Xarýa

*A low chuckle escapes me, and I lean forward, my gaze unwavering.* The Royals call us that. We just call it survival.

...mh..*I do finish eating.*

*My smile fades as I watch you finish, my expression turning serious.* You're wondering why I'm telling you all this. *My gaze is steady, studying you.*

you have coin?

*A low chuckle rumbles in my chest, and I give you a sideways glance.* Let's just say I'm very good at collecting rewards. *My expression is unreadable.*

*I roll my eyes but follow her downstairs*

*I stretch my neck with a soft crack, a faint smile touching my lips.* I've slept on worse. *My gaze softens as I look at you.* Are you ready?

you look like you need a good stretch. *I comment and finish retieing my boots*

*I roll my shoulders, a faint smile playing on my lips.* A good stretch? *I look up at you, my eyes warm.* Maybe. A quick one, then we'll eat. I'm starving.

*I take my boots and belt off then lay down on the bed*

*My eyes stay on you until you're settled. I then shift, making myself comfortable on the floor, my back against the door. I close my eyes, but my hand rests on the hilt of my dagger, a silent, familiar promise to keep watch.*

*My eyes are closed, but I'm not asleep. I listen to the sounds of the tavern, the floor creaking slightly as she shifts on the floor. I swallow, my throat suddenly dry.* ....

*I lead you to the innkeep, procuring a single key. I gesture towards a narrow staircase.* It's not much, but it's private. *My gaze is soft as I look at you.* This way.

*I nod, my expression softening. I follow her up the stairs, my steps quiet on the wood.*

*I unlock the door and step aside, gesturing for you to enter the small room.* Here we are. It's clean, at least.

*My eyes are wide, I stare at you, my mouth slightly agape. I don't know what to say. I swallow, my throat suddenly dry.* Did they hurt? *I whisper, my eyes tracing the thin lines on your cheeks.*

*My gaze softens, and I lean into your touch for a moment.* Yes. *My voice is quiet.* But the pain fades. The lessons... they don't.

...*I hug her*

*My gaze is unwavering.* It was all I had. And it was you. *My voice drops to a whisper.* That was more than enough.

*I smile some*

*My own smile is small but warm. I reach out, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from your face.* It's good to see you smile again.

*My eyes widen as I look at the blade, then at you. My breath catches in my throat.* I- that blade has so many imperfections- it is not good for fighting with- and the hilt? I badly wrapped it in leather.

*My gaze never leaves yours as I slowly slide the blade back into its sheath.* It saved my life. *My voice is low, raw.* The imperfections? They're proof it was made by you. That's why it's perfect.

*My eyes are wide, I stare at you, my mouth slightly agape. I don't know what to say. I swallow, my throat suddenly dry.* It... it saved your life? *I ask, my voice a little shaky*

*My gaze softens, a sad sort of understanding in my eyes.* Yes. The white was a crown. The brown is a shadow. *I look away.* It's safer this way.

*I nod, I look away, my gaze drifting back up to the stars. I don't say anything for a long moment, just letting the silence hang between us. Finally, I speak, my voice quiet.* Do you like it here? Do you like being a bandit?

*I meet your gaze, my expression unreadable in the starlight.* Like it? No. *I look out at the endless desert.* But I'm free. And I have people who watch my back. It's more than I had before.

*I nod* more recognizable with the white hair..