Fantasy World Creations

---

---

This next leg of the journey would be the last day until the arrival to New Binmoor. The journey was fairly uneventful. No monsters or dangers had appeared, and other travellers simply left your group alone. Soon enough it was evening, and in the distance was what looked to be a tower. The closer you came however, the more you realized that the tower was actually an extremely large and tall one. Not only that, it was at the center of a city in the distance.

You were told that it was New Binmoor. A city of white and silver, with the main roads leaving in and out of the city busy with traffic.


The Angwin brothers were amazed at the sight too, both for the tall tower at the center of the city, along with the fact that most of the city had a distinct white and silver color scheme and architecture to them.

"Welcome to the Silver City, New Binmoor, home of the Silver Labyrinths."

Diane looks over the city and after overcoming her awe with the scene, she smiles, "First things first!  We need a place to sleep tonight, I don't want us struggling to find lodgings later.  Next, I think I'll wander a bit, unless of course, Hunt isn't up to it, then I'll find the nearest library and begin research."

"Lodging will be provided here." Kayden explained. "New Binmoor is one of the three trade capitals of our country, and also the only one that had been a trade capital for the longest. Before the shifting, New Binmoor was a city known for its dungeon, though, when the Felencorp capital was replaced by the Baolong Dynasty to our south east, New Binmoor became our capital. The Silver Inn next to the entrance of the dungeon had already been booked. A section of it had been cordoned off for our group. I simply need to inform the innkeeper that we've arrived, along with some other matters."

Kayden turned towards you.

"We'll give it a few days before you meet with the Trade Council. Unless you prefer to meet them earlier. There is also the matter of the artifact that the country wishes to gift you, though, I suspect that will be brought up during the council meeting. Since it's already late, feel free to explore the city at your heart's content. Hunt will help show you around to that library if you wanted. Four of the knights here will shadow you from a distance, while the rest will make their way towards the Silver Inn. After my own business, I shall meet you and the mayors there as well." Kayden said.

"Starting tomorrow morning, we'll do some more basic training... Once you feel able, we'll be attempting the Silver Labyrinths in a few days perhaps. Anything else you need before I take care of my own matters?"

Diane looks at Kayden and shakes her head, "Keep the knights, Hunt will be enough, if they kill me, they kill me."

One they have entered the city proper, Diane takes the reins in hand, the looks at Hunt with a nod and then turns and rides off, without a thought about letting anyone stop her, having decided she needed some one-on-one time with Hunt and the city itself.  Listening to see if Hunt is following, she simply starts to map the city itself as she rides through, treating it like she would visiting any other new town or city back in her own world.

Int check for accuracy of mental map and remembering landmarks.

When you sped off, Hunt hesitated for a short bit, but you heard the tell-tale sound of his horse following shortly after you. You also heard the other knights speak with Kayden, and moments after that, at least two of the knights began to follow from a distance away.

You begin to mentally map the city as you began to trot your horse into the main road of the city. For a city full of trade, it was surprisingly clean and wellkept. Even the main road of the city was well-maintained. With as many horses and caravans going through the wide main road, normally with as many pack animals that go through it, there would have been messes all over, but no so with New Binmoor. Apart from that, there were many other individuals here with armor, large swords, staves, and others with pointed hats that were reminiscent of the old RPG wizards of video games. Apart from that, there were much more people here with animal ears compared to the roads. Back in Chynance village, everyone there was human, but you began to realize that a large percentage of the population were animal-folk, or, demihumans, as they were called.

Slowing a bit to allow Hunt to catch up, Diane actually comes to a stop in front of a smithy and there is something wistful in her gaze as she watches the smith and his workers.  Once Hunt catches up, she sighs, "That's work that can be appreciated.  It takes time and effort and a knowledge of your materials.  One day I should learn this trade, maybe after the war is over and if I'm alive I will start a smithy of my own or even a foundry."  Shaking her head she starts the horse off again, just taking in the main avenues of the city, going slowly enough and taking the time to learn as many of the sides streets as possible.  Coming to a large thoroughfare she stops and looks at Hunt, "How close are we to the center of the city?  How close are we to a library?  What direction would I go to a temple should I desire to pray as it were?"

Hunt pointed to the tall tower that the two of you were nearing. "That's the Silver Labyrinths! The center of the city, and also near the Silver Inn." Hunt said. "Most of the important buildings are here in the center... Primarily ones that cater to adventurers and dungeon delvers. Like... armor and weapon stores, smiths, and things like that." Hunt said. "There is a temple district here too that we can go to! The six goddesses are worshipped there, but since this is a trade city, other churches are welcome to start here... Libraries are found in the same district too."

Finding out that the dungeon and as such the inns were so close, Diane simply nods, taking into account that having it at the center of the city makes it quite easy to plan trips for materials and knowledge.  Hearing there are temples, she takes special note of the information Hunt is giving her.  As she sits astride her horse, she looks around the city and just takes it in again at the street level. 

Turning to Hunt, "So tell me are you from New Binmoor or another city within the Alliance?  And if so, would you like me to get you excused to go spend time with your family?  I don't think it would be too hard to finagle that downtime for you.  YOu've given me family as it were, but I would not want to deny you a chance to see your own.  I do realize that you do have your own family, despite suffering the addition of a big sister from another world!" Despite the words, Diane has a grin on her face and laughs at the end, the affection she feels for the boy showing through.

---

Hunt only blushed from the attention.

"Papa and mama live here in New Binmoor... Umm you see, I'd like to see them, but... I've known them for years...! And since you're my family too, I think I would prefer to stay with you. Oh! But big sis, you should meet mama sometime, she makes really really yummy cakes!" He smiled as his eyes began to look inwardly in his own memories, drooling as he did so.

He smacked his lips a moment later as he quickly wiped his mouth.

"Well, I'm sure you'll get to meet papa soon."

Diane shakes her head, "How about this?  We get settled in as it were and as soon as it's reasonable we take some downtime and we both go see your family?  That way you get to see them and I can meet the wonderful family that raised a sweetheart of a young man like yourself?"

After saying this and getting an answer from Hunt Diane turns her gaze on the city leading her horse to the side of the street to keep from being in anyone's way.  After a few moments, she turns and waves the knights forward,  a grin on her face as she looks at Hunt and says, " I know they are here to protect me, but let's make them part of the fun so they can enjoy it to hmm?

---

"Sure! Papa and mama would like to see you, I'm sure." Hunt said confidently.

Once you lead your horse to the side of the street, and waved the knights forward, they began to move, though, they had already been shadowing from a distance away since you had parted ways with Kayden, the mayors, and the rest of the knights, who were likely on their way towards the Silver Inn.

"Part of the fun...?" Hunt asked drawing near.

Diane winks as Hunt asks what she means, "You'll see, I can imagine that knights want to have fun. Why not at least get them in on helping me get used to the city as it were?  I mean, guarding me can't be that fun."  Once the knights have caught up with them, she smirks at them, "Gentlemen, please tell me what your favorite parts of the city are.  I am new, and well, Hunt is young, so we need some instruction from people who've been around and seen the world as it were.  So please, instruct us in where to go to have fun or even just find a nice quiet drink."  She is smiling, hoping very much that including the knights will make them understand she is their hero as well, despite wanting to do it her own way.

---

"The brothel is a pretty nice-" The first knight said, only to be elbowed by the other knight.

"What he actually meant was the... garden near the brothel... The Silver Gardens they are called... Part of the entrance to the Silver Labyrinths."

"O-ooh... H-haha... Yes... The Silver Gardens... Y-yes that's what I meant." The first knight said.

"The labyrinth is a good place to level up too. Us knights get most of our experience on the front lines, but whenever we're here in New Binmoor, and if Kayden gives us a few days of rest, a couple of us sometimes form a small band to practice on the upper floors."

"Brothel...? That's where... other big sisters are? One of my friends told me all about it!" Hunt said proudly.

"Master Holton... I don't think you actually know..." The second knight said quietly, while the first one looked on sheepishly trying to avoid both yours and Hunt's gaze.

When the brothel is mention, Diane cuts her eyes at the first knight and when the second knight covers for him, she looks at Hunt, praying that he didn't catch it enough to question it.  And for a few moments that prayer seems to be answered and then the makes his statement.  Cutting her eyes back at the first knight, she sighs, angrily and then turns to Hunt with a warm and sisterly look, "Hunt, dear heart, the girls that work in a brothel are potentially big sisters to someone, but they are not big sisters in the sense you are thinking.  They, do intimate things for money and as such, depending on how your morality sees it, are not very good people.  Or they are good people who are doing a bad thing for a good reason.  Either way, they are not the big sisters you need to be looking to for guidance.  If you have big sister questions and so forth, you come see me, I will be all the big sister you need, at least until you become a big strong man and you have a wife, and well, you won't need a big sister quite as much.  Then I'll just be someone you see when you can and I'll come by and spoil your children.  Sound good?'

---

Hunt frowned seemingly confused from what you were saying. He must have realized to just accept whatever you were saying, or not question it though, even though he had a look of confusion still plainly written on his face. "Umm... well... I think even after I have a wife I still would need my big sister." Hunt said puffing his cheeks slightly.

"How about you can always be my big sister, and you can come by with cakes?" Hunt said shortly after a huge grin on his face.

The other two knights looked on with as light amused look on their face, but they seemed to always have been used to how Hunt was, and didn't really comment any further.

"The Silver Inn has a tavern too, that's only reserved for those staying in the Inn... With most of it booked for our group, it's a quiet place." The first knight who had first mentioned the brothel said, perhaps in an attempt to redeem himself.

"If it comes to a nice place to eat though, there's some good restaurants around the city... It's about dinner time too. I think the others are probably making their way to the Silver Inn and relaxing there. But since me and Ged are on duty still, we planned to just have some of our rations." He said, pointing to a pouch on his belt.

Diane chuckles at Hunt, a big smile on her face, "I never said I wouldn't be  your big sister, I just said you wouldn't need me as much.  I will always be your big sister.  Although, you will have to settle for a cake that I buy from a baker, I am a horrible cook, except on camp stove, then I'm slightly less than horrible!"  Winking at Hunt, she turns to the knights, "You two decide what the best, and likely the most..well, that won't work, I just realized I don't have money.  Perhaps the Silver Inn would be best for a meal, however, if you three can hold out a bit longer, I would like you three to show me your favorite places in the city.  I mean you guys have let me help you fight, now I would like to get to know you more so.  Besides, when I rode away and requested that Hunt and I go alone, I knew Kayden would send at least one of you knights, so I planned to spend time getting to know you guys better as well."

---

"Oh... umm... well maybe camp stove cakes are good too..." Hunt said mumbling softly.

"Favorite place..." The first knight thought for a moment.

"Then how about the tower? Since this is your first time here in New Binmoor, then visiting the tower has to be one of the first things." The second knight suggested as he pointed towards the very tall tower at the center. "There are many merchants near the base of the labyrinth's tower, but the tower itself houses the Guild of the city, along with the very best traders for adventurers. New Binmoor, compared to the other Trade Capitals, probably have the most number of magical items for sale due to the fact of the dungeon beneath it."

"There's also a high-class brothel-" The knight paused. "Restaurant there." The knight pulled out a pouch and checked the coins he had in there. "I have enough in here for everyone."

Diane holds up a hand, in a manner so graceful it startles her for a moment, "I will earn my way.  I do appreciate it, deeply and I ask that you let me earn my own and help as much as I can.  That means I the kingdom foots the bill until can earn money of my own, then I will pay my own way."  Smiling at the knight, her face softens to very womanly planes and curves, "I apologize for being demanding, but am I was raised to earn and claw my way to the top.  It means I will need to be humble for a while, but I will do it in this world as I earned my place within my the shop and world in the other world."

---

"Oh it's no worries ma'am... I can always request some money from Kayden after." The knight said as he jingled his coins. "So? The tower it is? Underneath it are the Silver Labyrinths, but there's enough things to see as well."

Diane smiles, "Why do you guys go ahead and enjoy, I think I will retire for the evening, see if I can find something I can study or tinker with.  Besides, I would hate to keep you from your "evening of fun"."  She gently tugs on the reins and gets the horse heading for the Tower, taking care not to harm the horse, but carefully tapping it's sides with the heels of her boots.  "Hunt  you are free to travel with the knights, I give you the night to do as you will, or perhaps you could go home and spend the night in your own bed.  It's up to you."

---

"I'd like to see mum and dad... But Kay-Kay always tells me that a squire's duty is first to serve the knight they are assigned to." Hunt responded.

"Well, I feel mighty bad if we were to go cajoling especially when the lady knight motioned us to be your guard for the evening." The first knight said hesitantly.

Diplomacy roll

---

"If it's all the same miss hero ma'am, I think I'll stick around. It's not every day someone gets to hang out with a hero, you know? Plus I heard them village mayors mentioning how skilled you were in magic things. I'm not the best at it myself, but it always fascinates me, it does."

"I'm with Ged. Sir Kayden pretty much ordered us to accompany you, so I'd rather not get on her bad-side. I'd say she's still a good commander even though she's a wom-" The knight paused for a moment as he coughed. "Even though she's still relatively young."

Diane cuts her eyes at the knights, I get that women knights and commanders are relatively new, but understand that does not make them bad immediately."  Sighing softly she shakes her head, "Females can be more cunning than men I have learned, especially when raised from a young age to it.  I was raised with mechanical things, so I excel in that regard."

---

"Yes... but you're a hero too! That changes everything. I doubt any other knight or person here would think otherwise simply because you are a hero. Compared to most folk, you have a potential that's through the roof. It's said that a hero who even has a single month of training is powerful enough to hold their own against a knight commander just fine."

Diane snorts, "I am a hero because I am blessed by a goddess to be so.  My training is normal in my world.  My potential is the normal.  Trust me when I say, if I decided to take Kayden and teach her what I know, she would be magnitudes more dangerous than any other knight commander, simply because she has drive to excel and push herself.  Wouldn't you say you have the same drive?" The venom in her words is momentary, but the curiosity is throughout her speech.  "I am going to need people who know mechanical stuff the way I can teach if I can get things going the way I want to, would you two like to join Hunt in learning the things I know?"

diplomacy to see if she can talk them into seeing it her way and potentially get more students.

---

Both knights glanced at each other, then back towards you.

"Well, if it's learning something from the hero herself..." Ged started thoughtfully.

"... then yes. Both Ged and I are proud knights of the Felencorp United Alliance. Though scholarly work is generally left to the priests, in our youth we went through a lot of it. As I'm sure master Holton here knows."

"But perhaps not... The boy was taken early to be our captain's squire at an earlier age than normal. Due to the lack of noble blood."

"If you are willing then I will teach you.   I won't teach you the same things you learned before, but I am hoping to change things and make life a bit easier.  At least as much I can."

Grinning wide, she looks at Hunt and then gently turns her horse towards the tower.  "However, I need some rest and perhaps to bathe and well," She reaches over and pats Ged's arm, "I would hate to deprive you of your "evening's entertainment" so to speak."  Riding off towards the tower, she looks back over her left shoulder at the guards and Hunt and in a tone that is seductive and playful, "Have a good night."

---

The Silver Inn, which contained a small bathhouse, and the prepared rooms for the hero's group was near the Silver Labyrinths and the tower housed on top of it. The guards along with Hunt realized that you wanted some time for yourself for one reason or another, and as Hunt was about to follow you anyways, one of the knights called out to him and said something, which resulted in them staying behind. The knights seemed to talk to themselves for a moment, but soon enough you continued to make your way towards the tower, leaving the knights and Hunt behind.

---

---

It was evening time for the Silver Labyrinths and the tower housed on top, but it was still busy as ever. Unlike most of the city which closed down for the night, to spend time with family and to rest for the evening,  the adventurers that made up the majority of the people inside the Silver Labyrinths worked through all hours of the day. As such, businesses that relied on such folk were open as well. Blacksmiths were advertising their maintenance skills or selling new weapons, while various others advertised their own services to either help gather item drops, or guides into the Silver Labyrinths below. There were all sorts of food stalls as well, for slaying monsters would indeed bring up a huge appetite. There was also a large section of the first floor of the tower dedicated to 'The Guild', which had a board at the front which all sorts of various missions and requests posted.

perception roll

Shaking her head with a rueful smile on her face, she rides on to the inn enjoying the peace and quiet, which is is mostly sure will be the last she has for some time.  Nodding to people as she passes them and even waving at small children that look at her, she grins and for a short time, despite being in a very different world, she starts to feel very much like her old self again.  Once she gets to the inn, she rides up to the stables and gets down from her horse.  When a stable boy approaches she speaks up, "I am with the party of the hero from Chynance village.  If you will stable my horse with the rest of them and make sure she gets a rub down, she's done me well for the past few days and it is the least I can do for her."  Winking at the boy, she turns and heads to go into the inn itself, her stride varying back and forth between slow and measured and hurried. 

Once she is inside the inn she approaches what she can only imagine is the innkeeper and flashes him a smile, "I'm with the Chynance Village heroes' party and if you could give me a room, I would appreciate it.  Preferably with one of the female knights, women tend to get on better at night with another of our own as it were."  While she waits for a key to one of the rooms, she turns around and looks around the common room, excited in her own way to be in a new environment and to study if possible.  Mostly though, she wanted to a bath to wash off the road and a sound night's sleep.

---

"Nywelcome to the Silver Inn!" A cat demihuman with pink hair said loudly when you entered. You noticed that it was fairly quiet in the lobby, which doubled as a tavern of some sorts as a couple of the knights there were already eating some food. Some of them immediately recognized you and gave quick nods or even a salute if they were near enough. You noticed that this wasn't the full group of knights, but you imagined that the others might have been resting, or perhaps elsewhere around the city.

Apart from the knights, there was no one else around either, save for the Silver Inn staff members who would take care of orders or clean up dishes. One of the staff members of the inn had a stringed instrument of some sort and was playing a gentle melody as the knights simply relaxed and spoke with one another.

Kenver and Maban Angwin were there as well, sharing their own table as they simply talked with one another while partaking dinner. They caught sight of you almost immediately as well, and waved towards you in greeting.

"Well if nyur the hero, then even more nwelcome for nya! ⋆" She said cheerily as she pulled out a piece of paper and began to scribble on it. When she was writing, you couldn't actually recognize the individual characters as she wrote them, however, the moment that she wrote enough, it looked as if the words on the paper suddenly transformed and changed, and you were able to read it. She handed you the paper, on it read 'Room 201'.

"Room 201. This is the room the one other female knight picked."

Smiling at the cat woman, Diane nods and turns to look around the room once again. She nods and then salutes the knights.  Turning to the Angwin brothers, she gives a short wave and just kind of takes in the family she has at hand for the moment.  Although, there is the thought that some of them would eventually die if she wasn't careful.   Shaking her head and the smile slipping some with this thought, she pasted a new smile on her face and turns and heads for the stairs.  As she ascends the stairs she take care to be mindful of people coming and going using them, being as polite as possible.  Once she makes it to the second floor, she begins to search out the room she is looking for.  Once she finds it, she knocks on the door and waits a few moments before trying to open it, speaking up as she does, "Kayden, it's Diane, I'm coming in.  You've got a bunkie for as long as you'll have me."

---

Going up the stairs, the Silver Inn was quite true to its namesake. Although wooden floorboards were used, many parts of the wall, and ceiling, were lined with silver or marble, giving the lodging an expensive kind of vibe. Each of the doors were neatly labeled with plaques, flowing silver lettering on each, making it easy to figure out which room was what. You found out that room 201 was actually a fairly small room, at least going by the distance from each door. However, like the rest at least, the door to it was just as ornate as the others.

Your few knocks weren't answered, and as you told Kayden you were coming in, and opened the door, you found that no one was in the room. However, you did manage to see a few packs, as well as what looked to be Kayden's armor.

As what was expected, the room wasn't very large, though it included a table, a cabinet, and a bunk bed. Although it was small, the same amount of care went into the decoration, and with the silver linings everywhere, it made the room look almost too gaudy, if compared to those on Earth. The bunk beds were large however. Each mattress was perhaps queen-sized, if using the measurements from home.

Diane smiles faintly, "I hope she is off visiting family or at least renewing acquaintances.  Although, she is rather dutiful, so I doubt it."  Shaking her head, she walks over and puts her own pack down and begins to slowly get out of her armor, taking great care with the belts, buckles and weapons.  This done, she checks the bunks to see if Kayden claimed one and once she finds the unclaimed one, she climbs in and is soon asleep, the travel and change over the past week or two finally hitting her at once.

It was around later in the evening when most of the other knights had already went into their own rooms, when the door to yours opened. The light of a flickering candle soon filled the room. Whoever had opened the door noticed your presence in the bunk as a soft sigh escaped their lips.

"That's where you were..." The voice said. The person moved in closer then, being careful to tip-toe quietly in order to not disturb your sleep. Eventually the person sat down on the bottom bunk, which was on the bottom.

Waking the next morning at dawn, as has become her habit, Diane sits up slowly and looks around the room.  Leaning over the side of the bunk and down into the bottom, she grins at Kayden's sleeping form.  Shaking her head at the thought of a prank, she climbs down from the bunk as quiet as she can, trying to be as stealthy as she can.  Once she is on the floor, she moves over to her gear and begins to rummage through it to get out a towel, soap and some clean clothes.  This done, she moves to the door, one more look at Kayden and she sighs.  Walking over to the knight, she gently shakes the woman, "I'm going for a bath, do you wish to join me Kayden?  Perhaps a little girl talk to help us get to know each other better.  Besides, I did kind of disappear on you last night and took the top bunk from you."

acrobatics roll to get out of the bunk without waking Kayden
Stealth roll to move about the roll and rummage around in her bag without waking Kayden. You know, before she wakes her anyway, like an idjit.

---

Without all of her armor and livery, Kayden looked very much like a normal woman. Her features wasn't overly feminine, which was why it was easy for her to almost seem like a man, but the way she was fast asleep, breathing softly, her freckled face seemingly calm, and her hair laid out only seemed to accentuate her more feminine qualities.

But then she opened her eyes, as she stared at you rather flatly.


"Hero Diane. I found Ged, Eli, and Hunt at the city center." And again, Kayden was immediately back into her business-self as she sat up on her bed, rather stiffly. "Without your presence." The covers on her bed gently wrapped themselves on her, bunched up around her waist when she had sat up. She was the type of person to have a morning glow, though the demeanor on her face off-set it with something a lot more stoic.

"I nearly had all the knights search for you until one of them mentioned you were here." She drew out a sigh. "The knights aren't here just to keep watch, but they're here for your protection... Anyways. A bath...?" Her face was blank for a moment, but she eventually looked down at the ruffle of covers around her, and the fact she was in pajamas. There was a slight blush on her features, but she did her best to remain collected.

"You may take the bath, hero Diane, but as a knight I'll refrain from the comforts of the inn, and stay vigilant in case the need arises." She said quickly, as if embarrassed from the thought.

Smirking, she reaches down and grabs Kayden's hand, "You can protect me while I bathe, of indeed that is your main mandate.  Besides, if you are going to be my roommate and the head of what is essentially going to be my guard of sorts.  So come along, besides, there is much I wish to learn from you.   Let's be honest, there's much I need to learn from you and I feel there is much I can teach you."

---

Kayden couldn't help but pause and consider the invitation for a moment. After that moment of hesitation however, she eventually nodded. "Well... I suppose. Though, I would need to change to more proper attire. Even if I were to leave my armor here, I'll still be using a uniform more befitting of a knight, rather than..." She paused for a moment as she considered what she was wearing. "Rather than this blouse... Give me a minute to change. I'll... meet you at the bathhouse."

Diane grins, one that had been deemed infectious when she was younger,  although it was rarely seen these days.  Turning, she heads for the door, stopping long enough to grab and buckle on her belt and weapons.  She smirks back at Kayden, "You may have infected me with the need to always be armed."  When she moves to open the door the armlet is revealed more so than it has been previously.  Leaving their room, she grins back at Kayden before she closes the door.  Turning away from the door she heads for the common room to inquire after directions to the bath and then heads there.

---

Asking directions from the innkeeper, you were soon pointed your way to it. It consisted of a changing room, followed with the actual bath house after it. Just looking inside however, it wasn't nearly as extravagant as the ones that the Angwin mayors maintained in Chynance village. The one in Chynance had a rustic feeling, with architecture reminiscent of a Japanese bath house from earth. This one from the Silver Inn did indeed look fancy, but in a completely different way, with much more silver trimmings and gaudy decoration placed about.


There was just a single person in there. An older lady, who looked quite heavy who was lounging in the pool. She had her eyes closed, and didn't quite notice you yet.

Diane, after spending a few minutes changing from clothing and grabbing a towel and wrapping it around her, steps into the baths and looks around.  Seeing the woman, she decides to be quiet and not bother the woman.  Moving around to the opposite side of the bath, she steps down into the bath, letting the heat and bouyency relax her.  Settling into the bath, she breathes in deeply, closing her eyes for a few moments.  Opening her eyes, she looks at the woman, "Good morning.  Fine time of the day for bathing, don't you think?'

---

The heavy woman opened her eyes, and she smiled warmly when she noticed you.

"Oh yes indeed! I come here some mornings just to make use of this bath." The woman explained. "It's a comfort to be enjoyed before the start of the day. It's just what I need too... Sometimes, you can get these bad days, you know?" She chuckled to herself.

"Going to tackle the labyrinths today?" The woman asked politely, as she settled back into the warmth of the bath.

Diane nods in agreement with the enjoyment and comfort on bad days.  A soft sigh escapes her lips as the heat relieves the stiffness. When the woman brings up the labyrinth she thinks about it and nods, "It is something I have very much considered to be sure.  Although, the rest of my group will probably want prep time. Mostly, I just need a bath in the morning to get up and get moving.   Otherwise, it takes very strong tea to get me moving. "

---

The woman smiled knowingly at your mention of tea.

"The spice trades of Baolong brings in many exotic spices." She commented. "Much of it, and other exotic goods, can be found here in New Binmoor. All driven by the Silver Labyrinths, oversight by the Guild, and the guidance of our country. It brings in many adventurers from far and wide to try their luck in the labyrinths, feeding into the economical engine of this city."

"You know... Sometimes I envy adventurers, exploring places they see fit, seeing sights only few see..." She smiled pleasantly at you. "You've chosen a respectable profession."

Nodding in agreement at each point with the woman, Diane is almost relaxed enough to fall asleep.  Waking up fully, she smiles, "It is not the profession I wanted in the beginning, but it is the one I feel destined for."  She grins, as she takes stock of the area for a moment, "I am Diane Malone, what is it I should call you?"

---

"Stories are told all the time about adventurers and the feats they accomplish." The woman replied. "There's a particular romantic quality about it." 

"Diane Malone... Interesting name. It's not one you hear very often." The woman said nodding. She started to look towards you with a keener eye, but eventually simply sat back in the pool letting the warm and gushing water caress her back into comfort.

"I am Marley. It's a pleasure to meet you Diane." She said rather formally.

Diane nods in as close to a formal manner as she can, "It is a pleasure to meet you Ms Marley.  I would offer my sevices as an adventurer, but sadly, I am relatively new and as such, not quite so useful as other adventurers that are established.  However, if there is something I can do for you,  at least within my power, let me know An did can try to get it done."

---

"Well Diane Malone... There's indeed something I can think of, but perhaps the next time I see you, we can discuss it then?" Marley said. "For now... lets enjoy this warmth bath. I'll be running late to a meeting, but I daresay, the old fools can stand to wait another few minutes." She lady said as she closed her eyes again, like before, and settled back into the water.

(OOC: Let's move along on scenes, Diane would honestly, go straight to enjoying the bath and soaking off days in the saddle.)

---

Soon enough, Marley left, nodding to you once as she moved out the door. You had a few minutes to yourself, until the door finally creaked open again. This time, it was Kayden. She was dressed formally. A simple uniform, though, lacking the armor that you were accustomed to seeing on her. She did have her weapon sheathed to her side however.

"Hero Diane..." Kayden said in a fierce whisper as her eyes were wide as she looked at you.  "That was Madame Marley. Trade President of New Binmoor. She's... Like the mayors of Chynance. But more involved in our country's politics."

Diane looks up at Kayden when she enters still in her uniform.  Arching an eyebrow about to ask why she was still in her uniform she is interrupted.  As she listens to the explanation of who the woman was.  Shaking her head, "She seemed like such a nice woman.  It's nice to have some background information on who she is before I meet with her again.  That does make sense why when I said if i could help her and she needed my help, I would do what I could for her and she had that she had some things I could help with. " 

Lounging back in the hot water Diane looks thoughtful, "Although, I suppose I understand why she didn't introduce herself with her title, she wanted to relax and not have all of that hanging over her shoulders.  I did not tell her I was a hero, merely an adventurer, because I didn't want to have all of that hanging over my head in a conversation either."  Looking back at Kayden, "Join me, you should wash the road off and definitely let the water do it's work on your skin, I can imagine that your skin hasn't been treated properly in months.  I can rub some oils into your skin, soften it up.  We could see if we could find you "company" for tonight.  I wouldn't mind rooming with the boys to make room for you."

---

"A warm towel will be sufficient to cleanse my body from the road's grime." Kayden as she entered the bathing room, closing the door behind her. "It is with madam Marley that you are to meet at a later date, along with a few others from the Trade Council, once you've situated yourself here. I did send in my report to my superiors once I arrived in the city last night. They want to meet with you immediately."

"As for the oils... I must decline, a knight should not let the hero do such things for them. It... it should be the other way around in fact! Though... that isn't quite proper either..." Kayden furrowed her eyebrows, for once she seemed a bit unsure of herself.

"And what do you mean by company?" She asked, not coming to any clear conclusion, and instead focusing on you. She did eventually decide to sit cross-legged down near the entrance to the bathhouse, with her sword on her lap.

Looking at Kayden with an amused look on her face Diane does her best to be the friend she is trying to be.  "Company, you know,  man to warm your bed, among other things.  I have papers to start writing on developing technology to help win this war, so romance is not in the cards for me, but I will certainly vacate my bed to give you the privacy you need to have some romance of your own." Diane winks conspiratorially as she reaches down a pulls her towel up a bit more.  "I don't have what are affectionately termed girlfriends here in this world or in my old world, so you are it my friend, you are my bosom buddy, my confidant, my partner in crime.  The very least I can do for saddling you with that burden is help you have soft skin that smells good and give you privacy to have the "companionship" that I won't have the time to allow myself. Besides, maybe if I do my job well enough, we can find you a nice knight or solider to settle down with after the war.  Wouldn't that be nice?! I could be Aunt Diane to you and Hunt's children and I could spoil them and build toys for them."

---

A slight blush slowly crept itself on her features. "I thank you for the concern, hero Diane... but romance isn't something I'm seeking either. You see as a knight, especially one assigned to one such as yourself, my first duty is to my country, then next, is to you. And... I'd rather... not bed just any man either."

"And if only this war is to end... my generation, and the previous two generations grew up with this war. I should have hope that we have a chance of succeeding, yet, my hope for so remains... in sufficient. Much rather I be of use to end the war though, than to think of what could be. I clamor to be sent out in the front to lead a charge against the demon hordes, and even take down a demon lord. Yet, I know that it's my place to aid the hero, you."

"Anyways, if company it is that you wonder about... Then can I ask about the Chynance mayors? I tend not to agree with their thoughts, specifically Kenver's." Kayden rolled her eyes. "Yet did I glance a few times when the priest looked upon you tenderly. Mayhaps I can say it's a woman's intuition, if not my own keenness as a knight."

Smirking at Kayden's commentary Diane merely shakes her head, "Much as one might imagine that they are both ones to turn someone's attention, I am much more in need of a women's attention to detail in the womanly arts.  I have been guessing on how a lady is to conduct herself in situations and my general conduct towards flirting and so on has carried me this far.  However, we are, at court as it were.  I need the instruction of someone I can trust and one who shares my gender.  Besides, out of all the females I have met, save Gaea herself, I trust you most. So, sadly until the day comes your government considers me properly caught up or protected and sends you on to other duties, we are stuck together.  We may as well make the best of it and be close friends such as we are both unlikely to find otherwise with the paths we have set ourselves on."

---

"Matters of the court... I admit it's been years since I've attended to such. Part of the training on being a knight consists just that, though, surely and perhaps surprisingly, Hunt would be more adept for the fact he is of noble lineage. Your time with nobles would be soon though. As I mentioned before the council wishes to meet with you. Many merchants have requested an audience as well, though, you are to meet with the council first before anything."

"We can spend some time for you to learn about the nobility here and how our government is structured if you'd like." Kayden proposed as she stood up finding a towel and what looked to be a bar of soap of some sort.

"Mayhaps I can cleanse your back too while we go over it."

Diane nods silently, "It appears that wisdom dictates I bone up on nobility before that happens.  As for my back?  I think I am going to soak for a bit while I listen to you educate me on court.  Does this mean I will need dresses or will clothing I incorporating pants be acceptable?"

knowledge nobility

---

Kayden frowned at first at your comment about incorporating pants, but she eventually smiled once she realized when you said was funny.

"For one of your stature, dresses would indeed be on that list."\

The next two hours were spent with Kayden telling you about the nobility, along with some of the things that were expected. Eventually Kayden did tell you that the leaders of the city expect to meet with you in 3 days time.

OOC: Going to use all of my training on knowledge nobility. While getting out and going to find a dress with Kayden. Let me know how many rolls I need.


Diane listens intently, although, most of this doesn't quite stick, but she tries to remember what she can.  Standing up slowly, she pulls her towel up and smiles, "Well, I guess it's time to go get a dress, although, can we get one as plain as possible in design, but I would like some room to mount a belt with at least my dagger and rapier if possible.  I trust you, I trust the boys and I trust the knights.  The rest of the people in the world, well, I simply can't trust them without a weapon, even if its just a dagger."

Drying off as much as she can and shaking some of the water free, she begins to walk over to the changing area, "Besides, we need a dress for you I daresay."  An evil smirk crosses Diane's face as she looks at Kayden, "If I have to wear a dress, you know I would expect you to show solidarity with me."  As she begins to finish drying off and looking towards her clothing.  For a moment, she stops and looks at Kayden, "I have a question for you.  What is the likelihood of being able to design a dress with chainmail between layers of fabric and very dressy boots with steel reinforcements in the heels, toes and bottoms?"

---

"One such as chainmail might be difficult to cover... The basic chainmail armor covers your arms, your neck, and extends below the waist as well. I would suggest that a chain shirt would be possible, though it would be one with a tight fit... and I'm unsure how a corset would look with it without making you look too thick around the chest."

Training Check rolls

Diplomacy roll, for initial impressions from shopkeepers.
Diplomacy roll, for price negotiation for dress.
Charisma roll, for how well you get along with Kayden with potential rep higher increases.

"Perhaps I could use my ability to make the links thinner, but also change their materials into Stainless steel.  It would give me the same protection, with a more natural look."

---

Through the 6 more hours you spent with Kayden, either sitting on a bench, or shopping for various items (primarily a dress and some better fitting armor), she taught you much about the nobility of the area. However, you could tell that Kayden actually wasn't a very good teacher. Although you could tell that Kayden had a semblance of an education and training, she seemed a lot more stiff as compared with the Angwin brothers, especially Maban who seemed to be a lot more intelligent and wise as he let on.

---

---

It was around evening when the day's shopping was done, and you and Kayden made your way back to the Silver Inn. Waiting outside was Hunt, Maban, and Kenver. Each of them called out to you once they noticed you approach.

Diane, despite being in an unfamiliar city, seems to enjoy herself and shopping with Kayden.  Pulling Kayden to one side, she quietly speaks up, "I would rather not advertise I am a hero right now.  I would rather build a relationship with these people as myself rather than as a hero first.  If they know I'm a hero later then all the better, but I think if I am going to open a shop here to build steam engines and have a place of my own, then I'll need a close relationship with them.  Also, do you think we could talk some of the smiths and stove makers into selling us scrap?  I have an idea on how to potentially mass produce steam engines, or closer to it."  As she moves through various shops, she smiles and does her best to be as normal as she can with the merchants, but as she was still adjusting to moving in smaller spaces with her weapons belted on, she manages to knock over or nearly knock things over all the time.  Apologizing profusely at her clumsiness, Diane blushes and manages to pick out a paisley colored set of clothing and some plain brown boots. 

On a break betweem shops, having settled down on a bench, she looks at Kayden, "I have never had a close friend that's female, but if I did, I would have wanted her to be like you.  No nonsense and fun to spend time with.  We should do this once a week, at least once I start making money of my own.  Of course, I'll need you to put your foot down and drag me out of either the dungeon or my shop!" Laughing, she looks around the area they are in, taking in the surroundings, Diane reaches down into her belt pouch and sighs softly, "What is the nation's stance on spending coin on technology research?  Could I get them to give me a research fund to set up a shop and then after paying them back in technology developments, keep the shop as my own so when the war is over I would have a place to work and live?"  A wistful look crosses her face for a few moments and then she shakes her head, "Forget that last part, let's be honest, my desire to end all of this is going to put me on the front lines and I'll die.  Maybe if they let me keep it, you can keep the shop and convert it into a home for yourself."

---

---

"That looks good on you... Though..." You noticed Kayden glance at your choice of footwear, but she only frowned and didn't quite say anything further. "Since I planned for us to go to an armorsmith, we can talk to them about scrap metal. I'm sure they have plenty."

---

---

"Sssscrap metal?" The smith asked. He looked like an overgrown lizard, that talked and wore clothing. This wasn't at all something you've seen before in the city, even though there were a lot of animal-like people. "Yessssss... A sssilver piece per pound if you want ironssss."

---

---

Kaydan was silent as you spoke, she seemed to be wrestling with something in her head.

"I appreciate you enjoying your time with me, hero... And I suppose that is preferred over the bickering with the mayors back in Chynance." She eventually ended up smiling at you though after a few more moments of silence. Not really being able to eye you directly she proceeded to look away.

In a much more quieter voice she spoke.

"I enjoyed the day too. It's not often I get to relax like this." Kayden finally replied, you managed to catch sight of a slight blush on her cheeks. Maybe it was the realization that her face was getting warm that she quickly shook her head a moment later however.

"Anyways.... researching technology? That's a... weird way to string those words together. It's a very foreign idea. When it comes to research and studies, we learn things like mathematics, writing, dancing, proper postures and demeanor, how to act and what to say around the nobility... Which, on that note, we should get back to studying again."

"And don't say something as morbid as that. You're the hero." Kayden sighed, but she paused as she thought about something. "I noticed what you did with the armor... You turned the iron into steel? And then merging that with the dress seamlessly... That it didn't even look like you were wearing armor at all."

"I won't pretend to know anything about smithing, or matters of trade to the level of the merchants of our country. But even I can see the value in something like that. Sometimes you use weird words like 'steam engine', but I don't even understand what that is, or how that will help. But the clothing-armor? Or whatever you want to call it? That's a breakthrough, especially in these times."

"Part of my job as a knight of the hero, is to help determine and report back to my superiors where the best place for you to be is. The exploration of your blessings and magic should be done by the Chynance mayors, as per my agreement with those two, but if your powers are of no use to the front lines... Well, then that's something we should determine too."

"Don't misunderstand... It's not as if I'm pushing you into war. But I keep thinking about this country. My country. No... this entire world. If you had combat blessings like many of the other heroes in this world and were sent to the front, believe me, I'll do my very best to make sure nothing hurts you."

"Is the idea of a shop... That important to you?" Kayden asked, her tone of voice reverting back into seriousness, though, surprisingly there was a hint of compassion in there as well.

---

---

It was around evening when the day's shopping was done, and you and Kayden made your way back to the Silver Inn. Waiting outside was Hunt, Maban, and Kenver. Each of them called out to you once they noticed you approach.

Diane looks at the lizard man smith and nods, "Can you spare twenty pounds of scrap metal that would be suitable for making stoves?" 

Looking at Kayden she smiles, "I work over time to develop new things, technology.  Imagine having a carriage that moves by using a stove of sorts instead of horses.  Or a non-medical way to power a grind stone or even produce something called electricity to give light without magic, candles or torches.  Heck, I even have an idea of making armored carriages that move around the battlefield with ballistae or even cannons mounted on them."

She stops when Kayden mentions being morbid.  She reaches over and pats the young women's hand lightly, "Let's be honest, it won't be long until I will need to go to the frontlines and take test equipment up to see if it works. You are a sweetheart to want to protect me, but let's be honest, I have died once already.  I am not concerned about dying as much, when the time comes, but my dress and boots are to make sure that I am around until I feel I have done what I need to do."


When the shop comes up she grins, "I want a place to call my own, to work and research.  A place to live when I am not researching or traveling.  Finally a place where I can sit and write some papers in philosophy, law and physics.  I can imagine they can be used to educate any apprentice I have and from them if they make the level of master m, they can educate their apprentices.  I want to make the world better and safer."

Shaking her head, "I honestly think the best end for me is to end up with a shop of my own. One where I cam grow old, work and make a living on my own.  And spoil Hunt's, and maybe your children rotten from Aunt Diane.  Even the boys could marry and I could travel and go see their families as well."

---

"20 poundsssss for a ssssstove?" The lizardman asked. He made an expression on his face, but it was hard to discern due to the large differences in facial features. "Maybe part of a sssstove? Repair? I can sell you 20 poundsssss if that's all. But it won't be enough for an entire ssssssstove. If you give me a location, I can... drop off more with a fee."

"20 sssssilver, or 2 gold." The lizardman stated. "Anything elsssssse?"

---

---

Kaydan nodded as you spoke.

"A stove-powered wagon... I don't think even our magic can do that, except perhaps the old Idorian kingdom before they fell from the demons. Those gifted with one of the attributes can do things like light torches with their magic, but giving such a convenient thing to everyone would definitely make everyone more equal. And that armored carriage might be something to bring up to my superiors, if only to convince them that your place in the war is better suited here."

"I still need to train you up of course... And once you become even stronger than I, or any of our elite knights, we may still be called out to the front. But if perhaps you sketch out these designs? I can include them in my report, or when you are called to meet with them, you can use it as leverage. A war machine as such that you described would be a boon to us."

"There is that Hero's Home that the Chynance mayors were so proud of." Kayden suggested. "Though that is only after they are convinced that your role researching is more beneficial than going to the front. However... New Binmoor isn't a bad place either. We have a strong economy in this city alone due to the dungeon that's a near limitless supply of goods. Here there are other researchers and much more industry than in Chynance."

---

---

It was around evening when the day's shopping was done, and you and Kayden made your way back to the Silver Inn. Waiting outside was Hunt, Maban, and Kenver. Each of them called out to you once they noticed you approach.

Diane smiles, "The twenty silver option will be fine for now.  I will let you get back to what I can imagine is more important work.  Have a fine day sir." [No further shopping]


Standing up and stretching, Diane feels a few joints pop and winces at one of them.  Shaking her head, "I can draw up most of this at least rough sketches to be sure.  Essentially, we will end up using coal, and water to produce steam from the modified stove or steam engine.  The steam is used to push pistons, which are in turn attached to a system of turning gears which then move the machinery needed to move and power the machines attached.  The personnel carrier, the ability to automate processes like a grindstone, bellows or even a mill.  Of course, where a river is nearby, I can go with something else more efficient and use the river to provide something called electricity to entire villages, as long as it's used for essential things and lights at night."

Diane prattles on about steam engines, hydroelectric power and even segues into potentially making something called a train to transport goods, vehicles and people across the country.  Shaking her head, "This must be terribly boring to you, much of it technical.  I'm sorry, I'm wasting our girl time with this.  What do you want to do?  What's something you like to do when you're in a larger city and you have the spare time.  I want to do something you like to do."

---

---

---

"I admit that I do not understand... Only that your ideas can perhaps help win us this war, and convince our leaders where you may better be suited in."

When asked about what she herself wanted to do, she simply shrugged.

"Training." She said simply. "Due to this assignment, I've longed to fight with my fellow knights in defense of this world. I let not the peace that is so easily seen here cause me to waiver in that belief."

---

---

It was around evening when the day's shopping was done, and you and Kayden made your way back to the Silver Inn. Waiting outside was Hunt, Maban, and Kenver. Each of them called out to you once they noticed you approach.

Diane grins, "How about I give you training of a different sort them, when we get back and everything gets delivered I will teach you about using steam engine technology.  Perhaps I can teach you, Hunt and the mayors a bit about it, so when I design something, you'll all be able to use it if needs require it.  I think you'll be an excellent student, you are afterall, dedicated."

As they continue walking towards the inn, they see Hunt and the twins and a grin breaks out on her face, "It seems that kismet is on our side wouldn't you say?"  Diane links her left arm through Kayden's right arm and pulls her on, "Come on, this will be fun, we can be sisters for a while, sharing out passions and interests.  You can help me be a better fighter and I can help you be a machinist!"

"Your training first." Kayden replied evenly. "If by chance demons were to appear tomorrow, ensuring you can take care of yourself is as important." She paused.

"But yes... Perhaps in our downtime, you can teach us about these things in your world that you speak of."

"Lady Diane, and Kayden." Maban called out.











As for Kenver, he stared at the two of you coming towards them.

"The gallant knight won the hero over?" He commented, only to be abruptly jabbed in the rib by his brother Maban next to him.

"Big sis! We've been waiting for you. Mom made cake!" Hunt exclaimed, his eyes bright and cheerful.

Diane grows quiet and stops cold at Kenver's comment, she slides her arm from Kayden's and smiles, coldly, "You must be afraid of competition! While we're at it, I know you don't necessarily agree with everything that's been going on and with Kayden in particular it seems, but let's get something straight here."  Marching up to Kenver and pokes him in the chest rather hard with two fingers, "I need you, all of you, but you and Kayden in particular to get along and drop this crap!  I don't have the necessary resources by myself or even with half of us.  So I'm going to need you to man up, make peace or by the Goddess herself, I will send your ass home!"  She steps back and glares directly at him, meeting his eyes, "Are we at an understanding?  Do I need to explain it to you further?!"

Looking back at Kayden, "Same goes for you, I need you to stop with whatever disagreement you two have and go forward as a unified unit.  The knights serving under Kayden work as a whole, I need us to work as a whole."

Kenver only stared hard back, lips tight, without saying much of anything. His red-colored eyes seemed to shine briefly, and a moment after that he turned around and strode straight back into the inn without another word.

Maban glanced back. "Brother!" Maban called out towards him, but Kenver still kept marching.

Diane watches silently as Kenver strides off, no mercy in her gaze.  Turning to Maban, "You should go after him, he needs to be calmed down and perspective often helps us deal with things, especially changes." Reaching over and putting her left hand on Maban's right, "I am being stern now, so that later, we potentially don't run into the loss of a break down in communications later and then a loss of people. Don't worry, Kayden and Hunt have their own adjustments to make in their lives that will make things easier on you as it will be an adjustment towards your style.  But, I can't stand this bickering."  Once Maban leaves she sighs softly, "Kayden, does being a leader ever become easy or is it just one headache after another?"

Maban nodded, his face apologetic, but he soon took off after Kenver.

"Being a leader isn't always the easiest. It took awhile for my own men under my command to accept my leadership without any snide remarks, or obvious attempts to undermine my leadership." Kayden said. "That said, the structure of the knights follows a certain chain of command. The Chynance mayors were no doubt, one of the most important individuals in their village, Even out of respect to you, the hero, they evidently have trouble. Especially one of them."

"Big sis, I wanted to share mom's cake with everyone..." Hunt said, his voice just a bit sad.

"Kay-Kay, the rest of the knights are already waiting inside with the cake, too!"

Diane nods as she listens to Kayden and simply let's out a sigh.  Turning to Hunt, she gives a smile, although her eyes don't quite pull it off, "Why don't you two go share the cake with everyone and don't forget to save me a piece.  I will be in in a a bit.  I just need a few minutes to clear my head and gather my thoughts.  And Kayden," she starts as she turns to the woman, "I needed today more than I let on.  I appreciate all of you,  the knights, the mayors and even dear Hunt, but sometimes I need time with another girl to discuss girl stuff."  Once they go inside, she turns away from the inn and takes a deep breath.  "Gaia, I know you have faith in me, I just wish I had as much in me as you do."

---

"Of course..." Kayden nodded. The knight hesitated momentarily a bit, before finally deciding to enter into the inn with the rest. The last thing you heard from them was Hunt telling the others how absolutely amazing the cake was, and how particularly excited he was to eat it.

There was no overt reply when you made your comment towards Gaia. Unlike the first time, didn't slow down, though whether or not it was a coincidence, the busy street did seem to quiet just momentarily, as a breeze of wind playfully flowed through your hair.

Taking solace in the breeze and the short quiet moment on the streets, she smiles, "Thanks, it's always nice to know you have a friend in the audience. "  Walking over to a bench outside the door, she sits down and just lets it all kind of sink in, the whole day was a mix of a pleasant diversion and strife.  Taking a deep breath, she closes her eyes and just rests for a few moments.

When she opens her eyes again, there is a fierce determination apparent in them.  Standing up, she smirks, "Might be time to go straighten things out with Kenver, Gaia knows I need him and I am fond of him." Opening the door, she walks in and walks straight over to Kenver, focused as predator on her prey, "Kenver, can I have a moment of your time?"

---

Walking into the Silver Inn, you noticed that most of the other knights in Kayden's squad was here as well. Almost all of them seeming to be in happy spirits, with Hunt taking the lead and slicing a portion of the cake for everyone. The cake itself didn't look as extravagant as what the boy seemed to imply, some wedding cakes back on earth was indeed a lot more fanciful. The expression on the boy's face however was one that was both smiling and tearful.

"Don't worry Jule-Jules!" The boy was saying to another knight who had apologized for taking some cake just earlier. "I want to share it with everyone!"

As the crowd laughed, you narrowed your focus over in the corner was where your target was. Maban was talking to Kenver, with the latter looking rather annoyed at his calmer brother.

"-your vow as a priest." You overheard Maban say to Kenver through the noise of the crowd.

"Brother! I know the rites just as well as you do!" Kenver retorted, but at that moment he caught eye of you, and looked away. Seeing the shift in Kenver's attitude, Maban too noticed your approach. Maban bowed when you neared.

Quote"Kenver, can I have a moment of your time?"

Kenver eventually turned around to face his head towards you, then nodded slowly.

Diane looks him in the eyes, "Look, I realize this is no walk in the park for any of us, but I am absolutely doing my best to get us all together on the same page and working together." Reaching up and rubbing her right temple, she looks around, "I don't want any of us dead and I don't necessarily have time to hold all of our hands.  I don't even have time to hold my own hand.  I am literally adjusting to a world that I am learning new things about every day.  I just need..." Sighing softly, she just goes silent and growls, "Sometimes, this frustrates me so much... Before Kenver gets a chance to say anything, she grabs the front of his robes, pulls him close and kisses him fiercely.  Once she pulls back, "I've wanted to do that for weeks now and you frustrate me so, and you know what they say about passion and anger."

---

The kiss took Kenver by surprise, and you could tell that he was processing what had just happened. A slight blush started to color his features, though he tried to remain stoic.

"I need to apologize." Kenver stammered once you pulled back. "My place as a priest of the hero is one of servitude."

Looking him in the eyes, she smiles, "I am going to be very clear with you.  If you hadn't fought back, we probably wouldn't be here right now."  Letting go of his robes, "However, I think it best we finish this in private at another time, I think Hunt has cake and I can't imagine keeping my girlish figure if I eat the whole thing, want to share it?" He steps away from Kenver and walks over to where Hunt and the rest are gathered, "Hunt, did you save me a piece of cake or do I need to fight someone for a piece," her tone is playful and a bit happier than it has been.

---

Kenver nodded when you mentioned finishing it another time.

"With the look on Hunt's face, he seems both happy and dismayed his cake is being eaten. It's not as if you need to share it, but I suppose we can't let Hunt's generosity go to waste." Kenver stammered.

"Big sis!" Hunt exclaimed when you neared. "I saved you a piece of cake! For Kay-Kay, and for Kenver, and Maban too!"

"Thanks for the cake!" Ged, one of the knights who had shadowed you earlier said.

Hunt smiled at the response, but he began to cut a large slice of the cake, put it on a plate, and hand it over to you. You noticed him lick his lips and look at the slice hungrily.

Diane cuts the piece in half, picks up the smaller half, "Take that half and eat it Hunt, I think I can make it on this part."  Turning to Kenver she offers the cake, "Share it with me?  I mean, its only a couple of bites, but I figure, we can make it work." While she waits on an answer, she licks frosting off of the fingers on the other hand.

---

"You can have more big sis!" Hunt responded, but quickly proceeded to drool over the chunk of cake that was leftover. "But if you ask me to eat it, I will! I'll always follow big sis." He said as he took back the half of the cake that was left.

Temporarily forgetting the fact that he was the one cutting the large cake, he instead proceeded to stuff his half you had given him into his mouth. Some of the knights around smiled, while those who had been drinking alcohol with their cake had laughed at the exchange.

Kenver who had been sitting quietly with his brother, noticed your approach again with the plate of cake. You noticed Maban nudge his brother with an elbow, and Kenver eventually sighed as he shot a quick glare towards his not-so-gentle brother.

"For as much cake as that boy seems to eat, it's a surprise he manages to keep so short." Kenver said as he began to use a nearby fork, to slice half of the cake on your plate.

Placing the piece of cake in his mouth, Kenver nodded.

"It's not bad, but the cake I make tastes better."

Diane chuckles at Hunt and nods, "Eat up, I can't imagine that you'll gain any weight as much as you're bouncing around off every surface!" Sharing a laugh with the knights, she pats the one she's interacted with the least on the shoulder, a muttered, "Thank you for helping me," given as she passes. Once she approaches the table, she smiles as Kenver eats the cake, "You remind me of one of the guys that works at the shop, all dour until he can't hold it in any more.  Besides, if you can make a better cake, then maybe once I get a shop set up and we get quarters somewhere, you can start on one for me?"  Before he has a chance to respond, he picks up the rest of the cake, getting her finger's covered in more icing, and puts it in her mouth.  As she chews, she looks at Kenver thoughtfully, "I don't know what the cultural standards are for a relationship, so do we court now or are we looking at something more serious?"

---

The question had caught Kenver by surprise, so much so that for a moment he had blanked out as he stared at you.

A moment later though he grinned - the same one he usually had plastered on his face.

"My hero Diane, you're someone hard to read." Kenver admitted. "Warm, cold, then hot again." He was trying to be matter-of-factly, but the evidence of a slight blush on his features was all too plain to see.

Finally, in the middle of the busy Silver Inn tavern, with the knights carouling and some even starting to break into drunken songs, Kenver knelt on the ground, hie head bowed towards you.

"I am a priest of the hero, who and what I am is what you wish me to be."

Diane reaches down and grabs Kenver's hand and pulls him upwards, "I need you as an advisor, a friend and well, I think we've established that we're more than that, although, not too far in.  So why don't you tell me about your culture and we'll see where that discussion takes us?"  Pulling him down onto a stool beside her as she sits, Diane shakes her head, "I know you're formal, but you'll have to learn to loosen up eventually you know?  And as for the whole being hard to read thing, that's most of the women I know, we're very...fluid in nature"

---

"Formal? I suppose..." Kenver stated as he let himself be picked up. Though Maban on the same table as the two of you chuckled.

"It took a lot of work for my brother to get to the point of where he is now, our own mentor would be thrilled for someone to see him as formal though." Maban explained.

"There's a lot about my own people and culture that differs from the Felencorp alliance." Kenver said ignoring his brother's comments altogether. "Everyone in our country are born with white hair for one. Something we take for granted, but it's something we all realized when we began to meet the people of this world. We don't have a ruler as the Felencorp do... Instead, we have a loose structure of priests heading each town and community. Magic being something only priests can use. In this world, magic seems to be employed that even knights can use it, and even those as young as Hunt. If Hunt were born in our world, he likely would have become a priest himself. There are monsters in our world, with the duty of us priests to tend to our flocks and protect them. But not as much monsters as there are in this world, where an entire adventuring guild is required to handle those threats."

Cha Check

Diane listens intently Kenver explains their society and it's arrangement, winking at Maban at the comment about Kenver being formal.  Once he finishes, she looks at him and shakes her head, "Maban how does courting work in your world?  Is it long and drawn out? Short and rather to the point?  Since your brother went educational rather than illuminating."  He pats Kenver's hand gently as she makes her statement to Maban, "I need to know what I'm getting into, because I plan to stick it out with the man if he'll, you know, actually get to the point."  She grins at Kenver as she says it, her grin a bit crooked.

---

Maban laughed. "Though he may try to sometimes act otherwise, he's never around other women too much. Nor I, of course, our work makes things as those hard to come by, and more so that we are leaders of our community."

You noticed a slight flush in Kenver's cheeks, though he didn't do anything else to call attention to it. It was hard to tell if that was from embarassment over hsi awkwardness, or the fact that you were being forward. Perhaps even it was a mix of the two.

"Generally it's the men who court the women." Kenver finally said. "Your drive... it's not something I dislike, and I find it one of your best qualities. It means you can stand on your two feet. But that doesn't mean that I can't support you." Kenver then stared deeply into your eyes, as he flipped his hand over to hold yours. His touch was gentle, almost tender, as he held your hand.

Just as it seemed he was about to say something, his eyes instead grew mischievious as he flashed a grin.

"So I'll support you. I'm already here as your priest of the hero. But... I want more. And I'll give you more."

Diane listens to Maban intently, taking great care to hear the words, but also dissect them down to their meanings as well.  When he finishes, she turns to Kenver and sees the flush on his cheeks.  When he starts speaking and places his hand over her own, she smiles, "I'm glad I came here instead of you coming to my world, for your sake.  Women range from more forward than me, to being as timid as church mice.  I think you two would have your hands full to be sure."

When his comment about wanting and giving her more finishes Diane simply smiles, "Let's just take it a day at a time and see where it goes.  I'm sure we'll get where we're going in time. Besides, there is always business to attend to and well, I need to be seeking the shelter of sleep soon."

---

Maban let out another quiet laugh, which Kenver only blushed more. He turned away though as if to hide his own feelings.

"Of course Diane." Kenver said after a few more moments.

No downtime left, no plans, just sleep.

---

The rest of the evening went by well with plenty of camaraderies to go around. Maban and Kenver had even had the opportunity to mingle with some of the other knights too. They haven't really talked with the knights before, but ever so slightly it was easy to tell that the two priests were beginning to warm up to the others.

Soon enough, the time was getting late, and soon enough, one by one, each of the knights retired to bed.

---

---

Morning came by. You were awoken by the sounds of Kayden doing some maintenance work on her sword. With a cloth in hand, she seemed to be polishing her blade, or perhaps oiling it. She was methodical about her work, though how she moved her hands, and handled her sword showed that she cared for her blade.

Diane slowly, comes fully to consciousness, he mind a bit foggy.  "Good morning, at it already I see.  Probably a good thing, if my day goes anything like I think it might." Getting out of bed slowly, she stretches, "Anything on the books for today?  Any meetings I've forgotten about?  I ask, because if I am being honest,  it's likely I've forgotten lots of things on the official side of things."

---

---

Kayden looked up towards you as she shook her head.

"Apart from either training, or handling monsters on the first level of the labyrinths. The only thing we have coming up is a meeting with the New Binmoor Trade Council the day after tomorrow." Kayden explained.

Diane nods quietly and begins to get dressed.  Pulling the belt on, she shakes her head, "So, girl talk, marriages here, bug production or small family affairs?  Kenver and I are courting and I want to know what I may be looking at if he doesn't want to get rid of me out frustration by then." Grinning, she pulls out a dagger and rummaged around a pouch or for a sharpening stone. 

---

---

The knight didn't immediately respond, only looked at you thoughtfully for a moment before moving the blade she was polishing to her lap.

"Ever since the war started, marriages were less frequent. Nay, it's not that we don't have them, but the ones that do still occur are skewed. For you see, only the richer merchants, or those in higher standing, can afford to have weddings. Most of the time, if one wasn't lucky enough to be a knight, or skill to be an adventurer, or have connections to a leader of their people, generally, they are conscripted, trained, then sent out to help with the war effort."

"So to answer your question, tis the extremes of both. On one side you have the privileged flaunting their weddings. Then on the other side, you have smaller weddings from young soldiers before they are sent out to war. I suppose there are also marriages between adventurers and deserters as well. They are a freer bunch, though their own circumstances dictate that they likely would have smaller marriages."

Kayden paused for a moment as she began to continue polishing her weapon.

"Kenver... What do you see in him, if I may ask? The month since the village of Chynance appeared, he and his brother had always done their best to slow down any proceedings of my own country. They only follow now because you lead them."