Family Business (GM/Evelyn)

[Mathew Amtrum]

He nodded toward M once she was introduced.

"One that recruited a man that was built to kill me. Who murdered my family to draw me out of retirement to get a proper challenge from me. A man who has minions that can summon beings not from this world, and who would destroy peace that I painstakingly built so that he can capitulate on the chaos and take over for his own vanity."

[Evelyn Amtrum]

Eve decided to play it safe, echoing Mathew’s nod with one of her own. Liam’s words were enough for the moment. Her jaw tightened at the mention of their family slaughtered for no reason other than to be a tactic, means to an end.

There would be time to take care of that later.

[Sir Galahad]

M would nod back to the two in greeting. Liam would look at Mathew and Evelyn.

"Hmmm, so it sounds to me that this enemy of yours is a brilliant strategist. It sounds to me that this man knows what he wants and knows what he's willing to do to achieve it. I can respect that. I've committed many atrocities myself for the sake of ending this war. But with, as you can see, little success."

Liam would shake his head.

"Ah, but enough about that. Lets return to my office so we can talk more comfortably."

He would say as he turned and proceeded to walk back towards the settlement. M would tarry just long enough to look from Mathew to Evelyn, still smiling, before turning to follow Liam. The guards would wait to follow after Mathew and Evelyn.

[Mathew Amtrum]

"Actually. I still have not decided if you and your people are who I wish to begin with. I would judge your character."

He would draw the sword on his back, leaving the mace on his hip. The sound of steel on steel announcing his action even with the man's back turned before he would hold out the blade for the man to take.

[Evelyn Amtrum]

It galled her to hear the description of the conqueror. It was true, things she would even need to know going forward, but it still left Wvelyn with a nettled feeling inside. Add the constant stAring and smiling and it was all she could do not to tell M to take a picture. It would last longer.

Instead, the sound of steel scraping echoed in the air as her father remained still, and Eve with him. She half expected the guards to jump them before their chief took another breath, let alone reacted.

The day had a strong chance of getting interesting.

[Sir Galahad]

The guards would all take a step back, however it wasn't Mathew and Evelyn they were staring at, but rather Liam and M. The two would both stop, M would be the only one to turn and face them. Liam however would speak with his back to Mathew.

"You misunderstand. I'm still debating if you're worth my time. I'm not doubting your strength, but before I waste my time and effort with the likes of you, I'd rather make sure you are worth it."

He would then continue to walk towards the settlement.

[Mathew Amtrum]

"Then we are both left in doubt of the other's worth. But agression trumps passivity."

"Am I to believe M is your champion then?"

[Sir Galahad]

Liam would sigh.

"M will fight your progeny, and if she says that it was a worthwhile fight, then I will fight you myself."

[Mathew Amtrum]

"A fair compromise."

He sheathed the blade.

"All yours."

[Evelyn Amtrum]

It was a curious suggestion, but fair, and Evelyn saw no reason to turn it down.

"Alright." She stepped forward with a nod. If it was a worthwhile fight M wanted, then that's what Eve would give her. She could feel a tingle running along her skin. This was more than just a friendly sparring match or training. She didn't know what would qualify for her to pass, only that she needed to for things to continue down the road they were on.

There was a brief moment as she stepped forward where she thought about seeing if there was somewhere they wanted the fight rather than in the middle of the village: qi could get messy. But if they were in charge of protecting these people, and her father anted recruits, then it made sense that neither side would be so reckless about it.

"Any rules to this fight?" She looked at M as she spoke.

[Sir Galahad]

Liam would sigh in disappointment at Mathew's agreement to his terms. Turning around he would look at Evelyn.

"No rules. M will let me know if she approves of you, or you will die. The only thing I ask is that you let my guards return to the settlement before you start so that they can raise a barrier before the fighting starts."

The guards would already be heading back to the settlement as he spoke.

[Mathew Amtrum]

"And if M dies?"

[Evelyn Amtrum]

A hard pass-fail.

"Fair enough." Evelyn nodded at the mention of the guards raising the barrier to protect the village. They'd already started on it anyway. She had no intention of dying again anytime soon.

At the question of M dying, she raised a brow, silently echoing the question.

[Sir Galahad]

M would smile wildly.

"Then my greatest wish will come to pass!"

She would say with a cackle. Even Liam would look at her with a look on his face that could only mean he was concerned about her mental health.

"If... she dies, then that too will be considered a pass. However, death is not the objective of either party, I was merely stating my concern that... M doesn't know when she should hold back so accidentally killing her opponents is a common theme."

Liam smiled.

"Though, if you do survive, I'll be impressed even if she doesn't approve you."

[Mathew Amtrum]

"So to be clear. Your idea to see if I am worth fighting and dealing with, is to have my daughter fight someone who you do not trust to have the restraint to not kill someone in a test? I am curious at what you expect to happen if she did manage to kill my last remaining kin."