Kaitar ignored the glances, though he was aware of them and hoped no one took too close a look at himself OR his "mistress". The fact that she had dust and sand on her exotic clothing and her face was tear-streaked might be noticed at second glance...and that might raise questions, or at least suspicions and curiosity. None of which he wanted or needed just then. He felt odd leading, too, as he was used to walking a customary number of steps -behind-. But, then, if he was playing the part of some bodyguard slave, it would make sense, he supposed.
Once down the alley a fair piece, he stopped abruptly and looked to make sure they had not been followed. So far, they had not, though he was still not totally at ease speaking frankly even there, where it was - for the moment- safe. It was so very risky, and he was still not entirely certain this woman wouldn't double cross him if she found out how much he was worth to a slaver. He would be as honest as was safe, but Kaitar decided he was going to forgo mentioning some things... how much someone might pay for him, for example. His mixed heritage, for another. While his looks were distinctly not typical, this woman might not have ever heard of the Djinn.
"...If we are to come to an agreement, it would be wisest to be as clear as possible about the situation."
No doubt she would, Kaitar thought silently, omit some things and secrets as well. Which was expected...he only hoped this was not the biggest mistake of his life and that the woman was wise enough to be truthful about the important bits of whatever troubles she was running from.
"I am a slave, yes, as you have guessed. My master has left Essyrn in fear of the rebellion. So now I am here, trying to get out of the city as well before I am caught or before I am killed." He paused, looking at Winifred, his mouth turning down into a faint scowl from under the veil as he spoke the next words. "I was a fighting slave. That is why I carry these weapons... most slaves are not permitted weapons, but it was the pleasure of my Master that I wear these as a symbol of my status as his champion slave in the Colosseum. I do not wish to return to that life or my master..."
Ever.
"That is all I have to say on it. I can act as protection for you as you escape the city, but...I do not know my way around well. I was not permitted to roam outside the master's manse except to be taking to and from the fights."
Some flush of shame and anger touched his bronze face, darkening his skin even more, but he made no further comment on it.
"So that is how it is. That is what I can offer. I am finished. I now wait for you to return the courtesy of honesty."
He waited to see how or if she would respond. Kaitar's nerves felt as taught as the strings of an Oud; he had tried to be as honest as possible but wasn't sure if he had given away too much...or not enough...of his situation. He had no experience in this sort of deal-making, after all.
