"B-but you and Solum aren't...If I could find it, maybe I could get it to let go of it's hold on Solum, then you wouldn't have to do this...So...someplace only the King may go..." She fell into silence then, contemplating. Was she gonna have to get sneaky again? Though, Asima doubted she could 'out sneak' Malum or Solum.

Malum rounded on her, "This thing is beyond your power, it's beyond any earthly thing. There is nothing you, I, or anyone can do other than to keep it locked away for as long as possible. Not drop it-that's your last warning"

The female backed away from Malum quickly, holding up her hands. "But...even the gods have weaknesses, right? Even if it's not from this world, Malum, it could still be hurt..." She was whispering, pleading now.

"Don't" Malum shot her a glare, "Just don't Asima." for once Malum wasn't calling her princess, he never sounded more serious.

The girl fell silent, glad that her hair hide her eyes so Malum couldn't see the hurt that flashed through them. She wanted to please and help him so bad, hear her name as something other than a rebuke. Why was it so had for her?

Without saying another word, Asima continued moving, stopping by Jonathon and Mary's hut, to let the male enter first.

Malum sighs, shaking his head a little, "I'll be right back, I'm going to talk to Sarah." he turned to leave Asima there.

Asima lifted her head slightly, watching him move inside. Of course, he probably wanted to greet her without Asima hovering. She leaned against the walls of the house, sliding down it with a tiny sigh, her thoughts moving back to the creature. If she could find it, if she could kill it..Perhaps it would prove herself, perhaps it would make Malum pleased. Despite the way he was acting.

Malum returned, although Sarah wasn't with him, "She's staying behind" he informed the princess, "She didn't realize her brother was still alive, and she's not going to leave him now" he gave a shrug, "makes sense. But that means it's just you, Solum and I-as soon as we find him."

Asima hesitated, though finally gave a minute nod. "Alright, will she be alright though? And where should we go to find Solum?"

"She'll be fine, she managed this sort of life before." Malum stated, then glanced around thoughtfully, "Solum and I have numerous ways of finding each other. I'm sure I'll track him down easily enough once we get out of here. You ready to go?"

The female nodded, before standing and starting the sort trek out. "Yes, but she left before...Why would sh-nevermind. Sorry." Asima stopped her continious questions, tugging the hood of her cloak up. "You know, I still own that house...We could stay there, if you'd like..."

"We're not sticking around this city" Malum stated, "by tomorrow there'll be people all over this place." he headed down the street, starting towards the open desert.

Asima's brow furrowed as she thought. "Nemiah's...or Keg's...or Both?" She started after Malum, "Oh...The desert...Again..." With a tiny sigh, she glanced at her clothes. How badly she wanted to be home in the palace now...Or above the inn in her little room. "Malum...when do you plan to go to Frodan?"

"Not for a good while" Malum replied, "Keg will have the place guarded on both sides of the pillar, there's no way in or out without him knowing. We won't stand a chance of not being caught if we go there. We have to find a way to lure him out-but how?"

Asima paused. "Hmm, I could tell him I've realized you were lying, and I'm angry at you. I could say I have you captured...would he fall for something like that?"

Malum chuckled, "You? Capture me? Not a chance. I don't think he would fall for you just coming along to help him suddenly either. It doesn't really fit... he'd have to see us get mad at each other first hand, and believe that."

"Hmm, I suppose you're right. I don't know how we could stage something where he would hear or see...I suppose instead of saying I captured you, I could say you were injured. Injured trying to attack Nemiah? I could say I don't want my brother getting hurt, since Keg told me as King of Thieves he'd have no inclination to fight Nemiah..." The princess lapsed into silence, following along after her speech.

"Keg wouldn't have a choice if he became King" Malum rolled his eyes, "he'd go after the Pharaoh whether he wanted to or not. And at any rate, I don't think we should be focusing on drawing Keg out. I think it'd best not to force it, he'll realize in due time that he won't be able to send anyone who can capture me but himself, and then he will have to come."

The princess shrugged, glancing over at him. She wanted to speak to Keg alone, answer her questions. Since Keg claimed to be the King now, surely he would have gone where only the King was permitted, and surely Asima could convince him to reveal the whereabouts. "I think he'll just send more and more, until we are dragged before him. I really think the only way to get to him is to lure him out..."

"Yes, and clearly you are the expert who has been facing off in a massive battle for Egypt's darker side, right beneath the noses of the pharaoh and his men, all the while managing appearances-oh, and surviving constant life threatening situations." Malum's voice was really more sarcastically teasing than harsh, although the point he was making was rather clear, "We aren't going to do anything to draw him out. This will take time and patience. Learn to love those two words, they come up a lot"

Asima glanced away, flushing at being rebuked by Malum, though she bit her tongue on the subject. "Whatever you wish, then. You wouldn't listen to me either way..."

"So tell me, then," The princess continued, though she still wasn't looking at the male, "Where do you plan on staying during this time period?"

Malum paused, "hm... uhh.... good question. I hadn't thought of that yet. Where can we stay? Keg will have all the main safe places guarded and his spies will be everywhere by now... I don't know if there's anywhere we can hide."

Asima turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "And you didn't think of this back in the city? I doubt he knows where I live, and I doubt he'd have men knocking at every door. Tell me why that was a bad idea, again? If Solum can find you, it should be no problem. You and him can sleep in my room..."

(Hullo, Lark_Song! ^u^ I hope you like so far!)

"I was thinking about solving the problem with Keg and finding Solum, I wasn't really concerned with where we'd stay... that part always seems to work itself out." he shook his head, trying to think it all over now, "I'm not really sure if your place would work. It may be too likely, Keg could easily assume to send someone to check it out... what isn't obvious though? Where would be somewhere he wouldn't look?"

Asima blinked, lowering her head and shuffling her feet. "We could go back to the slave village...or...I could try to work something out with Nemiah...