Something special...

[Grayell]

Grayell nodded.

Sort of. That's where I learned what it is to actually be a warrior. I learned how to fight a lot of places. I'm still learning. You can't ever know anything and regardless of how hard you train, there is always someone better.

But knowing what it is to be a warrior, to have honor... well yes. I learned that in the east.

[Tallia]

She smiled a little. Tallia almost felt the same way he did.

"And... then... you came here... to uphold peace and order... I presume...? Or... was there something else...?

[Grayell]

No. I came her because I was a waste of space. A mercenary. Because I heard Wistvale was a good place for a lowlife like me.

He said that rather matter-of-factly.

[Tallia]

Her look was one of confusion and surprise.

"O... oh..."

She grew quiet for a time, then decided to say something to break the terrifying silence.

"W... well... I thought... you might have... been thinking about someone... H... have you ever had... anyone... that you thought about...? Someone... that you couldn't stand... to be without...?"

As the words came, she blushed a little and played with her fingers a bit, unsure if she should inquire about that part of his life...

[Grayell]

My wife and family died a long time ago Tallia.

Grayell sighed and shifted his head, still staring at the sky.

But yes, I do feel that way sometimes. She doesn't though. So.... sucks to be me.

He smiled at the corner of his mouth as he said it though.

[Tallia]

Tallia cringed, as though she'd stepped on a terribly sharp thorn.

"I'm sorry..."

She said it softly; she, too, knew that pain as well as the sky's color. Brightening up a bit, she turned to face him.

"Well... I hope... she comes to see you... better than she does now... Maybe... she just needs time... to think about who... she'll be with... I think... that's what we all need."

Letting loose a wink and twitching her ears, a grin spread across her face.

"Of course... I'm sure the only right choice... would be for her to be with you, Grayell..."

Garnering a look of curiosity, she could only wonder who he was referring to...

[Grayell]

Grayell chuckled with a sigh but only shook his head. He looked over at her lazily.

Nah. She's a handful. It's just... well crap. I like her more than maybe I ought to. I don't think she'll come around kiddo.

Shit, you've kissed her before I even have!

Grayell cracked up then, for a moment at least. He folded his arms behind his head.

[Tallia]

The red in her face returned as she made the connection. He... was in love with Lady Margrett...?! She certainly didn't see that coming... Maybe there's something she could do about this, she thought. Placing both her hands on the ground and inching a little closer to Grayell, she formulated a battle plan.

"W...well... I don't think... it's because she doesn't like you... I... in fact... I think... she likes you a lot...!"

Another glint in her eyes could tell anyone she was planning something.

"Maybe... she's afraid of showing it... After all... she has us to think about... So, I think... I think you two... need a date... Not just a normal date, though... A date... involving something you guys like to do... or do well... You might find out more... than both of you might think..."

Her face crumpled.

"If... that doesn't work... then... I'll do my best to push her in your direction.... Grayell... I'm.... I'm sure she's... just... really shy on the inside... or something..."

Sighing heavily, her head fell towards the ground.

"I'm sure... she can come around... We can do this together... OK, Grayell...? I want you guys... to be happy together... because..."

Her face grew warmer.

"...because you two are precious to me..."

[Grayell]

Grayell's eyebrow crept up as she spoke and then, he slowly sat up, staring wide eyed at her. His eyes became glassy and his mouth simply opened, speechless.

He stared at her a moment and then he threw his arms around her and hugged her tight.

Tallia, you are just the sweetest thing ever. Really. You're just so bloody adorable.

He was laughing and ruffling her hair but let her be and just sat smiling.

Ah kiddo, you have a heart of gold I tell you. And I absolutely adore your enthusiasm. But I dunno.... it's not as simple as all that.

He looked at her sideways and blushed a little.

.... and you're precious to me Tallia. I mean that.

[Tallia]

Copying Grayell's look, she took his words in and held them close to her heart. Not many ever said that to her... let alone looked at her. But, none of that mattered, as she'll always have Grayell and the others on her mind now.

"T... thank you..."

A dejected look appeared on her face.

"Well... let me know if... there's anything I can do to help... with Lady Margrett..."

A mischievous grin replaced her expression, as she leaned in close enough for a whisper, even though none could really hear them, anyway.

"I'll do my best to collect some secrets about her that you can use..."

She giggled a bit as she sat back in her previous position.

[Grayell]

Grayell chuckled and rubbed her head again, smiling at her. Two of them, laughing and sitting in a field of flowers.

You be careful now miss, I'm not the type to pry. I don't need her secrets... I just need hope I guess.

He laughed again and slumped, shaking his head.

Ah, it ain't gonna happen kiddo. I like her. I think she just likes everyone.

Laughing again but the charm was gone. He settled and looked back at the sky.

You can always put in a good word for me. Outside of that well... she knows what she wants. And it ain't me.

[Tallia]

Her eyes were a bit somber, but her mouth was in a slight smile.

"Aww... you can't just... give up... That's not how you win... especially with love..."

She playfully jabbed at the air.

"Love... is a battle... a battle of emotions... And... just like any battle... you should never be satisfied... with losing...

Putting her hand towards Gray, she gave a thumbs-up.

"O...of course... that's not exactly true, but...

Tallia scratched the back of her head as she gave a great smile.

"J...just cheer up... OK, Grayelll...? There's no need... to be so down... I... I mean... at least... you had time... to think about those things..."

The smile on her face faded a bit. She had been running this whole time; she never really thought about that kind of thing, even though she felt it would be nice to meet someone... it just couldn't happen to her right now...

"I... I just know... things... they'll be OK... with you two..."

[Grayell]

Grayell still smiled and looked at her through sleepy eyes.

You know, I wish I had your optimism kiddo. I really do. But I've been around the block a few times.

I'm just an old dog nowadays. Laying by the fire.

[Tallia]

Her face changed into a playful smile.

"Who said... old dogs... can't learn new tricks...?"

She grabbed his arm and shook him back and forth a bit.

"Come on... I know... you can do better... Be happy... Grayell..."

She desisted in her shaking, looking at Grayell with sweet eyes.

"Please...? F...for me...?"

[Grayell]

Grayell looked at her and what was left of cold heart melted in an instant. He rubbed his face with his palm and nodded.

Alright kiddo, you win. Shit you're cute. So little miss, what's the gran plan hm?