"Say, Lezard," Rufus said, slowing his speed a little to walk beside the mage. They were crossing the Kythena Plains, and everything had gone more or less well so far and things were peaceful. "You said you were the apprentice of the Three Mages of Dipan. So, what was your job back in the castle?"

"Helping out with experiments and spells, that sort of thing," Lezard replied. "I doubt you would want to know - or understand - the details."

Rufus nodded. "Uh huh." He glanced back where Dylan was following then. "I was just curious. Those mages were a little, eh, creepy," he then said. "Well except that Dallas guy, but the Princess knows him and all. And compared to the others, he was kind of... pretty."

"Ah, I see," Lezard commented with a smirk on his face. He then lowered his voice so that Alicia who was walking ahead of them wouldn't hear. "Maybe you are interested in Lady Alicia and are afraid of competition, then? I really don't think you have any worries about that. You've got quite a pretty face on you, after all."

"What?!" Rufus replied, shocked. He lifted his hands up defensively. "Just what do you think I am? I wouldn't-"

Lezard bowed his head a little. "Oh, I apologize in that case. I shouldn't jump into conclusions like that."

They walked on for a moment, and then Rufus gave the mage a mock glare. "You were just teasing me with that, weren't you? You sure know how to be annoying, as useful as you are."

"That's just my nature," Lezard replied. He took a short pause and then added, "So if not her, who would you prefer? Me or Dylan?"

Rufus stared at him for a moment, and then said, loudly enough for both Dylan and Alicia to hear, "I'm going up ahead to see if there's anything unusual." He looked back and nodded to Dylan, and then glanced at Lezard. "This because if I don't, I might not be able to keep myself from hurting you," he hissed at the mage before jogging off.

Lezard laughed a little and hurried his steps a little to join Alicia.