Assessment 2: Viking and Princess (Arkin/Hime)

"My aims are simply, pretty lady, and that is to make sure my shield-brothers and sisters are taken care of. To ensure that I do what is asked of me, and enjoy the pleasures of life." The man would reply without skipping a beat, resting an elbow on his knee. His hand would come to rest on his chin, blue irises gazing at her thoughtfully. This was so interesting, but amusing none the less. A former enemy turned ally, it was something straight out of the old tales.

"I wish to stay where I am, serving my captain faithfully." The man expressed no interest in moving upwards, seemingly happy with being a second in command. No ambition to rise higher, or change the world. Only to serve the role he has taken upon him, and ensure that none of his family fell wayward. But with that it was time to turn the tables, to offer something in return with her questions.

"However, you ask me questions- I shall ask you some, yes? It is fine, pretty lady, I do not believe you will betray us. The eyes of an atoner are heavy things. I know them well. Fear not, should you fail in such an endeavor Jorgmunader will find you head." The man spoke with a smile the whole time, his foot tapping the axe/hammer which was resting against his bed. It seemed to pulse as he touched it, the runes on the weapon flairing to life with ice and small crackles of energy.

Strange enough, if she had bothered to look that way she'd see a table filled with stacked books. A surprising amount, old tomes which seemed of varying decades. One book seemed open'd, turned onto a poem titled 'O Captain'. He'd remove his hand from his chin, clasping his hands together.

"Tell me, why have you come to my family? What drives you? Your shoulders look heavy, ease that burden. Mine are broad enough to bare some of it." The man would offer a wide smile, displaying a warmth to it. Naturally, with his arms together it seemed his masculine features seemed to pop all that more.

Arkin had answered her question with an expression of amusement in his face. There no was no hesitation or thought process required. He had answered her questions without missing a beat.

Hime would have easily said that this concluded their meeting and let the man be on with his day but her expectations were struck with an unexpected turn. In no uncertain terms, he indicated that since he had answered questions of her own, then it was only necessary that he return the favor.

In short, he had turned the tables and Hime - even if part of her felt this was unknown territory - would not let her honor be questioned and so she decided to stay, remaining in her seat as he continued to speak. He was not wrong in his observation of her. She didn't know it was so palpable. To know that her loyalty was unquestioned is no doubt reassuring.

She looked at what she presumed was his Zanpakuto. It pulsed and crackled with energy. It was a reminder that if she did house thoughts of betrayal, he wouldn't hesitate to strike her down. Hime's gaze wandered off slightly, as she observed his room, noticing a table stacked with books. There was one that seemed to be open but she didn't bother to look into what he was reading, as she turned to Arkin and answered his heartfelt question.


"Vice-Capt- I mean... Arkin. You say that you know the eyes of an atoner well? I originally came here to assess you as a person but your words... they speak to me. I ask myself that same question... what drives me? What defines who I am as a person? As you well know, I have done so much wrong... that it feels wrong to do right, as if I am undeserving of this fate I've been given. This guilt... it eats at me. I am surrounded by such valiant people such as you and the others... and yet I still feel as if I deserve to pay..."

To hear that she could ease her burden and express her emotions was new to her. It had been such a long time to hear heartfelt words, to hear that a stranger was willing to listen to your troubled thoughts. In her eyes, his personality and his body matched him well.

His masculine features and firm tone made it difficult not to feel relaxed. Even though Hime had considered much of her emotions to be listless, she could not help but feel safe in his presence.