[i]Irina wasn't taken back too much by the question that the angelic being had imposed, more or less she expected her to ask. She wasn't aware of whether it was her stratagem of distraction or just conversation, although the latter was revealed - Irina was certain that it was either the first, or Astraeus was plainly curious about the location.[/i] "Castle Cainhurst, dear," [i]Irina whispered, in a tone that was watchful in a sense, yet considerably kind to the angel. Her boots clattered softly against the dark, ancient stone, as the dimly lit arena was suddenly ignited by the flickering fires of torches and candles, set long ago by its previous inhabitants..[/i] "It is a cold, dreadful place.. yet once, I could call it a home." [i]A saddened look, one of remembrance, crossed Irina's face before it was replaced by a sudden concentration, her icy blue eyes meeting Astraeus' sapphire blues: once Irina was around six feet away from the angel, she stopped in place, assuming a combative stance while her sword held outwards, holding her dagger behind it in the case that she had the advantage: clearly, the dagger was used to end confrontations, delivering a swift blow to the side that would injure her foe.[/i]