To Meet A Giant (Open)

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

(Sure Either that or they could reinforce the view of nobles by being completely ungrateful)

[wizardlizard]

XD either works! Whose turn was it now again?))

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

Faeldrin quickly calmed the guards with confident, commanding words. She assured them that she was perfectly fine and that this here man--Duncan--was to thank. "Let us return to the keep," she said. "My parents should hear of this."

[wizardlizard]

Meanwhile, Duncan had handed the two unconscious men off to other guards of the city that had helped search for Fae. When he heard Fae speak, he looked over at her with a raised eyebrow. Was he going to be included? Duncan had a feeling it would be more trouble than it was worth. But he said nothing, and instead gave a short bow. "Milady. I should return to my forge then."

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

"No, no," Fae said. "My parents will want to reward you for your aid." That right there was an upright lie, but she was very good at being persuasive. They'd pay him. "Come with us."

"Lady Faeldrin, are you sure--" one guard started.

"Yes," she cut him off. "I am."

[wizardlizard]

Duncan blinked in surprise, but he had no choice. No Skaa could say no to a noble. Duncan thought that over. Ok, maybe his sisters could. They frankly didn't care for anyone. But Duncan knew he couldn't. So, with a silent sigh through his nose, he simply nodded his reluctant consent to Fae, his expression neutral as always

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

The guards reluctantly accompanied them back to the keep. Her parents seemed shocked to see that their daughter had brought home a skaa, and even more shocked when she demanded payment for him. "Sweetheart," her mother said, clearly trying to keep a level voice, "while we are very happy you are safe... why would we pay a skaa?"

[wizardlizard]

Duncan, meanwhile, stayed silent the whole time, his expression back to that neutral one that had a hint of subtle boredom that was barely possible to read. While it was... Interesting that the noble girl had wanted to reward him, Duncan seriously doubted he would be. And, by the way her parents were talking, it seemed he was right. Why would they thank a Skaa? Or reward one? Such a thing didn't happen, and Duncan knew it. So instead he just decided to come along with the noble girl, even though he knew it was a waste of time anyways.

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

A heated conversation followed. It was clear that both her parents were shocked at how long Fae stood her ground. In the end, though, she still lost. Her father gestured to their butler. "Escort the blacksmith out," he ordered. Without waiting for him to comply, he turned on his daughter. "You are not to speak with this skaa again. In fact, for the next week, you are not allowed to leave the keep."

[wizardlizard]

Duncan waited patiently, wanting to get home. But, when Fae was given her punishment, a very faint frown appeared on his face. They were punishing her after almost getting kidnapped? Just because she thanked him? That wasn't right, and Duncan knew it. But what could he say? He was a Skaa. He had no power.

Sighing through his nose, he glanced at Fae and gave her a subtly smile and a nod, as if saying it were fine, before turning and heading out with the butler. Something was definitely up with this noble house.

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

After Duncan had gone, Fae stormed off, ignoring her mother's calls. Confined to the keep? For a week? This was just ridiculous. Then again, she had been acting out lately. First the fiasco with Theon, and now this. Only her parents would see asking for a skaa to be rewarded as 'acting out.' Others would probably gently scold their children, saying that 'skaa don't get rewarded. They have no need for such things.'

If her father thought he could close a firm hand over her life, he was mistaken. All his recent threats and punishments only made her more and more angry.