>>472520
Mistaken identity is a possible issue here too. The worst that could happen is the black knight set up a decoy for you to slay.

...I don't know, can dragons identify by smell? Smell is said to be connected to memory.

Trout 2012/11/19(Mon)17:21 No. 473098 ID: 6a42fc
File 135337447828.png - (14.66KB , 800x600 , this this pose NEVER looks right.png )

Grahh! I do not care if it's someone else at this point! I could kill him now, and... I... Nnnh...! I can't. Damn it, I can't. I made a promise to Bo. Damn it! He always...!

...He always does what's best.

The red... I can not see that far, that well. I do see red on him, though.

Damn it, I'll just follow him. It's hard keeping my impulse to just run and tear him to shreds in check. Very hard. The only thing keeping me from doing it anyway is the thought of the look on his face when I wake him to end his life.

Trout 2012/11/19(Mon)17:21 No. 473099 ID: 6a42fc
File 135337449188.png - (23.36KB , 700x600 , yay dark shades again.png )

He walks, and I walk. I make certain no one on the road sees me.

...And he walks, and walks, and... doesn't... stop...

I'm... I'm very tired, a-and my legs are sore... It's hard to see, but I can smell salt in the air. I think I'm near the ocean. That's... that's a long walk, and I did it so fast...

He's glowing. Wanna bet it's a golem or something? A trap, in any case. Approach to get a better look but do not get close.

>>473099
Clever bastard. He's probably trying to wear you down so he can attack. Probably using magic or drugs to enhance his endurance.

Speaking of which, he seems to be casting something. Take cover.

>>473099

This isn't good at all, Gren. How did you get so far, so quickly? This is illusion magic and/or a trap. Get back to Bo before something worse happens.

back off, this is obviously more magic at work.

Wait a minute... How far away is the ocean along this road? How long has he been walking? 'Cause if you, or a man, can't walk that in a day then something is very wrong here.

Tail him until the road gets near the water. If he does something obviously wrong, such as walking right down into the depths of the ocean, then you've been had. If he just keeps following the road, get ahead of him, and hide near enough to the road you can get a good look. If this is a trap, then it'll go off if you attack, either with fire or claw.

We've made a grave mistake. He's an adept magic knight of some manner. We've left ourselves vulnerable.

>>473255
well, we actually didn't make a mistake I think... it was hard enough to restrain Gren from attacking him the moment we noticed him. This would most likely have ended in death.
Everything else wasn't an option for Gren.

So, for now, Gren, be rational. can you still fight him like this while he's a strong magic user? can ou even reach him when exhausted like this? You caught him at a bad moment (bad for you), so I don't think anything else than retreating will do anything in your favor.

Trout 2012/11/21(Wed)00:07 No. 473389 ID: 6a42fc
File 135348523358.png - (27.85KB , 800x600 , dead tired.png )

I-- I have to stop. Just for a moment...

He's been glowing for a long time, since it got dark. I didn't mention that. He-- he has a light, or something.

The ocean... it isn't too far away from where were were, I think, but I have been walking for hours, too.

I... yes, I could fight him... I-I know it... I'll j-just follow him. For now.

Trout 2012/11/21(Wed)00:07 No. 473390 ID: 6a42fc
File 135348525518.png - (39.53KB , 800x600 , you mentioned a grave mistake.png )

I lost sight of him during my... rest... but he should still be on the road. Just over this hill. The path goes along the beach for a distance, all the way up to...

He, uh... Oh shit.

Trout 2012/11/21(Wed)00:07 No. 473391 ID: 6a42fc
File 135348527094.png - (35.30KB , 800x650 , well i can\'t say you were wrong.png )

Oh shit!

Well at least he wont have to poison you this time seeing as you are to tired to fight him off anyway.

>>473391
Let me guess. The knight on the road was an illusion, maybe even enchanted with a sleep spell that affects anyone that stares at it too long... And now the real one's right behind you. Well, run away. You can't fight him head on, you know that.

>>473390
He... Walked across the ocean.

Yeah we're done here.

It was a distraction.
Get back to the defenseless injured dragons.

Now is he just walking over the ocean off into the distance? Or is he coming your way?

Trout 2012/12/03(Mon)17:13 No. 476366 ID: 6a42fc
File 135458359413.png - (17.08KB , 750x600 , darkness my old friend.png )

No-- no, it's walking out onto the water-- That wasn't him! Oh shit, oh shit, damn-- he was probably following me the whole time-- I can't see a thing!

Trout 2012/12/03(Mon)17:13 No. 476368 ID: 6a42fc
File 135458361347.png - (18.12KB , 800x600 , come to talk with you again etc.png )

I-- I ran. I have no clue where I'm going, or where the road is. I haven't seen him, at all. But I can't be sure he's not following me. I h-have to catch my breath! I... I feel tired enough to pass out at any moment, but I can't just lay down. I have to make sure that I lost him first, or I can get somewhere safe.

I'm in a forest, and I know I ran north along the coast. It's to the west, and I can hear waves on the shore. To my east are a bunch of rolling forested hills. I'm big and hard to hide, but I can't run anymore. My legs feel like they're about to give out...

>>476368
Is that a chopped-down tree? There could be a town nearby, which means you could request shelter in exchange for service. There's really no way you could 'lose' him since you're a giant dragon and your tracks are super obvious. You have to find shelter, or make some. You could, for instance, dig a hole in the side of a hill big enough to stick your rear end in so nobody can access it. Make a tight-fitting cave as a protective shell, basically. Optimally you would be able to stick your whole body in there so that he'd have to face your mouth no matter what.

Oh! You could also drag that log with you and keep it as a weapon.

>>476371
Clever. This.

>>476408
this

Trout 2012/12/22(Sat)13:10 No. 480326 ID: 6a42fc
File 135621065618.png - (13.59KB , 800x600 , so degrading.png )

I don't need a log! I have my teeth and claws. I'll dig, I guess. It's degrading, and... and stupid but... I can't run anymore.

This will have to do. I have to do this fast...


...

Trout 2012/12/22(Sat)13:11 No. 480327 ID: 6a42fc
File 135621067309.png - (16.81KB , 800x600 , So DAMN degrading.png )

I... I'm not sure if I'm seeing things or if... just tired...

...

M-maybe I wasn't being followed, maybe...

...

...m-maybe he was just distracting me... so he could get to Boaga and Dilupune...

O-oh Tiamat-- I let that happen...!

You are going to get raped...again, do not sleep! Wake up! Wake up! WAKE UP!

no, they are together, he can't take both of them at the same time. and he probably wont try.

>>480327
You can't do anything about that right now. We will get back to them as fast as possible after this.

Also, don't worry too much. From what we know of him, he probably couldn't take on two dragons at once, even if both were wounded. Plus, I think Boaga would sooner die than let THAT happen right in front of him.

Right now you need to sleep, so you can be fit for travel tomorrow. You need to sleep.

Yeah, can't not sleep. In your exhausted state, consciousness is not likely to be an effective defense. Denying yourself rest only works to the enemy's advantage.

Just sleep with your eyes open. Dragons can do that right?

Trout 2013/01/03(Thu)16:10 No. 482078 ID: 6a42fc
File 135725820984.png - (12.09KB , 800x600 , sleep already you dumb bitch.png )

I... I guess... really isn't anything I can do, thanks to how stupid I was! Oh, I'm sorry, Bo...! When I see him again, I'm just going to... I'll... hug him. A lot.

Yes... a lot...

Trout 2013/01/03(Thu)16:10 No. 482079 ID: 6a42fc
File 135725824387.png - (10.12KB , 800x600 , kind of a pointless decision really but eh.png )

I slept fitfully, plagued by nightmares. I haven not had any since I was just a hatchling. I awake, tired and sore, and above all, hungry. I immediately catch a squirrel in my jaws and swallow it whole, for what little sustenance it could provide. It isn't nearly enough for me. But it will have to do.

In my panic, I must have gotten turned around in the woods; It took me an hour to get back to the road. I start to walk back when I remember something.

Acolon mentioned that an acquaintance of his lived up the coast from here, and that he might be willing to help. I want to get back as soon as I can, but it would be good to have someone else on my side for once. I do not know where this friend of his is, other than in the mountains, or if he would even offer any assistance, or if he would tolerate my presence. So maybe it would be a bad idea. But it's definitely something I should consider.

>>482079
Considering the other two dragons we have with us are injured and unfit for travel, we really should go recruit Acolon's friend if it is at all possible.

With Acolon's whole truth and honor thing, I doubt he'd recommend this dragon as even possibly willing to help if they weren't. On the other hand, we have two injured dragons still recovering near a city of people discontent with dragons being around, with the knight's current location unknown. I say keep Acolon's friend in mind for now and go check on the others.

Whatever our enemy wanted to do with us gone, he's had plenty of time to do it by now. Rushing back won't do us any good. Recruit.

No, go home, Boaga would get worried!

Go give Boaga some of those hugs you spoke about. He's very likely /damn worried/!

Trout 2013/01/10(Thu)20:26 No. 484326 ID: 6a42fc
File 135787837531.png - (13.09KB , 700x600 , oh what.png )

I-- Yes, I need to get back to Boaga. I can't just go off on a long shot for help I don't need, without telling him! He'd get so worried...

I start the long trip back, accompanied only by my own thoughts. I think... I think I'm done. I've searched for the man for days without so much as glimpsing him, and every turn I've taken seems to make my life worse. And I want to go back home, to my cave, to my children...

I feel like I'm being watched the whole way there. I felt the same way last night.

I make it to the crossroads again, where I killed the criminal. That's-- that's a familiar... Boaga?

Trout 2013/01/10(Thu)20:26 No. 484327 ID: 6a42fc
File 135787838922.png - (11.62KB , 700x600 , ITS HAPPENING.png )

BOAGA!
"Gren?!"

I run toward him!

What-- What are you doing here, Bo?!
"I was going to look for you...! I got worried!"

I go to hug him, but something... else happens.

oh my. you can't deny that just happened gren. your rational side may not like him but it's now obvious that your instincts like him.

Proceed.

>>484326
I thought we were going to find him to bring him to justice and make sure that nobody else gets hurt?

I guess you can just count on the mayor to try to catch the guy, and spread the word amongst other dragons via some anonymous manner that there is someone that can do it.

>>484328
What's he doing walking around? Isn't his shoulder still hurt? Well whatever, tell him what you've been thinking about today.

Clearly you must hug him harder.

>>484328
Roll with it, and enjoy!

Don't feel pressured, Grennie. Just enjoy your feelings of happiness. Boaga is the real deal!

>>484328
Just want to note that the last thing the knight tricked you with was probably an ILLUSION.

Double-check that this is actually him somehow. poke him where he got hurt.

Trout 2013/01/11(Fri)16:15 No. 484532 ID: 6a42fc
File 135794973489.png - (12.01KB , 850x600 , scandalous!.png )

...

I...

...

"G... Grennie...?"
Wh-- what were you doing out? Why are you walking around?
"You... y-you just kissed--"
Boaga. Why were you out of the cave?
"I-- I just got w-worried! I was g-going to go find you, a-a-and make sure you were okay..."
That was stupid! You have a torn shoulder! You could never find me, not with that, you dumbass!
"S-sorry..."

I know he's real. He yelped when I brought him to the ground.

"...Gren? Was... was that actually...?"

Yup. Perhaps you two should return to the cave for "rest".

>>484537
ADMIN UPVOTE COUNTS TWICE RIGHT

>>484532
You might as well admit it...
Take him home, and I suppose cuddle or sleep in a pile of love or whatever is not strenuous for his shoulder.

>>484532
You were really relieved to see him after getting lured away like that. Maybe you got a little worked up. We'd better go check on Dilupune to make sure she's okay. Then I guess we'll just take it easy for a while so that the two injured dragons can heal a bit.

Definitely get back to Dilupune. She shouldn't be left alone in her state.

Gren: He cares about you and he's brave enough to try to find you with an f'd up shoulder that makes him vulnerable. He's either dumb and courageous or just courageous - and he obviously wants you to be safe even at risk of pain to himself.

Now, tell him that you were worried about him, and you should both get back to check on Dilipune. That knight has escaped, and he could be anywhere.

Either that, OR there was NO KNIGHT at all. It's possible the villagers tricked you to try to get you out of the area!

Trout 2013/01/13(Sun)16:35 No. 485004 ID: 6a42fc
File 135812374072.png - (8.35KB , 800x600 , sadbo.png )

N-no, I was... I was just really relieved to see you. I was worried about you. I got lured away. It wasn't the man, just an illusion. We were mislead.
"Oh..."
I made it to the shore, but it kept on going over the water. I thought he had followed me the whole way there, but... I don't know where he is. I thought he might have gone after you, but you're safe...
"Y-yeah..."
...Bo? I think I'm done.
"What?"
I can't do this anymore. We're not never going to find him, Bo.
"Yes we are...!"
No. We're not. Everything we've done has just lead to the both of us getting hurt. Especially you. I don't want that to happen. But... let's just get back to the cave, OK? I need to think this over. Maybe we should just get the message to someone who can spread it.
"O-okay... Dilupune was angry at me. She really didn't want me to leave."

Trout 2013/01/13(Sun)16:35 No. 485005 ID: 6a42fc
File 135812375889.png - (11.62KB , 800x600 , lots of laying down and mad.png )

We make the walk back. I notice that Boaga's limp has only gotten worse. Gods, I'm so sorry, Bo.

Dilupune is very mad at both of us for leaving her alone. I tell her to shut up.

And now we're laying here, all injured in some way. Home seems like a distant memory. It would be nice to go home...

Boaga won't stop staring at me.

Blush back to assert dominance.

The two of you are probably too tired to do much, but you should at least enjoy each others' company. Pick up where you left off, I'm sure he wouldn't complain.

We should tell the town that it was an illusion so that they know a bit more about how powerful the mage is.

He's thinking about the kiss. Maybe you should think about it too.

Go hunt some food, don't talk about the kiss, don't repeat the kiss--smack Bo if he tries to bring it up.

He's not ogling you out of utter horniness, silly. You can tell because he's not even erect down there! Bo is just worried about you for losing your resolve. Though it wouldn't take much to get him on the side of horniness I'd say.

Trout 2013/01/16(Wed)20:16 No. 485811 ID: 6a42fc
File 135839617773.png - (13.01KB , 850x600 , everything is coming to pass.png )

I don't want to think about... about that! Boaga is my friend, and I...

...

Boaga?
"...Y-yeah, Grennie?"
...Come over here, please.

He shuffles to my side.

What I... did, back on the road? I... I don't know what to say.
"You said that you were just worried about me..."
I lied. I mean-- Not that I wasn't worried, I just-- oh, to hell with it.

I kiss him again. Hard. He recoils in surprise, but I push toward him.

...It's been a long time since I've loved someone.

Well, tell him.

Continue, the both of you could use a bit of stress relief now that you're somewhat safe!

>>485813
But Dilupune is right there!

>>485819
Plenty of Boaga to go around.

>>485822
>>485819

HO HO

YOU ARE CORRECT SIR

Boaga: Feel a vague vindictive satisfaction in making out with Grennie right in front of Dilupune after she was harassing you.

Trout 2013/01/24(Thu)16:37 No. 487446 ID: 6a42fc
File 135907426512.png - (10.70KB , 700x500 , nope outta there.png )

I'll tell him when... when we're done here...

"Mffh-- ah-- G-Grennie... w-wait..."

Trout 2013/01/24(Thu)16:38 No. 487447 ID: 6a42fc
File 135907428983.png - (9.38KB , 700x500 , meanwhile outside.png )

...I just...

I had to get outta there.

>>487447
Understandable. How are you healing? What will you do now that you know this cave is very close by to a dragon rapist and you got kicked out of your other home?

So how are you feeling?

Are you biting your own tail hard enough to make it bleed? Stop that.

>>487447
Do. Uh. Do your parts grow back? Cause it would kinda sucks not to have, like, a tongue or tailtip forever.

Also, considering the amount of romance going on here, what's YOUR angle? You got anyone special? Please don't tell me you have a crush on Boaga, because that would just be awkward.

liazard tails pop off, horns should too. just file the other one down so they get back to the same length.

Trout 2013/01/30(Wed)17:08 No. 488953 ID: 4e4163
File 135959451559.png - (8.53KB , 750x550 , dilupune gettin mad.png )

I'm better. Still sore, and all I feel like I can do is just laze around, you know? At least my ribs don't feel like they're on fire anymore.

But...

No, no, I'm not biting my tail that hard. It's just... a big wound... that won't grow back. Same with my tongue... I'm not worried about my horn, I can deal with that.

Ah-- No, I don't have a crush on Boaga...! He's...

Okay. Grentonis doesn't like me. She hates me, actually. If it weren't for Boaga we'd have gone at each other already. Acolon is trying to kill me right now, and he never liked me before that.

Boaga's the only dragon I'd ever really call a friend! We've kept on good terms and he doesn't mind too much when I pick on him. Hell, maybe we COULD have been together. Maybe I was actually serious when I asked him to do me the other day. Maybe I was too afraid to act like I meant it.

But if he's going to be with Grentonis, t-then she'll make him hate me. He's impressionable and folds like paper. And I'd lose my only friend, and I'd have nothing! No home, no one to talk to or pick on or anything. Nothing. I-- I should just leave, and go... wherever. Pick my hobbled ass off the floor and go.

...or, I could to stop them from becoming a pair! It'd be better for everyone that way. Boaga wouldn't have a bitch for a mate, I'd still have someone looking out for me, and Gren stays as crazy as she is instead of getting crazier thanks to whatever she thinks love is! Yeah!

How should I go about doing that, you think?

>>488953
By explaining your feelings honestly to Boaga.

Yes, talk to Boaga, maybe talk to Gren too. Maybe you and Gren can get along?

Or Gren might kill you. And then you've left nothing, nothing but grief for your one friend.

You should trust Boaga to have more spine than that girl, if he truly is your friend.
And Acolon is the biggest asshole and Gren and Bo might clear shit up with him. They never really lied to him, just left out information, and even if Gren did, do you think he would be that much of an asshole to not be willing to understand what Gren has gone though? Like, can people lie to other people but not him? Is that okay? Like, what IS his whole deal? And do you think that somehow we'll drag him into this adventure too? You're a gossip, you probably know everyone the best if they're not lying to you or spreading rumors.

Maybe you should find a new home, I don't think four dragons who mostly get on each other's nerves are good company. Even if one is actually a nice dragon. not worth it.

Oh, and there's another option. Wasn't there another dragon up north by the shore? Maybe you could hang out with them.

Trout 2013/02/01(Fri)23:10 No. 489501 ID: 4e4163
File 135978904265.png - (12.77KB , 700x500 , cockblocked.png )

I don't know about any other dragons. And they wouldn't take kindly to me just walking all over their territory. Grentonis and Bo are weird like that. They don't know how to behave like what they are and I have to say I've taken advantage of that on more than one occasion.

Gren wouldn't so much as lay a claw on me, I don't think. I don't think Boaga would be very happy with her.

I'll... talk to Boaga, I guess. Right now. I don't want them doing what they're doing, or each other.

Hey, Boaga!
"D-Dilupune?"
"Oh damn it, what does she want?"
Come out here, for a moment, please!
"...Right now?"
Yeah!
"...Don't go, Bo."
"Sorry, Grennie..."
"Really?!"
"...s-sorry..."

Trout 2013/02/01(Fri)23:11 No. 489502 ID: 4e4163
File 135978906914.png - (14.54KB , 850x600 , awkward talk.png )

Boaga comes shuffling out.

"Uh... what did you need, Dil? Gren and I were, uh... b-busy..."

I put on my best face. What should I tell him, exactly?

>>489502

Wish him the best of luck with his love, and let him know there will be no hard feelings between you and him.

>>489512
Add that you will help and support him however is necessary.

This is the only option of a true friend. And considering he is practically your only friend, that makes him it.

>>489502
Tell him that you know Gren hates you and that if him and Gren get together you're worried about losing Bo as a friend.

Just tell him the truth that you value him as a friend and want to at least keep it that way. And that you are sorry for interrupting him but your life is horrible right now and everything has gone wrong and then break down crying.

>>489502

Blurt out the truth, you dummy! you're afraid you'll lose Bo as a friend because Grennie hates you on accounts of being full of crazysauce.

Trout 2013/02/05(Tue)12:11 No. 490583 ID: 4e4163
File 136009508297.png - (12.31KB , 800x600 , all these bitches.png )

...I'm afraid, Bo.
"...What?"
You're... with Gren now. Right? Is that what that was?
"I-- I guess... I don't know, it was just... sudden..."
You know Grentonis hates me.
"Y-yeah..."
And-- I'm just afraid that you'll start hating me too.
"But-- why?"
Because you'd do anything to be with Gren! And if she tells you to do something, you'd do it. And if she wants you to stop talking to me-- You're my only friend, Boaga, and I don't want to lose you.
"...I... I don't think she'd do that..."
But she hates me. And she'd want you to hate me, too.
"..."
...B-Bo, please.
"...I don't know, Dil... I really do want this..."
I know you do...
"I... I can try talking to her about it..."
...Okay, Bo. Hey, can you... can you do me a favor?
"Y-yeah?"
Get Grentionis moving. You two can't sit around here the whole time. And I feel well enough to at least walk...
"That's... that's a good idea."

Trout 2013/02/05(Tue)12:11 No. 490584 ID: 4e4163
File 136009511027.png - (13.25KB , 950x600 , what a slut.png )

Bo comes back. I give him a smile, happy that he's back.

"H-hey, Grennie. Maybe we should get going... Do we know what we're going to do? I know you want to get home..."
I want to spend time with you, Bo.
"...y-yeah. But we could... do that... when we get home. We should still probably get the word out about the person..."
I... I guess we should. I can wait for you~
"Eh-h. y-y-yeah..."

I guess I need to decide what to do. I would think that the dragon up north that Acolon mentioned can tell others. I'm almost excited to get back home, and back to my eggs.

Things always gets complicated...
There is an angry friend at home, remember?
I also hope you don't mind dil...

>>490584
If Acolon doesn't smash your eggs and kill you for lying through omission, that is.
You might have to kill Acolon when you get back.

Do you have experience with apologizing to Acolon?
He got violent when one didn't admitted lie, right?
We just didn't want to make him worry...
A problem just as big would be acolon's reaction to dil...

Talking to the other dragon doesn't cost us much. May as well do it.

Apologize to Acolon with your teeth.

Trout 2013/02/18(Mon)20:18 No. 494285 ID: 4e4163
File 136124751094.png - (10.03KB , 700x550 , god damn it gren stop it.png )

"Uh, hey, Grentonis? Boaga?"
...Yes, Dilupune?
"Do you think you can talk to Acolon? About me? I'd really like my home back--"
No.
"Grennie...! We will, Dil, once we get home. We're going to go visit the other that Acolon mentioned, right, Gren?"
Yes.
"I don't think I can walk with you guys yet, though. Do you mind waiting a bit more? So I'm not so hobbled?"

I don't take my glare off of Dilupune. Damn it, I hate her. I don't want her with us at /all/, but I think Boaga does. That worries me, but I don't want to make him upset with me. On the OTHER hand, I want to get home very, very badly. I have to make a decision to either wait, make her come with us, or leave her here and MAYBE pick her up on the way back.

...And I can't exactly, ah, show Boaga 'the ropes' with her around. I'm pretty sure he's never touched a female in that way.

well you need to talk to acolin anyway to get your eggs back.

I know you don't like her much but try to have a little empathy with her situation. Also with everyone a bit injured strength in numbers is important. And worse case if the rape knight got her after you left then Boaga would be sad.

>>494285
Look, you may dislike her for now, but you don't want to possibly make her suffer the same fate that happened to you, do you?

Besides, Boaga's been waiting for this for years. He's doing everything he can just to NOT hump your brains out right now. He's a nice guy, OK, and you don't want him feeling guilty when you go at it - that's just a recipe for blegh.

>>494285
(wait, didn't Diplune just say that she was well enough to walk? Why can she suddenly not?)
We basically confirmed, because of the illusion, that the knight is in the city.

Don't leave her here defenseless. I think her best bet is to travel up to the other nearby dragon and stay with them until we find out if Acolin is going to forgive her or not. If he won't, then she'll need to find another home.

Now, if she can't make the trip up there in her condition we should wait until she can. Think about it. You don't want anyone else to have to go through what you did, do you? Even someone you hate.

Until she's ready to leave, you can get a lot of snuggling done. Or you can just ask for privacy (she should remain within shouting distance, of course) and do something a bit more than snuggling. I mean, you were about to do it when she was here, before. What's keeping you from doing that again?

You don't want to leave Dilupune vulnerable here; whether you like her, hate her, or somewhere in between, I hope you don't want her to die, or to have something else horrible happen to her.

Hang around; you can sleep in the cave, and do your not-sleeping outside, discreetly. Can a pair of cottage-sized dragons do "discreet"? Not like Dilupune will go wandering around much while recovering, and since she already knows the two of you are together, you could make it clear to her that you expect more than a little privacy in exchange for guarding her.