bit himself, he highly doubted that he was as well versed in venturing about as she was. It made him want to know more about her and to ask about the places she had seen in the past few years. He wanted to know of the people she had met and the experiences she had. Nonetheless, she was right that being fully prepared was the difference between victory and defeat...life and death. Once again he scolded himself for being so foolish upon entering Ingril and even more so around her.

Then he thought of the way she had shot back at him when speaking of the more...pleasurable things women and men could do. She had her rules which undoubtedly kept her safe within the world. He didn't doubt her and understood why she limited herself to partners, although that's not to say that he wanted a promiscuous woman in the first place. It's simply the fact that she was a strong and independent woman that made him attracted to her in the first place and who could blame him for that? Nonetheless, he was happy that she had come this far with him as he reminded himself to choose his words wisely.

When she faced him once more, Joscelin let out a sigh of relief, although he had a feeling that he wasn't entirely off of the hook yet. "I suppose we'll see then. Either way, it's on me and I'll assure that my hands stay on this side of the table," he added, smiling and hoping in turn to make her smile. With that, she spoke of her temper and Joscelin's smile faded a tad as he shook his head.

"No, there's no need to apologize, Kellan. I should have been more mindful and respectful to you and I assure you such a thing will not happen again," he said, bowing his head to her. He had made a mistake, and unlike most noblemen, he would own up to his mistakes without a hitch. It was simply his way and he hoped to make a genuine friend of sorts here...someone he could trust beyond Fortun; after all, it would only help in the end.

It wasn't long until their drinks were brought over and conversation fell to him and why he was herein the first place. It was easy to answer, although Joscelin wasn't certain whether or not he should tell her the whole truth. Then again, would it hurt to do so? No...No, he didn't think so or rather, he hoped it wouldn't.

"I am looking for a person, although I'm not certain whether or not she still lives..." He admitted, furrowing his brow and running his fingertip over the rim of his cup. He lifted it then and brought it to his mouth for a healthy swallow of the stuff.

"Her name is Phèdre and that's all I truly know about her. She's my..." He paused and met her gaze evenly. "She's my mother." He said plainly then and didn't bother with sweetening it in any way. "She lived here in Ingril or somewhere here in Carthonia. I'm searching for her and the other half of myself so to speak." He said and took another deep swallow from his cup.

"It's simply a curiosity of mine that I've been longing to sate. All knowledge is worth having and this is one thing I cannot resist learning and so I'm here in the hopes of finding the truth." He said and smiled at her. "As for my luck...well, I'm not certain how much of it I would have. I'm hoping that I can find someting...anything."

[Catriona Kellan Ó Faolain]

“Apology accepted.” Nodding her head she smiled to him and though it did reach her eyes she seemed to not really be thinking about it all that much. Then again Kel had been accused of being a flighty child when she was young and that really had not changed all that much. She tended to say one thing while thinking another and therefore contradict herself on a constant basis. Some thought this to be like lying but others knew it was just how she was. Kellan rarely purposefully lied but she did often omit things when asked questions. “Gratitude is alright with me.” Another quick flash of a grin and again she looked around.

If she knew his thought process, if such a thing were even possible, she would question him on why it bothered him more to be foolish around her then just simply foolish. His entering the city so unaware could have gotten him worse then killed this much was true and she would scold him for it again and again if need be. Though, looking him over she was certain that it probably would not need to happen again. He seemed to be properly chastised about what he had done and that was enough for her. The fact that he had gotten away unscathed made him a very lucky individual and hopefully he had the sense about him to understand this. The Countess never could be sure about such things with males, they were often a bit...thick-headed.

He would be right in choosing his words wisely. Though she liked to think of herself as level headed, truth was she rarely could be. She was like wildfire, hard to contain and jumping around where you least expected it. Kellan had quite the temper and was full to the brim with passions rarely held back, except the more sensual ones. It wasn't that she did not want to give in to the womanly side of her, she just did not see many (if any) people being worthy of deserving her intimacy. Hence the stipulation of having to beat her in combat, at least that way she could tell if a person was somewhat worthy. She never allowed herself to get close to anyone so that was the only way, right?

His continuing apology did shock her, the expression showing on her face for a moment. “Nice of you to admit so, rather unlike most males to be sure.” Still even though he said he would not let it happen again she doubted it. There was no way not to make a faux pas with another unless you knew them rather well. Which was not the case here at all. They had only just met this day, there would be many mistakes in the future if they continued to keep company. It was how people got to know each other better she knew.

Black as pitch eyes watched him as he spoke. If she were a more observant girl she may have taken in the set of his shoulders and overall posture, but she was still rather inexperienced when it came to such thins and therefore only noticed the face. At least though, she noticed everything about it. Facial tics, here the creases would lie in older people, how they tilted there heads and where they looked. It was amazing the things people could give away just by the subtle changes in expression.

This person he was looking for was female, that would narrow it down to half the worlds population at least. There was no helping it, Kel grinned in spite of what he was saying, then felt a little guilty immediately afterward. Instead of apologize however she became distracted with his mouth and watching him take his drink. Mentally chastising herself she cursed her female hormones as well. Sometimes she could not help noticing males, even if they were a serious pain in the hind end.

“You only know her first name?” It came out rather surprised, and she was. It would be very difficult to find someone just based on name alone. Then again that was not a too common name that she was aware of and it was better then just knowing the gender of the one you were seeking. When he met her gaze she did not look away, just pursed her lips in thought. “Well, I really have nothing to do with myself, perhaps I could help you for a short time.” Short because she would probably get bored of being in one place with one person and wander off, as usual. Most people just could not keep her attention for long, it was just the way of things.

Listening to him she nodded. It made perfect sense to her even if she could not sympathize on what he was talking about. “It would be something I would want to know too. Knowing where you come from, even if it is through another, seems necessary almost.” Once again she pursed her lips and took a long drink from her cup while lost in thought. Once she settled the cup down she spoke to him again. “Maybe I could show you around town then? Give you the grand tour and while I do so you an begin asking questions? Though some people will not look fondly on either of us given where we are from. Coins do speak volumes though, if you are prepared to part with them for information.”

Before she said any more she looked around the room again. Dark gaze calculating and showcasing the intelligence that she did not flaunt and definitely took for granted. “Do you remember or know anything beyond female and her name? Looks, hobbies, even a favorite color? It would give us more to go on when asking around and more for the others to go on when giving us information.” turning back around she tilted her head while waiting to see what he would answer, her youthful face hopeful and serene at the same time.

[Joscelin William Teimlia]

What surprised Joscelin the most there and then was that Kellan was actually open to the idea of learning of his origin. That not only that but she seemed even more than helpful when she didn't need to be. She owed him nothing...but then again who said that she was offering any semblance of help for absolutely nothing at all...? No one, of course. Which only meant that she may only be interested for a price as anyone would be, although then again, she may be different. Who knew...? The only way to find out was to ask and offer, and Joscelin had enough coin to spend for her assistance and anyone else. What Joscelin did realize, however, was that he couldn't do this alone. That he needed someone with the knowledge of Carthonia to assist him...someone like Kellan herself.

Joscelin took a deep breath and assessed the situation, busying himself by drinking from his cup and savoring the scent and taste. It went down easily and spread warmth throughout his chest as he leaned forward and continued to think about the moment. He could have taken it in any direction from there on. He could have been outright and blunt by offering a large lump sum or he could have taken a more relaxed role and see if she brought up the notion of coin herself. It was not long before he looked up at her with raised brows though.

"Coins do speak volumes," he agreed with her. "That and I am prepared to part with them...I am willing to do whatever is necessary to find something about her...anything about her," he confessed. "If I wasn't...well, I wouldn't have come here. I came to that realization long before arriving...before even planning all of this." He admitted and set his cup down.

"Kellan..." He started then and looked thoughtful as his tongue ran the length of his lower lip. "Kellan I would very much appreciate your assistance. I must own that I do not know much of Carthonia...well, not as much as you would. I have learned of it but I fear that personal experience with the nation proper and its people would be far more useful than words written in a book," he said and smiled. It was more than obvious that he as eager to accept her assistance. Yet, what had taken him off guard was her question.

Did he remember or know anything beyond the gender and name the woman?

Unfortunately, Joscelin didn't recall much of anything; after all, he had been a mewling babe at the time. Joscelin, however, did know somewhat from his father...things that he had been told and things that Joscelin could see that he hadn't inherited from his father.

"She looks like me," he said suddenly.

Joscelin allowed his words to sink in as his fingertip ran over the rim of his cup.

"At least that's what I was once...my eyes, hair..." He said and touched his face. Her face. It was only so much that he had been gifted from his father and yet what had hurt his foster-mother the most was the fact that Joscelin looked like the woman his father had fallen for. It made sense; after all, having to deal with something like must not have been pleasant at all. "I do know much else though...my father never spoke much about her beyond a few things on his death bed such as coming here...her name...that many considered her a whore but then I'm certain every Niendran thought that when I arrived into my foster-mother's life," he pointed out with a short laugh.

"I suppose though that it's all a possibility...Honestly, I do not care what her profession is or what she had done. I only care to find her and know her and to know where I have come from," he confessed. "I am willing to part with anything for your help...for anyone's help," he added. "I am even prepared for finding nothing here. If all this comes to a point of being a fool's errand then I will admit it. I will turn on my heel and return home, but I will not until I find that I cannot go any further."