[A] I Have a Confession || Drinian

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Prince Caspian

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Played by Cara

"Cara has managed to...create a character that is both mythical and life-like. Impulsive, moody, and yet kind and good-hearted, Caspian is just beginning to show the makings of a true leader."
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[Adelliana Tisroc]

Night had fallen upon the camp, and most of it's inhabitants were meant to be asleep. Indeed, with stars twinkling in the sky, and a peaceful stillness descended o'er the area, it was almost impossible not to have given way to slumber. Earlier that day had marked the beginning of negotiations with the Narnians, an overall eye opening experience for the young Tarkheena. The expedition had begun far too early, and now that the day was ending, Dharr wanted nothing more than to crawl into her scratchy old bedroll and fall asleep as well. But there was something tugging at her mind.

The familiarity between Drinian and Caspian was alarming. War seemed easy enough to handle when one was fighting against the evil unknown, but Caspian's face told a different story. The prince seemed kind, and altogether unimposing. Moreover, he had seemed a bit frightened, almost unsure of why he was even there. Was he fighting for his liberty, just as much as Drinian wanted to fight for his own? Dharr was only there under the pretense of being a boy, eager to make "his" first kill an experience the thrills of warfare firsthand. But her woman's heart would not allow it. She could not stand the idea of having to fight against the kind young prince.

If she were a woman, she would not have to.

Sighing, the girl brushed the hair from her face and rolled out from under her light blanket. She could not sleep, knowing that indifference was not the course of action to take. She'd have to do something, and something soon. But how? Could she just outright tell someone? And who to tell? Thal already knew, of that she was certain, but telling him would make no difference. The cold, calloused man surely would not care. Dharr was afraid to tell Drinian, having lied to the Lord earlier.

"O Inexorable Tash, and Light of Mine Eyes, guide me. Help me to know what to do." The young woman whispered, before exiting her tent. She did not know where she was going, but she would go. Not to Drinian though- he would surely be angered, Dharr was certain of that. No. No no no. Not to him. She walked forward with a hesitant pace, fingers laced nervously across her banded chest. So distracted and nervous was she, that the Tarkheena was hardy watching where she was walking- right into Lord Drinian himself.

Tash had a cruel sense of humor, Dharr thought at that moment, before mumbling a quick apology to her superior officer. "Forgive me. I did not mean to barrage into you."

[Lord Drinian]

Drinian turned quickly at the sound of light footsteps approaching, actually turning into another body.

"Oh! I'm sorry!" he apologised, steadying the small frame and seeing who it was. "Dharr!" A smile flickered across his exhausted features. "No need for forgiveness; we've been through much worse today." He looked at the tarkaan sidelong and the smile turned to a smirk. "Thank you for your help today. You were a much needed support."

The crickets still chirped in the night, Drinian noted, his smile growing more relaxed as he took in a breath of night air through his nose and let it out, feeling some tension subside. Usually he was up at the first dawn -- exempting a couple of mornings, Drinian had never missed a sunrise --  a habit acquired with his father, but tonight he had stayed up late in hopes of gaining some clarity of mind.

"It's late," he observed. "Do you have somewhere to be?"

[Adelliana Tisroc]

Why, of all people, did she have to run into Drinian? The one person she did not want to see. Her disguise was almost a form of insubordination, of disrespect for his rank the more she thought about it. Men like him were honorable... she had not been. That alone cast a cloud of shame over the young Tarkheena's visage.

Assuming an embarrassed smile, she proffered, "You are welcome. It's is... was an honor serving with you." She had decided. Dharr would confess her grave mistake to the man she had lied to, and hope for the best. "You handled the initial confrontation very well- My father would be wise to learn from your example. As would any person." Her hands grew more closely clenched, not knowing what sort of gesticulation to offer at the moment. Her nerves were too great to think entirely clearly.

Mirroring his own sharp inhale, the girl cast her gaze aside for a moment, pondering where to begin.  "No... I actually wanted to talk to you. I... am not who you think I am, Lord Drinian. I have cruelly abused your trust." The words began to pour out like hot ghi, unable to stop. "My Lord, my name is Adelliana Tisroc, Tarkheena of Calormen." She stood a little higher, a little loftier at that moment, though her eyes visibly shone with nervousness.

(OOC: Sorry.... I kinda godmoded in the initial one. And blah. Sorry. <3

[Lord Drinian]

Drinian smiled in return to the young man's compliment which, though superfluous, seemed sincerely delivered. "I am not the only example. I chose you because I knew you could be counted on. I hope . . ." he said, noting the change in tense, "that I might continue to in the future." But the young man seemed peevish or distracted, fidgeting and Drinian looked skeptical.

Something was on the young man's mind, and Drinian himself had a good deal to consider from the day. He crouched down to the ground, patting the grass beside him in an unspoken invitation. Drinian had not a soul he could trust at the camp beyond Glover, his horse, who more and more he wished he could speak to -- and speak in return. Seeing Caspian today had only increased his need for a friend; and being away from him increased the smart of the loss of his camaraderie.

When Dharr, however, remained standing in spite of his invitation, Drinian peered up curiously for a moment, waiting and shifting his weight slightly from heel to toe, rocking slightly. It was soothing, in a way, this rocking, watching Dharr's face framed by the stars. At the first words, however, Drinian stopped, frozen and tensed completely, waiting for a blow.

So much treachery, here. Drinian had never imagined it. He felt ill and wondered if his face would look any paler in the moonlight.

At the confession, Drinian rose slowly to his feet. "A woman?" he whispered, eyes wide, surprised that he should be twice deceived today. He swallowed and looked about anxiously, wondering who might overhear. Taking her by the arm firmly, but not tightly, and drawing her nearer to him, he furthered in a low voice, "Does anyone else know?"

[Adelliana Tisroc]

Oh, if there were only words to describe the emotions she felt! On one hand, Adelliana felt a surge of relief, knowing that she did not have to lie to the generous Lord Drinian. She would no longer have to bind her chest, or wear her hair tucked beneath a cap. No longer was she required to lower her voice, and ride her horse astride. On the otherhand, their relationship would be drastically changed. Men did not seek women out in the midst of war, for the purpose of friendship. Oh, what had she done! It would have been better to have just stayed in Calormen after all.

Drinian's obviosuly noticed her change in tense, offering his hopes for the future. She remained tight lipped through the whole of his talking, not knowing what to say and how to politely refute it.

No matter. Drinian made the first motion. With one swift motion, she was drawn close to him, her own eyes wide in fear of what his reaction might be. She had deceived him; no doubt the Lord would be mad with the young woman. "Aye, a woman. she whispered, hardly audible above the hush of the wind. How much di she owe him? How much did Drinian need to hear? Everything, Adelliana supposed. "Naught a soul but ours know." That was a lie.... Thal knew, but 'Lena was admittedly unaware if his knowledge was certain.

"Please forgive my deceit," the Tarkheena pleaded, hardly knowing where to begin.

[Lord Drinian]

There was no hiding it, and Drinian made little effort to: he was not pleased with this turn of events. At the moment, it was one more thing to resolve, to risk his ice-thin reputation over. But it needed to be done.

Because the person before him needed it. "Do not trouble yourself on that," Drinian said dismissively at her plea for forgiveness. She was Adelliana Tisroc. She probably had been raised to believe she could come and go wherever she pleased. . . It was a noble thing to acknowlege it. Not many of that proud race would have thought of it.

Drinian recalled the first -- and only -- time he had met her in Calormene. He had been visiting with Caspian. That was long ago. He could see the resemblance to the then-girl. But he could not see a woman before him, however hard he tried.

He recalled now Dharr's words about his sister . . . herself . . . and the arranged marriage. Dharr had fled from home. It was becoming clear, and Drinian's face softened with sympathy.

Gods, she must be frightened. His grip on her arm grew reassuring, a soft squeeze. "No one knows," he nodded. "Yes, that is very forunate. If you are certain no one knows." Today's events had made him suspicious, shattering his confidence in his own ability to navigate as well as others'.

Suddenly, realising now how very close they stood, how he held her, Drinian cleared his throat and took a step back. "No one can know about this, Dharr. You must get your things and meet me here. In ten minutes, I can get you out of camp and you can ride to my mother. She can care for you there until this affair is sorted," he said with deliberate finality.

[Adelliana Tisroc]

The poor, dear man. Adelliana had not intended on ever revealing her secret, and yet she had simply unloaded the whole mess on him at that moment. It would have been better to be truthful from the beginning- that time by the Fords of Beruna. Addy had been far too quick and hasty then, aiming to join the army and forget her life back in Calormen. But the more she thought about, the clearer it became. This war was no place for her. Men like Drinian did not belong here, fighting wars for cruel Kings. It was not as noble battle.

Her shame was increased ten-fold by Drinian's obvious displeasure. His job was already hard enough, without adding the reality of her nature. She had lied, and now Drinian would pay the consequences. If there was anything she could do to procure his reputation, it would be done. Donate money, ask her damned father for help- anything. Lord Drinian merited any help that might come his way in the futile battle he fought for Miraz. ... How odd that the only other time she had met him- on Calormen, Addy had been furious with the visiting dignitaries. That they should come to the home of her father, and watch her dance like it was some spectacle. Adelliana knew it was only a form of showing off her father's assets, and what could belong to the men should they express an interest in forming some sort of business deal with the Vizier Tisroc. How indignant Adelliana had been at the time- now her prejudices against the Telmarine man was vanished. He was truly different from Miraz.

As his grip on her arm softened, she was drawn from her thought,. The moment in itself was almost surreal- she almost willed that her might had been stronger, that she might have kept up her role as boy. Would that have erased the frown from Drinian's face? ... perhaps. Rather than argue with his words, or even offer an explanation of sorts, Adelliana nodded solemnly, and went back to her tent, fetching the few items she had brought with her . The rest were stashed away, hidden safely. Jewels, several saris, and a gilded saddle. That would suffice for now, she decided.

Items in hand, the young woman approached Drinian full of remorse. She wanted to offer to help- to keep up her guise and stay... but that could only be a hindrance. Not to mention the tone of finalty he had used, denoting that his decision was in fact the final say. There would be no arguing, nor did Adelliana want to.

"I am ready.... She offered, still dumbstruck.

[Thal Deverell]

OOC: I enter with premission...

There was something about the nighttime that had always captured Thal's attention. It wasn't anything he could describe, though he would never have wanted to anyway - Thal did not discuss his personal ventures with others. What he took pleasure in, he preferred to pleasure in alone. It was safer, simpler, and more reasonable. There was little logic in sharing things with others, when they would only use it against you a few weeks later. Better to be sure of yourself, and distance yourself from those people with evil motives.

Often at night Thal would leave the site where the other soldiers camped, and find a spot that was protected, silent, and gave him a pleasant view of the night sky.  Here he would sit, plan, think, take a moment to relax - though he was always on his guard, even in sleep. It was a habit of his, almost customary to his person. Sleeping almost seemed to make Thal worried, but thinking in the night air cleared his mind. The world was silent, all left for him to enjoy in solitude.

Tonight, as he exited his tent, Thal was surprised to see the young Tarkheena, Dharr, as she called herself, glancing about, and sneaking away with a few belongings in her hand. It was extremely peculiar, and Thal immediately began to follow her. Surely she wouldn't try to run away again. Had she not learned her lesson the first time?

Thal was even more surprised (though he supposed he shouldn't have been, knowing Drinian) when the girl stopped in front of the Lord and pronounced herself ready. Ready for what?

Stepping out from the shadows where he'd been waiting, Thal made his presence known to the two of them. "Ready?" He questioned, looking from one to the other, peering into their faces. He hoped they were not doing anything too foolish. It was unlikely that these two could manage anything that wasn't foolish, though. Thal wanted to sigh. Why did he need to be stuck with such people? It had been better to be a lone scout: to be given the ability to watch the world alone. It had been so much better.

[Lord Drinian]

Drinian turned expectantly as he heard Dha--delliana's voice pronounce she was ready.

He nodded gravely, squaring his shoulders a bit more as he often did when setting his mind and steeling his will.

Then came the dark form approaching from his liminal vision. Then the echo.

"Ready?"

But it was skeptical, and -- if he dared believe it -- mocking.

Drinian took several steps forward; he knew the man had been sent to Miraz and knew he would be reporting to him afterwards. Drinian had not yet solidified what he would have Miraz know; he thought he would have two more days, at least for that.

No answer was forthcoming, and Drinian did his best to mask his discomfort. He was this man's commanding officer for the time. Few answers would be needed. "Yes. I'm glad you've come, as I have need of you just now. Dharr has disclosed to me some complicating circumstances in regards to her relations in Calormen. As such, it is not safe for either he nor the Telmarine camp to enlist him any longer. He is to stay at Bernal Manor; it is the closest secure place and close enough to remain communicable with the army."

Lifting his chin slightly and taking in a breath, he added, "As this will require us to leave -- the Manor is a three hour's ride -- you and Edouard," he said, speaking of the scout they had acquired earlier, "are to accompany us. I would not leave you alone in the Narnian camp," he added as some reassurance. "So," he said, looking pointedly with a ghost of a smile to the soldier, "are you ready?"

As he awaited the man's response, Drinian noted the pulse that throbbed in his throat, the dampnes of his hands. This situation was getting the better of him; he'd not jeopardise all on account of one impertinent soldier. Not in the midst of negotiations. And yet Drinian felt as though he stood on the edge of a great precipice, ready to tumble.

[Thal Deverell]

Thal only watched and listened as Lord Drinian stumbled through his words in the most sophisticated way he could. Thal knew nervousness, and Drinian was being a prime example at this moment. This "lord" could probably get by others with these little blunders, but Thal knew better. The man looked absolutely on edge in his mind.

"Dharr has disclosed to me some complicating circumstances in regards to her relations in Calormen."

This sentence caught Thal's full attention, and even surprised him so greatly that his right eyebrow began a jolting rise towards the top of his forehead. Her relations? Apparently the lord's ability to conceal was not very great. Thal looked to Adelliana, but said nothing. He would not change his expression to bear hints to anything, but he was feeling shocked still. She had told Lord Drinian of her true gender, it was certain. And now that man was droning on and on in the sort of controlled voice that can only come from sheer nervousness, about their great need to take "Dharr" away from the camp.

"My lord, you are ill at deceiving," Thal stated in a voice of little emotion or excitement. His head shook ever so slowly, it was almost unnoticeable. "I see she has told you. Do not be a fool and reveal her to the whole world!" His voice had dropped low for the sake of any little ears that might be residing in the woods around them. Thal's eyes made a quick swoop through the darkness and returned to Drinian for a moment. He then turned to Adelliana and spoke to her in a low voice. "You will stay. Do not risk revealing yourself now."

[Lord Drinian]

Drinian's expression darkened at the chastisement from his subordinate. He had always considered his honest nature a virtue and frowned upon deception. Concealing -- that was another matter, and Drinian admitted his ineptitude in this. But would not do so aloud.

His jaw set as he listened to what the soldier had to say on the matter and his brows contracted as the word "fool" was pronounced. A slight glance was given to Dharr -- it was clear that the man had known beforehand from his statement - what else could "she has told you" imply? And she had said that no one else knew.

Apparently Drinian was the only truth-teller among them.

"It is not your position to command," Drinian said tersely in harsh whispers to Thal. "Advise, perhaps. It would be better for Dharr to leave this place; we can contrive a feasible story for that  once the absence is noted. This is a war and what part do you think Dharr would have to play in that?" She already been itemised under the care of her father. He'd not be the one to objectify her as an expendable piece in the machinery of war.

Drinian understood the risk he undertook -- perhaps the story would be that his negligence allowed the unwilling recruit to escape -- but it would be better than wrestling with his conscience should he jeopardise a woman. A foolhearty, headstrong woman, surely, But a woman none-the-less.

But Drinian was beginning to see another option; another alternative. He moved more closely to both members of his group, speaking in hushed tones. "We can, perhaps by tomorrow, return to our camp . . ." He rubbed his chin as he thought. "If this dispute is resolved in peace, I see no reason why a standing army would be needed; the soldiers may go where they please from there. If it does not result in peace --" Drinian wet his lip here, not liking this possibility, "perhaps then there is some possibility for passage to Bernal for you," he told Adelliana.

[Adelliana Tisroc]

Adelliana could not have envisioned a worse situation. It felt absolutely terrible to have abused someone's trust, and for that she could no naught but hang her head in shame. Deception was a sin most frowned upon in Calormen, and it was no doubt viewed the same way in Telmar. This situation was fraught with more intricacies, for Drinian's position meant he would be responsible for any mishaps. And given his ecxeedingly caring nature, he wanted to get her out of there and deliver her to safety.

Perhaps Thal had a point. It was not worth revealing herself yet; not in the middle of negotiations. Perhaps the Narnians would figure out what events had transpired, and then hold it against the Telmarines, thinking they were so blind they could not even recognize a female among their ranks. Oh, why had she been so rash and inconsiderate!? Running away to a war was certainly not the ideal escape from an arranged marriage.

With a sigh, Adelliana assumed her "diplomat's" tone, and turned to face Drinian, standing at full height now. He still bested her height. "Perhaps there is a compromise to be found. ... I could stay here, though I feel it is wrongful for me to maintain a boy's guise. Does King Miraz oppose to those of a feminine nature staying in his ranks? Perhaps I can appeal to his better nature, or something..... " The girl sighed, and shook her head. The words sounded silly even as she spoke them. There was no compromise. Only stupidity on her part.

[Thal Deverell]

This was a test of Thal's patience. He generally bore such tests well from all appearances, but it was more of a battle inside to keep calm. No, he was not supposed to be commanding, but perhaps he was in a better position to command than Drinian. But that man gave him no openings to speak, and Thal listened in silence. Dharr had put them all in a very sticky mess and there was no easy way out. But could no one think rationally?

Then Lord Drinian began contemplating aloud, speaking of waiting until tomorrow at least. That was a bit more rational, and Thal felt he could work with this in a better way. Perhaps he could convince them to see a better plan, after all. At least Drinian was not being as foolish as Thal felt him capable of. It did say a little for the man, at least.

Adelliana's proposition of a compromise seemed like a good idea, until Thal heard the rest of the statement. "No woman is allowed in Miraz's ranks," he whispered back at her, eyes slitting tighter, though it was unnoticeable in the darkness. Turning to Lord Drinian he spoke again, with more words than he often used. "There is a great possibility of all our deaths, should she be discovered. Dharr is a part of the army, and there is a great possibility to our loss of rank should we help him escape. Not to mention that he is on a special mission. It will not go unnoticed." He then looked at Adelliana once more. "You chose to be Dharr, you must take the consequences. We-" Thal glanced at Drinian through the side of his eyes "-will help you, but you cannot run."

"Sir," Thal looked Drinian directly in the eye, though the darkness took away much of the intended affect. "You said I may advise. I advise that she should not run."

[Lord Drinian]

Abenzio Deverell had age, experience, and reason on his side. Drinian valued the man's counsel for this. What he did not admire were the directness of his remarks, the terseness of tone. And there was condescension in there, too, no doubt.

Seeing a new degree of treachery in Miraz that morning with the vial, sensing the same tightness in tone as with Glozelle from the discussion at the Ford -- Drinian was becoming chary if a new breed of men. Miraz and Glozelle were his superiours, and he was in the position to do what they wished. But this man was to be cooperating, moving to the same purpose.

"Your advice -- and memory -- is sound, Deverell," Drinian said. "And appreciated. You will remember I also told you I would have you work with me on this business, not for, and never against. Keep that in mind."

He looked up at Dharr, trying to take in the two of them. "Deverell's also right in this: no woman will be allowed, especially not one who is other than they seem. Miraz loathes dishonesty and deception in his counsellors and is most suspicious." Though he seemed adept at both skills himself. "You have deceived him; he will not deal lightly with you for that, should it be known." He was silent a moment, contemplating Dharr and putting the pieces together.

And how to keep it from being known? From this reasoning had come Drinian's desire to get her away from camp. For a slip of tongue, a slip of combat -- an injury or a misspoken word could unveil her. She must be kept from combat, from the other soldiers and, most of all, from danger.

"Deverell, look at Dharr a moment, will you? He does not have the build of a soldier, I do not think. Are you of the same opinion?"

[Reepicheep]

The grasses rustled in the night, and it wasn't because of the wind.  Though though no one could have noticed him, a rodent (you had best not call him one, for it would be the last thing you said) of unusual size was creeping along unseen, his large ears turning to hear the sounds made by the unassuming soldiers he now approached.  He knew they were soldiers because they called each other "sir", and really, there was no good reason for a couple of "innocent" (ha!) Telmarine men to be standing on the outskirts of the Narnian camp.  In the opinion Reepicheep, for this was the aforementioned Mouse, and he did indeed have an opinion, no Telmarine was innocent.  They were all worth his fiercest loathing, and perhaps even punishment, which he would happily supply with his handy rapier.  All criminals and scroundels, they were, stealing land and lives as if there were nothing to it.  Well, it ended here.  Reepicheep knew that he had been sent on an errand by Prince Caspian to apprehend them and return them to camp, so he might meet with them further.  And while Reepicheep liked Prince Caspian, he did not like the thought of these soldiers, who had brought death to the Narnians, to return so they might do it again.

He crouched there, waiting until the proper moment at which to ambush the soldiers.  His size often disadvantaged him, most particularly in matters of his easily-wounded pride, but it was because of it that he was really the best choice for this task.  The Telmarines would not see him until it was too late.  If they tried anything funny, he would slash their ankles and have them dispatched in an instant.  Perhaps he would see what he could get from them first - a confession would do.  After all, it was only honorable that a man should be told why he was killed before he was killed, even if that man was one's mortal enemy.  With this intent, Reepicheep crept closer, until he could have heard their words even without his massive ears.  If he weren't smaller, it would have taken him less time to get there (and Aslan knows he wouldn't have had the patience to wait until nightfall), and he would have been discovered by now and his plan likely ruined.  Everything was going perfectly, at least for this night.  Things had been far from perfect for over a thousand years, but one night could change everything if Reepicheep's plan worked, if things continued to work in the Narnians' favor.  And it was quite clear that they would.  Aslan was on their side; there was not a hitch thus far.  Perhaps Narnia was only right when ruled by a Man, but not a Man like this.  It must be one of another sort.  One like Prince Caspian.

There was a voice that sounded strangely feminine (was Miraz stupid enough to let young boys not yet grown into his army, or had he come to his senses and finally let women join his ranks?  The latter was impossible.  Miraz had good advisers, but he had no sense).  It murmured something about Miraz' better nature, and Reepicheep had to muffle a snort of disdain.  Better nature?  The king of the Telmarines had none.  If he was better, or knew anything at all about nature, he certainly would not have spent the last few years trampling over both what was good and what was natural with his awful machines or trained soldiers who were nearly like machines.  And neither would his brother or their ancestors.  Stinking ruffians, the whole lot of them!  Well, except for Caspian, but obviously he was a special case.  Thank Aslan for that.  (Reepicheep, and the other Narnians who were still faithful, did thank Aslan for Caspian and various other things, every day.)  Together with Caspian and the rest of the Narnians, most of whom had been gathered and trained thanks to Reepicheep, they would defeat the Telmarines just as they had been waiting to do for so long, their whole lives and those of their parents and grandparents (and, for the more prolific breeders like the Mice, many generations beyond that).  It was time.

Not paying much attention to the continued babbling of the Telmarines, he drew his rapier and held it out in front of him, letting it proceed him into the night.  It made contact with something solid, and he knew the tip of his blade had met the fleshy leg of one of the Telmarines.  He could see better than they, being an Animal (one of the many reasons why Animals were simply better than Telmarines), but because he was a Mouse, his vision was still poorer than he would have liked.  It didn't much matter, however.  He was skilled enough with his rapier that he likely could have fought blind, and at the moment, he nearly was.  He probed at the leg menacingly, not knowing or caring to whom it belonged.  They would be frightened to be threatened by an invisible enemy and to hear a voice seemingly out of nowhere, he knew.  Well, they had frightened the Narnians.  Now it was time for a bit of healthy revenge.  He had last heard the words that Miraz would not deal lightly with someone (or anyone; so it would seem that Miraz's cruelty extended even to his own people.  Why wasn't Reepicheep surprised?)  "No, he will not," he said, with dark smile.  "Nor will I."  Prodding the thick leg (or was it a boot?  He knew not articles of Human clothing, for he wore only a belt and a feather, and he had little time to ask Caspian about his when they had more important matters to discuss), he continued, "I come in the name of Prince Caspian, rightful ruler of Narnia, and He who sent him.  I believe I have business with you."

[Lord Drinian]

Lord Drinian's hand went to the hilt of his sword at the first spoken words, eyes grazing their surroundings. He had heard that the very trees might be on the side of the Narnians and his eyes moved skeptically to the branches overhead.

Until, of course, he felt the stab at his boot. It did not take much for fencing instincts to kick in: he retreated back two steps and kept his feet in the ready position, still not pulling out his sword. Not even when he saw the mouse and heard his words.

To say that Drinian was not excited to have the creature here was an understatement. To the best of his knowledge, their conversation had been heard, Adelliana's situation compromised, and their diplomatic mission even nearer to the knife's blade's edge than previous.

Jaw set, he formulated his words as he stepped out of a combative stance. "To come in the name of Prince Caspian means that it is he, good Sir Mouse, who has business with us. What is his will?" He'd not give this mouse -- no, Mouse -- or any being the authority over him. That power rested with two forces: his conscience first and Prince Caspian second.

As such, Drinian did little to question Caspian's authority -- as a diplomat, it was not his place either; his goal on both counts was to maintain the peace for as long as possible. He did, however, fret a moment over the Mouse's words: "and He who sent him." What had Caspian got himself in to? With whom was he allied?

[Thal Deverell]

At what he presumed to be Lord Drinian's chiding of him, Thal said nothing. There was little the man could do - Drinian was his superior, whether he liked that or not. All the youth had said was true, Thal could not dispute it on any point. And all in all, the man just preferred to keep his thoughts to himself.

When asked a direct question, however, he was prepared to give a response. Dharr did not have the build of a soldier. He had the build of a feeble young boy, at best. Knowing that the true identity proved this "boy" to be a young Tarkheena, it all made sense, of course. But how she had even managed to be placed in the army - and on this mission - seemed incomprehensible to Abenzio Deverell. Whoever had been in charge was apparently poor with decisions, but that was really no surprise at all. When had any good decision ever come from Miraz's power? 'Never' seemed to be the first answer to come to mind.

Thal's mouth was just opening to form his response which contained only the most important details of what had just passed through his mind, but another's voice came before his own. The complete shock felt in that moment cannot be particularly described - Thal was so accustomed to hearing every sound, and noticing every moment, that the man could not fathom how this voice had come here so suddenly, or who the owner of it was. A hand flew to the hilt of his sword from sheer habit, but nothing else on his body moved as he waited anxiously.

He listened to the conversation that transpired between Drinian and this - whatever it was. The lord claimed it to be a mouse, and as Thal began searching his eyes rested on a dimly silhouetted figure of a Mouse quite similar to one he had seen earlier in this day. If it was or not, he could not say. Thal hadn't the slightest idea of how many mice scampered through these Narnian grounds. And for all he knew, they all looked practically identical. The entire event shamed him. Firstly, for being so caught off guard. Next, Lord Drinian had discovered what it was before himself. And lastly, Thal could not assess this opponent in any true way. He hadn't the slightest idea of how to handle an encounter with such a creature.

It was terribly unnerving. And Thal hated feeling on edge.

[Reepicheep]

((ooc: sorry this went kinda fast... I got impatient xD))

Reepicheep knew, from feeling the movement by the man who he currently had at the end of his rapier, that the Telmarine had likely intended to arm himself against the invisble predator that was Reepicheep.  And he knew also, from hearing the slightest sound from the other Telmarine man, that he had also armed himself.  But the Mouse was not at all concerned.  In fact, he was actually amused, and it could even be said that he was pleased for having provoked the two Telmarines.  What the third was doing, he could not ascertain.  But he was glad to know that if these Telmarines decided not to listen to him, as they likely wouldn't, then a fair fight - which he would, of course, win - was a comforting second option.  But he was denied this happines when the man instead moved away and did not draw arms.  Coward, Reepicheep thought bitterly.

"Why do you not draw your weapon?" he asked, confused and angry.  "You come into our camp and kill one of ours, and now you wish for peace?"  He gave his little head a vicious shake.  Then he remembered his mission.  It was for this reason that he had been sent here.  Caspian had wanted him to bring back these very soldiers to the camp so that Caspian might question them about the vial of poisoned "medicine" and the man who it had killed.  It was their fault that it had happened, to be sure.

So, why, then, did they act as if it were not?  How could they kill a man and then act now as if they wished for peace?  "Caspian's business is also mine," the Mouse answered coldly, regaining his composure somewhat.  Though he made no move to injure the man, nor did he back away or sheathe his weapon.  "And his will is to learn why you lot have done what you have done."  He raised his chin a notch in defiance, and let his words sink in.  The Telmarines would answer for killing a Narnian - in one way or another.  "You will find more mercy at his hand than mine, I assure you, so I strongly suggest that you come back with me per his request to our camp."

[Lord Drinian]

"Why do you not draw your weapon?" the creature taunted angrily. Drinian gave a tight-lipped smile, his lips nearly white. This last bit of news he did not care much for and would not address here to the hot-headed Mouse.

He would get the facts first.

"Caspian's business is also mine. And his will is to learn why you lot have done what you have done."

Drinian looked to his companions for a fleeting moment before looking down at the Mouse and, sternly replying, "Then Caspian shall hear us, good Mouse. We go." And so, squaring his shoulders, lifting his chin, and proceeding forward, they headed back to the How where Caspian and his congregation awaited.

(Going to The Catalyst)