Welcome to Gaia! ::

((Is this guy wearing any magical items or have any magic to him at all, Miles?)) Richard found himself smiling faintly. "I am glad to hear it..." He mused silently for a few seconds, forgetting his work yet again. "Actually...Crystal...Lady Crystal. I was curious of what you intend to do. Won't your people start to notice you are not there? When do you intend to return there?" He asked each question quietly, wondering if she had even thought it over herself. He stopped walking, flashlight pointed at the floor. His head was turned towards her, even though he couldn't see her in the dark. What he felt with Crystal was starting to become dangerous. She was still part of her world after all, one Richard had left. And he knew, as much as he enjoyed her company, he could not go back. Not now or ever. But if she was still attached to it...he didn't want her to be unhappy. Nor did he want to be without her... He went red a bit. That last thought did not belong in his head. But it was. "You do not have to answer such questions...Forgive me for asking them..." He finally added, feeling horribly selfish.

Richard felt a pang of guilt, feeling like it was his fault she was crying. "Shh...it's alright...I'm sorry Crystal..." He said soothingly, turning to hug her with his other arm, gently. He felt miserable for making her upset, he'd rather die than be the cause of any of her pain or sadness. He wasn't sure what to say. What advice could he give her? What could he do? "You tried though...right? What more can they ask of you? You did what you could...they can't accuse you of anything." He said softly. He knew how things worked though, and he knew it didn't matter to those in power what you tried to do. No results, no leverage. That, made him afraid for her. Richard sort of rocked back and forth a bit, trying to soothe her. This was why he hated politics...all the expectations and hatred people had of those higher born...it was impossible to stay on top for long. Scheming never ended, and one's title was always at risk. Richard exhaled slowly. "I will not let any harm come to you Crystal..." He stated, being honest. Even as he thought over all the problems that could come with that statement, he knew he couldn't do otherwise. If she wanted to return, then darn it, he'd go with her and help her stabilize things. But he knew he couldn't stay once that was done. And he knew he'd be miserable while he was there. If she didn't return...well... Richard found himself rather liking that idea, but he remembered how horrible it had been to be cast out...at least at first. Crystal's happiness was what he wanted, no matter what it meant for his own self. He realized for all his protections and spells, knowledge and travels and wars, he had left himself undefended in the one area he had never expected to need; his heart. "Please don't be so upset...what can I do? How can I assist you?" He added, holding her close to him protectively.

Richard heard the request, but at first, didn't understand it. "With..." He stopped, blinked once in the darkness, then spoke again. "I...don't really live anywhere Crystal. But...yes...you could absolutely stay with me." He gave a curt nod though she couldn't see it. He couldn't help but feel excited at the same time, though he knew he was giving bad guidance. Wit "I have...to tell you though...if you intend to go back...then...they are not going to like you keeping company with me..." He said, or rather admitted.

Richard let her pull away, somewhat embarrassed. He had not meant to make her uncomfortable, if that was indeed the case. "I know that feeling...yes, most certainly we should." ((Alright Miles person, if he has magic, then my guy saw him, if not, then he didn't. I'm going to assume he did not, so he remained unseen.)) Richard again pointed the flash light ahead, worried about Crystal, but the explorer in him was still excited to be here. "Well!" He said, loosening his tie with his left hand absently. "Let's head on then!"

Richard might of whistled, but he didn't think that was such a good idea in this place. He followed the map in his head, occasionally commenting on stacilite formations (sp?) but other than that, he was pretty quiet. He was trying to give her respectful silence, in case she was thinking. "Oh...look at this." He said later, facing yet another wall, with the same curious magic coming from it.

Richard had an excellent memory, and he frowned slightly as both their lights went over the wall. "Yes...yes it is..." His voice then sounded surprised. "Exactly like the other one." He looked at her, smiling faintly. "I'm thinking someone doesn't want us getting there. Or rather, outsiders in general." (Hafta go again... cry )

"...it will be helpful later perhaps, but I'm not sure what to do with this..." He mused, taking out his glasses from his breast pocket and slipping them on. The wall was more in focus, as were the magic energies coming from it. "Though...I guess we'll have to go through here anyway...I hope we don't disturb anything...or one." He said mentally preparing a spell. "You might want to step back a little, Crystal. If you please." He added, to make sure the wall's defenses wouldn't harm her at all. He planned to disarm them, which could be a tad dangerous.