"I'm trying to track down my sister," he said.

"Along with the rest of your villagers?" she asked.

"I'm convinced they've all been sold into slavery. I'll start with my sister and go from there."

"Perhaps I can help," she said, "I know how to cast a spell or two."

"I don't think a Water Mage is what I need, I'm more likely to need someone who can fight."

"I might remind you I took on three opponents and won, four if you include yourself in the mix."

"A good point," Athgar said, "but I have no coins to hire you. I'm afraid the rest of my possessions were stolen."

"Don't fear on that point," she replied, "I can cover expenses. I'll make you a deal, I'll help you in your search, and you can travel with me once we're done."

"Why would you want me travelling with you?" he asked.

"I could use a bodyguard, and you're more familiar with the area," she said. "Besides, I don't want to be ambushed again."

"You think those people are still looking for you?"

"I know they are," Natalia said, a grim look settling over her face.

"And who are they, exactly?"

"I suppose you'd have to call them family."

"Family?"

"Well, not those men in particular, but my family hired them. I ran away from home, you see, and they want me back."

"They've gone to extraordinary lengths to get you if what you say is true."

"I'm not lying," she bristled.

"I'm not suggesting you are," Athgar said, "and yet I can't help but feel you're not telling the entire truth."

"And you are?" she accused.

"A fair point," he said, "but we've only just met. We don't know each other well enough to trust one another yet."

"I suppose you're right. You're very astute. You come across as a rustic fellow, but underneath, you have a sharp mind."

"I'll take that as a compliment, I suppose," he replied.

"And well you should," Natalia said, "I meant no disrespect. It wasn't so long ago that I was in a similar state."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning that I wasn't born to the high life. My parents were humble peasants."

"How does a peasant child end up like you?" Athgar asked. "Not that there's anything wrong with you, you're quite attractive." He blushed furiously. "I didn't mean that," he added.

"So you don't think I'm attractive?"

"Well, I do, but it's not my place to say."

"And why wouldn't it be?" she asked. "I'm not a noble, you know."

"Maybe not," Athgar defended, "but you've obviously been raised as a proper lady."

"And what of it? Does that make me unattractive?"

He could feel his face burning with embarrassment. "No, obviously not. Look, I'm sorry if I slighted you, it was certainly not my intent."

"I don't feel slighted in the least," Natalia said, warming to the conversation. "But I think I finally saw the real you, peeking out from beneath that rough exterior."