(Archive) Azrubel Chronicles Part 4: Introductions

The barracks are quieter than normal though not much so. The door opens from the front and Krisorn\'s steps cut throught he noise of the guard chatter before it resumes to normal. His step is light and his uniform shows the signs of compentent repair on the leg. His demeanor is quite unconcerned with things as he approaches the duty Corporal, Baeden. Leaning towards Baeden he asks good naturedly, \"Corporal. Just the man I\'m looking for. I was hoping to ask you something. There\'s another guardsman I\'m looking for, I haven\'t been able to find him and I had a piece of his gear that had been dropped while he was on duty a few days back and I wanted to return it to him. I had heard he might know something about a friend of mine I had been trying to find so I wondered if you had seen or knew where i could find Zistiran.\"

Baeden looks up and smiles good-naturedly at Krisorn. \"Zistiran you say? \" He starts flipping through his duty rooster. \"Hmmm...he is in the White Tree company. I have a copy of thier\'s in here somewhere.\"

Krisorn stands patiently awaying Baeden\'s news on Zistiran\'s location and he seems pretty unconcerned, \"If you could look it up for me that would be great. I\'d like to talk to him and soon if I could.\"

Baeden nods and grins broadly. \"Yes, here it is.

Baeden nods and grins broadly. \"Yes, here it is.\" He looks slightly puzzled. \"It looks like he has been assigned to the House of Healing for the past Month.\" He looks up. \"You should find him there.\"

Krisorn smiles and says, \"Great Corporal. So, can you tell me where to find Zistiran by any chance?\" Krisorn\'s face is a bit excited though not overly so. His eagerness seems to be quite held in check. He nods hearing Baeden\'s response to his query.. \"House of Healing? Who assigned him there if I might ask.\"

Baeden shrugs as he looks over the document. \"It looks like the Lieutenant in charge of the White tree.\"

Krisorn nods and says, \"Thanks Baeden. I appreciate the help. If you have time could you write up the other guards assigned with Zistiran to the house of Healing. I just thought that if he\'s not there they maybe can tell me where to find them. I\'m going to head over there to see if he\'s there now.\" Krisorn grins and then says, \"And I owe you a drink sometime Baeden.\"

Baeden grins and chuckles. \"Yes, I hear the brew master have brought out a batch of fresh ale! I will join you at the White Tree later!\" he looks over his papers and nods. \"I will see what I can come up with for you.\"

Krisorn waves off to Baeden and heads out.

A short time later in the Hall of Healing.

[Aearwen(#7229)] Aearwen gives the the healer a frown of impatience and pushes him away from Galdorim with an authoritative statement, \"I -will- see to the care of this man. You are dismissed from your duties, thank you kindly.\' Her arrogance leaves no recourse but for the other healer to step aside and let her see to the Commander.\"

Taking his arm she blinks in surprise at the thinness of his arms and she says softly, \"Let\'s get you to a bed. I want to take a good look at you. How long have you been coughing blood?\" Censure marks her words as she quarrels at the ill man, \"Why did you not send word to me that your condition was this bad Galdorim?\", her cerulean blue eyes snap with her anger as she turns to the other healer and shoots him daggers over Galdorim\'s shoulder

Kylin blinks at all the goings on, not missing the apparant dislike from Aearwen to the other Healer. Gingerly he removes his cloak and hangs it on a peg by the door. Then going to a wash basin he quickly cleans the dust and muck off his hands. Turning he then looks about the room, uncertainty on his face.

Krisorn enters the room through one door, coming in as Aearwen begins haranguing his Commander. He chuckles though seeing it and then looks around the room. He is obviously looking for one person in particular but doesn\'t see him. He turns instead to the commander, standing a little bit off and waiting to hear how his friend is doing.

[Galdorim(#22020)] Daeren puffs up slightly as he tries to press Aearwen away from the Commander. A look of fear is apparent on his face, but not from Aearwen. \"He is my patient, Lady Aearwen. Lady Maeghan placed me in charge here and you are just visiting, so kindly step aside!\"

Galdorim looks to Aearwen and back to Daeren as he croaks out horsly. \"No not touch the lady!\" He then starts to cough again as he doubles over with lack of air.

[Azrubel(#29017)]

\"Commander Galdorim is a valiant man, lady. I fear he pays little heed to health when duty calls to him!\"

Courteously he speaks, who stands there, where but a moment ago, none were -- tall and clad in rich raiment, passing through the midst of those here with light and silent step.

[Aearwen(#7229)] In a voice that drips with ice Aearwen looks at the other healer with a challenge clearly written on her lovely face. \"I dare say that you will step away from this man in this instance of I will speak to Maeghan and have you thrown from this building. Do -not- test my patience any further Daeren.\" Tipping her head up as she notices Kylin she calls him over, \"Help me with Galdorim and if need be, call the guard and have Daeren thrown from the building, I will tolerate no more nonsense this morning.\", angry words hiss from her lips as she continues to berate Galdorim, \"How can you have let yourself get into this condition without my knowledge.\" Worried eyes note the blood on his hankie as he coughs.

Krisorn starts hearing a familiar voice ringing in the heart of the healers hall. His eyes flare with anger and distress as he sees the figure. He immediately moves towards the Commander, looking around him in vain for somebody to send for other guards. On hand touches his axe while another reaches into a pocket pulling out something that lies hidden within his right hand. He moves toward Galdorim as he does and speaks out, \"Stop arguing healers and help him. There are greater dangers afoot here.\" His eyes flick towards Azrubel as he speaks and his steps, while neither silent or as quick still carry him quickly to the commanders side.

[<#17847>] Gweneth returns, her hair brushed and a new gown gracing her figure. She strides to Galdorim with no hurry, smoothing out her purest of white gowns. She pauses only to bother a nurse for a cup of tea before coming to Aearwen\'s side. She purses her lips when she sees Galdorim once again, posing a sad question in an ancient tongue, \" My **** friend, has not the ****** been drawn from your back yet?\" Adding herself to the crowd around Galdorim, she nods in agreement, \" ***** down, healer, or I, myself, shall throttle you.\"

[Kylin(#29761)] Not wanting to have the Ladies anger turned to him, Kylin quickly moves to Daeren and in a soft voice \"Perhaps ye should leave now Sir. It does seem that the Lady has the Commander\'s care in her grasp.\" Looking at the man, directly in his eyes \"I wish that the gaurd not to be called.\" The last said with slightly raised eyebrows and hands on his hips, in a show that he will not stand for anything but the man leaving.

[Azrubel(#29017)]

\'Ah -- good Krisorn!\' and loudly indeed the tall one\'s cry of delight rings in the hushed chamber -- in startlement many look to him, but he pays them little heed.

And to the woman who speaks in the ancient tongue he turns then, bowing gracefully ere rising to regard her with arched brow, \"Harsh words to one who seeks to do his duty, lady!\"

[<#29017>]

\'Ah -- good Krisorn!\' and loudly indeed the tall one\'s cry of delight rings in the hushed chamber -- in startlement many look to him, but he pays them little heed.

And to the woman who speaks in the ancient tongue he turns then, bowing gracefully ere rising to regard her with arched brow, \" Harsh ***** to one who seeks to do his duty, lady!\"

[Galdorim(#22020)] Clearing his throat, Galdorim stands up and looks to Lady Aearwen. \"I sent a messenger to fetch you, and he was told you could not come. THe Master Healer of Dol Amroth just send some herb with him and nothing else.\" He then looks over to Krisorn with a weak smile.

Dearen looks too Aearwen and back of slightly. He looks to Azrubel and then to the door. He hisses with anger. \"I iwll get the guard to remov eyou ladies, so I can care for the Commander!\" He then moves towards the door

Krisorn holds out a hand in front of Daeran and smiles softly, \"The guard is here and so shall the ladies remain here. Stand down healer else you bring more of their wrath upon you. The Commander knows what he\'s about.\" Krisorn\'s eyes look closely at Dearen as if a sudden thought had occurred to him and he seems to shake it off before turning to Azrubel. His hand flickers out quickly and a bright shiny object flies through the air at Azrubel.

[Aearwen(#7229)] Pausing for only a moment as a voice of nobility speaks out in the crowded room, Aearwen\'s eyes fall on the man dressed in rich rainment and sarcasm drips from the words she speaks to him, \"And you are an expert in valiant behavior?\", one eyebrow raises in mockery before she turns back to the ill Commander and his protector, Krisorn.

Turning sharply as the noble man calls out in delight to Krisorn, her expression turns to one of puzzlement as she softly inquires in a low voice to the two guards, \"Who is this man dressed in such fine apparel?\"

Clapping her hands loudly together she announces to those present, \"Let us all understand one another, Galdorim is in dire condition and needs attention. I should hope that we can all agree with that and work together. If not, there is the door.\", her hand waves to the door with a finger pointing sharply. Again her eyes go back to Galdorim and her words are softly and gentle, \"Lie back on the bed and tell me exactly what has been done since we met.\" Concerned eyes catch those of Gwen as she awaits words from the striken man.

Krisorn says quietly to the stranger as the coin, a gold florin, twinkles in the air, \" What I owed you fiend. You do not belong here. Leave or I mayhap will have to find a way to take you into custody as we failed to do before.\"

[<#17847>] Gweneth smirks mischievously, replying to the stranger, \" He ****** know better when his duty is called elsewhere,\" she finishes looking towards the voice that adressed her. She nods briefly to him, moving slightly to keep him in her sight as she adresses Galdorim, her eyes though looking to Aearwen, \'Have no worries, all will be fine.\'

[Azrubel(#29017)]

A sparkling mote of gold, the coin flickers through the air -- to be caught by the tall one. And with a laugh, he inclines his head, \"A man of honour...how strange. But I fear I may not leave now, good Krisorn. Not unless I have seen how my friend, the Commander, fares.\"

And turning, he seats himself upon the bed, clapping a hand upon Galdorim\'s shoulder, \"So many would say, lady. But doubtless, one from the court of Imrahil will be a wiser judge of valiant behaviour than any other!\"

[Galdorim(#22020)] Daeren tries to push the hand aside that is blocking his departure. He hisses at the conscrited woodsman. \"The ...Ladies..told me to go, so stand aside.\" He then tries yet again to depart as he looks to Azrubel again.

Galdorim goes towards the bed and looks back to who Krisorn is talking to. His hand goes to his side where is axe is not. \"By the Valar. Leave this place, vile messenger!\" He licks his lips as he clears some blood from them

[Gweneth(#17847)] \"Indeed, thank you for your words of compliment, milord,\" Gweneth nods her head, \"But with judgment of valiant behaviour also comes the ability to recognize arrogance, which I believe is of much greater use. But as I seem at a disadvantage, as you know my home, but of you,\" she grins, \"I only know of as being a vile messeger, Lord...?\"

Kylin stands back alittle watching the word play between Daeren and the man at the door. Not sure what to do, he glances at the finely dressed man for just a moment before looking at Aearwen for guidance.

[Azrubel(#29017)]

\"Azrubel, fair lady -- I am known as Azrubel. Indeed\", and he looks sorrowfully to Galdorim with a hand upon his breast, \"I am his friend if he would pay heed to me. But alas! Such is my Doom -- to be though ill off by doughty men even as the Commander\"

\"No matter...\", and heavily he sighs.

[Aearwen(#7229)] Sitting on the edge of the bed, Aearwen notes the paleness in Galdorim\'s face and gently touches the side of his sunken cheek. \"Tell me, how often have they been bleeding you since you were poisoned?\" Soft is the melodic voice of the woman as she hastens to discover the nature of the illness plaguing her dear friend. \"Do you have any aches, pains? I know its difficult to speak but I do need your help in determining your care.\"

Leaning closer to him she whispers softly in his ear, \"If you wish I shall have them all thrown out of here so you can rest\", a small laugh sounds in his ear and she smoothes back his hair and eyes those around here.\"Can anyone give me some background information on what is going on with Galdorim? I was injuried in Pelargir and not able to come when he sent a messenger for me.\" Calmly her eyes pass from one person to another. \"Anyone?\"

Krisorn lets Dearen go with a shake of his head, \"Only realize that things are under control here Healer. Let the ladies work.\" Krisorn turns back to Azrubel, stepping towards him and says, \"You are not welcome here, Azrubel. Friend though you may claim to be you bring us nothing but ill tidings. And you serve a dark master that I have no wish to be friends with.\"

Gweneth smirks at Azrubel slightly, a queer look in her eyes, \"Quite tragic.\" To Azrubel\'s words or Krisorn\'s she answer, it is hard to tell.

[Azrubel(#29017)]

\"You wound me, good Krisorn. But I forgive you. Even so, I fear..\", and calmly Azrubel speaks, seated at his ease by Galdorim -- yet of a sudden, there is to him an air of honed steel

\"...I do not wish to leave.\"

[Aearwen(#7229)] Before anyone can utter a word, Aerwen crooks her finger to Kylin and bends to whisper directions in his ear. Leaning away she says outloud, \"See to that immediately and return as quickly as possible.\" Satisfied that the young lad will do her bidding she one again turns to those present with little patience in her voice, \"I care not what you many -wish- to do Sir. If your remarks and actions irritate Galdorim you will have no say so in the matter as the guards escort you to the streets.\"

Galdorim \'s eyes widen as he hears Azrubel\'s words. \"Friend? My friend?!\" As the Commander gets riled up he starts to cough harshly and rolls to his side as he waits for the to subside. He looks up to Aearwen and says quietly. \"Blood has beeen coming up the last month....Daeren has herbs brewing in my office to try to help.\" He coughs lightly and looks to Azrubel. \"Be wary of him. He bears threats and work for those who wish to bring Gondor down..\"

Kylin nods \"As you wish M\'Lady\" and without further looks to anyone, he heads out the door in such a rush he forgot his tunic. But as the door begins to close behind him, his arm reaches back into the room and grabs in, and he and the cloak are gone, leaving only a bit of dust floating in the air behind.

Kylin carefully shuts the door to the healing hall behind him as he enters into the west wing.

[Gweneth(#17847)] The nurse finally comes with Gweneth\'s tea. She takes it and lift the cup towards her lip, but then pauses, \"Aearwen, would this tea help him any?\"

[Azrubel(#29017)]

\"Truly, fair Aearwen\", and the stranger inclines his head, admiration in his tone, laughter in his eyes, \"the flame of the Bragollach burns high within you! Would you then have me taken from this chamber by the Guards if the Commander wished it so?\"

And pausing, he pats the officer absently, \"Come Galdorim, you tire yourself and speak words which have little sense in your fever.\"

Krisorn smiles softly and says, \"You may consider yourself a friend but if so why don\'t you tell us what purpose your threats serve. For only an enemy threatens friends. It is sad indeed to realize that the men of numenor\'s blood have fallen as low as you have.\" Krisorn\'s voice holds only scorn and sadness for Azrubel as he turns to Aearwen and Krisorn speaks evenly as he says, \"Lady we can but attempt to remove though I fear that we will not be able to if he does not wish to leave. This man brought warnings and threats to the commander over certain investigations he was pursuing and then fought off five of our guard before departing wihtout us being able to touch him lady. If it be only I, I will attempt to remove him but I can promise little lady.\"

[Aearwen(#7229)] A sweet smile though false in the thought behind it, curves the lips of the Bragollach woman as she replies, \"Whether he wished it or not, I would have it done, dear -Sir-\" Twinkling blue eyes narrow suddenly as Aearwen realizes that he spoke of her family name, but shrugging one shoulder she turns back to the man on the bed. Shaking her head at the offer of tea from Gweneth her expression turns to one of surprise as she asks of Krisorn, \'Four or five of the guards were fought off by one man?\" Incredulous eyes turn back to the finely dressed man and her words are curious \'What manner of man are you? And your name?\"

Gweneth smiles at Azrubel, waving Aearwen\'s question off, \"If he would not leave on his own accord, perhaps a morning meal and drink with myself could pursuade him? It certainly would be more enjoyable then having to bother the guard with this trivial matter, do you not agree Lord Azrubel? A simple enough solution to a simple enough problem.\"

Galdorim sits up and looks to Gweneth with shock. \"Please Gwen, do not go with the likes..\" He coughs deeply and covers his mouth before he continues. \"The likes of him.\" He looks to Azrubel with a deep frown on his face. \"He care not for my welfare...\"

[Azrubel(#29017)]

\"Wise counsel, Lady Gweneth! In truth\", and Azrubel regards the Bragollach with sparkling eyes, \"I am famished -- my duties took me overlong yesterday night.\"

And yet again, he claps the ailing man upon the back -- hard indeed, for one in ill-health as Galdorim is, \"But why else would I come to see how you fared if I were not your friend, Commander?\"

Krisorn turns to Galdorim and says quietly, \"Sit back Galdorim and relax at least a little. Don\'t let him push you any farther than he already has.\" Krisorn turns to Azrubel and says softly, steel sitting in his voice, \"I\'ll escort you out of here Azrubel, for I like not you nor what you represent.\" Krisorn winces as Azrubel clasps Galdorim on the back and then his eyes close slightly and he looks closely at Azrubel\'s hand as if looking for something, \"And you need to leave now if the commander wills it. If necessary I shall try to remove you by force. Do not force me to try such.\"

Gweneth shushes Galdorim and Krisorn, \"No need to become hostile, Krisorn. Have no worries, Galdorim, I have delt with rogues before,\" she says, winking at Azrubel. She offers her hand out to Azrubel, \"If milord will escort me?\"

[Azrubel(#29017)]

Mirthful and merry, Azrubel\'s laughter rings freely in the chamber, \"You must have great riches indeed good Krisorn, that you wish to lose yet another florin!\"

\"A moment lady, a moment -- never have I met men of such wit!\"

[Aearwen(#7229)] Curiosity more than anything compels Aearwen to inquire, \"What is the story of this so called -friendship- that Azrubel claims to have for Galdorim?\" Watching Gweneth with guarded eyes she warns softly, \"Dealing with rogues is going to be the end of you one day my kinswoman. Have you forgotten the attack on your person by an unnamed party?\" Frowning as the man slaps Galdorim on the back, her hand rises unbidden with a dagger quickly drawn from its sheath before she is aware of her actions, \"Touch him again and you shall feel the bite of my blade.\"

Krisorn smiles softly and says, \"I won\'t loste a florin this time my friend for sooner or later I will find a way to get you to leave.\" Krisorn\'s smile holds no joy though, almost bleak in a way though a feralness also imbues it. \"Men of wit we may be but we are definitely men of honor Azrubel, as you and your master are not. So, slave, why do you not leave now. The Commander has no wish of your comfort and unless you are willing to tell us what plot is unfolding against our city by your own hands.\"

[Gweneth(#17847)] \"Really Aearwen, do not be so melodramatic,\" Gweneth says, rolling her eyes, \"Feel the bite of my blade? Those are words from a poor storyteller\'s poem, not the words of a lady, and a healer no less. Deal with Galdorim\'s injuries and worry yourself not with this named man. And Krisorn, this is a house of healing, can you not hold leave your bloodletting to the healers of this place?\"

[Azrubel(#29017)]

\"Here is one who speaks wisely!\" and the tall one bows deeply to Gweneth, \"It is little wonder that she is Chamberlain to Imrahil the Fair. You would do well to heed her words\", and his gaze rests on Aearwen and Krisorn, bright and keen, \"for if you draw blade here -- alas, even though I grieve it greatly. it may be..\"

And though his tone changes little -- calm and light it remains -- yet it would seem that a shadow passes over the sun, and darkness veils him, \"..that these others who lie wounded here may well pay the price for it...\"

Krisorn looks at Gweneth and for a moment rage burns in those eyes, rage and anger, and sadness, \"I would be glad to leave the bloodletting alone if not for the fact that the minions of this.. creature MURDERED a woman. Not only was that foul enough but those same men had taken the oath to protect our citizens. Guardsmen were responsible for that murder Lady Gweneth and this man protects them. Nay bids the Commander to forgoe the inquiry else dire threats will be enacted upon us. I will not let those who are party to such murders and treason walk free merely because they speak with the same honeyed tongue that our foe himself used to lay low the houses of numenor in the days of old. He speaks fair yet is foul as the most depraved of filth. I hold myself in greater control than you can realize lady.\" Krisorn\'s voice quiver with the violence of his words and yet they are not directed in anger at Gweneth but rather in hopes that the lady can see what stands before her, rogue is too light a term.

Gweneth slaps her hand across Krisorn\'s face, \"Hold your tongue young man and speak no more without proof. If you hold yourself with greater control than I can realize, then continue to do so and remain quiet.\" She clears her throat, \"There is no reason for a blade to be drawn in this place,\" she sniffs irritably, \"I fear my appetite will fail if I do not leave soon.\"

[Aearwen(#7229)] Whirling around to face Gweneth the words from her cousin are cold, \"Dont be melodramatic when lives are lost and Galdorim himself lies on the brink of death? Nay, cousin, you should have such concern for our men of Gondor and not seek to lie in the bed of the enemy.\" Laying her dagger aside she quivers with anger at the forces at work in this room. \"Gweneth!\", sharply her voice rises to a high pitch as the woman\'s hand connects with Krisorn\'s face. Standing up from the bed she points to the door, \"Take your evil friend and have your way with him -cousin-. Show him all of the pleasure to be had, but deliver us from more of this wicked display, I am ashamed to call you my kinswoman with your support of such evil.\"

Gweneth looks wickedly to Azrubel, \"If I get the chance, dear cousin, perhaps I shall.\" She takes in a deep breath, \"Lord Azrubel, I will be leaving now. I cannot stand the smell of peseantry around me. If you wish to join me for brunch, I would enjoy that greatly, if not, until we meet again.\" With the she turns and begins walking slowly out of the hall, her gown of purest virgin white, fluttering lightly on her body.

Krisorn takes the slap without flinching and his eyes barely flicker as he is struck, \"I will thank you m\'lady to remember your words later.\" Krisorn turns to Azrubel and says, \"It would seem that the healers have denigned to let you go and there is little I can say to stop it, though should any harm befall the Lady Gweneth I will find you Azrubel. And I will make you pay for it, as I will make sure you pay forwhatever part you had in the death of the other lady by members of this guard. And we will meet again soon I\'m quite sure.\"

[Azrubel(#29017)]

\"Such harsh words from one of noble birth!\" and the stranger speaks reproachfully, \"I fear you bring shame to yourself, lady -- speaking thus...\"

And rising, he strides to the door -- to pause there by Gweneth and turn for a scant moment, \"...to your kinswoman. Ah, good Krisorn, fear not. I will pay for that woman\'s death now, if you wish it!\"

And a golden coin arcs through the air towards Krisorn -- the coin given by the Guard to Azrubel.

The price of the woman\'s life...

And with a last mocking smile...he is gone.

Krisorn moves not as the coins fly and they strike his chest before hitting the ground. His voice is soft, spoken before to Azrubel\'s departed form as he speaks, \'In blood you will pay fiend for her death. In blood for the honor and oaths that you have helped and caused to be broken. So I swear.\"

Galdorim lays back sighs a raspsy sigh of frustration. He looks to Gwen with hope that she will returns unharmed. He purses his colorless lips as he sees the coin being given back to Krisorn. \"A gold for a life? Such little regard for such things... May the Valar be with you, Gwen...and protect you.\" He looks to Aearwen as his head sinks against the pillow. \"Thank you for coming...\"

[Aearwen(#7229)] Ignoring the blasmephous actions of the stranger, Aearwen turns her attention back to Galdorim. Her words are softly spoken as she says to him, \"When the madness of this place is calmed, I shall hear all of what has happened in the last month.\" Dipping a cloth in a bowl of warm water she gently daps at the blood circling his lips as she inquires, \"What woman did he speak of?\" Sighing deeply, \"Minas Tirith does not appear to be the same town as my last visit.\" Suddenly recalling his earlier words she says, \"Did you say that Daeren kept herbs in your office?\"

Galdorim nods his head weakly. \"Aye, he did. He has had herbs brewing in my office since I was poisoned...in the House of Healing.\" He closes his eyes slightly as he can relaxe knowing he is good hands. \"Daeren has been bleeding the poisons out of me every other day, and has a foul tasting brew for me to drink...\"

Krisorn bows to Galdorim and Aearwen, \"Commander, lady. I must be going. I have duty soon and I had not expected to be detained by this creature. It worries me and I have some inquiries to make regarding it.\" So said Krisorn turns and leaves, the gold coin still lying on the floor where he left it, tainted by blood as the money is now he will not touch it.

[Aearwen(#7229)] At Galdorim\'s words the noble woman pulls a sheet up over the broad chest of the Commander and calls two of the male healers to his side. \"Sit by his side and take care of his every need until my return. Do not allow anyone to touch him until I get back.\" Leaning closer to Galdorim she whispers softly, \"I am going to your office and retrieve the herbs, I shall be back shortly.\" Smiling at Krisorn she says, \"Would you care to accompany me to the Commanders office?\"

Krisorn nods to Aearwen and says, \"I will m\'lady. I fear the streets are no longer safe even from our own guardsmen and I am sure the Commander would prefer you were accompanied so that nothing should befall you.\"