Rhy'Din - Assassin for hire

[Ekaterina]

"Ahh, but you forgot one thing..." Hand lifted with the
rise of that index. "I would most assuredly jump, though what would go unseen
was the vine or rope that clung to the face of the cliff, that I would snag
as I plummeted from the edge. Leaving them to believe I had indeed went over
the edge..." A smirk to now form upon her lips. "...when in truth, I'll be
the nightmare they awaken to on a dark night." Head tilted slightly. "I never
do the expected, even in ensuring I gain the upper hand." Waggle of brows as her
hand lowered to rest upon the bar. "A tactician may assist in planning the
best course of action to take in battle, which is the same course of action
that should be taken in life. Even when doing the unexpected, take it one step if
not more beyond."

A brow lifted with the smile and a heavier lean on his hand
and thus his elbow to the wood counter added a degree or three to the induced
cant. "Always keeping one step ahead, hmm? A very wise tactic, I must
confess. And certainly insures there's never a dull moment either. But then
again..." Another chuckle interrupted before he could finish. "...the first
time we met, or well, rather almost met, I had a notion that you weren't a
woman who was content with
Roguish Joker: the ordinary."

"That's because there's nothing in life that's ordinary. I know this probably will sound strange coming from someone like me, but .... I
have come to see that life can end at any moment, for any reason, and it don't even have to be one that makes sense. Too many spend their time searching
for quick fixes and run away romances, trying to rush through life. I take
each day for what it has to offer, waking up in the morning to feel the
warmth of the sun upon my face and the gentle breeze as it passes by. It's not a
matter of ordinary or spectacular with me, but the simplicities, that which
is given freely. The only cost? Your time, even if but a passing moment, to
stop and take notice. To close your eyes and truly listen, and to not just inhale
deeply for breath, but to take in the scents that linger about." As she spoke
a smile would slowly ebb it's way upon unpainted lips. Pale pools of blue
took on a near dreamy state as a serenity seemed to momentarily claim her.
"That is where contentment is found Mien Herr..." Attention to once again be
upon him. "...there's nothing nor anyone who could ever duplicate that."

Slowly, he nodded in silent agreement, the action of which
broke the contact of palm with cheek as his head then lifted free of its
cradle. "To listen to the subtle pitch changes in a honey bee's buzzing as it
hovers about a flower, or to listen to the bubbly rhythm of a babbling brook, or to
savour the delicate scent of meadow flowers wafting in the breeze... Things
we take for granted and never give a second thought." Hand was extended out
over the edge of the counter and fingers were threaded with the mate, dangling
it in a sense and keeping it from dropping.

Slowly nodding in full agreement. "No one can understand
how I can find contentment in how I live, I don't see where it's so problematic
and hard to figure out." Slight rise and fall of shoulders with a slight
shrug. "It's not like I'm ever totally alone. I've got my horse..." Slowly that
grin would begin to form. "He's a good listener, don't talk back .... well,
occasionally he does, during his stubborn moments.." Lightly chuckles.
"...and he carries me where ever I want to go. I'd say I live better than some
queens." Emphatic nod with a broad grin.

Laughter rolled free with her comment and lifted the corners
higher so that when the sound died to chuckles, the smile was wide across his
face. "Quite a contrast to the horse I had once. Thaddeus was a good listener
in his own right...but only because he chose to ignore me at least half
the time." His head slowly shook as a few memories were recalled and then put
back into the recesses of his mind. "I think that for a horse, he was
excruciatingly tolerant of me. He had this manner about him very suggestive of a
droll nobleman."

Which had her softly laughing with a slow shake of her
head. "It's a conspiracy of horse verses man." Teasingly stated. Slowly she's
stand from that lean against the bar, a true genuine smile to rest upon her
lips. "I should be heading back." She'd collect the empty glasses and then
pause to look upon him. "Thank you Nicodemis for another enjoyable evening."
A slight forward bow of her head before it rose to that natural position. "I
find myself looking forward to doing it again soon." Bit more of a smile.
"Good evening my dear friend." Choosing to use common in her departing
greeting this evening.

He eased himself from the stool to take a flat stand on the
floor, the hands breaking apart with the effort, one to curl over the edge of
the polished counter. The other, freed, was slipped into a trouser pocket as
he gave her a nod. "The pleasure was all mine, mien liebes Fräulein, and I
shall also be looking forward to the next time." An indicative nod was made
towards the collected glasses. "You can leave those, I'll take care of them
myself." Dark hues were then lifted from the glasses to her, taking a moment to
offer a smile. "Guten abend und Unterhalt sich sicher bitte, Fräulein."

Soft chuckle as she reset them upon the bar. "Looks like
I'm beginning to pick up new habits." Teasingly stated. A smile to show
before she'd turn to make her way through the kitchen door and disappear.
Several moments later, the sound of hooves digging into the earth at a full gallop
could be heard.

[Ekaterina]

::The Travelers Roost could be found but a few miles from the old Rhy'Din...If one knew where to turn off the oft' traveled road. The sign that had once pointed the way down a narrow, tree canopied lane, was long gone, and the lane was no more than a trail now, half overgrown with vine and weed and the summer dreary trees hung low indeed that a rider would have to dismount. The Roost itself, still sat as solidly as it ever had, albeit its windows and doors were now boarded. It had a gray, sleeping appearance with its old wooden shingles, weathered with son and age, and the dust that blew soft and lazy about its foundation. Grass was beginning to grow where once there had only been soft dirt, but one could still walk easily enough around the back, where the barn and well still stood. There was no sign of anyone, and certainly no door nor window offered admittance inside the Roost. The barns double doors were parted, but one would find no more than old straw inside and a rodent emptied bag of grain. There had once been a garden along side the barn, overgrown now with wild squash and cucumber. The entire place held a vacated feel but for one small detail. The well bucket was wet, and the gray stones of the well itself were partially stained with moisture. Someone had been here, and recently. Perhaps they still were.::

Having spoken to Nicodemis to great lengths and gaining information on the various places, she found herself traveling to them in order to gain information. Rum Hill, the Bakery, and The Travelers Roost. If she didn't find what she was searching for in one of these places, only then would she move on towards the Smugglers Den. Directions gotten and her first stop was Rum Hill, having been told that's where last he had seen Indigo, and it being the home of Cricket. Only to find a dead end, the building had long since burned to the ground, rubble and over grown shrubbery, vines, and weeds now claimed it as home. Onwards she'd continue to the Bakery, only to find much of the same. The locals showed fear when questions were asked concerning the occupants of Rum Hill. They say the place is cursed and demons live and work there. Disdained not, leaving the people to their myths, she'd travel on to the third place upon her list, the place which she was told being owned by Cricket and Indigo having worked there diligently. Upon the back of the large Chestnut Bay, she rode around the vacant building, at least this one still stood. Dismounting and leaving the Bay with free rein, she worried not over anything happening to him. Adorned in specialized leather armor, a design she had created herself, she began to inspect the grounds that surrounded the Roost first, in which the well was found, and recently used. Hand moved to rest upon the hilt of the long bladed dagger upon her side, as she now made her way to the main building itself, the first time round was to inspect it. The second time she began to work her way around the building, she was seeking a way to get inside; testing boards, searching for any entry she might be able to climb to and through.

::The boards that covered the door were obviously not going anywhere, spaced end to end with little space between, they were securely nailed into the framework. The windows appeared the same way, and unfortunately not a tool one to use as leverage. The second story appeared to be as securely boarded, its windows too, covered completely. There appeared to be no entry to gain access beneath the Roost either, and so it would be unless tools were used, a vain attempt at entry. Perhaps such actions were avoided, for as Ekaterina tested the strength of iron nails and oak planks, a sound behind her, near the barn, might distract. The heavy scuff of horses foot to earth, followed by a clear voice. One that sounded somewhat amused:: Looking for something, lass?

Upon hearing the voice, she'd slowly turn to face in the direction from which it came. "Ghosts perhaps, then again, I could be here to add to their numbers. It all depends." Brow rose slightly, a touch of a smirk to appear upon unpainted lips. "In fact, it all boils down to just how far you intend to take this entire situation." Even though lip's held that upward twist, there was no humor to be noted. Youthful features were expressionless by the most part, those pale eyes of blue looked as hard as the icy shards they were often described as.

::The figure that Ekaterina turned to see, was not a sight most that did not know her got to see. Cricket stood calmly near the posts of the small paddock near the barn, her gray mare standing behind her. Her cloak was not upon her, and could be seen thrown across the horses back. Wild black hair, streaked with silvery gray was long and unkempt, left to blow where it liked. She was not a large woman, but she appeared fit. Worn and comfortable boots strapped to her calf to the knee, an expected dagger hilt or two to be visible. Dark leggings painted tone thighs, to a waist belted with a thick corset of leather over a common peasants shirt. Something silver sparkled about her neck, and a bodice dagger was in easy sight. Still, she did not seem imposing, and truly curious as she instantly detected bitter aggression in the woman's voice. Black eyes narrowed slightly..as if assessing the woman with a depth that was sometimes disconcerting.:: ..this entire situation. ::She repeated, as if trying to understand it by repeating the words. This came as she took a step forward, her horse moving to follow:: Just what situation would that be, Ekaterina? ..the situation that thee are trespassing upon my property?

Hand had been simply resting upon the hilt of that dagger, and as the woman stepped closer, noticeable it was that her grip tightened a bit more. "The situation with Aloysius and your putting a contract out for his head; literally." Eyes narrowed a bit more. "What ever he may have done, he lives in regret daily. I don't care if Indigo was your property or not, she left on her own accord to tempt life. You have no right to condemn a man to death because of his short comings. I want to know what you've done with Indigo, and I demand you pull your funding for the contract on Aloysius." This time she'd take the step forward. "Or you and I will face off here and now!"

::That wild crown canted at a questioning angle as she slowly closed the distance between herself and Ekaterina. She paused, slowly, near the well, curious as to the woman's clear irritation. At Indigos name, and at the subsequent threat, all curious calm was gone. In it's place was a narrowing of black eyes, and a lowering of that voice to a butter smoothed pitch. Her words were measured and spoken slowly:: I know not where thee get thine information, Ekaterina..nor why thee have chosen this day to come on my property and threaten me. I do not take to threats lightly. I suggest ye throw that d**ned blade o' yours right now, or take thine bloody hand away from it. ::some pause was taken, as if for control, and the voice smoothed once more:: I promise thee, lass. If we face off, we will both bleed. ::the black eyes remained on hers, steady, hard, and without a hint of fear:: Why dost thee care of Indigos fate anyway..certainly Aloysius does not.

"He cares more than you'll ever know Cricket. He still loves her as much today as he did when he asked her to marry him before. He holds regrets and he's trying to turn his life around. She means a lot to him and as his friend I intend to find her and implore her to at least see him. Perhaps somewhere in the pain happiness can be found, for both. I will pay you what ever her worth is, if that's what your problem is in this." Proof she had not the full story of the situation, for what she had learned was through a few conversations with Aloysius, who told not much. Nicodemis was her main source of info, and it was only from the bits and pieces he could offer "Then we'll both bleed Mien Fräulein, but I will not stand by and watch a good man hunted like a dog, just because you carry a chip on your shoulder." She wouldn't pull her blade as of yet, since Cricket hadn't made any aggressive moves so far, although she'd remain alert and prepared to draw if she must. "I came
here to seek answers to where Indigo is and why you want Aloysius dead after all this time."

Her worth... ::spoken softly..regrettably. It put further silence into play in which she simply held the woman's eyes in front of her. A long moment drew out, where anything might have happened between the two women. At last, Cricket slowly nodded, as if coming to a decision. If thee wish to see Indigo..she can be found that way. ::An arm swept a hand out, and pointed to a narrow path that cut through the brush and bramble. Where it led wasn't certain, but it would take the hiker up and down the rough countryside for a hundred yards or more, until it climbed steeply up to the banks of a pond created by the beavers. Crickets hand dropped, her eyes having never left the woman. Her next words were full of bitter grief:: but do not think that thee can pay for her worth. There is not coin enough in this world. ::She seemed to bite back further words, and spoke more calmly instead:: If after thee have seen her, thee wish to draw blade against me, then I will be happy to make thee bleed. ::the black gypsy eyes hard as stone now, she moved not a step:: Her final words, most likely held until the woman would step forward to take the path, would come in a low hush:: as for Aloysius..I have Always, wanted him dead. We must discuss why thee believe I would spend coin on his demise
when I could very well simply kill the bastard myself.

Confused by the woman's actions, where she expected to run head on in a Juggernaut fashion, she got just the exact opposite. Although it could be a ploy, to throw her off guard. The Nordic woman never took anything at face value, she knew better than that. A glance towards the indicated path, then back upon Cricket attention returned with her last statement. "I wondered that myself. I know I've only met you once, but you seemed not the cowardly type to hide behind an assassin's cloak." A pause in motion of heading towards that path as she turned to face the woman. "It's because of the wording in the missive of the contract. In it, it stated that he and I had been seen together, so I would know my intended mark. The first missive gave the wrong name, it would be the last with this revelation in which it was properly given. There were only two times I had met with Aloysius in public Cricket, when we first met at Bess' bar, then the night by the lake where you came upon our fire. It didn't take a scholar to figure out by putting things together who was the financial backer behind the hit." Not coming out and claiming exactly who and what she was, but enough information given for the woman to figure it out for herself. Besides, as far as she was concerned, Cricket already knew what she was, although she had no clue as to how, to hire her to assassinate Aloysius. The only thing she couldn't understand was why she hired her to do it.

[Ekaterina]

::It was now Crickets turn to be confused..for at first her brow arched high at the woman's assumption she would not hide behind an assassins cloak. It was nearly enough to make her chuckle, but such amusements would have to wait, for Ekaterina began to tell her a little more, and the second brow rose to meet the first. Truth be known, she had no idea that Ekaterina was an assassin. The entire incident with Aloysius at the fire had been merely coincidence. Silence reigned supreme between the two women as Cricket digested this, her mind whirring about the pieces to fit them together. She saw no reason to tell the woman she hadn't known. She knew now. She considered the facts as she knew them, eyes drawing into slits, and back teeth to work at the inside of her cheek for a moment.::...I'll nae stand here and say I'm so honorable I'd not hire someone to do my dirty work, Ekaterina...for I have and I would and I will if it suits me...but in this case, I had nothing to do with this..which leaves only one possibility. ::she paused for effect..always the showman:: There was someone else at your campfire that night. Someone besides the three of us. ::head thingyed..now interested to see the reaction from the woman...and a dawning in her own mind that she herself had been used in this. Whether purposefully or not remained to be seen.::

As if there weren't enough twists and turns in this situation, Cricket just threw her another curve with that statement. Then again, it could be a lie, one thing about humanity, lies flowed like the massive rivers whether they were what was considered little white lies, or whoppers of a story. "I'd never expect anyone to owe up to something like that Cricket, why should I stand here and believe you now? You did threaten him when you left the fire that night, and you just admitted you'd use another to draw blood instead of your own hand." A long heavy silence to hang between them as she openly studied the woman who she stood opposite of. "From what I've learned so far, you're the only one who holds such a grudge against him, and you're the only one who knew I was in his company. I'm not that well known in these lands, and ....." It was then she paused, just staring at the woman. The one other thing that didn't sit right with her, was where she was suppose to deliver
the head. New territory in which she had just recently been contracted through. A puzzled look formed upon youthful features. She had come to seek answers and only found more questions to arise.

::Cricket sighed, and even managed took a bit bored as Ekaterina stated the obvious, thinking that she had threatened Aloysius many times..and would again should she come across his miserable hide. That his pity story had duped yet another woman wasn't surprising..nor was seeing Ekaterina's slow realization of something. Her voice was even somewhat gentle as she spoke..not disturbing that precarious thought process:: ..for Zeus's sake, woman... ::another of those heavy sighs, and a rake of that tangled mane back and away from her face. She turned then, to throw her horses reigns over the paddock fence.. a low muttering that was more to herself than to the other woman, half of it unintelligible, but all no doubt in grumbling that she had to walk back up the bloody path again that she had just managed to come down. She grabbed not her cane, but a rough walking stick that was leaned against the weathered boards, leaning to it with every other step as her muttering lead her in a turn and toward that narrow trail. It was, to boot, getting dark, and it would be her bloody luck to come across a skunk or something twice as unpleasant. She knew that Ekaterina would follow..and the whole truth would be known and this nonsense over with. If the woman still wanted her blood after that, then so be it::

Crickets comment would have her blinking out of her thoughts and focusing upon the woman fully once more. "Why would someone go to such lengths? Not only in seeing Aloysius dead, but you to be blamed for it?" All leads pinpointed directly towards Cricket, except for the two that just didn't make any sense. In this came also the realization that Cricket knew not what she was, well didn't know until tonight. Somehow though, she found that not a threat for some strange reason. Watching as Cricket took off down the path, a bit of a jog would soon have her walking at the woman's side, if the path permitted, if not, trailing close behind. At least one thing about skunks, you could usually smell them before stepping directly on them; most of the time. If they do happen to find one along the way and it perfumes them, Kat is defiantly going tavern hopping, just to repel those close; she was an ass that way.

::A trait Cricket could no doubt appreciate much more than the climb ahead. Grunts of irritation or effort were given as the trail turned steep, but a few questions asked along the way:: Have thee sisters, or children, Ekaterina? ::a glance back at the woman, though it was now so murky in and under the trees that vision was waning fast. Crickets eyes turned back to the rougher part of the path, cutting left to avoid the pitfall beneath a knotted jumble of root and boosting herself up further where the path evened out::

"No, I'm an only child and never been married." Offered in response as she moved along with the woman down the path. Watching the area around them as they moved forward. "Yourself?" A strange conversation to be having after the one they just had. Though she'd continue along those lines, because in a sense she was gaining some answers, even if more questions were to rise.

::Cricket did not answer immediately..for it was always a painful subject, but she did in the end, offer something:: I had a sister, though I know not what ever became of her. ::She said nothing about children. There was little time given to question further however, as they gained the top of the banks, and stood in a most peaceful spot. Pines stood sentinel along the bank of a small pond, early moonlight and the last of the suns reflection shone beautifully upon the still surface, cut only by a slowly moving "V" far across, and made by the owners of the dam that had created it. Frogs chirred in chorus all around them, and it really was a lovely spot. Cricket took a moment to simply lean upon her staff as if tired from the climb, and look out over the still water.:: Indigo always loved it up here. ::Crickets voice was somewhat wistful, and reverently quiet. It did seem a reverent place. Not far from where Cricket stood, there was a low mound. Covered in mossy grasses and bordered on one side by wild iris, it bore a single headstone of marble. The Goddess depicted upon it, her arms raised and her hair loose. But a few words were engraved beneath. "The pure of heart sleep in peace." and beneath that, a single name. "Indigo". Cricket only stood there, gazing out over the evening water as she allowed Ekaterina time to find the grave and read its stone. She did speak again however, her only attempt at explanation:: Indigo was with me for many years, Ekaterina. She was not only my slave. She was like my sister, and my daughter. ::She halted there. She could say nothing more, for she had never shared this grief with anyone. She found her throat would not allow speech. She tried to focus upon the white of the lilies that ringed the bank, just like the ones she had placed on Indigos grave not an hour before Ekaterina had arrived::

[Ekaterina]

A glance over at the woman when she responded, that was until they came upon the area before them. One who reveled in the out of doors, she appreciated that which she now gazed upon. It was beautiful, no doubt about that, even in the dusk of the evening. It was as she searched the area that she noted the mound with the head stone. Slowly making her way over to it's side and squatting down to read the inscription upon it. When she seen the name, in a sense, she wasn't surprised. Hope was in finding the woman alive and well, but deep inside she expected she was gone from this world. It would be Crickets words that had her looking over at her. "I'm sorry." What more could she say? She knew the pain of losing one you really cared for in this manner. "I've heard wonderful stories about her, a near angel is how she was depicted to me." Her voice was soft in tone as she spoke, slowly coming to fully stand as she looked back upon Indigo's resting place. "It's a shame that someone so good ends up this way, when there are so many that are not and more deserving." Slowly she'd turn to step away from the grave site and back towards Cricket. "I can't change what's happened in the past, no one can, but I give you my word, I'll clear your name in this matter. I have no idea who's behind this, but they're opening up too many painful memories for all to suffer. To end a life is one thing, but to make so many suffer in this torturous way is unforgivable." She wasn't a martyr in any sense, but lately she's been reassessing her life and finding things she didn't like. If she could do just a little good, perhaps it will make things even in the end.

::Wonderful stories. that twisted her mouth in a painful line, drawing a wince near her eyes. She knew who the stories were from, and it was near blasphemous in her opinion for Aloysius or Nicodemis to speak of Indigo with misty eye and sorrowful tone.:: I know not who is behind this contract..but I would seek those closer to thee for answers. ::Advice almost distractedly given, Cricket turned slowly to face the woman:: Dost thee know how most legends are begun, Ekaterina? Some
odd thing happens..someone embellishes the story. The same story is told by a drunken fool and embellished even more..and before thee know it, a hundred years later, thee have the tale of something that started out as merely coincidence. ..I tell thee now, whether thee choose to believe it honest or not. Twas coincidence that brought me to thine fire that night. I heard enough and saw enough, to know thee appeared to have been saved from the water by Aloysius. ::She scoffed, and turned her head to spit, as it a bad taste had come to her mouth. Black eyes returned to Ekaterina's:: It sickened me, Ekaterina..because Aloysius took Indigo out of my protection and abandoned her without cause or reason. He knew she was incapable of surviving alone out here. He KNEW that...and yet he still abandoned her without coin and with no pity. I blame him for Indigos death..and I dare say had he done the same to thee, thine sister, or thine daughter, thee would hate him as much. ::Black eyes glittered with fury in the darkening gloom, only slowly did they seem to draw down to a simmer. Silence as her rage seemed to disturb the peaceful quiet here..diminishing only slowly as she breathed. Quiet, and nearly whispered were the last:: but I did not buy contract on him. ::oh she wished she had. She bloody well wished she had. She left Ekaterina standing there, turned on a heel with a flare of wild hair, and started down the hill::

"I can't and won't make excuses for his actions, nor will I say I understand why he did what he done." Another glance towards the grave before she was following in Cricket's wake. "I understand your anger Cricket, that I can say." To be quietly spoken once she neared the woman's side. A glance over at her before looking ahead towards the path followed. "Perhaps you'll find some solace in knowing he forgives himself not in what he done, and I'm sure when I tell him what happened to Indigo it'll be worse." A moment of silence before she'd speak again. "I know it won't stop the pain nor the anger in your heart in knowing of his suffering, as much as I would hope it did." Looking over at her once again. "But I do apologize for making you go through it because of me. I came seeking answers and got more than what I expected as well as more questions to find answers to." Looking straight ahead once more. "All pay for their actions in the end Cricket, one way or another, of that you can be assured."

::Despite what Ekaterina might have thought from their first meeting, she had taken an instant liking to the Nordic woman. Their conversations this evening had only strengthened that. At being understood..Cricket slowed. It was, to say the least, not something she heard often. She threw a half distrustful glance toward the woman..a little unsettled to find nothing but genuine sentiment. It dampened much of the anger that had risen. She grunted at the apology, a little begrudgingly showing that she was not so angry anymore. A few yards more, would bring them back to the barn and the paddock, and thank the Gods above, there had been no encounters with skunks or otherwise. She let the topic of Aloysius go. She saw no foolishness in the woman, and perhaps she possessed a trait that Cricket did not. Forgiveness:: Aye, and some of us pay a bit more than we deserve to. ::a twisted smirk, and those black eyes slid to the woman:: ..I'd care to know who used me in this, Ekaterina.. ::letting the implication hang. Cricket did not like to be anyone's pity::

"Yes, sometimes those who pay the greatest price are the ones who did nothing to deserve the end they received." A tad more quiet her voice became, as that was spoken from the recesses of memory. Quickly pushing away those very things the entire situation awakened after so many years of being locked away. A glance over to Cricket as she came to pause near the barn. "I will be sure to share any information I find, for you'll definitely have a chance to face the individual that did this along with myself." A bit of a smirk to appear. "Who ever it is either knows me, or of me, and the same of you. Imagine the look upon their face when we stand before them side by side." That should make the guilty party blanche in finding out just how badly he or she failed in what ever their attempt was being made.

::Cricket nodded, considering it as she drew her horses reins from the paddock fence. Something in what she had just said lit a warning signal however..something that just didn't smell right. A frown creased her brow, and she paused with her hand on her horses neck, eyes sliding to Ekaterina::..unless he is one step ahead of us already. ::she let that hang. Whoever was doing this was crafty, they had proved that already. A master of misdirection herself, she sought all lines leading in or out, and finding only a frustrating knot:: ..I ken its a risk we have to take, nae Mien Fräulein? ::Cricket chuckled, having never spoken the language before in her life, but
a d**ned quick study::

A soft whistle would have the Bay moseying up behind her and nudge her with his nose to let her know he was there. A shift of position as her hand rose to pat his neck as she moved around to prepare to mount. Cricket's comment about who ever it was made sense. A slow nod. "Then we'll just have to be more crafty." To be her response. "I'd like for us to meet again, here or elsewhere, to discuss this at a greater length. I need to reflect on all that I know, perhaps between the two of us, we'll be able to put a name and face upon this unknown." Foot to settle into the stirrup and up she'd step to settle upon the saddle. Reins in hand, she'd ease her mount so she could gaze upon Cricket better. "Da, a grand risk Mien Fräulein." A slight bow of her head. "You have no enemy in me Cricket, if anything a comrade in understanding." Perhaps one day she'd share her own story of loss so that Cricket will gain the full brunt of those words. "Until such time, Guten Abend Mien Fräulein, let peace be your guide." It would be with that she'd nudge the Bay with her heels as those reins were pulled to turn the horse back down the path she followed earlier. A trot to begin with until some distance was traveled, it was then a full gallop would carry her back towards Old Rhy'Din.

::A rare grin flashed briefly, brilliant and white across the sun burnished olive skin. Crafty was her business. She nodded in agreement to Ekaterina, as she too, mounted her horse. A low bit of a chuckle at the departure, but a nod in respectful return:: Thee have no enemy in me, Ekaterina. ::a fist to her brow before she too, wheeled her horse in the opposite direction, and rode until the shadows swallowed her whole::