Company of a Stranger

[Rhiannon MacBride]

Winter, 1330

"And I use to come often... but I've been gone for quite some time now."

Theodren: It had been months since he had returned to stay for more than a couple nights other than the Masquerade ball, but now he decided it was time to come back for maybe an extended amount of time. It was late in the evening, most were already likely in their nice warm beds asleep, or wherever it was each person in Skye could find rest tonight. He knew it was to late to run down his sister and decided that would be the first thing for him to see to first thing in morning. Right now, he needed a bath, food, and a bed. The large Greek male was looking more barbaric than ever before since it was winter and the game he hunted tended to be larger. Several felts from previous kills lay across the pack mule that trotted in behind his horse Argos. Most of his belongings were found on him and his horse, the rest were on that of the mule. Dark hazel eyes scanned the cobblestone streets as he thought on where he should try to get a room for the night. Rose from the Briar Rose was his best bet, she always had a soft spot for the big guy. With long dark hair still in several braids, the hood to his cloak was pushed back to allow for a better gaze toward the nearing establishment.

Rhiannon: Turas Lan at this time of night was no less quiet than during the daylight hours. Instead those who came out now were busier doing more secretive works or looking for a bit of relaxation after a long day. Rhiannon was a bit of both. It'd been months since that evening at the masquerade, a night that had altered many a life, and though her leg had healed nicely- only leaving a small scar as a reminder- it'd served a great purpose. It was that incident and the returning home, two days after the masquerade, that started her change of profession. From courtesan to independent woman training to become a Physician. Trekking toward the Briar Rose after an intense evening in the Wing of Life, assisting midwives in the birthing process, Rhiannon was seeking a bit of warm food and a drink. Comfortable in the winter, though covered by heavy cloak over her simple tan dress and gloves to keep out the chill, Rhiannon hummed to herself while she moved. Blue eyes sought out the establishment as she neared it, hand offering a wave or polite smile given to passerbys. It was one way she managed to spot the man with his horse...and mule? One brow lifted in curiosity,"You travel with many companions, sir. Do they make for good company?"

Theodren: He brought both the horse and the mule to a halt before the Briar Rose and had dismounted with a large thudding sound as booted feet landed harshly against the cold surface. The reigns of both four legged animals were handed off to a stable keeper, with a warning that if anything was missing that he didn't take inside with him, was going to come in the form of a beating where his mother wouldn't recognize him. He was tired, hungry, and cold. The last thing he needed was some young blood stealing his things or not watching them closely enough. The boy, wide eyed, nodded repeatedly letting Ren know he got the message loud and clear before moving off to see to the animals and the man's belongings. Ren then turned around to see a small young woman looking to him and asking if his horse and mule made for good company. ``Best company I've had in months.`` he replied. Words were not harsh, but for those who paid close attention to what was said and in the manner it was said, would pick up that maybe he was still letting his big heart heal. He moved up the steps to the Briar, opened the door and looked to her. Just because he was a big male with a scary appearance didn't mean he didn't have manners.

Rhiannon: A smirk could not be hidden at the words caught as the little redhead approached. One hand had already pulled down the hood of her cloak, not in the least phased by the slight breeze that toyed with short strands, and took the opportunity to admire the horse. "You choose beautiful company then." Of course, blue eyes were on the horse- a most magnificent animal- before they moved back to him in contemplation. Yet it wasn't an offensive one. Just that of someone who was used to perusing those about her to be aware. Turning now to move toward the door of the Briar where inviting warmth awaited her lips curved in a wider, if slightly flirtatious, smile,"Thank you, sir." Old habits and all made it hard not unknowingly do that. She moved past him inside and while doing so pulled gloves off hands. "You come to the Briar often?" Clearly a prying question, if asked politely, for she'd not ran into him before here and came often enough.

Theodren: He let his dark hazel eyes follow the little red head as she moved passed him and into the Briar. ``Thank you`` he said as he moved in behind her. Once they were inside, she thanked him and he replied. `` You're welcome.`` before moving off over to the bar. ``Ale and whatever food you have left over that can be heated.`` he said as he pulled out a small pouch. ``I'll need a room for the night as well if you have one.`` he added after glancing over his broad shoulder to the right. A deep sigh was had... one that might of said I'm home. He took another moment to gaze about and then let his eyes fall to a table where he might have his drink and meal. A glance was then made back over to the red head. `` A little late for ladies like yourself to be out... don't you think? And I use to come often... but I've been gone for quite some time now.`` he said before she could answer his own question. [d]

Rhiannon: Tucking both gloves into a hidden pocket sewn inside her cloak, Rhiannon slowly unhooked the little frog pin at the neck and moved to place it on a peg. None would dare grab it- Rose didn't tolerate theft at the Briar- so she worried not one bit. Plus, it wasn't as though money could not be found to replace it if so. While the man moved toward the bar Rhiannon pulled out a chair at a table near the fire and slid onto it. If there was one flaw that some liked to point out it was that being alone was not favored. She hated to go home, to be alone, and so sought out company as much as possible outside the house. Though at the end of the evening Rhiannon still ended up going home alone. Having formerly been a courtesan did not mean she slept with everyone and anyone. Shockingly, she had standards! One of the servers that moved to her table was given a wide and warm smile,"Stew and some tea please." Whiskey was her preferred drink, but tea would do fine for dinner. Head turned now to address the man at the bar, elbow propped on table and chin in palm,"Aye, it is. I have duties though that make me have to travel home late. What kept you away so long? If you do not mind me asking."

Theodren: Ren began to remove his own cloak and gloves. All were set aside on a nearby chair... just because the large Greek had been gone for a time, didn't mean he was so easily a face to forget. His size alone was intimidating for most, but some things never changed. Some men found him a challenge... a bet... to see who can bring down the giant. His time in the forest and the woods had been peaceful, away from all the jabbering jaws of fools. Away from the one who had brought down the giant without even so much throwing a single punch. He leaned with his back to the bar while he waited for his order to be filled. Hazels watching the woman for a moment and just when he was about to turn to leave her to her meal in peace, she had not only answered his question, but asked another of her own. One that had his eyes lower and his brows furrow a moment. With that deep thick baritone of a thundering voice, he answered. "Business... I'm a hunter.`` he said. It was a partial truth...but the other part was something he wasn't willing to just talk to anyone about. ``You? What sort of a job keeps you out so late at night?`` Sure, he could make his assumptions, but he was going to give her the benefit of the doubt.

Rhiannon: Tea was brought quicker than stew and gladly accepted. Both hands wrapped around it as Rhiannon savored the heat it gave off. "Hunting hmm? Is it business well this time of year?" She'd never personally hunted, but could imagine that in the time of winter not only would the meat sell well...but the fur would be useful too. "I am training to be a Physician. I have spent my day and evening at the side of a midwife helping to deliver babies." Being left alone to her meal wasn't something Rhiannon was interested in. Conversation was always welcome and enjoyed. "What did you think would keep me out so late?" Teasing lights sparked in blue eyes that watched him while both hands lifted the cup enough to hide the slight smirk upon her lips.

Theodren: ``Yes, hunting.... and it's better on some days than others.`` he answered. His ale was set off to the side of him from behind, and Rose told him his stew would be coming soon. She was glad to see the hunter, he always gave her first choice of his kills or catch,depending on whether it was game or fish. ``Butchers pay for the meat, sometimes the meat is sold even before I can offer it to a butcher. The furs are sold as well... and yes.. even the bones. Bones can be carved into handles for weapons, or other useful tools of course.`` she spoke of training to become a physician and he nodded. `` That will serve Skye well.`` he replied, before a small smirk tugged at his lips. ``With you being a smart woman no doubt, I'm sure you could take a guess at what I had first assumed.`` he said as his stew was then set behind him next to the ale. Ren twisted his torso a little, and grunted with the action. The bruise to his side was still tender, but a hand reached for the ale and then brought it to his lips as he turned back to face her a moment.

Rhiannon: Lips parted on an appreciative sigh as the cup was lowered back to the table. Besides hearty stew the Briar also was a great place for a cup of tea. Rhiannon had not asked for it, but Rose knew her so well- after all she came her almost every evening after a day at the Healer's Hall- that the slight addition of honey could be tasted on her tongue. "Ah, you are a smart man. I did not think of the coin to be earned by the bones." Keeping hands wrapped around the tea cup for warmth, a nod of her head was given,"It will indeed. Though I have a bit of training to go before my experiences can be fully put to use. I am training with some of the best in Skye though." Yet it was his statement to her question that brought a laugh, not a false note to be found, as the left corner of her mouth lifted upward a bit more than the other,"Oh, I can indeed. Though I take no offense." There wasn't any shame in her past though neither did she go flaunting the information. However, she also wouldn't hide the truth if it ever came up or if asked. Brows furrowed a moment in thought as she considered him,"What are the prices for your furs? I am curious you could say." They would not be for her, no. Rhiannon was always visiting the village she'd been born and raised in in Eohmark, and sometimes their were people in need there.

Theodren: Dark hazel eyes watched as she sipped her tea as he had taken a couple swallows of his ale. The mug was held in his hand for a moment as he nodded to her replies. When it came to the comment of her having a likely idea of what he had thought her to be to begin with, he gave a shake of his head in an amused manner. The laugh had been a welcomed sound to his ears... he hadn't heard such a joyful noise in a long time. It even brought a smile to his face, one that would reach his eyes and show the tale tale signs of his age. He was no young blood, but he was no old man either. ``My furs? I can usually come down on them at times, and the more you buy, the more I'm willing to cut you a deal.`` He'd answer. He gestured to the chair across from her, and arched his brows. ``Care if I join you?`` he asked. ``I would understand if you wish to eat in peace...`` he offered.

Rhiannon: "Oh, not at all. Come and join me, please?" The last added for good measure. "I welcome company to be honest. It's why I come here after work for a meal instead of heading home." Rhiannon didn't mind living in a town house on Bryante Row except that now with her friend dead it meant that the place was too quiet...too empty. The few servants that lived in house were generally in bed by the time that she came home or out for the evening, and eating a meal alone was not pleasurable. "The stew should be ready soon I imagine. We can eat together." One hand gracefully motioned to the other chair while her mind turned to his comment on the furs,"Well, price is not a concern of mine though I can haggle with the best of them." Spoken with a confident lift of her chin and a widening smile as another sip of tea was taken. Rhiannon was a friendly soul, deep down, and she enjoyed opportunities to make new ones. It would be as she contemplated the furs though that it dawned- she'd never introduced herself. "Och, forgive my manners!" It was there that the accent slipped, having been trained away by many hours of practice reading aloud and reciting poetry,"I'm Rhiannon MacBride. What is your name, sir?"

Theodren: Ren would nod and turn to grab his stew that had been set beside him a few moments earlier. His was likely cool by now and as he brought his food and drink over with him to join her, Rose came around the corner with Rhiannon's. She placed it before the woman and then a large loaf of bread between them with butter. "On the house.." she said as she looked to Ren with a wink and moved back off. Ren smiled up at her as he then watched her move back behind the counter. As he settled in, he took a bite of his stew, obviously the hunger had diverted his attention a moment before he nodded as he realized that neither of them had introduced themselves. ``Ren, Ren Galanos. And please, no need for Sir.`` he said with a grin before he tore the bread in half. Giving her one portion of it while keeping the other for himself. A large chuck of it was ripped off and partially shoved into his mouth. He didn't eat like a slob, but he didn't eat like a proper gentleman either. He noted the accent and with arched brows, tilted his head slightly before speaking again once the bread was swallowed and washed down with some ale. `` Pleasure to meet you Rhiannon MacBride.``

Rhiannon: "Thank you Rose." The woman was a saint! At least to Rhiannon's hungry stomach that growled in reaction to the smell of not only the stew, but the bread too. Tucking red strands behind one ear and placing the cup just a bit beyond the bowl, she murmured,"A pleasure to meet you Ren Galanos, and I thank you for not addressing me as Lady." Most called her that and then she had to correct them. A bit of a hassle and it raised many questions. Tearing off a bit of bread and dipping it in the stew to take the first bite, Rhiannon closed her eyes and made a little noise of enjoyment in her throat. Lids lifted after a moment while blue eyes met his own gaze,"Rose is an amazing cook. Definitely unappreciated by most of those in Skye I say. Do you know her well?" This was asked due to the noted wink the woman had given Ren before leaving them to eat.

Theodren: Ren didn't call anyone Lady unless he was asked too or unless it was someone like the Duchess herself. However, her remark on the subject had his brows arching and then he sort of chuckled. ``You're welcome... its not often I get thanked for not calling a woman a Lady.`` he said as he took a couple more bites of his bread and stew. The mug of ale was lifted to his lips as he drank heavily of it and lifted it to signal he needed more and sat the mug down on the table then. ``I agree... Rose is a beautiful woman. She knows just what a man needs...`` he jested as he glanced to her and grinned. She shot him a playful scolding look before disappearing into the kitchen. Ren looked back to Rhiannon. ``Yes.. I use to have a room here, free of charge as long as I helped her with whatever work was needed around here and in exchange for my kills or catch. `` he answered. A woman came to refill his mug before moving off to do the same for another patron at the next table over. A few more bites of the stew and bread was taken. ``Depending on how long I decide to stay this time, I may see if she will be willing to work out the same deal if not something similar. ``

Rhiannon: Smirking slightly, Rhiannon shrugged casually,"Oh, most would be offended. I am not though. I've been raised to have the manners of one though." Lips curved a bit at those words for it could be seen in the movements of her eating or walking, or even gesturing. She was polite even if not always formal. Looking in the direction of Rose with a soft laugh, she shook her head,"She knows a great secret about how to please men. One even women of a certain profession could not understand fully." Rhiannon's eyes shifted to the bowl of stew he ate from with a grin,"I see it even works on you." While he talked of his former time in residence here, Rhiannon listened and ate. Every so often one hand used a cloth napkin to dab at her mouth. For a woman she ate heartily of her food and showed open enjoyment. It seemed foolish to not eat to hearts content just cause one was a woman and with the movement her work had her doing it meant she got enough exercise. "What determines your length of stay? And what will you do during your time here? One cannot hunt in Turas Lan. Well except rats." Nose wrinkled slightly at that movement. Rhiannon was not squeamish with blood or death, or such, but rats...different story.

Theodren: `` Then you were raised well, even if it in not by what most deem proper.`` he replied. He had noticed she wasn't quite a real Lady, but she wasn't just a woman either. Part of his skills as a hunter was to sit and observe. After another bite of stew and bread, followed bye more ale, he looked from her to Rose and back. ``Indeed, she is the only woman that I think I can ... well... she's a good woman.`` he would simply say. He smiled, though it probably wasn't as genuine as the others had been earlier on. Perhaps there was a thought or thoughts that had brought that brief moment of darkness before it faded away as he watched her dab at her mouth with the napkin. His eyes fell to his empty bowl and he focused on the bread. ``My sister... work that can be found around here on the days I break from hunting. `` he did have to chuckle a bit at her comment about the rats. ``Maybe one day, I can hunt them but I would do it for free. Rats are... pest.`` he simply said. The ale was brought up to his lips once more and it was another hearty swallow of the liquid. It had been to long since he had enjoyed the taste of good food and drink like this and it showed. He set the mug back down and leaned back into his chair. He had grown quiet for the moment now that his belly was full and he was well on his way to being satisfied. All he needed now was a hot bath and a bed. But all in good time... The red head didn't at all seem to be in a hurry, and like her, he didn't wish to be alone anymore. At least not at the moment.

Rhiannon: Observing was something that Rhiannon was skilled at too. It'd been taught to her by her patron and became habit. Even when relaxed she caught herself doing it, like now. While cleaning her mouth with the napkin she watched Ren's face from beneath slightly lowered lashes. The difference in his smile this time from the others was noted though why remained unknown. Perhaps the man carry secrets in his past that caused it? Likely. Rhiannon had not met someone who didn't have something buried within. Even she had her own. "Good women are hard to find as are good men." The tone was casual and meant to put Ren at ease just incase any tension was left over from whatever thought had drifted through his mind. Having finished her bowl of stew and ate her share of bread, she motioned to a passing server for another cup of tea to be brought. "If I did not have to be up quite early in the morning I would be enjoying whiskey right now, but...alas." A slightly forlorn look given playfully before she propped both elbows on the table and chin on linked hands. "They are pests. Sometimes they frequently sneak their way into my town house. I need to buy a few cats. Who is your sister?" The name, the last one, was familiar though why...she couldn't place right now. Perhaps due to the long day of work. Rhiannon was not in any hurry at all to leave even though the hours progressed.

Theodren: He seemed to be lost in thought, but perhaps not as deeply as his gaze would lead someone to believe. He was slightly sloughing now, both hands held the mug and he stared down into it. Head was tilted slightly and dark hazels did reveal the fact he had secrets. Secrets were something everyone had, no matter your age, gender ot title. At her comment on how good women were hard to find, as well as good men, Ren seem to snicker.. though it was more of a sarcastic sound. It wasn't directed at her, but yeah, the comment had struck a nerve to say the least. ``I'd have to agree... though... sometimes what you want is right in front of you. Some people see it, others don't. It's a price both parties have to pay.`` his tone had started out a little gruff... but the more he spoke, the softer it became. He nodded at he comment about the rats but when she asked of his sister, he smirked. ``Commander Danae Galanos. If you haven't heard of her yet, you will.`` he said with a bit of a chuckle.

Rhiannon: Another cup of tea was placed on the table and Rhiannon gave a smile of thanks to the young woman as she headed away then turned attention back to Ren. Listening closely to the words, but mostly the tone, she felt her heart squeeze in sympathy. Here was a man with a wounded heart. "Aye, some people do have trouble seeing what is right in front of their eyes. I have to admit that even I've been at fault a time or two. It's a painful price and yet we all seem so willing, even eager, to pay it at times." She didn't ask any questions nor pry any further. Blue eyes held gentle warmth and her smile softened naturally. Quietly sipping her tea while keeping her gaze connected with his own, she let the silence linger a moment and then moved to comment on his sister,"Ahhhh that explains where I have heard it. I have heard of Commander Galanos and her skill, but have not yet had the pleasure to meet her. Though I caught a look of her from afar in the streets a few times." Head tilted slightly to the side, cup poised in hands just a bit above the table, she murmured,"I can see the resemblance now."

Theodren: Ren would simply nod before his eyes lifted and his head followed. ``Most of he time it too late. And just when you think you finally have a grasp on things... it crumbles in our hands.`` he gave a shrug then as if trying to pretend he was no longer bothered by what had troubled him moments ago. It was good she didn't ask or pry... Ren didn't think he was ready to open up about his thoughts or feelings to anyone right now. Not even his sister. He noted the warm smile of the red head though and he gave a small one in return. The last of his ale was downed and he leaned up just long enough to set the mug on the table. ``She is a very busy woman from what I have gathered. Always on the go. I don't suppose she is ever going to settle down herself. And I doubt seriously there is a man out there to keep up with her.`` he jested. He'd like to see Danae happy one day, even if it meant he couldn't find his own. ``She takes more after our mother where I take after our old man.`` he commented. He glanced to the window then and back to Rhiannon. ``I should probably see if I can't sweet talk Rose into getting up a tub of hot water for me for that bath I've been wanting. The bed comes after that... and I don't want to keep you out to late. `` he said. He thought a moment though. ``I could see you home safely first though. I'd hate to see you go off alone this late at night without an escort of some sort.``

Rhiannon: "I've come to determine that we can't always seek forever. Instead we take the moments we can find and hold onto them for as long as we can, and pray they can become forever. I seek comfort and companionship for what amount of time I can keep it. Being alone is not something we all are built to accept easily." Rhiannon had never been in love, at least not that kind of love, though she had held some kind of feelings for her patron. His loss had broke her heart and left her feeling off-kilter in the world. Being that he was the last person in the world who still cared about her existence, her twin sister not counting as the woman was the devil, meant that Rhiannon was virtually alone in every way. "I would appreciate the escort though I don't want to keep you from your bath longer. Are you sure, Ren?" A gallant man this one. Offering to walk Rhiannon home instead of letting her wander off herself. Even in a place as nice as Bryante Row danger tended to lurk in corners.

Theodren: Ren gave a shake of his head and smiled a little. ``A bath isn't quite as important as the safety of a woman.`` he replied. ``As for seeking forever and all that you said, it may be true, but sometimes a person can get tired of holding on and hoping for forever. Sometimes you think it would simply be granted by the powers that be for all your hard work and dedication in everything that's brought you thus far in life. It's well deserved... or at least I would have thought.`` The large Greek male than gave a shake of head and a shrug of shoulders as if brushing it all off like it were nothing of importance anymore. He finished off what was left of meal and drink before standing to his feet. The man was indeed a giant and how apparent it became as he stretched his limbs out over his head before gathering up his cloak. ``Well, I'm going to grab a bit of fresh air, I'll be outside waiting when your ready, but please do not hurry on my account.`` he said with a nod. Ren wasn't rushing her in the least and he really did hope she would stay and enjoy what was left of her tea at least. He wouldn't walk off just yet, giving her a chance to reply if she so wished to.

Rhiannon: "Ah, I don't know if I agree. As a woman who frequently partakes of leisurely baths- I'd have to say they're pretty close." Full lips quirked up slightly before hidden by the teacup. Grateful for the warm spread of it against tongue and down throat. Though not her usual drink it would do sufficiently to warm limbs. While Ren spoke of forever, and reward, Rhiannon observed from beneath slightly lowered lashes. Most would assume that as he was offering to walk her home and they'd had a good conversation it automatically meant that he was a good man. Yet Rhiannon did not like assumptions. Easy enough was it to feel gut vibes that hinted Ren Galanos was a decent man, but until she got to know him better it'd be wrong to just assume he deserved forever. Then again Rhiannon, unlike most women, did not dwell on the forever. It wasn't as though anything was truly permanent. If hearts or contracts did not change then death was likely to take one. Morbid, aye, though a part of reality that Rhiannon dealt with everyday. Even before becoming a Physician. Lowering cup, she gently murmured,"Perhaps assuming it to be deserved, hard deeds or not, is our downfall hmm?" Casual shrug of shoulders, hand tucking red curls behind ear, before noting his height. Blue eyes roamed from toe-to-head with slow smile before nodding,"I will only be a moment, I promise, and the walk is not far either." Rhiannon would fall quiet to allow the man to have his air, alone, for a bit while finishing tea. After conversing with Rose on a matter concerning a sick worker of hers the gloves were removed from cloak to be placed on then cloak as well- latched with frog- before stepping back out into chill air.

Theodren: ``Well, I'm not a man that gets to bath leisurely very often. Not until the weather warms at least.`` he said with a chuckle. Dark hazels would watch as she drank from the tea cup and then once it was lowered, he listened as she started speaking again, for the better part of disagreeing with him. At one point in his life he was content with taking what was offered, but he never used anyone that didn't wish to be used. For instance... Moira. And while she had been a courtesan... he still treated her with some amount of respect for who she was rather than what she did. Now days? Maybe it was because he was becoming older and he was starting to mellow. Like an old lion that was slowly losing his position of a pride, he was going to have to come to face that day when it came whether he roamed the lands with a lioness or not. Perhaps he needed to return to that sort of state of mind. To take the moments that are offered now and worry about forever later if it ever came. It was certainly something that he could think on over time. He didn't plan on getting into any serious relationships anytime soon anyway. Hell.. he might even decide to stop by the Lily and find him a bit of company for a night or so and to have something warm to lay with for a while. Shaden had always made sure her girls were ...healthy. When Rhiannon said she'd only be moment, Ren only nodded and smiled before gathering up his cloak and things and moving to step outside. He would wait patiently for her and as he did, a couple patrons would exit and look to him. They seem to remember him and asked him how he was doing. Asked if he was back in town to stay and if so, when they might be able to conduct some business with him as they were interested in purchasing from him, any kills he may possibly have soon. As the men spoke, occasionally he would glance toward the door, and when she appeared, he would excuse himself and bid the men a good night before stepping closer to the red head. He would try to remember his manners and offer her his arm. ``I'm sure whether the walk is far or not, it will be a nice one.``

Rhiannon: Contemplative silence. A thoughtful man this one, perhaps? Using his brain to actually think. It was quite a shock. Though Rhiannon found a pleasant one. It'd only been since the natural death of her patron that the young woman had begun to feel lonely. With the town house so empty, aside from few servants, it left her feeling unsettled. The place had been gotten as living where he'd died seemed wrong and now it didn't feel like home either. Actually no place had ever seemed so. Even growing up the household with Mother and sister, and occasional appearing Father, had not seemed that way either. It was only the man who bought her, took away innocence and opened eyes to reality, that had made her feel that way. With him gone it was almost as if Rhiannon was floating in water. Perhaps it was why she did not look for that forever. There was also the fact that having not been trained as proper young ladies are to marry at ripe age of fifteen, sixteen, or seventeen- she'd never thought on it. Even now she was only a mere 21-years-old and that wasn't that old in truth. Spotting Ren in conversation, tucking cloak tighter as a slight harsh wind blew that yanked all clothes flat against curves and strove to knock smaller form off feet, she laughingly accepted arm,"This weather aims to steal the clothes off my back and put me on my rear. Perhaps you can guard me from it?" It was not intentional flirting the natural press of upper body against arm or the rest of him, but instinct to use him as shield from the cold. For a man like Ren or those he spoke too they had not a fear of being blown over, but Rhiannon while having figure was still small. Though not in the least minding such company the woman was not going to just throw herself at men. She had some manners, no? Even for a former courtesan. "Aye, of course, with company it is always far more pleasant. Did they buy anything?" Head, unshielded by hood, nodded in direction of men as they'd begin to head toward Bryante Row.

Theodren: Ren was always thoughtful when it came to those that deserved it. However, he could be just as harsh and as cold as any man that wished to make sure that his point came across clearly whether it was telling someone to f**k off or ending the life of a someone that had done something to deserve it such as spilling innocent blood of killing innocent people for a selfish gain. He also, at times could and did have a temper but that to was something that had to be provoked. He watched as she attempted to guard herself from the chilling and string wind. As she moved in to accept the offered arm, he would allow her to lean against him however she need to, understanding the need to use him as added protection and to perhaps keep her from blowing away. ``If that were to happen, I wouldn't allow you to walk around without anything and offer you my cloak. It was heavy and lined with fur, no doubt something that would swallow her whole. When she asked if he could guard her from it, he grinned down at her and nodded. Carefully he shift so that his arm and his cloak wrapped around her. He pulled her into him just enough to do the job, if she pressed any further against him, it would be by her choice and not his. He nodded with the comment that followed and when she asked if the men had purchased anything, he gave a shake of his head. ``Not this night, but perhaps tomorrow or the day after that they will.`` He looked from the red head down at his side and to the men before letting those dark hazels settle on her a moment. ``Lead the way, for even a hunter as good as I... taking you home is something I can't do without certain clues.`` he jested lightly.

CONTINUED UNDER [comfort of a touch] IN BRYANTE ROW