Start to Denerim - Ny's group

"Margaid, Ianto and Iauron, you are with me. Everyone else can choose to help Drake or to help Sinjan. I will be working on our travel groups for tomorrow."

She squeezed Kai's shoulder and looked at him, "Except you. It wouldn't matter if I assigned you to anyone. You have your orders and I won't try to change those."

Ianto nodded at Nygozy's order, at once glad to be doing something else, and wishing that they'd all had a moment of respite after fighting. Before he moved off to walk towards Nygozy to start on whatever she needed him to do, he turned to Jez next to him with a smile.

He chuckled slightly at her puzzled expression, and how she bit her lip in seemingly intense concentration. "Don't worry about it so much, Jez," he said with some amusement. "You have time to think about it. Just stay out of trouble for the rest of the day, hm?" He said, taking his first step over towards the dwarf, looking back at Jez as he did so. "I won't be there to help if you freeze up again." He was joking, of course, and he knew (and had seen) that she could take care of herself if she really needed it, but it was still fun to tease, just a little bit.

With a departing smile, Ianto turned and strode over to where Nygozy was standing with the shady looking guy. He paid the man no mind, and stood just a little off to the side so that he wasn't in the way or anything, though he was still open for instructions. Yup, that was Ianto. You could tell him what to do until kingdom come. Taking orders was something he did relatively well (even if he occasionally complained).

Iauron smiled bemusedly as Lithawen turned to pet Fa'hallen. "It doesn't count when it was when we were six, dear lathallan. Owning that, it is hardly my fault that you are frighteningly strong for a girl, despite your pocket-sized nature." He pet Fa'hallen's back as the halla greeted Lithawen, then both watched as the blond elf moved off to go do as Nygozy had asked of her.

After Iauron waited patiently for Nygozy to finish speaking, he was pleased to see that she'd noticed him, and placed him with her. That was good. He needed to finally speak with her. All of the fighting had distracted him from his duty, but he didn't mind all too much- he only regretted that the fighting had been necessary at all.

After everyone started going their separate ways, dividing up while choosing their duties, Iauron, with Fa'hallen following close behind, walked slowly towards Nygozy, allowing her a moment to finish speaking with the assassin next to her (or, at least, Iauron assumed he was an assassin, from his appearance). Allowing her another moment to herself, he announced himself.

"Forgive me for arriving late, Nygozy. My clan promised you aid, and here I was, distracted by the fight, and I did not report to you, first. Any other matters can wait until later, I simply wished to formally introduce myself for the moment. You already know, of course, but I am Iauron, and this is Fa'hallen. We are very happy to help you in any way we can."

Kai only half listened to Lithawen as she read the letter. He was more interested in the others who had been watching Him, he knew that as an assassin and a person that prefered solitude that he would not be easily trusted. It didn't bother him but he turned to watch the others anyway, he caught a human man's glare which he returned. He also noted the look of curiosity given to him by another hu-wait no..Kai looked more inensly at the man, he was sure he'd seen an elven ear. When Kai looked again however the ear was behind his hair and Kai dismissed the thought.

He then looked back at Nygozy, though he knew that others still noticed him. He say that the hero was looking above him and he followed her gaze for a moment before turning back to her, that was when he saw a look of sadnes on her face though it only lasted a moment.

She then began announcing that they had to travel and that they would go in groups. He listened as she spoke on them. After a while she placed her hand onto his shoulder, which he at first payed no attention to. Then suddenly she squeezed his shoulder and looked at him. He stared at her hand as she began speaking to him "Except you. It wouldn't matter if I assigned you to anyone. You have your orders and I won't try to change those."

He didn't say a word simply nodded agreeing to follow her orders.

Then a blonde elf came to speak with the hero, Kai said nothing but watched the man closely, though he didn't seem like a threat Kai wasn't about to trust anyone in the group of strangers.

Nygozy's mind thrust into the past but within a moment she was pulling herself back to the then and now, fighting back the thoughts about their orders. The orders were clear even though she was still confused. What ritual had been performed?

Her hand dropped from Kai's shoulder as she noticed his nod and she gave him a slight half smile, "I appreciate what you just did. Not many think of how short I am and accommodate it."

Just then Torture came over to her with her backpack and she put the official documents into it. When she was done she looked up to see Ianto standing there so she smirked, "I take it you are still offering your services to me then, Ianto? The 'cool club' is still open for you." She teased with a wink, "We'll need our canteens filled. How about if you go ahead with them and we will be right behind you? No skinning dipping yet though. No time for that."

"Forgive me for arriving late, Nygozy. My clan promised you aid, and here I was, distracted by the fight, and I did not report to you, first. Any other matters can wait until later, I simply wished to formally introduce myself for the moment. You already know, of course, but I am Iauron, and this is Fa'hallen. We are very happy to help you in any way we can."

There was a moment that Nygozy took to give a non-verbal greeting to Fa'hallen, a sort of partial bow like the halla sometimes used to show respect then she turned her head to look at Iauron, "Not reporting to me first while a fight is going on is no sin. I'm glad you came to help. It is most welcome. Let's start off now and we can talk. Drake and Sinjan will have clean up in hand. Which clan are you from?"

She looked over to the ballista and waved Margaid over, "Come on over, Margaid. No one is going to hurt you or give you away to Templars." She figured any maleficar would be frightened of that so she needed to make sure the woman knew that Nygozy was not like that.

Iauron nodded, smiling as he listened to Nygozy speak. "Then, I'm glad that we could have been of some service, already." Fa'hallen gently snorted her agreement. She'd already taken a liking to this small two-legged woman, for knowing her language. Few besides Iauron- and Lithawen, now that they'd found her again (a halla never forgot a herd-member, and she knew Lithawen quite well, even after not seeing her for almost 7 years) could ever speak with her, and this was a welcomed change.

"As for our clan, I see you already have a sister of mine in your camp. Fa'hallen and I come from the Bein'Nor, just as Lithawen does. We have been away from it for some time, but we have recently returned, just after the end of the Blight." He bowed his head to Nygozy at that. "And for that, I must personally thank you. I was in Denerim at the time. I saw how terrible that battle was."

Fa'hallen bowed her head, as well. Though she knew that her master-child was an extremely capable warrior and marksman, she, being near but not in Denerim during that last battle, had worried for his life. Though the small two-legged woman had not personally saved her master-child, she had allowed for him to return to her safely, and for that, the small woman had her eternal gratitude. And the gratitude of a halla was one that was never forgotten (unlike those fickle human gratitudes).

Margaid had been listening to the people around her speak with rapt attention, focused on them to the point where she was not even hearing their words anymore, but was rather entranced with simply watching them speak. She had grown so unfamiliar with mannerisms that their movements alone seemed worth studying to her. So when Nygozy called out to her, she flinched and spun around to look at her, staff going up defensively and eye wide. How did the Dwarf-Hero-Nygozy know her name!?

...Oh, right...Margaid told her...

Well, if Margaid had told her her name, then maybe that meant that Margaid trusted her? It was kind of a strange question to ask oneself in third person...very confusing, too. You'd think Margaid would be the first to know if Margaid trusted Nygozy or not, right?

Well, Margaid could only assume that Margaid trusted the Hero if she had told her her name, so quietly and cautiously, she crept from behind the ballista and approached the group, feigning what she hoped was a casual posture.

"Well, I guess that's as good a deal as I'm ever going to get." Her free hand rubbed her other arm nervously. "Margaid," she introduced herself, looking off at some spot in the distance, avoiding eye-contact with anyone in the gathering. "The Maleficar." She nodded amicably to that far-off spot before settling her gaze on Torture. "Really good to meet you all."

Ianto smiled at Nygozy, returning her wink with one of his own. "Awesome. My first Cool Club invitation ever. I won't let you down, boss," he joked, crossing his arms. "I'll be the best damn water boy you ever had." He took a step back, but didn't leave just yet. He wanted to make sure that Nygozy gave out all of her instructions before he left. He didn't want to miss anything important.

A girl came squirreling up, then, and he raised an eyebrow at her curious mannerisms, and even curiouser introductions. "'Maleficar'? You don't look like a Maleficar," he said, snorting almost disbelievingly. "Maleficars are more... " he uncrossed his arms, making a claw-like motion with his hands, and uttered a not-so frighting, "rawr," then recrossed his arms. "And, you know, less," he made a twirling motion by the side of his head with his finger, indicating that he found Margaid to be quite crazy, "cloudcuckoolander."

"Awesome. My first Cool Club invitation ever. I won't let you down, boss. I'll be the best damn water boy you ever had."

A laugh ensued, "Your eagerness is something I can possibly exploit. You may wish to be careful or I'll expect more than just a water boy." She teased. Kai would probably scoff at that comment and she belatedly felt a bit of sorrow for that then wondered why. The assassin was her body guard who was uninterested in anything else but his job and Ianto seemed interested in whatever she wanted him to do.

"Then, I'm glad that we could have been of some service, already. As for our clan, I see you already have a sister of mine in your camp. Fa'hallen and I come from the Bein'Nor, just as Lithawen does. We have been away from it for some time, but we have recently returned, just after the end of the Blight. And for that, I must personally thank you. I was in Denerim at the time. I saw how terrible that battle was."

Nygozy could see the others moving about from the sides of her eyes but stayed in her spot, waiting for the others to have the path cleaned up. She smirked as Iauron said he was a clan mate of Lithawen's then chuckled, "I am sure that Lithawen made life adventurous for all in your clan. You seem like a much gentler personality though." The Dwarf nodded as he spoke of the Blight, "It was an unpleasant affair, that is for sure. There are so many who fought in those battles, many who helped get us to where we needed to be. Thank you for the kudos and for sharing your bow as well. It could not have been easy for you either."

"Well, I guess that's as good a deal as I'm ever going to get. Margaid, The Maleficar. Really good to meet you all."

The Dwarf took the maleficar's hand and put her other hand on top, smiling at her, "Do not worry. I am a high ranking warden and I have the ability to enlist anyone I wish into our fold. You will be able to stay with us if you wish, but you must remember to work with us and help out. Is this acceptable?"

"'Maleficar'? You don't look like a Maleficar. Maleficars are more... rawr and, you know, less, cloudcuckoolander."

A chagrined look met Ianto's comment, "Ianto. I believe we should get some water then get going." It was more than a hint and she figured he'd realize that.

Ianto chuckled at Nygozy's insistence, and shrugged his shoulders, nodding. "Right, right. I'll go get that water." He glanced around, and then back at Nygozy, winking at her. "After that, we can see about what you'll 'expect' of me, hm?" He laughed again, and finally turned to go off and do as he'd been instructed.

He remembered passing a river in the forest when he'd been looking for the camp, and he guessed that it had been far enough from the battleground that the water would still be fresh and untainted. There had been a clearing not too far down-river where the water had been pooling that would be a perfect place for him to collect water. So, collecting a few waterskins from the area by the fire, he sauntered off to go do his job. The others seemed like they had thing to talk about, so he left them to it. If they followed, then they followed. He wasn't a child, and didn't need to wait for 'mummy' to follow after him.

As he walked through the forest, he began to whistle to himself, mindless tunes that were given sound just as he thought of them. The walk took much longer than it had seemed on horseback, but he was almost grateful for it. The forest was calm, in such stark contrast to the energy that had given life to the camp not too long ago. It allowed him to think over some things, none of which were too important, but he thought of them as if they were, all the same.

Like, for one, he really had enjoyed fighting with everyone he'd met that day. Maybe it was his Templar training speaking, but he'd been trained to fight in a closely-knit group, and it was nice to feel like a part of something again, after being so long on his own. He couldn't have asked for someone better to fight by the side of than Bowen, and Nygozy, Caterina, and those two other girl elves were some of the bravest women he'd ever seen. Even Jez, who'd been so visibly frightened, had been able to keep up her end of the fight, and keep everyone safe. Everyone, in fact, seemed to be worth more than their weight in a fight (perhaps triple-so for Nygozy, who's weight wasn't all that considerable), and he was glad that he'd come to help them out.

His internal thoughts carried on for some time, and before he knew it, he'd found the river. Well, actually, his boot found it, and he was startled out of his musings when he felt a sudden chill and wetness up his feet, only to look down to see his right boot had stepped into a shallow part of the river. It wasn't much more than a trickle, really, and he stepped back to shake his foot out, frowning. "Oh, great job there, Ianto. You might have drowned if it had been a deeper part of the river, you careless brute." Then, his frown deepened. "Awesome," he almost sing-songed, "and now, Ianto is talking to himself. In the third person. Ianto should probably shut up, now. Quite." He rolled his eyes at his own behavior, and turned to start following the river towards the direction he'd seen the clearing, mindful to keep his mind on the task at hand, now.

It took him about five more minutes to find the clearing. He smiled to himself as he saw the completely overgrown grasses and reeds that surrounded the small lake. The trees parted around it to create an almost perfectly circular 'wall' around the pooling of water, and he could see straight up into the now-dark sky. He smiled again, to himself. This was really nice, actually. Maari would have loved-...

He winced internally at where his thoughts were leading him. Thinking about the past- particularly that part of the past- was only going to give him a one-way ticket to depression-ville, and he didn't think the camp had enough Lyrium to get him out of one of those sorts of funks. Best to leave the past behind...

Stumble, crunch, more stumbling. It was any wonder Royce had made it out of that skirmish alive!? He wasn't use to fighting Darkspawn, let alone so many. Sure he was there to help his sister when they were threatening the Bannar, but that was with the help of trained soldiers! And now he was lost. Where could that little pocket-sized hero be hiding?

Roy kicked at the smooth rocks, nocking them into the river. His eyes followed the ripples as he sighed. "Well... if there was ever a place I could see from..." he mused as he scaled a tree near by. Once high enough the young noble strained to look out into the darkening forest, as if finding the Gray Warden's camp wasn't hard enough already.

His eyes shot back down to the river as he heard a splash and the grumpy sing-song voice of another man. "Oh, great job there, Ianto. You might have drowned if it had been a deeper part of the river, you careless brute. Awesome, and now, Ianto is talking to himself. In the third person. Ianto should probably shut up, now. Quite."

What an interesting fellow. Royce smirked at the other's air-headed nature, simple-minded? Or perhaps just innocent. Either way Roy could not help but start to like this strange man. That and he could probably lead him to the Warden and thus he would be one step closer to... whatever it was his sister thought he could accomplish by coming here.

As Ianto walked away, the rogue did what rogues do best, follow closely behind (and steal a small Lyrium potion from the man's pocket, to entertain himself on the walk.).

His eyes scanned the clearing and he could just see what could be a very beautiful opportunity. He tip-toed forward and put a hand over Ianto's mouth, and held him tight. He had the man in a wrestling grip, one he couldn't get out of as Roy used the Templar's strength against him. "Stay calm friend." He whispered as he brought his head forward and smiled handsomely to the other man. Slipping his arms off of Ianto, Roy moved forward, looking back and putting a finger to his mouth.

Roy crouched down and entered the tall grass. After a few minutes, the rogue stood up in the center of the clearing and ran his hands over the top of the grass, rustling the quiet away.

Fireflies flew up from all around Roy and hovered over the clearing for only a moment. Looking up, the fireflies look like stars against the sunset backdrop. Turning now he smiled to Ianto. "For just a second, I was apart of perfection." he said as he smiled.

;Right, right. I'll go get that water. After that, we can see about what you'll 'expect' of me, hm?"

The smirk that ended up on her face soon disappeared as she tilted her head, starting to walk. She put her fingers to her lips to show the others to be quiet as they followed Ianto. The birds were singing, saying there was someone else in the woods, someone being sneaky. Anyone with expert survival could understand what the birds were saying but Nygozy was well beyond that.

Her head turned towards where she figured Kai was and she pantomimed with her hand for a grab then made a chirp. After a nod she made a slicing motion to her neck and used a different chirp. She waited a moment to see if he would respond an acknowledgement then headed off.

The Dwarf moved silently through the woods, almost disappearing into the foliage as she went, knowing those with her should be able to follow quietly, especially Kai.

As they got to the river and then the meadow she had to fight back a chuckle at Ianto's talking to himself. Then her eyes went to the form that had come up to Ianto and held the man but before she did anything this form went into the high grasses and disturbed fireflies. Was this weirdo hitting on the other man? Well, too bad so sad he was a possible danger.

Nygozy moved swiftly, her leather boots hardly making a sound as she swished through the grasses to behind Rory and tapped his back, "You were not really a part of perfection but you can pretend if you wish."

A single chirp came from her lips, the one which indicated contain.

Ka followed The dwarf easily as she moved, hearing the man talk to himself kai sighed, he felt as though he'd been sent to a camp of idiots though he did enjoy their battle and their skills were acceptable. Nygozy had indicated to him and he nooded as he moved to the trees, he watched the two men for a moment before he moved quickly and put a dagger to the strange mans neck from the side. He smiled his approving smile to Nygozy for her capture as he waited

Roy's smile didn't fade as he felt the tap on his back and heard the triumphant voice of the Hero. He threw his hands up in 'defeat' and shrugged a bit to show he was no threat to them. Putting his finger to Kai's blade, he pushed it away with a laugh. "Ah but that is where you are wrong my dear Hero. Perfection is but a fleeting beauty caught in life. What could be more beautiful than the world around us?"

He turned around swiftly and grabbed Nygozy's hand, bending down in a bow and brushing his lips gently against her skin. "I stand corrected. For your beauty is one even the fair Andraste envies." he said as his bright green eyes took her's in.

He stood and pulled his hood back, letting the cool night air caress his red locks. "I am Royce Alfstanna, and I believe I owe you a thanks for saving my brother from Howe's dungeons." he spoke calmly, with the air of a romantic. As if every word he said was coated, nay, drenched in his affections for the world. "My sister. Bann Alfstanna, who I am told you met in Denerim, has sent me to you. Perhaps this is fate?" he offered her a bright and handsome smile as he flirted with Nygozy.

His eyes glanced to Ianto, and then to Kai, and settled back to Nygozy's. His smile reaching his eyes as he waited for her response, and the possible freak out of the other men.

Ianto had been rather innocently walking towards the pooling of water when many, many things happened in quick succession (made all the more noticeable for breaking the quiet of the forest).

First, he felt something snake around his neck to come up and cover his mouth. For a moment- the briefest of moments- he wondered how the hell he hadn't heard someone coming up from behind him in the middle of a grassy field. Seriously, the grass moved and made noise if you so much as breathed! That led him to the thought that, whoever had come up on him must have been a phenomenal rogue or assassin, which further led him to the simple concluding thought of 'Oh shit. I'm going to die.'

Then, whoever it had been who'd snuck up on him leaned his head forward and whispered for him to be calm. A strange thing to say, if he was indeed about to kill Ianto. The Templar blinked, and, almost as if bewitched by the man's charming smile, simply nodded, standing stock still as the red-haired man moved away to crouch in the grass.

For a few moments, Ianto wondered if the man had off and disappeared again, because the glade turned eerily silent once more (which made the man's whispering from earlier sound all the louder, still, in his ears and mind). He still stayed where he was, but he glanced around now, wondering if he was missing something (which he likely was). Then, as he'd been looking off slightly to the left, there was a sudden bursting of movement, though it had been relatively quiet, the sound was like cannon fire in the dead-silent forest, and then, many flashes of light. Ianto turned his head slowly, eyes wide, as he watched the scene before him. The man stood in the middle of a flurry of fireflies, and for the briefest of moments, Ianto could have sworn that they made a perfect circle around him. It was like he'd been standing right in the middle of the world, like he'd created his own earth, before their movements caught up with them, and the fireflies scattered away.

He stared at the man, transfixed, eyes wide as he looked at him. It had gone quiet again, the rustling grass having finally calmed. It was like the calm after a storm, and that one man was the cause of it. Maybe it was just the lighting, or how quiet it was, but Ianto thought that maybe that had been the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen...

And then, there was sound again. he blinked, utterly startled out of his revere as he saw two figures- making them out as Nygozy and her assassin a moment later- set upon the man. The dwarf moved to his back, and said something that Ianto didn't really register, and the assassin put a blade to his neck, which for some reason made Ianto's stomach do a flip-flop.

Unfortunately, all of that- all of that- happened before he could fully process any of it, and he stood there, staring like a loon, as it all happened. It all started to catch up to him as the man spoke, and so he didn't catch much of what the red-haired sneaky man had said except for his name- which was probably Royce, if he'd heard correctly- but there was one thing that really (for some reason) stuck out at him, from everything that had just happened.

He frowned as he looked up from his musings, glancing from Royce to Nygozy to Kai, and made a vaguely annoyed sweeping motion with his hand. "Whoa, whoa. Whoa," he started, pointing at their cluser of people with his hand. "Did you all follow me? Does this mean everyone heard me talking to myself?"

Jezarine hadn't known where exactly to go and stood looking about as the others started to trail away. When Ianto had teased her she'd blushed and stepped away so he could go with Nygozy as their leader wished then she strolled along the top of the plateau watching to see if everyone was alright.

Caught up in thoughts of her past, the healer had no idea what was going on. She'd lost track of time until the dog showed up and barked at her.

"What? Oh. Uh ... hi ... doggie..." Torture was big, much bigger than the puppy and Jezarine had no clue what to do. She'd taken some lithium from the dog earlier during the fight and knew it to be Nygozy's mabari but nothing else. He sort of frightened her but he seemed to want her to come with him as he nudged her leg.

Torture led the woman away from the plateau, down the trail and into the woods. She was nervous, hoping the dog wouldn't hurt her. The dog belonged to Nygozy so she should be fine. Right? Right?

They walked until she saw Ianto being held by someone then the person went away and appeared in the grasses in the midst of fireflies. Her eyes lit up and she smiled, her mouth open in awe. This one was quite a showman. She was about to come forward when Nygozy and Kai showed up and it got tense.

Jezarine walked towards Ianto but he'd started making some sweeping motions and asking whether everyone had heard him talking to himself. She stopped again, looking about wondering if there was going to be some kind of fight or something. Her eyes were glued on the scene, waiting for something to happen and wondering what to do or not do.

This man didn't look like he was a threat so she made a slight motion with her chin to Kai so he would ease up. It was the only way Royce was able to push the knife away.

"Ah but that is where you are wrong my dear Hero. Perfection is but a fleeting beauty caught in life. What could be more beautiful than the world around us?"

"Depends on what part of the world you are looking at." She stated with a grin but what came next confused her. He grabbed her hand and kissed it. A brow lifted as his eyes met hers.

" I am Royce Alfstanna, and I believe I owe you a thanks for saving my brother from Howe's dungeons. My sister. Bann Alfstanna, who I am told you met in Denerim, has sent me to you. Perhaps this is fate? "

Those eyes were so intense with feeling that she was caught up almost as if in a spell. He was a handsome devil but the thought 'devil' took her back. An amused snigger prewarned of her joking nature but she kept it in line, for now, "You are quite the charismatic fellow. Charm enough to capture and waylay those unwarry."

She tilted her head, still amused with his flirtatious attitude and enjoying it. She'd missed Zevran's flirtations so this was nice, along with Ianto's flirting it made her feel special as a woman instead of just the 'hero', "Alfstanna? You mean Irminric is your brother? I hope you were able to find him. He was ... in bad shape from lyrium deprivation."

"Did you all follow me? Does this mean everyone heard me talking to myself?"

"Yes we followed, as I had intended in the first place, and you talking to yourself doesn't matter. I do that too. The real question is ... do you do that in your sleep too?" She winked at Ianto joking around then turned back to Royce.

Nygozy's mind turned back to what Royce had said, considering his words with curiosity as she shifted her weight and turned her head, one brow lifted as the other lowered in confusion, "Fate? What do you mean?"

Roy chuckled slightly to her inquiry. "It is fate that two beautiful people such as ourselves are together. Here and now." he spoke with a smirk, gazing almost lovingly at Nygozy. "Or perhaps it is fate for Sir Knight and I." he teased as he looked back Ianto. The statement itself was wasn't a proclamation of love or anything, but it did hint to the fact that Roy didn't care about gender in matters of flirtation. Of course a male companion had their perks, just as a female companion had their own. Roy just liked to play both teams, everyone wins that way.

Roy straightened up, and faced Ianto with a snicker. "My dear Sir, I believe everyone in this forest heard you talking to yourself. But it's alright, at least you weren't naked. Or maybe that's a bad thing," he laughed.

"I have laid out myself for you my beautiful little fox, it's up to you to decide what you will with me. he said to Nygozy with a smirk.

Though Kai had eased up on Nygozy's command and allowed this 'Royce' to push away his blade Kai was sure he did not like him, not one bit. The red haired man's flirtations and that air of romance that he carried about him reminded the assassin of Zevran. Kai thought of his leader, whose skill and humor (though the humor could, more often than not, be called pointless) earned a lot of respect beyond that of a simple leader and his subordinate.

For some strange reason that Kai found himself unable to think of, the red haired Royce's games of flirtation with Nygozy annoyed him. No that wasn't it, it was more like they stirred up a hint of anger. Was it possible that it was Jealousy? Was Kai jealous? No the assassin refused to believe he felt such an emotion, it was impossible anyway he felt nothing for the little dwarf. The woman was his assignment that was all, nothing more. It was mearly Kai and his obligation to protect the woman, yes that was it! He was only interested in carrying out his job as a guard he felt himself grit his teeth as the games continued and the hint of anger rose.

As Kai looked to Nygozy he saw, well he wasn't sure what he saw...could Nygozy actually be enjoying this man and his gestures of romance? Then Royce spoke with a loving tone and final smirk to the little woman. That was it. Without realizing what he was doing Kai moved quickly, he grabbed Nygozy by the hand pulling her close to him almost as if shielding her from the mans very presence. He repeated the same thought as he held a knife out to Royce with one hand and held onto the dwarf with the other

i'm only doing my job as her guard, i'm only doing my job as her guard, i'm only doing my job as her guard

He spoke with as commanding a voice as he could manage "The lady does not need you to be all over her with your advances. If you desire to help the group you will be formal and serious about the matter at hand, as I am sure you know we are trying to rebuild the wardens not run a matchmaking service!" He knew that he probably had no right to act in such a way and that the dwarf would let him know as much but at that point in time he didn't care.

Oh but he was a good one at seduction. This Royce was looking for any form of bed partner that he could get and it made her wonder if he had anything none of them wanted to get. She made a mental note to have Jezarine put spells on Royce to avoid any unwanted ... after effects.

That was if she let him stay. So far he didn't seem to be a danger.

Kai was now beside her as she chuckled at Royce's advances but then he'd grabbed her hand, pulling her back against him. Her cheek touched just under Kai's chest as he pulled out his knife and put himself between her and Royce. This action shocked her as she felt the assassin's body against hers.

"The lady does not need you to be all over her with your advances. If you desire to help the group you will be formal and serious about the matter at hand, as I am sure you know we are trying to rebuild the wardens not run a matchmaking service!"

For a moment she was quiet, contemplating what exactly was going on. Did he sound jealous? Why would he do this? Kai didn't seem like a prude but he'd also said he wasn't interested in people other than to watch them.

He still held her right hand but she took her left, touched his shoulder and trailed her hand across his chest, along his other arm and to his hand which held the knife then she was holding the knife with him, the tips of her fingers against the back of his hand. She gazed into his one good eye curiously.

"Iauron and Margaid." She announced calmly while keeping her eyes on Kai's one, "I need you to hunt for the party. Once you have caught something then go south east and you will find a cabin with a family of four. We all will be spending the night there."

((Iauron and Margaid - https://dragonageafter.forumotion.com/dragon-tales-f2/start-to-denerim-iauron-and-margaid-t58.htm#483))

Nygozy waited for them to comment then went on, "Ianto. Take Jezarine to the cabin I just mentioned. It's set into a hill. Tell them Nygozy sent you and they'll know what to do for us. Set up for us to spend the night."

((Ianto and Jezarine - https://dragonageafter.forumotion.com/dragon-tales-f2/start-to-denerim-ianto-and-jezarine-t59.htm#484))

The Dwarf left enough quiet time for an answer then continued, her voice calm and her expression unreadable, "It's ok, Kai. I need to speak with Royce as we walk. The knife can be put away and then we will continue on."

Roy sighed as the other rogue reacted badly to him. His hands shot up into the air as his shoulders slumped a bit. "Come on man," he breathed with a chuckle, seeing no serious threat (or at least not caring about it) from Kai. He wasn't one to cower in the face of danger, or even realize he was in danger. "I'm on your side! Does it matter what I do in my free time?"

His hand shot into the air as he looked over at Ianto and Jezarine, "I'll go with them," he offered. "they both look a bit dainty and in need of a man." he laughed heartily at his own joke, but saw that Nygozy wished to speak to him. "Oh alright. But I do get ta drink with 'em later." he said waving the two off.

Ianto frowned as it was made rather clear that everyone, indeed, had heard him. Now, why exactly that was the most pressing matter on his mind- rather than, say, being taken by surprise by a complete stranger- he wasn't sure, but it was. Still, he'd get over it. It wasn't like it was that big of a deal... maybe.

"I do not talk in my sleep, thank you very much," was Ianto's retort to Nygozy's question. "Templars who talk in their sleep find themselves dragged into the hallway by the others." And, since he'd never been hauled off, he could assume that he didn't talk in his sleep. Sharing rooms like that could get annoying- snorers were barely tolerated, but sleep-talking was an outright crime punishable by the Maker himself.

"I'm fairly certain that death would be the only feasible option left for me, if I'd been naked as well, thanks," he quipped back at 'Royce', sending the man a deadpanned look before quickly looking away. The man had a rather infectious smile, and it was hard to appear annoyed at someone when you were smiling along with them.

When Nygozy finally turned her attention on him- and Jez, who'd come up near him just a little bit ago (which further caused him internal embarrassment as yet another person was added to the 'I heard Ianto talking to himself' list)- he was fairly relieved. First, having this new guy all over her (and, himself, actually), was a tad awkward, and he felt a rather strange feeling in his gut because of it. And, second, having something to do was good. It would take his mind of this, and hopefully allow his heart and nerves a moment of respite- both were still fluttering from the recent events.

Then, of course, Royce spoke again, and he scowled back at the man. "Dainty. Right. I'll show you dainty," he muttered darkly, but quickly reigned himself in. For some reason, he wasn't quite that irked at the red-haired man's quip, anyway. He turned to Jez right after that, and took a deep breath before putting a smile back on his face. "Right then. Fine. Why don't you and I be off, and find us that house, hm?" He asked the elf, noting the slightly uncertain look on her face. Geeze, poor girl. She needed a tad more confidence in her.

Everything was going so fast that Jezarine was very unsure of what to do. It looked like the man with Nygozy was going to stab the red head ... oh he looked good too. At least there were quite a few good looking men about and that made her tummy flutter.

Jezarine got closer to Ianto as she had no clue who else to go to. She listened to the others and looked at the man when he complained about talking out loud. Since the Dalish hadn't heard him talk out loud it came as a surprise to her.

When she looked back to the three, Nygozy already had Kai's hand in hers so she sighed with relief but when Royce called the two of them "dainty" she bristled, "Hey! Ianto killed quite a few Darkspawn and is not dainty!"

The healer couldn't look mad, especially not at another cute guy. The most she could do is pouty angry but it soon ended as Ianto said they should go, "Ok." She stuck her tongue out at Royce and turned away with Ianto.

Royce chuckled, both the Templar and Elf were very cute and amusing. "I shall see you both later then, don't forget about me!" he called out. The only one of this group that Roy found him not liking was the man who continued to point a knife at him.

Guy had to pull that stick out of his ass, and get laid, and have a drink, and get into a fist fight. Then he would be great! Actually better than great, he would be another Roy! Which is just a fabulous occurrence.

He turned back to Nygozy and shrugged a bit. "My little fox, you may call me Roy. Only my sister refers to me by my full name, and let me tell you she is worse than any darkspawn when angry. A scary scary being." he laughed "So unless I'm in serious trouble... well let us just hope I never get in serious trouble."

Roy stood there waiting; waiting for Kai to settle down, waiting for Nygozy to tell him to do something so he could blow it off, and waiting for the rain to fall. Wait no, he wasn't waiting for that. Even though he was waiting for things to happen (which wasn't a uncommon for him) he stood confidently, hands on his hips, and fun smile plastered on his face.

((OOC: Hikaru will be gone for a few days so she told me I can bunny Kai.))

Nygozy could hear what was going on around them but still her attention was on her guard, the assassin who was now much more protective of her in more ways then she'd thought possible.

He was tense, not wanting to have Royce with them and looked as if he were ready to slit the other man's throat for even considering a pet name for his charge. To him she was better than that, better than to settle with a useless hack who was only interested in some nookie. Kai would make sure the man got nowhere near her to try that again.

"Fine." He finally said, snarling at the other man but when he looked down at Nygozy the scowl gentled as he wondered what she was thinking and when she would give him trouble for what he had done.

The Dwarf gently let go of Kai's hand with the knife then the weapon disappeared in a flash. For a moment longer he held onto her other hand then realized it and let it go.

"Roy instead of Royce is it?" She said while Kai took a stand to her side, "If you were in serious trouble I would have called for Kai to gut you and I may have added an arrow or two to your skull for added measure. Trouble is different."

An evil smile ended up on Kai's face for just a split moment at the thought.

Nygozy smirked to show she was partially joking, "No, you are not in trouble but I do need more information from you. For some strange reason I do not believe you came all the way out here," She gestured to the woods in a sweeping motion, "Only to say 'thanks for saving my brother.' Either you were offering your services to my group or you were interested in being able to say you screwed the 'hero of Fereldan.' Now ... what do you have to offer us besides being a bed warmer?"

Nygozy put her hands on her hips and gave him a lighthearted smile as well. She could hear Kai's snort at her words knowing he felt that was all Royce was offering.