Larceny

Quickly withdrawing, you look up at the rugged man in a mix of horror and confusion. A rather self-satisfied smirk cuts across his broad face before he breaks out into a hearty laugh. His arm remains wrapped around your waist and he pulls you against his side despite your protest. The scent of sea water, brandy, and freshly tanned leather invades your nostrils once more as you are involuntarily pressed against his frame.

"Aye, I am not that dishonorable reprobate." The unnamed assailant announces loudly, keeping his attention on the crowd. "However, I will be taking the lady in lieu of what he owes me."

The cries of protest from the crowd quickly turn to gasps of panic when several men dispersed amongst the crowd quickly rise, brandishing weapons. It appears you were correct about the strangers being part of the faux grooms party. However, now upon closer inspection you can see these are no ordinary seafaring men. Their weapons are a bit too crude and their behavior and attire betray an obvious lack of discipline and refinement. You feel your blood run cold as it dawns on you just who you are dealing with.

"Unhand me, pirate!"

The stranger's expression hardens slightly as his gaze slowly lowers to meet yours. You try to steady your nerves as the large figure regards you scornfully. His eyes are pale brown, mixed with flecks of green and gold, that strangely seem to remind you of someone you can no longer place. Still wrenching in his grasp, you manage to get enough leeway to move one of your arms. You see his expression turn to confusion when your hand runs down along his muscular side. Adrenaline coursing through your veins, you somehow muster the strength to shove him with all your strength while simultaneously grabbing and unsheathing the short sword at his hip.

"I said unhand me!" You repeat as the crowd around you is clamoring to either disperse from the nave or draw their own weapons.

"I do not wish to hurt you." The man precautions, easily catching his footing and reaching beneath his coat. "However, I will not leave empty handed."

Wincing slightly, you quickly realize you went for the wrong side as he leisurely pulls out his long sword. You are not sure you would have won were he unarmed but you certainly do not like your chances now. Regardless, you are not about to go anywhere with this vagabond. Gritting your teeth, you charge forward, hoping to at least catch him off-guard with your recklessness. Unfortunately, the man is more than easily able to parry the brazen attack, nearly causing you to lose your balance in the process.

"I admire your tenacity." The man appears to suppress a smile as he blocks another rogue blow.

"I am not yet married to the Ambassador." Your chest rises and falls deeply as you try to reason with the brute, the exertion of the fight clearly taking over you. "What **** will this secure? He will simply find a new fiancee rather than risk his life for a stranger."

The stranger briefly pauses as he appears to mull over your words, allowing you a moment to catch your breath before attempting to drive forward again. Once more you are met by an effortless block before the short sword is unceremoniously struck from your hand.

"You mean to tell me you have no prior knowledge of your betrothed?" He inquires, his deep voice is easily heard over the din without needing to raise it.

"I-" You suddenly feel abashed at the circumstances of your engagement. "I know enough."

The man regards you skeptically before seeming to come to his own conclusion. You step back when he advances again but quickly find yourself stopped by the large altar at the center of the sanctuary. Your cries of protest mingle with the general commotion of the crowd as you are thrown across the man's broad shoulder and carried down the aisle.