Just to pass the time away [Open]

Berwald was standing outside of the Palace, watching. It was his job. And he'd been doing it today for a while. He hadn't moved in a while and was starting to feel stiff. Well, that wouldn't do. Berwald supposed he could pace back and forth in front of the entrance, that would keep his joints loose. So that's what he did, walking back and forth slowly. He almost wished somebody would try to sneak in, so that Berwald would be able to stop them and it'd be exciting and Berwald wouldn't be bored any more! On the other hand, Berwald supposed he shouldn't really be wishing for bad things to happen to the palace.

If only some one would appear. Not even somebody attacking the palace, just somebody passing through. Then Berwald could break his routine for a few minutes. Or better yet, what if royalty ordered him to guard them when they went somewhere exciting! Berwald could only hope. For now though, perhaps he'll polish his axe.

(( Not much, but it's just a scene starter. Feel free to jump in! ))

Aija had to hurry. She had to hurry oh so fast. This could possibly be one of the biggest screw ups she'd had all year...she'd never really been late to have the mail delivered to the post man. Never! She always got that job, too. She was one of the few the Baron trusted out of the house frequently, she knew her place, she'd never run away or do something to incriminate him. She was raised well!

...But she'd gotten distracted today, talking with a rather interesting man on the side of the road earlier on her way into town. She'd meant to give a letter to the man who always delivered the special letters the Baron wrote. Obviously, he was a busy man and couldn't usually see to having them delivered himself...so she always gave them to the postman. But she'd missed him today...this letter had to get to the palace today, too. If it didn't...she didn't like thinking of the consequences. Running as quick as she could, Aija saw a tall man up ahead. He didn't look friendly...he had an ax. Stopping a good few feet away from the palace, she stared at him and tried to decide if he looked violent.

Berwald, with his ever sharp eyes, saw the little lady coming down the pathway a little way off, and turned his head sharply to look at her when she came close enough. She seemed innocent enough, and Berwald liked to think he had a knack for judging people correctly based on their opinions- but he didn't like to react based on those opinions in case he was horribly wrong and ran someone through with his dagger for no reason. He also liked to get the names of everybody who went through. He had a good memory; being someone who didn't speak much, he spent a lot of time thinking about things which would strengthen the mental pathways in his mind of events and all sorts.

Berwald offered a small nod to the girl, hoping that she would take that to mean it was okay to walk past him and that he wouldn't hurt her. If she instead started to pass through the gates, he would have to stop and question her, but otherwise, she would have no reason to worry. She seemed to be safe enough, but Berwald knew that he shouldn't be fooled by appearances. He knew the deadliest people were always the ones you least expected, and that's one reason they were so deadly.