Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prologue

They crouched behind the grand oak log covered in moss laid by their house, the one their dad had chopped down bitterly a few years ago when the tree’s leaves kept littering their garden. It was now their favourite place to sit when they needed time to themself. Except now they were forced to be alone. Because as soon as they had gotten home from training that night they had noticed something was wrong. The house was empty, absolutely no one to be found.

It wasn’t a rare occurrence for their parents to be out when they finished their day at the academy, they just usually came back. Not to mention that their little brother wasn’t lurking in his typical hiding places either. So something was definitely wrong. When they looked around the house, the bedrooms were completely made up. Neat, but empty. So empty. Empty, except for the king’s royal symbol printed onto a square of fabric left on their brother’s bed.

So now, sitting reflecting with their back to this grand oak log with their knees up and arms crossed, they were clueless. Sure, they were never close with their parents, actually they think their parents might’ve preferred if the next time they stayed at David’s house they never came back. They think they’d prefer that too at this point. But they’re still family. And now they were alone. Why did they always end up alone? At the academy, at training, with their friends, and with their family. This must just be their fate, because of course it is. They deserved the scolding at training today. They deserve this. They dese-

“You look like you’re having a rough time.”

Chapter Text

The sound of hooves hitting the ground filled the surroundings while the two horses and their riders galloped, cutting through the air as they leaped over hurdles of different heights. The field was beautiful, right beside one of the many royal flower gardens, and always so gracefully spotlighted by the sun. Sam always marvelled at it before he got to his work. He and his horse came to a halt as he noticed it was time for their break before they switched tasks. 

“C’mon Haven, time to go back to the stables, girl.” He stroked her muzzle gently as he gave her a treat and led her back, Vincent following suit. 

After they had led their horses back to their stables, he let out a tired sigh, and went to sit at the table and bench they’d very recently put for the royal staff to sit at for their breaks. Before that, they’d just lean or sit on the fences provided.

“Hey, you remember that criminal that wore the mask? The one who carries the bow and arrow, and wears that cloak-thingy?” Vincent spoke in between bites of his sandwich, his mouth full. He did that a lot, considering he was meant to be a royal guard. But in his defense, it was only when they were alone.

“Vaguely. I’ve never run into them while on duty outside of the castle, and I’ve only ever heard rumours from you and ‘round the castle. Why?” 

Vincent shrugged in response, wiping his mouth. “Nothing in particular, I was just reminded of them in a dream. They’re nothing important anyway, we haven’t seen a single move from them in a good few months, I’m pretty sure they just got scared and gave up.” Sam gave a quiet hum, thinking about it. Everything he’d heard of this criminal made him even more interested, even more curious. He enjoyed the thrill of finding and uncovering criminals to bring to justice, and this seemed like something he would’ve liked to work on.

Just before he could answer, a messenger showed up at the fence gates outside the field. “His majesty has called for a meeting in the great hall for all of the royal guards. Be cleaned and ready in thirty minutes.” Sam and Vincent shared an intrigued glance before finishing up and getting ready to leave.

“Why are you so out of it today man?”  His friend stared down at him with one eyebrow raised, extending an arm out for him to grab and lifting his mask. David looked up and dodged the hand being offered to him, getting up and shaking the dust off of himself.

“I’m fine, Milo. Just tired, is all. Was up late training.” was mumbled in response. I mean, he wasn’t lying, he did hours of workouts last night. He was just withholding a little more of the truth . He couldn’t believe not one of his friends had mentioned that it was their birthday. People seemed to avoid everything about them now, and it wasn’t fair.

It had been just over three years since Tank left the academy, and aired them all without saying anything. He had seen them leave, and he could’ve sworn they’d locked eyes with him before they walked away. He wished they had just talked to him about whatever was going on, they were like siblings, they grew up together. But there wasn’t much he could do about it, so he forgot about it. Or pretended he did, atleast.

When they disappeared, he trained. When Asher and him fought, he trained. When his dad died, he trained. He trained and trained until he was the new captain of one of the royal guards groups. 

“You sure? Talk to me.” David’s face changed sourly at the sentence, and Milo barked a laugh at him. “Right, right. Not in a chatty mood.” He said, raising his hands in defeat. “Round 2?” They both paced backwards a few, lowered their masks, raised their swords and started swiftly. Stab, chop, block, slash. Stab, dodge your opponent, slash. He’s getting too close, feint. He’s distracted, slash, jab.. And he’s on the ground. David let out a smug chuckle as he helped his friend up.

“I’m good.”

Milo rolled his eyes at his friends stubborn deflect at confronting his emotions, and nodded, sighing,

“You’re good.”

Just as they prepared for another round, their training came to an abrupt halt by the trumpet of the Royal Instructor, earlier than usual. 

“Royal guards. His majesty has called for a meeting in the great hall. It is mandatory. You are expected to be cleaned up and ready to attend in thirty minutes.”

David gathered his equipment and headed towards the changing rooms along with the rest of the guards in his group, wondering, like most of them were, what this could be about.

When he arrived at the now full great hall, he couldn’t help but ignore the quiet whispers of the other guards contemplating the purpose of this gathering. This hall had always been beautiful to him, ever since they were kids. He knows this hall like the back of his hand, having used to roam around the hall in curiosity when he was younger. He’d hide in the crimson coloured, velvety curtains, slide around the marble tiles in his socks, and gaze at the magnificent crystal chandelier that loomed over him, and lit up the hall along with the big stained glass windows. Sometimes he’d even stand at the king’s podium, not even tall enough to look over it yet, and wonder what it felt like to be that powerful. Sometimes he wished he was that young again, filled with childlike inquisitiveness, having his dad to fall back on whenever he’d scratched his knee, or bickered with his friends. 

Just as he found his usual place next to his best friend, Asher, the crowd of guards quietened in respect as the king walked up to his podium. Asher tilted his head slightly to David’s ear, whispering in his usual vocal fry, 

“Whaddya think this is about? I heard that it might involve a promotion.”

David shrugged in response, keeping his eyes at the podium. The king had surprise gatherings at least a few times every two or three months, usually about sending some guards out to catch someone, to go and retrieve something from another place he considered too far for him to go, or just mundane tasks that needed fulfilling. They were never too serious, apart from the odd criminal on the loose, or something like that. 

A booming voice called out to them. The king’s personal bodyguard, Huxley Sinclaire.  “Silence among the hall, please. His majesty, King Damien, is ready.”

The king, in his deluxe attire, regally addresses the room with a fierce look. 

“I know some of you have heard of the unnamed masked delinquent on the loose in Braeburn Forest. They have thieved, ransacked homes, killed. Who knows what more. I need seven individuals to find them, and bring them to me, so that they can be punished accordingly. I want the best of the best. Tomorrow, you will all show me that you are royal guards, and I will be picking the best of you. Rest up. I will see you all tomorrow, you are dismissed.” 

And with that he strode away proudly, followed by his bodyguard, leaving the royal guards to process the news. David and Asher left together, speaking about the opportunity that had just been presented.

“Well that’s a strange coincidence.” Sam turned to Vincent, referencing the conversation they’d had prior to this as they navigated their way out of the hall full of guards, one eyebrow raised.

“Yeah.. You think you’re gonna go for it?” 

“Absolutely. ‘m in need of a good outlet.”

“Makes sense, you are one of the best guards here.”  Sam nodded his head in thanks, and started to make his way to the guards quarters to prepare, and get some extra sleep, as they were given the rest of the day off, only certain guards, including the king’s personal one, being made to stay on duty. He’d try his best tomorrow, almost certain that he’d get picked. The situation intrigued him, and he wanted to be the one to bring this filthy criminal to the king.

Chapter Text

The night fell silent as the glow of the moon covered the kingdom, the stillness almost unsettling. They were always used to the constant movement of the people that worked all around, but there was something about the cold breeze and the soft gleam of the moon and stars that left a peaceful feeling within them. A feeling that is much appreciated before they’d carry out a task like this. They stared up at the castle and its exterior decor, scoffing at the banners presenting the king’s symbol. What a self obsessed prick. 

Getting into a place like this was uncomplicated for a person like them. They had people on the inside wherever they went and it wasn’t hard. They could be a charmer if needed, of course never revealing their identity. Here they had to bribe the guard in a disguise of a different masked criminal, considering they had a generous bounty over their head. As they were let in the big sliding gates, the familiar screech rang in their ears, making them wince at the memories that followed. And to thank the guard, they shoved the pay into his hands, and knocked him out. No witnesses. 

They could navigate this. They pretty much knew this castle like the back of their hand, from memories and blueprints. “His majesty” couldn’t have made the path to his quarters clearer anyway, the arrogant fuck. The marble bannister ran smooth under their scarred palms covered by archery gloves, the steps felt different to the forest grounds they were used to, and the delicate flickering light of the torches mounted on the wall went easy on their damaged eyes. As they stealthily approached the door of the king’s chambers, one of their hands pushed open the door, and the other reached for the bow on their back, just to be safe. 

When they knew they were in the clear, they took a look around the room while standing behind one of the many pillars. Yeah, this man had pillars in his bedroom, it was massive. They spot various treasures and show-pieces around the room, itching to take every single one from him. But even though he deserved it, they knew better. A golden mask stood out to them, embellished with diamonds and pearls. They recognised it from balls they had attended (invited and uninvited) in the past.

Slowly, they picked it from its stand and slipped into their satchel, along with a necklace that had a wolf’s tooth attached to it, and an opal ring. Happy birthday to them.

They were surprised that no one was guarding his room, it almost seemed too easy. They turned their head to his bed, inspecting their surroundings. A few windows for a quick escape if they were closed in, makeshift weapons all over the place just in case they needed them, and two bodies still in be- 

Two bodies? Was this the wrong room?

They looked to the door and back, this was definitely his room. The second person looked big, topless, and- like.. the king’s bodyguard. Oh my god. They threw their head back, covering their mouth, and had to stop themself from laughing, this was amazing. This fucker was so done for.

Gently, they settled their bag down and reached for an arrow from their quiver, and from their pocket, retrieved a small, crumpled square of fabric with the king’s beloved symbol printed onto it. It was from a while ago. As they stared down at the fabric in their hand, they repressed feelings stemming from memories that came with it, and decided to finish what they came here to do. They stepped towards the table at the foot of his bed, placing down the fabric, and a note that gracefully reads ‘You can’t hide behind a bounty over my head for long..’ with a smiley face, for added dramatics. Feeling satisfied with themself, they gripped that arrow, and stabbed it into the note, the fabric, and the table. The two in the bed’s eyes flew open and locked with theirs behind the mask, to which they responded with a smug smile, and ran out, collecting their bag on the way. 

Sleep was a luxury Damien struggled with most nights. He had a buzz in his mind during the night that he was too busy to attend to in the day, and it meant he didn’t always get the sleep he needed. Tonight was.. Different. Tonight, he had company in his bed, and that buzz in his head did not matter to him anymore. Tonight, he fell asleep easier than usual, as he had acted on some less than pure thoughts he had been having for a while. Thoughts that, as king, he definitely wasn’t allowed to be having, for his own bodyguard no less. Forget acting on them. No one could know this. 

He was so comfortable, and felt so safe. That was until a loud hit and crack filled his room, and when he opened his eyes, he was greeted with the burnt umber, leaf shaped mask he had grown to hate, smiling smugly right at him. Oh, at them both. He sat up as the criminal turned and ran out, taking some of his belongings with them. 

Anger filled him from top to bottom, and he scrambled out of bed, putting on his embroidered dressing gown. He ran out his room, and realised they were gone. 

“For fucks sake.” He pushed his hair back and walked back into his room, slamming his door, and startling his bodyguard, who was now out of bed, alert. “Go wake up the guards and have them scout the area, and check for more missing items. Now.” He walked up to the table at the foot of his bed, just where they were, and felt the arrow piercing it.

Huxley shook his head,  “I’d rather not leave you alone, this is clearly a threat.” He cleared his throat. “Uh, your majesty. I’ll have someone come up to stand by your door.” 

The king pulled the arrow from the table, “No, I’ll be fine. And keep your voice down before someone hears you. Go and get the guards before I do.” he quickly spat.

“But your majesty-”

He took a step forward, pointing a finger at his bodyguard, and raised his voice, “Enough! I am your king and you do as I say. Got it?”

He nodded, a glint of something unrecognisable crossing his eyes before getting re-dressed and leaving. Damien’s face tensed and he sighed, sitting on his bed. This criminal was going to pay, he was going to make sure of it. And once he had them, their execution would be the first thing on his to do list.

Chapter Text

The filled gymnasium bustled with the sound of violence. Arrows hitting targets, swords clinking, people being thrown around, footsteps manoeuvring strategically. It was hot and sweaty, the royal guards all hoping to impress the king they followed so happily so they could further prove their loyalty to him. Though Damien saw through the gestures effortlessly, always knowing that they only wished to impress him through false eagerness, as they knew themselves that they were merely subjects to his majesty, and to get up to the highest they can they must be in his favour. He believed he had already found who he wished to send on this mission, but he needed some time to consider it. He found himself aimlessly navigating the rows of training guards, (not so) secretly finding it amusing the way they stopped messing around as soon as he’d walk past them.

________

Asher barked a laugh as he jumped up from the ground he had just been thrown to after being in his best friend’s headlock, “You got a strong grip there buddy, take me out to dinner first next time..” He winked and then giggled at himself.

 David scoffed and rolled his eyes, pushing Ash away. They had been doing this for just over two hours now, Asher and David trading ‘wins’ in their small fights, and the king had passed them a good few times, his attendant making notes whenever they did something good (he assumed), so he thought they had a pretty good chance. Yesterday’s forgotten event still weighed silently on his back, missing his old friend greatly. Why couldn’t he just move past this?

“I need a break.” he rolled his shoulders back and threaded his fingers through his hair before drinking from his water bottle. How much longer were they going to do this for? He was getting tired, though he couldn’t speak for Ash, who was now seeing how many one handed press ups he could do in a row. He wasn’t sure he got tired, ever. Even after hours of fighting and falling, David found it rather impressive. Be that as it may, he could still tell that like himself, Asher was growing impatient. He was pretty sure this whole hall just wanted to stop and go get washed, and get to their normal jobs. Just as he thought that, a trumpet sounded, and he and Ash exchanged an alert look.

__________

As the royal trumpet sounded, the rumbling sound of guards training came to a slow stop. The king had been striding slowly up and down the rows of people training, and consulting his personal attendant to write down his thoughts while he watched all his guards try to impress him, so they could take on the responsibility of retrieving the king’s biggest current hassle for him, and possibly receive some sort of reward, or promotion. Or even just a high regard from the king himself would suffice. 

He stood tall in front of them all, the guards awaiting the king to speak. The tension was high, for some of these people this was a really important moment, and it felt like he was elongating the silence on purpose. Damien organised his thoughts before he decided to start talking, hoping his lack of sleep from last night wasn’t too present on his face. He cleared his throat, making his bodyguard and assistant stand on either side of him, and catching the attention of the hall.

“You have all done pleasantly today. Now, I would like this pursuit to begin as soon as possible, so I have chosen the six best guards to do this. I have high hopes that you will not disappoint me, and bring this criminal ,” he spat, “to justice.”  

The hall fell silent, the guards all antsy with impatience. He eyed individuals in the crowd of them, eyes flicking quickly before taking a breath..

________

“Guards David Shaw,” He inhaled, feeling a hand on his shoulder, and some hushed praises in his ear, “Samuel Collins, and Vincent Solaire” David knew who they were, Sam was one of the best here, there wasn’t much to dislike about him, but he knew better than to not have his doubts, and Vincent was his best friend. “Milo Greer,” The hand on his shoulder squeezing tighter, a faint smile now on his face, feeling proud of his childhood friend, “Asher Talbot,” He reached over to Ash, pulling him in closer as he heard his friend exhale in relief. As if he wouldn’t get this? The king spoke again, “And Christian Miller. I want you seven ready tomorrow at 5.30AM in the courtyard and we will have you geared up and ready to go. Do not be late.” 

As they were dismissed, they headed to their quarters together, Asher blowing up with excitement and pride as soon as they stepped out of the sight of anyone important’s vision. 

“I knew we’d get it! Fuck yeah!”  

A victory dance and a few press ups showed his energetic excitement dramatically as Milo and David laughed at him, muttering unserious scoldings and slowly walking so Ash could catch up. 

“Come on, idiot. We gotta get back to our quarters and rest up. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

______________

That night, the threat of failure loomed over them all, pressure making it too difficult to get the sleep they needed when what awaited them tomorrow was so big, so important. This was what they had worked for their whole lives, everything they had done, prep school, training for everything, learning to ride a horse, to fight, everything, it all meant nothing if this didn’t go well. It was considered one of the highest honours to be selected for one of his majesty’s personal missions, other missions usually just being recruited by head guards. Failing a mission like this would be career suicide.

They all knew that they were deserving, that they had worked so hard to get recognised, yet the awaiting day still had them tossing and turning. Would they finally be the ones to bring this wretched criminal to justice?

Chapter Text

The morning brought respect upon those guards. As they walked down the quarter’s halls at 5AM, the other guards nodded at them in jealous admiration. It already felt gratifying, but they knew not to get ahead of themselves, not until they came back to the castle with that godforsaken criminal in handcuffs. Not until that criminal was in a cell and then hung for their crimes, that was the only way the King would feel the situation was rectified. 

As David reached the end of the hall, he pushed the large arched doors open, immediately feeling the breeze on his face and slightly damp hair. Waiting for him outside were Asher and Milo, Asher looking too energetic to have just woken up, and Milo looking like he was about to tear his ears off to avoid Asher’s ramblings this early. David approached them, a small held back smile already starting to form on his face at his two friends, “You both ready?” They both nodded at him, Asher pretty much beaming, “Let’s do this, then.”

______________

Sam stood next to Vincent, watching the empty spot where the King would stand in a few minutes. This wasn’t his first assignment from the King, he had done two others, both successful, and he knew the King respected him as one of his guards. He prided himself on that. When he looked up from the spot, he instantly caught the eyes of David Shaw. He was a great guard, he’d seen him in action and from the looks of what he could do, Sam believed he deserved this opportunity. He remembered a friend he used to have another friend in the academy with him that left midway through a training year about three years ago. He’d always been curious about the person, but they seemed to keep to themself and their friends. He’d been even more curious when they had disappeared and didn’t come back, but if he knew anything, it was that he knew to mind his own business. 

He gave David a nod before turning to Vincent, who had been talking about the trip they were about to go on in his ear, snapping out of his trance, “Oh, sorry, Vince. What were you sayin’?” He watched as his best friend rolled his eyes, huffing and muttering something dramatic about “You never listen!” Sam chuckled a little at him and once all seven guards were there, at 5.30AM sharp, the King walked out, stopping at the very spot Sam was staring at previously.

It was like the air had moved all guards into place magically, all of them assuming neat spots in a line, chin up with respect and hands behind their backs, 

“You have all been chosen today for my most important assignment yet.” He spoke sharply, as if he spoke with a razor for a tongue, cutting people with only simplistic words, “This criminal, civilians call them a masked vigilante, but I personally don’t believe they deserve such a title. They should be called as what they are, a filthy, common thief, and a murderer.” He walked from his spot, and slowly up the line of guards, inspecting their stoic expressions, “They were recently spotted in this castle. Helped inside by an employee I trusted enough to personally hire,” He lifted up a poster he had been holding with said employee’s face drawn on, captioned, ‘ WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE. ’ with some kind of bounty below it. “This man? I found him, and executed him. I will not deal with these sympathizers, these rebels. Do you all understand?”

The guards all at once nodded, saying “Yes, your majesty.” like they were programmed to do so - because they were. The king nods once, “Good. Because this could be any of you. I expect you to find this criminal and bring them here, to be punished accordingly,” David could see his fists clenching by his sides, the paper crumpling slightly in his tight-fisted grip. 

Just then, as if a switch had been flipped, The King’s demeanor relaxed, and he swiftly moved back to his spot from before, speaking again. “The masked criminal was seen heading towards the town of Axelham. You will go there together on your respective horses today, and investigate the town, talk to the civilians; look around. They are known to have affiliations in this town as it is usually unsupervised by the kingdom, I don't have time to deal with far away towns that only cause trouble,” He brushes off with the excuse quickly, knowing that it’s not likely anyone will speak up. “Gather intel, and most importantly, find them. You don’t currently have a time limit, but be reasonable. If I believe you’re taking too long, I will simply replace you.” He takes a small breath, finally smiling for the first time this morning, though it was small, and shoving the poster he was holding into his bodyguard’s chest to then clasp his hands.. “Go and get geared up, get on your horses, and get going. We’re already off schedule,” 

With that, he retreats back to his castle, his bodyguard following him. The guards are ushered to gear up.

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The ride to Axelham was peaceful, the scenery was breathtaking. It made David jealous of the civilians who got to see this regularly. He imagined waking up in a country house with his Mother and Father just to step outside to breathe in the fresh air, he imagined going to a regular academy and seeing all of his friends, no pressure of serving the country, the monarchy. But, that’s not his life. Maybe in another universe it was, where he lived pressure-free, his parents were still alive, Tank was still there. 

“-Uhhh, earth to David? David Shaw?”

David blinked, turning his head from the path in front of him to see Asher and Milo striding on their horses beside him, bobbing up and down with confused looks on their faces,

“What? Sorry, did you say something?”

“I said, Isn’t this place nice? It’s a shame guards aren’t posted out here, I certainly wouldn’t mind the job.” David looked forward again, seeing the tall, run down wooden sign that read, ‘Welcome to Axelham’, and realised they were already there. He nodded at Asher, mumbling something affirmative as they all dismounted their horses and led them to a stable for visitors. 

David led his horse, Gabriella, into her space, gently stroking her mane and whispering up at her softly, “You’re my good luck charm.” Before turning back and going out, seeing Sam and his friend, who he’s pretty sure is called Vincent, stood waiting for the others, “I wonder why the king has no guards out here.” He hears the latter say, earning a grumble from the former, arms crossed in a closed off stance, but stood tall confidently, “I’m sure he has a good reason, I can’t imagine a place like this would want royal guards around.”

David stood by them, not too close but not too far, and interjected, “A couple of the locals have spotted us already. I can imagine the whole town already knows, and I'm not confident we’ll get the answers we need.” The two turn to look at him, 

“We can try. And if they don’t cooperate, we’ll find our own way.” 

The walk through the town was.. Concerning, to say the least. As they walked, two pairs and one group of three spread out so as to not intimidate too much, they noticed residents of the town close up shops, shut their curtains, and basically do anything to avoid the guards. They had to resort to knocking on their doors to try to get answers out of people. David, Milo, and Asher stood at their first door, knocking harshly and announcing his presence as a royal guard. 

The door creaked open slightly, a woman’s face appearing, “Hello?” David immediately lifted his wanted poster of the criminal, a drawing of their hooded top half, face covered by that well-known leaf mask. He inspects her face, trying to find some sort of recognition in her expression,

“We’re looking for this individual, an order from the king himself. If you know anything-”

“-You royals have no business here.” The woman spat, interrupting him just before slamming the door in his face.

David’s stoic expression broke, eyebrows raising as he turned to look at his two friends, opening his mouth to say something and closing it again, “What just happened?” Asher shrugged and Milo shook his head slowly in disbelief,

“I don’t know, but maybe we should just move on. Something’s tellin’ me this won’t be easy.” Milo mutters, all of them agreeing and then moving onto the next house.

Milo was right. The next house wasn’t much easier, and the ones after that one too. Doors were slammed or not answered, and when they were answered it was mostly unkind words being spouted, or their feet being spat at. This town appeared to really dislike anything to do with royalty, like the emblems on their uniforms immediately meant bad news. This led to the guards regathering and sitting for a little, talking about strategy, as they were under strict order to get information from this town. When David looks around, he realises that the town is nice, but it has the bare necessities. Houses were cozy and comfortable, but also small and barely decorated. Not something he was used to at all, where he was from most houses were spacious and anyone’s personal luxury. He wondered if the king's neglect of this town was the reason they hated royals so much. Why would they want to give to the people who never gave them anything in the first place?

The sun was setting, and hope for that day was lost as the seven strolled into the inn they had been assigned to stay at. Apparently the king had someone he knew working here, so the check-in wouldn’t be too brutal. Though, they did get a few looks of disdain as they walked in and sat by the bar, Sam checking them in while the rest sat at the bar and got a beer each. David was skeptical his drink was spat in, judging by the eyes on him as his hand gripped the glass, lifting it up to take a sip. 

“Excuse me, good sir?” A voice rang from behind him, “I don’t suppose you’re one of those royal guards?” David hummed affirmatively as he spun around to meet the stranger’s eyes, subtly surprised at the friendly and almost knowing look they were giving him.

“What can I do for you?” David said, expecting a hateful comment about him being a royal guard, or a rude quip of the same sort, while simultaneously wondering why this man had such an amused tone towards someone he’s never spoken to before.

“Well, word around the town is that you’re looking for a certain masked criminal, and as I personally do hate injustice and crime,” He says in a teasingly whiney voice, “I’d like to share with you what I know.” David raises an eyebrow, scanning the man before him's face, and watching his mouth curl into a smirk. A couple of the other guards around them both turn to listen, hoping for a real lead.

“Oh? Well, that would be very appreciated. May I ask your name?” David offered his hand out to shake the stranger’s, finding his grip to be firm, reflecting his confident demeanor accurately.

“Quinn, sir. Quinn Fox.”