Leon
Marsila's heart almost stopped when she saw the house ablaze. The heat caused her skin to flush a pink hue as they grew closer until the horses refused to go any further. "Priscilla stay where you are." She instructed with an urgent tone. 

Annoyed they couldn't go any further, the shifter jumped from the boxed seat she sat upon and raced closer towards the house in time to witness the female apparition that had saved her earlier that morning. Her steps faltered slightly, trying to make sense of what she was until Marsila noticed Priscilla's husband being onto the ground before dissipating into steam. She was quick to pick the husband up in her arms without much difficulty, carrying him towards the wagon as his wife opened the door for the two of them. 

Priscilla instantly brought kneeled by her husband and placed her hands against one of his cheeks. Marsila was too distressed about the large male that was still in the blazing house that she wasn't able to watch their reunion even though the man was passed out. Turning from the carriage, the shifter raced towards the entry way of the house, eyeing inside but wasn't able to see through the flames and smoke. Once she saw a figure stumble from the burning building, Marsila had to cover her nose as the stench of burning flesh caused her eyes to tear. 

Kneeling besides Rekkan, the shifter didn't care for his nudity as she placed her hand against his skin, causing her palm to sear due to the sensitivity she experienced towards heat. A small hiss left her lips, shaking her hand so the air would cool the burning sensation. This was going to be difficult. Stepping over his body, she placed her feet on either side of her torso and knelt down so she could hook her arms under his pits. The shifter raised herself up, bringing Rekkan's chest off the ground before she began shuffling backwards. As she did so, the warrior's body slowly peeled from the floor until his back was resting against her chest.

She turned her head to face the Wagon, wishing the large animals weren't so fearful of the flames. She found it difficult to carry Rekkan compared to the husband as he weighed double what the man did and his body scorched her whenever his skin touched hers. After some struggle and help from Priscilla, Marsila was able to drag the warrior into the wagon for the woman to care for before she closed the doors on the three. She knew they didn't have much time before who ever attacked Rekkan, returned. Lifting herself onto the seat built into the front of the carriage, the shifter wrapped her fingers along the reigns and forced the horses into a canter. She wasn't sure what direction they were heading towards, all that mattered to Marsila was finding somewhere safe for the four of them.
David
The warrior has lost consciousness before stumbling out of the house. What ever has happened seems to be a distant cry in the heavy mind of the man while his wounds are tended to by Priscilla. Sadly, most of her supplies have been destroyed in the fire. They need to find a water source, something that the woman tells Marsila. Once they leave the town, they should look for a river where Rekkan can cool off.

Meanwhile, his blistered and red hot body shivers, slowly reforming some parts defused to prompt the explosion of energy. He actually became the fire for a few moments, though that is impossible to perceive by any that did not see his searing transformation. Regressing to his flesh form, the guy's muscles burn and ache all over from within, a sharp stinging sensation that will take time due to the over exertion.

In his blank and frail state, the man cannot sense the outside world, possibly just coming to a low state of consciousness when already outside the walls. He tries to open his eyes from. The creeping darkness and see only to find his vision skewered by how hard he pushed the whole of his body, spirit and mind.
Leon
It had been hours since they left the small town. The moment they managed their escape, Marsila forced the horses to fall into a simple trot before resting the reigns on her lap. She trusted the two stallions to follow the path as she closed her eyes, allowing her other senses to heighten so the shifter would be able to pick up any suspicious scents. For a strange reason, Marsila felt a sudden wave of calmness wash over her as the damp earthy smell of the forest flooded her nostrils. She also gathered the sound of rushing water towards their left, praying the gods that a source of water was nearby. 

After a few minutes passed and she was sure they were safe from any bandits, the shifter opened her eyes to see the horses had slowed their pace to a walk. She didn't complain, they had been dragging with them, a wagon that carried four beings whilst cantering from the city. Grabbing a hold of the reigns, she veered the horses off towards their left, taking them from the smooth dirt path. To their luck, the direction they headed had been clear of fallen branches and rocks that would have made it difficult for those inside the wagon. 

As they reached a river bed, Marsila pulled her arms back so they were laying in line with her body with the reigns still in her hands. Once horses halted to a stand, Marsila released the reigns and and jumped towards the ground.
David
The journey is uneventful. Up until they come upon the stream, Rekkan is on and off conscious, mind going to and fro the battle and the tower of a creature that did not budge against his attacks. Who could the man in the cloak be to control such a frightening vessel? The scariest part is that it has no soul or a core. That monster is hollow, like no other the wanderer has fought in his travels. This only fuels the nightmares that make him surface from his dream world, only to make him plunge into the darkness from the strain on his body.

It doesn't look like that on the outside, but his shape is being restructured, a consequence of using so much energy while already exhausted from the wounds and stress from the battle at the warehouse. Were he completely recovered, it could have been a different story. No, the cycle repeats itself in his mind. He is grabbed by the monster and split in half. What a gruesome sight for his closed eyes to see flash. And yet, there seems to be no hope of waking up.

While Rekkan and Bran, Priscilla'a husband, are in such states, the woman tends to them as best as she can. She asks Marsila to help put them down by the river, where she begins to clean the two after taking off the bandages of her husband, which are all dirty. They will, however, have to find more supplies if they're to properly treat the two and mend them back to good health.
Edward
Eric laid there next to her, weighing the options. He was still in chock at what had happened, "I never thought in a million years, that I would be Lord Stafford... Or that I would have a _Lady_ Stafford. You couldn't imagine something better." He laughed a little, at the retrospection. "A smaller ceremony, saves money and gets the job done. No need for something large. You have full reign over the ceremony, whatever you want we will have, we should also prepare to furnish a room for the little Stafford." Eric placed a hand on her stomach, his voice filled with excitement. 

"So, we should probably let the Queen know, at some point, shouldn't we?" He said, a little anxious at the prospect.
Joseph
"Let's work on getting the documents signed and Stormalong's renovations finished before we worry about drapes and furnishings." She mused, and when his hand moved to her stomach she swallowed thickly. Truthfully, this was terrifying, and to top it all off she was going to be running Astoria for gods knows how long. She'd be lucky to make it through the next month without having a full blown breakdown. Angelica placed her hand over his and pushed herself into a seated position. Sleep would never find her now, she might as well find something productive to do while Eric slept. 

Angelica nodded at mention of the Queen, and ran her tongue over her lips before pursing them together. "I suppose we should. But, maybe we wait until she returns?" She asked, then paused. If they were going to be married, and _soon_ then Anya would miss the ceremony, if they waited for The Queen and Princes' return, they'd already be married, and there wouldn't really be much to tell.
Edward
Eric laughed, "Who knows how long she will be gone? We might be parents by the time she comes back. We'd best tell her as soon as we can, avoid her from thinking we were intentionally being secretive or something like that." He paused, weariness struck him again, "I didn't sleep the whole journey. Maybe we could tell her in morning, if she hasn't left yet. I'm not sure how soon she plans on leaving." 

Eric was already thinking about Stormalong. His new _home_, he hadn't had a stable home since Randall Storm took him on as squire. Now Eric would have somewhere he would raise his child, maybe even children. A large castle, a court that was his. His children wouldn't have to worry about raiders and bandits, about dying due to walls being too thin for a winter chill. They would never childhood hunger or starvation. His chest hurt from the thoughts, "I really can't believe it... I really can't wait, I won't lie... I'm excited." He said quietly, laying back down next to her, knowing she was probably going to go and do some sort of busy work until she fell asleep again.
Joseph
He raised the exact concern she'd had, and when he did she leaned back against the headboard. Shifting enough to put a pillow between it and her back, she reaching blindly for him. Fingers found his hair, and she guided him down to let him lay his head in her lap, stroking her fingers through his dark locks as he spoke. He admitted to his excitement, and she gave a soft chuckle. 

"I'm glad you're excited and not furious." She told him, her tone just as soft. "Get some rest, we'll tell Anyanka in the morning, I'll wake you at first light."
Edward
He'd never really known real, comfort, the comfort of another person affectionate and close to him. Sleep found him almost instaneously and the sound of low, heavy breathing was heard as he slipped of into a deep sleep. His dreams were filled with imaginings of Stormalong in a better condition, of his new family. For once, they weren't filled with bad memories from the South. Just peace and quiet.
Joseph
Eric had dropped Mikhail off at his mother's chambers, and the boy stood outside them long after the knight had disappeared. What felt like a lifetime passed before Anya opened the door from the inside, and she gave Mikhail a small half smile. 

"Were you going to wait out here all night, love?" She questioned, and Mikhail raised a brow. 

"How did you know I was-?"

"I always know when you're close by Mikhail, I'm your mother." She told him, her smile growing into a genuine one. The Prince swallowed, trying to find words to say, but finally he just stepped forward, wrapping his arms around his mother's frame. She echoed the gesture, and held him tightly, her hand finding his soaked black hair with mild discomfort at realizing it was ink that had dyed it and not a glamour. The pair stood in their embrace for a long time before Mikhail loosened his grip, and Anya ushered him inside. 

"How are you feeling?" She asked, her gaze catching the ink on her hand from the touch of his hair as she moved to take a seat on the edge of her bed.

"Fine. Sir Stafford was very kind, I believe he went easy on our journey home to accommodate me." He said, and his hand moved to his shoulder to rub at it idly. "Has Mister Danico arrived yet?" 

Anya shook her head, the ribbon in her hair that held it back loosening a bit with the motion. "No, he's running late so it seems. I was going to give him one more day to arrive, and if he doesn't then we'll head out on our own." She mused, and placed her hands on her thighs. "Are you tired, hungry, anything?" 

Mikhail moved to take a seat beside her, and he leaned his head against her bare shoulder, not bothering if he stained her skin with the ink. "I'm always tired and hungry. But I think I just need a bath, father gave me some books for our journey, I was hoping to start on them tonight." She nodded, and kissed his crown. "I'll have a bath drawn for you, and the fires in your room lit so you can read and enjoy the warmth." She told him, embracing him once more before standing. With that, Anyanka stood, and headed into the hall to pass along the requests. Before the hour was up Mikhail had been guided to the bath connected to his chambers, and the fires had been lit in his room. Thick blankets were piled high on the bed, and a tray of breads and treats were left on his nightstand, along with a warm cup of sipping chocolate for him when he returned. It was nice to have him home, and Anya returned to her own chambers to rest.

When morning came, Angelica still hadn't fallen asleep. She'd spent the night stroking Eric's hair, her eyes closed as she leaned back against the headboard and worked through a list of what needed to be done in the next twenty four hours. A list became a structure, and that structure branched out to include the people involved. She needed to speak to Anya, and Mikhail in turn, about their upcoming trip. She needed to secure their passage, and make sure she had Anya's approval and wishes on all the upcoming events and how she wanted them to run. She needed to make sure Mara was able to stay in Zahrada for the time being, until Dayveth could return. She needed to make sure Dayveth understood that it was a political mission first, personal relations needed to be set aside. She needed him to know about the situation with Mikhail, and all that had happened, so he didn't overstep. She needed Zane to stop moping about and actually speak to her so they could get their jobs done. She needed the work on Stormalong castle to be resumed immediately. What was damaged in the fall needed to be restored completely before the month was out. They had less time to get it situated than they had thought, and with Eric's new title he was bound to be headed that way and _remain_ in Stormalong for as long as Anya was gone.

She needed to stop thinking about the knot in her chest when she thought about him leaving. She needed to stop thinking about the news Mara had given her, and the worry that a child would stunt their personal and political growth. That she'd just put a cap on where Eric could advance, and herself by proxy. She _knew_ that an heir was good for him, but it wasn't good for the Chancellor of Astoria to suddenly become the Lady of Stormalong. It would be one thing is Feyshore and Astoria had merged once more, but the fact Anya had left the territories separate complicated things on paper. 

Her mind was still milling when the morning light turned the woman's eyelids a soft pink, and she opened them with a long exhale before stopping her hand that still pushed through Eric's hair. She hadn't realized she'd been doing it all night until the soreness in her arm settled, and she tapped his scalp twice. "Eric?"
Leon
Marsila gave Priscilla space after she helped clean the wounds of the two men. She did not want to risk distracting the woman so instead, she made her way towards the two stallions. She observed the horses and the scars that lined their bodies from the beating they had gotten from their previous riders. It pissed Marsila off immensely but she wasn't able to change the past, she had to remind herself that the two were now in her care. Perhaps they could continue to venture with Rekkan and herself after they dropped Pricilla and Bran to the nearest city. 

Unlatching the large animals from the wagon, she lead them to the bed of water whilst being sure to give the others some space. They seemed pleased to have a source they could drink from, exhausted and filled with thirst from their journey. As the horses refreshed themselves, Marsila found herself walking to the group and knelt by Rekkan's side. 

"How is he doing?" She asked Priscilla, not caring too much about the husband as the large male was her priority. "His fever has cooled slightly after his skin had been washed, The stitches along his chest wound has been torn and I have no supplies so I can't stitch it back up. He's lucky the laceration hadn't become infected but the cloth I tore from Bran's shirt, I've wrapped around the wound and his chest won't hold the blood for long. The other cuts over his body aren't significant enough for me to close so I've patched them up with what I've had on me personally."

The woman looked stressed but Marsila couldn't blame her. She was thankful the woman had a kind enough heart to help the two strangers who've caused the loss of her home. Her eyes scanned over Rekkan's battered appearance, her lips pursing together as she brought her fingers to the amulet that hung from her neck. It weighed heavily against her chest from the thought of having caused all this, but she kept that to herself. She didn't need to worry Priscilla with her sorrows. "We will leave soon."
Edward
Eric's eyes fluttered open and he shifted a little in her grasp. "Hey..." He said, through a yawn, sitting up and stretching his arms. "Good morning." His back leaned against the headboard and he smiled at his soon-to-be-wife. "Did you sleep at all last night?" He asked, noting the tired look she had, and the worried look she always had. "Probably not." Answering his own question, he slipped out of her bed and looked around, realizing he was in Angelica's room. "I don' have any extra clothes in here." He said, looking at the riding clothes that had been discarded on the ground, he started putting some of it on so he wasn't walking to his room in the looser fitting clothes he wore beneath it. 

"I'll be back after I change, then we can go talk to the queen, I suppose. Unless you'd prefer breakfast first."
Joseph
Her stare was a million miles away, but she gestured to her wardrobe. "I stashed a few outfits for you in the bottom, behind my shoes." She told him as offering. Whether he wanted them or not didn't bother her. She was thinking about breakfast, but the thought of it was unappealing. "And no, I didn't. We should talk once you've gotten dressed. I don't want to delay anything, who knows how long she'll be around." She mused, and when he slipped from the bed only then did she realize how cold it was in her chambers. Compared to the isles, Astoria was frigid this time of year. Eric's warmth reminded her of the isles, and she couldn't help but muse that she'd love getting to spend the rest of her days with a man who radiated summertime.
David
Rekkan is awake - as awake as an exhausted and weakened man can be - and looks up at the woman kneeling
Edward
Eric looked at Angelica with a tilt to his head. Did she mean the outfit he'd given her? Or did she actually just _take_ some of his clothes. He opened the wardrobe and looked toward the back, finding a fresh set of clothes for Eric to wear. "I've been _looking_ for these. I thought they got taken to the wrong person at court after laundry." The set was older, something he brought from Stormalong. It looked nice, in a simpler way. Most of what he had worn while a squire was more simple type stuff, so people knew he wasn't anyone important. Yet, they always knew who he was. It was likely the way he carried himself, the air of authority he presented. 

"So, when we tell her, we should just move into the same room. It'd make this whole thing easier." Eric said, as he slipped out of the loose under clothing and into the fresh clothes. "I'm ready to go see her whenever you are ready. "
Joseph
"Relax, they've only been in here since our return from the Isles. I didn't want to risk you finding yourself k this exact situation. If you noticed, I have a few pieces in your wardrobe too." She told him, watching as he got dressed. 

Finally she pulled herself from bed, and moved to get changed as well. She'd long ago learned how to fix her own laces, and managed just fine without the help of a maid in the morning. Pulling a comb through her hair she checked her reflection in the looking glass. Acceptable enough for this conversation. 

"She and the Prince will most likely be in the dining hall for breakfast. We'll just have to have this discussion before Mikhail as well."
David
Rekkan is awake - as awake as an exhausted and weakened man can be - and looks up at the woman kneeling next to him. His sight is a blur, silhouettes misunderstood in the blinding light of the sun that bathes his face. His hand reaches out to grasp at something from her, not entirely knowing why or what. Perhaps the warrior wants to hold on to something, feel now that he is made of flesh and bone once more. His rugged digits wrap around soft skin. His eyes, barely capable of rousing lids, roll up and behind their shutters. "Nnngh... Marsila.."

In his dreams, he never did rendezvous with the shifter girl. He is still waiting for her back at the town, trapped in a cycle of worry and concern. The makeshift bandages that Priscilla wrapped around his wounds are soaked in blood and need a change sooner rather than later, not to mention clothing that he requires as well.

"The sooner, the better." Priscilla says. "At least they don't risk infection, not for now. But we need proper bandages and medicine to make sure they will recover. Your friend especially. He is so lucky he is still alive. I don't know how he is, to be honest." To be honest, neither does the guy. Considering he's just been in the brink of death and out of it, his subconscious is more than a little messed up. The bound spirits to his core wrestle for control of an unstable center as it restructures itself. The process is drawn out, as the damage done is beyond the flesh, tiring mind and fragmenting soul. But in the culmination of the three states, the man heals, little by little.
Edward
Eric smiled and approached her, pulling her into a hug and giving her a kiss. "I still can't believe it." He said quietly to her. "I guess we should go then." Eric took the lead, openning the door for her to step through first. His stomach sank with nervousness, was he really about to go tell Anya that he was marrying her Chancellor?

He couldn't shake the feeling of amazement, like he was living in some sort of story for children. A peasant boy from Taemar becomes a Lord and marries a pretty Chancellor and the two happily everafter in some castle somewhere. Though, with the Araedian thing on the horizon, he doubted there would be any such thing as happily everafter.
Joseph
Anya was in the dining hall, enjoying a pleasant conversation with Mikhail about a book he had read the night prior. "And the women in the tribe get selected by a god -Their gods aren't the same as ours. And they-" He paused as footfalls sounded in the entryway, and both the Durkhans looked up to see Eric and Angelica join them.

"I was beginning to wonder where you'd run off to." Anya teased, and gestured towards the seats. "Will you be joining us for breakfast?"
Edward
Eric looked at Angelica, then back at Queen Anya before taking a seat. The nervous look he casted over at Angelica, wondering who would initiate the conversation. He guessed it was himself , and he put on a sort of pleasant smile. 

"Your grace, " Eric started, a little nervously, "Angelica and I have something we should tell you, I guess..." He wasn't sure where to go with the rest of the sentence, "Her and I are getting married." He finished out bluntly, quickly looking at Angelica for the damage control and further explanation. He didn't really mean to just lay it out like that, but that's how it came out.
Joseph
Angelica had fully expected to do the talking, so when Eric spoke up she gave him a small surprised look. It quickly transitioned into a furious blush and she put her hand to her forehead, trying to hide it. 

"Eric you didn't have to be so _blunt_ about it." She laughed and looked to Anya who had paused with her glass halfway to her lips.

"So Angelica is the woman you were talking about?" Mikhail asked of Eric, and he gave the blonde woman a small smile. "Congratulations."

"Wait, you're _what_? I didn't even know you two were together."
Edward
"Well I figured it'd be best to just say it, I guess." Eric said, quickly trying to defend himself from Angelica. "And, yes, your grace. We are, since, uh, we were in isles and we were assigned the same room." His face gained a little color too as the conversation went on. Not really sure how to carry on with the second part of the conversation, Angelica and he hadn't really gone over everythign they were going to talk about. He looked at Angelica quizzically, trying to ask if they were going to say the second thing, or keep it a secret.
Joseph
Anyanka's brow raised and Mikhail laughed. "I knew father had done that for a reason." He mused, and Anya looked to him before turning to Angelica. 

Her eyes narrowed, and she looked between them both. "You're pregnant aren't you?" She asked. 

Angelica nodded. "I am." She confirmed and it was Mikhail's brow that raised this time. 

Anya, however, jumped out of her chair with a scream, and crossed the room in a heartbeat to embrace the woman.
Edward
As soon as the confirmation was given by Angelica, Eric sort of froze up and watched Queen Anya jump out of her chair and hug Angelica. Atleast she was happy about it. Eric didn't know what to do from here, but he looked at Mikhail and focussed in on something else, "The Pirate King is your _father_?" Eric asked, surprised. Never really knowing who Mika's father was. He didn't exactly know how to ask that and it more came out as an unintentional thing, but this last two days were filled with surprises.
Joseph
It wasn't what he'd expected anyone to focus on, but Mikhail nodded at Eric's question. Anyanka and Angelica hugged, and the blonde let out a breath. 

"I thought you were going to be furious."

"Why would I be?"

"It's awful timing."

"So? Mikhail wasn't exactly planned either-"

"-I'm right here, mother."