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Neutral
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Ekon slowed down his own large horse and stopped close behind Anasuri. She had, in fact, beat him here. He wasn't one for competition though and saw it as that he could improve on his riding. Though it wasn't exactly his fault that he was this big, which slowed Zaine down.
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Neutral
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Anasuri pulled out two shiny coins, and showed them to Ekon, "Since you didn't know about Death's Ravine, I assume you do not know about crossing water? It is old and forgotten, so not many people have heard the tale. 'In order to cross without plight, toss a coin that shines in a summer light.' In the older days, in order to cross a water way, you had to appease the water gods and creatures. No one does it anymore, but I still do. They appreciate it. Also, once we cross, do not look back." Somethings were not meant to be seen by the mortal eye. Anasuri tossed in the two coins, with hit the water without a sound. Anasuri urged her horse to cross, hoping Ekon would follow and heed her words.
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Neutral
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Ekon heeded Anasuri's words alright, not that he particularly believed them or anything. He hadn't been raised like Anasuri had and never had the chance to read fables and stories about dead gods and creatures that no longer existed to most. He also believed that this might be a test of some sort and if he didn't listen Anasuri might fire him. So he listened, staring straight ahead, Zaine steady beneath him.
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Neutral
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As they rode away, the sounds of tinkling coins echoed in the faint breeze, and a slick, sliding movement rolled across the top of the water with a passive heat. Anasuri did not falter, but a shiver ran up her spine. It was her firm belief that one day, paying homage to the forgotten gods and creatures would turn around to help her. It already did once.
The real reason Anasuri had not been killed when the old knight attacked was how she honored the Physicians rule - which is after every medical treatment, you must repay the chance you were given. Every illness or injury that Anasuri fell victim to, she found another who was suffering the same and helped them. The practice led her her doing this outside of her own injuries, and into the goodness of her heart. Anyways, the night she was attacked, the old knight attempted to slit her throat and flee. As she lay bleeding on the floor, a shadowed figure slipped in with the mist, and tampered with her potion station, causing a small explosion that alerted the palace-dwellers of an emergency. The shadow came to her, and as she was drifting away, the pain lessened, and air came.
Later she was told that the sword had just missed her windpipe.
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Neutral
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Ekon didn't give the sounds any mind, he'd heard much weirder in his time at the guard encampment. Although he may not believe in all this nonsense, he'd seen many ghosts there. After all, not everyone who trained to be a guard turned into one, and accidents did happen.
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Neutral
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Once they were a respectable distance, Anasuri moved on to an easy canter. They continued like this for a while before she spoke again, "The town isn't much farther now. It is likely I will be recognized, so be aware of danger, but allow townsfolk to approach - I do hope your horse is alright with crowds? If not we can put them with a friend." The town was coming into view, and Anasuri slowed to a walk. She would not throw Ekon into the deep end with this. No, she would tell him what to expect.
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Neutral
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Ekon nodded, he knew exactly the danger Anasuri was in. He'd seen one of his old knight companions lose their job because of an unexpected assassination of their ward. That had never happened to Ekon's wards and it never would. Not unless it was by his own hand of course. "Zaine is fine with crowds Princess, and I am aware that there is a possibility of danger. Nothing will happen to you." He said this simply, as it was a fact. Ekon's reputation as one of the best guards went before him. Although he didn't have much confidence in himself, he wouldn't deny that he was pretty okay at his job.
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Neutral
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"Good. First thing we are doing is stopping my the Lord's home, then to the orphanage, then to the markets. Once at the markets, don't make unnecessary eye-contact." When Anasuri was sure Ekon understood what was needed, they entered the town area. Almost immediately small children, tugging the hands of their equally as happy parents swarmed the road. Anasuri waved and smiled, talking to the townsfolk, "Reen! Are your children doing well?... Oh? Well, I'll check in on the school, and be sure there are enough funds...... Gelina, your flowers look so beautiful, you always grow the best.... Ah." Anasuri stopped her horse and loosened the reins, Melion's head dipping to nuzzle some of the children. A young girl sitting on her fathers shoulders approached with a flower, shyly holding it out. Anasuri accepted the flower with a soft smile, "Thank you, Milli. Next time, I'll bring you a flower." This continued on for a few minutes before she finally sighed, "I have a meeting I should not be late for. Thank you for your time."
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Neutral
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Ekon nodded and followed Anasuri into town. His horse to the left of Melion and a little behind him. Ekon stayed wary but smiled at a few children. The children he smiled at seemed a little less scared of him when he did so, which was a good thing.
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Neutral
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There were two people waiting outside the building at the center of the town, who Anasuri greeted by name, "Keo, Nak; Thank you. It shouldn't be long." She dismounted and handed the reins to Nak, and gestured for Ekon to do the same.
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