It had been a few days since Lyn gained possession of Mani Katti and confessed to her feelings towards Mark and was promptly rejected. Since that time the two had grown distant to one another. The entire time Mark became increasingly more respectful to her and yet never once could he look her in the eye. At the same time Lyn found herself becoming cold so very cold.

However the group continued on their quest to Caelin. A mountain range separates the Sacae Plains from Bern. There are many bandits who reside here the cruelest of which are the Taliver. They wreak havoc on both Sacae and Bern, and their savagery knows no bounds. On the tenth day away from the plains they discover the horror of these bandits.

Mark bites into an apple as he walks behind the group as they walk through a ruined town. "My lady Lyndis I beg pardon but you say the Taliver are responsible for this." Lyn glances over her shoulder at him and nods. "They are responsible…" She closes her eyes. "My village is on the other side of this mountain… the Taliver bandits came at night. It took only one night. The survivors numbered less then, including me." She clenches her fist. "They're soulless beasts I will never forgive them." Mark looks at her and closes his eyes. "My Lady Lyndis… It is unbefitting a woman of your status to live a life of revenge." She turned around and glared at him. "How could you understand heh you don't even know anything about yourself. You could never understand my pain." Mark simply bowed his head. "Forgive me my Lady I have talked out of turn." Kent and Sain could only stare at the two of them.

'Yet somehow I feel as though I have Lyn, I just don't know why' thought Mark.

Sain walks over to Kent and whispers into his ear. "What the hell happened between the two of them only three days ago I would've thought them lovers and now look. He acts as though she is a queen and she would just as likely cut of his head." Kent glances at his companion and shakes his head. "Leave it alone Sain. These things have a tendency to sort themselves out." Sain shrugs and walks over to the two of them. "Well then we shouldn't waste any more time here… as heartless as it may sound there's nothing more we can do for these people." The sound of a horse neighing can be heard and moments later a number of shouts. They turn in the direction of the sound and move in closer to hear better.

A group of bandits were surrounding a girl and what looked like a flying horse. The lead bandit stepped forward "What are you going to do to apologize? Huh?" The girl takes a step back looking down at the ground. "Uh... I… That is, I…" Another of the bandits steps up and chuckles looking her up and down. "Hey, she's quite a catch, eh, buddy? I bet the boss'd give us a pretty penny for her." He grins and the other bandits laugh. "Yeah she roughed me up a bit so I figure fair's fair." He chuckles and walks up grabbing her by the wrist. "It's no more'n she deserves." The girl struggles against his grip. "I… I…" The other bandit looks at the Pegasus. "What are we gonna do with her flying mule?" The girl breaks free of the other mans grip and runs in front of her horse. "Don't you dare touch her." The bandit walks up and smacks her sending the girl to the ground. "Watch your mouth, girlie!" She looks up at them a pleading look in her eyes. "Do what you will with me, just… Let her go. Please, I beg of you." The lead bandit bursts into laughter. "Silly twit Pegasi can only be found in Ilia. They're rare beasts, worth more then you by far!" He chuckles "we can sell it for a mountain of gold. Let it go? Ha!" He again laughs and picks her up dragging her along. "C'mon lets go!"

It's at this point that the group rush in Lyn notices the Pegasus. "That's… that's a Pegasus. Could it be?" Mark glances at her as she rushes further in. "Florina? Is that you, Florina?" Florina looks up at Lyn "Lyn?" Lyn rushes over to Florina. "Florina… what are you doing here?" Florina again manages to break free of the bandits grasp and rushes over to Lyn. "Is it really you? I… I…" Lyn sighs as she notices Lyn about to burst into tears. "Come now, no crying!" Florina sniff's a bit and nods. "I'm sorry." Kent walks up. "You are acquaintances?" Lyn nods and looks at Kent. "She's my friend. This is Florina, a Pegasus knight in training from Ilia. She's uhhh a little uncomfortable around men." Lyn looks back to Florina. "Tell me, Florina, What happened here?" Florina looks down blushing slightly. "Well…um… when I heard that you had left… I decided to follow you. Then I saw this village… I flew down to ask if they had news of you. I didn't see these two, and…well…" Lyn sighs and shakes her head. "You landed your Pegasus on them didn't you?" Florina blushed even brighter. "Well, I… a little?" The bandit steps forward. "HA you heard her!" Florina hides behind Lyn. "She admits her fault! She stepped on my friend, and now she's got to pay!" Lyn looks at Florina "Did you apologize, Florina?" Florina simply nods "I told them I was sorry many times over. They just wouldn't listen." She again begins to cry but Lyn puts on a comforting smile. "Don't cry. It's all right." Florina looks up at Lyn with big eyes. "Lyn…" Lyn was staring down the bandit. "Listen, she's obviously sorry. Can't we just let this pass? Neither you nor your friend appeared harmed." The bandits step forward. "No Chance. The girl goes with us—by force if need be!" The bandit leader runs off and calls for help.

Lyn glances over at Mark. "We have to fight them… think your up to it?" Mark frowns. "If that is your wish my lady then I shall grant it." Florina steps forward. "I-I want to help." Mark chuckles and bites into an apple. "I suppose we could use the help." Florina jumps back startled and hides behind Lyn. "Well my lady it seems you told no tale when you said she was jumpy around men." Florina glances up at him. "Lyn… Who is he?" Lyn glares at Mark "He's… he's my tactician. Not a very good one but we make do with what can. Do be careful I know their bandits but I have no doubt that they may prove a little too intelligent for you" Venom dripped from every word even Mark was taken aback slightly but recovered quickly. "I apologize my lady if you've found my skills lacking I promise to make up for it and lead us to a swift conclusion in this battle." Florina simply stared at the two she had never known Lyn to be so spiteful. Why then was she so cold to this man.

Mark looks at her and smiles. "Do not worry if you listen to me all will be fine. Now then let's begin." He bites into his apple and begins shouting orders. "Lyn head up to that village and warn them about the incoming danger." Lyn glances at him but then nods and runs off. After insuring them that she was not a bandit a man steps forward. "If your not bandits then who are you?" Lyn looks at the man. "My name is Lyn. My colleagues and I are just traveling through here we saw some bandits about. We're going to deal with them, but… We need help warning the villagers." The man runs up next to her. "My name's Wil. I'm a traveler of sorts, too. Listen, these villagers have been kind to me. Mind if I fight with you?" Lyn looks at him and smiles "Not at all. We need all the help wee can get! Welcome aboard, Wil!" Wil and Lyn run back to Mark. "I found some help this is Wil he's an archer." Mark nods and grins slightly. "Excellent we can use you for this battle."

With Wil's aid the battle was over quickly they even had time to stop at a local armory and purchase some extra weapons. Mark still not looking at Lyn and gazing over the battlefield walks towards her. "I do hope my skills were to your liking my lady." Lyn frowns "You did… alright." Mark shrugs simply taking this answer "Then I will try to better myself My Lady… if you'll excuse me." He brushes past her slightly. She only glares at his retreating form.

Florina runs up to Lyn's side "Lyn!" Lyn sighs and looks at the girl. "Florina… Why did you follow me? It's dangerous" Florina looks up at Lyn. "Do you remember the knighting ceremony of the Pegasus Knights of Ilia?" Lyn nods "Yes, you join a band of freelance soldiers to further your training." Lyn tilts her head slightly. "Is that what brought you here, Florina?" She nods enthusiastically "I wanted to talk to you before I set out. But when I went to Sacae, I heard that you had left with some strangers…" Florina could've sworn she head Lyn mutter something about some stranger then necessary but didn't press the matter. "And I well…" Lyn looks at her and smiles "You were worried for me? Thank you, but I'm more worried about you." Florina gasps "Me?" Lyn shakes her head "Listen, most mercenaries are men, right bands of men? I can't imagine you being at all comfortable around them." Florina sighs and hands her head "I know, I know. It's just… I've always dreamt of being a Pegasus knight. I just imagined it would work out… some how after today, I'm not so sure." She sighs and her head just seemed to hang lower. "Maybe I should just… give up…" Lyn sighs and places her hands on her friends shoulder putting on a comforting smile. "Florina… Don't cry…"

Sain rushes up to her side. "Lovely Florina I have the most brilliant idea" Kent runs up to Sain's side as well and sighs at his would be companion "Sain!" Sain steps forward undeterred "You should come with us! With the addition of Wil here, we're a fine group of soldiers and freelance to boot!" Wil blinks and tilts his head slightly. "Wait did you just include me?" Sain chuckles "Of course! We were destined to meet here! It's fate! Come now, Lyndis's band of mercenaries is as good a training group as you will find anywhere!" Mark chuckles slightly from where he was sitting simply munching on an apple. "That's a good joke Sain us Merc's ha I don't think we have it in us." Lyn glares at him and for once he seemed to grin at her was he growing cold as well. Lyn ultimately decided to ignore him. "Lyndis uh… ummm Lyn Mercenaries?" Lyn sighs and shakes her head "I can give you the details later… this is a bit rushed." However, Sain is right. Will you come with us, Florina?" Florina's eyes seem to sparkle at the thought. "Travel with you, Lyn Truly? I would be so… so happy!" Sain jumps back into the picture taking Florina's hands. "Fantastic! Beauteous Florina! I am a knight of Caelin. My name is Sain…" Florina shrieks and hides behind Lyn further electing a chuckle from Mark. "Stay back! Don't get so close." Sain chuckles and walks towards her. "Ah… Beautiful and yet modest" Kent sighs and walks forward. "I beg your forgiveness calling us mercenaries." Lyn shakes her head and glances at Mark who simply looked away now aware of how the conversation can shift. "No I approve… It's not like we can just leave her. She requires special attention though. I can count on you right?" Kent nods "You have but to ask my lady." Wil steps forward and rubs the back of his head. "So… uhhh is it really alright for me to travel with you?" Lyn glances at Mark once more and then back at Wil. "Oh, yes of course. If you're willing to that is." Wil nods. "Actually, I'm very grateful… Truth is told all of my money was stolen, and I'm… at a bit of a crossroads as it were" He nods to himself once more. "I would be honored to count myself one of Lyndis's legion!" Lyn ponders the name and nods. "I guess it will do nicely."

She glances one last time at Mark "… It gets stranger every day…" she closes her eyes and walks up to him and glares down at him. "… Ever since I met you…" She closes her eyes and walks past him. "… I'm such a fool… but… I can't be deterred." He sighs glancing at her retreating form. "It's for your own good Lyn… you have to understand. How much it hurts me to do this."