Adam Masou (2)

[Kahlan Lothair]

Adam Masou: *He would be found sitting in the courtyard of the throne room. The night had been restless for him and he looked rather tired, as if perhaps he had not slept for the duration of his visit. This was no surprise... beds, lavish furniture, and worst all, four walls to close him in. He was a maryuudo, such things made him very uncomfortable. He was ill at ease, though he had to admit that her highness had been more than gracious to him. He appreciated her generosity, and hoped she would understand why he could not accept it with open arms. So he had slipped from his quarters and out into the small courtyard, Ban and Fuyuki following him silently. An odd royal court they made, didn't they? A circus stray, a lame bird, and the last of a dying breed. <c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> But they did work well together, didn't they? Together they had kept balance and order in the Western Wood for half a decade at least, despite their inner feuds with each other. They were close... a tight knit pack, like the wolves that lived in the northern caves right down the the rabbits in their hill dens in the east. Such a strange assortment to rule over, yet they had societies same as any other creature, human or other wise. Now speaks of an alliance. Could he bring himself to do such a thing? For five years he had kept the peace and kept humans and their wraught civilization far away from the animals and the serentity of the forest... to allow an alliance with Lucemedia... to consent to giving them the protection they wanted... he could not do such a thing<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> No humans save him had ever lived in the Western Wood and barely anyone ever passed straight through it... only along the borders of it. It was completely neutral ground. To throw ties one way or the other was preposterous. He had only been convinced to come to Ulster at the behest of Ashina... the woman had met him straight on in the market square, and her words, stinging but true, had matched him in verbal battle. She had won his respect. Her willingness to hear him and her respect for his animals and his lands was the only reason he had agreed to come here. And now an alliance with Ulster was also proposed. And now Ashina was off on a diplomatic mission leaving him vulnerable and alone with the queen. Quite the predicament, and he was not so sure<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> That the queen would readily understand him. His culture was far removed from this type of aristocracy, their ways and customs were unsuited to his lifestyle and foreign. He had insulted her once, what would happen if his lack of social skills was the end of the conversation. Did he really want to wage war on these people? What if he couldn't stop the invasions on his own, couldn't keep the flood of soldiers and merchants out of the heart of his forest? Would he wage his war then and spend the lives of his creatures? It couldn't be worth it, if the war was for their safety how could he place them in danger and legitimize the action? He couldn't do it. He had to make acceptable terms with Ulster. Perhaps an alliance with this strange country <c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> would give him leverage against the crimes of Lucemedia. But then... wouldn't that be playing into the wretched game humans called politics? So much simpler in the animal world. He sighed and let a hand drop from his side down to Ban, scratching behind the ears of the large cat, deep in thought. He knew in the back of his mind what it was he had to do, he was simply unsure at this point if it was a plan that would work. He could only pray it would.<fin>*
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair The days events had been quite difficult and as she emerges from the confines of the castle walls she looks all the better for it. Her face lightens up a bit and she looks as if a great burden has been shed like the heavy mantle of a winter. Her gaze is placid as if the days events had taken much from her...though she looks young and beautiful she is old...borne of the first race of Ireland...she spots her guests and smiles lightly...this day she is dressed in a plain linen gown of a pale blue dyed in the lands of Avalon no less...the scoop-neck is ringed in beautiful designs which have an alterior meaning...she strides towards her guests with the wind at her back...blowing the skirts of the dress about her legs though she does not wear the huge skirts of the day...she is barefoot<C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Obviously comfortable with the cool grass beneath her feet instead of the hard and unforgiving shoes she was supposed to wear as befitted a High Queen. Having been recently married she looks relatively happy enough...however her Husband was away on a tour of the Kingdom so that all may see who their new High King was. She quietly nods to her guests when she gets to them...regaurding each as their own before looking directly into the eyes of Adam...her own eyes grey as the mists of dawn and all the more elusive. She is not a huge woman in stature but at times she can seem as imposing as she wills to be...her gaze is that of a raptor but she seeks not her prey with him...but rather a friendship which is mirrored in her eyes as they soften for him into a smile<E>

[Kahlan Lothair]

Adam Masou: *For a time he said nothing, looking into her eyes to study her as he would any opponent. She looked to be ageless, both young and old, with also the appearance of neither. In hand to hand battle she was surely lithe and skilled, battle weary almost. Though regal, she would most certainly fight with a sense of honor. It was his way of appraising people, they're skills as combatants. She would make a fine opponent. Her spirit had shown him that last night. For that, he could respect her, as well as for her love of the animals he so brought with him whereever he went. Ban barely even flicked an ear at her presence, and being Ban, it was probably a compliment as Ban only usually recognized a human if he had malintent for them. And that was everyone, practically.<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> Fuyuki also stirred not, keeping his ever silent vigil upon the wrought iron lamppost, peering down at the two humans in the darkness. His trust was in Adam to do the right thing, as all the animals of the Western Wood. He noted her dress, particularly the lack of shoes. Perhaps she would be more receptive to the plan he had contrived than he had first thought. She seemed to be a woman who loved nature for what it was. In some languages nature translated into "It is so" or "How things are". Nature was the purest, rawest form of the world. Perhaps then that made Adam the purest, rawest form of human. The first draft, the rough outline. No matter, he would try anyhow, despite the gnawing feeling in his gut that the plan would go horribly wrong<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> And land him and his beloved creatures in the more trouble than they already had with Lucemedia on their heels. "I hope you're not insulted that I chose not to stay in my room." He said quietly, somehow thinking she might at least understand him on that one. He felt suffocated inside a room. He rarely stayed in them for more than an hour. Restock, have a meal, then leave and retreat to the safety of home as quickly as possible. It was more than the fact that he enjoyed the air on his face, the sounds of the night, the cool grass and the smell of the woods- it was necessity now. He thrived on it, and withered without it. Looking down to the tiger, then to the hawk, both seemed to be telling him to spit out what he had to say to the queen before things got more awkward.<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c>A heavy sigh as he propped his elbows on his knees, sitting still upon a low wall along the side of the courtyard, his feet on a chair. He held his chin in his hands, thinking for a moment before he began his speech which was done slowly and arduously, obviously trying his hardest to be well spoken and diplomatic, for so much was riding on this for him, for all of them. "I have considered the proposal of an alliance..." He began slowly then taking a deep breath. "The Western Wood has long been a neutral land free of all human influence. The animals within distrust them..." He paused and looked down to Ban who snorted and licked his whiskers before turning his head away to rest on his paws. "And rightfully so."<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c>"So I do not know what terms I can offer you in return for your promise to follow rules within my borders. A formal alliance... would mean protection or goods or special treatment on my part... would it not?" He asked shakily, obviously unfamiliar with human terms for for these kinds of agreements. In fact, so out of his element and worried over the result of the conversation, he seemed to shift uncomfortably, not make eye contact, and perhaps even act slightly inferior as if he felt he should in the situation, given that he was so vulnerable.<fin>*
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Her smile is warm and quite understanding and she looks down to Ban and tilts her head..."Will he try to tear my arm off if I touch him?" she asks and soon starts to explain herself..."I befriended a tiger cub ages ago...so long ago that it seems that I know that he must have gone to his gods long ago..." she says...looking longingly at Ban for a moment and then shaking her head she smiles apologetically..."Excuse me...A moment of weakness I assure you. Forgive me please.." she says as she comes to sit near to him but not so uncomfortably close that he cannot bear it. She seems to be more of a confidant than the Highest Authority of the land...she smiles warmly...like an old friend and she nods..."An alliance would be most welcome with your lands. We rarely use your wood so we <C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Would not ask much of you save safe passage...only if proper notice is given to you of course. So that you may take the proper actions for the safety of the passage." She says looking down and kicking her legs like a young maiden while holding onto the stone wall she looks up to him...this is her work...she makes one feel as if they were the only important thing on the face of the world and worthy of all of her attention..It was a wonder that she ever got anything done..but thats who she was. She heard the voice of the lowliest before the most noble in grievance procedures and it was no wonder indeed why she was so loved by her people...she blinks for a moment glancing up to the hawk and smiling almost a reverent smile..."You know.." she leans slightly towards him as if confiding a <C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Secret to him..."When I was little I used to think Hawks and Falcons were the Gods and Goddesses of the Skies...and to this day I wonder if they are not. Such majestic creatures they are!" She says emphatically and with a smile that has melted the heart of many thousands <E>
+Queen+ Elizabeth Lothair: from her place amongst the clouds the whole of the empire could be seen from the Far Reach Mountains to the Heartlands of Ys with the night stars burning through the clouds as the people of the land blew out their torches. The night had ceased to amaze her how it all came together in one soothing symphony to the beauty of nature.A graceful flap of her wings sent her small body flying over the view of the shadows and then lgliding slowly under the clouds for the sight of the Castle of Grey Hill has come into view.The castle guards all standing silently and cold,in jestful thinking she the says. "The Commandant is here,that would explain it."With a loud screech before the castle guards they slowly open the gates though she could have simply flown over she wished them to get use to her<c>
+Queen+ Elizabeth Lothair: <c>animal forms and accept them the same.They raised their swords in salute having memorized the shining silver feathers across her back.She soars across the front courtyard flying under the water spirting from the fountains and towards the inner courtyard where everyone else was.She lets out a final screech landiing gracefully to a bench.She closes her eyes concentrating to the surrounding about her and then her adrenaline begins to rush with the feeling of the animal form she has taken becoming stronger and within deep concentration and a small voice of cantrip to the winds she had taken the form of a small dark woman dressed in a dark grey longsleeved house gown embroidered in light grey at the sleeves.Her grey eyes glint slightly in the moon light as she approache sher sister slowly<c>
+Queen+ Elizabeth Lothair: <c> not wishing to break the train of conversation giving a briefl head bow in repsects of her sister as she looks to the man standing rather shakingly and surrounded by animals before her.<f>

[Kahlan Lothair]

Adam Masou: *A soft look fell upon Ban then, the tiger raising its head at the mere mention of it, though its name has not been uttered.Large, baleful yellow eyes fixed upon the woman for a moment before looking up to Adam with what could only be described as a glare. Adam sighed. "Ban is very untrusting. There is a good reason why he follows me, but he has learned well over many years to not trust our race at all, for every time one gets close he gets hurt badly." He did not go into detail, though if she wanted it, he had already decided he would share the story of both the animals she seemed so keenly interested in. He had discussed it with them at length of course. Ban was still staring at him with a look of annoyance and part questioning his intentions<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> A grumble came from the large cat as he flicked his tail, a sign of his disapproval with the entire situation. Looking away again, the feline seemed to be staring through the wall at something that the two humans could have no hope of ever seeing. It was a mastered trick he used when ignoring Adam or trying purposefully to annoy him. He nodded at the proposal. Safe passage... he could live with that. He sometimes granted that to merchants or diplomats, though he had a distinct aversion to soldiers and never allowed them through in groups. He could not stand armed men in his territory. It only begged them to slaughter a beast. He could not bear that. He, too, hated humans, and like Ban, he had his reasons for it. He tolerated them to a certain point<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> but he was never beyond killing one he saw as a threat to the delicate and beautiful balance that his forest had somehow achieved. "I will allow you and your diplomats safe passage through my land. I would request that you send no soldiers unless it is crucial, and then you must notify me immediately. Send an animal if you have to with a message. If they are spotted by one of my own I will know immediately. I have a specific distast for men of arms." He said quietly, also staring off into the night sky, as if entranced by the stars. "Ashina will be allowed whereever she chooses, with the exception of the Heart of the Forest. No one may go there, it is strictly forbidden. Anyone who does is killed without question. I would not want that to befall any of you."<c>*
Adam Masou: <c> a sigh from him then, knowing he must speak as a ruler and not as a confidant in the moment, "However, there are always rules that I cannot make exception to. I'm sure you understand that. Tell your people to stay on the paths, I will make sure to mark them with your realm's colors so they will not lose their way. They have my permission to camp when they need to, though I ask that when you depart you leave no trace of your coming at all. That is simply a courtesy, not a punishable crime. The only other rule I strictly enforce is there is to be no hunting whatsoever by you, Ashina, or any of your people. I myself, as well as Ban follow a no meat diet, for eating our own followers would be crude. I do not wish any of my animals slain."<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> Ban looked up then, sharply. Though a tiger, he too agreed whole heartedly on his diet of supplimental proteins. Predators were able to roam and do as animals would, but Ban and Masou together would throw the balance, since neither of them were really supposed to be there in the first place. "A slain animal is a greivous sin in my land." He said with a nod and Ban too lowered his head again, but kept glowing yellow eyes on the woman who appeared before them from her bird form. Fuyuki sat on the ledge with interest at the bird woman. Perhaps she too was a beast master like Masou was, but the hawk doubted that. Humans like Masou were one of a kind. Adam noted the young lady with a nod before turning back to the queen<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> "I must regret that I know nothing of this world... the world of my own race. If there is anything you think I should know, tell me, for I am prone to make mistakes among these people." It was almost embarrassing to admit. He knew well enough not to kill, but there were many other customs he was wholly unaware of. "And as for Ban, he will warm up to you the more time you spend with him. I suggest waiting for him to come to you... it is the safest way. He is very... skittish at times."<fin>*
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair She nods and looks to Ban then to Adam..."He is a beautiful animal indeed...none like I have seen in years.." she says almost forlornly as she remembers the little tiger cub but then she smiles and nods to Ban.."I am in no hurry to push him...may he take all the time he needs..." She smiles once more before looking back to Adam...after having nodded at her sister..."I would not send Armies or Legions through your forest...it does not have the sufficent roads to take large masses...the armies would be broken up and many of them would be lost within your forest...though they would never harm animals in such a forest as yours. I dare say those that have been on the outer fringes fear it. " She chuckles amiably before looking at the Hawk once more...though continuing.."They think it is <C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Haunted with the spirits of the dead...many wont go near the forest because of such supersitions.." she says as she looks down to him..."You have nothing to fear from Ulster when it comes to bearing Arms...we would hope that you however stay neutral in the event that we are borne into war...your Forest is a great guard to us and we would not do well if it were lost..." she says (Im just kinda makin that up as I go along) <E>
grand_duke_of_ulster he walked in slowly to were the queen was standing near the door removeing his silver helm as he looked to the man she spoke with and then to the animals, he had a kite shield strapped to his left arm, a long sword at his left hip, he showed the mark of the duke upon his red cape, he said nothing but watched, he looked young to be a duke but was
Adam Masou: *At the approach of the Lord the tiger looked up, ears flattening against its skull with an untrusting growl. Had this been the Wood the man would have been attacked on sight, for he was armed and walking in unannounced. However, feeling trapped and in a strange place the tiger merely roused itself onto its haunches and slunk back behind Adam as if seeking safety there. Adam swiveled his head and from his throat rumbled a commanding growl, an unnatural sound for a human to make. His vocal cords were not meant to make such a sound, were they? The tiger looked at him and rumbled back, and the two began a very short and surprising conversation. Laying back down in bitter defeat the large tiger never took its eyes off the man with the weapons<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c>Looking to the Duke Adam spoke softly in the human's own tongue. "He does not like your weapons. Please excuse him." Turning back to the Queen he nodded gently. "I will see to it that you are granted safe passage then. The animals will be notified." Looking back up at the wall Fuyuki cocked his head. The bird had been silent the entire night, but Adam already knew what they were to discuss later. Both tiger and hawk were not fond of this idea, even if Adam did think it was the only way to keep things from falling completely to pieces. Looking back to the queen once more he spoke quietly as if afraid to disturb the serenity of the night around him. "The forest is not haunted... not by ghosts at least. Though there are things there..."<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c>"...that even I dare not speak of. It was a hard battle to get where I am and to command the respect the creatures give me. I'm sure given due time they may warm to you and your people, but I would not expect it to be too sudden. They are used to a life free from human interventions. They may not all want things to change so quickly." He paused again to study her a moment. Very elegant, regal woman. She had surprised him. Telling her the honest truth had worked after all, most surprising indeed. "Tell me though, since it appears I will be making trips here every so often, what rules you wish me and my companions to follow while we are within your borders... as well as what your policy on Lucemedia will be given the behavior of their..."<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c>"...emmasary last night." He was enquiring two fold, first to see how she dealt with the problem of scoundrals in her midst, those who wantonly disrepected her. Though Adam had as well, he had done it unknowingly and explained himself. Tony had spoke knowing the proper way to address her and sneered at her. Second he wished to know her policy on a realm that may soon become his enemy should the queen not accept his terms and rules.<fin>*

[Kahlan Lothair]

-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair She nods to her Cousin..."Fear him not...and please Cousin show respect to our guests by not presenting weaponry before them?" She asks almost as if Chastizing the Duke before her. She looks to Adam once more with a warm smile ready for him and an even warmer one ready for Ban upon which terms she winks to the Tiger as if to say "Its okay to fear". Her gaze comes back to Adam and she replies to his questions.."The only behavior I ask you follow is that if you are to show me the respect that I deserve as the Highest Authority of the land...by addressing me as Lady will suffice. That is all I ask...and I will have a servant set you up in one of our outside lodgings. I know how dreadfully confining the Castle must seem to you.." She says and the look in her eyes shows that indeed she<C>
grand_duke_of_ulster he looked to the man his helm in a cruch under his arm as he unsheathed his silver sword turning to a gaurd holding it to the gaurd letting him take his sword and walk away, the gaurd had a big smile upon his face as he walked off non held the dukes silver sword, the sword was crafted long ago , much like his armour,he was a great soldier and tactician in battle, he had just returned<C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Truely must for she was once a free child...now bound by so many rites, rituals, and laws that she may never be free but truely the most confined creature of them all. As if she were a song bird that once knew freedom and now is caged in the house of a wealthy lord. She has anything she wants at her disposal, but freedom is a high price to pay for such a gift. She smiles once again trying not to alienate him by her look of sudden but brief despair. She loved her duty, not to get her wrong but sometimes she wishes she were the carefree young child able to sit on her mothers lap and run free as the wind in the fields. Those days are long gone now and here she sits...a testiment to their glory and their heartaches...and utterly the most unconventional ruler the state has ever known.<C>
grand_duke_of_ulster from rome to his home city and home country after defeating the goths and romans with his calvary
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair She smiles briefly..."As for the emissary from Lucemedia...Lady Ashina dealt with him accordingly. We may still ally with Lucemedia despite the emissary's lack of respect, but not before that respect is handed back to Ashina and I." She says and then smiles brilliantly for a brief second..."We are two very proud women I assure you."<E>
Adam Masou: *The tiger, though not fully understanding her, could indeed get the gist of what she was saying, and though he was not the most aimiably guest, in response simply grumbled in his tiger voice and laid his head back down on his paws in a sulking motion. Adam scratched behind his ear a moment as part consolation for him and then looked back up to the Queen. He did a rare and surprising thing then. He smiled. Perhaps not all people were as bad as he had remembered them to be. She did seem to understand him somewhat, want to accomodate him, and though he did not fully trust her intentions as being more than just politics, he could accept this and hope that what she was showing him now was her face value as a human and not as a ruler<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> "I am grateful, Lady Kahlan. You are quite a surprising woman." He almost chuckled but stifled it, his steely eyes turning then to the Duke, another nod of grateful regard to him giving up his weapon in the presence of his beloved animals. "Thank you." Were the only words spoken to him before he looked back up to the sky and Fuyuki. He cooed to the bird which whistled and cooed back to him. He smiled slightly, extending an arm so that the beautiful hawk could land safely on his bicep. Turning to the Queen he said, "He would like also to show his gratitude, if you would like to have him sit with you, he will allow it. Though be warned, I do not clip his talons, so he might pierce you." He said, still holding his arm out to wait for her to extend hers<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> The hawk, however, did not wait for an invitation. Hoping up as best it could it alit on her shoulder and turned its head to look at her. A sharp curved beak came from between two beady but watchful black eyes. It seemed that the silent predator saw and heard all around him. His feathers were brown and deep red, mixed in perfect proportion down into the white of his breast. A truly beautiful sight. However, he was imperfect, as she would see, he had two of his talons and toes missing on one foot. The bird said nothing, only sat and watched in silence. Adam too watched the interaction. It was rare for Fuyuki to act this way, but the bird knew politics, that was for sure. He also knew people, a very shrewd judge of character<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c>"I have noticed that you and Ashina are both very powerful women. I had a bit of a stand off with Ashina when we first met. Though in both of you there is something else that interests me... a ... well, how to describe, a remosre at being in Ulster maybe?" He paused, trying to sort out his words and thoughts a little more before continuing. He decided to let an offer speak for him instead of continuing to bungle his statement. "Perhaps maybe you would like to some day see the lands with which you have made an alliance with." He said. It was a small offer to her, perhaps, but to allow a human within the borders of the deeper sections of the wood and tour them, well, that was something great as well as unprecidented in his time<fin>*
grand_duke_of_ulster he nodded to the man slowly looking to his queen standing near the wall, he would say nothing unless she wished him to speak, he was the one who to go to for adivise trained since he was a child for war, for helping to lead(short post sorry)
Queen Thia ValioUlster With her husband away as always Thia stayed with her sister, Forsythia was straddled upon her massive stead. The free spirited stallion roamed freely across the acres of riding land, thus his name, ' Spirit.' Flying literately over logs and what not, screams of her voice echoed within Spirit's pointy ears. Others would believe thunder was approaching, Nay it was Spirit and Forsythia releasing thier anger. Dressed within riding gear, tight sable pants snug to those long flexiable legs, booted feet buckled within the side of her stead. <C>
Queen Thia ValioUlster Upon her upper body, a cotton navy vest covering a violet satin ruffled sleeved unbuttoned shirt that reveals her bossoms slightly. Indeed this kingdom had been qrowing, No time spend with her sister. As if she truly had the patience these days to deal with family, How stupid was her sister too mary just to get a bloody king. As they needed men, they were the three strong sisters.<E>

[Kahlan Lothair]

-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair She smiles warmly as the Hawk takes to perch on her shoulder. She can feel his sharp talons dig into her flesh but she doesnt seem to acknowledge that there is even pain much less piercing. "He is a fine bird indeed..." she says as she looks to Fuyuki and then to Adam. "You are right. Ashina and I were both reared on the Isle of Avalon when we were but young children. I miss being able to run without a contingent of guards close by." She says and smiles a wry smile. She seems naturally able to accomany the Hawk on her shoulder as she speaks to Adam, as if it were her second nature. "I would love to accompany you sometime. As Ashina would too I assure you. We both have a love of the Natural World." She smiles again and lets a soft breeze wash over her...she hears the dry <C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Rustle of Fuyuki's feathers as they ruffle and dance in the breeze as well. "Fuyuki is a grand Hawk." She says simply and looks up to the hawk unafraid to make eye contact with one of the predators of the sky and not demanding as she would a human for it to give her respect. However, she seems to be giving it the respect that it is due. <E>
Adam Masou: *He nodded and looked off towards the moon again. He had always had an affinity for it, as most beasts did. A strange fixation, a curiousity that made him wander restlessly on nights when it reached its fill berth. There were times, too, when its pull was so strong that he became more beast than man and the creatures of the forest hid in terror that their valient and caring ruler might take out his predatory and blood hungry nature on them. Ture, he did have problems at time curbing the effects of the beast mastery that his people often suffered from, but he had never once harmed a member of the Wood that had not challenged him first. Even Ban who he had defeated without mercy had been tended to after the battle and taken up to the caves<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> To nurse back to health. Ban knew him better than anyone. Perhaps not his most trusted confidant, but his most knowledgeable by far. The cat knew the beast master and his habits like it knew itself. It knew what it meant when the full moon's pull took hold of the Maryuudo and cuased his hallucinations and his beast side to arise within him. Tearing through the wood at top speed, viciously ending the lives of all that opposed the rule he worked so hard to establish. Masou was not above killing in the least if one deserved it. Ban had seen what kind of bloody destruction the full moon hand brought down upon the Kiryuudo tribes that dared to infiltrate the lands they called home. But now the moon was merely a curiousity, a fascination.<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> He spoke but did not take his eyes off the silver globe high in the midnight sky. "You would be more than safe within the borders of my forest. Though your armed guard might not be. It would be better to leave them at home." The slight upturn of the corners of his mouth showed the joke he was trying to make. Though his offer had only been extended to Ashina and Kahlan, the soldiers would not be tolerated, nor would anyone else from Ulster on the tour. He was very private in his comings and goings and though this was simply an act of friendly alliance making politics, he also respected both women enough to indulge them in a present that he knew that they would enjoy to the utmost. They had proven themselves, the first stage at least<c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> And so he would reward their honesty and courage. "I do believe you will find it most relaxing. I have kept the human influence out of it for five years now, as Ban did before me, and as the animals did before Ban. It is yet untouched by humans and their society, and I aim to keep it in that condition." He smiled slightly as the breeze too washed over him. He found, though it was unnerving to say the least, he rather liked it here. Ban raised his head as well to catch scents on the night wind, feeling out Ulster with his nose. "You have a very lovely home. I believe I may spend some time exploring it. I plan to come back every so often if I am allowed the chance to visit." He said surely. Naavah could use a place like this... <c>*
Adam Masou: *<c> Though she was an apprentice, she was but a small girl, and he a grown man. She could used to be with people like her, people that could teach her both worlds... and be with women. He could teach her what he knew, but he could not give her a maternal figure, for private as he was, his interest in any interaction with people was very limited, let alone a romance with any of them. No, there would be no female influence any time soon in the Western Wood. If he planned to raise Naavah, he would need these women to help him give her what she deserved.<fin>*