As they arrived at the gates, a disgusted-looking couple approached them. Adelina recognized them, at this point she expected them. Every time she went to Cartletown they came up to her. She sighed and gave them the fakest smile anyone could make. "How may I help you two, this time?" They looked at Abaven then back to Adelina. "I see you finally got a real escort, at least you're doing something right." Said the woman, she seemed to be who talks to most. Her husband, presumably, mostly stood there looking slightly threatening.
Abaven did not hesitate. Somewhat furious at the two, he drew his sword and rested the hilt of it on his shoulder. When he did this, several bystanders quickly left the area. Abaven raised an eyebrow at the couple and squinted at them, as to say, go on, I dare you
The woman slightly smirked at Abaven. "Hmm, interesting. Just so you know, you," The woman, referring to Abaven," have no business to be here. Not with your little sword, not with anything. Yes, we know of your… reputation, but that doesn't amount to anything in the real world." Then, the woman turned back to Adelina. "I know people tell you that you are important, but in the long run, no one will even bat an eye to you, your family, or your friends. I get it you're a duchess but what does that amount to, a nice title? And why doesn't that husband of your's ever come? Is he "too busy"?" The couple whispered something to each other and let out a small laugh and a sly smile. Meanwhile, Adelina had lost much of her confidence and, even though this was a normal thing, she somberly looked down at the ground.
Abaven approached the couple and got close. Too close. Whenever they stepped away, he would just reposition himself to be right in their face again. He didn't touch them, he just stood right in front of them. This was a tactic of his. It allowed him to be silly, but also to do his duty and intimidate the victim. And if they said anything, he would simply say, I am not touching nor hurting you. I don't see the problem.
"Excuse me, sir, you're in our way." The woman was annoyed, for all she was concerned, that was just a casual conversation. "No reason to let out your guard dog, we're just having a conversation." If this had been anyone else, Adelina would have probably said something, but she was essentially immobilized by that particular couple.
Abaven smiled. "I am not touching nor hurting you. I don't see the problem." He paused and sniffed the air. "When was the last time you two even bathed?" It wasn't a crime to insult or stand close by to people in this town, so he was making good use of that. He stepped back like he was blown away by their pungency. Turning to Adelina he grinned, "Milady, these two reek of bullshit! I suggest we depart right away!"
On the outside Adelina was straight-faced but on the inside, she was hysterically laughing. She appreciated Abaven's humor and that he wasn't afraid to make a joke every now and then. However, she did let out a small smile. "I believe that is a great idea." Adelina made her way past the couple, with newfound confidence. They, however, were angry and inside ever so slightly offended.
After they walked the past the gates, Abaven sheathed his sword and asked Adelina, "Are you alright, milady?"
"I am now, thank you very much, Abaven" Adelina sent him a smile. "Could I possibly hire you every time I need an escort? I have never kept one more than once, so you must be doing something correctly."
"Of course, but you would need to tell my master," Abaven thought about the others who had escorted her. They were all pigs. Whenever they came home after escorting her, they would make jokes about her. He refrained from frowning, as it might set Adelina off, but internally he was cursing the others.
"Thank you, I shall do that when we arrive back home." After a few minutes of walking, Adelina was bored, just like on the way there. She would kick a rock, but her shoes were not made for that, so she settled with breaking sticks again.
"Milady?" Abaven was feeling bold. He shouldn't be making small talk, let alone asking questions, with her. But he was genuinely curious. Besides, what did he have to lose? His life? He's already given that up.
"Yes, Abaven?" Adelina looked over at Abeven with a small smile. She threw the last inch of the stick on the ground after breaking it.
"Do you know if those people," He made a funny disgusted face when he said 'people', "live in that town? Or do they live somewhere else?"
Adelina squinted for a second to think. "Hmm, I'm not sure. I would assume they live in Cartletwon, as every single time I am there, they are there." She sighed when talking about them.
"Are these people commoners?" He was taking mental notes about the things she said about them and the way she reacted. Most people in Cartletown were quite poor, but they always tried to look as nice as they could manage.
"Surprisingly no, they are the only noble family there, aside from the mayor." Her face was full of disgust as she said 'noble family'. Adelina hardly thought they deserved to be in that position.
He scoffed. "Of course. That whole town is corrupt, it only makes sense they would live there-" he stopped and realized what he was saying. Bowing slightly, he said "Forgive me, milady. I didn't mean to speak out of turn."
"Oh no it's fine, go ahead, say what you need to say." Adelina smiled assuringly. "I actually agree. It is horrid having to talk to the mayor of that dump. Honestly, I don't know why Robert insists with keeping business with Cartletown, it makes no sense."
"Forgive me for saying so, but your husband is actually quite afraid of the entirety of Cartletown," His stance started to relax a bit. "I escorted him there once, and he was very afraid."
He paused. "As for that noble family, don't worry about them. They'll be taken care of."
"Of course he is…" Adelina mumbled to herself. "Thank you, Abaven. I knew a good escort would come someday." This was the most conversation she had ever had with an escort, which actually made her happy. Too many times has she been almost lonely due to lack of chemistry causing a lack of conversation.
"Of course, milady." Abaven genuinely smiled at this. It always felt good whenever he did a good job and got praised.
They finally got off of the shortcut path and got into the main path, her home in sight. Adelina was almost disappointed to be done with this trip. This was honestly the most casual and enjoyable conversation she's had in a while, including with her 'husband'.
"Well, milady, we're almost there. If you ever wish to be escorted anywhere, feel free to ask for me." This was his little catchphrase he would say at the end of his job. Others had their own catchphrase as well, but they usually weren't so well mannered.
Adelina smiled. "I definitely will." As they got to the door of her manor and waved. "Goodbye, Abaven. I look forward to the next time!"
Abaven made sure she was safe in her own home before leaving
(Time skip to another time she goes out?)
(Yeah. we should definitely add more action this time I think)
(Yeah, I was planning on that lol)
Time skip
Abaven knocked on her door once more, feeling somewhat excited for some odd reason.
Adelina heard a knock on her door, slight excitement shot through her as she went to the door to open it. "Hello, Abaven. Good to see you are my escort today." She smiled going through the door and closing it behind her.
"It's good to be your escort, milady." He smiled. "Where are we going today?"