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Eddard nodded, hearing Sh'Khin's task for him. When Sh'Khin offered him the warning of what may occur should he fail or the Aoide find herself injured, Eddard turned to the busy girl and then shot Sh'Khin a side ways glance as his blue orbs rolled around to focus on Sh'Khin again. "Are you expecting dangers to be about on our journey? I ask because perhaps it may be best if she stay here, out of harms way. Those of importance shouldn't be haphazardly assigned a task that doesn't fit their skills lest they find themselves in too deep over their heads." He looked back to the Aoide who was busily working as she listened to the two men speak. If she was that important, Eddard would take care to always allow her to eat before him regardless of her "servant" status, and take extra steps so that she better understood her own significance.

"If its your intention that she be my guide to the city of destination, I add that I have a practiced sense of direction and once I acquire a map, will have no trouble traversing the surrounding land." Eddard knew he could protect the aoide in most situations, but he didn't know what kind of enemies Sh'Khin could have and how many for surely one associated with plague would naturally create foes just by existing. Eddard had little concern for any punishment that Sh'Khin could muster, fearing more the guilt and personal anguish he would inflict upon himself than any physical repercussions. Still, he was already concocting 2 separate plans of action depending on whether or not the Aoide ended up coming or not.

"Very well," Eddard said wondering where the border separating rational from irrational lay in this situation. Hopefully he wouldn't find it, preferring to execute this task with perfection. "I will prepare my things while Aeneas readies herself and if I have time, care for my sword. It seems my blade yearns for a sharpening."

Eddard had his things near the door already and the only piece of armor he replaced on his body was his chain shirt which he wore comfortably dawned over his smithy shirt, placing the rest neatly folded on the floor. As he went to sharpen his blade he asked, "Might I leave the remainder of my armor here, in your care Lord Sh'Khin? I have the desire to travel lighter on this trek. That and it seems that I've out grown the suit. I'll have to visit a forge sometime in the near future." The map would have to wait for another time, maybe he could persuade Aeneas to help him pick one up on the return trip to the city.

As Eddard awaited Aeneas, he began to moisten the stone and run it along the edges of his blade. Anyone witnessing this activity can recognize his practiced motions as that of a master regardless of their personal experiences.

"For the worst? No, I don't think you want to see my preparation for the worst." He smiled, "No, just one of my habits, proper daily weapon care is a pet peeve of mine. I find myself seriously vexed when I see soldiers and the like neglect their most important tools." He quickly and deftly applied a minor amount of oil to the length of the blade and tight areas around the hilt and handle where moisture had a tendency to stick and be the most likely place to start rusting. He noted the leather he had wrapped around the handle had worn thin and a few small holes were starting to form where his thumb, index, and middle fingers clenched the tightest. He would have to replace that soon too, one more thing he needed to repair once he had a chance.

He came to his feet after replacing his supplies in his pack and scooping it up onto his back. "Yes, I am ready now. Good-bye Lord Sh'Khin, I will return Aeneas to you in the condition she is in now." He went for the door and held it open for the Aoide, "After you," he said indicating to her and then the passageway. As the two made their way down the stairs, Eddard couldn't help but be allured by the prospect of exploring the shop but something in the back of his mind compelled him to postpone this compulsion in light of the task at hand. They exited the shop, Eddard getting the door once again for the Aoide.

As they made their way through the city, Eddard turned to Aeneas, "So how many days out will we have to travel to reach the next city? Will we need any provisions?"

As they walked Eddard explained, "You may be Sh'Khin's servant but you are not mine. Also, your status as such is no reason for me to forget my manners, indeed I'd rather show the likes of you courtesy as opposed to those who expect it because at that point its no longer a courtesy but etiquette. Though etiquette is very important, its level of expectation often times was not earned and therefore heartless, even empty. But I suppose if you have a strong desire to serve me to some degree then serve me in the capacity of cook as my level of skill in that is utility at best." He laughed to himself internally thinking of the open fire cooked fish he had served her master. What would she have thought of him serving her master such a meal?

His train of thought was interrupted by a sudden loud cracking sound at his feet. The sidewalk panel he had just stepped on was one of the "nicer" panels prior to his passing. Under his weight though, the brittle cement was now riddled with spider web like cracks, the focal points being where the ball and heel of his left foot had come to stamp down. Aside from the ash falling from the sky, the dilapidated city reminded him of parts of Detroit, the city of his birth, childhood, and early adulthood. He wandered if there was something he could do to help the city, to contribute to it, and possibly help it along to bettering itself. Such notions would have to wait though for he had other more immediate tasks at hand.

He continued following the aoide, noting her excitement in having a task and being out and about. How often did Sh'Khin let her out to be on her own? Surely she was treated well enough, he had to hope for her demeanor did not seem to be stifled or broken in any way.

"Though I feel I haven't done anything to earn much in respect, at the very least he is returning the kindness that I have shown him. It is very appreciated since I myself am a stranger in this land." He indicated to their treacherous surroundings, "In a place like this, it seems few things are welcoming. And thank you, you have been more than accommodating and I look forward to our next meal." Eddard continued the small talk, taking the initiative in the conversation here and there, but largely allowing the aoide to guide the topics.

"So, then you have seen this Harmodius during the good times I take it? You must tell me more of him when the chance comes as I am very curious of his shifting demeanor and his control over this realm." Seeing that they were coming into the forest, Eddard instinctively lowered his voice as he spoke with her. This was a practice he had picked up in his many travels and although it could be construed as caution, Eddard actually felt more comfortable traversing the forests than the city, no matter how dark and gnarled the scenery may be.

As they continued an uneasiness grew in Eddard's stomach, one that he was all to familiar with. It was that feeling like someone or something had shifted their attention to him, like he was being watched by an unseen foe. He opened his ears as the fingers of his sword hand began to twitch w/ anxiety. Simultaneously he began to measure each breath with each step.

"I'm not sure," he mumbled. "All I have is this feeling in my.." A rustle in the bushes to the right of the two brought Eddard's sword out in a flash as the large man stepped between the Aoide and the source of the noise. Eddard did not know what could possibly be concealed within the foliage of the bushes, but he braced himself, ready for anything.

After a few moments of silence, Eddard determined that whatever it was must have fled. He was disappointed in himself a little. Whatever was out there was probably nothing more than a hungry animal likely scavenging for food in this horrible place. It would be best for himself and for his friend if he would keep his calm. Still, an uneasiness was about him that he couldn't explain. He resolved that for now it must be his being in a new realm that he didn't completely fathom just yet which triggered this hyper defensive episode. "It was nothing," he said at last, "lets continue. What were you saying?"