A Trip to the Mines!

[22:14] Kasadya Shar says, "Ah."
[22:14] Kasadya Shar asks, "And who might you two be?"
[22:14] Sparrow cos Queen asks, "Sparrow, and you?"
[22:14] Pericles Vitalis asks, "Pericles. A pleasure to meet you, is everything alright?"
[22:14] Kasadya Shar says, "Call me curious. For now."
[22:15] Sparrow cos Queen says, "Understood, Curious."
[22:15] Pericles Vitalis says, "We'll leave you to it then, Curious."
[22:15] Kasadya Shar asks, "Where are you two from?"
[22:15] Pericles Vitalis says, "Osrona."
[22:15] Kasadya Shar says, "Ah, Osronan's."
[22:15] Sparrow cos Queen says, "Mhm."
[22:17] Moving both her hands out of her pockets, her eyes glared between the two of them, with a shrug, she crackled both of her hands' knuckles, tilting her head to the side. "How's about a little roughing around? I haven't fought anyone from Osrona in awhile. You can decline if you want. But fighting an actual worthy opponent is more exciting than the worms." The shar tilted her head to the side. As she then scanned Sparrow.

"My name is Kasadya. Kasadya Shar. A Centurion of the Golden Flame."
(Kasadya Shar)
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[22:21] Some roughing around? Well, there was no real reason to say no to such a request, except for one little tiny, possibly important little fact. Sparrow could only manipulate his own mana. Nothing fancy, just raw mana manipulation which unfortunately didn't really translate all that well to an actual fight.

Tragic.

"Uhh, I mean... I guess? Can't say I'll put up much of a fight, probably less of a fight than one of the worms, but I'll give it a heckin' go."

Oh right, they gave their name.

"-And, it's nice meeting you, Kasadya."
(Sparrow cos Queen)
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[22:21] Pericles's eyebrow rose towards Kasadya when they appeared to have grown hostile, that glare of hers truly catching his attention. The smile upon his lips forever etched, not even dimming as the situation took a different turn.

"An actual worthy opponent is hard to find, unfortunately."

Perhaps his words would be taken in a condescending way as they left his lips, the cosmic-codex within his hand placed against his chest as he made to take a step forward, his body in front of Sparrow's.

The young acolyte that was under his care was his first priority after all.

"A Centurion of the Golden Flame. Apologies, I have no idea what the Golden Flame is."

"I am Pericles, a Keeper within the Faith."

His thumb casually caressed across the book's surface, a sense of comfort filling him at the familiar feel of the book that had followed him throughout his whole life.
(Pericles Vitalis)
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[22:23] A tilt of her head. Those serpentine eyes scanning Sparrow from top to bottom. Only to then take a moment to scan Pericles. "I follow the path of the Fireblooded. But I respect the views of your faith. they interest me.

As far as what a Centurion is, well..." She paused, cupping one hand under her chin, and then the other resting her elbow within it's grasp. "The Golden Flame is the policing band in Theria. The Legatus is our leader, with Centurions such as myself, being directly under them. We're the ones to make sue there's not TOO much chaos among Theria."
(Kasadya Shar)
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[22:27] "Fireblooded."

The word spoken again, tasted upon his tongue as he paused momentarily in thought, his head shaking to the side to himself as his gaze turned back towards the Shar.

"Ah, the dragons I believe that was in worship, or fire. I can't quite remember, beings that can be slain."

Pericles's head bopped along, more words soon following as the codex continued to be thumbed against his chest, his eyes moving away from Kasadya and towards the few monsters around them.

"Beings that can be killed."

Amusement lightly tinted his words, drawing amusement from the faith of Kasadya for a moment.
(Pericles Vitalis)
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[22:28] "Oh, so simply put you guys are like, city watch?" The youth quirked a brow as he questioned the girl's job. Sparrow had very limited knowledge of Theria, save for that his great uncle lived there, and was a former Warlord?

Grandma Vanamir had mentioned him once, or twice. Something about him being a very large muscular clown. Though well, his name seemed to escape the young Queen right now.

"Even if that's not entirely the case, it still sounds like a worthy profession." After that, the youth gave a rather enthusiastic nod of his head.

…

The youth blinked, not once, but twice, as he glanced over at Pericles, squinting at the man, but only opting to respond to what he had said with two words.

"Oh dear."
(Sparrow cos Queen)
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[22:30] Gallus cos Queen says, "<How does he plan to see through all this darkness..?>"
[22:30] Gallus cos Queen says, "Is that-"
[22:35] There was a squinting of her eyes. As it seemed Pericles was misinformed. "My grandfather, Seneca brought the dragons back to Esshar. My mother was a sluthian Drakanite. It would go against the pride I have in my lineage to allow myself no to follow the faith they so diligently did. As well as correct you on misinformation. Nay..." Though it was clear the topic of dragons being able to be slain... annoyed her. She'd speak up with clarification.

"Dragons are Demi-Gods. Truly our faith worships the Divine Spirit Dragon, and guardian of all souls, Ryujin. Still his children are to be respected and revered in their majesty." The Shar's arms folded. When it came to her family or her faith, she was a stern young woman.
(Kasadya Shar)
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[22:40] "Demi-gods and a spirit, I see. Apologies, it seems I need to read up more on the few lesser religions spread around Esshar."

Sincere in his tone, Pericles's eyes moved towards Sparrow after he had finished speaking, smile further spreading across his lips as he once again made sure the acolyte wasn't being devoured by grumblings.

"Young Sparrow. Let's return back towards the capital, it appears those two that passed by us earlier have most likely cleared the cave's of the resources we wished to donate."

A shame, but the conversation with the Shar had dragged on longer than he had thought, a quiet hum sounded out from the Keeper as his blue-hues peered over towards Kasadya.

"Another time Kasadya Shar. I am unfortunately a busy person, but it was an enlightening few words I was able to gleam from your mouth."
(Pericles Vitalis)
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[22:40] The youth tilted his head to the side, as he soaked in the information about the Fireblood. So, as the girl spoke, the youth pulled out a small notepad, and quill from his bag, which he'd use to jot down a few notes. You never know when you might need that sort of information.

"Yeah, that makes sense to me. I think..." His voice trails off a bit towards the end of his statement. Just a little, bit, as he placed his notepad back into his pocket.

Just in time to be informed of their departure.

"-Oh? Leaving so soon. Alright, let's head on back! It was lovely meeting you, Kasadya!" The youth would offer a rather enthusiastic wave, before following after his mentor.
(Sparrow cos Queen)
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[22:41] Pericles Vitalis says, "Taking notes Young Sparrow? Let's add that to the library, right at the back."
[22:41] Sparrow cos Queen says, "Huh? Oh uhh, sure."
[22:42] Kasadya Shar says, "If you truly wish to learn about the Fireblood, I suggest you come to Theria to witness our rituals first hand. ANd you do not call our religion 'lesser'. I would've snpped your neck for that, if I was having one of my bad days."
[22:42] Sparrow cos Queen says, "Oh dear."
[22:42] Kasadya Shar says, "Spread the respect I have for the Faith of the Stars to my own, and we won't have problems."
[22:42]
Bastiel's prowlings come to a head within remarkable time. The axe-wielding Dragonlord's travel took him down dusty corridors and empty expanses, with little life beside the meek calls of grubworms and fluttering bats. At the first sign of true life, his cracked lips split into a smile.

Even better. It would have to have been one of theirs. Those draping white robes immediately give recollections of earlier years, spent at the edges of the conflict zone. His slit irises twitch and hood over till they're narrow slits of gold against pale white.

But then they're talking about departing. The Dragonlord outstretches one hand, going to set the palm of his gnarled mitt to the Priest's chest as they pass. His stare is about what one could expect. Cold, unfriendly, and withering.

"Words echo in these caves,"
he muses, holding the stranger there for a moment.

"Tell me your name, pagan."

(Bastiel)
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[22:43] Kasadya gave off an oh-shit expression.
(Kasadya Shar)
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[22:46] "Oh?"

Amusement so easily danced within his eyes at the sudden intervention of Bastiel's words, Kasadya's threat of his neck potentially being snapped put at the back of his mind.

The sinner would be dealt with later.

A mere step backwards had him escaping the palm that looked to be placed on his chest, smile only further deepening for a moment at the action.

"Pericles Vitalis. A Keeper within the Faith, and your name faithless one?"

The Keeper's shoulders rolled as if to get rid of any kinks, the darkness within the causing no hassle for his eyes, already prepared to light up the cavern if required.
(Pericles Vitalis)
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[22:52] Knowing that Bastiel was likely to be offended, both hands of the younger Drakanite tightened. Her eyes remained on Pericles. Should a fight unfold here and now in these caverns? She'd back up her fellow Drakan and Therian. However she'd not throw her hands toward her conversation partners unless it was clear that hostilities were to be had.

Though with the way her muscles tensed... she was itching for a fight.
(Kasadya Shar)
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[22:55] The youth had fallen silent as Bastiel had made their arrival. They were just a few moments away from departing. Well at the very least the Drakanites were here with them, and not further into the cave where his cousins were probably mining.

That in and of itself was a blessing.

No stirring of mana, or even the youth attempting to reach for a weapon could be seen. He had no intention of fighting right now. After all, there was probably very little he could do in terms of a fight.

So for now, he silently observed the situation.
(Sparrow cos Queen)
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[22:55]
"Faithless…"

The comment earns a low snort, resulting in a huff of acrid air. While he draws close, the air reeks of smoke and charcoal. Even the slight hand he sets to Pericles' chest stirs unnatural heat, like an open fire.

For once in his life, he wasn't woefully intoxicated. His words are a whisper into Pericles' ear, sparing the others from his rumbling. His breath reeks of thick bourbon, vile to the senses. He, clearly, doesn't care.

"You, who prays to idols of a dead God; you, who feasts upon Creator's corpse, have no place to call a servant of Gajrling faithless. You have no Gods; only masters."

A repulsed huff follows, and the weight upon the man's chest leverages into a yank forwards - pulling him by the lapel of his cloak, intend to send him stumbling towards the exit. Obviously, he could resist and start a fight.

"I am Bastiel, hammer of Gajrling."

"Recall it. You will have many opportunities to realize the failures of your idolatry and turn to the Sons."

(Bastiel)
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[23:00] The rise in temperature was a clear sign of the oncoming fire magic, and with it his own retaliation flared into reality. Mana pulled from his soul and flowed instantly throughout his magical circuits.

A hand covered in holy-light slapped out towards the hand that looked to pull him by his lapels, snort sounding out from his own nose.

"Acolyte Sparrow, hold this for me please."

Seemingly uncaring for the situation, his eyes never left Bastiel as his cosmic-codex was passed over towards the young teenager by his side, the sword by his waist withdrawn from its place within his sheath.

The blades point directly aimed towards Bastiel's chest, clearly intent on defending himself from any more blows that were to be sent his way.

"I advice you to yield, and not push things any further."
(Pericles Vitalis)
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[23:04] Tightening her fists. Her eyes began to widen at the sign of holy magic. It seemed to... be somewhat annoying to her. Was it just how bright it was in the overall dark cave... or something else? She never found the magic comforting. Both her hands tightened. As her eyes then turned toward Bastiel.

"Warlord, if a fight happens. I'm sure you know I have a hard time just watching." This particular Shar was known for her own acts of sadism. As her eyes focused on the duo infront of her. Her own body beginning to grow in temperature. Heat leaking from her body.
(Kasadya Shar)
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[23:06] "Oh dear."

Once more the youth found himself repeating that rather brief phrase. This was what, his third time he stated it during this particular encounter? Stars, he was going to be saying that a lot when around Pericles wasn't he?

Though as his codex was tossed, the noble would reach out grasping onto the codex that was so carefully handed to him. He couldn't fight just yet, but the least he could do was hold this book for a bit.

Though that light that surrounded Pericles intrigued him. Perhaps now was the time to study it while he fought the Warlord.

Should it of course come to that.

"Please be careful."
(Sparrow cos Queen)
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[23:08]
"You can skitter round and flee if you so please,"

the brutish Drakanite's hand drifts to the handle of his axe, which is unclipped from the crude leather holster it'd been left to hang from. Challenge was met with challenge, and he assumes a lazy posture. His neck rolls and snaps, joints popping and cracking.

"- but I figure, men like you n' I...
are much better served bleedin' one another dry."

His offhand beckons the opposing Priest forward, inviting him to strike. If Pericles attempts to depart, there's no move to stop him. After all, he came here looking for soft targets and a few coins to pad out his boys' pockets.

Those Rhoynurs'd be useful, if he could get them situated.

"Osronans ain't used to fighting fair," the youthful Dragonlord muses. "N' I ain't the type to give 'em any advantage if I can get it. Beat the shit out of his little friend if he tries anything. Might make a good offer to Gajrling."

"Put a bit of meat on his bones, and he'd make a fiiine Raider."

There's a lurid and cracked grin to twist his lips. It was clear that the threat was not an idle one, should they come to blows here.


(Bastiel)
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[23:12] "So be it."

And perhaps this was something the Keeper secretly wanted deep down.

The Keeper's intent to fight only grew further when his newly acquired acolyte's health was involved in the matter, a frown taking over his visage for a moment.

He hadn't expected their little trip to take such a turn.

"Prepare yourself, Hammer of Gajrling."

Pericles's was soon dashing across the ground and towards the drakanite, holy aura soon flaring up to enshroud his form in it's ethereal glow as his sword arced across the air.

There was no hesitation in his movement, intent on beating back the drakanite that had dared to threaten him in such a way.
(Pericles Vitalis)
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[23:18] Her fists began to tighten. As she saw the battle unfold between Pericles and her fellow Drakanite, she took, felt the lust for battle. Her mixed blood in her veins intertwining with the desire for combat. The Centurion had come to the mines for a fight, anyway. And so... her eyes turned toward the teenager.

"Come here, little boy." Instantly the Drakanite teen darted toward Sparrow, she'd spin her foot upward, aiming to deliver a powerful kick to the jaw with black-scales covering her leg. "I need. To hunt." A smile came to her lips. One of manic, sadistic desire. This boy wasn't a Therian. So her cousin shouldn't mind hearing of her brutalizing him.

Maybe.
(Kasadya Shar)
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[23:23] Welp.

What had started off as a simple trip to go mining had turned into something far more dangerous. Which wasn't a horrible thing really, but stars was he woefully unprepared for a fight. Nevertheless he was a Queen, and thus he would follow his grandfather's example.

NO fear.

"I'd really rather not fight, but..." He shrugs. "So be it."

Another rather unfortunate thing was... Well he wouldn't even have the chance to study his mentors light. Though perhaps now was the time to try to summon his own light? He had managed it before during his training with Galynn, and at his induction ritual into the church.

Might as well give it a go.

Unfortunately for the noble, the only thing he can managed to summon is a thin layer of mana around him. No light, not quite yet.

"Here' goes nothing..."
(Sparrow cos Queen)
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[23:23] Soon the duo were battling outside the caves, not wishing to be interrupted by a potential grubling suddenly jumping out of the holes to attack them.

Holy versus the drakanite's swordsmanship.

An opportune moment appeared, his holy-covered sword arcing through the air to slam into Bastiel's chest, giving the duo plenty of breathing room for round two.

"You can still cease, and leave without that pain that will no doubt follow, Bastiel."

Another potential out for the Dragonlord, although the Keeper doubted the man would follow through with the wish of the man. Already his sword was raised to point back towards the man's form.
(Pericles Vitalis)
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[23:25]
Bastiel hems and haws, thinking.
This is interesting.

Blows are countered and then returned: but he ultimately is the first to falter, left scorched by rays of light. It hurts like sin, but he'll survive. One hand rests over a burnt forearm, and he's sitting there - silently planning.

This time, he approaches the battle from a new angle.

Pericles finds wicked claws seeking his belly, aiming to split the flesh wide open between the gnash of sharp bones and thick scales. He seems to be relishing in this, in a general sense.
(Bastiel)
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[23:34] Kasadya Shar says, "9yeah iron fist is just not working rn"
[23:35] The second round didn't go to plan for the Keeper. Bastiel's swordsmanship overwhelming the man's own, and soon he was forced on the backend for a moment as they exchanged blows.

But soon the tide changed.

Pericles's holy blade continued to crash against the advance of Bastiel, a new spark of energy within the man as he eventually started to take over the battle.

And finally, after a blast of holy light suddenly shone from the Keeper, a moment appeared for him to strike out.

No hesitation within his movement, the blade slashed into Bastiel's arm. The holy light that covered the weapon causing the sword to blunt, and not inflict any cutting damage, perhaps a more punishing action.

Blunt damage, instantly fracturing the bone from the blow. No doubt to cause the drakanite painful movement for the coming days. A leg soon following the strike to send his boot into the Dragonlord's chest, sending him backwards.

"Leave, Bastiel."

"We're finished here, I am victorious. There's no need for further violence."
(Pericles Vitalis)
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[23:38] ** Kasadya Shar has inflicted an injury upon Sparrow cos Queen. ("Temporary Injury", "Temporary Injury", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[23:41] Acolyte Jamey asks, "Pericles, could you help me please?"
[23:45] The Drakanite woman would only pursue the young low-noble as he seemed to run round the field. Aiming to escape her wrath! But every time he seemed to flee, she seemed to already be on top of him. Aiming to strike at the lad with incredible force, her hands and her legs were covered in violet scales. No doubt cushioning the blow of her own strikes and parries against the boy.

As she raced through the field she couldn't help but to give off a maddened laughter. The same kind of laughter one would hear would hear from a pack of hyena's hunting their prey. Truly, the Shar enjoyed aa good fight. And the Queen had the natural strength to at leas tput up somewhat of a decent fight.

That was, until a powerful knee struck just above his abdomen, shattering his sternum and ripping the air from his lungs. "I am the punisher of those who disrespect Theria, Ryujin, or his children> Let this be a reminder, boy. Not to spit in the name of the Dragons. For both youand your mentor." An elbow raised up, and as Sparrow was still bent on her knee, she smashed it into his spine. Allowing him to fall to the ground. Defeated.

Her bloodlust was sated for now. "Take your boy. I may respect your Faith in the stars, but that gives your lot no right to insult my own faith. Let his broken bones be a reminder. For you not to antagonize The Fireblood. Or the Shar Clan." Her eyes, still manic, displayed a predatorial focus upon Perciles.
(Kasadya Shar)
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[23:46]
The dragon's axe is cast aside by a parried blow, sent skittering from his fingers. It's head buries in the dirt, metal upturning grass and clay. In a moment, again, Pericles was upon him. There was no way to counter this.

His left arm is brought up in a guard, trying to keep the strike from hitting anything vital. It succeeds; to only marginal success, leaving him in a moment of agony. Bastiel feels the bone crack beneath the pressure, and his focus shatters.

He's taken more grievous injuries, but this one smarts. Gajrling's supremacy had been challenged by an interloper on Therian territory, and he had summarily failed to defend it. Far more than defeat, that failure will haunt him.

The dragon's neck cracks.

"Bold words for a man who wanted to fight. Admit it. You, unlike your silly little Church, crave battle just like any other warrior."

He takes hold of the axe but it's wooden shaft with his good arm, tearing it from the earth with a squelch of mud and goo. It's situated over one shoulder, and the other arm's left to dangle. Medical attention was irrelevant, as far as he saw it.

"Why not put your efforts to more fitting use? Instead of defending mediocrity and working for a God who will never answer you, accept Gajarling's blessings. Become something more."

He didn't care to wait for an answer.

It would be no, of course;
but time had a way of changing thing.

"I'm headed back, kid. Come along if you please."
(Bastiel)
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[23:47] Acolyte Jamey says, "Don't..."
[23:49] She'd look on, intrigued by the situation.
(Acolyte Jamey)
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[23:51] * You have been awarded 15 Roleplay Points! *
[23:53] There wasn't a whole lot for the youth to do here. The only magic he could manifest was just a brief burst of raw mana sent out in the form of a wave. Which did little to stop the marauding Drakanite.

Despite his best efforts to maintain some distance between himself, and the now... Laughing woman. Stars, that was unsettling. In the midst of the fight his situation truly dawned on him. He was going to lose here, badly. That much became obvious when their knee crashed right above his abdomen. Knocking the wind right out of him.

Kasadya's words reached him, but he didn't have the energy to even offer a response. A few moment passed, and he flopped down onto the ground gasping for air. Of course the injury was far from lethal, but he was a kid, and breathing right now seemed all but impossible.

Was this how he died? In the mines to the north of Osrona? Who was going to protect Yani, and Gull. If he was gone then...

Then...

For a moment, his desire to keep his family safes sparked something within the youth. The pain faded away just for a moment, as a radiant light burst forth around him. His desire to stay alive to protect those family members that he treasure brought out something new, but familiar from the lad, and from the ground he manages to get out one statement.

"Piss off."

With that, the light quickly faded from around him, and with it the pain returned.

And oh boy was he in a lot of that pain.
(Sparrow cos Queen)
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[23:55] Kasadya Shar says, "Let's go, Bastiel. That was fun. We should do it again sometime."
[23:55] Pericles could only watch on as the newly recruited acolyte was so brutally beaten. The sound of bones cracking so easily heard by the Keeper as he took a step away from Bastiel, and towards the duo.

The hand that held his sword only further tightening, his gaze staring towards the younger girl as he made to advance. And yet, as he approached the Keeper merely ignored her, uncaringly pushing her out of the way as he made to move towards Sparrow.

She wasn't a threat in his eyes, this moment noted within his mind for the future.

"Young Sparrow."

It seemed the blessing he had given Sparrow earlier hadn't assisted him in the battle, a hand reaching down to offer support towards the young teenager, pulling him up.

"We shall return to Osrona, and get your wounds looked over. A lesson has been learnt today, hm?"

Pericles's hand patted the acolyte on the shoulder, his other accepting the cosmic codex that he valued so much back. A final look thrown towards the duo, before he led the way back over towards Osrona.
(Pericles Vitalis)
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[23:59] From the ground, the youth would pass back the cosmic codex, which despite him engaging in a rather brutal fight... Had remained unharmed. Which was always a plus. That codex would be handed over to Pericles, as he accepted his help up.

"Right... Yeah... Lesson."
(Sparrow cos Queen)