Though it was late, Aiden knew there was a possibility one or the other of his friends was awake. He hurried through the quiet streets in the direction of the Thistle. Though the night was cold, the sky was clear and the air held that scent that only Spring could bring, fresh and clean. He pushed open the door and greeted Alex with a nod, thanking him as he was over to accept the glass of potcheen. He didn't bother removing his cloak, knowing he wouldn't be staying long.

Long day, quiet night in the tavern, at least by the time he got here. He had bargained for a horse by doing some hard work for an elderly couple he came across. The horse was spirited, said he was bred at the McDonough stables but their son had taken off to the sea. Seems the two had hoped the gift would sway their son to stay. At least they seemed to have accepted fate but were stuck with a horse neither of them could use. So it worked out for both sides as he was in need of one. A good meal and soon snoozing in front of the fire as his lids had grown too heavy and there he was. At least he wasn't snoring and had a peaceful look about him that hadn't been there in a very long time.

He turned and caught sight of Gabriel sitting in the chair and chuckled. While he could let him stay there, he knew Alex would eventually wake him and send him upstairs. Moving quietly, he leaned against the back of the chair and very softly spoke. "Gabe, Gabe. Wake up. You've fallen asleep on duty again."

He shot up out of his seat, near stumbling forward as his hand went to reach for the sword that was no longer there. "By all that's holy, Aiden." He had never fallen asleep on duty but it was a fear he might at the wrong time. He was over quick to give him a shot to the arm before laughing. "I'll get you next time." For he was sure he held the same fear, anyone that had a conscience would. It also had his eyes flaring that bright blue the moment too and finally settling back to the deep brown.

"You have to admit, it does cause you to wake up quickly." He chuckled as he moved over to the fireplace and leaned against the stone side. "Your eyes change color when you're startled, Gabe." He had seen enough here to know there was something revealing itself there though of course he had no idea what. Mostly he was seeing if his friend had any idea it happened.

"Aye, seems to happen when emotions are heightened. Least it had been when I would go into battle. Started up after I left as an ambassador to a foreign land. I had gotten detoured, which seems the story of my life, met this old decrepit woman I helped when no one else would. She had fallen and couldn't get up. Well, long story short she invited me in, well I had to carry her in and broke bread with her. She showed me this rare stone she had, it fitted in the palm of your hand and changed colors. She spoke in some language that rhymed and when I asked her about it, she said I need not worry for I had been blessed." He shrugged at that point. "Anyway, on the rare occasion, I've startled a few."

"You may well have an opportunity to learn what exactly it means. There are those here well versed in magic." He took a drink of the potcheen, then waited for his voice to clear. "I've news for you and Cole."

He collected his drink to raise in toast. "I think presently at his moment the old woman's words are true. I am blessed to have regained my brothers." Kicking back a bit of it before brows lifted. "I hope good news after that toast!"

"Slainte!" He added, took a drink then nodded. "You're both invited to join us on the King's field tomorrow, and sometime after, you'll be meeting with King Peter." His lips twitched slightly. "He's even said he'll keep the Horsemen
away from you. For now."  The last added with a hint of laughter in dark eyes.

"That is great news," and there went brown eyes to blue. Seemed to happen more when comfortable with someone he trusted his life with. They had not changed at all in front of others here besides his comrades. Yet. May never then again may. "I look forward to sparring any one of them even knowing I would have my arse handed to me. I would also know I've learned something new. Perhaps I should get some real sleep, not this twilight sleeping in a chair affords."

"You will in time, Gabe." He moved over to clap a hand to his friend's shoulder. "Yes, you should and I should return to the castle. I wanted to make sure you and Cole would be there. You can start with the Knights in training and build up to me." He was teasing as he grinned at his friend. "If you have need of a sword, I still have mine and I've kept it oiled and sharpened."

"Aye, I've need of one until the one I bargained for is ready. I would be honored to use yours. I will drag Cole out of bed if needed, he'll be there." Not that he would need to for his friend got up with dawn as he did, how he knew. Some habits were hard to break unless one was really sick or so indisposed. "I will see you then," clasping him on the shoulder, "and hoping to make you proud even if a little rusty."

"You will." He didn't have to say it but he did. He knew both of them would. "Rest well until dawn. I'll see you then." The glass of potcheen was placed on the bar on his way out. Opening the door, he turned and brought his fist to his chest in a salute of respect and of friendship.

He followed him to the bar to leave his empty glass there, turning to watch his comrade leave he fisted a hand to his chest in kind before heading up the steps in a bound. Hopefully he could get to sleep, not only for the news but having that snooze.

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