A simple escort?

[Anonymous]

When he heard there was a member of a family of nobility requesting an audience with him, his interest had been gained quickly. Some nobility irritated him with their smug ways, but he'd resigned himself to the fact that it was unavoidable to meet some people like that with the lifestyle many of them had. He had met very wise and generous nobles, and could only hope this experience would be from that same vein. Of course, he wasn't exactly looking to make friends out of them, but it did help with the negotiations.

Walking along the well kept road towards the estate that Takuma had been requested to visit, he realized how rare it was for him to be seen around the 'aristocratic' side of Connlaoth. This caused him to stick out like a sore thumb, since he hadn't bothered to 'dress to impress'. He was in his normal attire for such a day, a dark green shirt and dark green trousers. The shirt was closed and tucked, a slim leather belt at his waist. Stationed behind his right arm was his spear, the blade sheathed and aimed straight into the air, held still against his arm while he walked. This was known to even those who didn't use weapons as the passive position for a spear to be in, a signal that it was only being carried and currently not used in combat.

It was a bit of a cloudy and a windy day, the breeze a little strong and the sun frequently disappearing behind the clouds as it was only early afternoon. It was only a few moments longer and Takuma's legs ceased for a moment, dark green hues peering at the main building before him and the many smaller buildings he could catch glimpses of behind it. He may as well ask someone who worked here where to find his client. Stepping towards the main building, he'd no sooner touched the door when it was opened. Swiftly stepping to the side some, he found it was one of the servants that he'd nearly ran into.

Giving a slight nod of his head in greeting, Takuma spoke, his voice a bit stern without meaning to be. "I am Takuma Takiro. I've come to speak with Captain Vaulca." The servant he spoke to was on in her years, not elderly, but quickly getting there. She didn't seem so physically spry so he figured she was only used in some of the softer duties around the estate. The servants did do quite a job though, the place looked like that of nobles, clean and extravagant. Takuma wasn't one to be impressed with money, but he enjoyed to see things that took effort to build and maintain.

The servant would give a respectful bow, and speak. "Yes, Sir Takiro. Please, right this way, you're expected." The servant would step back from the door, leaving it open for Takuma and leading him up the stairs in the main hall of the estate. Passing down a long hallway, the servant would stop at a pair of thick polished wooden doors, giving a gentle rap at the gateway, before the woman spoke in a clear voice. "Sir Takiro has arrived, Captain Vaulca."

Takuma stood quietly to the side of the servant, becoming a bit uncomfortable with being referred to as 'Sir'. He could put up with their formalities, though, since he didn't plan to be staying long enough for it to get under his skin. The servant waited for a reply inside before she'd let the bodyguard in, in case her master was busy at the moment and Takuma needed to wait.

[Anonymous]

Warm rays of filtered through the window before being swallowed by a mass of clouds. The weather always fascinated him. It was more than just a conversational piece with anyone he spoke with. Perhaps his interest caused the weather to side with his mood, or his mood to reflect it. A part of him tried to cling to the thought of how perfectly it fit today. His mind had other plans. His plans -though conflicting- had been laid, his mind would not rest until he knew the outcome would tilt toward his current favor. Silently he hoped this wouldn't change before the guest arrived.

Elegant lamps kept the room from plunging into the gloom of the weather and mood. Not much farther from the door was a desk of dark alder. Grand in splendor and form, even though it was longer than normal desks, and shorter than standard meeting tables. It proved well for laying out books and maps, and holding many items or documents inside. The desk and lamps were the only items with traces of wealth practically etched into them. Everything else was refreshingly simple, though far more sound than most people could afford. Book cases ruled the farther end of the room, each turned sideways to allow maximum access. Light shone through the lone window again. It's rays hit the desk, highlighting it's length. Only a few chairs surrounded it, most at the shorter sides and the side facing the door. Only one chair was designated on the visitors side. It was the sister of the chair opposite, a simple chair of sturdy wood. The Captain had been sitting in it's twin, but could no long subjugate himself to the torture of sitting.

Pacing the carpeted floors with a steady stride, his eyes looked to nothing yet seemed to hold every burden imaginable. It gave his presence a weight look, showing responsibility well beyond on of his age. This in itself gave him an older look. His navy blue hair reached his ears. At some point today it had been combed to perfection, but now his natural waves had awoken. His black Connalaoth uniform proved to be his attire for the day. Unlike most nobles and their obsession with keeping uniforms in pristine condition, Vaulca's looked to be well worn, but not shabby. The coat portion was on a chair, displaying his long sleeved, dark brown military shirt. He was, after all, more than just a simple noble. He stalled at the sound on his door. The knocking was light and determined. Hearing the voice announce his guest brought a a small smile to his face. It even reached his eyes for the time being.

He swiftly made his way toward the door, thankful once again for the carpet absorbing the sound. Opening the door, he managed to startle the servant. A reassuring smile only somewhat put her at ease. Toning it down a bit, he decided to add words to it. "Thank you, Sarah. You may go." The tone was stern, which actually seemed to relax the woman. She respectfully bowed and made her way back down the hall. His attention tuned to his guest, looking directly in his eyes as though to really see Takiro. The moment seem to last longer than it really was. Vaulca stepped to the side to allow his guest room to get through the door. "Please, Sir Takiro, do come in."

After Taikro entered, Vaulca shut the door. He didn't scrutinize the mans clothing. He knew a man was more than what they wore. Slowly he made his way around the other side of the desk. "I'd invite you to sit down, but I'm afraid you won't have much time to enjoy it. Time is of the essence," he said as he gently leaned against the desk. He gestured toward the chair nonetheless. "Regardless, you're more than welcome to, of course."

As the taller man settled himself however he liked, Vaulca took him in a bit more. It was a nice distraction from all that was in his mind already. "I'm Captain Larry Vaulca. I've heard quite a lot about you, Takuma Takiro. Care to tell me about your last client?" His gaze fixed upon him. There was nothing about his posture or look that seemed to be demanding an answer. Though there was a lot that needed to be done, right now he needed to judge the man against what he had heard.

[Anonymous]

His head turned slightly to watch Sarah bow and retreat down the hallway, his eyes lifted from the woman to meet Captain Vaulca's observant gaze, his free hand moving to the edge of the door and stepping inside and away from the door, the line of sight breaking for a moment, and hearing the door click shut behind him. He took the moment to observe the room, the elegant lamps, books that lined the bookcases across the room, and the desk of dark alder that looked to be sized larger for the captain's needs.

Takuma's first impression of the Captain was that he was tense, rather naturally or because of Takuma's purpose for standing before him. Watching Captain Vaulca lean himself against the desk, Takuma replied. "I'll stand." His voice clear, but full of brevity. He didn't have to wait long for discussions to get underway, fortunately. His last assignment hadn't been anything special, a merchant was fearful of a pack of thieves and bandits would raid his small caravan en route to a port. In fact, nothing had happened and it had been uneventful in the end, which Takuma didn't mind. However, that wouldn't tell this man much about him.

"A paranoid merchant, he feared being raided by thieves, but nothing amounted from it. Captain Vaulca, I have a decade of experience in countering aggressive individuals and I hold the safety of my clients above all else. And if as you say, time is of the essence, perhaps you'd like to tell me the details of me being called here? Perhaps then, I could give you a clearer picture if I can help or not."

He'd answered the question, but his last client was trivial when it came to describing Takuma's diligence. Dark green eyes were locked back on Captain Vaulca's while he stood only a few paces away, while he was trying to analyze Takuma, Takuma was trying to do the same. It didn't happen often, but clients weren't always honest or they'd bend the truth on things. Takuma was watching the body language to try and determine if this man was honest in his request or if he was trying to hide something.

[Anonymous]

Staying focused on the task at hand was proving easier than anticipated. Even still, thoughts were constantly trying to undermine his process. Focusing on Takiro's words helped immensely. It gave the shorter man something to dissect in the back of his mind. Exact details were not disclosed. Good. That proved confidentiality. Were events exactly as was said? The question was answered, to stir anything else up would have cause alarms with his guest had Vaulca been sincerely interested. So far, what Takiro was doing seemed to align with what he heard.

"Of course. Before I begin, I would like it made clear that things said in this room, stay in this room."  He waited until he received some type of agreement. Words were not needed, everything can be seen in the eyes. "In this room only the truth resides. I will not dishonor that now. Everything I say is as real as it gets." Vaulca stood up straight, allowing himself to wander around the desk some more. His thoughts were back, but this time they were on the right track. Concern was the main burden he shouldered at this moment. His eyes watched the sun resume it's dance with the clouds.

"There is a girl traveling from the edge of Connlaoth in the direction of Serendipity. She has already departed. I do not know how far she has gone. All I'm aware of is that she was on foot and without finances. I would like you to protect her until she reaches her destination. Kaylin is her name. Long red hair, hazel eyes. Gellan, MiGellan, or Mikols are all surnames she maybe using. She was on loan from a neighboring family in effort to right a wrong she did a few years ago. Due to a harm that may come to her, I decided to let her escape."

He paused for just a moment to take in the patterned carpet. "Ever heard the saying 'If you love something, let it go, Sir Takiro?'" He didn't need an answer, but there was enough time after to permit one. It was within this moment that he regained Vaulca composure. Clearly this was a conflicted soul. "It is not always the best solution." His eyes returned to Takiro's, businesslike as ever. "It is imperative that you protect her from myself. I have already sent men after her. I did not foresee the predicament I placed her in by letting her go in the first place. Still, it is better than if I made her stay here. At least this way she has a chance. Forcing people into submission is not something I am keen on.

"No matter what happens, this mission for you is important to me. Do what ever is needed to the men I sent after her. I'm prepared a document. Should you run into them, it may prove to be of value. Talk sense into them, beat it into them, dispose of them or whatever have you. The individual i hired to oversee that mission is no longer tied to me. Retracting that mission is not possible. From such a distance. Aside from those people, there may be other dangers. As an advent worker in the military and a member of nobility, I have more than enough foes to fill this land twice over, hidden or otherwise. They may wish to deal any blow to me they possibly could."

He stalled for a moment. For a man who preferred little words, he sure knew how to spread them out. It was the room, without a doubt. It was practically his confessional. "Those are the facts. Plain and simple. The price you require is the least of matters. Will you follow though with what I ask of you? Can you save a young girl?"

[Anonymous]

There was only silence when the Captain asked for Takuma's confidentiality. It seemed there was only a moment of judgement in his mind, before a small nod of Takuma's head. The captain had his word, he would not tell a soul. He had no loyalty to the Captain, but without the information he'd have no idea where to start. Watching the captain circle around the desk and begin looking through the window, he began to get a foreboding feeling.

As the captain spoke the image of the girl formed in Takuma's mind, it was easily specific enough information for him to track her down along those routes, at least. Takuma hadn't been good at gathering information in his first years as a bodyguard, but counter-intelligence for aggressors and keeping track of your clients were just as valuable as his spear in most cases.

"Ever heard the saying 'If you love something, let it go, Sir Takiro?'" His head tilted up slightly at the question, but he didn't answer, knowing it to be rhetorical. His eyes remain fixed on Captain Vaulca, continuing to listen quietly while his client shed light on the situation.

So that's where things stood. this Captain had feelings for the young girl, yet had sent men to chase her down. Impulsive was the first thing that clicked in Takuma's mind. While he may have good intentions now, who knew what product of ill emotion might be sent his way in the future. He didn't trust this man, Captain Vaulca, but he wasn't the one who needed the help and his words in the past few minutes seemed to be the truth.

Coming to a decision, Takuma's eyes drifted up from staring at the desk and to Captain Larry Vaulca. "Give me the document." If he wanted to try and call the men off without a fight, that was his best option. "And enough money for a good horse. I'll protect her until she reaches her destination." Takuma looked to be strong in his conviction, but even if he stopped the men he'd sent after her, there was also the enemies this Captain had and they could come in any form.

Takuma only waited for the document to be in his hands, then he could be on his way to grabbing a horse and chasing after Kaylin. If the Captain didn't have the money with him at the moment, he could simply retrieve his money after he finished the assignment. The bodyguard had catching up to do, and the sooner he found the girl the better. He'd just have to hope luck was on his side and that he got to Kaylin before the men that Vaulca sent did.

[Anonymous]

One look at Takiro and Vaulca knew he'd found the right man. If there were any doubts before hand, they were laid to waste now. He only hoped the speared man would hold up against anything else that he might conjure. Vaulca watched Takido a moment before walking over to the desk. Pulling open a drawer, he retrieved a message tube and a coin pouch. It mostly contained silver, with a few gold and a bit more bronze. He handed the message tube to the taller man, leaving the pouch upright in his hand. Once they were both taken, Vaulca spoke, regardless of if he was being listened to or not.  "Much obliged, Sir Takiro. May luck be with you."

It wasn't long before Takiro had headed off. Judging from his manner, Vaulca could tell he had a dislike of him. The feelings involved did not matter, as long as the job got done. Vaulca had the feeling that even if he retracted the deal now, the man would still be off to protect the girl. He'd come back for payment, and possible pay back, but the man was wasting no time in doing what he did best. The navy haired man walked  toward the window, watching Takiro make his exit. A wave of clouds plunged the sky into a darker gray. "You will need it."

[Anonymous]

Now that he had the document in his possession, he would move back towards the door. Takuma's head only dipped down for a momentary bow of his head, despite his dislike of Captain Vaulca, he was grateful for the information. With that, he was gone, soon leaving the estate and heading for the Marris Steed, a small stables at the edge of Reajh. He'd done business with them before, and so it was no surprise when he simply left the purse of coins to one of the stable hands and departed within minutes on one of their faster horses.

The general idea for Takuma was to ride along the route from Reahj through Connlaoth towards the direction of Serendipity and stop at every Inn or tavern he could along the way. The girl was young, so chances were she couldn't stay to the road constantly and would've stopped at some point along the way. And speaking to the patrons of the Inns and taverns would be his first means of tracking Kaylin down.

With one specific direction and so much to work with, Takuma was bound to find something eventually.

((OOC: Was skipping ahead a couples hours to either the point where he would find her or clues as to where she was, if she was close, etc. ))

[Anonymous]

About halfway down the road from Reajh and the rest of the country, a well maintained inn stood. It wasn't ritzy, not too extravagance, but it did have the air of affordable elegance. It was a nice place for common folk to come an feel like they were kings, and for an exhausted aristocrat to catch some needed rest, or tend to other needs. Other people came as well with whatever provisions they needed. All pay here would get one was a room and food, everything else had to be brought in themselves. This day wasn't particularly busy. Workers busied themselves somehow, cleaning things that were already spotless. At the main entrance was a woman in her mid-thirties who seemed to be preoccupied when not interacting with anyone. Her brilliant red hair had dimmed with age, but it looked more suitable with the ringlets she had. Her face brightened as she saw Takuma approach. Her green eyes even managed to come a light. After he spoke, it wasn't long before her look faded. She asked him to sit down in the dining area to wait for her as she got another worker to trade places with her.

She was nervous yet anxious to help. Taking a seat across from Takuma in corner of the room, she told him everything that she thought would be of help. She introduced herself as Connie, and went on to say how she'd known Kaylin for years. It was a relief to hear that Kaylin was most likely alive. She found it hard to believe that she would get herself into any trouble, but not by much as the teen had a knack for getting distracted if it made for a good story. She told him what she could, but never spoke an ill word of the Vaulcas, nor the Gellans. The woman was more than eager to help with any bit of info that might help him in his quest to protect Kaylin.

"I haven't seen her for four days. Even if she's left out though i don't think she'd make much progress. She's a determined girl, bless her soul, but I don't think she'd be more than a day or so from here. Walking, that is. No one I've spoken with has seen her inside the city for about as long as I have. It's almost as if she vanished out of the country."

((OOC: Continues in The Road to Adventure))