Ａｒｅ ｙｏｕ ｍｙ Ｋｎｉｇｈｔ ｉｎ Ｓｈｉｎｉｎｇ Ａｒｍｏｒ？

[Anime]

"I don't usually play the role of guard." He comments looking around at all the guards. "Especially for this kind of function. Maybe through hostile areas and such, but never this."

[нαℓƒ~мσση]

"What role do you play?" Annie smiled, tilting her bead up at him.

[Anime]

"Well, I gained most of reputation and status as a tracker and swordsmen for the army, but I've recently taken on the role of instructing the young pages and squires in combat using a sword." Coren grew more comfortable with this topic. "I became known for my agility and speed on the battlefield--most likely due to my small stature." He wasn't tiny, but he was clearly smaller than most male knights.

[нαℓƒ~мσση]

"Impressive," Annie grinned, her blue gaze playful, "I'm not surprised. You look very efficient. And I know that you're fast by experience."

[Anime]

Coren looked down at the ground, embarrassed by the compliment. "I'm sorry about that. I just didn't have the time or will to deal with helping a noble. However, it seems I misjudged you."

[нαℓƒ~мσση]

"Oh? In what way?" Annie chuckled, her arms folding just beneath her breasts.

[Anime]

Coren struggled to find the words, "I don't know...I figured you'd be...you know, like any other noble." He finally decided. "I guess I should of figured you'd be different...exploring the Tower of Ghosts, and all."

[нαℓƒ~мσση]

Annie laughed and gave Coren a smile, "Yes, I'm more curious than most of my family."

[Anime]

Coren tried to cringe as the noble he'd been guarding approached them.

"Well, greetings!" He bowed slightly to Annie. "How are mi'lady? Hiding away in a corner with the help, why don't you join my companions and I along with your parents?" He glanced at Coren briefly before looking back at Annie with a smile.

[нαℓƒ~мσση]

Annie greeted the nobleman with a curtsy and a gentle smile, "Oh, well, I simply am not feeling well. I wouldn't want to get anyone else sick."

[Anime]

The noble backed away warily. "Very well. I will leave you." He turned but stopped back and looked at Annie. "Hopefully we will meet again before I must return to the Crownlands." He departed.

Coren watched the noble leave. "I'm impressed... I think that is the quietest he has been since I met him earlier."

[нαℓƒ~мσση]

Annie smirked and wiggled her eyebrows at Coren, "You just have to know what to say. Most people won't mess with illness."

[Anime]

"I wouldn't think so." Coren agreed. "Unfortunately, I do not have that luxury. I'm being forced to guard him due to my tardiness this morning."

[нαℓƒ~мσση]

"Was that because you helped me?" Annie chuckled.

[Anime]

"I would have been late anyway." Coren shrugged.

[нαℓƒ~мσση]

"Well, I'm sorry that you wasted time on me," She smiled.

[Anime]

"I don't see it as wasted time." Coren shrugged. "Who would have pulled you out of the way of that cave-in?"

[нαℓƒ~мσση]

"Probably no one," She observed, shrugging.

[Anime]

"well then like I said, it wasn't a waste of time." Coren smiled.

[нαℓƒ~мσση]

"Thank you, Coren," Annie smiled and looked him up and down, "I like you. You're more fun to talk with than anyone else."