Quin looked back at the town. "If that dastard didn't attack us, we could have been in and out without having people chase us."
Espeon just flicked his tail. "They should have checked him, first. He was still breathing, and his clothes were pinned."
"True," Quin told him, sheathing her ornate knife. She then looked back to the fields in front of them. "I didn't even get to buy us a meal. I was going to pay that guy if he didn't attack us, I guess he thought he could just kill me for the money."
Espeon looked up towards her, "If he was more skilled or faster, that might have happened, but i know you," he smiled, "you are the most skilled archer this side of Rosanne."
Quin's eyes narrowed. "Still, I had to use Astra against him. That guy could predict my movements." Her eyes narrowed more as she spotted movement.
Espeon's ears perked up. "Quin, something's coming, fast."
"I know, I can see it," Quin said, drawing her knife, "Don't move until I say, Espeon."
"Quin..." Espeon's ears flattened, but he obeyed his trainer, "This may not be the best course of action..."
A few minutes passed, the thing getting closer, then Quin suddenly sheathed her knife. Espeon was shocked. "Quin, what are you-?!"
Quin held up a hand to silence him. "It's a friend. If I keep my knife out, well, you know how he is."
A brown horse came up the hill and cantered to a stop, the armored rider dismounting. "Hail, Ms. Shade. Pray tell me what you are doing this far from a safe town."
Quin smiled innocently. "Fredrick, it's great to see you again too. How's Kjelle and Lucina doing?"
Fredrick seemed to stiffen a bit. "The two princesses are doing well, Ms. Shade, but can you tell me what you are doing here, of all realms?"
Espeon jumped onto her shoulder and answered before she could. "We are looking for something, Fredrick the Wary."
"Espeon!" Quin tapped him on the head, "What did I tell you about speaking to people?! treat them with respect!"
Espeon looked slightly agitated. "Well, sorry that I acted like you did back there."
Fredrick sighed, then mounted his horse again. "When you two are ready to move, I was sent to guard you. I don't see exactly what you are looking for or what Lord Chrom sees in you, but you two are skilled fighters. I'll respect your orders."
Quin tried to hold in the laughter but couldn't. "Fredrick, you go back to Chrom, me and Espeon are just fine on our own. It's nice of you to worry about us, but you don't need to lie about why you came out here."
Fredrick, though it seemed impossible, stiffened even more. "I see, Ms. Shade. You two stay safe." He then headed back towards where he came.