A giant in the market (Open)

[Thelennx]

The days passed in the great waters as the sun rippled the sun light in and out of sight from the cloudy skies as it did with every passing moment. Only during the stormy nights did such sands pass through differently and even still they were starting to become patterns the former knight started to recognized as normally. He took in a large breath as the air flipped back off his long brown hair that whipped his board ripped back as the cool air of the surface dripped away in view. He reached the market without much trouble aside from some children playing in the streets and bumping into him, Thelen just smiled it off before moving on. He looked onward at the people of the nearby land masses, seeing their labourer’s men at work, setting their nets and woods to screw the eb and flow of changings and building stronger structures.

Smiling before he dove himself down back to his towards his environment. The refreshing breaths and soft shines of sun between the clouds felt like soft tinkling wind each time it passes by his massive body of muscle as he lowered himself to the depths. It was still the peacefully time he enjoyed about this world and its fellow inhabitants looked for in the madness of the outside. Which in self was rather interesting to note as he had set plans and defences for an impending threats that has yet to make itself present if it were true again after the last leader’s slaughter, placing rough harsher training secludes for him self to get back in shape for combat and setting up evacuations areas for his friend’s families and neighbours. Thelen started to question himself now since the last time he faced the leaders outside his borders, the looming danger seemed to have past or even forgotten them.

That would be fine honestly, if odd but better. Thelen enjoyed his battles, his struggles and any reason for flex his pecs, however that seemed to shift when it came to his own home now. Being a man, taking responsibilities for his people. Oh well he'd enjoy the time for himself while his fellow inhabitants were happy and living their lives. Thelen wondered further down towards the ground, spending some time just drifting towards some of the springs vents for some well-deserved R&R and some groceries. Making it to the busy center with the people abound to sell and buy he took his bags in each arm while searching for some fruit and meats from the locals that freshly came in this morning, hopefully more naturally stuff to keep that fit body of his. Even as he wore his normal street clothing his 7 foot 3 height wasn't hard to spot, though his white tight tang top and blue jeans with red runners were enough to be considered casual.

[Kaleido_Krystal]

Krystal wasn't even sure where to begin. She supposed today was another ordinary day for her, but at the same time it felt a bit different. The jinx couldn't quite put her finger on it, but at the same time it didn't really bother her. If something were to happen, it were to happen. Nothing she could really do about it. It was best not to let herself get down about it. Heck, it might be a good thing! Man, she felt like she was overthinking this. The breeze was great and she was in her hometown still, so stuff should be fine! At least, she hoped so.

Krystal looked around the marketplace that day. The girl wasn't feeling completely helpful today - though she still would if somebody needed it - and was more curious and explorative today. Yes, she lived here for awhile, but she never really took the time to look around and...smell the roses? Yeah, that was the phrase. And since people normally avoided Krystal, she could happily let herself wander without intrusion. Not that interaction was bad or anything; having someone to talk to would be great also.

Sometimes Krystal felt like she was contradicting herself.

So once again Krystal was wandering the marketplace of her home town. Everything went fine until a sign next to her crashed on the ground. Loudly. Krystal even froze for a minute to look at the sing next to her. She was pretty sure it belonged to an item shop, but in the condition it was in now, it was barely noticeable. Ouch. Shrugging it off after a moment, the girl continued to aimlessly wander around the city. She didn't think anything else could go wrong, but she was pretty sure she heard a cat screech for whatever reason.

[Kourage]

Kyra Lightbringer leaned against the wall of the item shop, observing the people around her. Kyra loved people. Each person she saw had a different look, a different, walk, and a different air about them. She wondered what their stories were, where they had come from, and where they were headed. Children and adults alike ran through these streets, whether in a rush to work or in innocent play.

In fact, at that very moment a group of children rounded the corner. It was a group of young boys, likely around seven years of age. The seemed to be chasing each other throughout the courtyard, swinging playfully with wooden swords.

"Haha, you can't catch me!" The leader of the pack called out. The boy behind him charged forward in attempt to strike the first, but the taunter dodged, sticking his tongue out in mockery.

Kyra chuckled under her breath. Children were so adorable. She tried to remember the last time she had been like them, carefree and happy, a time when her struggles extended no further than the tip of a wooden sword. She missed those days. Still, there was no point in living in the past. Now this was what she was determined to protect. Peaceful days such as this had always had a strange effect on Kyra. On one hand, they offered an escape from the toils of battle, nearly allowing her to feel like an average teenager. On the other, scenes like the one before her reminded her of why she fought, which made her feel less average than ever. Not that being unique was necessarily a bad thing...

A loud crashing sound shook her from her thoughts. She looked up, startled by the noise. It seemed to have come from the front of the shop. Cautiously peering around the corner, she located the source of the noise. The wooden sign that had once stood above the shop door was now shattered in wooden splinters across the ground. Next to it stood a girl, obviously as startled as Kyra herself had been. The girl stood frozen for a minute before wandering away. She seemed unharmed, but it was best to be safe. If there was a way she could help, Kyra wanted to know.  She ran to catch up with the girl, who was by now almost out of her range of vision.

"Hey!" She called out as she approached, stopping to catch her breath. "I heard the sign fall back there. Are you okay?"

[Thelennx]

Few pounds of meats, half a quart of fishes filled bags, barrel run of nuts and veggies with a few dozen bottles of wines and a tube of spices, yup so far he has gotten a few weeks of food that he could restock up his shelves. He carried what he needed while pulling along a little cart of his own around the waist he picked up from the back before getting any further to the market, man had to eat and all. A sudden thud to the ground bright the man’s eyes off from the list of things to check off and towards a little run down shop to the short distance away. Walking towards it as his lumbering weight cracked the floor Thelen made his way while nodding at the passers by the still had not gotten to use to giant’s size or appearances after all these years unchanged by time. As he smiled back and looked at the fallen sign on the ground the nobody picked it up off the earth, blowing off the dust and wiping away the dirt before reaching back up while standing back up, easily placing it back on its hinges as it hung softly back in its chains. Cleaning off his hands he made his way back to business.

Seemed to be a little more commotions as someone else had just turned the corner at someone else that Thelen didn’t notice right away, a small little girl that might have been the cause of the sign falling or being caught up by its crushing landing. She appeared fine from the looks of it but the other one seemed to show a little more compassion. The giant thought of himself being a little cold there not taking account someone else’s well-being, turning around he just watched while making sure to remaining silent as the two ladies spoke, hopefully the younger one was ok.

[Kaleido_Krystal]

Krystal blinked twice when she heard the call. The girl spun around and stared at the oncoming girl. Was she okay? Well, she wasn't hurt. That sign almost hurt, but the crash was only right next to her, so there was nothing too wrong with the situation yet. Though if she had been standing a bit closer to the shop to examine it or something...well, it didn't happen, so she wouldn't worry about it anymore.

"I'm fine!" Krystal called, "At least, I'm pretty sure I'm fine. I'm not noticing anything wrong." She was a bit half-distracted at the really tall man who was putting the sign back. Like, really tall. She was pretty sure she hadn't seen anyone be that tall in all of ever!

Krystal turned her attention back to the girl, smiled, and gleefully said, "Thanks for your concern, though!

[Kourage]

"That's good to hear,"  Kyra smiled. She was glad this girl was okay. Still, she seemed a bit distracted. Considering what had just occurred, it was understandable that she would be a bit jumpy. "I'm Kyra, by the way."


As she extended her hand, she noticed that the girl seemed preoccupied with something off to the side. Following the young girl's line of sight, her eyes fell upon the source of the distraction. There was a man standing there, silent but distinctive. He was incredibly tall and quite muscular, but the stranger thing at the moment was that he seemed to be watching them. Of course, Kyra had been people-watching mere moments before. Beside him, the splintered sign swung from it's original perch, damaged but legible. She figured the man must have put it there. So he was just helping out then. Perceiving no threat, she met his eyes and smiled.

"Hi there!"

[Thelennx]

They seemed to be alright which was good at least that is what it seemed like, Thelen’s body could ease back into some sense of less concern for now. Didn’t last long though as he as apparently being watched himself while he was just doing the same, he must have spaced out or something to not really noticed either of them taking sight of his gaze, hopefully they didn’t find him creepy or anything weird. It was how it started with Thelen’s feelings towards being social with strangers, always a sense he was being so harshly judged for now reason other than being different. He might as well just leave them now there didn’t appear to be much danger anymore.

Turning just at the edge of only having an eye facing them Thelen froze as he looked back after hearing a call out greeting, he wasn’t sure if he should ignored them or keeping moving along with his groceries. Side to side he looked hoping they meant something else but no one but he was in the area for them to greet. Twiching a little he took in a simple breath before conjuring a semi nervous smile and wave back at the ladies. Turning around he walked a slightly closer distance to them, trying to be friendly though having little experience dealing with little children that weren’t scared of him.

“Umm…Hello…there”

[Kourage]

"Hi," Kyra smiled warmly. The large man seemed a bit nervous. "Thanks for fixing the sign."

As he stepped closer, the new arrival seemed even larger and more intimidating. He had a large, muscular form and his physical strength was quite apparent. This was not only because the white tank top he wore did nothing to cover his well-built arms, but also because the very ground beneath him seemed to crack under his feet. Kyra was impressed. While appearances meant little to her, such obvious strength was an admirable quality. Something about it gave her an automatic respect for the man. Strength meant everything to her.

She didn't need her footsteps to break the ground, but Kyra was constantly fighting to get stronger.  She despised weakness, especially in herself. If it were possible, she would have liked to rid herself of it completely. The fact was, she wasn't the strongest of fighters. Not yet at any rate. She did posses more skill than the average swordsman, but the force behind her blows left her somewhat disappointed. People like this man, who radiated strength from the very act of standing there, these were the people she most wanted to emulate.

"I'm Kyra," she informed him, extending her hand. "And this is... um... I'm sorry," she turned toward the young girl beside her. She blushed slightly, wishing she hadn't been talking so fast. Now she realized that she must look a bit foolish. "I don't actually know your name."

[Thelennx]

Thelen remained still as the girl replied with a simple greeting and even started to approach him with little caution. It was strange to see someone so young not be scared of how towering he was though a nice little changed to be treated with a little more casually air then before. Often he could recall the little ones just shaking at the sight of his shadow, quivering at his mere stature while their parents talked to the good knight with respect. In fact from the glittering lights that were in Kyra’s eyes it almost looked like she was fascinated by him for some reason, he wasn’t quite sure why but it felt right to be a little flattered, he guessed.

Thelen brought his bag arm to carry the load while his free one to extend in a firm handshake that was kindly offered, not to firmed he hoped. “Greetings Kyra, I’m Thelennx. It’s a pleasure to meet you and…your friend over there. I take it neither of you got hurt?”    

[Kourage]

"We're fine," Kyra replied as she shook the man's hand. "Thanks for asking."

Thelennx seemed nice enough, or at least polite enough to return her greeting. He did, however, appear a bit surprised. Perhaps he wasn't accustomed to being approached by strangers. The man did seem a bit intimidating after all, as his tall, muscular structure towered over those of the average market-goer. Of course, the reaction itself wasn't that uncommon either. Kyra had always been the type to walk up to people and start random conversation. She found that life was more interesting that way. This meant that she ended up learning a lot about people in general, and one thing that she had discovered long ago was that not everyone was quite as... social as she was. Not that that was a bad thing.

She smiled warmly. "Thelennx, huh? Cool name." As she released his hand, her attention turned to the massive bags of groceries in his arms. He didn't seem to be struggling with them, but she figured the polite thing to do would be to offer her assistance. Besides, she wasn't really sure what else to say. She motioned toward the bags. "Want some help with those?"

[Thelennx]

Thelennx carefully gauged his strength to the tiny hand that shook his, it was still pretty firm given the difference. He nodded in respect before pulling away and took a step back a little to widen the distance between them, his inadvertent shy nature showing.

“Thank you, where you from are miss?” he asked out load before hearing the response like a second before she spoke again.  

When she had brought up his groceries he was a little taken back again however this time it was at his own forgetfully thought about them. Even while carrying them the weight didn’t really bother him, what did though might be the passage of time for the freshness. The veggies would be fine though the meats and the dairy would spoil if he lingered too long.  Not to mention the cart behind him with a large amount food that could spoil though it would be a while longer. She offered help like a kind girl scout or something in equal reasonability, flattered though he didn’t honestly seem to need it. However he wouldn’t pass the chance to let a person’s hope to assistance a someone out fade.

“Ahh right well… I’m having no issues so far they aren’t that heavy but thank you. I could use some help with my door along the way”      

[Kourage]

"Alright," Kyra laughed. Thelennx obviously wasn't a person in need, but he seemed like a rather interesting character. Besides, she had been bored, and meeting new people was always fun.

She figured she should probably answer his question. "I'm from around here, just like most people in this place." It was true. Most of the people here had spent their whole lives in Radiant Garden. Many of them didn't even believe in the existence of other worlds. Of course, Kyra knew better. There were other worlds out there, plenty of them. Worlds that her father had traveled to many times, and one from which he had never returned. She longed to see these worlds.

As she spoke, she followed the man, amazed at the cracks his footsteps left in the ground. Such power... A thought occurred to her. Was this man one of those heroes from other worlds, the one's she had heard so many stories about? He certainly had the presence of one. "What about you?" she asked, trying her best not to sound over-eager. "Where are you from?"

[Thelennx]

It  was  so strange to meet someone this young that was so far the friendly to a stranger of is intimation level, not that thelen was really trying to be that way, it was just the effect of being such a large fellow.  He wondered who her parents were to teach such a small person to have such an open mind normally he’d figured kids to stick to themselves and play along their games and worry about their school lives and such dramas. Though maybe she was just a short person that he underestimated for the youth? No no she had confirmed that already that his age already dwarfed hers.

Kyra then also told of her origins in this world of light, something Thelen could agree on as truth seeing her dress similar to the fashion of one of the local areas. Things were always changing but certain flairs and accents remained as staples, would she believe him if he said he lived in this world for over a centre now? likely not.  

Still strolling along Thelen had to notice a few glances from some of the people walking by them, seeing their fear meeting his own gaze though a few of them seemed to show a little more concern for the little girl walking beside him. Shrugging it off he took a moment to stop and look at a book stand, something had caught his attention for second. He examined the texts on the cover while hearing the girl’s question.

“Aye I’m from here as well though from an older part of town west along the main road and in-between some section of town, further away from the market that most of the current residential area. Been here most of my life with a few times I’ve stay on other worlds like wonderland and Neverland for duty when I was a knight. I’ve visited a few worlds in my time to hunt and expand my knowledge. “

[Kourage]

"Wow..." Kyra's eyes widened as the man spoke. So he was a knight? And a world traveler? The more she spoke to this man, the more interesting he seemed to become. She smiled at some of the people who stared at them as they went by. She certainly didn't mind. Of course, Thelen seemed a bit more on the shy side. She hoped he was okay with all of these people watching them.

Of course, being as tall as he was, she figured it was natural for him to draw this sort of attention. What he looked like didn't matter though. The only thing that Kyra saw was his strength, and what he had said about fighting in different worlds. She'd heard of Neverland. According to her father's stories, you could fly there without wings. All you needed was to think about it and some sort of magic dust... Oh, how she had wished to go with him, listening eagerly as he told of his adventures.

"That's so cool!" She turned her focus back to Thelen. "I've always wanted to go to other worlds. A bunch of people here say they don't exist, but those guys don't know what they're talking about. How do you travel between worlds? Do you use the Passageways? What other places have you been? Can people in Neverland really fly?" She stopped suddenly, realizing that her rapid-fire questions were probably really annoying. "Sorry..." She laughed nervously. "I get excited about this stuff."

[Thelennx]

Thelen had to smile a bit when he noticed how much kyra seemed to be enjoying his tales as of knighthood. Though it was a little surprising to hear this town didn’t have as many contacts with the outside skies anymore as when he was in the service of the former ruler, had things become that closed off during that centre or was there a natural disaster that involved it, might be worth checking out with the current leader of this world on a later date since he was still part of it after all. Shrugging his arms up to pop the bags back into his grasp much easier he went on with his recollections and proceeded to answer her questions. He went back to walking after smiling at the book shop owner and proceeded back on the path.

“Why thank you, its good to be informed of the world outside one’s perception I’d like to think. I normal often take a vessel known as a gummi ship to travel across to other worlds. I have my own but often a large number of use just all pile in the same one as to reduce the number of hiding spots” Thinking on it for a few moments Thelen had to recall exactly where had been. A lot of worlds appeared to be similar in design of lush forest and older architecture compared to radiant garden’s technological advancement. A few stood out like a world of total sand and even a underwater one he hadn’t been able to touch down on but all of them had their own wonderment about it, Neverland took her a practically interesting to which Thelen had to chuckle about.

“Haha well I was only stationed there for about a week and a half to locate an escape prisoner we were transferring. As are as I can tell most people were stationary to the ground too, a selective few little folk called fairies were flying quite freely, even heard a rumor about a method for people to fly there too but nothing in detail. “

[Kourage]

Kyra listen carefully as Thelen elaborated on his past. It was all so fascinating. She'd heard of these "gummi ships," but she'd never seen one in person. Dad had always used the passageways. She remembered the portals of Light that would open up right there in what was then their living room. She'd always wondered how that one door could take someone to so many places. Grinning to herself, she recalled her various attempts to open the portal as a young child. A tiny seven-year-old girl, throwing her hand out in front of her with as much force as she could muster. She knew nothing of the magic behind the door at the time, so all efforts had of course proved futile. Yet she's never given up on those other worlds. Hearing Thelen talk about these worlds only strengthened her desire to see them.

"Wow..." she said again, looking at Thelen with admiration. "That's really awesome. Thank you so much for telling me about this stuff. I've always wanted to see other worlds." It was so great to finally meet someone who understood the world beyond this garden. Most of the people her age didn't believe in it's existence, or if they did, they didn't care. It was sad, really, how ignorant the world had become. In spite of her friendliness, she really didn't have anyone to talk to. Or listen to for that matter. She found it rather extraordinary that someone like this man would be willing to let her bother him with all of these questions. It was nice.

[Thelennx]

" Haha they are very wonderfully it really shows you just how small we are as people and how life extends far past our borders. Have you ever considered becoming an adventure? explore the worlds on your own and having stories to tell yourself?"

As they walked Thelen had to turn into one of the alleyways outside the main street to the left if their location, between two towering halls that crossed the large open paths with their staggering shadows while looking down at the populations with their signs. It was a narrower path then what they had be walking along till then but it was the fastest way back to his place and away from all the traffic of people still moving about their daily chores and many now getting off work to go shopping, it was one of the peek hours of the market and with the amount of stuff he had to move with coupled with his size Thelen would have a lot of trouble.

"Hope you don't mind but this path would be faster for me at this rate, lost track of time before rush hour came along, feel free to ride in the cart as well this chat is quite nice"

As he stopped he looked to the side smiling at the little lady, hopefully in a non-threatening manner, the looming shadow of his mistreatment still lingered but he was getting a little more comfortable around talking to someone that wasn't in the army. How odd though it was for him to be treating a little one as her like a guest to his home and informing her like a old man that had retired his best days behind him, what was he an old man? not by the standard of looks or energy for that matter, hell no!

He continued to move through the narrow path way, unaware of a certain little group that took notice of the giant and the little maiden in his company, a shadowy bunch that bore torn ruffled clothings to show their size. They towered just above the average hight of young adults coming of age but presented themselves no different then they were in middle school. Huddle together in their numbers they looked on from a distances at the pair, playing with their sharp razors and fake jewels as they plotted a release from their teenage angst and what better way then the rumoured mountain man that never fought back like a wimp.

[Kourage]

"No, I don't mind." Kyra shrugged, quickening her step slightly. It was a bit difficult to walk at the same rate as someone whose legs were twice the size of hers. One minute she was moving too fast, the next too slow. She really needed to work on her timing. As she walked, she thought about the question he had asked. Me? she thought. An adventurer? It sounded like a fascinating occupation, and she had thought many times about world travel. But she'd need a ship, or at the very least access to transportation, and with so many disbelievers around, she wasn't even sure where to begin asking.

As they turned onto the new path, she quickly realized that they were not alone. It was not uncommon in these parts of town for the alleyways to be crawling with street kids. Some of the locals hated them for causing trouble, but Kyra had never held anything against them. They were just kids after all, like she and Marcus had been. Or... she supposed Maybe I still am...

No, young as she was, the young warrior could not think of herself as a child. Perhaps it was vanity, or simply the fact that she'd been through too much... She'd never put much merit in age anyway. She'd met 12-year-olds with better judgement than her (not that that was saying much, she had to admit) and 60-year-olds with worse. In a way, she really wasn't much different than these alley-dwellers that the local shopkeepers called "children." What did it matter, anyway? Their age did not define their lives. It was all superficial: ages, appearances... what really mattered was what is inside one's heart.

One of the kids stepped forward, holding a sword in front of him. He had spiky red hair and green eyes that shone with ambition. From the look of it, what was in his heart was the desire to fight.  He couldn't have been any younger than Kyra, but his posture was that of a young teenager. "Hey you!" he yelled with confidence, as though they had not already seen him standing in front of them. "You think you can just waltz in here and walk through our territory?"

[Thelennx]

They weren’t too far off from his place now, drawing close he managed to slow his pace a little bit to keep in step with the little lady though she seemed to be compensating as well which lead to a funny little dance between the two.  Fiddle around with his pockets to find his keys that darn things felt like they were hiding from him which was good considering his pants were considerable tight on him, though normal sized for a average person they felt like skinnies. Multi-tasking as his thoughts wonder the former knight felt like he needed to pay the girl back in some way that would be welcome gift of some personal value, the follow up idea came soon after lighting up his expression to assist and help someone in return. He would cook for Kyra and her family! Thelen had plenty of food and made a load of meals anyways to plan for the two weeks before he had to go out shopping for food again, it be something nice maybe some roost with potatoes and some carrots with string peas.

“ Hey Kyra what did you think your parents would like a surprise dinner for you and them? I feel it’s the least I can do for the little lady that escorted me through such a dangerous walk haha” joking Thelen finally found his keys as he pulled them out on his wrist. However the arrival of the strange shadows finally occurred and they popped up right up close to them like mushrooms. A youth with a blade caused Thelen to slowly turn in surprise. Examining the boys posture and stance he could feel some strange feeling this boy wanted a fight though he was greatly un experienced when compared to the tower muscle in front of him, lacking any sort of discipline too this seemed a like a little childish game.

“That’s not exactly a toy little man you should hold it with a looser grip or you’ll strain yourself holding on to it for so long. And we’re just passing through, you have my apologizes for interrupting our game we will take our leave soon”  

[Kourage]

"My parents..." Kyra began to reply before they were interrupted by the sword-wielding teenager. She didn't really have parents, at least not anymore. It had been years since her father had returned from one of his adventures, and as for her mother... well, she hadn't seen her mother since the whole incident with Marcus. She looked down for a moment, recalling with some pain the last few dinners they had sat together as a family. What would they think, she wondered, if she had let this impressive stranger make dinner for them. Her father would be fascinated, she knew. He'd probably have even more questions than Kyra did about Thelen's adventures. Her mother, on the other hand, would have been nothing but polite until he left, then scolded her daughter for taking walks with strangers...

"Game?" the boy's sharp voice interrupted. "Better watch what you're saying, old man. This ain't a game. This here's our territory, so don't be messin' with us!" Contrary to the perfectly sensible advice which Thelen had given him, the young man tightened his grip on the weapon he wielded. He swung it out in front of him with a threatening gesture.

"He can't be much older than you..." Kyra commented. "Unless, of course, you're judging by mental age." She knew from experience that reasoning with the street kids would do them no good. They were a hard-headed and prideful group. She'd often sparred with these sorts of kids, before her skills reached a point where they surpassed those of her sparring partners. At that point, they had kicked her out because they "didn't want to hit a girl (meaning they didn't want to be utterly defeated by one.) "You'd best lay down that weapon... nobody wants to see you get hurt..."

"I'd like to see you try!"

What, was this kid insane?!? Thelen was over twice his size, and obviously more experienced. Even at a glance, their strengths could not be compared... If he didn't stop this, somebody was going to get hurt.

[Thelennx]

It didn’t seem the boy was listening to any form of wisdom that Thelen had offered up free of charge, not that he would ask for monetary fee when passing on the traditions of the blade. It was in his blood to fight and to groom others into battle as well. And territory? Was he taking this game of kings and knights that seriously as to force others to play with him like this, seemed fitting for more of a tyrant honestly but a role he’d seen crumble many times before. The gesture did not phase the giant man at all, instead raised a brow at the form and where a child found the sense in wasting his strength like that.

Kyra appeared to be quit claim in this mess of a game which shouldn’t have came as a surprise to the good knight, her questions and inspirations drive energy for Thelen’s tales seem to steam from something of an adventurer in her and it seemed his guess was right. She may have even been in a few schoolyard truffles herself and came out holding her own from the looks of her confidence, not once did she seem to waver in fear of a weapon drawn in front of her nor did she seek to hide behind the nobody’s clearly impressive build as coward would. Oh! Even an insult to the sword wielding pack leader she had confidence alright.

The ring leader seemed to have his pride hurt by the back and forth as he charged in swinging and slowly, Kyra’s was unarmed and seemed unjust that he was going after her first. Quickly reacting Thelen drew out one of the large potatoes out from his bags and tossed it decently at the kid’s blade with the immense of his arm still holding back greatly. The vegetable should provide a nice thud of weight to soften its impact but still provide a nice amount of force to throw off the raging child and even get it stuck in there dishearten from fighting back, at least thelen hoped so.

"Better being eating more of those, helps build up energy to build your strength more"

[Kourage]

The adolescent took a step back as the potato landed in front of him, striking his blade and falling to the ground. He stood blinking for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Then his face began to contort in sudden fury. "You're mocking me aren't ya?!? You're calling me weak. You're not gonna get away with that. Boys, get ready!"

The rest of the gang that had been hanging around when they first entered the alley began to emerge, each bearing their own weapon. Kyra stood her ground, observing them as they approached. A couple of them swung their blades with what appeared to be some experience, but the others were just as amateur as their leader. All seemed just as angry. The young lightweilder stepped forward again, preparing to speak. She couldn't let these kids start attacking Thelen. She was concerned for the safety of all involved. Of course,, there was no doubt that Thelen could deal with the encounter, but these guys could get themselves seriously injured. And there was nothing more dangerous than an angry person with a weapon they don't know how to use.

"He ain't insulting you," she commented. All heads turned to face her, glaring with indignation. "I was insulting you. He's just being nice. Not that I'd expect someone of your incompetence to know the difference." It was working. The boys were no longer focused on the giant before them. The leader of the troop began to approach once more in a menacing fashion. At least, she figured it was meant to be menacing. "Oh no," she rolled her eyes sarcastically. "Big strong gang leader, coming to get me. Whatever shall I do?" She glanced sideways, eyeing a stick that leaned against the wall to her right. If worse came to worse, it would make a good enough weapon.

"Look, kid. Just let us through. It'll be easier for everyone."

"Who you calling kid!?!" The boy cried out again, completely missing the point. He charged forward, swinging his blade at her. She rolled sideways, grabbing the stick as she dodged his strike. His blade hit the ground, making him pause to regain his bearings. As he did, he turned to look at her. "You seriously plan to fight me with a stick?"

The other boys backed off slightly, waiting to see what their leader would do. "Sure," Kyra smiled wryly. "Why, you scared?" With that her skin began to glow, light spreading down from her arm and covering the  makeshift weapon in her hand. Maybe if she could take out this guy without hurting him, the others would leave them alone.

[Thelennx]

The boy’s reactions was a little less then what Thelen wanted right then as he seemed to take it the wrong way despite the clear display presented at him. He could understand having some form of pride being in charge of his merry crew and all but to be blinded by it was a foil of the unexperienced and selfish, it would have been better for them to retreat and plan further if they really sought any meaning full retribution against the knight. Kyra though seemed not to mind as she stood up from their ground and decidedly took his side by standing her ground against them, admirable yes though he wasn’t sure the numbers would play out in her favor. Still he could honor a single facing the many with little fear emulating from her voice.

She appeared fairly confident still despite the bladed threat that stood before her, thelen wasn’t going to let her get hurt but now his curiosity was peaked at her form and composure. It wasn’t too refined but just from the girl’s reaction the experienced veteran could see this was not her first bout, the air of experienced did not lie to a trained eye. This might prove enlightening to see a blooming warrior but only if she didn’t need the help, not a hair on her head was going to be harmed Thelen’s vowed this.

The other boys seemed to be mesmerized by this display as well as she dogged and went for the stick to challenge the sword. Thelen would quickly lowering his food bags to the ground and pay closer attention to this duel, the others seemed to honor this as well but should even one attempted a single foot outside the ring he could easily hold them back till the little lass had made her name known.

[Sponsored content]