He received the allowance gratefully. "Thank you, Koishi," Ted said, meaning more than the shouldering of financial burdens. He hoped she wasn't allergic to any of the stuff, but then, he wasn't about to test every sprig of wolfsbane or pouch of iron shavings to see if she had a reaction.

"Ha, oh dear. If I'm to supply the day's cunning, then we had best say our prayers, for we are ruined." He didn't appear especially despondent about that. In truth, even Ted found the foreboding of their surroundings disheartening, and was grateful for Koishi's presence to lighten his spirits. "Although, that's not a bad idea. I'll do just that when we arrive."

He conversed more along the way, keeping things light and frothy. When they arrived, he stood open-mouthed at the imposing castle, and the gigantic moon that stood behind it. The massive drawbridge both beckoned and terrified. Indeed, Ted felt those two emotions mix and mingle within him. He was afraid, but he was also excited, as fight and flight intertwined and adrenaline surged. He tried to channel the emanating awe into piety, and knelt down.

Ted said the Lord's Prayer, with special emphasis on the end: "Deliver us from evil." He went from kneeling to sitting, tugging off his boots and replacing them with Koishi's gift: the hellfire walkers. "Though, perhaps that's a misguided request, seeing as how we're walking right into it. Are you ready?" Ted tried to keep in front; he's ready to accept that he needs defending. But perhaps he might pretend to be the more invincible of the two, and lead the way? He passed through black forest into the ruined courtyard, keeping his blade and his satchel handy.