Pre-Dawn Conversation

(OOC – People are still looking for Jack at Jocelynn's Inn? :D)

Dalen Woodland, Morning of 2 DSTR –

"I do not mean to insult, I just feel as though you may be giving him hope where their may not be," Lafayette said. "I do not mean an offence to you either, I simply see things and make conclusions. Again I seek to make no assumptions..."

"Whatever is between me and Kline is really none of your concern, and how you can say such a thing only knowing us a few hours is absurd," Kalena said. "I thought you were under the impression that we were married? It seems you make a lot of assumptions whether you seek to or not."

"...I have met several women who enjoy sweetening their teas," he said working on the lid. "Would you care for some sugar?" he asked, offering the tin along with a small spoon.

"Thank you, yes. I usually take it with cream or milk, and no sugar, but some sugar should take the edge off," Kalena said, spooning a little into her cup. "I used to know someone who took black tea with a pinch of salt. To each their own, I suppose."

"I also said nothing about 'sparing' I just do not enjoy having to fight them. It's a rule of mine. If I am confident they will not be harmed I see no harm in training practice. Rust gathers on a unused tool," he said, "though as silly as it sounds..." Lafayette paused watching her enjoy the smell of the tea. "I would rather used sticks. They will cause a reaction of pain, though not lasting harm."

"I have an assortment of foiled practice weapons with blunted tips and other training equipment at home," Kalena told him. "Perhaps you and Kline could also spar for our entertainment? He is veteran soldier though, so you had best be careful. You obviously are well-trained too, though you don't strike me as a soldier, or at least not an ordinary one."

Lafayette smiled again. "I do not know what I want you to know. I only know what I told Kline, and that I asked a few questions that seemed to offend him. Though I am unsure as to why. I simply asked him why he had a distaste of wine, but sells it. And why he simply believes he can rely on nothing but reputations alone. Where I come from that is not the norm. One needs to always be on their toes to not loose money. Especially as a child, the taxes alone could kill a family. I know, trust me." His gaze went dark and distant at the final words lingering one it a moment. Remembering one of his rules he snapped out of it.

Kalena watched his reaction and noted his hidden pain. "We all come from somewhere, and some state of circumstances. Dalen might be just as cutthroat a place as your homeland, or perhaps more so. Kline is new to financial planning. He was not born into wealth, and the only life he knows is soldiering. He prefers the company of his own men to the rich and refined nobles with their taste for fine wine and other luxury goods. But a reputation goes along way in Dalen, as does a noble title, and Kline has both. When we're in the capital even he might be surprised as much as he might be embarrassed by just how many will readily bow and scrape to him, even though he is a minor noble from what the city folk might consider the hinterlands. This is a kingdom that reveres the rich and the strong, and our Queen Thalia seeks to build a cosmopolitan society with many different races working together to make the kingdom strong as a whole. There are some that don't share her vision, but she is the Queen, and her will is supreme." Kalena looked off behind Lafayette, it occurring to her that it was going to be difficult to see the beginnings of the sunrise amidst the thick dark forest where they were camped.