Looking for Trouble(continued)

[w0rmy]

(wuh, so short. D: ... anyway, continued from here)

So this one was the son of a weapons merchant? Interesting but not enough so that Dee would dwell upon the thought. Anyway, what tavern should they go to? There were three taverns but the The Scowling Boarl seemed most appeasing and plus, there would be no farm folk. Yuck. Yes, it was a good idea or in the youth\'s mind at least. He couldn\'t remember the last time he physically went into a tavern and this made him excited. However, Dee knew that he could not go over the top and go \'crazy\'. Tomorrow, he was to go back to reality and commit to knighthood.
"The Scowling Boar! That would be the best. Follow me."
With a quick movement, the strawberry blonde turned and began his way to the The Scowling Boar.  

Upon entering the tavern, the  boy asked,
"You have gold, correct? If not, I\'ll pay for a mug or two."
He cracked a flirtatious wink at Rico. Yes, even at 15, Dee was very direct. Perhaps the other would refuse the offer but Dee had plenty of gold to share!    Earlier this evening, his father had given him quite a nice amount of gold so he hoped that Rico would say yes.  He wanted to get rid of this gold as quickly, he couldn\'t stand touching it, after all, Dubhdara had previously touched it. Whatever that man touched, it was deemed \'filth\' in the eyes of the youth.

[Kysis]

Rico followed the way obediently, knowing full well which place Dee took him.  Rico was glad he was wearing something nice, seeing as there were lords about in the tavern.  None would recognize him (he hoped) and very few would know Kysis, so that was not much of a problem.  Well, again, he was hoping.  Now he could just play the part of a charming young noble, which he knew how to do.  As retainer to the Lord Liari, he was like a host, so this would be just fine.

"No, I\'ll pay."

He pulled a few coins out, a wink back as well.  Flirting with someone younger than him was a bit odd, but he would play it like a harp.  Rico wanted information.  This was perfect.  Rico signaled over a worker of the tavern, pausing to look back at Dee to see what he wanted.

"Anything you\'d like." Rico put a few gold on the table to assert that.  He hated using so much money, but hid those thoughts away.  He could make back the money quickly enough.  Alia paid extra when making him run errands anyway, so it should be fine.  As long as it wasn\'t too much.  Rico ordered a glass of wine for himself, red wine.  It would not go to his head like many other drinks would, Rico wanting to keep himself as clear brained as possible.

[w0rmy]

The torches emitted a yellow light and every feature of the other could be seen well. In the dark, the youth assumed that the man was quite good looking but now, he was beginning to think otherwise. It was mainly the nose that was the turn off, it looked broken and Dee was one for complete perfection. Of course, such an opinion was completely trivial but nothing could be helped. If it weren’t for that nose, perhaps he would have thought otherwise however, Dee pondered; the man had quite a nice smile. A nice smile? Does that really cover everything? Anyway, if things came to worse, he could easily leave.  

Flirting with someone older came as natural as breathing in the eyes of Dubhdara Pencrawr the Fifth. He did it a lot and hopefully this man, Rico, wouldn’t feel special about it. Even at fifteen, the boy seemed to know everything when it came to, ah, ‘wooing’ someone.

“No, I’ll pay for my own.”
And took out some coins and placed them upon the table. It was an insult for someone to pay him and not forgetting to mention, from a weapons smith’s son! Though, only seconds ago Dee offered to pay for Rico…
“I’ll get brandy.”
There was the prospect of getting mead earlier but he decided change wouldn’t hurt. Hopefully.
“I will not be able to stay long I do not think… I have to return back to my duties tomorrow.”
Dee sighed; it was obvious that he was not looking forward to it. There were some days where he just wanted to get away from all this but obviously such a thing could not be done. Oh well, such is life.

[Kysis]

"Duties for the knighthood?  Why the long face?  It is an honor to be in the knighthood..."

Rico made no protest about the money, glad he could save at least that much.  For now he would try easing into conversation, before bringing up the kid\'s father.  Steering talk towards on of Dee\'s interests seemed best at the moment, Rico trying to sort out all he had learned thus far, categorize it for use in the coming hour or so, however long Dee stayed.

Originally Rico had wanted to find out what evils lurked in the dark paths of Oberon.  Now his concern for Mabh was returning, and he wanted to know.  Was she around the household?  How was her leg?  There were a million questions swirling through his brain, none of which could be broached at the moment.  Now that there was a time constraint.... damn, damn, damn.

It looked like Rico wouldn\'t get either of his missions done this night, though he would try his hardest.  How to work this out, when Dee was staring at his previously broken (but properly reset; he couldn\'t help its naturally Roman shape) nose, was not exactly popping up in his brain.  Perhaps not going to the tavern, better lit as it was, was not the best idea.

[w0rmy]

He decided that it would be to ignore the nose and just enjoy the night. Who else was there to talk to? A beggar? Oh, such a thought sent spine tingling chills! Beggars were filthy, their hair was a mess, nails dirty and oh God, the stench! They are living symbols of decay, walking and breathing symbols of decay! Ugh, disgusting.
"Oh no! I am a most dedicated Squire but one does miss his mother-country but, but I cannot think about that. If I am ever to become a fully fledged Knight, I must not complain. Complaining gets you no where in life."

This was all just too negative for Dee to handle and so to spark conversation was tempting. But, but there was this other thought lingering... clawing in the walls of his mind. Why did this one, Rico, continued to share company? Does, does he expect something in return? Gold or perhaps something more, ah, scandalous! Hmm, what to talk about? At the moment, nothing came to mind thought Dee tried vigorously... perhaps anything would fine? Even it was completely irrelevant. Yes, that seemed like the best option or rather, the only option.

"I know I should not gossip but... have you heard the recent murder? I think his name was Ryan or Robert or- I don\'t know. I know it begins with an \'R\'. One of the guards- oh no."
His train of conversation was broken when Dee recognised a young man not too far away. The young man was a squire like himself and the two had... \'thing\' for one another and it only ended recently.

What on Earth is he doing here? Shouldn\'t he be with... oh Talon, please he doesn\'t see me... please please please!!

Dee took a deep breath and continued,
"I apologise. As I was saying, a guard was telling me about it. Did you hear about it? I was told it was quite horrific!"

[Kysis]

Rico followed where Dee\'s gaze had gone at the \'oh no\', seeing a lad about Dee\'s age, or at least Rico guessed.  People up north aged differently than Greeks, that was for sure.  Rico decided the age did not matter, turning back to face Dee again so no attention would be drawn their way.  In fact, Rico moved his chair slightly, into a position that should block the other male\'s line of sight.  It was a tactical move, in entirely, but probably a smart one.  Rico did not want anything interrupting this chat of theirs.

"Roy.  Yes, I\'ve heard of it.  I have some friends in the Guard."

Another lie, which slipped out as easily as a truth.  Rico had no friends in the Guard, hated them quite frankly.  In fact, Rico absolutely despised the head of the Guard, Captain Wilson.  Evil banshee.  Anyway, Rico dragged his thoughts back to the present, leaning forward to act entirely interested in what Dee was saying, like he was hanging off every single word like it was some cliff Rico had to cling to.

"Murders are terrible things.  I\'ve heard rumors of thieves and assassins here in Oberon, though I\'ve yet to see any myself."

Any turn of conversation worked for Rico, his steering it a little though.  It was interesting to hear that Dee was devoted to the knighthood and missing home, two things Rico could play off of.  Rico did not miss his home in the least.  Without Kysis there, there wasn\'t really anything to stay there for.  So now he was in Oberon, trying to cling to someone that didn\'t want him.

Not the right turn of thoughts.

[w0rmy]

Much to his relief, Rico moved his chair thus blocking unwanted attention. If the other came over, oh God, Dee didn’t want to think about it. It would be incredibly awkward as one would imagine. The other squire still possessed feelings for the youth while he did not. Dee never really ‘loved’ anyone and was completely aware of the fact. Love, what is it? What is it? The youth only knew ‘lust’ which was terrible at such an age however nothing could be done. There would be no ‘divine intervention’. No, there was no sadness or regret or at least, for now. When the lad turns into a man, he will begin to feel such emotions…

“Roy! That is it. My father was telling me about it. I heard the man was vile but did that mean he deserved death?”
Dee shrugged and crossed his legs, his knee touching the other. Subtle, perhaps too subtle oh well; there was still plenty of time.

 “Thieves and assassins? Yes, of course there are such people. They thrive in every society known to man, it’s not just Oberon. Thieves are stupid while Assassin’s are not. I’ve met one though… she was quite twitchy though.”
Dee was saying too much and he was perfectly aware of it but just did not care. It was a petty act of revenge and so the boy continued, except leant forward and whispered,
“My father has an assassin. I know her but not that well. She sometimes visits me but it’s on my father’s command. I do like her but she looks dead. Almost as if she was an animated corpse.”
He cracked another boyish grin, obviously amused though the reason was not clear.

[Kysis]

Rico noticed the contact and forced himself not to move away from it, keeping his leg where it was and keeping any emotion or surprise from showing anywhere else.  He kept leaned forward slightly, fingers laced together on the wooden surface.  Every so often he would untangle his hands and take a sip of his wine, which had been brought with Dee\'s order not long ago...

Assassins?  Dee\'s father?  A female assassin?  It had to be Mabh.  That comment about looking like a corpse fit her as well, Rico hoping he did not mean corpse literally.  That would be bad.  Rico wanted to ask about her leg, but that would alert Dee, certainly.  The kid did not seem liquored enough to look past that, especially with how keen he seemed.  That made this all the more interesting, though.  Rico was actually having to think through every move, which he had not done in a while.  How fun.

"Your father?  And she looks like a corpse?"  Rico pretended a shudder, shaking his head and taking another sip of wine, as if to wash a bitter taste down. "If Roy was such a brutal man, there are laws and courts... And you are alright with this assassin coming to see you?  That would frighten me a little."

Well, not really, but Rico could play at it.  He just hoped there were no assassins sneaking up on him now, Rico looking around just to make sure.  No.  They were safe, Rico breathing a mental sigh of relief.

[w0rmy]

The brandy finally arrived however Dee did not thank the man. If the liquor had been delivered in a proper fashion, he would have been most grateful but anyway, there was no need to dwell on it. Brandy, a spirit made from the pomace of grapes. The colour itself was not a rich, velvety purple but a soft brown, almost as if it had been burnt. He took a light sip and it felt as if liquid gold was slithering down his throat… it felt most wonderful. The drink itself was most expensive but it was worth it.

“But wouldn’t the law end the life of that man anyway? Lynching for example? So how is it different if he is to be murdered by an assassin?”
Such an opinion would probably be frowned upon however it did not matter. The youth was never one to keep quiet about his thoughts.
“And why should I be afraid of this assassin? I am bigger and stronger than her.” Dee flexed his biceps and emitted a childish laughter. “And I am a Knight in training; I am trained not to fear, correct? If was afraid, I would be pathetic as a Knight, wouldn’t I?”
The rhetorical question was followed by another laugh and threaded a hand through his golden red locks.

“You said, said that you have not be here long, correct?” Dee took a swig of brandy, “You mustn’t know my father. He is Lord Dubhdara Pencawr the Fourth. Many fear him. He never wants me around; I am nothing but excrement to him. But this ‘excrement’ is his heir so nothing can be done.”
The boy shrugged and took another gulp of the liquor. No! Had he not told himself not to bring up Dubhdara? Spark the conversation, spark the conversation, spark the conversation…

“What is wrong? You look around but there is no one here… at least, no one here that could end our lives.”
Dee cracked a boyish smile, pushing his own knee a bit harder against Rico’s leg,
“So which way do you go? That is, what do you prefer? Women or men? Hm?”

[Kysis]

All this death talk was getting him gloomy, Rico trying to find a change in conversation.  If Roy was really that evil of a man, he could have been brought to the courts and made an example of by a public execution.  They did it in Kreos.  Not that it really showed in the crime rate, but anyone who murdered for malice was hung in the city square, or beheaded depending.  It was harsh, but what they did was harsh.  Arguing it was a completely lost matter though.

The bit about not knowing the father was... interesting.  Rico knew the father, if by a brief meeting only.  He hated the father as well, but Rico was not a vindictive enough person to hurt the son to get at the father.  In fact, Rico would rather not have anything to do with the man, whether it hurt or hindered him.  The son was an interesting one, however, without that evil streak in his actions or eyes.  Rico could stand Dee\'s company.

Ah-ha!  Mention of the assassin!  Now he would only have to find a way to ask if he had seen her that night and---

Leg.

Rico did look slightly down this time, even if it did no good since there was a table blocking his view of Dee\'s leg and how it was pressed into his.  The kid was definitely doing that on purpose... and that was a bit more of a jump in topics than Rico had ever expected.  Now it was obvious: Dee hated Daddy Pencawr as well.   Good.  After blinking a few times and taking a larger gulp of his wine to clear the surprise, Rico finally gave an answer, a little smile accompanying it.

"And if I said men?"

[w0rmy]

(Sorry it\'s a bit short. :S)



Rico, though his nose wasn’t exactly agreeable but it could be over looked. The man had a nice smile and it was rare to find someone who possessed such a thing. The youth’s odd eyes watched the other with keen interest, not once did they break their lock. As the reply took longer than normal, Dee already assumed it and began to smile. This smile though childlike, it was seductive and it often made people’s spine quiver and the boy was aware of that. It was something that he practised and perfected, it was also something he was proud of…

“Then” His fingers began to race the rim of the mug, “Then I would deem this situation most agreeable.”
The knee which was pressing against Rico’s leg retreated. After a moment or two, there was a soft clunk; Dee had to slip of his boot and soon his foot began to rub against the man’s calf. However, the boy acted as nothing of the sort was happening and asked,
“There are so many shady characters here in Oberon, I don\'t understand how anyone would want to come here."

[Kysis]

"Oh." Was all he could say to the comment of agreeable situation.  Rico smiled too, feeling the knee pull pack, hearing the thunk.  Footsy.  He made no move to really show it either, knowing that was part of the game.  Rico watched carefully what Dee was doing over the table, listening with interest.

Shady people?  That Rico wanted to hear about, trying to think of a way to broach it.  Soon something came up, perhaps as playful as what all was going on. "Oh really?  The move here was done from a... business stand point.  Father stayed home and I came to test the waters."

Rico was not really sure what to say.  Kreos had a lot more shady people, in Rico\'s opinion.  There were bandits and such that would attack merchant caravans all the time.  Rico had a few scars from such incidents.  He rolled his shoulders just slightly, remove the tension from them.  Thinking about the number of attacks they had in Kreos was not a good idea.  Not now at least.  Maybe he could fret over it later... but first, information.

"Still searching for that memorable thing to make this place a bit less dreary."

[w0rmy]

(I just realised that we are in The Broken Wheel tavern... LOL I\'m an idiot. XD)

He rubbed his foot up and down Rico\'s leg, it was slow a movement but that is what made it effective. An act like this cannot be done quickly or otherwise, what is the point? Going fast was no fun while slow was.

Upon hearing the other\'s words, Dee\'s eyebrows rose slightly but pressed nothing further. He had always thought they would get someone else to do such a job... but perhaps this weapon\'s smith wasn\'t that rich and had no one else to do it? Yes, that seemed possible but by the way this man dressed, the red head unsure. Anyway, there was no reason to get paranoid. Tonight was meant to be enjoyable after all.

"Oh, I see

He smiled, perhaps somewhat suggestively but said no more and drank deeply from his mug. God, brandy tasted good but it was quite expensive even for Dee\'s standards. Oh well. Soon the mug was empty and the boy ordered another.

"Still searching for that memorable thing to make this place a bit less dreary?" Dee repeated, eyebrows contorting slightly. What did Rico mean? "And what is this memorable thing?"

[Kysis]

Rico scooted forward just a little bit, shifting his leg forward as well so it was easier accessible.  He saw that smile, held tilted slightly to the side to take it in and process.  The young man smiled into his glass as he finished it off, keeping the chalice poised at his lips as he mulled over everything.

He might be able to get the info now, just slip it in to the conversation disguised as curiosity over earlier statements.  Not yet; Rico had other things to decide upon.

Taking a moment, Rico looked over Dee\'s features.  He was cute, if a little young.  Well, Rico was not sure on the exact age, but Rico was sure it did not amount to his own twenty-one.  How far this would go, Rico had no clue.  He would just have to wait and see, keeping his objective in mind the entire time.

"I don\'t know.  I guess I\'ll decide when I see, or do, it."

[w0rmy]

How old is Ricko? Perhaps early twenties but no less… he didn’t look like a nineteen or eighteen year old that’s for sure. The youth doubted that Ricko was that old anyway… so it was fine to play around.

The smile only stretched farther upon seeing and feeling the man move a bit closer, perhaps this one wasn’t that shy after all. Most males that Dee had ‘wooed’ with in the past were usually by now all over him but Rico, he was doing nothing of the sort! Maybe the man did not find Dee ‘attractive’ or perhaps it was the age… yes, it had to be the age. There wasn’t one man or woman that had stated otherwise and if such a day came, well, he wouldn’t know what to do.
 
“Oh I see! It’s one of those questions that cannot be answered no matter how one tries.”
Dee touched Rico’s hand and began to caress the knuckles.
“What do you think of me? I mean, physically?”

[Kysis]

There were two reasons Rico was not all over Dee, the first being that question (and uncomfortability) of age difference as well as the fact that Dee knew someone in the tavern, someone Rico was sitting specifically to block view of.  That, and it was a public place, with lots of prying eyes.  Rico was in no way shy, but he did have certain codes of decency, living in prude Kreos drilling it in.  Flirting around with a male in public was... unheard of in Kreos.  Being gay was considered evil in Kreos (despite how many people played around with it in private).  He was still stuck in that secrecy mindset.

"Physically..." Rico flipped his hand over to caress Dee\'s back.  The playing of the foot was concealed under the table, and the hands were not to noticeable, Rico keeping that in mind, and keeping aware of their surroundings out of habit.  It was always good to know one\'s surroundings. "You\'re cute.  You really care about how you look."

That second part was partially an observation, partially a complement.  Rico hated it when people really did not care how they looked (minus Kysis, who looked good whether or not he did anything), because it was a distraction to everyone else.  Rico put a good amount of effort into his own appearance, though there were some things he could not help.  His hair was arranged how he had gotten the most complements for it, his skin had a healthy tan (giving an almost golden glow).  He also dressed as nicely as he could.  But, that was just Rico.

What else to say was a loss to him.  Perhaps Dee would make a conversation out of this all.  That would be just fine.  Rico would find a way to sneak in his own questions.

[w0rmy]

Looking over to the other side of the tavern briefly, Dee saw that the other squire was still here and by the looks of it, wasn’t going to leave any  time so. If it weren’t for that boy, there could be other things going on besides footsies. It does not take long for one to realise that Dee does not possess much decency, especially when it comes to acting in public. But why is he away to get wish such things? It was thanks to his father. It was thanks to the name of Dubhdara Pencawr. It was thanks to the wealth. Nothing more.

The hand upon his back was surprising but not unwelcome. It had taken longer than expected but that was okay. Normally, there would have been no patience but he supposed this time could be a bit slower than usual. Most of the time, the boy took everything fast but tonight was different but as said before, that’s okay.

Cute. Cute in what way? There are two meanings behind cute. The first one meant attractive while the second meant… well, innocent. Rico had to mean ‘attractive’ right? Even though the two have only been aquatinted briefly, Dee had made himself obvious. There was no way that he could be ‘innocent’…  

The second statement however, did not leave an imprint so it was looked passed. Dee leant forward, hand excitably grasping the other’s hand,
“Cute? In what way?”
He spoke in a whisper, lips clumsily brushing against Rico’s ear. The alcohol was finally kicking in and now rash behaviour was to be expected. He had not eaten since lunch and so the effects were going to be… probably embarrassing. Tomorrow morning was not going to be pleasant that’s for sure.
“You said you haven’t been here long, correct? Are there any questions you want to ask about Oberon? This petty excuse for an Imperial civilisation?”

[Kysis]

"Cute as in... arketa... Um, pretty."

This Dee seemed to know exactly what he wanted and was not afraid to express it.  Rico wondered if everyone in Oberon was so bold, but did not voice it.  That might be offensive.  He still needed his information... and it looked like there was a window.  Rico gathered his wits, trying to straighten out his words as carefully as they could be before striking.  A wrong word could be disastrous...

"I heard a rumor that this ghost girl was hurt badly and treated badly.  Is she a real threat?  Assassins can be... scary."

Rico whispered his question into Dee\'s ear, lips pressed to the flesh as he did so.  Hopefully the alcohol would help him out in this.  Rico was still quite sober, but it was obvious Dee was not.  Hopefully Dee could not see through the fog enough to get that Rico was prying.  To distract the young man further, Rico gave a little nibble to the earlobe, to assert that he was being playful but still wanted an answer.

[w0rmy]

Ar… keta? What did that mean? It probably didn’t mean anything crude so there was nothing to worry about. Hopefully. Dee arched an eyebrow and replied,
“Ta tu go halainn.”  
Rico would have been quite good looking if it weren’t for that nose. Oh well. The foot continued to play beneath the table and the hand still clasped the others. He didn’t care what the people may think; it was none of their business after all.  

Rico whispered into Dee’s ear, including a little nibble to the earlobe. The whisper alone sent shivers down his spine and he almost didn’t hear the question. Blinking a few times and thinking about the question.

A ghost girl…? Ghost girl, ghost girl, ghost girl… I’m too drunk to think right now. Oh. Perhaps Mabh? She got in trouble with father recently or something. He was telling me about it though I wasn’t listening… I think I should’ve, he wasn’t very happy-

Okay, obviously Dee was thinking too deeply into this and needed to stop.
“Yes, I know the girl. Hah, it was my father that did it. He was te-telling me about it though…” He bit his bottom lip, “I wasn’t really listening. She disobeyed him and father got angry. I think he hit her too. I wouldn’t be surprised, he used to hit mother.”  
The boy shrugged, not that interested in the conversation. It was nothing new; his father has beaten up Mabh in the past so it wasn’t news. And Dee didn’t know why he brought up mother either, he never brought her up…

[Kysis]

The kid really was drunk, and the guilt over trying to squeeze him for information was finally sinking in.  Yes, he got what he wanted.  Mabh might be a little hurt (more so than she was when Rico cared for her before), but alive.  That was a relief.  His kindness had not resulted in her damnation.  Rico sighed, releasing what holds he had on Dee.

The random changes of topic, especially to such a sober one, had Rico backing off.  Rico had never really known either of his parents, Ryos Liari the closest thing to a father he had.  Family was a sore spot for Rico.  It was a button that once pressed, his mood would not be the same for a while.

Rico tried keeping his smile, mulling over the sudden awkwardness. "Sorry to bring that up.  It obviously...  I can escort you wherever \'home\' is if you need.  You\'re more than a little tipsy..."

[w0rmy]

Mother. Mother. That terrible word, oh how Dee loathed it. She had died from the red death, or better known as ‘tuberculosis’. A wave of crimson surged from her mouth… Dee shook his head, trying his best to rid the thoughts. He didn’t want to be thinking about this. He never thought about this so why now?

Home? I don’t want to go home. And anyway, I don’t have a home. I probably won’t have one considering my career.

“Home.” Dee said, giving Rico’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I don’-don’t have one. Un-Unless you con-consider sleeping in the house your knight one.” The youth rested his head on Rico’s shoulders. He wanted contact; he just wanted to touch someone and he didn’t care who.

“More than a little tipsy?” He repeated, looking up. “You-you haven’t even to-touched your wine! You’re wasting it!” Dee picked up the glass, “You can’t waste wine!”

[Kysis]

“I have been drinking it.” Rico quickly plucked the glass away, taking a little sip of good will with a forced smile as he did so.  He swirled the deep red liquid around in the glass, staring down at it.  The wine was very different than what he had back at home, that was for sure… not that he drank wine much back at Kreos.  It was only for the most special of occasions, when Kysis invited him to join the festivities.  Otherwise, he was left out. “Just… savoring the flavor, that’s all.”

The comment of a home threw him off, though.  Rico thought about it.  House of a knight?  That meant Dee was a squire?  If Kysis ever found out about this, he would have Rico’s head.  The thought made Rico a little nervous, his having to remind himself that Kysis was traveling far, far away at the moment, and there was no way he could find out Rico was tainting a future knight.  Rico promised himself mentally to mention this night to absolutely no one, not a part of it.  That would keep him safe.

“House of a knight?  I know someone who would abandon all their riches just to have such an opportunity.” Rico took another sip of his wine.  He wanted to steer the conversation away from the macabre, or any sort of gloom, but his own mind was a bit to fixated on certain things to go completely sunny.  At least it would not be at all morbid for Dee, he hoped.  Rico kept where he was to comfort the young lad, since he seemed to need it so badly.  Oberon was far more open about certain things than Kreos had ever been, and for that Rico was slightly relieved.  He relaxed a little.  Perhaps more conversation would help Dee get out of the sudden slump.  Rico felt somewhat guilty for getting him into it.

[w0rmy]

Dee looked up at Rico and raised an eyebrow. Savouring the flavour? Huh. What is there to savour?  The kid had always thought you had to shove it down your throat… that’s what the other knights did. When Dee was younger, he used to watch them. They would sit together and drink grog like it was water. That had to be the right way, they were knights! Whatever knights did, it had to be right.

Right?

“They are obviously fools then.” The red head muttered darkly. He would give anything to go back to Ireland. Anything. “Are you-you’re parents alive? Oh, forgive me, I forgot. You told me ear-earlier that you’re father is a weapon merchant. Do you have a mother?” Dee moved away from Rico but kept the eye contact. This was strange. He hadn’t talked about ‘mother’ to anyone. Not even Dubhdara, his father.

“I did not know my mother well. At six, I went to become a knight! I was so happy to be away from home, away from my father. I hate him. Anyway, my mother, she is dead now. Do you know how she died?” Dee’s fingers trailed the wooden table. “She died from a disease. You know the one were blood flows from your mouth. I was ten at the time. I was visiting home and I was talking with my father then, then I heard this dreadful scream. I think it was the maid. Father and I ran to where the scream came from and then and then.” Dee rubbed his eyes. Was he actually crying? He never cried! “Saw my mother lying face down in a pool of blood... sure, clerics came but they could find no wound. She wasn’t murdered by a knife. She was murdered by the disease. I fear sometimes for my health. I fear that I’ll get the dreaded disease. Oh! I am sorry Rico, you didn’t ask for this.”

[Kysis]

Rico shook his head, remembering his lie then.  Both his parents were dead, but he had spoken of his father.  He would at least tell the truth about his mother, then. "No, my mother... I never really knew her.  Everyone says she had a beautiful singing voice, though." Rico couldn\'t even remember his mother, minus the stories Ryos and the others at the Liari Keep had told him.  It was very little to go by, but enough.

"My father and I aren\'t close, either, so..." Rico shrugged at that.  He could do little else on the matter, nor did he really want to talk about it.  Not only was his really father dead, but his adoptive father, Ryos was too.  It was a sour and still fresh wound.