Essi stood within the caravan party and supplies. Though she was mostly being ignored with most leaving a large bubble of room around the infernal. The hood on her cloak was loosely hanging on her head behind her horns that were standing as tall and sharp as ever. Trying to keep her face as neutral as possible she ignored how the stares and environment made her skin crawl. It was all she could do to convince herself that this feeling wasn't malice or bloodlust aimed at her, but just uneasiness that her own overactive mind made. Turning away from the caravan she looked out toward the road. 

He was running a little late, did he get into another fight? Did he realize that his wounds were still too much and instead of him arriving she was just waiting on a courier? One that would tell her in not so many world she would be alone and unprotected for the possible weeks to come. One of her hands under her cloak grasped at her clothing around her chest, which suddenly felt too tight. There was no one else she could think of or call. No one that she knew wouldn't baulk at her request for a protector even knowing their were templar knights in the party. Wouldn't bark with laughter at her little funds for a payment at a possible 2 week expedition. 

Just as she felt like she was gonna double over and let go of her breakfast, he came into view. With much effort she stifled the sigh of relief and managed to blink away the tears that pricked at the back of her eyes. Though she did nothing to hide the smile that spread across her face as she went to meet him greeting him warmly. 

"Hello dumpster man, I do hope that isn't disappointment in your voice."

My mind raced through a number of thoughts as I slowly came to the realization of who my client was. Why me? I had already failed at protecting her in that last incident. Sure, the adventure with the mimic disguising itself as a dumpster had ended rather lightheartedly, but didn't the tragedy the city was reeling from outweigh it? After all, her tears were still seared into my closed eye. Was this a setup? Had I been found out and was she trying to lure me somewhere for the knights to arrest me?

About the same time as I realized my breathing had increased, my good eye found itself focusing on her hood and horns. As someone who hid their true face, I couldn't help but find her appearance bold. Rather than hide her horns, her hood seemed to accentuate them. As my breathing steadied, I noticed how intricate her horns really were. They even seemed to have a shine in the sunlight. And it was then that I noticed the distance most people kept from the caravan. I shook my head and gave a small smile through my helmet as I regained my senses.

"Not at all Miss. Apologies for the delay."

I adjusted my positioning to block some of the passerby's gapes and stares at my client. I couldn't tell what they were saying exactly, but at the same time, I didn't like the feeling I got from them. Regardless, I only had a small sack of supplies, just enough for the 2 week trip, so that meant I had little preparations before we could escape their stares.

"I'm ready to set out at your command."

The redhead took a moment closing her eyes basking in the little security her protector already managed to provide her. Just the little movement he had done was more thought than most put toward Eslia and her comfort. Opening her eyes again she looked up at him.

"No need to apologize, you're here. That's what matters. Oh, and please I do no-"

Just as she was about to continue she heard a horn sound from the traveling party. Looking toward the caravan it seemed as though everything was packed and now people were saying their goodbyes and getting their blessings. As the sight of templar knights taking a knee to receive blessings from the faithful became common Essi felt a pit in her stomach. Stealing a glance at her armored companion she felt guilty. He was marred by her presence no person of the cloth would extend him favor or offer him protection, no matter how soft hearted they were.

Stepping forward away from him she turned to face him. Suddenly feeling nervous she cleared her throat before speaking.

"Could you please, lower your head?"

Essi face reddened slightly having struggled to get the words out. It seemed so very rude to just ask someone to kneel. On the the other hand asking someone to lower themselves seemed far too degrading. Issues with terminology aside Eslia meet Celestial's gaze with resolve.

It took me a moment to realize the other travelers were all part of the same caravan. But as the knights removed their helmets and kneeled, I realized most of them were holy crusaders accompanying pilgrims. I cursed my luck, I couldn't remove my helmet. Especially not within the city's bounds, or around some of these crusaders. Maybe I was just blowing things out of proportion, after all it wasn't as if I was being asked to kneel or offered a bles- Dammit. I had to go and jinx it. I nodded and kneeled down.

"I apologize for not removing my helmet. I've sworn to cover my face as part of my penance."

I felt bad for not removing my helmet. It seemed that my patron had drawn the ire of the rest of the caravan simply from who she was. I wasn't doing her any favors by not removing my helmet. It didn't help that my armor wasn't particularly upscale or ornate, unlike the other holy knights. Still while kneeling, I lowered my head and closed my eye.

Eslia smiled and shook her head before placing her hand on the side of his helmet where his cheek would've been.

"No need for apologies. A warrior's helmet is their honor. I could and would never ask you shed it in front of others, or myself. Penance or not."

As he lowered his head she kept her hand in place while moving her other to her chest. Closing her eyes she softly murmured no louder than her breath trying desperately to invoke protection for her protector.

"Goddess of Nature please grant him save passage through your bountiful lands. God of Victory please may you provide him ease of any battles he may face. Goddess of Justice I plead to you see his penance so that one day he, the protector, may be free from self-abasement."

Slowly she pulled her hand back from him before reaching inside her hood. There was a rustling of fabric and hair before her hand emerged delicately holding a braided cord. Gently she reached forward and secured it to his helmet. Essi knew she was did not have the power or right to actually provide blessings. With all her might she hoped an earnest prayer and an accessory made within the holy church would make a difference. Taking a deep breath she stepped back and clasped her hands behind her back.

"My things are in the wagon that will be taking up the rear. Come."

Keeping a gentle smile on her face she motioned for him to follow. With that she lead him to the party's personal cargo wagon. Honestly she would rather try to file down her horns with a spoon before trying to ride with a bunch of priests/priestesses so this worked out for her. Essi did a little hop and managed to sit on the bumper of the wagon.

"Don't worry there is enough room in the wagon for us if it starts to rain. I just like watching the trees pass."

As I knelt down, I wondered how long had it been since I had received a god's blessing? It felt like I had been forsaken by the gods ages ago. At the thought, the gem at the center of my shield gave a small glint, as if offended by the thought. It was subtle and in the daylight, I hoped no one else caught it. After all, a sentient shield wasn't something I was too keen on explaining. Let alone one that claimed it was a blessing from the gods. Still, a warm feeling came over me as she attached the braided cord.

"I thank you for your kind prayers."

I rose back up and followed her to the wagon in the rear. I raised up the sack of bare essential supplies I brought including some provisions, small tools, and other handy travel items into the cart. I had wished I was able to stock up on some potions as well, but the advance I had paid on my armor had chewed through much of my budget. While saving a city felt rewarding, it didn't pay very well. Especially when it paid nothing, and your entire armor had lost it's structural integrity. I pulled myself onto the bumper of the wagon, seating myself next to Essi as the drivers began to make their final adjustments. I nodded to my employer's comments.

"I always loved watching the scenery change as we moved through environments back when I traveled often."