A Friendly Offer

Kestriel sat in a local bar that was not too far from the castle in Faetheril. She liked to get away sometimes even if it wasn't too far. She slowly sipped on a glass of wine when she saw someone sit on the stool next to her. She turned slightly and smiled as she saw who it was.

"Why hello there old friend!" She started, "I cannot believe I see Braeth'el one day and you the next! I'm one lucky gal!"

Ketheron threw his long red hair back behind his shoulder and laughed. He put a muscular arm around Kestriel's small frame and began to speak. "Well I would venture to say today is your luckier day! You have definitely grown up a bit Kest! The palace has treated you very well indeed!"

Kestriel started to blush furiously. Ketheron was always a flirt, and a very blatant flirt at that! "Oh Keth! You have not changed one bit! Other than possibly gaining even more muscle! I swear I'm not sure how you are sitting on that stool instead of crushing it under your weight!"

He let out a loud laugh, "Well that is my job my dear! If I am to train others I better damn well make sure that I look good as well, eh?"

Kestriel smirked. "Well that actually does make a lot of sense. You are well known for being a very good trainer. If all your trainees look like you then I would have to agree!"

Ketheron squeezed Kestriel's shoulder. "It is good to see you Kest. When Brae told me you wanted to see me it definitely peaked my interest! I was kind of hoping it was for different reasons though," he winked at her as he kissed her cheek.

She blushed some more and gently pushed him away. "Always the flirt! You know damn well how attractive you are but no I wanted to meet with you first of all since I have not seen you in forever! Also to see if you might be interested in a job at Court. We could desperately use a good trainer like yourself."

He got quiet and thought for a moment, "You know Brae also asked me to stay in town. I have been moving around quite a bit as of late. But maybe it is time I settle down, for a little while anyway."

Kestriel smiled, "That is wonderful news Keth! I think you will enjoy it! The King has been looking for a trainer for the guards as well as anyone else at Court that might be interested in gaining some more muscle. Hell I might even start some weight training," she laughed. "I could definitely use some more muscle especially with the King having me do all sorts of different jobs for him!"

Ketheron laughed at this and nodded, “Well, that is my area of expertise my friend. I’ve trained quite a few merc companies down in Althera in my time. If you can really get me a position with the King’s forces that would be a big step up for me though. I haven’t really wanted to settle down since my wife, Arcadia, passed away, but maybe this is just the opportunity I need to keep me here a bit longer.”

Kestriel put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Keth I am so sorry for your loss. And yes I am very close with the King and he trusts me so I can basically hire you on the spot if you want the job! I don't know if Brae told you but I am now the King's Speaker," She laughed slightly, "So I have a lot of clout now! Much more than I ever did!"

“The King’s Speaker?!” Ketheron exclaimed in surprise. He murmured a curse under his breath, shaking his head, “If I’d have known that I would have called you ‘m’Lady’ or something along those lines to go with your fancy title. What is someone so important doing in a bar like this? I just can’t believe it; you really can get me work at the palace can’t you?”

Kestriel laughed again, "What, you didn't believe me? And no do not call me Lady I'm still just Kestriel! The King took me in and I have been living at the Palace for a very long time. We became very close throughout the years. He really trusts me and I owe him everything for taking me in and turning my life around," she paused and then continued. "I don't know where I would be if he did not do that Keth. And also I do like to leave the Palace from time to time! This bar is very good!"

Ketheron grinned and nodded, gesturing to the bartender to pass him a cold ale. He took a sip of it, sighing in contentment and looking at his friend again, “That it is. I’ve been coming back here the past week or so since Braeth’el met me here. Faetheril’s not like it once was before the dead came, but it’s still home I suppose. If you really want to hire me, I think maybe I’ll have to accept. I’m getting too worn living outside the wards and in Althera; it’s a mess down there. Maybe I can do something good here, who knows. With some old friends around though it might mean something again.”

Kestriel's whole face brightened, "Oh Keth, really? I would love to have you stay and work for us, the King I mean! You can definitely do some good here I know you can! I am beyond excited seeing you and Brae again you have no idea! I never thought I would see you two goons again!"

“Ha! I’m sure I’m just as surprised seeing how far you’ve come, Kest,” Ketheron replied with a grin. “It does feel pretty good seeing you two though, I’ve got to admit. After Arcadia...well, I just took to wandering and spent a few years alone. It was easier than facing it all, but seeing you two has reminded me that there were still good things here. And I guess if I’m going to work for the King, we’ll be seeing each other a lot more now. You and Braeth’el both that is.”

He took another long pull on his ale, seemingly satisfied, “One favor though, if you don’t mind?”

"Sure anything Keth!" She said.

He grinned at her, raising his glass in her direction, “If you catch wind of any young noblewomen who might be available, let me know. If I’m going to settle down here, I’d like it to be as enjoyable as possible.” He laughed, taking another sip of his ale.

"Oh Keth you have a one track mind!" She laughed, "But of course I will keep an eye out for any single noblewomen. I do see a lot of them on a daily basis! I have kept to myself for the most part. Truth be told I had a crush on good old Brae back in the day!"

Ketheron barked out a laugh, shaking his head, “It was pretty damn obvious, Kest. You used to run up and punch him in the arm when we were kids. You didn’t really hide it all that well! From what I hear, he’s got a nice little bit of action with the Lady Sunfire, but I’ve yet to meet her. She was supposed to come meet us at a pond a week back or so but she ended up never showing. Braeth’el told me yesterday that he’s a bit concerned as she left for Althera with little notice.”

Kestriel blushed, "Was I really that obvious? Did he know? Oh well that is water under the bridge we have all grown up now. And yes he was telling me about Lady Sunfire. He said she was away but I did not know you were supposed to meet her and she never showed up. That is strange if they are so in love, no? I do hope everything is ok!"

Ketheron shrugged, “Not sure really; like I said I never met the noblewoman. I’ve seen the Lady Dayfire a few times at a distance though. Of course, that was mostly when she was younger and her father was still around. Tel’athar was a good Faeril, and I hope that the lessons he instilled in his daughter have stuck. I’ve heard things to the contrary, but then, Braeth’el wouldn’t stick by her or her sister if there wasn’t something of the old honor there. I’d like to hope he’s been cultivating that in the two sisters.”

"Yes Brae is a good Faeril elf himself. He has always been honorable and I can see that rubbing off on the two sisters, how could it not with him working for them for so long?" Kestriel said, "I am happy for him. That he found a good job as well as love. Never thought I'd see the day that he wanted to retire and settle down!"

“Me either, honestly. After what happened with his sister...actually, you don’t know do you?” Ketheron grinned and glanced over at his friend. “Biara’thiel is alive and well. Seems she was taken prisoner in a House feud some years ago. She even bore a child to Tel’athar. Named the girl Telatha from what Braeth’el tells me. The two disappeared into Althera about a year ago now. Just another thing weighing on Braeth’el’s mind I fear.”

"No way! Biara’thiel is alive?? That is amazing news! Well other than she is missing right now. And a child! Wow I'm in shock. I do hope they are alright. I can see about speaking with the King and sending out a scouting party to look for them possibly," she thought for a moment. "Maybe I should ask Brae first and see if he thinks that is a good idea or not. I do not want to overstep...."

“Actually, I think he’d appreciate that if you can send a few rangers out to scout for them,” Ketheron said. “He’s been trying to get others to assist him for a while now, but Lady Sunfire isn’t too tactically minded while Biara Dayfire has stepped back a bit from ruling her own House. She’s capable, but she’s not commanding their rangers and her apprentices aren’t the best. I don’t know if you know, but from what Braeth’el tells me the Magistrate gives her a lot of shit because of some failed experiments in the past and she’s got to deal with the dregs of what Faetheril has to offer.”

"Oh no I did not know that. I just know what I saw in Court the other day. I could tell she was not well liked. They were snickering any time she wanted to talk but she had some good ideas! If you think he wouldn't mind then I shall talk to the King about sending some rangers to get a feel for the area and to see what they can find. I will give them Biara'thiel's description and what does Telatha look like?"

Ketheron shrugged, “From what Braeth’el tells me, she looks a lot like her father, Tel’athar. Which means she looks exactly like the Lady Dayfire.” He paused for a moment, grinning, “There was a bit of back-room play there. Telathar Dayfire was the father.”

"Holy shit!!!!" Kestriel exclaimed. "You don't say!!! Wow well good for them! Selunathiel was always a cold bitch if you ask me anyway. I cannot believe it!"

"Hey, do you speak to Braeth'el much? It’s funny I had no idea he worked for House Sunfire," Kestriel said softly.

Ketheron nodded, “Since I’ve been back we’ve been keeping in touch. I told him I’d stick around for a bit. Looks like I’ve got a little more reason to stay now if you really are offering me a job. If you need a message sent to him through ‘unofficial’ channels anytime you let me know and I’ll get it to him.”

"I was just curious about him. It's been so long since I've seen him. He has been keeping a relatively low profile or I'm losing my touch since I had no clue he was around still." Kestriel nodded, "I guess I still harbor some of those old feelings for him. I did not even realize until I saw him again. There is no way I could compete with a true Lady and I wouldn't want to if he is happy with her. And yes I will speak to the King as soon as I get back about your job. I had mentioned you and he was interested but now all we need to discuss is your salary really!"

Ketheron took another pull of his ale and nodded, “Welp, I usually charge one hundred gold a week for one battalion's training. Of course, anything is more than nothing and I ain’t working right now, so you can tell me what it pays and I’ll probably just go along with it.”

He paused, smiling, “As for Braeth’el, let’s just see how our friend manages what he has. I never pictured him settling down, and certainly not with a Lady. You’ve not seen him because he’s a master-trained spy and knows his work well. You don’t walk away from that so easily.”

"Yes I suppose you are right. I just can't seem to stop thinking about him since I saw him. Oh I should not be telling you any if this! You are his best friend!"

She laughed, "I'm sure we will also come to an agreement on your salary. I think even more than what you suggested would be a good idea! You might have been underpaid in the past my friend!"

Ketheron shrugged, leaning against the bar, “Doesn’t matter much to me; I don’t need much. I fight with my hands mostly so equipment’s not a problem and other than living expenses I don’t own much. Need some money for ale of course!” He paused and grinned, “Don’t worry about Braeth’el; I’m not going to get involved in his affairs like that. He’s got a girl, and if that goes south then we’ll talk about what I should and shouldn’t tell him hmmm?”

Kestriel blushed again, "You are a good friend Keth! I appreciate it! I'm not a homewrecker so I would never do anything while he is involved with someone. I'm not that type of gal!" She smiled, "I am so glad you are going to stick around. It is so good to see you dear friend. It's been way too long and please promise me you will see me often! I get lonely sometimes at the Palace. Too many stuffy nobles for my liking!"

“I can understand that,” Ketheron said with a grin. “Not sure I’d like being there all of the time either, but they pay good wages so I take the work I can get. I will definitely come to visit you though, and if you’re working with the guard, you can come down to the training yard. I’ll put you to your paces and you’ll be in fine shape for the inevitable time when Braeth’el’s eye wanders again.”

Kestriel blushed even more, "I did not think you could embarrass me even more Keth! But yes I will need some training as well. I trust you to get me in the best shape of my life! I need a friend with me at the Palace so I'm looking forward to this so much! I will discuss your salary with the King and let you know. I should be able to get you something good. Like I said I'm close with the King!"

Ketheron nodded and took one last sip of his ale, “Sounds good. You know where to find me; I’ll be frequenting this place or the inn just down the road, so send me a missive once you’ve got it set up and I’ll come up to the palace. It’s been really great seeing you again, Kestriel. I didn’t know how much I missed all of you until I came back.”

Kestriel hugged Ketheron and smiled, "Yes it was great to see you and you will be seeing a lot more of me soon enough!"

           With that Kestriel left the bar and headed back towards the Palace to finalize their arrangement. She smiled again, it sure was great to reconnect with her old friends and she was looking forward to more good times to come!