Riddles: Tales from Tailte IC {PG 13}

[BumblingBee]

Aoife watched the sun rise over the tree tops and light up the leaves like fireflies. She began to hear the convoy of caravans below her wake up and greet the new day. Then something suddenly nudged her in the back, she turned and faced her companion: Topthorn. She sighed sadly and rubbed his neck, slumping forwards, she rested her head upon his.
"Oh Topthorn, I don't want to go"
Topthorn whinned at her softly in response. Her ears perked up as she heard approaching footsteps from behind her, yet she did not move. She knew who it would be anyway.
"Why do I have to go anyway? I don't want to be a wimsy little lady of court"
She grumbled under her breath
"Sounds awfully dull if you ask me"

Her Uncle frowned. He was a tall man, with sharp features and broad shoulders. He took a long sigh before moving forwards to stand beside her and overlook the convoy below. Without looking at her he began to speak
"It's not up to us to decide, you know that. Besides, it's in the name of your family honour to travel to Sareas"
He frowned a little, raising an eyebrow and looking at her
"I thought you liked seeing your Father anyway"
Aoife scoffed as she began to lead Topthorn back down towards the Convoy.
"I do. WHEN he visits, which is once a year and that's plenty enough for me"

The rest of the morning passed in a incredibly slow and dull blur. She packed her few belongings and was made 'presentable'. As her auntie took her furs away she felt as if a part of herself was being torn away with them. She was simply being dressed up and made to be something she clearly was not. Her auntine looked at her proudly all decked out in her new attire.
"Perfect!"
She clasped her hands together and hurriedl stode towards the paddocks.
"Now just wait here for a moment while I just ... go and get somethng. Then you'll be ready to go!"
Aoife gave her a fake grin as she left, it instantly fell back into a frown once she was gone. For awhile she shuffled around awkwardly, scuffing a nearby fence post and twiddling with her hair impatiently. Aoife looked out over the familiar horizon of her home.
"I'll return to you, one day"
She vowed to herself. And she never broke her vows.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb looked out over the water from the ship. The waves were calm, which was nice considering the last couple of days on the water had been rough and had delayed them quite some time. Caleb was happy to have been able to shed the heavy furs he had to wear while in Fhrainc now that he was under the saib sun. He felt like the months he had stayed in the cold waste land his skin had almost gone as gray and sickly as those native to its land.

He hated Fhrainc but the journey was necessary. Even if the people of Fhrainc were sleazy cheats, they still brought a lot of trade into Saibhreas, and it was important to try and remain on good terms with them or else Saibhreas would suffer a great lose of profit.

The prince however was happy to be along the sea, though now closing into the River of Riches. He had grown up along the river and had many of times been at sea. Perhaps he would have preferred to be a sailor or a merchant rather than a prince.

Now they could see the city of Sareas from their ship. The walled in city seemed to shine like gold in this light. Caleb was happy to be returning home. He worried for his father well being and his mother's health. Rurik, his younger brother, came onto deck. He put his arm around Caleb's shoulder and looked out towards home. The palace could be seen clearly atop the rest of the city. Rurik was only a couple years younger than Caleb, at age 23. The two were fairly close and often traveled together, though it usually ended with Caleb having to drag Rurik out of trouble. Rurik was quite the wild child, which in some ways Caleb was rather pleased with, it made his own actions seem tame. This moment was no different than any other. Caleb could smell the heavy scent of wine on his brother's breathe.

"Home again dear brother." Rurik smiled. Caleb frowned at him.

"Do try to sober up a bit before we dock." Caleb said. Which might have sounded rather cold but Rurik knew it was a sign of endearment from his brother.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch had been told by Lock of Caleb and Ruriks return that day. Himself and Lock had agreed to greet them at the docks. It was a good job they were returning too. Cadman was begining to drive him insane, and not for the first time either. He dismounted his horse and began to stride through the busy docks, bustling past merchants, traders and fishermen alike before Lock could even place the horse in a stable. The noise of the place was almost deafaning in parts. Eventually Calloch found himself at the correct port. He stood and waited patiently as the large ship came into port. As the gangplank was lowered he waved Caleb and Rurik over.
"Thank the bloody gods you're here, look I'll have to be quick"
He turned to face Caleb
"I'd tell your Father myself but he's driven me to near insanity and I really need to get going"
He held his hands behind his back with a heavy sigh.
"I'll be out of court for a day or two, my daughter arrives in Sareas today and I must help her settle"
He looked at Caleb completely serious
"I'm telling you as I fear the other advisors may seize the opportunity to..."
He waved his hands a little searching for the right word. He settled with,
"Corrupt the Kings mind while I am gone"
He placed a friendly hand on Calebs shoulder
"Could you kep an eye on them?"

By this point Lock had caught up. He remained a little ways away, simply keeping a watchful eye on them from a distance. He was leaning against a wall with his arms folded and a mild look of boredom upon his face.

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla woke up to the usual sounds of morning in the forest. The birds sang softly flying around in the morning light as the sun filtered through the green leaves, casting dappled light onto the forest floor. She opened her eyes, looking down from the hammock like structure she had built to keep her off of the forest floor as she preferred to wake up without ants and other small creatures all over her. She climbed out onto a branch, grabbing her bow and quiver from where they hung on another branch. She decided that it was about time that she patrol the area again, the last group of hunters had taken more... drastic measures to remove from the area. She looked at the bundle of arrows in her quiver, realizing that soon enough, she'd have to make more.

She looked around, wondering if Diala had decided to come back yet, but seeing nothing of her dark grey fur, Yvalla turned away from her small home, pulling up her hood to conceal her face in shadows. She ran silently through the trees, leaping from branch to branch when necessary, it was much easier to move through the trees than to try to work through the thick undergrowth on the ground. As she went deeper into the forest, towards the coast, she noticed a silence creeping over the woods. The chirping of the birds faded away, until she could no longer hear them. The slight rustling as small creatures foraged for food disappeared as well. It came upon her very suddenly that there were no longer any natural sounds. It was silent. Something was wrong.

She climbed up on the tree in which she stood, trying to get above the thick leaves. As she emerged above the sea of trees she noticed that ahead of her, there was much less green. The trees that should have been flourishing were darkening, leaves rotting on the trees and then falling to the earth. Farther away, the trees were lifeless, blackened fingers reaching to obscure the sun. She descended quickly, going all the way down to the ground. She walked slowly, and as quiet as she could, approaching the border of the dying trees. The earth as she walked grew less and less firm, becoming dark and wet, the mud grasping at her heels, trying to pull her down. As she went further, she began to see just how bad it had become. This was not a natural death.

She turned immediately and ran, caring little to remain quiet any more. The forest was infected, poisoned, and she had no idea how to stop it. She ran back to her home climbing up into the trees when it became necessary. As soon as she got back she pulled together her few possessions. She needed to warn the rest of the Atonians, because no matter how much she was repulsed by them, she would rather not see a whole people die.

[AvisCrown]

As the ship came into dock Caleb spotted Calloch waiting for them. This unnerved Caleb a bit. He wondered what had gone wrong in court. Caleb and Rurik were quickly greeted as the got back on land. Rurik seemed to get lost in the crowd, like child, he was easily distracted. Caleb however greeted Calloch, who rushed through what he needed to say. He remembered Calloch telling him of his daughter. The arrangement of her care seemed rather strange to him but it wasn't his place to question it.

Caleb understood Calloch's worries. Caleb shared them for his father. Over the years the other advisors took any opportunity to manipulate his father, and his father seemed to make it easy for them. Unfortunately these same manipulative advisors were the ones his father had come to trust most. His father had become blind to his own people's suffering, because he was lead to believe they didn't suffer at all. His father held good intentions, he cared for his people but unfortunately the people he took council with cared little for them and cared only for their own pockets.

Caleb gave Calloch a weak smile and put his hand on Calloch's shoulder.

"Of course. You do what must be done with your daughter. I'll can keep an eye on my father at court. " Caleb sighed.

"Though I doubt there is much I can do." Caleb might have more influence over his father than Calloch but even his opinion meant little to his father. His father seemed only to ask for his opinion to amuse him.

[BumblingBee]

A sudden weight seemed to lift from Callochs shoulders. He sighed in relief and patted Caleb on the back.
"My thanks"
As quickly as he had arrived he began to leave. As Calloch mounted up he called out.
"I'll be back as soon as I can, I promise"
And with that said he left.

Lock sauntered up to Caleb, a lazy smile covering his face.
"Have a nice trip then?"
____________________________

Aoife was saddled and ready to go. Her bags were packed, Topthorn had been fed and the two were ready and waiting. Aoife hated the waiting really, if she did have to go she'd much rather just do it already than drag it out like this. She groaned in complaint to her aunt but she only shushed her in response. Her Auntie was looking to the horizon expectantly, tapping her foot on the ground with impatience. Suddenly she smiled and waved her hand madly in the air Aoife assumed as a signal. Soon enough two red headed young lads appeared seemingly from nowhere.

It was obvious from their appearance that the two were identical twins. Both were tall and very lanky, with a slim figure and freckles dotted across their pale skin. They smiled at Aoife and she simply frowned at them in response. Her Auntie turned to her all smiles.
"Well then, now that you have your escort, you can be on your way!"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb sighed when Lock approached and asked about his trip.

"Truthfully it was awful." Caleb said honestly. Caleb didn't mind travel but he hated Fhrainc with a passion, he'd rather walk through Diabhal barefoot.
"Now what kind of trouble have you gotten into while I was gone?" Caleb asked rather light-heartedly.

[BumblingBee]

Lock rolled his eyes as he began to walk through the crowd once more
"Oh you know, just the usual"
The Princes were not an unusual sight within the docks yet still people whispered excitedly as they passed
"Edin's been asking after you, Callochs girl is arriving but you already knew that"
he came to a stop before the horses and sighed heavily
"Other than that, not much has gone on I'm afraid"
He suddenly frowned a little and looked around them
"Where's Rurik anyway?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb shrugged and glanced around.

"Gods know where. he'll find his way back to the palace. You know him." Caleb mounted his horse.

"How insufferable has father been? From Calloch's attitude I got he's been rather difficult."

[BumblingBee]

Lock merely grunted as he mounted his own steed.
"Not the best really. I tell you, It's those damn so called 'advisors' of his"
He scoffed loudly
"I tell you If I were him I'd have them all fired and sent packing"
He glanced over at Caleb, a smug smile on his face
"mind you, I suppose you could, one day"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb laughed a bit at Lock's view point on the subject of the advisors.

"It's not as simply as that, I'm afraid. A king needs a council. Though, I'm not required to actually listen to them." Caleb felt more pity for his father than Lock did. Caleb had seen his father struggle with his advisors, they acted as if they held the power and in some ways they were. Caleb would felt they needed to be reminded they were in court under the permission of his father, not the other way around.

Caleb started working his way through the crowded docks upon his stead. People seemed to get out of the way rather quickly, knowing who he was.

"Perhaps I can help get him out of his terrible mood." Caleb added.

Rurik caught up with the two of them. "Come to welcome your big brothers home? Miss us that much did ya?" Rurik smiled teasing Lock a bit.

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla was lucky, the caravan was passing through an area near to her at the moment. She hastened now, not trying to quiet herself that much. Branches groaned as she landed on them and pushed off once more. She hoped that they wouldn't break, but care wasn't important. She slowed down as she neared the Caravan, trying to be a bit more quiet, she didn't want to worry them, it wouldn't do to get attacked. She noticed a small group of people off to the side, they seemed to be preparing to leave the caravan, from the way they were going, they would run directly into the sickness. She stayed in the trees as she approached the group. Her cloak wrapped around her, and it made her nearly invisible against the shadows in the forest.

"You must not leave," She said to the group from her hidden perch. Her voice was soft and musical after her years speaking mostly to birds and other creatures, but it still held a commanding tone. "The forest is not safe. Stay here with your mother and father." She meant the couple who stood near the woman. She could not allow the caravan to travel into the forest, she did not know what would happen, but it could not be good. "One of you boys," she said, voice hardening, "Go tell someone important that nobody is to enter the forest. There is a sickness here that cannot mean any good." Seeing hesitation, she quickly drew and arrow and fired it next to one of the boy's feet, "Go!" she commanded.

[BumblingBee]

(If you wouldn't mind :) the twins are kinda playable characters, ish XD)

Aoife frowned as the voice echoed around them. She didn't like being told what to do, especially by someone she couldn't see either. Yet if what she claimed was true and the forrest really was i danger, then that certainly wasn't good either. She frowned and turned her head to the trees above and around them. The twins were doing the same eyes narrowed in concentration.

One of them lowered and picked up the arrow. The two began to quickly examine it with an intense scrutiny.
"Hmmm"
"Similar to Atonian craftmenship"
"But not quite"
"made from materials found in the forrest"
"Local girl then"

They smiled smugly as they looked at the trees around them. Then without a word they mounted up, one on either side of Aoife. She gave them a quizicall look but they just carried on smiling. Leaning over they whispered in her ear.
"Walk on"
"If she truly cares about the forrest that much"
"Which it sounds like she does"
"Then she's sure to follow"

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla saw that they ignored what she had told them. Quickly, she drew and fired four arrows. She aimed two for the reigns on the two boy's horses, and the others to each of their wrists. She didn't wait to see if they hit, it didn't matter, she dropped backwards off of her perch and landed on the soft earth, standing in the path of the horses. "I have no qualms fighting you" She said quietly, "As long as my message is sent. Leave Atoni, it is no longer safe here. But whatever you do, stay with the group until you can leave the forest, entering deeper will only she looked at the older couple who seemed to be sending the party off. "Please tell your leader this. I may detest the barbaric customs here, but I too have family here, and it would be a shame to see a race die out."

She turned back to the small party, "What makes you so eager to leave, I already told you of the infection, there could be more than I have seen already, if you stumble into it, there is no telling what may happen." She sighed, "But if you are so eager, then I'll kill you here and save you the trouble."

[BumblingBee]

The twins laughed and scoffed clearly at the girls threat. Aoife glared at them menacingly, they soon shutup. She turned her attention to this mystery girl in front of her. For awhile she said nothing, she simply looked the girl up and down.
"My Father holds power in Sareas, that is where we are going. If you so insist, which it is clear you do, I shall warn him of this threat"
She frowned
"Not very street smart are you?"
She shrugged and gave Topthorn a light tap. The twins did the same. Atonians did not need reins to ride.
"Anyway, Tatty Byes"

[CryoLilly]

"Ah dammit," She sighed, turning away, she couldn't afford to waste arrows on them. "Going into the woods like that, idiots. Whatever, I'l let them die." then she realized that she was in the company of the people who sent the girl off. "Uhh, nothing personal, anyway, I'm off to find the leader of this caravan, since everyone else is so keen on dying out." She quickly disappeared back into the forest walking alongside the caravan until she noticed a familiar looking cart and tent. It was the same as that of the leader when she was a child. She sneaked through the camp, following the shadows until she was right up against the tent. She heard voices within, loud voices, then noticed a few men storming out of the tent. She used her small knife to open up the side of the tent wall, in between the flaps so that it would be hard to notice. She slipped quietly into the room on the other side. There seemed to be a meeting going on, or rather, ending.

The only man who stayed was old and looked very tired. He collapsed onto a pile of furs and sighed loudly. Before he got too comfortable, Yvalla spoke out. "You should leave." She said, startling him. "Wha-Who are you? How did you get in?" he asked. She stepped forward from the shadows, effectively appearing in front of him. "These woods are sick, infected, dying. It is no longer safe in Atoni. I came here to warn you because I would very much not like to be the one who could have saved an entire people, but did not over a lifestyle difference." She turned around preparing to leave, "I warned you, do what you will with this information but know that you have been warned. I don't know what it will do to people. It's in your hands now." Then she left, leaving the camp.

She needed to look for Diala, Yvalla planned to find her, and then leave the area. Perhaps she would go to Sareas, speak to the people there. That girl seemed to think that it would help.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife and the twins (Who she now knew were named Daniel and David) continued on their way towards Sareas. The twins noted as their journey began, that Aoife's words to 'The Fae' had been rather diplomatic.
"I'm sure your Father would be proud"
"Indeed he would"
Aoife told them to shuttup. They did not.
______________________________________

Lock frowned and pushed Rurik away a little
"Miss you my arse"
He mumbled to himself
"Enjoyed the peace and quiet we had without you if I'm being honest"

[KittyKatAlly]

(my god I actually go and sleep at a decent time and miss all this, :P )

The midday sun beat down on the roof tops and streets of Fhrainc bathing all it could in glorious warmth. Leaning back on the tailed roof of the run down bookshop she called home and splaying her arms out to the sides Kyda turned her face to the sun letting its warm rays dance across her skin, chasing away the cold that always seemed to settle there. It was rare for the sun to show its self so fully in this region that when ever I did happen the young thief liked to take every advantage of it, she didn't care what she should have been doing she was going to just lay there and enjoy the wonders of warmth before it was taken away again.
A soft cooing sound from below caught her attention.
"Up here Kyko, I'm just enjoying he suns grace while I can." Called Kyda not willing to move an inch for anything. Closing her eyes Kyda sighed and wiggled to get comfortable, content with spending all day there if the weather permitted. Suddenly a weight landed on her stomach and started needing, opening once eyes she smiled at the young dragon sitting there looking at her. Kyko as the dragon had come to be known had been saved by Kyda from an old abusive drunk when she was small, still learning the ways of the dangerous streets below. Since that day the little dragon had not left her side for more then a night.
Kyko cooed again walking up her chest to nuzzle Kyda's face and neck. Standing at 14-15inch in full length the little dragon would more then likely never get any bigger. Which suited Kyda fine. It was easier to keep her friend safe if she was small.
Giggling under her breath Kyda raised her hand up and stroked the dragons back getting a soft purr for her troubles. Looking again to the sky Kyda sighed. It had been a slow couple of weeks for her, having robbed the wrong person and needing to hide low in the worst parts of her hated city before being able to return to the safety of the bookshop. How was she to know he was a prince. And not the lazy kind that tended to favour the city, damn that dude could run. A pout came over her face as she reached into the front pocket of her leggings pulling out a simple silver chain with a small ornate locket hanging from it. This is what she had taken, a stupid lovers trinket. Inside was a small painting of a beautiful blond girl, probably Bhreatain if she had to guess. Kyda didn't know why she hadn't thrown it away. Or even thrown it back at the stupid princes face. Opening the locket at gazing at the picture Kyda couldn't help but sigh in frustration.
"Look at her Kyko, beautiful and probably noble -sigh- and here we are slumming it with the best eh." Kyko cooed and shrilled before giving Kyda a small lick on the face. Laughing Kyda sat up and hugged the little dragon gently.
"You're right Kyko, I'm just as pretty...... when we can get clean and have nicer cloths." Still laughing Kyda laid back down.
"Don't worry Kyko we will get out of this town one day, that I promise! We will go on a great adventure across all the lands. Hay we may even find his girl and give her the locket back to give to her darling little prince." Closing her eyes again Kyda drifted off into slumber, dreams of far of lands filling her head.

[KittyKatAlly]

The sounds of children's laughter filled the air along with the smells of fresh cut wheat, corn and other harvested foods. Men shouted to one another while women gossiped. It was just another day in the town of Tref.
Sierra loved this time of year. Everyone was happy and full of life, taking pleasure in the harvest and the profit it would bring them. Dancing around the kitchen of her family's home Sierra sang to herself as she prepared the midday meal. Fresh bread could be smelt baking and lamb stew wafted around the house and into the gardens that surrounded it. Stopping every once in a while to scratch her faithful jackalope behind the ears and look out he window to watch her little sister in the garden Sierra concluded that she was one of he luckiest people she could think of.
With the midday meal complete Sierra walked out to the garden and knelt beside her little sister.
"What are you doing little Kari? you have been in this spot for nearly an hour." Said Sierra smiling down at her precious little sister. Kari didn't lift her head to reply but kept going about her business.
"I'm making a home for the fairies that live in our garden." Replied Kari as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Sierra giggled behind her hand before standing again.
"Well can it wait to be finished? I need you to go and wash up for the midday meal, father and Jackson will be home shortly and we must have everything ready for them." Kari nodded her head and stood racing back into the house to do as she was bid.
Smiling Sierra made her way back into the house.

(Just a side note. Sierra wont really be a big player in the story at the moment, hence the short post.)

[AvisCrown]

"Oh come on now, I imagine it's all been rather dull without my glorious presence." Rurik said rathe smuggle.

Caleb couldn't help but a laugh a bit. "Rurik, you might have the public fooled but your not fooling us. There is nothing glorious about your presence."

Rurik potted a bit. "Well we can't all have the same stick-up-one's-arse presence you have. I just can't wait to see you have to explain to father the encounter you had with that thief."

Caleb rolled his eyes and groaned. "You know he won't believe me. He'll see it as an act of rebellion, like I'm some kind of temperamental teenager. and if he does believe me, I'll just be mocked for being careless."

"hmph." Rurik seemed to say agreement. "I don't think your a temperamental teenager." Rurik said, as he road a little bit ahead then shouted back.

"You could never look young enough to be confused as teenager."

Caleb frowned a little. He'd get Rurik back for that, though he'd leave it for now.

[KittyKatAlly]

Opening her eyes Kyda blinked up at the now clouded sky. Far off she could here the great bells of the church ringing, sounding to all the city that it was the fourth hour after midday. Sighing in dismay at the loss of the suns warm rays she sat up being carful of the little dragon still in her lap. Smiling fondly at the small creature Kyda stroked its back, giggling softly when it began to purr.
These where the moments she cherished most, when she could forget of her lost family, of having to struggle each day just to live. 'There has to be more to life Kyko, more then what I have here.' thought Kyda gathering the dragon into her arms and draping her over her shoulders and across her neck. Making sure Kyko was secure Kyda climbed down the side of the house and swung into the window just below the roof line. Stepping into the sparsely furnished room she looked around for any signs of danger. She had learned early on that no where was safe, not even the one place she could possible call a home.
The room she called home was small, a bit of attic space and nothing more. A small bed stood to the far side of the room and a small dressing table with a fractured mirror where all that decorated the room. Still it was more then some of her friends had. Walking over to her bed Kyda unwrapped Kyko from around her shoulders and placed her gently on the bed and placing a light kiss on her head. Happy that her little friend was now comfortable Kyda headed down the stairs from her room that led to a back entrance into the small cramped bookshop that occupied the bottom floor of the house.
Stepping into the store Kyda was unsurprised at the amount of books that had just been left in piles on the floor in font of their appropriate shelves. Shaking her head at the owners usual air headedness she picked up a handful of books and started to shelve them. It was some time later that she finished putting the books away. and made her way to the front of the store. Reaching the front counter Kyda smirked seeing it stacked with books and scrolls.
"Hay Old man are you even still breathing back there?" Asked Kyda amusement evident in her voice.
"Watch what you say young lady, I am still well and breathing as you say." Grumbled a ruff voice from behind the stack of papers.
"I was only making sure Grandfather Barend, I meant no offense." Kyda replied with a mocking overly dramatic bow her right leg swept behind her and bending at the waist her left arm coming to rest on her heart and her right hand swept out to the side . Barend snorted at the mocking bow raising an overly bushy eyebrow.
"Are you trying for the Players Guild child?" Questioned Barend. Musical laughter sounded from Kyda a true smile gracing her features.
"No Grandfather, I don't think I could stand all the pointless frivolities that goes on there. besides you would miss me dearly, would you not?" Laughed Kyda. Barend joined in her laughter with his heavy chuckle. Though Kyda called the man Grandfather it was nothing but a childish endearment. The old man had saved her when she was at her lowest, dying in the street from a botched home robbery. She had been by his side ever since. He seemed to be the only gleam of light in the disgusting place they called home. He treated her like a beloved grandchild and she could not thank him enough from keeping her from becoming one of the sleazy low lives that roamed the town. Smiling kindly Kyda moved around behind the counter and picked up an armful of scrolls.
"Here Grandfather let me help you with these then we can get started on supper." A warm smile spread across Barends face as he watched Kyda walk away catching a glimpse of a silver chain around her neck.

[BumblingBee]

As the day bore on, Aoife grew to know and like the twins a little better. They were incredibly witty and mischevious, yet they had a soft spot too. If you knew how to butter them up correctly. The party came to a stop at an inn at around late afternoon. The twins hired out two rooms and brought food and wine. While Aoife settled the horses. The twins joked and talked quite happily as they ate, but Aoife remained quiet.

She was missing her home already.
____________________________

The three princes road through the heavily congested market. Lock's eyes were drawn to the sight of a young girl begging for food. The kind of thing pulled at his heart. She was young, too young to be in this situation. He went to his pocket to grab his coin purse. What would he do with the money anyway? more wine and women? he could do that anytime. But this girl...

[AvisCrown]

It was weird but Caleb quite liked moving through the crowd markets of the Saib capital. Seeing the busy streets filled with merchants and shoppers. Caleb was observing the crowd when he noticed Lock's attention else where. He had a heavy frown on his face as he saw his brother start to turn in the poor beggar girl's direction. A form hand grabbed a hold of Lock's shoulder.

"Don't Lock." Caleb said.

[BumblingBee]

At the best of times, Lock didn't understand his two other brothers. It seemed like now was one of those times. He turned to look at Caleb.
"Why not? So She can starve?"
He scoffed and frowned, averting himself from Calebs gaze.
"Just because I'm your younger brother doesn't mean you can tell me what to do all of the time you know"
He grabbed his coin purse anyway
"Besides, I think i can spare the pocket money"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb groaned a bit at Lock's response. Sometimes he thought his younger brother was so simply minded. He thought himself a saint in a world of devils. The worst of it was Lock didn't seem to know Caleb better than that. Sometimes Caleb thought him and Lock understood each other, like they were fighting together for the same cause. He thought perhaps him and Lock actually understood each other better than he did Rurik but then there was times like this, where Lock underestimated Caleb's character. Truthfully it hurt a bit.

Caleb rolled his eyes a bit and once again grabbed a hold of Lock's shoulder to stop him.

"She'll eat tonight with that but what about tomorrow? and the day after that? Do you plan on returning everyday to give her coin for her next meal? And what the other starving girls out there? Will you pay them to? I'm not saying she doesn't deserve to eat but you are making promises you can not keep. A little pocket money won't solve her problem, and you know that."

[BumblingBee]

For a long time Lock said nothing. He looked at neither Caleb or the girl (Who was looking at them both pleadingly). After a while, Lock pulled on his horses reins and started to trot away from his brothers. over his houlder he could be heard saying
"Then something needs to be done about it"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb watched Lock leave then turned his attention back to the girl. She looked up at Caleb, perhaps she recognized him or perhaps she simply noticed the two brothers had been observing her. Either way it tugged at him the wrong way. There wasn't anything he could truly do for her, nothing that would keep her off the streets tomorrow. Still how was he suppose to explain that to her, that him refuses her pleading looks was for her own good. He loosened the leather strap that tied his coin purse to his belt then simply dropped it to the ground at her feet, before catching up to Lock. So sometimes he was a hypocrite.

[BumblingBee]

As his brothers followed Lock began on a different route, away from the castle. He motioned to them
"You go on ahead..."
his voice was clearly quite bitter and moody
"I'll see you later on, there's something I need to do..."
their clearly wasn't

(Are we all okay for a timeskip to the next day? :))

[AvisCrown]

(In a bit XD let me wrote up Caleb getting back and everything)

Caleb waved Lock off and him and Rurik carried on home. They were greeted with open arms as they entered the castle gates. People asking how their journey had been. Caleb was less honest with them than he was with Lock. A moody prince did no one any good is mother always told him. The crowd quickly parted as Caleb's father made his way to greet his sons.

"I hope all went well." He said looking at Caleb then his eyes drifted to Rurik who had a rather large smile on his face.

"All was well?" He narrowed his eyes at Rurik, repeating his previous statement but with a little bit more uncertainty in his voice.

"Why are you looking at me?" Rurik whined.

"Because it's usually you who is to blame when things don't. . .and when it's not your a terrible lier." Cadman folded his hands behind his back waiting to hear if there was truly anything he should know about. Rurik's smile had faded and a little bit of sweat dropped from his forehead. He cleared his throat.

"I'm . . just going to go inside." Rurik quickly removed himself from the situation. Caleb chimed.

"All was well father. I can promise you that." He then reassured his father when Rurik was gone. Cadman embraced his son and kissed him on the cheek.

"Good. I'm glad you've returned. Now go inside and wash the stench off you before greeting your mother. She has slept little with your delay."

[BumblingBee]

The new dawn brought with it a new day, and a wet one at that. The foul weather made a considerable effect on Aoifes mood. She sat there, frowning furiously, rain dripping off the hem of her hood and the twins nattering away either side of her. She sighed as she observed the scenery around her. It was beginning to change already. The dense forests that surrounded and inhabited Atoni were beginning to slowly thin out into sprawling green fields and vineyards of Saibhreas.

Aoife had to admit, the sights intrigued her, yet the very thought made her feel almost like a traitor to her own home. The sounds of a approaching rider snapped her from her thoughts. She and the twins came to a halt as she lowered her hood to see who exactly was approaching. A tall man dressed in fine green robes (yet they were a little worn) stopped on front of them. It was her Father. For once on her life Aoife was rendered rather speechless, and it seemed he was too.

Calloch gave her a nod in greeting.
"Aoife"
She did the same
"Father"
A very long, awkward silence passed. The twins cleared their throats loudly. Calloch gave himself a little shake and looked at the twins doubtingly. Still stressing Aoife, he asked
"I trust your journey has so far been ... Tolerable?"
Aoife couldn't help but smile a little as she looked over at the twins
"I suppose, for the most time"
The twins scowled at her as she laughed. Calloch (surprisingly) smiled a little too. He began to walk on in the direction he had came from
"Very well, come along then. We aren't far now, and I'm sure you'll be wanting to see your new home"
How wrong could he be.
_____________________________________________

Lock had spent the night in the castle library. He had sneaked back in the early hours after wining and dining and had fallen asleep head first in a book.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb had been rather lazy this morning and had slept in. He laid in bed, the sheets hugging him at his waist, as the Saib sun came beaming in through the wide window of his bedroom, it's warm rays baking the skin on his back as he buried his face into his silk golden sheets. He had really been a wake for hours but dared not move. He feared being dragged off to some diplomatic duty, he cared little about.

He was happy to be home, he missed the sun. He made a mental note to make to time go riding. He missed the skies as much as the sun, and he was sure his griffin was getting rather temperamental with the stablehands with him being gone for such a long time.

[BumblingBee]

Sareas astonished Aoife. It truly did glitter like gold and shine like the sun itself. The Dóiteáin villa was no exception to Sareas' beauty, Nestled within the midst of Sareas, it was certainly a gem in the Saib crown. Aoife couldn't help but gawp I wonder as they entered through the gold gilded gates. Calloch gave Aoife a brief history and tour of the house as the twins settled the horses. Eventually she was shown to her room.

Calloch opened the door and ushered Aoife inside.
"I had the maids ready it for you"
He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly
"They tell me they've furnished it fittingly for a lady like yourself"
Unaware of what else to say, Calloch gave Fee a awkward pat on the back and then left, rather quickly actually.

Aoife was left alone and unaware in her room. With a heavy sigh she flopped back onto her bed. The Saib heat annoyed her. It was far too hot, Atoni knew nothing of this heat. She took off her cloak and rolled up the sleeves to her blouse. With nothing else to do she laid back on her bed and decided to mope.
__________________________________________________ ____________

With a rather ugly snort, Lock shot up from his position on the desk. He groaned and rubbed at his head tiredly. Glancing out the window he noticed the time it was already.
"Shit!"
Grabbing his books he belted out of the library and towards the throne room

[AvisCrown]

Caleb heard the sound of latch of his door click and open. He groaned and curled up in the bed, pulling the sheets over his head.

"Surely you don't plan to waste the whole day away in here." His mother's voice called out. He felt her sit on the bed next to him. She then delicately started to pull down the sheets that covered his face. She smiled down at him when she finally revealed his face.

"I was hoping to, at least for a while longer." Caleb said as he stood up. Queen Cantara, ran her face along her eldest cheek.

"well I'm sorry to disappoint you but you have been summoned." She then frowned and quickly changed the subject.

"Hmph." She said rather thoughtfully.

"What?" Caleb asked worried perhaps she might have suddenly felt ill.

"You look pale. Perhaps you should bask in the sun longer." She teased and got up.

[BumblingBee]

Lock strode through the palace quickly. He bustled past nobles and advisors alike, ignoring their disgruntled comments. He was in fact in such a hurry, he walked straight past the man he was intending to see. Calloch, unaware Lock wanted to speak with him anyway, continued his way towards the throne room. He hoped to get there before any of the other advisors arrived. Looking around he quickly spotted Cadman.
"My lord, if I may. I have a favour to ask of you"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb waited for his mother to leave before flopping back down on the bed and letting out a heavy sigh as he laid there a moment longer. After taking in one last deep breathe of the warm air he crawled out of bed and walked to the balcony of his window. He looked down at the city below. He could see the Calloch's home from his window. He wondered how Calloch's daughter was adjusting to the new surroundings. If she was raised in Atoni, the heat must surely be an unpleasant shock to her.

Caleb left the window and quickly got dressed. It felt a bit weird being in the much lighter fabrics again after being wrapped in furs while he was away.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cadman spotted Calloch. The two were not really on the greatest of terms as of later but Cadman felt no need to aggravate Calloch any further. He still valued Calloch's opinion.

"Ah, Calloch. I heard your daughter has finally joined us. How is she adjusting?" Cadman asked politely.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch sighed before letting out a nervous laugh
"Well, only time will tell I'm afraid"
He cleared his throat and clasped his hands behind his back, all seriousness once again.
"The matter of my concern involves her actually. Aoife is of age and she needs to learn more ... Noble ways if she is ever to continue the Dóiteáin bloodline. Obviously her Atonian upbringing has given her some 'interesting' habits. My original plan was to simply introduce her into court and have her learn there"
Calloch let out a heavy sigh
"Would you allow this?"

[AvisCrown]

Cadman gave Calloch a pat on the back.

"Of course, she's welcome. She will be sitting my son's court in the future. You can't hide her away till then." Cadman reassured Calloch, though truthfully he was completely sure if he should. A part of him worried that she'd be swinging from the ceiling fixtures within the hour, hopefully his imagination was exaggerating.

Caleb now dressed had left his room and entered the throne room, where he had been summoned. Cadman turned his attention to Caleb as he entered.

"So you finally decided to join us?"

"Sorry I hadn't realized you were waiting." Caleb apologized.

"No worries. I'm sure your exhausted from your journey still." Cadman forgave his son for his tardiness.

[BumblingBee]

"Excellent"
In reality Calloch had been rather worried about Cadmans answer. It put him at ease a little, knowing he could still keep an eye on Aoife. He bowed to Cadman and Caleb before standing to take his leave.

[KittyKatAlly]

Cleaning up the last bits of the morning meal Sierra sighed looking out the window and paused. The day was beautiful and yet here she was still stuck indoors playing the good housewife, and she wasn't even a wife. At least not yet. A small smile graced her features as she thought this, bringing her delicate hands up to finger the thin silver chain that hung around her neck. From that chain hung a small ornate locket with a painting of her betrothed. A handsome prince from Saibhreas, her father had promised him her hand when she was still small, hoping the marriage would bring great favour and trade to their lands. She had never met the man and probably wouldn't until closer to the wedding day. Just the thought of the wedding set a chill of excitement down her spine. Every girl dreamt of her wedding day and she was going to be one of the lucky ones. Getting the princess wedding of every young girls dreams. Shaking her head to disperse the silly day dream Sierra laughed at her self and continued with the dishes and wiping down the table, a smile still very much in place not even noticing the looming storm clouds.

================================================== =======================

As dawn broke over the city of Fhrainc Kyda skimmed over the roof tops moving as fast as her legs could take her. She needed to be back to the safety of the bookshop attic before the general populist was awake.
She couldn't believe she had let the boys talk her into a home robbery, again. Sure the boys where as much family as Grandfather was but she still regretted agreeing to this little escapade.
'Sure lets break into the old Fa-Torren mansion, no one lives there anymore' Thought Kyda sarcastically. "yeah because those sleazy vultures would leave a perfectly good home untouched, even if it still belonged to a family." she muttered under her breath. It had not been a smooth operation. They had been spotted as soon as they slid though the an open window on the second floor. She had cursed herself a thousand times as she and the boys ran through ally ways and over roof tops. 'No don't send a scout to look around the place first, No don't have aback up plan. Stupid, stupid, stupid why do I let myself be talked into these things...' Her thoughts where cut short as the roof of the bookshop came into view. Heaving a sigh of relief Kyda slipped into her room and flopped onto her bed. Landing a little harder then intended the mattress jumped, jolting a sleeping Kyko. Reciveing an annoyed cry from the little dragon Kyda reached her hand out and stocked her friend as an apology before falling into a deep sleep.

[AvisCrown]

Cadman gave Calloch a nod as he left before turning his attention to Caleb.

"I hope you didn't plan anything for the day." Cadman said, which usually meant cancel any other plans you have made.

"Well. . actually." Caleb started but Cadman cared little for his response.

"I have a few errands I'd like you to run with some of the local merchants." Cadman explained. It sounded like a task for a servant but the reality was it was a way for the royal family to show their face in the markets. It was good business for the capital and good moral for the people. Though this wasn't the usual grocery shopping. It was really just a smaller production of the same reason he had gone to Fhrainc, to make friends with foreign and local merchants.

Caleb was used to this kind of task. Ever sense he was old enough to not have to be carried everywhere his father had sent him out on such trips with servants. The fact he had done this sense he was a child was what frustrated him so much. It felt like a child's task. The kind of task you give a child to keep them distracted while adults focused on more important matters.

"Take your brother with you." Caleb knew which one his father meant but he couldn't resist poking fun.

"I think Lock is old enough to not need a baby sitter." Cadman was not so amused by the comment.

"You know I mean Edin. He's been trapped in this palace for weeks and he's getting rather anxious. It would be good for him to get some energy out."

Caleb nodded and left. He we given further orders on what merchants to visit and what to order or pick up from his father's stewart. Caleb was also given a list of people he was suppose to personally invite to a banquet tonight. The excuse was to celebrate his return but in reality everyone know it was a show to show off the wealth of Saibhreas to foreign merchants.

[BumblingBee]

After awhile, Aoife decided she needed something to do. Sticking her head around the door, the place looked pretty deserted. She assumed her Father had already gone to the palace to do ... Well, whatever it was he did. Slipping out the door she trotted down the stairs to find the twins sprawled on elegant chaise langues. She frowned a little as she sat herself down on a particularly fluffy armchair and pretended to busy herself with a book.
"What are you two still doing here anyway?"
"We told you"
"We're not just your escorts"
"Calloch hired us to be your personal kind of guardians"
"So that's what we're going to do"
Aoife sighed and sank back into the chair a little
"He still thinks I'm about five, doesn't he"
The twins smiled
"Well..."
"I wouldn't be too sure"
Suddenly they sat up and one of them threw her a heavy looking coin purse. The pace of the action threw her off a little but she caught it just in time. Frowning a little in puzzlement she weighed the coin purse up in her hands before asking
"What's this for then?"
The twins were practically beaming
"Your Father told us to take you out once you were ready"
"He said you needed some new clothing to fit the Saib lifestyle"
"Of your choice of course"
Aoife smiled a little at the coin purse. As much as she didn't want to admit it the prospect excited her a little. She was interested to see the famous Saib merchants and traders a little more closely. And besides with free money who wouldn't?

She got to her feet and began for the stables. Looking over her shoulder she smiled at the twins.
"Well? You coming?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb had found Edin. He was all dressed up and looked rather itchy in what he could only assume was a new outfit for the event. Sometimes Caleb felt bad for his poor younger brother, though all of the princes had been there. He was treated like a little doll to be dressed and admired but never touched or hurt. Caleb picked his younger brother up and hoisted him up onto the horse before getting up himself. Edin could ride a horse on his own now but his father still insisted. Caleb thought his father and mother were both rather protective of Edin, much more than they had been of him. Caleb by Edin's age had started learning to ride griffins, Edin wasn't even allowed near them.

Caleb set off at a light trout. A servant followed them on horse back as well, to see that all their needs were meet.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife regretted her initial excitement almost imediatley. As soon as they neared the markets all attention was turned her way. Hushed whispers darted past her, and as much as they tried to hide it, she could see the people gawping at her. It was as if she were a wild animal, prone to attack at any moment. Mind you, she supposed in their eyes she was. Originally she had thought her half Saib heritage would save her from this kind of treatment, apparantly not.

However, not one to simply hide away in shame, Aoife held her head high as she walked past mounted upon Topthorn. Yet she still couldn't hide the evident blush on her cheeks. The twins led her to a stable where Topthorn could rest awhile, while they browsed the stalls. Aoife was mainly left to her own devices, but the twins never strayed too far. At times they were even helpful.
"You know these are all the rage right now"
"And you'd look fabulous in blue"
Aoife decided not to question why they knew so much about fashion. She'd save that for another day.

Eventually there was nothing left to be done but wait by Topthorn while the twins finished their own business. She leaned against his side with a heavy sigh. Topthorn simply whinnied.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb and Edin arrived at the market. It was as loud and busily as always. Edin was getting excited from all the excitement and kept wiggling around on the horse, which was making it hard for Caleb to keep control of it. Caleb decided this was close enough, they'd walk the rest of the way. He left the horses to the servant that had followed them and Caleb took Edin towards the stalls. Caleb promised Edin if he behaved he could get something for himself to take back home. Sense this was more business than luxury.

[BumblingBee]

Fairly quickly, Aoife had gotten bored. Unaware of what else to do, she simply remained where she was. In the stables, now sitting on the floor and throwing pebbles aimlessly at the wall. It was only then she truly noticed how tatty she was looking. Her clothes had gone through quite a lot of travel in only a few days.

Topthorn whinnied happily from in front of her a little. She frowned, Atonian horses it seemed were far more popular in Saibhreas yet just as rare. Quite a lot of children had gathered outside the horses stable door to pet him and feed him the ocassional treat. With a heavy sigh Aoife stood up and leaned against him once more.
"When I die I'm going to come back as a horse ... easier life and you don't get fat..."

[AvisCrown]

Edin had already gotten lost in the grounds twice and Caleb had hardly started on this list of tasks he was given. Edin was far to overly excited and easily distracted. Caleb had once tried putting him on a leash when he was younger but his parents were to happy with the idea, not did it look good to the public. Perhaps Caleb though Edin needed to be shipped off to the forests of Atoni to let out al this energy he constantly had.

Caleb had finished up at one of the stalls when he noticed Lock wondering about. Caleb wasn't going to bother him, but Edin had started him to and instantly started shouting.

"LOCK! LOCKY!"

[BumblingBee]

Lock froze dead on the spot and groaned. Already from the tone of his baby brothers voice he could tell what was going to happen. He would get saddled with baby sitting duties while Caleb finished up whatever he was doing in the first place. Lock could have really done with getting his own debts sorted too, oh well. He sighed before turning round to his little brother and smiling (apparantly) happily.
"Edin!"
He knel down to Edins level and gave his hair a little ruffle. Adressign Caleb he asked
"What are you two doing here? Out shopping?"

[AvisCrown]

"Not just shopping. OFFICIAL shopping." Caleb said mocking his father's words he used to use to persuade Caleb into this task. Caleb folded his arms and leaned against a stall.

"Actually sense you are here. Do you think you could take Edin for a bit. This would go a whole lot faster if I didn't have to keep up this ball of bottled up energy. " Caleb asked, for filling Lock's prediction.

[BumblingBee]

Lock stood up straight so that Edin couldn't quite see his face. Through plainly obvious gritted teeth he gave Caleb a very fake smile. Almost snarling he said.
"Of course, it would be my PLEASURE"
He frowned at Caleb quickly before wrapping his hand around Edins shoulder and herding him off towards some more stalls
"Come along then Ser snotface"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb gave Lock an almost pleading smile. He thanked him quietly as Lock took Edin a way. He waved with a big smile at Edin who looked back at Caleb. With Edin gone. Caleb returned to is given task, which went a lot smoother now that Edin wasn't around.

[BumblingBee]

Lock was never going to have children. He had made this vow to himself quite awhile ago. he loved Edin, of course he did, he simply didn't like the age energy Edin posessed and he didn't. Looking around for a distraction, Lock noticed a group of children gathered around a rather fine looking horse. Eyes lighting up, he knelt down to Edin again and pointed.
"Look they look around your age, wanna go and look?"
Lock pleaded silently for a posotive answer

[AvisCrown]

Edin didn't really get to play with kids his age that often. He was the youngest person in the palace so he usually just played with the maids. Sometimes he got to play withe the kid of the other lords but most of their kids were either much younger than him or couple of years older. It wasn't really seen a proper for him to play with the local kids in the city.

So he was delighted to be given the opportunity. He didn't even respond to Lock before running off to join them.

[BumblingBee]

Eventually, Aoife warmed up to the idea and had begun to lift children up to sit upon Topthorn or to get at a better angle to pet him. Topthorn himself was of course loving all the attention. Aoife noticed a new child approach the group, he looked rather posh really, much wealthier than the other children anyway. She smiled warmly at him as they other children chattered away. She motioned to the horse
"His name's Topthorn"
"Atonian?"
Swiftly she looked up to see what must have been the boys Father approach. He looked rather wealthy too, she better not mess this one up.
"Yes, and the horse"
She couldn't help but smile a little at her own joke. He scoffed before folding his arms and looking to the young boy.
"Well go on, I'm sure he won't bite"

[AvisCrown]

Edin looked back at Lock, being a little bit more hesitant to actually come near the horse. Though with Lock's encouragement he quickly rushed over. Eddin petted along the side of Topthorn. Topthorn was much larger than the horses he was used to. Then sudden Edin looked up at Aoife.

"Can I ride him? I'm actually quite good my teacher says." Edin asked rather hopefully. Truthfully his was exaggerating his riding skills. Of course his teacher would tell him he was quite good, he was a prince. Though Edin had yet to pick up that people simply didn't want to offend the prince, or his father for that matter.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife looked at Edins minute size compared to Topthorn.
"Sure why not"
With a nodd of approval from Lock she picked Edin up with relative ease and plopped him upon Topthorn. The other children whined in response, Aoife simply smiled.
"Just be patient and you can all have a ruddy go"
Lock smiled. Aoife handed Edin the reins and looked at him quizically.
"Now are you sure you can handle him? Topthorns a big bugger and I could easily lead him for you?"

[AvisCrown]

Edin thought a moment. He had gotten rather excited but being up onto of topthorn he realized how big the horse really was but Edin wasn't going to admit he was a little scared.

"Well I don't want YOU to miss out on any of the fun. So you can."

[BumblingBee]

Aoife had to stop herself from laughing. This one was quite the little sir. Instead she bowed to him as if he were royalty
"My thanks your highness"
She began to stroll around the markets a little with Lock following beside her. For a while they walked in comfortable silence, eventually Lock started up a conversation.
"So what brings a Atonian to Sareas? We don't see many ... well ever"
Aoife smiled as she watched over the markets
"My Father brought me here to become a proper little lady"
She laughed a little
"Well, he can try anyway..."
It suddenly twigged within Locks mind. This must be Callochs daughter. He smiled a little to himself proudly. Lock decided to keep quiet about who he and Edin really were, for now at least. Things were always more fun that way. He just prayed his little brother would do the same.

[AvisCrown]

While Edin and Lock were with Aoife and Topthorn, Caleb was carrying on with his errands his father had given him. To be honest he was surprised the kind of people he was inviting to this banquet tonight. The banquet was to support foreign trade but he found these kind of merchants to be, sketchy at best. some of them were pleasant enough but others might as well have been thugs. On his list were also people that his father had known for years and have done business with Saibhreas just as long. They seemed to be expect their invitations.

[BumblingBee]

Lock and Aoife continued to make polite yet humourus small talk as she continued to lead Topthorn on a small lap of the markets. Eventually they returned to the stables, most of the other children had gone after the lack of their new horsey friend. Aoife smiled at Edin warmly as she lifted him down.
"Well I hope you enjoyed yourself sir"
She gave the two a small bow and Lock did the same. He gave Edin a gentle nudge.
"Edin, say thank you to the lady"

[AvisCrown]

Edin smiled. "Thank you." He practically shouted as he hugged Aoife around the waist. By this time the servant, who had remained with Caleb had returned to the stable. He gave a polite nod to Aoife and turned his attention to Lock.

"Your brother is finished with errands. He's asking for the young prince. Apparently he was promise a gift if he was good." The servant was already saddling up his own horse and Caleb's.

[BumblingBee]

Aoifes jaw didn't quite reach the floor but it was close.
"P-prince?"
She pointed at Lock (who was smiling rather smugly at this point)
"You two are princes?!"
Lock mounted his own horse, lifting Edin up too.
"Oh yes did I forget to mention?"

However before Aoife could reply she felt a pair of hands on each shoulder. She didn't even get the chance to look over her shoulder before the twins were dragging her away. Aoife was mounted on Topthorn and back at the villa before she could even blink.

[AvisCrown]

The poor servant was worried as the scene unfolded, afraid he had said something he shouldn't have. As Aoife was dragged off Caleb walked into the stables. He noticed the girl leaving with a couple of men in a hurry. He simply shrugged at it and looked at Edin on Lock's horse.

"So he stay out of trouble?" Caleb asked.

[BumblingBee]

Lock smiled
"Barely"
He looked around the curiously
"So, what now? A gift for the brave prince then home?"XD
__________________________________________________ ______

The twins seemed rather antsy on their return to the villa. Aoife noticed of course. She frowned and folded her arms.
"What's up with you two?"
The twins were the picture of innocence
"Who?"
"Us?"
"Nothing"
"We're fine"
"Just a little..."
"Fidgety"
Aoife chuckled as she made her way inside the villa.
"Well you two go ahead and do whatever you want. I'm just gonna relax back here for awhile"
The twins looked at each other, smiled in glee, then dashed out the courtyard in seconds. Aoife smiled with glee. They had fallen, hook, line and stinker. She skipped up the stairs to her room, her new clothing had already been put away for her. The maids (who Aoife was now knew were incredibly nice) had laid out a particular dress for her, which they deemed worthy for more formal occasions. It was a lovely navy thing with no fluff, no layers and no froofy ribbons either. Dressed and ready, she decided to visit her Father. I mean what else could she do anyways?

[AvisCrown]

Edin got his gift for being good. It was just a small silver trinket but Edin was pleased with it. The three brothers headed home just as the sun was beginning to set. The sky was filled beautiful colors of yellow and orange as the sun sat on the surface of the calm water. The warm temperature seemed to drop several degrees and the town began to quieten.

[BumblingBee]

As Aoife approached the castle gates a squire came forwards. She was asked what business she had at the castle and her family name. Once it was confirmed what she said was true, she was escorted inside and led through the castle. Once again Aoife found herself being simply dazzled by Saib beauty. The castle truly did glimmer like gold. If she had felt our of place before, it was nothing compared to how she felt now.

For once she was actually relieved to see her Father. He was pacing up and down what Aoife guessed was a sitting room of some sorts. He smiled upon seeing her, but Aoife could see how tired he truly was. Offering her his arm, the two simply walked in comfortable silence until it was time for the night celebrations.

[AvisCrown]

The Queen had heard of Calloch's daughters arrival and perhaps she was a bit curious if not over curious. To be honest she worried a bit for the girl, not of the girl like many others. Cantara had been in her place in the best. An outsider among the court, people uncertain of her ability to do her part and for that reason she felt sympathy for the girl. She had snuck out before the celebrations begun. She peeked her head out into the room, where she spotted Calloch and Aoife.

"I hope you didn't plan on hiding out here."

[BumblingBee]

Calloch chuckled softly
"No no, in fact we were just about to head over now"
Aoife looked rather nervous, and not overly pleased of the prospect. Calloch smiled at his Queen
"Care to join us?"

[AvisCrown]

"I'd love to." She smiled and came closer to the pair.

"So you must be the wild beast I've heard so much about." She said it in light jest. It was simply the way the others tone was about her. She put her hand on Aoife's shoulder. The woman was quite tall, and had to bend down a bit to whisper in Aoife's ear.

"The trick is not to let them tame you." She teased a little more. She knew things were going to be hard for the girl from now on. Surely Calloch had a long list of tutors and lessons planned for her in the coming months.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife smiled politely at the Queens jest and thanked her kindly. However on the inside she was frowning. Perfect, so everyone truly did feel as if she was a beast. Right now she felt like one too, she wasn't just some mans daughter, she was a bird trapped in a cage and she couldn't get out.

The three made their way to the ballroom. The glamour of the place only worsened Aoifes doubt. With each passing lord and lady she felt more and more out of place. She just prayed for the night to be over already.

[AvisCrown]

Queen Catara chatted with Calloch for a while longer before they were interrupted by another couple of nobles. People seemed rather excited to see Cantata. She had been rather ill come the last couple of months and her making appearance had be becoming more and more rare. Truly she felt rather well these last couple of days. Perhaps the illness had past she thought.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife, who at to point had been almost completely deserted by Calloch and left to her own devices, had made her way over to a balcony where it looked like people were just generally milling about as they so wished. She stood leaning against the railing, enjoying the pale night breeze upon her skin, it was a welcome change from the already hated Saib heat.

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted however as a very VERY large man came wobbling into view. He stank of drink and was warbling pointless nothings. Aoife was about to ignore him and simply carry on with her own thoughts, however the drunk had other ideas. He swiftly fell silent upon seeing Aoife. Suddenly he spat upon the ground and started hurling abuse at not just her but the Atonians in general. The ruckus quickly caught the attention of some guards, but even though they dragged him away the damage had already been done. Effectively, he had said what everyone else in the room Had been thinking.

The murmured whispers began again and Aoife could already feel her cheeks blushing and her eyes beginning to water. Hurrying through the crowd before anything else could be said or done, she strode out the doors and headed for the stables. Her tears however blurred her vision and she soon became lost on the dozens of courtyards located within the castle. Moaning in frustration, Aoife slumped to the floor leaning against a wall behind her. She brought her knees to her chest and simply sat there. Alone and In silence.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb had snuck out rather early on in the evening. Caleb could usually suffer through an evening like this but tonight he seemed to have little patience for it. His mother had agreed to cover for him and let him sneak out for a ride. He had quickly snuck out while the coast was clear and had grabbed his gear.

He was changing when Aoife had decided to rest outside the stables. He had carelessly tossed his shirt off before bending down to tighten the straps on his riding boots. The shirt came over the door of the stables and landed in Aoife's lap.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife peeped over her arm at the article now within her lap. Now, usually, Aoife would contain certain sentences to her own thoughts instead of saying them aloud. However the drama of the evening had upset her quite a bit, and by now she was beyond caring. With a heavy sigh she sank her head back into her arms
"Oh, fuck me, now I'm gonna get raped or something aren't i?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb jumped up, hearing the voice. He looked rather confused. He turned in the direction of the stable door and peeked his head over. He noticed his shirt.

"uhh. . .could I get that back?" He said almost sheepishly. The girl seemed to be in a rather bad mood and he didn't want to make it worse.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife looked up and was just as Suprised as this stable boy seemed to be. She lifted the shirt up to him hesitantly
"Sure, here"
It was only then she noticed where she was anyways. Thank the gods, she'd accidentally made her way to the stables. At least here she could relax with Topthorn. Aoife shot up to her feet and gazed over the stable wall. Fair enough she had expected the half naked stable boy but not the half naked creature lurking behind him. She screamed in suprise and fell back onto the floor. Pointing a shaking hand at the Griffin she managed to stutter
"What the h-hell is THAT?!"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb was even a bit frightened when this strange girl started screaming. He went to help her up but the remembering he was still only half dressed, rethought the action, realizing it might not look so good from a distance. Not that it would worsen is already stained character with the ladies.

He looked back at his griffin, who Aoife had also frightened and was no making a lot of noise.

"It's just a griffin." He smiled, finding it a bit amusing. "Surely you've seen a griffin before." He thought it was a bit odd the girl to be frighted of a griffin. He thought, he must have been more frightening then a griffin.

[BumblingBee]

Slowly Aoife rose to her feet, still eyeing the Griffin cautiously. She shook her head in response to Caleb's question.
"I'm not exactly from around here"
She frowned and averted her gaze sadly
"Everything in Sareas is pretty alien to me I'm afraid"
Feeling just a little braver now she had calmed herself. She shyly walked forwards a little. She looked at the stable boy once more and motioned at the Griffin.
"...may I?"

[AvisCrown]

"Sure. She's friendly. Though a bit anxious. She hasn't gotten out for a while." Caleb opened the stable door and let Aoife inn. He returned over to where he was getting dressed and pulled his shirt over his head. He then pulled on his heavy leather riding vest and strapping it up and then strapping up his leather bracers.

He returned to Aoife and the griffin and finishes up putting the saddle and harness on her, while Aoife got a look at her.

[BumblingBee]

Aoifes equestrian mind kicked in almost instantly. She couldn't help but walk around the griffin, examining every detail about the creature. In ways they were like a horse. Just with wings, and a beak, and claws. Aoife suddenly realised She hadn't formally introduced herself yet, and a lady probably would of by now. Awkwardly she stuck out her hand
"I'm Aoife, by the way"
She looked on in amazement as the saddle was placed upon the Griffin
"Wait, you can ride them?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb really wasn't given a chance to introduce himself before Aoife asked another question. He laughed.

"Yes, of course you can." He found it rather funny all her questions, he guessed he had just never thought about how odd a griffin might appear to someone outside of Saibhreas. He thought a moment.

"Would you like to give it a go?"

[BumblingBee]

Aoife was a little taken a back. Of course she did want to at least try, but she hadn't the foggiest idea on how to ride a Griffin. She smiled longingly as she dared to stroke the Griffin.
"I'd love to, but I'm afraid I don't know how"
She smiled jokingly at the stable boy
"Atonians are better suited to horses I'm afraid, but I'm a willing learner"

[AvisCrown]

"That's alright I'll teach ya." He looked at what she was wearing.

"Though I couldn't possibly allow you to get up on a griffin in that. There isn't anything lady like about riding a griffin and I doubt you'll be very comfortable. I'll find you some gear." It really a safety precaution that she wear some proper attire.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife sighed as she picked at the dress a little.
"Truth be told I don't particularly love wearing these things anyway"
Feeling the fabric between her hands she leaned against the stable wall. A thought suddenly came to her.
"Oh gods I still don't know your name!"
She smiled awkwardly and twiddled with her hair
"Sorry, I can get a little too enthusiastic at the best of times"

[AvisCrown]

He frowned a bit and tilted his head to the side when she said she didn't care for dresses.

"To be honest I don't think it suits you." He wasn't trying to be mean but he got the impression she wasn't the kind of girl who sat around in court all day.

He went into the back of the stables and looked for some riding gear she could wear.

"It's Caleb." He said returning. He found this girl a bit amusing. It wasn't often he had to introduce himself. Either others did that for him or he simply didn't have to. If it had been any other day perhaps he might have made the connection she was Calloch's daughter but considering the events this evening he assumed she must have been there daughter of one of the merchants invited for the evening.

He handed her what he could find for her to wear. It included a pair of brown light leather pants, that were loss around the thighs then tightened below the knee. and white cotton shirt, that was similar to the pants, it was loss around the shoulders and upper arms then tightened around the forearm with leather bracers. On addition he hades her a thick leather vest, similar to his and a pair of hard leather lace up boots.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife smiled gladly when handed the clothing.
"Now this is more like it"
She smiled up at Caleb in thanks and made her way to a secluded corner in the stable. She hoped he'd be the gentleman enough not to stare. The clothes fit and slipped on with relative ease. Aoife only came to a problem when it came to her bodice worn under the damn dress. Before she'd had a maid help her tie it but now she was rather stuck. Looking over her shoulder she took a glance at Caleb.
"Oh sod it"
Holding the shirt up to her chest to cover part of her dignity she tapped Caleb on the shoulder and turned around quickly so he could see the damnable bodice
"Could you help me out here? I fear if I don't take it off soon I may lose the ability to breath"
She decided making light of the situation was the best way to tackle it.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb had turned in the opposite direction when Aoife went to change. He turned around when she tapped him on the shoulder. Truthfully he was a bit surprised. He laughed a bit and nodded.
"Sure."
He had had quite a bit of experience in this, perhaps a bit more than his parents would be pleased with. He helped her out of it and it feel lose to the ground. He then turned around again, giving her privacy.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife couldn't help but smile to herself a little.
"Ta"
Within the minute she was changed and fully covered. She turned to Caleb, hands on hips and ready for action.
"Right then, so, where do we start?"
She returned to stroking the griffin for the time being.
"How about for now you just take me for a ride. Hell, I don't want any accidents on my behalf on my first night in Sareas"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb checked her over for any loss straps and tightened the ones he found. He fixed the buttons on her vest so that it hugged her torso comfortably but wasn't suffocating her like her bodice was.

"There you are good to go. Now you can get on her. " He pulled out a wooden step stool so she could step up with.

"Now the first thing about riding a griffin, is knowing that it is nothing like riding a horse."

[BumblingBee]

Aoife frowned
"Oh fantastic, the one thing I thought I knew how to do"
She laughed lightly stepping up onto the step. She couldn't help but give Caleb a cheeky smile
"Now do you want me side saddle or shall we throw away formalities for the evening?"

[AvisCrown]

He laughed at the joke but corrected her.

"I wouldn't side saddle if I were you. You're not going to get right back up if you fall off a griffin." Caleb came closer to the griffin and took the reins and continued with his lesson.

"So I'll let you position yourself then I'll correct you."

[BumblingBee]

Aoife nodded
"Fair enough"
With that said she clambered onto the griffin (as gracefully as possible of course) and got herself comfy. She sat with a leg on either side of the griffin just in front of her wings. She wasn't quite sure if she should be in front of them or behind them but Caleb would correct her anyway. She smiled at him expectantly
"So how did I do sir?"

[AvisCrown]

He laughed a bit.

"Very badly." He said honestly. He stepped on the stool so he was more level with her and the griffin. He took a hold of her leg and bent it back. Perhaps surprising to Aoife, her legs weren't even suppose to be hanging down. There was stirrups towards the back that held her legs up so that the feet were just tucked behind the wing and the legs were bent and rested above them.

Then without any warning Caleb grabbed hold of the back of her pants at the belt and pulled her back, so she was practically forced to lean into the griffins neck and almost laying on her stomach.

"You need to lean into her. On the ground, you can sit up if you prefer but once your up in the air, it's going to be hard to sit up straight. You need to stay out of her way or you'll both go down."

[BumblingBee]

"Whoah"
The action suprised Aoife, especially the pants grabbing. She couldn't help bug blush and smile a little, but she still did as she was told all the same. She found this all incredibly interesting yet she wondered how intrigued by it all she'd be once they were actually up in the air. She wiggled around a bit until she was comfy
"So are we ready to go?"

[AvisCrown]

"Yep." He said as she got on. This wasn't the first time he had taught someone how to ride before but most of them were younger. As he got up he realized perhaps she might not be comfortable with him being on as well. He couldn't just let her take off, that would end very badly so he tried to as gently as possible situate himself over top of her.

He cleared his throat once he was in position and decided not to address the awkwardness. "So . . . I have the reins. You'll going to need to grab around her neck. "

[BumblingBee]

Aoife was blushing considerably as Caleb situated himself, however she had to admit the closeness wasn't exactly minded. Focusing back to the task at hand her voice became a little more uneasy
"Okay but..."
She turned her head to look up at Caleb
"Promise me I won't fall off?"

[AvisCrown]

"You won't fall. I have you." He said reassuring her, a smile on his face. With that said he made a small clicking noise with his mouth and griffin's head perked up. He only lightly tapped his feet against her side and she started stepped forward very gently. Once out of the stables she just barely let her wings stretch out a bit. She flapped them a bit, just as a little warm up.

[BumblingBee]

Caleb's very words sounded reassuring. However as the griffin began to ready itself, Aoife started to regret her decision. She shrunk down a little, muttering comfortable nothings to herself in the vain hope that it would calm her.
It did not.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb felt Aoife tense up a bit. He couldn't blame her, griffins were intimidating beasts. He tapped her a bit with the reins and she started into a trout, each step a bit faster than the next. Then when they had built up enough speed Caleb sat up a bit, and the griffins wings stretched out. She flapped them a couple of times. Aoife and Caleb could feel the strength behind them.

Finally she lifted off, slowly at first before she finally caught the wind and took off. Once they were fly steadily Caleb lowed himself again. He took one of his hands on the reins to fix Aoife's position. His hand delicately ran down her torso, sliding her a bit further back into him and then moved his hand to her back, pushed her gently down into the griffin.

Then suddenly the griffin opened it's mouth letting out a load cawing sound that seemed the echo through the thin night air.

"I think Luja is happy to be out of the stables again." Caleb laughed a bit, having to practically shout.

[KittyKatAlly]

A Heavy knock on the book shelf below woke Kyda sometime later. Sitting up slowly she looked around rubbing her eyes like a small child, and giving a jaw splitting yawn. Who ever was at the bottom of the stairs knocked again, this time a little louder.
"Ok, ok ill be down in a minute. Let me clean up a little." Yelled Kyda, hoping that would make whoever was down there go away. Yawning again Kyda got up and stretched walking over to the small dressing table where a bowl of water laid. It was fresh water too, meaning Grandfather had been up here while she slept. Kyda silently cursed herself, 'How could I not sense him, or even notice that someone was here?' Splashing some water on her face to get rid of the dirt and sweat from the night be fore's dash for her life. "Maybe I just feel too safe here" She whispered going to her closet and pulling out a simple purple dress. Kyda scrunched up her nose at the garment but looking down at her cloths she realised she had little choice, her cloths where covered in mud and roof dust and maybe a little blood. Sighing she reluctantly changed into the dress, it was a little more form fitting then she remembered giving her the appearance of a very fine young lady, the neck line hung low revealing the silver locket she had taken from the visiting prince, and placed her dirtied cloths in a small basket next to her dresser, deciding to take them to the wash pond later that day. Finally she brushed her hair and pinned it into a semi neat bun at the back of her head, leaving only her bangs hanging free.
Kyda raised an eyebrow at her reflection. 'Guess if I ever wanted to claim my birth name it wouldn't be an issue looking the part.' she thought making her way down the stairs to find who had been knocking for her.

Making her way to the front of the shop she noticed that the doors where still locked and the curtains pulled, signalling the shop was closed.
"Ummm Grandfather? Are you here?" Called Kyda making her way to the small room behind the counter. This was what Grandfather called the study. A small room lined with books and scrolls with a large work desk at the center, covered with whatever project Grandfather was working on at the time.
"Grandfather?" Called Kyda again looking into the room.
"Yes girl in here, I am in need of some help." replayed Grandfather his hand appearing form behind a stack of books and paper.
"Grandfather I'm beginning to think you like playing hide and seek with me among your books." Laughed Kyda as she rounded the table to see what her beloved Grandfather was doing.
"I do not play child games girl, now come here for a moment, my eyes are not what they use to be and I can not read this fine print for all my days." Grumbled the old man moving to the side so Kyda cold get a good look at the parchment before him. Leaning over the table Kyda frowned as she tried to make out the writing before her, the silver locket dangling freely over the table. Shaking her head Kyda stood straight again and sighed.
"It says nothing Grandfather its just a bit of pretty decoration of the bottom of he page, you may find others from the same writings have the same decoration at the bottom." Said Kyda smiling at Grandfather. Grandfather nodded his head, giving Kyda a strange look. Before she could question what was wrong Grandfather pointed to the locket a overly fuzzy eyebrow raised.
"What? NO! no, no no, Its not what you think, I um 'acquired' it at the market place a few days ago. I think it quite suits me yes?" She babbled a slight blush rising on her cheeks. Grandfather chuckled and waved his hand dismissively as if he didn't believe a word of it. Huffing angrily Kyda made to storm out of the room.
"Open the shop would you girl. It is well past the noon bell." Called Grandfather. Sighing heavily Kyda set about opening the store, already wishing the boys would come ask her on yet another silly adventure.

[BumblingBee]

For the entirety of the incline, Aoife screamed. She originally thought she would be prepared for the inevitable take off. It turns out she was not. She hung on to the griffin for dear life, eyes clenched shut as the moon and stars themselves whistled past.

However, as the griffin straightened out a little, Aoife felt something. It was only Caleb, simply correcting her position. Yet it sent shivers down her, it gave her a little confidence too. Eyes still clenched shut, she took a deep breath.
"You're still not gonna let me fall?"

[AvisCrown]

"I promise." He smiled.

"Now open your eyes, you don't want to miss this sight!"

Down below them was the city of Sareas. The rest of the city looked so peaceful compared to the commotion at the palace. Only a few small lights could be seen in windows and the lit street lamps that lined some parts town.
The docks could be seen and it seem over there, the sailors were having a celebration of their own, as the lights danced below among the ships.
The moon reflecting off the waves as they crashed into the shore.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife took a deep breath, and opened her eyes.

It was amazing. The inky darkness of the ground below seemed to melt into the sky itself, creating no boundry between the heavens and the earth below. The minute building below them hurried past like dreams. It truly took her breath away. Bravely, she leaned up a little to peer over the Griffins head. Without looking back she simply whispered.
"Thank you"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb smiled a bit. He guided Luja to fly more towards the shore and over the water. Their was drunken cheers from the ships below as they flew over.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife laughed at their crowd below. Now, upon reflection, what she did next was rather silly. However she was far too caught up in the moment to truly care. Forgetting she was on a Griffin and not a horse, she sat up as if seated upon Topthorn so she could wave to the sailors. The wind caught her instantly and she wobbled precariously, leaning dangerously to the side.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb quickly caught her with one arm wrapped around her tightly, now sitting up himself.

Caleb glance off to the west. Far off in the distance there was a dark land mass. Diabhal, on clear nights like this could be seen from the back of a griffin. It was a dark reminder of what evils might still lurk in the darkness.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife wrapped her arms around Calebs waist quickly to stop herself from falling. Once she had calmes herself she laughed awkwardly
"Guess I still have a bit to learn, huh?"
However she noticed Calebs attention was directed elsewhere. Following his gaze she saw the empty land from herself. The wind blowing in that direction seemed to be colder, sending chills up her spine.
"Diabhal"
She looked up at Caleb
"Right?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb nodded in responds to Aoife. He then suddenly toward his gaze away.

"Come on." He suddenly said, repositioning himself and letting Aoife do the same, before going down towards the water and pulling up just in time. He let one of his hands off the reins and grabbed hold of Aoife's hand, then letting them graze across the cool surface of the water, as they circled one of the ships.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife didn't complain about the sudden destination change. If anything she was curious. Looking at Caleb she smiled
"Where are we going?"

[AvisCrown]

"I think there is a party, more suited for the likes of us." He joked as he fly up a little more and landed softly on the deck of the ship. The jolly sailors got out of the way as Luja shaked off her fathers. They welcomed the two with cheers and drinks.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife smiled happily as she was offered a drink
"Now this is more my style"
She wandered up to Caleb and poked him playfully on the chest
"But I'm afraid, I'm going to drink you under the table"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb smirked a bit. "Never underestimate the stomach of a saib. Born on the sea and only rum to drink." He teased with a little saib proverb. Perhaps not very profound but it got the point across.

[BumblingBee]

(Effectively she's gonna kick his butt in drinking XD)

About five flagons of ale later (or at least Aoife thought it was five, she could've easily lost count) Aoife found herself dancing and singing quite happily with the sailors. She was nicely tipsy and having quite a good time, which felt quite gratifying considering her previous mood. She'd have to spend more time with Caleb during her stay in Saibhreas, he seemed to lift her spirits considerably.

[AvisCrown]

The night carried on. There was singing, dancing and a bit of brawling, which Caleb had gotten involved in. It was fair to say he had one some and lost some through out the night. He had gotten quite a bit beaten but was perhaps a bit to drunk to realize how much. If Aoife and Caleb had a beat on who handle their liquor better, they had both lost. Both were a bit to drunk to remember who fell under the influence of it quicker.

After a while though all the chaos seemed to calm. There was only a low hum of sailors singing old tones that seemed to fade into the sound of the waves. Caleb had sat and rested himself on dock, his head leaned back against the edge of the ship.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife just about managed to wobble down the gangplank and plop herself down besides Caleb. She handed him a bottle of sweet wine they could share. Suddenly she giggled and pointed to his face
"Gods you're going to look like shit in the morning"
She leaned her head back with a content hum and smiled lazily
"Come to that, I probably will too"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb laughed at her remark.

"My father won't be to pleased when he sees me." Caleb joked. To him it hadn't accrued to her she might not have made the connection of who he was. He stood up, his legs a bit wobbly.

"Speaking of fathers, I think your's would be just as pleased. It's probably a bit time we head back, before they send out the city guard looking for us. "

[BumblingBee]

Aoife let out a heavy sigh before staggering upright herself.
"I suppose so"
She turned her head to look out over the ocean for a minute. She smiled.
"Thank you for tonight. I think I might've given up on this whole place if not"
She looked up at Caleb again, squinting a little to get a clearer look at his wombs. She raised her hands and ran her thumb along a small cut on his cheek softly.
"Get some lavender on that"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb smiled.

"I'm happy to oblige. Besides you certainly improved my night as well." Luja was now napping on deck, despite all the commotion. Caleb thought a moment and turned back to Aoife.

"I tell you what. You sober up and we'll have another lesson. On Griffin riding and how to survive Sareas." He joked.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife folded her arms and smiled.
"You've got yourself a deal"
She thought for a moment
"Tomorrow morning? Meet at the stables again?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb thought a moment. "Sure. I don't have anything planned." Caleb agreed to the idea. He kind of liked Aoife, and not the way he did other girls. He respected her. Her could see she was having a hard time adjusting to life in Saibreas and seemed to need a friend and he was happy to be there for her.

After they had planned for the next morning. Caleb took them home, on Luja, which in perhaps was not the safest thing to do considering the two had both been drinking but they ended up getting back to the stables without any trouble. Caleb dismounted and helped Aoife down.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife dusted herself down a little as she looked around the empty courtyard. The palace was quieter now, the noises of the party long gone. Only the quiet chirping of crickets sliced through the still night air.
"Guess everyone's gone home huh? Looks like I'll have to walk"
She looked up at Caleb giving him one last warm smile.
"Now don't go getting into anymore trouble while I'm gone"
The remark was made as a jest but Aoife couldn't help but wonder if it should be meant seriously too.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb laughed a bit.

"yes ma'am. I promise I'll be have myself as I wobble into bed." Caleb was exhausted, though it was a good kind of exhaustion after an evening of excitement. Caleb glanced back at the castle.

"I wonder if my father has gone to bed or rather he is sitting up waiting for me to sneak back in to give me an ear full. I don't even think my mother could take my side once she sees the state of me." He laughed.

[BumblingBee]

She leaned up and gave him a very quick peck on the cheek
"Well with a face that cute I doubt they could be mad for long"
And with that said she walked away. As she did she waved and called out
"Sweet dreams Caleb"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb blushed a bit when Aoife gave him a kiss on the cheek. He smiled and watched he leave. He wait a moment before finding the closest guard and asking them to make sure she got home safely.

After he was sure she had an escort he headed inside. He was right about his father, he was up waiting for him. His mother had started to feel ill and had gone to bed early, so he was on his own.

" Have a good night?" Cadman asked with a rather stern look on his face.

[KittyKatAlly]

The Day had dragged for Kyda. There had only been a couple of customers and the rest of the day had been spent reading old texts of the past. She had stumbled across a very old book about the old families of Fhrainc. she had been stuck on the one page for a good half hour now. A family portrait of the house Fa-Torren, the last portrait ever done. The Fa-Torren family had been run into the ground after the war trying to help those that where affected. People said they where the last of the good nobility in this part of land, and now the family was gone.
"Its like an old overused fairies tale." Muttered Kyda her figures tracing the outlines of the families members before coming to rest on the tiny child in the mothers arms. "Only this time there is no happily ever after."
A single tear rolled down her cheek before she angrily wiped it away and closed the book. Looking at the sky she decided there was no point in remaining open and began to close the store. After locking the doors Kyda made her way to the study only to find Grandfather asleep at his desk. An amused smile crossed her face. Shaking her head Kyda turned and made her way back to her room to gather her dirtied clothes and head to the wash fountain.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The sun was just starting to dip below the roof tops when Kyda reached the wash fountain her basket on her hip. She was glad the boys hadn't found her yet, she didn't think she could live it down if they found her while she was still dressed as an actual girl. Setting the basket down Kyda knelt next to the fountain and began to scrub.

She was stuck on a particularly stubborn stain on her shirt, she suspected it was blood, when a shadow came to stand in her light. Turning her head to see who it could be she let out a groan of annoyance as she recognised who it was. The young man behind her grinned when he heard her groan and sat himself unceremoniously beside her a wide grin firmly in place the whole time.
"Well, well, well Kyda don't you just clean up pretty." Drawled the young man the grin never leaving his face.
"I would have to be wearing this stupid dress if you and the gang had not decided to invite me along on one of you 'adventures' Marko." Snipped Kyda as she went back to scrubbing the shirt.
"Come now little kitten, it wasn't all that bad was it?" Marko questioned shifting his position so he could run his fingers through the water.
Kyda snorted and rolled her eyes ignoring the question and nickname that only he used.
"Anyway me and the boys went back after the initial chase was over." With that statement Kyda stopped what she was doing her head snapping up to glare at Marko.
"Whoa kitten sheath those claws, as you can see we weren't caught. I managed to lift this for you." Reaching into his shirt he lifted a thin leather strap from around his neck a little pendent, a small dragon, swung from it. Kyda's eyes widened when she saw what Marko was holding. She hadn't seen that since she was a little girl. Reaching out slowly scared that if she touched it, it might disappear like some cruel joke. Chuckling quietly at Kyda's obvious surprise Marko raised to his knees and placed the necklace over her head. before sitting back watching as Kyda gaped down at the pendent. Lifting it gently with her fingers Kyda was on the verge of tears. Finally she smiled and leaped at Marko hugging him for everything she was worth.
"Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou a thousand times thankyou. How did you find this? I though for sure it was lost."
"It was not easy and I wish we could have gotten more but I didn't know for sure what was once yours. And we couldn't find you after the chase to ask." Smiling brightly Kyda fetched her shirt that had slipped into the water and gave it a look over. Satisfied that the shirt was clean she began to ring the water out.
"There wasn't really anything else in the end. My father sold or gave everything we had to help those affected by the war. I don't think he expected those slimy lords to chase him out of our home when they realised he was no longer rich." Marko lowered his head and nodded. Every child was told the story of the kind Lord Fa-Torren and his families ruin.
"I don't see why you stick around this place, not after everything that has happened." Enquired mark picking up the wash basket as Kyda through in her shirt. "Here let me escort you home"
"I 'stick around' Marko because I have no where else to go." Sighed Kyda walking along side him.
"So lets find somewhere to go. Me and he boys could come with you as um protection. After all a young lady such as yourself shouldn't go out adventuring alone. I can get dangerous." Kyda snorted at this as Marko flashed her a charming smile.
"Might I remind you, my dear friend that I best you 2 out of 3 times in any form of fighting." Giggled Kyda. Marko let out a loud laugh handing back the basket.
"Just think about it. Maybe we could go to Saibreas, become the king and queen of thieves." Laughing Kyda shoved Marko playfully as he took a dramatic bow.
"Ill think about it, honest. I've been feeling restless anyway." Promised Kyda. Waving the two parted ways, Kyda left to wonder if maybe her friend was right.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife managed to get halfway home before falling asleep. A new record really. She didn't know how exactly but when she next woke up she was in her bed. Rubbing at her head a little she figured either the twins must've found her or those fairies had been at it again. Still to drunk to fully concentrate, Aoife rolled over and waited for dawn to arrive.

[AvisCrown]

As to be expected the night ended up with a fight between Caleb and his father. The fight ended with no agreement, simply the two stomping off in opposite directions after running out of energy to use to scream at each other.

Caleb entered his room and groaned as he sat down on his bed. In another moment a rather sheepish maid entered with a wash basin and some herbs to clean up Caleb's wounds. She worked quickly so Caleb could get to sleep. Despite the night ending with a fight, he still thought the night was rather pleasant and he looked forward to see Aoife again.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife awoke to a sight she rather would have avoided seeing. Calloch was sat on the end of her bed, arms folded and frowning. His fingers were drumming along the side of his arm impatiently. Aoife groaned and buried her head beneath the covers, her head was beginning to throb already.
"So then"
Calloch got up and began to pace around her bed slowly
"Care to explain where you got off too last night?"
Aoife raked her brains for a reasonable sounding idea, however her current hangover seemed to dull every sense she had. Eventually she settled on a plausible and technically true alibi.
"I met some sailors and we went for a few drinks. I'm sorry alright"
The following lecture was very long and dreadfully dull but luckily Aoife didn't remember much of it anyway. Soon enough Calloch had to leave anyway, that day was supposed to have been Aoifes first in court but the current state of his daughter caused him to change his plans.

After awhile Calloch left and Aoife was alone in the villa (apparently the twins took mornings off). In due course Aoife did manage to finally drag herself out of bed and into the Griffin riding hear for the night before. She stepped outside groggily and began to ready Topthorn.
_______________________________

He'd have to ask Caleb. There was no other way around it. If he asked Rurik he'd be humiliated for life, his mother would become far too soppy instantly and his father would either marry him off instantly or kill her on the spot. Caleb it was then. Hesitantly, lock knocked on his elder brothers bedroom door. Not waiting for a reply, he opened the door a little and peeped his head around the corner. He couldn't help but smile.
"Rough night?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb rolled over in bed, and groaned. It had been some time sense he had a hang over this bad. Luckily for him Cadman was cruel enough to make Caleb attend court with a hang. Though it wasn't out of kindness, it just simply wasn't worth the embarrassment, simply to make a point.

Caleb peeked his eyes over the cover at Lock.

"Rough, isn't the word I would use." Caleb said. He decided he was in a good enough mood with Lock to share the details of his adventure, besides he was to tired to really recollect the details perfectly.

"Anyways what is it?" He asked , know Lock didn't come to his room simply as a social call.

[BumblingBee]

Locks face suddenly fell a little
"Well..."
He looked around to make sure the coast was clear before firmly shutting the door and pulling up a chair to Caleb's bedside. He rubbed at the back of his neck awkwardly as he searched for the right words.
"Can I ... Ask you something? Brother to brother?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb looked stunned. "Really? truly? I wasn't even sure if we were brothers anymore." He joked. He sat and looked at ok.

"Ok, ask me." Caleb turned to his bed side, where there was a small glass of some odd thick liquid. Some kind of remedy for hang overs. Caleb gulped it down in one gulp then made a face as he practically had to force it down his throat.

[BumblingBee]

Locks face suddenly went to that of all seriousness.
"Now what I'm about to say cannot leave this room"
He looked at Caleb as if he were a small child
"I'm gonna ask something kinda deep too so tell me if your brain hurts too much. I know big words confuse you"
He got to the point before Caleb could complain
"Caleb ... Do you believe in love at first sight?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb gave a fake laugh at Lock's poke at him. His head really hurt to much to come up with anything to come back at him with. He was surprised however on the turn the conversation went. Caleb couldn't really say he did, though love have never really been something on his mind. He had had girlfriends in the past but he always knew in the end he'd still end up with the woman his parent's had assigned to him when he a younger.

"That. . was honestly not what I was expecting." Caleb could see Lock was really looking to Caleb for help with this. Caleb thought a moment and scratched his head.

"I. . hmm . ." Caleb really couldn't think what to say. "I guess it's possible. . . why? You think your in love?" Caleb wasn't trying to poke fun at Lock but was honestly wondering why this had come about.

[BumblingBee]

Unaware of how to explain it, lock simply decided to deadpan it.
"Yes"
He looked at Caleb expectantly

[AvisCrown]

Caleb sighed.

"Well. I can't say I've ever been 'in love' " Caleb was honest. He thought on last night, and reflected on Aoife.

"If it's advice on woman I guess I can help you."

[BumblingBee]

Lock got up and sauntered over to the balcony. He leaned against it casually.
"If I wanted that sort of advice I'd have gone to Rurik first"
He smiled happily as he watched the world awaken below him
"I dunno she's just so ... Just so ... Different!"
He turned to his brother happily and went for the door
"What else can I say?"

[AvisCrown]

"Well I'm happy for you. I wish I could have helped you out a bit more." Caleb stretched a bit remembering he had said he'd meet with Aoife for another lesson this morning. Something he was seriously regretting now that his head was throbbing.

"Hey ask me again in a few days when Sierra is here. Than I can tell you rather I love her at first sight." Caleb joked lightly on his fiancée's arrival.

[BumblingBee]

"Gods, I'd forgotten all about that. Bhreatain girl, right?"
Lock jested lightly as he stood in the door frame
"Knowing Father, he'll probably try and pawn us off on her infant sisters"
He laughed before leaving
"I'll see you later on"
He suddenly turned as he walked down the hallway
"And don't you dare tell Rurik about anything we just discussed!"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb nodded yes to confirm she was from Bhreatain.

"I think if he was going to do that he would have done it by now." Caleb stood up and started getting dressed. He cared little if Lock was still in the room or not.

"I promise. This stays between us."

[BumblingBee]

Lock smiled and left Caleb to it.
___________________________

Aoife had reached the castle by this point. During her journey however she had noticed something. Topthorn had been in an absolutely foul mood, from start till finish. She dismounted once through the castle gates and began to lead him by the reins towards the shared stables.
"What's got you so grumpy anyway?"
Topthorn huffed moodily rearing a little celery couple of steps. Aoife settled him in his box before looking at him disapprovingly
"Honestly, you're acting like a jealous child. I mean we're at the palace for goodness sakes, show some respect "

[AvisCrown]

When Lock was gone, Caleb finished getting dressed before rushing out to the stables. He just meet Aoife outside as she settled topthorn. He was a bit out of breath and his riding vest was strapped up wrong, showing he had rushed to get there.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife smiled as Caleb approached, she was pleased to see him again.
"In a bit of a hurry there?"
She couldn't help but smile at the thought that Caleb had made that much if a effort just for her. She turned to face him and smirked coyly. Pointing she noted
"Need a hand with your vest there?"

[AvisCrown]

"I could." Caleb looked down and noticed his vest. He smiled.

"I didn't know if you had decided to get here early." He laughed awkwardly.

[CryoLilly]

As the early morning rain poured down on the forest, filtering through the trees to drop onto her face, Yvalla began to regret her decision to keep her pride and sleep in the trees before working for a bed in the inn nearby. She packed up her stuff and began to descend from the tree, as the forest would soon be ending anyway. Out of nowhere, her hand locked up, cramping painfully and losing grip on the branch she held. She fell backwards, landing on her back in pain, grasping at her hand. She couldn't see anything wrong with it, but it hurt like mad. She remembered vaguely that she brushed her hands against the dead trees back in the forest. It must have been the infection. She needed to speak to someone, and quickly.

By the time she arrived in Sareas, it was already late afternoon, and the city glimmered with light. As she walked into the city, she pulled her cloak close about her and her hood down, but she still felt many pairs of eyes on her as she walked. She hated the city already. There were people, and the smell, and where were the trees. She entered a small inn near the docks of the city, it would probably be the cheapest. She took out the small supply of coins that she had... erm... procured from some of those who tried to hunt in the forest near her home. "I need a room for the night and a meal," she said, then she glanced at the pot bubbling over the fire in the corner, "Err, just some bread and water."

"Miss, I'm sorry" the innkeeper said, "We don't have any rooms open, but I can still get you some food." She stared at him, dark eyes glaring out from under her hood, "I'll sleep on your roof." she said, placing a couple copper pieces on the counter, "I'll only pay for half a room." The keeper gave her a strange look, but shrugged it off, handing her a small loaf of bread and a mug of water. She nodded her thanks, and went to sit in the corner. She shadows suited her, and she was able to see anybody who went in or out. After she ate, she got out of the stuffy room as quickly as she could, there was a limit to the number of grown men she could stand at one time, and the looks she got were less than pleasant.

As she lay back on the roof of the building, leaning her head against her bag, she stared up at the stars. The lights from the city dimmed them, but she could still pick out some of the familiar shapes in the sky. It was a lovely night she supposed, if one could disregard the city. She rubbed her sore hand, but it was feeling better already, how strange. Just as she was nodding off, she saw a shape fly across the sky. Darting up, she saw it was a griffin with a two riders. The creature descended onto a ship. "Beautiful..." She breathed, laying back down. At least there was something to look forward to seeing in the city...

[KittyKatAlly]

(This is a long one, Sorry :P )

Kyda was up with the sun the next day being dressed and out the door before even the bread sellers opened their doors. Reaching the market place just as the crowds started to surge through, Kyda smiled. Walking down the main street she didn't even have to think as she expertly picked one pocket after the next. Though this time she made sure none of them looked to richly as she didn't want another fiasco like that with the prince.
As she got towards the center of the market place Kyda drifted to the side where a fruit merchant had his stall set up. Casual as ever Kyda simply walked past swiping an apple as she went. Smiling to herself Kyda took a bite, quite proud that she hadn't been spotted.
Taking a seat at the fountain at the center of the market square she waited. Today was a thief's dream. Many people had come to shop, which meant full pockets and pretty trinkets for the taking, though that wasn't why Kyda was there. She was there to find the boys. Kyda knew that if she waited around long enough she would either see Marko's well shaped form or the ratty little cling on Calvin. The others would be spread around the market too, but she didn't think she wanted to invite them on the journey she was planning on taking, honestly she didn't want to invite Calvin but that could possibly be unavoidable.
An hour slowly tickled by and Kyda was beginning to give up hope of seeing anyone when someone decided to take the seat next to her.
"You should really stop day dreaming Kitten, your gonna get yourself into trouble." Said Marko flashing her a smile. Kyda smiled back, knowing his words rung true. She was getting carless, or to comfortable with her skills.
"I have nothing to fear, I always have you to come and save me." Kyda stated flipping her hand dismissively. "Come lets walk before your shadow catches up to us."
"Oh come on Calvin isn't that bad is he?" Questioned Marko, shoving his hands into his pockets and following Kyda through the crowds back towards the book shop.
"Yes he is." Kyda deadpanned. "And I want him privy to what I have planned."
Marko nodded and followed silently back to the Book Shop.

----------------------------------------

They made it back to the book shop in no time, the streets having cleared quite a bit once away from the market. Kyda refused to say a word on what she had planned while they where still out in the streets, not wanting to attract attention. Though now safely tucked away in the study Kyda was rummaging through a box of paper trying to find the map of the lands she knew the Grandfather kept.
"So are you going to tell me what is going on in that head of yours kitten or am I going to have to continue guessing?" Asked Marko his tone beyond bored.
"Just give me a minute to find what I need you insufferable..." Before Kyda could finish the sentence a loud cry sounded though the store. "In the study Kyko." called Kyda as she continued to go though box after box.
Kyko glided into the study and settled on Marko's head her tail lightly hitting him on the nose.
"Kyko I missed you too, but my head is not a seat." Grumbled Marko as he lifted the small dragon off his head and into his lap. Kyko cooed and nuzzled his hand not seaming to care where she sat as long as she was getting attention.
"Ah ha, found it" Kyda rounded the table and unrolled the map placing paper waits on all four corners.
"Why do you have a map?"
"Because I gave what you said last night a lot of thought and I figured, why not go on a real adventure?!" Explained Kyda as if it was the most obvious thing in the realm.
"Ok but to where?" Marko asked gesturing to the map.
"I was thinking of going to Sareas as the final destination but I figured we could do some site seeing along the way." Explained Kyda as she went into detail about her grand plan for adventure. As Kyda explained Marko's eyes lit up with excitement, before adding in some ideas of his own. before long they had a rough plan thought out and a rough guide as to what roads they would take.
"Alright so its settled. l will just have to run out and grab some things, but I will meet you back here at midday and we can get going." Grinned Marko as he made his way to the door.
"Sounds good, if we leave shortly after midday we should get to Knothole Nook by mid afternoon."
Kyda waved Marko off before turning and making her way up to her room to pack what little she had.

----------------------------------------------------

Placing the final things in her bag Kyda sighed and flopped onto her bed a hand trenching out to pat the small dragon that slept at its end. Smiling a little Kyda pocked the dragon awake giggling softly as she got a sleepy coo for her troubles.
"Come on Kyko, Marko will be here soon and I have to tell Grandfather that I'm leaving." Said Kyda grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder so that it sat across her body the bulk of the bag sitting on her hip. Kyko shrilled and took to the air flying around Kyda's head before settling on her shoulders. Taking one last look around the room she had come to consider home Kyda headed down stairs to find Grandfather. Finding the old man in the study looking over the same papers as the day before, Kyda rounded the desk and hugged Grandfather from behind. Grandfather jumped a little at the contact turning to face the girl her had come to consider apart of his family, noticing the bag he stood his hands on his hips demanding and explanation.
"Grandfather, um well, I'm not quite sure how to put this." Started Kyda nervously. "I, I mean we, me and Marko are... um.... going on a bit of an adventure to Sareas, see and well I just wanted to thank you for everything. I mean we may be back but just in case we aren't...." Kyda was cut off by Grandfather giving her a bone crushing hug.
"Take care little one, I can assure you, you will have amazing adventures." Said Grandfather releasing her from the hug.
"Thankyou Grandfather, I have only one more request. Kyko.." Kyda started lifting the dragon from her shoulders, " Would you like to come with me and Marko or stay here with Grandfather? I cant guarantee that I could keep you safe while on the road... but the choice is yours my little friend." Kyko shrilled and cooed wriggling out of Kyda's grasp. Then Screeching angrily Kyko head butted Kyda in the middle of her forehead before settling on her shoulders again and taking a nip at her ear.
"Ouch, ok I'm sorry I even thought you would want to stay." Laughed Kyda rubbing her ear.
"I don't think you will ever be without that one." Chuckled Grandfather giving Kyko and affectionate rub on the head.
"Well I think I see Marko waiting out the front so I should be off, I will write when I get the chance grandfather."
"Take care my girl, and watch each others back, you hear."
"Don't worry old man, I'll look after her." Said Marko throwing his arm around Kyda's shoulders . Grandfather snorted and shook his head before waving them off down the street. The two laughed and jilted each other as they made their way to the city stables, purchasing two sturdy horses and heading out into the fields.

----------------------------------------------------

Kyda and Marko arrived at Knothole Nook by mid afternoon, hitching their horses outside Kyda begged for Kyko to remain in the saddlebags, not wanting to risk anyone in the tavern taking an overly keen interest in her. After a few moments Kyko relented and settled into the bags opting for a nap.
Making their way inside Marko found them a table with only one other occupant, a man who seemed to have been passed out drunk if the soft snores where anything to go by. They ordered a small meal to share as they discussed where they should stop for the night.
Not long after their meal arrived a very large and obviously angry man barged into the tavern, receiving shouts and greetings from most of the patrons. The man beside Kyda stirred lifting his head slightly before resting his head on his hands, eyes now on the large man at the door.
"BARMAN BRING ME AN ALE AND PRETTY TO KEEP MY LAP WARM" Boomed the large man earning a laugh from his companions. Marko rolled his eyes and turned back to his meal signalling Kyda to do the same. The barman gave the big man his ale and returned to the safety of his barrels leaving the oaf to do as he please. It wasn't long before he spotted the little group of three at the small table, he would have probably dismissed them if he hadn't noticed what he considered quite a pretty and young girl sitting with them. A sleazy simile spread across his face as he stood and made his way to their table.
"Well now aren't you lot a right sorry mob, sittin 'ere all on ya lonesomes. Ya lads should be ashamed of keepin such a lovely flower all to ya selves." He said trying to take a seat next to Kyda. Marko stood up though putting himself in the oafs ways. Kyda stood as well not wanting to be caught sitting down if things got bad, she went to move around to Marko's side of the table when a hand on her wrist stopped her. Looking down she could see the stranger was the reason for the hand stopping her. The stranger shook his head, rising as well to lean into her ear.
"Don't do anything rash now girl, I'm sure your friend can take care of it." Whispered the man his voice low and gravely. Kyda nodded her head and stood firm waiting to see how this would go, from experience she knew this wouldn't end well and she was glad they had tied their horses loosely so they could make a fast get away.
"What's wrong with ya lad, ain't she for sharing" That got a chuckle from the crowed.
"No she isn't." Growled Marko as he tried to make himself look bigger then what he was.
"Well that's to bad for ya, 'cause ya don't 'ave a choice boy." Barked the oaf starting to draw his sword.
Kyda gulped not sure what to do, there was a far distance between them and the door and she wasn't sure they could make it. Suddenly the stranger grabbed her hand in his and started to edge them towards the door. Kyda struggled for a second not sure if she should trust the man.
"Stop the struggling girl and follow my lead, Don't worry about your precious man he will be fine if he plays along." Growled the stranger getting himself into Marko's vision. Marko's eyes flicked over to the stranger, seeing him edging Kyda to the door he gave him a nod and plastered the biggest players grin he could on his face.
"Well my good man how about I buy you a drink before we get to the wenching." Said Marko directing him to a table in the opposite direction of the door. "After all as my Pa always said you can never have a good wenching without a few good drinks." Throwing his arm around the mans shoulders he managed to get the man to the table and sat him down. "BARKEEP A PITCHER OF YOUR FINEST ALE FOR MY FRIEND HERE AND A ROUND FOR EVERYONE ELSE ON ME." Yelled Marko joyously clapping the man on the back the smile never leaving his face. That seemed to placate the man as Marko moved closer to the exit meeting Kyda and the stranger as they reached the door.
"And now we run." Whispered Marko his grin getting bigger as he opened the door. Kyda smiled nervously as she stepped quickly through the door and over to the horses Marko and the stranger following closely behind. Back in their saddles they took off at a gallop just as they heard the angry shouts from the oaf of a man and the barkeeper.
"Don't stop or they will surely kill us." Yelled the stranger his hood falling from his face revealing a young man around their age.
"Didn't plan to friend." Laughed Marko urging his horse faster. Shaking her head Kyda followed his lead as they raced across the country side. 'Well this is a good start'

------------------------------------

It was close to sunset when they final decided to set up camp just outside the Oed Woods. Building a small fire they settled around it and broke bread while roasting fresh caught rabbit. They learnt their new friends name was Ivan and he was a sword smith apprentice before his master was killed and he was forced into being a mercenary for a living. He was also on his way to Sareas but wouldn't say why. Marko didn't care and neither did Kyda, he had proven a good ally in a tight spot and they both insisted on him joining their group sighting safety in numbers. Eventually Ivan relented with a smile and agreed to join them as far as Sareas. Having closed the matter Marko dampened the fire and they settled to sleep Kyko finally peeking her head out of the saddle bag and deciding that Kyda would be a much more comfortable pillow flew over and nuzzled her way under Kyda's chin before purring contently with sleep.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife smiled as she moved forward, her deft hands quickly correcting the straps on Calebs vest.
"I thought I may as well"
She looked away a little, expression suddenly distant
"It's not like I've got anything else to do in this darned city"
For a moment she became lost in a brief rush of memories. Memories of her home, the endless forrests, the sea of green leaves, her old friends and family. But now she had a new family, a rag-taggle one at that but family all the same. She shook her head a little, snapping herself back to reality. Aoife smiled at Caleb and folded her arms.
"So, what's the lesson for today then?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb watched her fade off a bit. She must have been missing home. He had been all over but he had never actually been to Atoni. There wasn't really any need. They had less of a government than Fhrainc, which made it hard to communicate with them. He had meet a few Atonians when they were Sareas and a few Atonian sailors, who had traded in their horses for sails.

When Aoife seemed to finish her moment of homesickness. Caleb got started on their plan today.

"I thought we'd stay on the ground today. Now that you've felt the feeling of flight, we can get started on teaching you how to fly a griffin yourself." Caleb suddenly remembered something.

"Hey. . .I have a little surprise for you." Caleb motioned for Aoife to wait and turned back into the stables. He vanished in the stalls for a moment before coming back with a white griffin. A bit smaller than Luja.

[BumblingBee]

As soon as Aoife caught a glimpse of white fur, she practically squealed with excitement. Clasping her hands to her mouth she didn't quite know what to say.
"Oh Caleb!"
She walked on circles around the griffin simply admiring its beauty.
"You did this for me? But how?"
Aoife was rather curious as to how a simple stable boy could afford two griffins like this.

[AvisCrown]

Now Caleb felt a bit awkward. He rubbed the back of his head.

"Well actually. . .I didn't." He felt perhaps he shouldn't have made such a surprise over the idea.

"I mean it's just to borrow. Her rider won't be in Sareas for some time now so I thought you could learn to ride on her till then. I'm sure she'll hardly notice." Caleb felt really bad now, it must have been a bit of a let down.

"Sorry, for making you think. .ugh. . ." He thought it was such a great idea and now he just felt bad.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife paused
"Oh"
However she shrugged, smiled returning once again
"No matter"
She ran her fingers through the griffins soft fur
"She's still beautiful all the same"
Peeping over the griffins back, Aoife noticed Caleb's awkward expression. She chuckled softly and leant her arms over the saddle
"Don't worry about it, the thoughts still counts and it's a lovely one at that"

[AvisCrown]

It was an extremely fine griffin, perhaps Aoife might not have realized how fine a breed it was. It's saddle might as well have been made of solid gold from how expensive and fine the craftsmen's ship was. Something suitable for a princess, perhaps even a queen.

"Perhaps we can look into getting a griffin for you further into your lessons." He smiled, still a bit awkwardly. He cleared his throat and put the awkwardness behind him.

"Well her name is Bukica. She's a little less temperamental then some griffins I know." He eyed Luja who was getting a bit roiled up in her stall. He smiled a bit as Luja settled herself down and rested.

"Also she's smaller so you'll have a better grip on her."

[BumblingBee]

"Bukica?"
Aoife moved to the front of the Griffin to stroke her face a little
"Interesting name"
With a swift movement she hopped up onto Bukica's back and looked down happily at Caleb
"Right then, I am yours to command"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb smiled.

"Ok, just aheads. That's a new saddle so be careful. I would have gotten an older one but she's a lot smaller than our other griffins here." He felt a bit bad telling her she needed to be careful but the saddle was intended for his future wife, so he did need to be careful.

"Anyways. This time you are going to take the reins. I'm going to teach you ground position and flight position. I briefly showed you yesterday but today you are going to be in control. I'll keep your grounded so you can get a feel first. I'm not going to just send you up there and pray you don't fall off or crash into the sea."

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla shot up, terrified, holding her knife at the ready. It was still dark, and she had yet to recognize where she was. After a few moments her breathing slowed and she realized where she was. She could not remember what had woken her. Some form of dream, no, nightmare. She climbed down from the roof, deciding that she wouldn't get much sleep anyway. The grey light of morning was already beginning to peak over the horizon. The city was much calmer at this time. Sure there was the occasional drunk stumbling home, but the bustle of the city was yet to return. Yvalla walked the city, mapping out the maze of streets in her head. She took the other half of her loaf of bread from the night before, and began to eat some of it. She noticed a few young children lying on the side of the street, clothes tattered. She used a bit of cloth to wrap up some of the bread, and set it next to the children.

The city, gleaming at first glance, wasn't all that glamorous. She saw that now as she walked the streets. There was a clear division between the rulers, and the people. Atoni wasn't the only place that was rotting. As the day went on, the problems in the city only became more clear. At the very mention of the king, people sneered and grew angry. Yvalla began to realize that she may have come to the wrong place. She doubted that the king of Saibhreas who was too blind, or too cruel, to help his own people would be willing to help anybody outside of his immediate vicinity, even if it was a danger to everyone.

As she approached the castle, she noticed a man and a woman outside of the stables. Hopefully they would know who to speak to in order to get an audience with the king. She approached carefully, and removed her hood, hoping to appear less threatening than she might have. Her crimson hair blew across her face, the dark green leaves that she had entwined within brushing her cheeks. She tapped the man on his shoulder "Excuse me, sir, do you know how I might get an audience with the-" she halted mid sentence as her eyes laid on the incredible creature before her "Beautiful" She breathed, "Is this a griffin?" she asked beginning to speak very quickly, "I had heard about them, but I never knew anything about them except they were supposed to be amazing, but wow, she, it's a she right, she's incredible." she had almost completely forgotten about the reason for her visit. "May I touch her?" she asked slowing down a bit.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife faked looking wounded
"Caleb! Whatever makes you think I would go and do that!"
She chuckled lightly to herself before positioning herself properly, as Caleb had told her the night before. As she sat atop Bukica, Aoife noticed somthing. Now that it was daylight she could see Calebs features a lot more clearly. They were certainly striking, that much could be for sure. She frowned a little in concentration. She was sure he looked familiar but she couldn't quite place why.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb laughed a bit in responds.

"Well let's get you in ground position." He said about to fix her position before they were interrupted. He turned to the girl. He was a bit taken back to see it was another Atonian. Looking at the girls condition he was surprised she had made it this far onto the palace grounds without being stopped but she didn't seem to be any threat so he was polite.

He didn't really get to ask what her business here was before she got excited by the sight of the griffin.

"I suppose you can." He said, though truthfully he wasn't so sure. He couldn't just let everyone going around petting her and going for a ride, she wasn't even suppose to be out of the stables.

[BumblingBee]

For a moment Aoife took no real notice of the girl, other than a friendly smile of course. However the leaves in the hair gave it away. She looked at Yvalla for a minute, studying her face as she remembered. Aoife scoffed as she hopped down from Bukica. She leaned against the Griffins side and frowned softly. Raising an eyevrow she went on to say
"So, the Fae's come out of her forrest? At last"

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla smiled up at the man. "Thanks," She said, "I'm sorry to interrupt you, I just really love animals." She looked at the girl who was on the griffin, she seemed familiar, but Yvalla put it out of her mind. "Are you ok with me petting you?" she asked the griffin, she seemed to wait for a moment, then laughed "I suppose you're right..." she said reaching out with her left hand to stroke the side of her head. She noticed a strange numbness in her hand, and saw a bit of bruising around the nail on her little finger. She frowned, then pulled her hand back quickly. "I can't believe it, I'm so sorry, I managed to distract myself!" she turned back towards him, "Do you know how I could gain audience with the king? I... I ran into something that, well, worries me for the future of the world." She frowned worried "I doubt it'll be contained to the Atonian forests."

At the mention of The Fae, she spun around, angry. "That's not my name." She snapped a bit, she had never liked the name that they had given her. It had been useful when she was alone, but now, she'd rather not have that follow her. "My name is Yvalla Telri."

[AvisCrown]

"The king?" Caleb found it odd. Rarely his father had many dealings with the Atonians. Usually they were left to their own devices. Caleb ignored the fight over the name she preferred and went back to the subject at hand.

"Why? What's wrong? Perhaps I might be able to lend you some aid in your quest."

[BumblingBee]

Aoife stood up straight, arms still folded.
"Then don't hide it, wear it I with pride. It's who you are for pities sake"
Aoife didn't mean to be too harsh she simply wanted to get the point across. As a child her father deemed to wild to even claim as his own for the first few years of her life, name meant a lot to her. It showed the word who you were without giving them cause to judge.

[CryoLilly]

"I don't know if I should tell you this... just, don't tell someone who'd make a commotion. I don't know if it's a problem yet, but, I know that I needed to speak to someone about it." she said quietly. "I lived in the forest in Atoni. I protected the animals near my home and I helped to heal them when they were hurt. I lived there for 13 years, and never once did I see the like of what I found the other day. I was looking for Diala, a friend of mine, and near the eastern border between Atoni and Saibhreas I found that the trees..." She paused, looking around and lowering her voice. "The forest was dying. Rotting even. It's summer, and where most of the trees are green and thriving, this swath of forest was blackened and sick. The land was swampy and stagnant."

She looked at her hand, massaging the palm. "And there's more." she said, "I touched one of the trees with this hand, and it has been cramping up a lot recently, and it was just numb. Besides, look at the fingernails, there is darkening around them. None of this bodes well..." She held up her hand to show it to him.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb listened to what she had to say. It worried him and it sounded like something his father should hear about. Caleb looked at her hand. That was pretty damning evidence. He looked over towards the griffin he had just let her pet, in caution he lifted Aoife off of it. If it spread to the griffin, he didn't want it spreading to Aoife.

"I have to be honest. I doubt you'd be able to get an audience with him." Caleb spoke honestly. "It has become harder and harder to get audience with the king. Your best bet would be to go through one of his advisors, and hope they find this a matter worth bring to the kings attention." Caleb thought a moment.

"If you stay in Sareas for a few days. I'll make sure this matter is brought up to the king."

[BumblingBee]

Aoife couldn't believe what she was hearing, she didn't want to believe it. As Caleb and the girl spoke, Aoife quietly backed up. The shock of the situation had stunned her into complete silence. She suddenly stopped at the feeling of something at her back. She turned to find Topthorn, head sticking out of his stable box. She wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head upon his.

She'd left her home for a few days.
And already it was being taken away from her.

[Reaper]

Rose was annoyed. No ignore that, Rose was downright furious. There she was, sitting on top of her mount under the scorching Saib sun outside the castle stables, to be percise outside it's sheltered stables with it's cool looking shades. Why is she sitting under said scorching sun you might ask? Because a young whelp with the unmistakable air of aristocrasy was obstructing her way into the stables. Trying the impress the two Atoni girls beside him with the griffins, she assumed, whatever the case was she didn't care. She just wanted out of the sun and on her way to collecting more gold.

Sighing out loud, she urged her horse forwards and closer to the trio than would have been comfortable. "Boy." She called out, voice rough and commanding, fixing her green eyes down at the male. "If you wish to impress your lady friends thats all fine and dandy, but for the love of Kyna move out of my way and book a room." Rose told him pointedly, her armor jingled and furr cape rustled as she shifted impatiently, one hand resting on the hilt of her blade like it always did.

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla listened calmly as the other explained the situation. He seemed to have some leverage above being a griffin handler and trainer, as he seemed to be, but he didn't seem to want to elaborate, so she didn't feel the need to press the situation. She turned to look at the other girl who was rather distraught. Only then did she recognize her as the woman who was leaving Atoni on the day she encountered the sickness. She put her arm around the girl, trying to comfort her. "Atoni is my home too," She said quietly, "And I swear, I will do everything in my power to stop this. But I can't do it alone." She pulled the other girl into a hug, trying to comfort her as best she could.

She turned her head to the man who she was talking to earlier, "I only have one problem..." she said blushing a bit in the embarrassment of having to ask for his help, "I would do my best to stay in Sereas but I have little money, and it is hardly enough for food or shelter for many days here, do you know if I could work somewhere around here to earn my keep?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb tried to do what he could to reassure the girl he would speak on her behalf.

"I can inquire about position for you but for now I can spare a few coin for a room for the night a meal." He said wanting to help. If she had come all this way to warn his father of a threat on their kingdom, it was the least he could do. Caleb pulled out his rather fine leather coin purse,and offered the coin to her.

"And might I make another suggestion." His eyes were looking at her hand. "Perhaps it would be wiser for you to cover up your hand. We do not know what we are dealing with and if your hand can spread that sickness I'd rather you not spread it through my city."

Caleb's attention was brought to the woman upon a horse. He was quite insulted by her addressing him as "boy." He was extremely close to giving her a piece of his mind. Caleb was fairly casual with those below him but there was a limit the amount of disrespect he would take.

"Perhaps you might like to consider there are more important matters at hand than your immediate appointment that has gotten you in so much of a rush." Caleb barked back rather sternly.

[CryoLilly]

Letting go of the girl, Yvalla reached out and closed the man's hand over the coin. "I cannot accept your money. I have a small amount of food myself. It should suffice for a day or two." she looked down at her hand, she had meant to stop by a shop to buy a glove of some sort, but hadn't seen anything of the like. "Yeah, I suppose I should cover it up, and if it begins to show further signs, I think I'd rather not cause panic." She was startled as she felt the hot breath of a horse on her back. Spinning around she met with the green eyes of some woman. She frowned, annoyed that anybody would look down on someone for no real reason. A hand instinctively went to the hilt of her larger knife, hidden under her cloak.

She reached out to place a hand on the man's arm, "No, No," she said, eyes narrowing at the other woman, "Please, do go on, what is so important that you must treat everyone around you like trash?" Yvalla was rather annoyed that she had decided to barge in on them, and further angered by her tone "You can go book yourself a room can't you? There is something now that is literally destroying my, and this girl's home right now, don't you think you can have a shred of humility?" She turned on her heel and walked into the stable, completely sick of dealing with other people, she lay her healthy hand on one of the horses' faces in the stable, leaning her forehead against the horse's face. There was far too much going on at the moment, and the city was too much for her.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife was shocked by the hug to say the least. She deal with signs of affection very well, all she could do was stand there until the girl was finished doing whatever it was she was doing. As the conversation continued, Aoife simply listened while leaning on Bucika once more.

By this point Aoife was growing bored with the whole affair. She just wanted her mind distracted from more distressing matters. Turning to Caleb she asked almost pleadingly
"Think we'll get back to our lesson at any point today?"

[Reaper]

Rose would've snarked something good back at the whelp; if the Atoni girl beside him hadn't sudden bursted into a furious tirade and promptly stalked away. "I like her." She smirked after the girl. The mercenary let out an unladylike snort at the boy's reply. "Hardly." Turning back to the conversation. Rose dismounted her ride easily, drawing herself up to her entire six feet in height, and began leading her horse past the quiet Atoni girl and the boy and into the stable. "I couldn't care less if you were discussing the fate of the four races, mind where one decides to hold conversations next time, unless you wish for people to believe you're more wet behind the ears than you actually are."

[AvisCrown]

Caleb was rather annoyed by this woman. This was his stables he'd stand where the hell he wanted.

"And do tell exactly what kind of business do you have here?" This woman pinched Caleb the wrong way, making his question sound rather passive aggressive. Perhaps his attitude might have been a little less cocky if he wasn't on palace grounds surrounded by royal guards. He could handle himself but then again he wasn't the kind to pick fights. For a moment Caleb's annoyance with this girl make him forget about his lesson with Aoife.

[KittyKatAlly]

Wincing slightly as bright light hit her face Kyda groaned and rolled over onto her side so she could bury her face under her arms to block it out earning an annoyed chirp from the little dragon sleeping on her stomach. Marko chuckled loudly at the display, his laughter only growling as Kyda shot up a dagger in her right hand, poised to strike. Kyko took to the air as soon as Kyda had moved chirping and screeching angrily. Taking in her surroundings her eyes finally settled on a laughing Marko, relaxing a Kyda glared at her friend before throwing her dagger so it landed next to his leg. Marko stopped laughing and lifted his hands in a mock surrender.
"Whoa there kitten no need for such violence, how do you ever expect to catch a dashing young man with that attitude?" Asked Marko an almost perfect picture of innocence.
"A net and some food as bait." Kyda replied absently rubbing her eyes with the back of her hands before yawning and stretching. Kyko flew up to Marko's face and let out a growl before biting his nose, hard. Giving a yelp Marko leaned away from the dragon his hand clenching his abused nose.
This time it was Kyda's turn to laugh as she got up and brushed off the dirt that had covered her cloths during the night.
"Well while you make nice with Kyko for disturbing her sleep I'm going to go finds a nice bush, then we can think about breakfast." Kyda said over her shoulder as she made her way a little deeper into the forest for privacy.
Kyko continued to flap around Marko's head angrily as Kyda walked away before finally deciding that he was not worth the trouble and went to find herself something to eat.
Marko grumbled under his breath stocking the fire back into life. Just as he got the fire burning he noticed for the first time that their new friend was nowhere to be seen. Standing and looking around Marko noted that Ivans horse was stilled tied with his and Kyda's which would mean he was still in the area. Shrugging his shoulders he could only hope Ivan didn't stumble across Kyda while she was taking care of things.

Breakfast and clean up hadn't taken long with Ivan re joining them, just after Kyda made her way back to camp, with two small freshly caught rabbits. Kyko had re appeared just as they where mounting up taking up a vantage point on Kyda's shoulder. The plan that morning was to make it Dociau Docks by midday then head onto Lyn Lake where they would set up camp for the night. The ride was fairly smooth the country side consisting of rolling hills and farmlands. The boys spent the ride playing 'one up' with each other. Kyda thought it was a stupid game, the whole point of it was to tell a story then someone had to top it with a story of their own. Most of the time it just turned into a pissing contest, and half of what was said wasn't even true. Though she knew from first hand experience that the story Marko told about being caught in bed with a guards daughter was true, as she was the one who broke him out of the holding cells and boxed his ears for getting caught in the first place.
Then finally, just as the sun touched the peek of the sky they came to the walls Dociau Docks.

------------------------------------------------------

Dociau Docks was, in Kyda's opinion, little more then and over sized shipping yard. The towns permanent residents lived above their shops and warehouses making it look much like the dock side markets back in Ganancia. Finding the towns stables the three tied up there horses and again leaving Kyko in the saddle bags went out into the streets to gather some more supplies. It wasn't long before they lost Marko to a pretty flower girl standing in the door way of a tavern, he sighted 'information gathering' as an excuse and with a flirtatious grin left Kyda and Ivan to go about the shopping. Before Kyda had the chance to drag Marko with them Ivan grabbed her by the arm and dragged her down he street until she willingly walked along herself.
"Sooo..... Ivan um what do you think we will need, I've never actually been on a journey like this before." Kyda started still not completely sure on their new companion.
"We will need, food obviously, some rope, blankets and such, we don't want to sleep without protection the whole way." Replied Ivan giving her an easy grin as they walked along the stalls.
"We are going to need money for that." Mumbled Kyda looking over the crowed. "Wait here ill be back in a second." Winking Kyda disappeared into the crowed leaving Ivan to wait.

I didn't take long for Kyda to return to where Ivan was leaning lazily against a stall a scowling stall keeper glaring daggers at him. With a grin like a Cheshire cat Kyda grabbed Ivan's hand and lead him away waving back at the stall keeper.
"Where did you go." Demanded Ivan scowling at the back of Kyda's head as she lead him into an alleyway. Stopping abruptly Kyda spun on her heel, now facing Ivan the Cheshire grin still firmly in place.
"I was just getting some much needed funds." Quipped Kyda pulling three full purses from her pockets. Ivan's eyes widened for a moment before the scowl was firmly back in place. Kyda rolled her eyes and pocketed the money again.
"What did you expect, I am a thief you know. Besides your a mercenary this should be that much of an issue for you." Now it was Ivan's turn to roll his eyes.
"You stealing what we need is not the issue, but what if you had been caught? This whole 'adventure' you want to go on could have been over before it started." Ivan almost yelled shocking Kyda.
"Umm wow, didn't realised you cared Ivan." Kyda mumbled blushing and rubbing the back of her head. Ivan shook his head and sighed.
"Not like that, I just don't want to have to deal with your friend Marko if you get caught is all." Dismissed Ivan casually making his way back out into the street. Kyda bristled before running to catch up letting the feeling go, honestly she wouldn't want to deal with Marko if she was in Ivan's shoes either.
The rest of the stop over was fairly uneventful, Marko met back up with Kyda and Ivan as they where re shuffling the saddle bags to fit everything they bought. Marko explained that it should be clear ridding til the border. No bandits had been spotted in the area for some time, which was odd, but good news to any travellers. Mounting up they headed out of the city and into the rolling hills keen to get to their over night stop.

---------------------------------------------------------

It didn't take long to reach Lyn Lake and settle the horses, it had taken far less time then any of them had anticipated with the roads through Bhreatain in near perfect condition. Deciding they weren't in any real hurry they decided that they would indeed spend the night next to the lake relaxing and taking in the scenery.

[Reaper]

Rose glanced back at the boy as he asked his question, her eyes glittering in amusement and her lips twitched with the hint of a smirk. He was glaring at her and his voice clearly stated that he didn't like her. Too bad. She finished settling her horse and walked out to reply. "My business is..." Rose drawled out slowly, smirking openly now. "My own and none of yours I'm afraid. It concerns adults you see, and things grown ups do." Her eyed trailed him up and down at that last remark, as if she did not consider him a grown man. Which she didn't. Silly boy, expecting people to answer just because he asked. Who did he think he was, a prince? She chuckled out loud whilst looking back at him calmly.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb folded his arms across his chest.

"Tell me or I'll call the guards." Perhaps the threat meant little unless she knew who he was and in all honesty the threat was childish and even after Caleb said it he regretted it, but he'd stick to the threat.

[Reaper]

Rose took one sharp look at his crossed arms, serious face and... Did he threaten to call the guards? She snickered loudly, her eyes glancing towards the ceiling before turning back to face the boy. "If that was meant to frighten me kid, you have quite a ways to go." Rose informed the boy primly. "Go ahead, call your guards. Frankly with the Saib way of handling things, I'm surprised you can actually wield a sword." She mocked him, leaning against a wood pillar, deciding to enjoy abit of fun before continuing on to her business.

[AvisCrown]

Was this woman looking for a fight? This woman might be extremely confidant in her ability to wield a sword but she couldn't take down the royal guard. Caleb was a rathe skilled swordsmen for a saib, though he was trained by a tutor from Bhreatain. Perhaps she could take him down alone but by number alone she wouldn't stand a chance against the guards.

Caleb however decided to leave it. This psycho wasn't worth it. "Forget it. I'm sure you'll have to deal with them soon enough walking around like the Queen herself." Caleb left it like that. He turned back to Aoife and the griffin, grabbing the reins.

"Come on, let's head out into the field." He said to Aoife, though not waiting for her to respond.

[Reaper]

Rose pouted slightly when the he didn't take her bait, she wouldn't have minded a quick spar for the hell of it. Oh well, she didn't exactly want to become public enemy number one in Sareas just yet. When the boy turned to his lady friend and suggest they leave, Rose pushed herself away from the pillar. "One quick question, if you don't mind." She called out mischieviously, knowing he probably wasn't going to give her a straight answer. "Where would one find the head of your foreign affairs? My business," Her eyebrows wiggled at that. "Requires that I speak to him, the sooner the better."

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla pulled up her hood, she apologized to the horse that she was petting, feeling bad for the display. She turned to the other woman who still stood in the stables. "I must apologize." she said curtly, it wasn't that she actually felt that bad, but that she did not want to make enemies, "I know nothing of your own situation. The matter at hand was rather delicate, but that was no excuse for me to lash out." She stuck her hand out, "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Yvalla Telri, some have called me The Fae. Please tell me if there is anything you need me to do, my way of life does not lend itself to money, and as you can imagine, that leaves me in a rather uncomfortable situation here in Sereas, where money is everything." She paused, touching the fletching of her arrows at her back. "I would rather not have to harm anybody for my lodging, it would do no good to attract the attention of the guards in a city where I look for an audience with the king."

((I have to apologize if my character changes over the course of the RP, I am not used to her type.))

[AvisCrown]

Caleb let out a heavy groan. It looked like Aoife's lesson would have to wait a moment. He removed his riding gear and turned back to Rose.

"Lucky for you, unfortunate for him, you have already found him. Prince Caleb Fakhir, how might I serve you?" Caleb stepped forward a bit, hand out. He analyzed the woman again, realizing she was probably a bounty hunter. "Or how have you served me?" Caleb turned back to Aoife.

"I don't think this will take long, perhaps you'd like to wait for me in the field."

[BumblingBee]

Aoife almost had to pick up her jaw off the floor. Her eyes were wide with surprise and she had been shocked into utter silence. Eventually she managed to mumble a reply to Caleb. Now Prince Caleb.
"Yes yes, of course ... Your grace"
She didn't quite know what to call a prince so she settled on grace. Hopefully that was right. Grabbing the two Griffins reins she began to lead them out into the nearby fields.

[Reaper]

Rose looked Yvalla over, noting her way of dress and just the generally unsureness of her every action. "Don't you worry, I get that reaction alot. 'Sides, it was funny. Rose Kubel, at your service." She took the hand waiting for her. "The Fae eh? I've heard quite abit about you, doing a good thing out there." Rose offered Yvalla a light smile then raised an eyebrow. "Well yes, I can see why that would be an issue. Tell you what, if you're as good at tracking and shooting as the stories say, I may have some jobs for you. Nothing too illegal, and it's easy gold. Think about it." With that she gave the forest fae one last smile and turned to the...

"Wait, did you say.... ?" Rose asked, her voice coloured with disbelief and slight apprehension. Then swallowing back a scowl and smiling ruefully, she stepped forwards and took Caleb's hand. "Didn't expect somebody with that important a position to be so young." She said rather apologetically, then straightened up and reached into a pocket. "Yes, well. I happened to notice a rather hefty bounty placed on one "Rasheed Uleh", signed by your department?" Rose pulled out a ring, an extravagantly decorated, gem studded, blood encrusted signet ring and held it out to Caleb. "He was rather un-cooperative when I tracked him down, so I figured his personal effects would suffice in place of his head."

[AvisCrown]

"Don't be impressed. I didn't earn it. It helps a lot being the future heir to the throne." Caleb said rather nonchalantly, as he took the bloody signet ring and examined it. The name instantly rang a bell. He had been a servant of one of the noble houses, who had run off with a rather large sum of gold. Caleb's attentions were sparked by Aoife's sudden formality, which he found odd considering how casual she had been with him the night before and early. He however decided not to address it and turned to Rose after examining the ring.

"Alright, follow me." He said, not waiting for her to follow but assuming her change in attitude after finding out he was the one who would be paying her, she was pretty sure she would.

[Reaper]

Behind him, Rose rolled her eyes. Well of course not, he's merely the heir to the throne. She'd managed to run her mouth ahead of her yet again. Atleast she hasn't broken any laws, yet. "Yes sir!" Rose chirped cheerfuly, eyes gleaming at the thoughts of gold and turned to follow Caleb. "Remember little forest fae, think about my offer." She glanced back at Yvalla before turning to look at Caleb's back.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb lead her up to his office, in the guards garrison, a stone structure located towards the front of the palace. The office wasn't to small but wasn't partially large either. Caleb walked over to the large wooden desk in the room. Papers were scattered over it, showing he had little along the lines of a filing system. He shuffled papers into messy piles to get them out of the way, before pulling out a large leather bound book. Between it's covers were loss pages of bounties, some that could have been several years old. He shifted through them, before find the one he was looking for.

"He didn't happen to have anything else on him? A rather large sum of money perhaps?" He looked up from the paper.

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla listened to the other woman's offer carefully. Her eyes gleamed under the shadow of her hood. Something to get her out of the city would be wonderful, and she needed to keep up with her shooting and knife work, otherwise her skills would deteriorate. She looked at her hand frowning. It was quite a pain when it acted up, and if she ran into trouble... No, she had no idea how to fix it, there was no way she could heal it with any of the techniques she had used before. Doing something could easily make it worse. She turned at hearing that the boy was the head of foreign affairs, and even further, a prince. So that's why he had coin to give away, and more so, a line of communication to the king. she thought. Strange though, for him to conceal his identity. He seemed almost reluctant to admit his position. She decided that she would ask after the other woman, Rose Kubel, after her offer. She waited outside the building, leaning against the side where it was in shadow, and more importantly, where she would be hidden. A lone figure by the palace would likely be suspicious, and more so for someone of her dress and armament. She dug through her bag hoping to find a few coins to buy a glove. It was true what the prince had said, best not to spread it, if that were even possible.

[Reaper]

Rose glanced around the messy office, stifling a chuckle. Yes, the boy (she still thought of him as such) was very much a novice at this post. A more experience person would no doubt have this place spic and span, sorted and lined. Nudging away a pile of papers with her foot, Rose moved closer to the desk and smiled innocently at Caleb. "A large purse of gold? Ahhh I'm sorry. He must have gotten rid of it before I caught up to him." She said airily, not meeting his eyes. "But I might have something else to make up for that." And pulled out several scrolls and placed them on the desk. "I took a peek at these, found them on his body. It appears he's been a very bad boy. Briberly, trading with criminals, the works."

[AvisCrown]

Caleb looked up. Personally he trust her. If the poor soul had any money on him, she would have mostly taken it for herself, bounty hunters were really known for being the most honest of folk. He however dropped the subject of the money when she handed him some scrolls. He glanced through them, he instantly picked up on a few names he knew. He glanced up at her, and was about to say something but decided against it and instead simply just thanked her.

"Thank you. These will be helpful." Very helpful indeed, if they stayed in the right hands. Caleb glanced at the bounty again, for the amount of payment. He stood up and turned to the cabinet behind him. He pulled out the key he had on his person. Unlocked the door before pulling out a small chest. He placed it on the desk before unlocking. Opening it he started counting out the coin for the bounty.

Before handing the coin over he slide a piece of paper to Rose, as well as a quill and some ink. "You'll have to sign this, and deal your encounter with the criminal before I can release the bounty. It's just for the . . ." He glanced around the mess of an office. " records?" But it sounded more like a question than a statement. He was very much aware of his organization skills. He'd have to get a servant up here or something to organize the place.

[Reaper]

Rose sighed loudly and eyed the paper and quill with distaste. "Paperwork." She spat out, but she moved forwards and began briefly detailing how, when, and where she had tracked the fugitive to. Then briefly described her encounter and subsequent execution of the thief. She assured whoever would be reading the memo that her killing of the thief was absolutely neccesary. He called her a bitch after all. Rose signed her name at the bottom of the page and slid it across the desk towards Caleb with a bright grin. "Yes, now you know why jobs like these are reserved for bored old men with nothing to do and no mistresses to take care off." Then she glanced down and just about started to drool. "Soo.... Gold?" Rose asked hopefully.

[AvisCrown]

"My father just wanted to give me busy work. It was also a punishment for. .. .for an event I would rather not re-live." He cleared his throat and glanced through the statement. He nodded in approval before putting it down. He dropped the coin into a small coin purse and tightened the string, before handing it over to Rose.

"There you are. On behalf of the king you are thanked for your service. Is there anything else?" The statement was clearly rehearsed.

[Reaper]

"Quite the punishment then, props to his highness." Rose told him in amusement, finding it funny how no matter where you were, prince or street urchin, parents punished their children is almost the same ways. Bowing her head thankfully, she pocketed her rewards and shook her head. "Nope, not unless you've got more runaway servants with large amounts of money to be retrieved." She grinned and tipped her head, turning to walk out of the room. "Been a pleasure doing business, your grace."

Rose walked back the way she came from, out of the garrison and back to the stables, her eyes spotting Yvalla standing in the shadows. She wouldn't call herself kind, but every person deserves a chance to fend for themselves, and someone with Yvalla's cause deserved more than others. So she was biased, sue her. Rose's green eyes flickered and her fingers beckoned the girl over. "Perhaps you'd join me for lunch? My treat."

[AvisCrown]

Caleb simply gave her a polite nod as she left the room. He turned his attention back to the scrolls that were on the person of this thief. However, Caleb wasn't so convinced he was a thief anymore. He read through the scrolls with more attention to detail the time. He pointed out several names of his father's advisors mentioned. Documents like these, could have easily have had these men taken out of his father's court if these were brought to his attention, which made Caleb quite pleased. He had been trying to find a way to get rid of some of his father's advisors and it would seem the solution fell straight into his hand.

Caleb knew who he should talk to, he'd show these to Calloch and ask him what he thought the best course of action would be. Caleb didn't want to act to quickly and reveal all his cards, only to then simply let the advisors wiggle their way out like they always did.

Caleb wrapped the scrolls up and put them in a bag. He remembered Aoife was still waiting on him. He felt a bit bad now. He'd have to cancel her lesson for now.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch was striding through the corridors of the palace, the twins simply scurried alongside him. Suddenly he stopped and turned to them. Revealing a few coins from his pocket he looked at them expectantly, he spoke so quickly it was almost hard to catch everything said.
"Run to the cathedral of The Daughters in town, buy one of the plain half lentgh candels and take back four pieces in change, light it in the sacristy, say a BRIEF roseary, then nip over to Catdals and buy a sweet pastry for supper, if there's any money left give it to the crippled beggar boy outside the gates"
And with that said he dropped the coins into the twins hand. They scurried away quickly. Calloch continued on his path and found Lock walking towards him. He gave him a friendly nod and Lock did the same. Calloch couldn't help but smile a little, Lock reminded him exactly of himself when he was younger.

Gods thoses were the days.
___________________________

Lock trotted down the stairs quite happily, he practically had a skip in his step. And for good reason too, for he had plenty to be happy about. He'd had enough of hs Father almost teasing him, as if he was still as young as Edin. He was a grown man now, and had the rights to a grown mans opinions. So with Callochs help, he had begun to organise something that would certainly grasp his fathers attention. Well, for awhile anyway.

For now he needed some fresh air. He collected his horse from the stables (A fine thouroughbred named Cober) and led him out into th fields. He was suprised however to find the fields already in use. He expected his brother to be handling the Griffins, but in fact it was a familiar face leaning against the fence. Lock smiled as he slowly walked up behind her.
"I thought you handled horses, not Griffins"
Aoife was practically scared to death. She jumped forwards in suprise, it seemed she was having quite a few of thise today. She was however more suprised to find the Lad from earlier standing before her. Eventually her mind kicked in and she made a reasonable assumption. Frowning a little she asked
"You're a prince too, aren't you?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb headed back out to the field.

"Sorry, I'm afraid, I'll have to cancel. Something has come up." Caleb apologized. "Perhaps we could try again tomorrow morning." Caleb then noticed Lock was with Aoife. He turned in his direction.

"Oh, hello Lock." He said.

[BumblingBee]

Lock froze, suddenly he whipped around to face Caleb suprise evident on his face. He smiled awkwardly rubbing at the back of his neck.
"Caleb..."
He looked around at Aoife and the Griffins. He brain began to tick. Lock frowned facing Caleb once more.
"Cancel what?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb looked confused and backed up a bit as Lock frowned at him.

"uhh. . I was teaching Aoife here how to ride. .. wait you guys know each other?" Now Caleb was confused. He was reminded of their conversation that morning. So Aoife was this girl he was so worked up a bit. Caleb looked at Aoife then back at Lock. The one time Lock finally finds a girl, it had to be this one. Caleb robbed his forehead and groaned a bit.

"Actually perhaps Lock could to show you a few things. I mean he's rubbish on a griffin. . " Caleb coughed. "But he's pretty good at .. ." Caleb looked at his little brother and tilted his head as he tried to think of something. ". ..books?" Caleb really wasn't trying to be mean and ruin Lock's chances though it might have appeared that way to Lock. Despite how much he like Aoife, he was engaged and he was pretty sure Lock needed this. BUT WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE THIS GIRL!

[BumblingBee]

"We've met briefly, yes"
Lock was aware of his brothers particular reputation with women, and he didn't want Aoife adding to that list. However Caleb began to discuss Locks skills, or lack of them. He frowned folding his arms.
"If I may remind you dear brother, I can also ride a horse rather well, when needed"
At the simple mention of a horse Aoife lit up, she peered behind Lock and spotted Cober instantly. Beaming she skipped over to the horse and started examining him thoroughly.
"Oh Lock, he's lovely"
Lock turned his head to Caleb and gave a disgustingly smug smirk.

[AvisCrown]

"Ah, yes. You are 'decent' at that. " Caleb's horse was brought to him by the real stableboy. Caleb quickly mounted.

"Well I'll just leave you two to it then. You can send word whenever you are interested in another lesson Aoife. I'm sure in return you could give Lock a few lessons on the horse." Ok so perhaps now he was mocking Lock with a little bit of intent, though even he couldn't explain why. He didn't want to be in competition with Lock. Caleb would never really get to be with Aoife anyways with Sierra coming in a few days.
Caleb waved Aoife goodbye and rode off.

[BumblingBee]

Lock scowled and folded his arms, he went to collect Topthorn for Fee, mumbling as he went. Aoife however smiled up at Caleb
"We had a deal for lessons in the mornings, I intend to keep to it"
Prince or not, she may as well stick to it. She waved him off as he left. When she turned around Lock had returned with Topthorn in tow. He smiled at her awkwardly.
"He's not a horse easily forgotten"
Aoife chuckled softly as she mounted up
"Quite, now then"
She looked at Lock happily
"Would you be gentlemen enough to escort me home?"
"Certainly!"
Aoife had to stop herself from laughing at the eagerness in his tone.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb carried on up the road but before long the other two had caught up with him. He paid little attention to them at first. In fact was making an effort to simply ignore them but after a while, it became clear they weren't going anywhere. Every turn Caleb took, they took.

"Are you two following me now?" He asked, getting a bit annoyed.

[BumblingBee]

Lock frowned as Aoife simply giggled.
"No. I'm taking Aoife home"
He smirked a little and turned to Fee
"For a Prince my brother can be awfully rude at times"

[AvisCrown]

Then it clicked in Caleb's head.

"Your father wouldn't happen to be Calloch Dóiteáin? Would it?" Of course she was his daughter. He should have expected that. Well there goes Caleb's chances with Fee completely. Calloch knew Caleb's reputation with woman and surely he wouldn't want his daughter involved with that.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife twiddled with her hair uncomfortably at the question.
"Indeed he is, though I barely call him Father.."
Lock was suddenly quite giddy. He smiled at Aoife,
"Your Father is an incredible man..."
Lock then started to ramble on about all Calloch had taught him and effectively continued sucking up to him for the rest of the journey. Still fiddling with her hair, Fee awkwardly mentioned
"I didn't know he had that much of a reputation..."

[AvisCrown]

Caleb had just gone silent as Lock continued to ramble on about how great Calloch was. Caleb thought on the papers he carried with him. Calloch's name was mention in them. Which made him feel rather uneasy. He had known Calloch long enough to allow him to explain himself. The ora of awkwardness had traveled to Caleb as well. He could see Aoife was feeling rather awkward.

"Lock." Caleb suddenly interrupted. "Perhaps Aoife would like to take a stroll through the markets. It had accrued to me you have still only been here for a few days. You might not get another chance for sometime to take a good look around the city." Caleb suggested as he dismounted outside of the Dóiteáin estate. It wasn't a suggestion and Lock would have picked that up with Caleb's tone. When Aoife's attention was turned Caleb gave a sharp punch to Lock's leg, which was now shoulder level.
"And for fuck sakes stop gobbling on about her father. You sound like your more interested in him than her." Caleb gave Lock a little bit of advice in a hushed tone.

[BumblingBee]

At Calebs remark, Lock looked at Aoife and saw his brother was true. He tittered awkwardly before dismounting, he looked at Aoife almost forlornly.
"I'd love to take you to the markets, Truly I would"
He paused
"Yet, Alas. I have business to attend to"
Basically, Lock looked gutted. he sighed and offered Aoife a hand in gettign down.
"However, tomorrow. I can take you any time, I promise"
Aoife smiled happily
"Perfect! You can take me after my Griffin riding lesson!"
Lock was less pleased at this prospect, none the less though he nodded in agreement. Aoife grinned before skipping into the villa. Before Caleb entered, Lock simply gave him a look. It said it all. With business said and done, Lock mounted Cober once more and trotted off.

Calloch was in the lobby when the two entered. He nodded at Caleb in greeting,
"My Prince, what business brings you here?"
Aoife had already been hearded upstairs by the twins.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb gave Lock a slightly smile and a shrug, before following Aoife inside. When entering they were instantly greeted by Calloch.

"I was just with your daughter. I wished I had realized who she was or I would have asked your permission before offering her griffin riding lessons." Caleb felt he might as well come clean now. He'd rather not have Calloch get angry with him, he did however decide to let Calloch come to his own conclusions about the state Aoife had returned in last night. Caleb watched as Aoife was dragged upstairs by the twins before taking it upon himself to sit down.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch froze. As soon as Caleb even mentioned hanging out with Fee his whole body had tensed. Slowly, he turned around to face Caleb.
"Griffin riding lessons?"
His gaze was unrelentless.
_______________________________

"What the hell are you two doing?"
Aoife asked in a disgruntled manor. The twins (as always) were smiling happily, though about what Aoife daren't to ask.
"We actually need your help"
"For once anyway"
"May be the only time in fact"
"Probably"
Aoife pulled her arms away from their grasp, placing them on her hips instead and looking and them expectantly.
"Look just tell me what you're talking about"
The twins grinned
"We've found something"
"Something pretty interesting too"
They ushered her down an old hallway. At the end of said hallway was a old cracked door, with a shove the twins managed to get it open. It lead out onto a small narrow staircase leading upwards, it was so dark the twins had to light a lamp even though it was the middle of the day. The trio climbed the stairs until they reached another door, again the twins shoved at it until it opened. This time, the door revealed to them a large-ish room, obviously once used as a study.

Straight away, the twins strode over to the desk and began shifting through countless papers littered across the desk. Aoife wandered around the room in complete and utter awe, she'd never seen nor heard of this place before. Her Father had certainly never mentioned it. A thought suddenly struck her, she frowned over at the twins
"How did you two find this place anyway"
"We were bored"
"And it looked interesting"
"Got it!"
One of them suddenly lifted a piece of parchment high into the air in triumph. They scurried over to Fee and practically thrust the piece of paper right into her face. She backed up a little as the twins pointed excitedly
"Look"
"Have you ever seen this symbol before?"
It was two silver crossed keys. They looked familiar, Aoife squinted as she thought
"I think so actually..."
She raked her mind for a connection, soon enough he came across one.
"Yes! My Father wears a brooch of two crossed keys, silver too"
The twins smiled. Aoife soon felt very worried.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb gulped. "Anyways. . ." He cleared his throat. "That isn't why I here. " Caleb pulled out the scrolls he had obtained from Rose.
"These have fallen into my possession. Truthfully I don't fully understand their importance, but the contents mention the names of several of my father's advisors . . .including yourself." The situation shifted into a much more serious tone.

"Calloch. . .I can trust you right?" Trust had never been easy for Caleb, but he had put his trust into Calloch but these documents had made him doubt it. Caleb looked up at Calloch. His eyes showing desperation for Calloch confirmation.

[BumblingBee]

Callochs gaze had softened as Caleb spoke. The strong young man he had known as a sweet little boy was looking at him, questioning him. For a while Calloch said nothing. Slowly he walked over into a chair and flopped into it. He rested his head upon his hand, he rubbed at his chin in thought. Finally he spoke,
"It depends"
He turned to face Caleb, hands clasped together, resting on his knees. He leant forwards a little
"Would you judge a man on his past?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb remained silent as Calloch sat down and then mentioned perhaps there was something in his past. Caleb couldn't respond to that, not without thinking. What was it in Calloch's past that might make Caleb change his opinion on the man. Caleb sighed.

"I know you now, or at least I think I do. I like to think I can trust the man before me, despite his past." Caleb spoke the words but they were fluff, pointless, the words of a politician to afraid to give an answer to soon.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch looked down smiling. Again he said nothing for quite some time. Suddenly he looked up, face friendly and reassuring once more.
"You can trust me Caleb, I promise you"
He stood up and began to pace a little
"Some of the actions of my past I cannot discuss, be they good or bad. But know that you can trust me, for now and forever more"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb wasn't convinced completely but for now that would ease his mind. He pulled out the scrolls and held them out to Calloch.

"Then perhaps you can make some sense of these. They were taken off the body of a thief with a rather large bounty. I assumed he must have run off with a bunch of money from a lord, that's why his bounty was so high but instead the bounty hunter said there was only these. She used this signet ring to identify the thief. Stolen, the bounty claims but I'm not so convinced."

[BumblingBee]

"A signet ring?"
Calloch placed a hand behing his back. Moving forwards he took the scrolls from Caleb and laid them out across the table. Resting a hand upon the table, Calloch looked over the scrolls with intense scrutiny. Every now and then he would frown or hum in apparant thought. He looked up at Caleb,
"Do we know the name of this thief?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb waited impatiently as Calloch examined the papers.

"Rasheed Uleh" Caleb answered when Calloch finally spoke up. "The bounty didn't have much on his crime but the bounty was put on him by the request of one of the lords about seven months ago."

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla was surprise by the offer, and more so by the fact that Rose had spotted her where she stood. Sure she was more visible here than in a forest or anywhere a bit more natural or dark, but few people noticed her when she didn't want to be. She nodded slightly, agreeing to the offer of lunch, "But first," she said, "I need to buy some gloves, or rather, a glove." She looked down at her hand clenching then relaxing her fist. "I have a few coins and I think I saw someone earlier this morning. If you don't mind, I'll be going there first. It's rare to find someone selling cloth gloves in a city like this. Many people prefer leather." She said the last part quietly then turned away. "Join me if you like, or I can meet you back here soon enough." She had little choice other than to accept the woman's offer, as much as Yvalla preferred to be alone, she could use Rose's help, just as the other could use her's. Lunch would be a good way to ask the other about the job that she had suggested. Bounty Hunters were often better than mercenaries, if a bounty was placed, there was a reason, and if she was claiming bounties from the king, then Rose would likely be one of the more moral of the lot. Mercenaries fought for the highest bidder, their loyalties uncertain and as far as Yvalla was concerned, they couldn't be trusted. Bounty Hunters had loyalty only to themselves. Yvalla would rather have someone who was a bit more stready than a wild card.

[BumblingBee]

"Uleh..."
Calloch suddenly grinned clicking his fingers in triumph.
"That lord that put the bounty on his head, it's his Father. Uleh is a bastard son, hated by his father and family"
He motioned to the scrolls on the table
"I doubt he even stole all these, most likely they were planted on him by his father or one of his goons and the bounty made up because of his 'crimes'"
He smirked to himself quite darkly, almost looking sinister
"Don't feel bad though, Uleh and his father are both bloody..."
He stopped himself at remembering who Caleb was again

[AvisCrown]

Caleb looked shocked and a bit surprised. Calloch had always been good when it came to information but that was a bit much.

". . how did you know all that?" Caleb was a bit dumbfounded. He looked back at the scrolls and signed.

"So they probably all actually mean nothing and I've wasted a trip."

[BumblingBee]

Callochs eyes shifted nervousl at the question
"Oh I've... known his Father as an advisor, yes an advisor for some time now"
Shifting the attention again Calloch placed a reassuring hand on Calebs shoulder
"Well you got to look at my lovely mug didn't you?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb smiled. "I'm afraid that does little to brighten my mood." Caleb stood up with a sigh.

"I doubt my father would care much that a lord mis-used his position to get his bastard assassinated. Surely the lord would have some excuse to persuade my father out of taking action against him." That angered Caleb even more. His father was being used for the gain of those below him.

"You might as well keep the useless scrolls. I'll be head back, I have other news that I must break. I have had quite the busy morning."

[BumblingBee]

Calloch nodded.
"Fair enough, I shall not keep you"
He escorted Caleb to the door before continuing his own business.

However before Caleb left the estate fully, something could be heard from an upstairs window
"Psst!"
It continued
"Caleb up here!"
It was Aoife, leaning precariously out her bedroom window

[AvisCrown]

Caleb left Calloch to his business. He was about the head to the stables when he heard Aoife. He looked up and saw her. He peeked back into the house before walking over to the wall. Finding a place to leverage himself he climbed the wall to get to Aoife.

"Yes my fair maiden?" He said jokingly, as he clung to the wall.

[BumblingBee]

She chuckled softly at his remark
"Not so sure about the maiden bit ... Or the fair to be honest, anyway"
She rummaged around in her pocket until her fingers ghosted across metal
"Got it!"
From within her pocket she revealed a silver badge, an exact replica of her Fathers brooch (if a little dusty) two silver crossed keys. She looked at Caleb hopefully as she held it for him to see
"Does this symbol mean anything to you?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb examined the brooch. "hmm. . " He had seen it somewhere but he couldn't place it. "I know it but I can't tell you what it means. It could be anything. perhaps check the shipyard. It could be a shipping company. might want to check around some of the cargo." Examining it,he could tell the brooch was rather old.

"That's all I can really suggest. I'll take a look at the palace library for you if I have the time." He reassured her.

[BumblingBee]

"Thank you, we kind of know where it's from already"
Aoife briefly explained the secret attic study
"...and the papers we found very briefly mentioned a society of some sort. The thing is we just don't know what they do or what they're called, all we know is this is their symbol"
She sighed, looking at the brooch herself
"I'd ask my Father myself but ... He can be touchy about his past at the best if times"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb thought on it. Calloch was clearly ashamed of something from his past.
"I'll see what I can learn. I have my ways of getting information." Caleb reassured her with a smile.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife smirked
"Well that doesn't sound shady"
She chuckled softly before leaning over a bit, gazing at the drop below
"You sure you're alright getting down by the way?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb smirked. "You'd be surprised how shady it can be in court." Caleb said mysteriously. He glanced down at the drop.

"I have it, though next time if I'm going to be climbing to your window, perhaps we could lighten the conversation." Caleb got a bit closer, then quickly pulled away. Caleb found himself flirting and needed to stop. He coughed. "well. . .I'll be off then. . and . . see you tomorrow. We'll have that lesson I promised."

[BumblingBee]

Aoife couldn't help but smile and blush a little at Caleb's comment. However she decided it was best to lightly ignore it, for now anyways.
"I'll see you tomorrow, looking forward to it"
Aoife suddenly paused, her mind was ticking something over. Very quickly she leant forwards and gave Caleb a quick peck on the nose. Before anything could be said though, she vanished back inside her room.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb was a bit stunned by the peek on the nose. He sighed. "Why do you have to be so charming Caleb?" He mumbled to himself as he climbed down from the hall, making one last drop to the ground. He mounted up his horse turning back towards the house before head back up the road and into the busy streets of Sareas.

[BumblingBee]

With nothing left to do in the day. Aoife made her way to her room. For awhile she shifted through various books and records, hoping to come across something relating to those keys. Sadly though she found nothing. With a disgruntled sigh she snapped shut a book and flopped forwards onto her bed. Sleep seemed like the best option for the time being.

[Reaper]

Rose glanced down at her hand, then nodded understandingly and gestured with her hand for Yvalla to lead the way. While she was curious about what exactly happened to her hand, it wasn't her business to know. And Rose knew all about disliking busybodies. "I'll tag along then, been awhile since I've last visited Sareas. Lunch should be in that direction anyways." Said Rose as she slid in step beside Yvalla, walking through the streets towards wherever Yvalla needed to go. Neither were really ones for idle chatter, so the silence wasn't quite uncomfortable; they would have plenty to discuss over lunch.

[CryoLilly]

((Don't worry, I'm watching, I just sometimes take time to get something together.))

The hustle and bustle of the street was a bit overwhelming to Yvalla, but she continued on, as there would be no escape backwards. She spotted the vendor from whom she could buy her gloves, and pushed through the crowds, weaving through the tight press of bodies in the street. The inside of the shop was cool and much quieter than outside, and it offered a momentary break from the sensory overload that the noise created. She approached the woman at the counter and lay a few coins on the table. "Please," she said, "A pair of cloth gloves. Those brown ones there should do." She pointed out a pair just behind the counter. The woman smiled and handed them over before beginning to count the change, "Keep it, I doubt I could use small change." suggested Yvalla kindly. She turned briskly, puling on the gloves, they were a nice fit, and of good material too. She made a mental note of the shop for any further needs. The possibility of infection averted for the moment, she turned to Rose. "Lead the way, not only do I know nothing of the city, but I have no idea where you would like to eat." She smiled slightly, and opened the door for the other woman, gesturing for her to go on.

[Reaper]

Whilst Yvalla went into a little store to get her gloves, Rose wandered down the dusty, busy street glancing around at the various shops dotting the area. Most of them were the usually merchants. Spices, clothing, food, animals and the like. But only one kind of shopping interested a gal like Rose Kubel. They were shiny, stylish, expensive, and oh so pointy. Spotting one such shop, she hopped giddly over to the shop and stepped gratefully out of the heat. Weapons of every shape and size lined the walls and shelves on one side, shields and armor on the other. The store owner looked up from something he was attending to and flashed Rose a toothy smile, Rose frowned immediately, weapon shops didn't usually have cheery owners. Not with the crowd you sold stuff too. "Ahhh and how can I help you this wonderful day? A fine weapon for a fine woman perhaps?" He purred in accented Breatain, and Rose resisted the urge to palm her face.

No, she wouldn't be shopping here. No fighter worth their salt would buy from somebody who clearly never worked their line of work. Weapons were almost sacred to Rose and her kind, their lives depended on reliable equipment, as such store owners had to know what their weapons were capable off intimately. This fop was clearly just a merchant making quick gold of naive buyers. "Perhaps another time, like never." She told him cooly and walked out of the shop without a glance back, making her way back to Yvalla; who had finished her business by this time. "Looks good on you." Rose complemented the gloves politely and began walking in the opposite direction of the foppy weapon's shop. "Well then let's give you the grand tour milady, Sareas is really quite charming if you can get past the obsession with gold, trading, power and laziness to do anything for themselves." She told Yvalla with an airily voice, dripping ith sarcasm of course. "And it's not hard to know where I like to eat. If it has good ale you'll probably find me there." Rose admitted.

[CryoLilly]

"Oh no," said Yvalla, equally sarcastic, "I absolutely love the smell here, and the crows, oh! How completely incredible. I have no idea how I could ever do without." she giggled softly, flexing her fingers in the gloves. As strange as it all was to her, there was an infectious nature in the energy of the city, and it was equally exhausting and exciting to be in such an area. As she followed the other, she pulled her hood further down over her face, Everything about her was out of place, not only in the city, but everywhere. If the Atonians considered her odd, then she wondered just how strange she was to the people in the city. She breathed in deeply closing her eyes for a moment before continuing onward. It would certainly be nice if this job would take them out of the city, even more preferably if it had something to do with a forest. As she walked, many small things caught her eye. She glanced a beautiful bow at one of the stands set up in the street, but after a moments scrutiny, she saw just how poorly it was made, there were also many fine tailors along the street. It was quite interesting how the divisions in poverty and wealth so clear in other parts of the city were less so here where there were shops. One trinket in particular caught her eye, and she stopped briefly to admire it from outside the shop window. It was a small pendant, a leaf-shaped emerald surrounded in ruddy gold that was mirrored on the chain. The emerald itself was of a slightly duller and darker color than others she had seen before. She pulled herself away and turned back to Rose.

"I really wouldn't know where to eat myself." she admitted, "As I've never been to a city, and certainly don't eat what most of these places likely serve." She gestured to Rose's cape, "I am morally opposed to the killing of animals, but I understand that some people do not understand the world well enough to live as I do, and as long as they treat the animals with respect, I don't hold a grudge." she paused briefly, "Unless, of course, they invade my territory." She smiled wryly, "I suppose I am like the animals in that way. I have become quite territorial, and I protect the children of the forest as if they were my own."

[AvisCrown]

Caleb was returning home when he spotted two familiar faces. He trotted up beside them.

"To be honest I thought you would have been long gone by now." He said to Rose, convinced the bounty hunter would have most likely had a list of bounties and was already heading out on the next one.

[Reaper]

Rose chuckled softly watching Yvalla returned fire sarcasticly. "Atleast we agree on something then." She informed the younger girl before turning down a series of alleys towards one of her favourite places to eat, whilst Yvalla took in the sights of a city, something Rose assumed she didn't get often. For awhile they walked in silence, until her next statement confirmed her assumption.

"I really wouldn't know where to eat myself." she admitted, "As I've never been to a city, and certainly don't eat what most of these places likely serve."

"The usual fare is some sort of meat, alongside bread and cheese. Some places have special dishes, traditional dishes you might say. But unless you cook in a home or have your servants to do it, it's just meat, bread and cheese." Rose smiled wryly at Yvalla. "But fear not, the place I'm going too has something for those that do not consume meat, like I'm sure you don't." When Yvalla gestured to her cape and explained her views on nature compared to people, Rose furrowed her brows thoughtfully. "Your cause is certainly something worth fighting for, a noble choice. Alot more noble than what many, many people have given lives for." She paused to let a farmer and his cart pass by. "And this coat?" Rose glanced down at it with a fond smile. "It's the reminder of a very valuable lesson. A story I might share with you someday."

A few minutes away from their destination when a familiar voice made Rose groan in asperation. "Oh it's you." She told the prince rather flatly. "Well yes, as you can see I'm still here... Yvalla and I were going to discuss details for a job."

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla turned at the sound of the prince's voice. "Join us if you so desire," she said calmly, "I have no power to stop you, though it may not be to your liking." She turned back towards Rose, "No, I do not eat meat, I couldn't kill without purpose, especially if I know who it would be that I harm. I get by on what I can find" Yvalla leaned against the wall nearby, nearly disappearing as she stopped moving in the shadows. She was content to watch and see what would happen between the two before her. It seemed that they did not get along all that well, but she had no quarrel with either. Situations like these were rare in her life, she had only seen people at odds as a child. 13 years was a long time. Her thoughts drifted to Diala. She worried after the wolf, hoping that she hadn't gotten into trouble. It was likely that she had returned to see Yvalla, but upon her arrival, Yvalla had already left. She hoped that the wolf hadn't gone looking for her, as her trail wouldn't be easy to follow, and the wolf would likely be unwelcome where she was.

[AvisCrown]

"Thank you for the invitation." Though he was pretty sure it wasn't one. "But I must be heading back. I simply thought perhaps ms.Rose would be interested in hearing the fruits of her efforts." He turned back to Rose.

"I had a trusted friend of mine take a look at those scrolls. Turns out the thief, wasn't a thief at all. He was a bastard of one of my father's lords. Apparently he wanted to see the boy rid of. Perhaps the boy was expecting to use his blood against this lord or perhaps the lord simply didn't want the boy wondering around on this Earth. Either way, the scrolls were simply placed on him to frame him for a crime never committed." He looked around.

"So if you are going to be in town for a while longer perhaps you could do me a favor. Spread the news around. My father will not act on it but the people will, if this horrid act travels through the city, my father will be forced into action." Caleb had scammed up another plan to get rid of this lord. Bring the lord to shame. This poor boy died because his father cared more about his pride, what will this lord be without it?

[KittyKatAlly]

Kyda laid back relishing the feel of the soft green grass beneath her. Ganancia had very few green spots, and even those she wouldn't exactly call green more like less brown, and none ever had the sun shinning down on them the way Lyn Lake did. Not far off she could hear the boys laughing and splashing around in the water enjoying the vast difference in the country side as she was. The sun felt great on her skin, Kyda had been daring enough to strip down to her small cotton shorts she wore under her leggings and her breast wrappings while the boys had striped to their loin cloths. No one was around for miles so they didn't need to pay all that much attention to looking decent.
'This is amazing' Kyda thought tilting her head to feel the suns rays. 'Maybe we should just stay here.' Sighing she shook her head to clear that train of thought. Bringing her hand up to play with the locket still around her neck she wondered if she should give it back, or even how to give it back. What could she do, walk up to the castle gates and say 'oh I think this might belong to the prince bye now.'
"Yeah cause that wont get me arrested." Kyda sighed rolling her eyes at herself. Sitting up she looked over at the boys. Marko currently had Ivan in a head lock and was rubbing his fist over the top of the poor mans head, a second later Ivan and elbowed Marko in the gut and was looking all to smug about it. The play fight lasted all of another few minutes before both lost their footing at the edge of he shallows and went tumbling into the deeper waters. Kyda burst out laughing at this, even falling over onto her side from the sheer force of he laughter. She was so caught up in her laughter that she didn't notice the boys creep up on her until they had picked her up and swung her into the water. Yelling indignantly at the boys Kyda chased them out of the water and long its edge until they rounded back to the horses were they all sat laughing, all but exhausted. Kyko, who had been resting on top of Ivan's easy going mare, lifted her head and cooed at the tri as if she was laughing with them. As the set they built up a fire and set up their bed rolls still riding the high of the afternoon, they spent the night talking of different adventures they had while small, taking solace in shared experiences.

-----------------------------------------

The next day dawned as bright and sunny as the day before had been. Taking their time to pack up the camp site and fill their water flasks they set out midmorning towards Tref Town.

The ride was quiet filled only with the light laughter from the trio and Kyko's occasional cries. That was until they spotted a group of rugged mean looking men step onto the road just ahead of them. Pulling her horse to a halt a good distance from the men Kyda looked them over. Grubby cloths overly oily hair or no hair at all, thick beards and a look in their eyes Kyda had seen herself a thousand times from most of the men she ran into back in Fhrainc. Their whole demeanour not to mention looked screamed bandits. There was eight in total, with who Kyda assumed to be the leader standing in front. It was a good spot for an ambush Kyda noted, with thick farm walls on either side of the road only stopping where the small forest started. No way around, they would just have to hope Marko to talk them out of this or they would have to fight. Kyko had settled on Kyda's shoulders assessing the situation.
"Fly into the trees and wait for us please." instructed Kyda, not wanting these men to hurt or catch her little friend. Kyko cooed and complied hiding herself in the trees. The leader of the bandits gave the trio a good look over before deciding that this would be easy pickings for him and his men, a cruel smirk appeared on his face and a hard gleam shone in his eyes.
Kyda took one look at the expression and loosened her daggers from their sheath, 'This is not going to end well.'

The Bandit leader took a couple of steps forward from his little band of merry men to address the trio.
"You there, hand over all ya got and me and ma boys just might let ya pass." Jeered the leader the smirk never leaving his face. "Then again if ya let us have some time with that bit if pretty ya travelin with we may let ya keep some of it." That earned a round of laughter from his men as Kyda's cheeks started to turn a bit red with anger. Marko wisely decided that now was the time to step in before Kyda lost her temper at the stupid man.
"Come now my good man, we don't have much more then you do, let us go and we wont cause you any trouble." Said Marko and easy smile on his face, gesturing the man to give their packs a quick glance over to show they weren't anything expensive. The leader snorted and shook his head.
"Then we will take that nice little pretty ya travelin with instead." Stated the leader smiling to show his half rotten teeth and the hole where ones use to be.
"No you wont." Marko replied calmly as if talking to a small child, "You are going to let us pass and wait for that shiny caravan that will be passing through later today." The leader growled at this his men un sheathing their swords. behind Marko, Ivan unsheathed his sword as well while Kyda gripped her daggers.
"I don't think ya hearing me boy. Give us the girl and any coin ya got or me and the boys will slit ya throats and take her anyway."
"No one has ever accused you of being a smart man have they?" Questioned Marko loosing his own temper quickly. Kyda sighed and would have smacked her had to her face if she wasn't preparing for a fight. Normally Marko could sweet talk his way in or out of anything, but if you got him mad he just resorted to insults which only makes things worse.
"GET 'EM" Yelled the leader running at the group. Marko drew his sword and brought it down to meet the leaders with a loud clang. Ivan jumped right in putting himself in front of Kyda bringing his sword to meet that of two of his attackers. Kyda couldn't help but feel a bit miffed at being protected like some silly little girl. She dismounted her horse and dropped down into a sweeping kick as one of the men came at her. the man fell and before he could blink Kyda's dagger had cut clean through his gut. The man made to scream or maybe yell but it was cut short as Kyda swept her second blade across his neck effectively silencing him. Pulling her blade free she immediately went on to the next opponent. This man was large with a big broadsword to match, if she had had the choice she would have left him for Marko or Ivan, but as it stood he seemed more interested in her. Dogging out of the way as he swang his sword at her Kyda tucked and rolled to the left before springing up and leaping at his undefended side hoping to get a dagger in or hi a nerve to make the mad drop his sword. No such luck, the man caught her with a back hand sending her sprawling to the ground her head throbbing. The man stalked towards her seeming to want to take his time in the kill, that was a mistake as he lifted his sword over his head to take the killing blow Kyda rolled the blade cutting her right arm as she went. Hissing in pain she throw one of her daggers at the man catching him in the eye. He howled and stumbled back right into Marko's Sword. the man dropped landing on another that Ivan had just kicked to the ground, effectively pinning the man down. Kyda stagged over as Marko and Ivan turned back to the remaining bandits, pulling her dagger from the large mans eye she brought it down across the neck of the man that was pinned. Getting to her feet Kyda swayed, her vision doubled, suddenly a large arm came around her neck bringing her up against a hard body.
"Enough or I cut her throat." Called the man lifting a knife to the front of Kyda's throat. Marko and Ivan stopped and faced the man their eyes burning with the promise of death. Around them was scattered body's of the bandits and their horses. Only 3 bandits remained and the hostage taker.
"Now drop ya swords, there's a good lad." Both Marko and Ivan reluctantly dropped their swords their eyes never leaving the hostage takers face. Kyda heard the man chuckle in her ear and whisper the many things he planned to do with her. Hearing them only made her struggle to get free though which was made hard by the throbbing headache and he blade at her throat. As the Hostage taker opened his mouth to give another order, an arrow lodged in the side of his head. The man dropped taking Kyda with him, quickly the other bandits fell as well all with arrows in their backs. Ivan looked around for their saviours and Marko rushed to Kyda's side, then he spotted them a group of farmers he guessed on their way back out to the fields coming out of the forest.
"Aye there lads, are ya alright ere?" Called one of the famers coming to stand in front of Ivan his friends not lowering their bows just yet.
"Aye sir, we thankyou for your help." Replied Ivan bowing slightly in gratitude. "How far is it to Tref Town? We are all hurt my friend their more then us." Marko had managed to lift Kyda into a sitting position with her leaning against him, murmuring for her to stay awake. Blood was still trailing down her arm where the sword had cut her and their was various other cuts and no doubt bruises as well. Marko had a nasty looking gash across his back and Ivan had a few nicks here and there being the more experience with hard battle then the two thieves. The farmer nodded for his friends to lower their weapons and help the trio. Kyko chose that moment to re join them, settling on Ivan's shoulders.
"Ya only bout a half mile away. We will help ya get there, the lass will need looking after strait away." Ivan picked up their saddle bags from the fallen horses with the help of a farm boys and followed the farmer into town, Marko insisted on carrying Kyda even though he was hurt himself. No one could talk him out of it. Eventually Ivan turned to him and informed him that if he dropped dead from the strain he would send Kyda after him in the underworld. Marko had only nodded and followed behind the others.

-------------------------------------------------------

They reached Tref Town in no time, the farmer leading them straight through town to the infirmary. Once inside Marko placed Kyda on a bed and sat next to her. She looked whiter then normal the blood loss taking its toll. Healers quickly ushered Marko out of the way and onto his own bed so they could check him over while Ivan was lead to a chair to be patched up. The healers quickly patched Ivan up and ordered him over to help keep Marko still as he refused to listen to the healer. With Kyko still on his shoulders Ivan made his way over.
"Keep still boy, I need to close this wound before you become like your friend over there." Growled the healer forcing Marko's shirt over his head.
"Don't worry about me help her, please." Begged Marko trying to stand again only to be stopped by Ivan's hand on his shoulder pushing him back onto the bed.
"Stop this you idiot. They are taking care of her, trust them to do their jobs." Marko nodded reluctantly and stopped fussing so much, but nothing could keep him from looking over to where Kyda was laid out.
The healers for exchanging harsh whispers between one another before summoning one of the runners. It wasn't long before the runner returned with one of the prettiest blonds Marko had ever seen. The newcomer was taken straight to Kyda's beside while the other healers fetched the curtain walls to give them some privacy. As the curtains closed around Kyda's bed Marko looked away, his head down sending silent prayers to every go he could think of that she would be ok. Ivan squeezed his shoulder in silent reassurance the only comfort he could offer.

----------------------------------------------------

Sierra had been tending to the herb garden her father kept to the back of the house when the healers runner had found her. After hearing the runners message Sierra had dropped everything and grabbed her healers bag, thanking the heavens that her little sister was over at a friends house for the after noon.
She reached the infirmary in no time, stepping through the door she noticed that two of the beds had patients in them but the runner directed her to the second bed. Taking one look at the girl in the bed she ordered the other healers to fetch the curtain walls and some fresh hot water bandages and a selection of herbs. She would have to move fast if she wanted to save the poor thing. It only took a minute for the healers to bring her all she needed, once everything was set she ordered them out of the make shift room until she called for them. Sierra got to work, mixing herbs while adding her own magic into them, before applying the mix over the young girls wounds. Once the paste was applied to every cut, scrape and bruise Sierra could find she placed her hands over he girls head and began to channel her power through the girls body, repairing all the damage that had been done. The girl would still have a faint scar on her arm from the stab wound but it would look a sight better then if it was just plainly stitched. A half hour later she was done, emerging from the curtain room she beckoned one of the healers over, giving strict instructions to give the girl the special herb tea she had made every hour on the hour until they where instructed otherwise. Turning her attention to the man in the next bed over she noted the gash on his back. The healer attending the man looked like she was about to cause more wounds then fix them as the man kept moving and asking questions. Grabbing the bowl her healing mix Sierra made her way over to the bed and motioned for the healer to leave it to her. The healer gave her a thankful look before walking away.
"You seem to be quite agitated sir, sit still a moment and you will be right as rain in no time." Smiled Sierra, the young man gave her a look over before settling down and pouting. Hid friend sighed heavily next to him.
"Just listen for once you dolt. not letting them help you is not going to help Kyda." Scolded Ivan none to nicely,
"Ill let them do what they want to me once I know she is alright!." Marko almost yelled. "I'm suppose to look after her, kitten in my responsibility damn it." Sierra stilled her moment before starting up again.
"Is that her name? Kitten?" Asked Sierra gently. Marko shook his head.
"No her name is Kyda, she is basically my little sister. You where treating her right? Is she going to be ok?"
"Basically your sister? And she will be fine she should be awake in a couple of hours. her head my still hurt a bit but other then that she will be alright." Sierra confirmed finishing the healing process on his back, she wiped the mix off of his back and moved to stand in front of him smiling softly.
"Yeah we kind of adopted each other when we where little." Explained Marko, considerably more approachable then before. "My name is Marko by the way and this is Ivan Greysword." Ivan gave a slight bow to Sierra while Marko picked up her hand and laid a gentle kiss on her fingers.
"My name is Sierra Marie Adela, and I'm the chief healer here in Tref. At least for another day or so." Replied Sierra a blush rising on her cheeks.
"Its a pleasure to meet you Sierra." Marko counted letting her hand drop a charming smile finding its way to his face.
"The pleasure is all mine I'm sure."

----------------------------------------------------------

Ivan was not sure how it happened or when but some where between being introduced Sierra, Marko's insurable flirting and inquiring about an inn to rest at, they had wound up at Sierra's house being asked to spend their stay there. Seeing no polite way to refuse they agreed much to Marko's delight. Marko had gone back to his old self quickly after Kyda had woken up the first time round and assured him herself that she would be perfectly fine after spending the night there with Kyko to keep her company. So now there he was watching Marko flirt with this girl while pretending to help make dinner and him left to amuse himself, that was until a small child walked in the door yelling for Sierra's attention. And that was how Ivan ended up playing tea party with a small child till dinner was served.


(word count 3041)

[Reaper]

"A pity to be sure. I was looking forward to chatting with you." Rose remarked casually when Caleb declined the not-invitation-invitation, clearly being very, very sarcastic. But whatever snarky reply Rose had died in her throat as Caleb explained what exactly the letters were and how the boy she had hunted down was merely a pawn in the dangerous game politicians and wealthy men played. She frowned at Caleb, but then shrugged and dismissed it from thought. A job was a job, she did it, her employers were happy and she got paid. In the end of the day, that was all that matters. Innocent people died everyday, Rose had long since come to accept it. The boy may have been innocent, but atleast he died that way. Rose couldn't remember the last time she had felt pure, the money she had taken from the body (of course she did, she's a bounty hunter) weighed just abit heavier.

"Luck dealt the boy a bad hand it would seem. Hope you see his father to justice, if that is your intention of course. All I thought the scrolls would do was make up for the lost money, seems that they did more than that." Was all she had to say on the matter. Also another reason why I would never want to be a noble. Rose thought, then flashed Caleb cheeky smile, completely ignoring his last request to spread the word. Becoming involved with politics of a foreign land? And possibly planting a bullseye on her firm behind? Yeah no thanks. "Well if that'll be all, I've got to treat Yvalla to lunch. Call me if ya need anymore bounty hunting. Always a pleasure to relieve you of your gold." With that she beckoned the Forest Fae to follow her and strode off, eager to get to her meal.

[AvisCrown]

"In any case thank you for your services. It was an unfortunate circumstance. I'll do what I can to make sure his father is punished but there might be little I can do." Caleb sighed. "Anyways. I'll let you carry on with your day. " Caleb gave them a nod then headed off back towards the palace.

[FoxxTheDemon]

Fox was looking at her Jackalope, Cario. He was just sleeping in her hair as she walked the lonely road of a theif. ' But I am not a theif. I was not the one to steal that gold. Never. It was an unforeseen event, but it pushed me to fight. I like to fight... Cairo is cute. ' She was traveling west. West west west. That's all. West. She heard voices. A lot of voices. Speak of a town. Food. Both she and Cario were hungry. But people were a better excuse to stop. She stopped just out of view.
" Hello! I come in peace. I am of no threat. "

[CryoLilly]

Yvalla noticed a small inn off on a smaller side street. There was a smell coming from it that was unmistakably vegetable soup. She tapped Rose's shoulder and pointed out the place. "The smell from there is quite nice, let's have a look." she said. Not bothering to see if the other would follow, she turned and walked into the inn. It was relatively quiet, being away from the main streets did have an advantage. Yvalla gestured to the pot on the fire behind the counter, "What's in your soup?" she inquired to the innkeeper. "Vegetables, cream, not much else. Meat has been more expensive these days." he replied, almost embarrassed to admit to poverty. Yvalla smiled, "It sounds absolutely lovely," she said kindly, "Two bowls I'd imagine, and I'm sure she'd like some ale." As the innkeeper ladled out two bowls of the thick soup, she turned to Rose "I hope you don't mind, but this smelled good and I'm starved," she said quietly, then she gestured to a table in the corner of the room, "Let's sit there, I'll bring the food over." She grabbed the bowls and the mug of ale and carried them over to the table she had indicated before. "Now," she said sitting down so that she could see the rest of the room as well as the door, "Tell me what you had in mind."

((I'm sorry Reaper, but I think the others want us to finish this up, we should take the conversation to PM so as to not bother the others.))

[AvisCrown]

(thought I'd go ahead and put this up.)

In a small shadowy tavern in the middle of blacktrade market, two men sat in a dark corner whispering. Jaul, among the two, he rested his feet on the table as he played with his knife between his fingers. The other man, a few years older. A bit rounder but clearly by the rugged state of the man, he wasn't the typical saib politician.

"So you want me to get rid of this wild lass?" Jaul smirked, finding it a bit amusing.

"I wouldn't underestimate her." The other man growled.

"Why? Because she humiliated you and your men? Really. . .no no I'm not judging." Though Jaul's face of amusement clearly showed he was.

"I'd watched your words mage." The man leaned forward a bit.

"Or what? You'll handle me like you did that girl. Let's be honest if you thought you could take me, you wouldn't be hiring me now would you? " Jaul stood up, and placed his hat back on his head. "I'll handle her. You just remember our agreement."

[Reaper]

Rose Kubel rubbed her eyes sleepily as she glanced up and down the empty street, her breath frosted into the chill air as she yawned. It was so early in the morning that the sun had yet to begin it's ascent into the sky, and Sarean nights were the coldest there was. Frowning at the cold, she wrapped her furr cape around her for some warmth and turned around to look at the building behind her. It was the inn that Yvalla current resided in, and yesterday had agreed to meet here just before the sun rose. As Kubel had already explained to the Forest Fae, their first job was merely to check on a private hunting ground a couple of hours outside the city. The owner, a wealthy business man suspected illegal usage of his property, and bodies of the elk he hunted had turned up; but the two servants he sent to investigate had not yet returned. That was three days ago.

It was simple, fairly safe and paid well. And Yvalla would be more suited to track people through the wilderness than Rose was. The reward was going to be split between them, a set sum for returning to report to the business man, more if they discovered, caught or eliminated whatever the disturbance was. The mercenary tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for her partner.

[CryoLilly]

"Did you not sleep?" Yvalla asked the Rose, exiting the inn just as she was yawning. "It would be best if you were awake, I will move quickly in wooded areas." She looked forward to getting out of the area, as well as to tracking whoever was causing the disturbance. There was always something about stalking prey that excited Yvalla. She pulled an arrow out of her quiver to inspect it, feeling the weight and twirling the shaft between her fingers. "So, do we have any idea for what we are looking?" she asked. Considering the fact that it was a hunting ground, it was very possible that any tracks would be obscured by years of use, if they were lucky, the only people to have been there recently would be the servants and the intruder, if not, there could be confusion finding the correct trail. "More importantly, would you like me to shoot to kill or maim. While we have a while to travel, i'd rather get these questions out there ahead of time, it would not do well to ask these questions later." The fact that she was protecting a business man's hunting ground was disgusting on many levels, but at least the way he hunted would likely be sustainable. The way he was seeking to protect it showed that either he cared to keep the animal population decent, or simply doesn't want sport taken away from him. It hardly mattered though, the intruder was no better.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife had just finished getting dressed when there was a knock at her door. Answering it, she found it was her Father. For once Calloch looked relatively happy. At least she thought he did.
"Aoife, make sure you get back on time today"
She cocked her head in confusion
"Oh? And why's that?"
Calloch grinned as he walked down the stairs
"I've asked the twins to go and collect your new tutor. Lessons start this afternoon"
Aoife could have screamed, but instead she tried to genuinely look happy
"...brilliant"
As Calloch disappeared, Aoife closed her bedroom door. With a groan she slumped to the floor, leaning against the door. What would she need to Learn exactly anyways. How to courtesy properly? She sighed and readied herself for the days lesson.

Upon reaching the palace Aoife decided to wait for Caleb by the fields. Despite the prospects of her upcoming lessons, she was surprisingly cheery. Life in Sareas had not been as bad as expected. So far at least. Yet she still missed home. With a heavy yet content sigh she leaned back against a fence post, arms folded. At least the Saib warmth could be nice ... At times anyway.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb awoke early, feeling much better than he did the morning before. As he prepared for Aoife's lesson that morning he went through a bit of a crisis as to rather or not to cancel the lessons. For the first thing, she was Calloch's daughter and there was no doubt he didn't want her spending time with Caleb. Second thing Lock was rather found of her and Caleb would no doubt just get in the way. Third thing, Caleb was engaged with his fiancee to come to meet him in a few days. However on the other hand, he was rather fond of Aoife. He enjoyed their lessons, even if Caleb could never act on these feelings he want to be around Aoife as much as possible.

He decided against it and headed out to the fields, with Luja and Bukica in tow.

"Well if we don't have any interruptions today, ready to get started?"

[BumblingBee]

Aoife turned and smiled. She walked forwards and began to stroke Bucika fondly. She couldn't help but laugh a little at his remark.
"Well, you never know. We may even get through a full lesson"
Her smile faded a little as she remembered her new schedule.
"I'm afraid I'll have to be back by afternoon though today ... Fathers orders"
She didn't like the idea of leaving her lessons early, she almost felt as if she were deserting Caleb when she did so and Aoife deffinetly didn't want to do that. Caleb was far too nice.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb nodded understanding Aoife's situation. "That's fine. We won't be doing anything too difficult today. Just what we were going to do yesterday. We're work on your ground and flight forms. Tomorrow I might let you take off." He smiled. He checked the saddle on Bukica before letting Aoife mount.

"I don't think your father is very pleased to hear about our lessons." He joked a little as he waited for her to get situated.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife started to haul herself up.
"It does seem that way doesn't it"
She got comfortable atop Bucika, making sure she was in the correct position. Like Caleb taught her. Aoife frowned a little in thought
"He'd never admit it but he worries about me, I know it"
She scoffed to herself lightly
"That's a tad ironic though, considering we barely know each other"

[AvisCrown]

"He's your father. Of course he worries about you. If you think your father has problems expressing emotions you should see mine." Caleb corrected her position about. "We're doing ground position now, so you can sit up a bit more if you'd prefer." He gave for a bit of advice before carrying on with the conversation they were having.

"My father cares about us but he's sort of the tough love kind of guy. He's always constantly reminding us he's king and that was always something we had to keep in mind. He wasn't just our father. He wasn't even our father first. We were second to Saibreas. . .at least we used to be. " Caleb frowned a bit. "Now I don't know where we stand, let alone where Saibreas stands." Caleb couldn't pin point when he's father had changed, when he had backed down to his greedy and selfish advisors. His father used to be so honorable and someone Caleb looked up to but now he was only the shadow of a man Caleb remembered him as.

[BumblingBee]

Aoifes face softened and Caleb quietened. She frowned a little in sympathy.
"In Atoni, we only hear rumours of the Saib Kings"
She sat up a little, looking up at the sky as she thought.
"We're told stories of their strength, courage and bravery"
She almost began to act it out a little
"Epic tales of daring battles and knights"
She was smiling fondly at the memory.
"But those were only stories ... I learnt the truth when I came here. The problem is I still can't decide if that's better or worse"