“I am safe, bella ragazza,” Arden said with a good-natured laugh, “As safe as one can be in this country right now. It is not easy, but I have protected myself so far.” She had no reason to lie about that. Anyone who had managed to make it to Austin from another part of the United States must have had the ability to do it without getting turned into zombie fodder. She had nothing to hide in that respect.
It would also be far too suspicious since she did have actual weapons on her. She had two Italian long swords concealed by a bag strapped to her back as well as blades holstered to her waist. “My uncle was a skilled spadaccino – swordsman – in Italia,” she explained, gesturing at the daggers in the front, “He had given me lessons when I was a little girl. I am not as skillful as he was, but I have learned to use them.”
Resting her hand on her hip, Arden looked at the blonde with a sheepish smile, “These are actually why I had traveled here to America. Your military makes very good blades and I have become a collector. It is a little weird, no?” She rubbed the side of her neck with a bit of embarrassment. “My cousin says I should not have such a hobby. It is not good for a woman,” she gave another shrug of her shoulder, “He says I should be more like a lady, stay in the house, find myself a strong man and raise a famiglia.” She hesitated for a second as she glanced over at her with what could amount to a worried expression. “I hope I have not put you off.”