Riordan takes a deep breath and allows a small smile to warm his features, relaxing significantly now that he no longer felt directly threatened by a haunting figure lurking in the shadows. "Indeed I shall, Master Jedi. It is a tale you may find most interesting."
The noble, however, becomes solemn once more when George and Leina discuss the loss of the two bodyguards. "I apologize for not being able to protect your escort, my Lady," he interrupts as gracefully as possible. "I did not anticipate encountering such a creature as a Vashan Abyssian within these ruins. It was most unexpected." He bows respectfully, lowering his gaze from her in a submissive manner as if accepting some form of punishment.
"No matter... I should have better adapted to the situation and reacted more efficiently. My short comings cost us the lives of two valued soldiers. I shall not make excuses for my inadequacies," he continues to apologize.
Leina cannot help but stare at the noble. It was no secret that the Malinov family did not tolerate failures. Even soldiers of high ranking -such as Riordan- were often known to bear the physical and mental berates for "inadequacies". What she found curious is why a man like Riordan had ties to such a brutal family and why he remained with them. The man before her was calm and serene; sophisticated and graceful emanating from his very essence. A true noble though he had not been born with the blood.
He was nothing at all like the violent and brutish guards and mercenaries she'd come to associate with the Malinov name and it was... unsettling to put a name to it. How had such a man earned the right of personal guard to the Lord Malinov himself? Riordan would have had to do something very drastic indeed. The Malinovs raised and sold soldiers for a living; they were not impressed easily. But that was a matter for another time...
When Leina refuses George's offer of comfort, the noble regains his erect posture, feeling as though his apology was sufficient for such a cold woman. "Let's go," George said suddenly. "Riordan would you take point? It looks like you know something about this place?"
Riordan nods simply. "You could say that, Master Jedi."
Before George can question that statement, however, the noble brushes past him and into the room beyond, using Shouten Yaiba once more as a lantern, the blade humming through the Force as if content for the moment. The room they enter is rather insignificant seeing as there is nothing within it and the group quickly proceeds. The room after seems to function as a crossroad of sorts, splitting off into two massive stairways: one to the left and one to the right.
The stairway on the left is completely blocked by the caved in roof of the Temple above it and while the others subconsciously move towards the path which lies open Riordan pauses and finds himself starring at the pile of rubble and stone blocking the left passageway. A faint blue light seems to shimmer between the cracks of the rocks but before the noble can wonder what it is a hand on his shoulder abruptly brings him back to the present.
"What is it, Riordan?" George asks, concerned for the noble.
Riordan shakes his head in reply. "Nothing." He turns back towards the open stairwell and begins to lead the group up. As they reach the top of the stairwell light fills the air around them, sun shining through the scare windows and cracks of the wall, completely illuminating most of the upper level. They come to a somewhat short, slender hallway.
"Ignorance if I remember correctly," the noble states easily. "Beyond this lies Bliss and it... holds the answers you seek, Master Jedi..." he adds, glancing back at George.
Riordan continues and the others follow, making it through Ignorance swiftly and without further incident. With a quick wave of his hand Riordan pushes open the small metallic gates which lead to Bliss, holding his hand out for George to enter first.
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This is your final room Georgy boy. Your time to shine dear! ^_^
That's a bummer. I'll try and find a different one.
Classy.