"I see..." Asima stated, glancing at him. "Haven't you ever wanted to be something else, though? Something besides a king of thieves?"

"You mean to have something other than the chance to fix everything Malum's screwed up? To set things back on track? I'm not sure if you've notice Asima, but Malum's undermining the Pharaoh's authority. He's attracting people to come work for him instead of letting them find good, healthy lives under the law. Frodan is swamped with more people than it can handle because Malum's trying to get all of Egypt on his side, but now half these new people here don't know how to survive outside this place anymore-it's a disaster!" he sighed, looking down at the pups and petting them again.

"These people need a king who will set them on the right path. Someone who makes the life of a thief a little less appealing. So you see, this isn't just about my father, Asima. This about everyone, and the fact that I'm willing to take on the burdens of the King of Thieves to save the future of Egypt from turning into a land of criminals. Because with Malum, that's exactly where we're headed."

Asima fell silent, her eyes searching Keg for any sign that the male was lying. She hadn't been idle in Frodan, and this was another thing she'd picked up. "Tell me, if you are wanting fewer people to become thieves, then why not allow Nemiah to 'find' Frodan? Without this city, fewer people would have a safe haven, they'd get actual jobs..."

Keg shook his head, "Even if I thought that was a good idea, no one can do that without great risk to themselves. Heh, Malum took a pretty big risk in even bringing you here. No, no one can let something like happen to this place, we have each given our lives to the oath, including you Asima. If we bring the Pharaoh and his gaurds here, there will be eternal damnation to pay... literally... The only way to set things right, is to drive these people out of here."

Asima continued staring for a moment, finally asking him quietly, "What if enternal agony would be worth it? Would you do it, to save Egypt?" He spoke as if he truly wanted to help, though Asima still wasn't quite sure.

Keg looked at her oddly, "Asima, you're treading dangerous water here." he stated, "There will always be criminals in Egypt, there will always be those who refuse to abide by the laws of the Pharaoh." he stood, "I guess you haven't heard the origin story of Frodan, but basically this place is meant to keep the balance of light and dark across Egypt. Disrupt that balance, despite your intentions, and you will destroy us all."

Asima shrugged. "It's not as if I would do that...I was just curious. Keg. Why have you helped me so much, honestly?" The last part was blurted out, and Asima felt her face flushing, though she refused to remove her eyes from Keg, once more looking for any sign the male was lying.

"Still you ask?" He stepped up to her, placing his hands on her shoulders gently as he looked Asima in the eyes, "Fine. Honestly and truly, the reason I first approached you, I'll admit, was because you were the princess of Egypt. I was curious" he gave a slight smile, "and you did not disappoint my curiousity. You were every bit the fiesty girl I thought you would be, however I also saw that you wouldn't last three days here without help. So what was I to do? Leave you to die, or help you..." he shruggedand stepped back, "It was a simple decision. Frodan is a place meant for second chances after all."

Asima gave a tiny harumph, though it was clear she was pleased with keg's answer. A moment later, her smile faded, and she looked to him curiously. "But you hadn't known, when you approached me, who I was..."

"I know everyone worth mentioning who enters this place" Keg replied, "except it tends to freak people out when I come up, knowing their name." he shrugged again, "I didn't want to make you awkward."

Asima groaned, shaking her head. "You certainly fooled me." After a moment, she smiled once more, asking another question. "Before I forget...I'd love to send my friend a message, letting her know to get ready and when we will be able to come for her...How can I go about this?"

"Hmm, a messenger of sorts is usually easy to find... although one who's willing to leave in this time? I'm not sure you'll have much luck. You would have to find someone here who isn't being hunted down by the gaurds."

Asima nodded, "I'd thought of that. But I don't know who is and who isn't. I thought you may know someone...?"

Keg looked thoughtful for a moment, "Well I'm not sure that anyone here would-I know just the guy!" he suddenly grinned, "Have you ever heard of kai Tork?"

Asima shook her head, listening intently. "He could be trusted to not dig through my message and such? "

Keg smirked, "Perhaps you've heard of Malakai Ikari." that of course, was the name of one of the most trusted messengers to the Pharaoh. "He's the best of the best, on both sides of the fence. He knows the terrain of all Egypt and beyond. If you want your message to arrive safely, he's never failed."

"Malakai..." Asima's eyes widened, and she sputtered for a moment. "He-he-he's a tratior? Are you serious? How...but...are you speaking the truth, Keg?"

Keg rolled his eyes, "He isn't a traitor, to anyone. That's the point, he doesn't care if you're the Pharaoh or the King of Theives, he won't let anyone but the designated person even touch the message you send. You really need to stop thinking so black and white Asima."

The female shrugged in response. "I don't see how things could be gray...Either you have good intentions or bad intentions..." She faltered then, thinking back on her own actions. Asima frowned, continuing, "No...I can see what you mean...Sometimes it is hard to judge. So, tell me, Mister Keg. Will you ever trust me enough to tell me what you do for a living?" She grinned, clearly teasing the boy.

Keg smiled in return, "Well, you're learning, and slowly earning, a little more each day" he replied simply, "now, is there anything more you need, or want of me?" he inquired

The girl blushed slightly, shaking her head. "Thank you for answering my questions...I know I tend to ask a lot. Oh! And thank you for agreeing to help me."

(Sorry so short...)

"It is my pleasure" He stepped forward and gave Asima's forhead a kiss before backing towards the door with a bow, "Farewell until tomorrow"

Asima nodded at the male as he left, then turning to the task of soothing her pets, who promptly ran to the door, yelping as if called Keg back. After a bit of rope was wiggled in front of their noses, the pups forgot the male, moving to grab at the rope.

Soon, Asima laid down in bed, the two squirming bodies pressing against her.

The door closed and Keg was gone, leaving Asima alone in her room with the pups and her thoughts. The outside air blew in through the window, sweet and light. The sky was completely dark, although that did not deter many from bustling about. All in all however, it was a peaceful night.

(When should I skip to? Next night, after her work?)