Acquaintances

[Shay] ...

[Joshua] ...

[Shay] Josh, long time no see! That Avillon monarch truly is a diplomatic genius if you're not here to kill me.

[Joshua] ... Madelin.

[Shay] Shay Marchen, nice to meecha. Try to use that, or you'll get others confused. Mar-chen. Easy.

[Joshua] Was running away worth it?

[Shay] Abso-bloody-lutely. I also thrashed some soldiers on my way out, hope some of those were yours.

[Joshua] I see...

[Shay] Wait, really? Ta-da-da-da! Retroactive satisfaction never felt this good.

[Joshua] How did I manage to run into you of all people.

[Shay] Must be your lucky day. Though I wouldn't say by your face. You look like you haven't slept in weeks, which, it's you we're talking about.

[Joshua] Stop talking...

[Shay] Nope. I advise you to get some shuteye though. And since you're new here, I'm going to helpfully point out the direction the beds are in. Which is over there.

[Joshua] ... Am I supposed to believe you?

[Shay] Don't worry, I'm not allowed to poison your pillows and other stuff. I quite like my job here and I'm keeping it. Goes the same for you, and you'll want to stay, trust me on that one. The food here is magical, even tea, you'll love it.

[Joshua] You seem sincere, which is the most disturbing.

[Shay] Avillon niceness is contagious. Nowadays instead of screams my favorite thing are rainbows and butterflies.

[Joshua] Bullcrap.

[Shay] Got me there. Can't hurt a fellow knight though. So as a suggestion, try to get hurt a little during the fight then scream and fall down dramatically. Then you can take a nap and skip most of the work.

[Joshua] You make it sound tempting.

[Shay] You just need to scream very loudly.

[Joshua] I shall fall silently.

[Shay] Then I'll have to watch you so I don't miss it.

[Joshua] That would be worse.

[Shay] Exactly. Now, go drink your blasted tea and get some rest. Those dark circles aren't going anywhere by themselves.

[Joshua] I hope I won't see you often.

[Shay] Whatever.