Moonlight Shadow

[Jairdain]

The week passed with Jairdain returning to Commenor and then planning on her return to Pzob. She took care of the small duties she had when she wasn't busy with the prince. When the day arrived for the planned dinner, Jairdain was really excited about it. She felt this was going to be something far more personal than the initial meeting had been.

Keeping this mind, on the way back to Pzob, Jairdain sat in thought. The political mind she had developed over time was speaking to her and it wondered why Eddak had invited her back. He had asked her to return without the prince. Was he going to pursue her? Did he want to know more about Bradshaw? She knew there was a long history between him and the royal family. Was he wanting to secure a stronger bond?

These questions​ filled her mind along with a few other matters on her return journey. Only the notification of her arrival brought her out of her musings.

Grabbing her cloak this time, she descended in the shuttle once again and was greeted by probably the same escort that had met her before. Helping her into the carriage, she knew the trip wouldn't take long.

@Eddak Manod

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Jairdain"]


It seemed to be spring time on Pzob, just beginning to be summer. The cooler air was being pushed along the ocean which carried the scent of the sea. As Jairdain exited the carriage, the Keep could not stop the breathe nor the scent of the ocean as it washed over her. The trees had all been cut down around the keep, all the way to the ocean, so that the defending soldiers could see invaders, and also for the resources they had provided in the initial construction of the keep. The guards were notified of Jairdain and were starting to being accustomed to her visits, or told to become accustomed. They would no longer bother searching her, since she was trusted to be by the princes side of the royal family of Commenor, and because Eddak made her a welcomed guest on Pzob. It would also appear that Jairdain would realize she was no longer taxed for having her ship docked, nor would she have to pay for shuttle transport to the planet with pilots who shuttled to Pzob often.

As Jairdain approached the gatehouse, the guards recognized her and came to attention. "Greetings, miss Jairdain," one of the troopers spoke up, "Eddak is finishing up a few tasks, he requests you wait in the keeps courtyard or in the welcoming hall." The welcoming hall was the very bottom floor of the kings keep. It was almost similar to the luxury room Jairdain experienced last week when she first met Eddak, however the welcoming hall was not private. It had very few, small tables and chairs, and bench versions of the sofa she had sat on before. At all times beverage was easily accessible within the waiting hall. The courtyard offered the environment of Pzob and the soldiers training at their posts. If she had any questions, the trooper was willing to answer them.

 

[Jairdain]

The carriage door opened and Jairdain climbed out. If she could have seen, she would have admired the rustic quality and beauty of the settlement and keep. What she could observe were the emotions of everything. Being empathic and blind, this is how she saw through the Force. There wasn't something a person could hide from her easily and she saw people with more clarity than somebody with sight.

Being informed Eddak was finishing up some duties, she nodded. She was told to wait in either the courtyard or in the hall, Jairdain decided to stroll around outside until he was done. The weather was nice enough for it. Not too hot or too cold and no rain. Not that the rain would have bothered her, but it was nice to get the fresh air for a change.

The smell of the sea was new to her and the sight of it through the Force was a spectacle to see.

Unaware of the passing time, she stayed out until Eddak was ready to meet with her.

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Jairdain"]


Only minutes had passed, although it was enough for Jairdain to get a feel for the courtyard. The soldiers and militia outside training seemed to be having fun, using whatever weapons to train, or hanging out in small groups. Truly, the courtyard didn't have any beauty or solace to it. There was little grass, mainly dirt and sand available for the training area. Eddak came through the front doors of the Keep, dressed in something quite different from his usual attire. This didn't seem extremely fancy, however the outfit was more than just fabric. If Jairdain had any sense of the Force within all things, she could tell Eddak was wearing... metal. Gold or Silver looking parts... were literally, gold or silver, not fancy fabric. While not an overly fancy attire, it was definitely more expensive than any formal attire any of the Advisors may wear. It wasn't unheard of for Eddak to dress for dinner when he had quests, but this was... different. He wanted to impress, without overdoing it - this is what he thought to do. "Miss Jairdain!" He called out, pushing the double doors open with his arms wide spread - the sand never bothered him anyway, even in his dress clothing. Though, truth be told, he felt... awkward, dress clothing felt like a robe, or too loose. He'd rather wear heavy clothing - it was just the way he was. "Jairdain, how are you? I hope the trip was okay." After he approached her, he gave the smallest bow and then smiled at her.

 

[Jairdain]

It wasn't long before Eddak finished his duties and came out to greet her. In those minutes, Jairdain could tell this place was much like her home had been before it was destroyed. Rustic and developing, but aware there was more out there than just their world.

As he approached, she sensed this meeting was different than the last one. He felt different, but she wasn't sure in what aspect it was. Turning in his direction as he approached, she returned his unseen smile with one of her own and put those personal thoughts she had in the back of her mind. Deciding to focus on the now, she didn't dwell too much on those questions she had on the way.

Eddak asked how she was doing and hoped the trip was fine.

"I am well. Didn't get captured or shot at on the way, so the trip was just fine. Thank you for asking."

He knew almost nothing of her past, but threw in a small clue in her answer.

"I hope your week has gone well."

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Jairdain"]


Unfortunately, Eddak didn't catch on to her hints or clues. Eddak was too blindfolded by happiness to see the woman took him up on his offer. Besides, it was a common phrase to say on Pzob. Since it was so medieval, they didn't have the perfect security system. They had troopers, but they didn't have cameras, recorders, automated systems or anything of the like. However, while it may be less hard to commit a crime on Galderra, it isn't often done. Or at least, murder and theft aren't. Eddak gently reached out with both of his hands to grasp one of hers, bending down to bless her hand with a kiss. "Ah, I see you are getting used to the old world culture of Pzob. Now, if anyone does have a threatening go at you, miss, be sure to inform me. I'll make them beg to apologize to ya." With that, Eddak exploded into a great laugh. "The food is just being set onto the table, I had to make sure they started it earlier because its a large palate of food, and its made in old furnace ovens. Have to make sure it cooks all the way through, right?" Eddak absent-mindedly kept Jairdains hand held with his own, but it held the top of her hand, meaning the palms were not touching. He attempted to lead her towards the keep, but once he realized what he was doing, he pulled his hand away, "Oh, I'm terribly sorry miss," he cleared his throat, "Shall we take a seat?"

 

[Jairdain]

"This is similar to what I grew up in. We were militaristic so much. Rather more farming and merchants. That's what my parents were, merchants."

He kissed the back of her hand like he had before and mentioned that if anybody threatened her to let him know. That he would make them apologize with a laugh and humor in his voice. She shook her head at that and listened to what he had to say about the food.

"I think I could take care of myself in regards to somebody threatening me. As long as I have the Force at least. With that, then I'm pretty helpless."

Keeping a polite hold of her hand, Eddak started to guide her to the keep. The fact he maintained his hold was for the most part lost on Jairdain. Being blind, it was something she was used to, at least to a degree. When he pulled his hand away and said he was sorry, she gave him a slightly quizzical look.

"What ever you think you did wrong, it's fine. You see, I do not. At least not like you do, so being led somewhere is normal. Sometimes it's just easier to a keep a hold of my hand."

He mentioned taking a seat and she nodded.
​
[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Jairdain"]


Eddak paused his thoughts for a moment, before continuing his walk back to the doors he came out of. He was thinking... 'I see, what? Not like you... like...' and then he remembered what she said the first time she spoke, and it hit him. He stopped walking and an eyebrow raised quickly before falling as he stared at her, "Jairdain..." he whispered. "Are you.... are you saying you're.... physically blind?" Eddak felt so ignorant that he didn't realize it, through words no through seeing her. Of course, she didn't seem to have the eyes of a blind woman, and they were something he stared at, quite often. Eddaks hand twitched, but not erratically. He had an emotion actually to hold that hand. Physical disabilities he never really had been exposed to, too few for him to be able to ever recognize. But it made him think of where he was, what he was doing. To him, it seemed like a tragedy that she had no sight, no ability.... to see the very beauty that she was, and it hit him a little hard. "Oh, my god... Jairdain... I never... I...." Eddak felt like the knowledge he had accumulated over the years didn't mean anything as he found himself completely ignorant of the real world. "I am so sorry.... there's no way I can imagine what kind of life you've had to live. I mean, I understand being of the Force, it must aid you somehow.... but I also understand there was a time when the force wasn't with you as it was now." Eddak reached his hand up to cover his mouth as he felt so horrible. He had ignored the womans debilitations as he looked at her like any man would see a random woman. "Jairdain, I want you to know, complete honesty, I am quite sure of your individual ability to defend yourself... what I said about others threatening you was... it was a joke. Galderrans are quite civilized. I am ... so sorry." Eddak looked mortified, and truly felt horrible for ignoring who Jairdain was, and only focusing on the what. "Please, forgive me."

 

[Jairdain]

Based off what she saw through the Force, Eddak had no previously noticed she was blind. When the realization hit him, he started stumbling over his words and appologizing profusely.

She felt no anger or irritation with how he reacted. It proved to her just how human he was and Jairdain felt this was a good thing. Allowing him to finish was he was saying before speaking and addressing his actual question, she was clearly paying attention to him.

"Yes, I am physically blind. However, I do use the Force to see. Now I don't see like you do, I can't read or even see what your home looks like. What I do see is through the emotions of others. If a person is good or bad normally. It is also very difficult to lie to me.
"As for how I grew up...My mind learned how to defend itself from mental attacks."

He said that he was joking around when he mentioned somebody threatening her and she smiled. When he asked again for her to forgive him, she held her hand out once again for him to take if he wanted to.
​
"There is nothing to forgive, Eddak. If you must have it though, then I do."

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Jairdain"]


Eddak nodded, but he thought for a moment. WHile he was never face to face with such a disability from someone, he always heard the rumors and the stereotypes. The blind see with their hands. To Jairdain, Eddak must be just a blob of light, she just... talks to the force light of people.... she's never seen anyone, she's only seen darkness. Eddak reached out, silently, slowly taking her hand and holding it with both of his, as if it was some fragile object. "I've heard.... you can see.... in other ways." There, in the middle of the courtyard, Eddak took Jairdains hand and slowly pulled it to his chest. She could feel his formal outfit. It was light and loose, and she could also feel the metal parts, "I had this outfit made, just for this occasion, Alfred stitched it together. Thinnest pieces of gold and silver. I... did not want to be overly formal but I, I wanted to look good in front of you." The courtyard started to slowly go silent as a large breeze from the ocean pulled up. It blew through Jairdains hair and caught Eddaks outfit. As Eddak slowly guided her hand, not forcing it, he moved it to his neck. They hadn't quite reached the doors of the keep, and the advisors were all waiting for Eddak. One of them, Jeremiah, opened the door too look for Eddak, but kept quiet as he witnessed what was going on. Once the tips of Jairdains fingers reached just under his chin, where his beard was, Eddak let go of her hand. "I heard once that.... the blind can.... see a face, but feeling it. I assure you.... I'm clean, I don't, heh, bathe this much normally." Eddak didn't mean he bathed infrequently, but he was always in the rough in Galderra, he didn't scrub down as thoroughly as he did today. He closed his eyes, taking a breath should she want to feel his face. "Miss Jairdain, I only wish you could know the kind of beauty I see, standing here in front of me. For you I must be some form of life force, just a light in the darkness. But for me, you are detailed, dressed, tall. You stand before me as a goddess; it is like you were given the most pleasant personality, and the most beautiful form, but forbidden to witness it yourself."

 

[Jairdain]

Eddak slowly appeared to put himself back together and mentioned he had heard a blind person can see in other ways. As he finished saying that, he took a hold of her hand that she had been holding out to him. With what almost seemed a touch of hesitation, he placed it on his chest so Jairdain could feel his shirt and how it was made, what it was made out of.

"I am honored you would have something made just for today."

As he continued to speak, she nodded in agreement. At the moment, Jairdain felt like it was just her and Eddak. The attention they had from others in the courtyard, she didn't actively notice.

"You are correct. Colors mean nothing to me though. This doesn't mean my vision is devoid of them. I just don't see them the same as you do. Everybody is equal in the Force to me. Only emotions display differently and those are what I see."

Considering his words, his actions and what he meant, Jairdain did not pull away from what he offered. As he finished, what he did say caused her be speechless for several moments.

"That has got to be the most romantic and touching statement I've ever heard. Thank you."

Her hand remained where he had placed it and rested there as if she had forgotten it was there.

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Jairdain"]


Eddak smiled at her, but still pondered on the thought she could not see him smile. Perhaps she could still sense he was happy, as the warmth in his chest grew. He stared into her eyes, and only wanted more from the situation. Where he had released his hands, they slowly ventured back, wanting to rest on hers where it laid. He even pushed forward slightly, but then a voice called out from the keep. "My liege..." Jeremiah spoke out, "I apologize for interrupting... but you told me the food was important, do not let it get cold." Eddaks eyes were open wide now, realizing some of the soldiers had even looked at them. He blinked a few times and looked down, grinning. If Jairdain could see his cheeks, she would see they were a little red. "Yes, thank you, Jeremiah. ...We're coming," Eddak spoke out loud. He gripped Jairdains hand and smiled deep into her eyes before releasing her and turning around. "To your business!" Eddak yelled at no one particular, the soldiers knowing they were caught and went back to training. Eddak turnedhis head back once more to Jairdain and made a hand gesture to follow as he proceeded to the keep.

Inside, they would walk past the welcoming hall, to enter a room on the far left. It felt much more cozy and warm than the welcoming hall. There was a long table where many of Eddaks Advisors, commanders, and other military and branch leaders were sitting. They all stood at attention. They were a little upset by the Kings lateness, but they understood it with the woman beside him. "Finally made it, eh, Eddak?" uttered his ground general. "Oh you know me, General, I give you too much time, had to spare some for this gorgeous lady," Eddak replied. He was just boasting with his men. The men all nodded and sat back in their seats, and Eddak urged Jairdain to follow as he approached the table, pulling out a chair. The table had been made longer, and a nearby room was dismantled to make the dining area larger. On the table was a platter of many meals and delicacies. The most prominent being a plate of Gornt being over six pounds. It was like beef, or turkey, depending on how one viewed it. After helping Jair with her seat, Eddak proceeded to cut himself a large slice of Gornt. His seat was at the very end of the table, but Jairdain was seated next to him. A nearby butler offer Jairdain to get her anything she wanted, Eddak just loved Gornt. As he sat down to eat, so did the others. There was no formal prayer or anything; if anything, the men standing in Eddaks presence was the before-meal event.

Jeremy Franquis, or called Jeremiah by Eddak sometimes, spoke up softly. "So, miss Jairdain, I hear you are advisor to the crownprince of Commenor? May I say, along with everyone else here," he looked around with his glass in the air, gesturing the others to raise theirs. "We are very thankful for all that Commenor has done to help us. We follow Eddak in his promise to support Commenor." The other men boasted a 'here, here' in unison and they all clacked their glasses to each other in a toast. A General spoke up from down the table, "Eddak you never told us of this fair lady, maybe all of us are a little too much, should we live and give you two some private time?" The general nudged those beside him and everyone gave a chuckle. Eddak put his elbow on the table to facepalm with a smile, "Goodness that be, General Marrington, please. You toast to the lady but then you roast me right in front of her. The Gornt couldn't be more cooked!"

 

[Jairdain]

Through the Force and her empathic ability, Eddak was pretty much an open book to her. He did not attempt to hide what he felt from her or bury his happiness. If she was sure it showed on his face. He had almost left Jairdain speechless and she didn't recover until one of his people spoke. Announcing dinner was done with an apology for intruding between the two of them, it was very likely her cheeks also blushed a little.

In those brief moments, he had taken a hold of her hand again and let go with a gentle squeeze to turn and head into the keep after scolding his men. It wasn't in total seriousness, but the message was clear. The finer details of body language were lost on Jairdain, but through the Force she could read the intention of what he wanted and she followed Eddak into the keep.

As he bantered gently with his men, Jairdain went quiet to observe. Unless spoken to directly, she sat and listened to what was going on around her. It had been a few years since she had been in a situation like this and this is what she did then. Back then she had wanted to be that consular. This was before she had seen battle, been kidnapped by the sith and corrupted.

Accepting the different suggested items, her plate was full quickly and she smiled at the conversation going on around her. One of the men choose to speak to her and said he had heard she was advisor to the crown prince. Nodding and listening as he continued, she tilted her head slightly when he said they would continue the support for Commenor.

The brief attention of the man passed over and the banter continued with Eddak. She could tell they really did care for one another and just enjoyed the camaraderie that was all around.

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Jairdain"]


The dinner went on like that for another hour. There wasn't a major dinner like this everyday, and usually it was held until a scheduled meeting was made, as Jairdain would soon find out. Most of the time, the advisors and commanders would speak to Eddak privately, but sometimes everyone was brought together with drink and food so things could more easily be dfiscussed. Sometimes one commander would need something, and a commander or advisor would be available to comment on it. All in all, it made it easier. And that is what they did; after awhile with the chants and toasts and gossip, the food was finally eaten up and everyone had begun talking business, professional like. That went on for awhile longer, Eddak raising his voice when necessary so to speak to the others at the other end of the table. Throughout the meal, however, Eddak would try to catch a glance of Jairdain while no one was looking as he admired her. Once all the discussions were complete, and there was some free time afterward, the remaining advisors and commanders stood, along with Eddak, making their respectful leave from the table.

Eddak looked over to Jairdain, right after wiping his mouth and cleaning his hands from the massive Gornt. "Hope the mens jokes didn't make ya feel less of me," he chuckled, tossing her a clean napkin towards her plate should she need one. "I hope our traditional Pzob dinner satisfied you. We've got remnants of the old Galactic Empire. We grew a taste for Gornt since it was in the old Galactic Empires rations. We raise them on Pzob now like Banthas and have a feast every now and then. The flavors grown with us for generations. Did you enjoy the meal?" Eddak didn't move or stand, giving Jairdain time.

 

[Jairdain]

Observing how he acted with his men, listening in when it was granted to her, Jairdain got a very good idea of the man that invited her to share dinner with him. This was not like anything Jairdain had ever been through before and she realized she really enjoyed her time here. Eventually things quieted down and his men started to leave for the night. Any time she had been spoken to or asked a question, she readily answered and remained entertained through the evening.

When they were alone, Eddak handed her a napkin to wipe her hands and mouth which she accepted. She smiled at his comment about the jokes and shook her head. She stopped when he mentioned it was a traditional dinner and smiled.

"I will have to make one something from my people some time if you would allow me to."

She had only a little knowledge of the galaxy's history and less about the time he spoke of.

"I did enjoy the meal, the conversation and company. Thank you."

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Jairdain"]


Eddak smiled as he stood up, fixing his jacket. He gave her a slight bow in appreciation, "Shall I walk you to the castle gates?" He took an unnatural step, towards the doors she knew which were the entrance, trying to make his step audible so she could figure out he was gesturing to walk with her. He made sure Jairdain was following him as he exited through the doors, holding one for her so she could exit. Outside it had become night, the courtyard darkened slightly with no more men training, pretty empty aside from the men posted on duty. There was an extra guard at the gate, which Eddak mentioned, "I have a guard at the gate waiting to escort you all the way back to your ship, with an additional driver and speeder. I do hope you've enjoyed your time as much as I have, though we didn't get all the time to chat." He walked with her as he talked about dinner, but just before they reached the gate, he stopped. "One more moment, miss Jairdain. I was hoping I could make a request of ya." He pulled his hands together and laced his own fingers, preparing himself as he took a breath, "I've become quite fond of you, miss Jairdain. I was.... hoping you would allow me to court you..."

 

[Jairdain]

Taking the hint that evening was pretty much over, Jairdain stood when he did and nodded when he offered to walk her to the castle gates. He was a few inches taller than she was and even if she couldn't see him, she still looked up in his direction.

"I would like that."

She fell into a comfortable step with him. While the dinner had entertaining, they had very little opportunity to really speak together. Such was the case at times and she understood why it happened.

The small amount of conversation between the door and gate went by quickly, but she wanted it to last longer. He stopped just before they reached the gate though and took a breath. She could tell he wanted to say something and when he did speak, what he said surprised her greatly.

If Eddak allowed her to, she would place one of her hands on his and her focus was on him totally. It didn't matter who might be looking upon them. When he had offered before for her to see him, they had been interrupted by one of his advisors. There was no advisor now to do that. Her other hand would go up to lightly trace his features if he didn't stop her.

"I am going to be going away for several months soon, Eddak. Ask me again when I return. When we would be able to meet when we wanted and not have to worry overmuch about having spend great lengths of time apart."

These future months, she would be with Bradshaw and putting him through training. Growing him up and preparing him to be the Crown Prince he is supposed to be. A man ready to assume his proper role within the Commenor government. At least that is what she hoped for. All she knew was that right now, she did not feel she could commit to being courted, not until they returned.

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Jairdain"]


Eddak smiled with her response, but as she got physical, Eddak began to stand still, allowing her to do as she wished. Eddak didn't often let his guard down, but he didn't sense any trickery or aggression whatsoever from Jairdain. Not that she was not capable of it, but Eddak was the one to offer such things. He was trying to understand what it meant to be blind, and how to overcome it. Her disability didn't effect his decision whatsoever in requesting to court her. He would do everything in his power to show her the world she was been stricken from, he wanted to pull her into his realm so she could see everything, everyone, herself; the beauty that was surrounding them. He stood still and closed his eyes, allowing her to feel.... to see his whole face. He only hoped he was as beautiful to her as she was to him. Once it seemed she felt enough, he would reach up with his free hand to grasp hers, holding both of her hands, with both of his, and bringing the holding to their chests.

"I understand. I apologize for not making this a personal dinner. I have so little time to socialize anymore, in fact I created that dinner just for that.... I miss people. I miss being around them. Next time, I will make sure I give you all of my time." Eddak hinted that, as a King, he would be indefinitely busy. There was always something to take his time, as he was the one people could only ask for approval or authorization. It mattered. His advisors didn't even make decisions, they just presented to him the problems, and their opinions. It was possible, though, he could put his foot down.... but he can't just throw those around. He was responsible for the health and care of his town and his people, and he accepted that. "Just promise me one thing," he whispered, "You'll stay safe. You don't even need to accept my request, but I want enough time to show you the world." He grinned, releasing his grip on her hands. At this time, she could leave whenever she wanted. Eddak would stay there. Once she left, his hand would idly follow her, but his feet would stay planted. Once his arm was outreached enough, he would wave. "Next time, Jairdain..."

 

[Jairdain]

Her fingertips lightly traveled from the top of his head, over the features of his face and when Jairdain finished Eddak took a hold of her hands and clasped them between them. He said he was sorry the dinner couldn't have been for just the two of them, but that he rather missed being with people. It implied to her that even though there were people around him almost all the time, he kept them at a distance. Didn't have somebody he called a friend.

"I wouldn't ask you to do that. You have a duty to your people. It's not something I am unaware of. You do what you need to do, Eddak and there might be time now and then to talk for a few minutes."

Even though her voice and tone were understanding, her mouth took on a slightly bitter look. It wasn't a bad look, but one of comprehension.

He requested that while she was away to keep safe and that even if she declined his offer to court her, he still wished to show her his world. That brought a little, but genuine smile to her face before she spoke.

"That would be a little difficult. Until we speak again, though."

Letting go of his hands,​ Jairdain turned and walked to the carriage waiting for her. She could have turned to look back in his direction, but she didn't need to do that know he watched her leave.

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Jairdain"]


It was clear to Eddak. All his life he had been for the people. When he was a child, he worked with his people. When he was a Captain, he fought and defended his people. Now as a King, he supported his people by being the supporting platform to raise them up and offer them anything they needed. Eddak was about the people, and Jairdain was no different. Eddak then and there set a goal for himself that he would help Jairdain see, he didn't care how. Under lantern light, Eddak stood there and watched as she left, smiling all the way. He cleared his mind of any bad thoughts and only thought of the future until he stood there. Once she had already gotten in the carriage and left, Eddak hadn't moved, until one of the guards approached him, "Sir, are you alright?" Eddak stood there, silent for a moment, before turning his head to the trooper, "I'm enjoying the midnight breeze. Don't you think it's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?" The trooper looked a little confused, and Eddak obviously wasn't talking about the midnight breeze. Eddak smile grew wider until he started to show his teeth. "Back to your post, trooper," and with that, Eddak turned around and walked back to his Keep.