Arming up

Morning comes, as it always does. Despite the pleasant torment of his dreams, Kael is well rested. He dresses quickly, and makes his way to the dining room, where once again Evie has breakfast prepared.

Kael makes no mention of what he spied on last night, and if he was spotted, Evie doesn’t mention it. The smile on her face is infectious, however, and despite his grim task for the day, he finds himself smiling as well. The mood is darkened slightly when she asks about his task for the day. Though he regrets the shadow it casts on her lovely smile, Kael feels like lying to her about it would be worse.

She listens thoughtfully, and nods when he finishes. “I know it’s your duty, master, but please be careful.”

Kael smiles. “I’m always careful.”

Evie tilts her head. “Always, master? Hmm. Still, I will worry about you.”

An odd response. It seems that she doubted his caution, which is strange. Also, her concern seems unusual.

“You’ll worry, Evie?”

She nods. “I will, master. I like you, I don’t want to see you hurt.”

Somehow, even that simple statement makes a thrill run through him. “I’ll be careful. I’ll come back in one piece.”

Evie smiles again, like the sun coming out from behind the clouds. “And I’ll be waiting for you when you do.”

They finish their breakfast in silence, but it’s somehow a happy silence. Kael notes that Evie keeps stealing glances at him, and for his part, he finds himself simply watching her more often than not. Something between them is definitely changing, though it’s too soon to say what. There’s a pleasant tension, simply waiting for the right moment to snap.

Now is not the moment, however. Now is time for duty. With a sigh, Kael stands. “I must prepare. Breakfast was wonderful, once again. Thank you, Evie.”

Evie blushes, smiling. “You’re very welcome, master.”

Kael makes his way to his storage room, and arms himself for combat. In addition to the usual chain, he straps on a pair of heavy metal gauntlets, encasing his arms in steel to the elbow. Unlike Bernal, Kael prefers lighter armor, depending more upon speed and skill in battle rather than brute strength.

He also gathers weapons. A brace of knives, weighted for throwing, in sheaths across his chest. A wicked hand axe at his hip, and a small shield strapped to one forearm. Finally, he goes to a secure case, unlocking and opening it. Inside is his signature weapon, one that made him famous. Long, fully four feet of blade with a hand and a half grip, it’s of an unusual design. Instead of a straight or backwards curved blade, this sword has an almost scythe like forward curve. Enchanted to be light as a feather and incredibly sharp, there’s little that can even slow its slice, much less stop it.

It was gifted to him by a master smith, after being instrumental in protecting the city from an attack by invaders. Kael held a shattered gate for nearly an hour, killing dozens and and keeping them from breaking through until help arrived. It was the performance that caught the eye of Lord Greyheart. He treasures this blade above all others, and it has never let him down.

Kael straps on the long weapon, ensuring that everything is secure and in easy reach. Finally, he takes a helmet from the shelf, and turns towards the door, where he sees Evie watching him with wide eyes.

“How do I look?”

She blinks, still staring. “Intimidating, master.”

Kael nods, placing the helmet on his head. “Good. That’s the idea. I should be back by nightfall.”

Evie bows, stepping aside as he closes and locks the door. “I will be waiting for you, master. Please be careful.”

Kael nods, on impulse patting her shoulder. “I will. Promise.”