Felipe
*As the sun loomed above the world casting down its warmth and love upon the frost-laden lands beneath it the sounds of horse hooves crunching snow rang out through a forest. The trees had only recently lost their beautiful reds and oranges from the autumn, the snow only revealing a select few to the warmth of the sun. Twisting trees grabbed for the blue sky above and at night it may have been terrifying but in the light of the sun, it was oddly serene. The forest itself was quiet except for the occasional noises made by small creatures rustling through the crunchy snow in search of the final morsels before returning to their deep sleep which had yet to befall the smallest of creatures.* 

*Snow-laden trails made traveling more than a little difficult for travelers who contended with nature and the ice that occasionally formed in pockets among the usually muddy trails. Even from a distance the horseman could already hear the sounds of festivities from miles away as the winter celebrations began. Almost like a strange alluring magic, despite the previous loneliness, the forest now felt so much less solemn and the loneliness dissipated as the sounds of music and hum-buzz rang through the forest. Despite the relation of the man on horseback to the village he noticeably perked up in his saddle and spurred his horse on faster to reach the village.*

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*Cresting the edge of the treeline the rider stood atop a hilly area looking down at the village that was all too acclaimed for the heroes that it produced. It seemed the place was magical for many reasons. Spurring the horse with a soft word the rider traveled the main road to the village amused by the sight of vainly attempted snow sculptures that had occasionally collapsed from over-eager children not waiting for the consistent winter coldness. Despite the mouth of the rider covered in a white cloth to protect against the cold air that hurt the lungs, he smiled at the sight of children playing in the snow. Lurching back he did his best to avoid a snowball meant for a kid and he quickly reassured the child who had thrown it that it was alright.* 

*Continuing he noted the sounds of children laughing, drunken singing, and music that radiated from the village. The small upturn of lips grew to a proper smile as the warm festive feelings pushed back the ever-present sadness that loomed over him. Dull green eyes changed to bright emerald green that glittered like the snow under the sun. He was only supposed to be passing through but... How could he say no to a little bit of time to indulge in the warmth of the winter village? Even he was sometimes tired of the sadness that always returned to him. The man was sure there would be an orphanage, in a world like there's there always would be, an unfortunate stark reality so many had to acknowledge. He supposed he could stop by and see if anything was needed, despite the best care orphanages tried, most of the time they remained underfunded so there were always needs to be met.*

_ _
*Asking around he found out where the orphanage was and set out for it with a smile and for once he let the village's warm atmosphere replace that cold void his heart harbored. While the rider made his way toward the orphanage he heard the sounds of a lyre, a soft voice accompanying the beautiful notes in a harmony that was enchanting in its own special way. The rider approached noting the group of children gathered by what appeared to be a noble woman. It was certainly a surprise but a welcome one to see how she seemed happy to entertain the children who had little more than each other and the clothes on their backs.* 

*As the rider on horseback approached he stopped a good distance away to not draw attention to his presence and dismounted the horse. The figure was a large man standing at roughly six-foot-nine, with broad shoulders and a strong frame only noticeable by how the figure filled out his clothes. He had pale skin much like the snow that adorned the ground, a sharp contrast that made him stand out more than many of the man's other features was the cascading medium-long red hair almost the shadow of red autumn leaves. Bright emerald spring-colored eyes gazed upon the group, they were soft, gentle, and kind eyes but only the most observant would see the sad look in the pupils of his eyes. The figure was dressed nicely in a white shirt that was frilled around the neck and cuffs, a dark brown vest and pants, and a large black cloak that was dusted with snow from the woods. Despite the man's size, he walked towards the group silently so as to not break the children's concentration, the only indication of his presence was the soft humming from him that matched hers although it was noticeably deeper but still smooth. The kind that indicated said individual was more than versed in singing.*
Charles
*The children are quick to quiet the other down as they settle on small wooden stools and chopped logs they had likely brought from inside the building. There are three kids. A young girl who is missing her two front teeth, she seems to be the youngest of the bunch yet wears a blanket over her clothes like a royal gown. The second, an older boy with shaggy blonde hair. He too is missing a single tooth, whistling each syllable he states while a brunette boy around his age, only shakes his head in annoyance. All three are completely enamored by the woman's playing. Even before children, she plays so delightful. As her music charms the ears, acting as a warm stream of wind in contrast to the frostbite that nips at the nose.*

"Icy wings, flying dreams, wishes one could ask for~" *The woman then starts to sing, her lyrics harmonizing with her instrument as her fingers dance across the strings of her lyre.*

*Each strum, every pluck is done precise. Not a single not wasted as she hums the melody of her song. Smiling at each child as the draw closer to her. It is likely they have never heard such music before let alone have anyone sing for them. At least anyone but her as all three seem to be familiar with the woman. Yet in all of her beauty, there is a strange sense of mysticism about her. As she slightly turns her head to look at the shaggy haired boy, the world in his face lighting up with a greater sense of acknowledgement. The stranger will be able to see her soft golden eyes, shining brighter than the sun as she hums to the child. With a gentle touch the music changes from serene to an abrupt burst of excitement.*

"Then there was a big smelly bear..." *She continues.*

"Huh?" *The brunette haired boy gasped at the lyric change while the other two become giddy, looking at each other.*

"Who then yelled..." *Her voice fluctuates to a beautiful high note that could send chills down the spine. The lyrics themselves may be childish but her skills are not. It is smooth, drawn out just enough to leave you wanting more. And then?*
"Get in my belly! Mraw-mraw-mraw-mraw!" 

*As the woman yells, she jumps up from her seat and snoots up her nose, making chomping motions as she playfully becomes a beast. Well more so the idea of one, running after the two boys as they holler in laughter. Raising their hands in the air, the proud blonde grits his teeth into a grin. Shielding his friend as he makes claim to banish the rather beautiful bear, who dare to chase them with imaginary claws and teeth. Yet this bit of excitement isn't enough to catch the young girl's attention. Instead, she notices the stranger in the distance and her lips curl into a grin.*

"Stay back you foul beast! I will use my magic to turn you into... Into..." *The boy stammers only to be cut off by the other child.*

"A prince!" *The girl yells out, pointing to the stranger. But the kids and the lovely lass do not notice him quite yet.*

"A prince!" *The young boy starts, which causes the woman to raise an eyebrow. Upon realizing what he had just said, he then lets out a long 'huh' before questioning the girls words.* "A prince?"

"Yes! Look! A prince!"

*Then the group turns their heads to spot the stranger who has become a watcher in this madness. The woman playing the lyre turning around, she gasps realizing she had been watched. Her soft freckled face glows a light shed of red. Her bangs slightly dishevelled, she quickly tucks them behind her ear as she starts to clear her throat. The whole point of her coming this far isn't just to spend time with the orphans. But it also allows her to enjoy festivities without being drowned by the crowds they usually attract. She stammers when the young girl starts to make a dash towards the man.*

"Hi prince." *The little girl swoons, clearly not afraid of his sudden appearance or height unlike the other three. Well perhaps not afraid but the woman is definitely embarrassed.*
Felipe
*The man simply hung back a bit observing from a distance as he approached studying the three children who were quick to settle on small wooden stools or logs he was sure came from inside the orphanage. He smiled softly at the sight of the young children, they all were young which was deeply sad when one thought too long but their jovial smiles banished it away like a holy light overpowering the darkness. The annoyance of the brunette boy at the blonde boy's inconsistent pronunciation was noticeable from afar and something he found quite amusing as he reminisced about his own younger years. He found himself drawn in and captivated as she played despite the coldness that nipped at the nose and fingertips of his gloved hands.* 

*Standing a good bit away he decided to stop and lean upon a wooden fence simply watching as the woman quickly harmonized with her instrument his eyes twinkling in enjoyment at the sight. He had little doubt of her experience as she played like a well-practiced individual and it was noticeable how she was enjoying herself as she smiled at the children that drew closer to her. If there was one thing he had learned is that children had a better sense of who was good and who was bad more than even the best of adults. She was beautiful and no doubt her appearance made it even more welcoming to the children. Part of him was curious to know more about her as she carried an aura of mystery. The gold eyes caught his attention, brighter and warmer than the sun above the longer he watched the more he understood. The sudden change caught him off guard and his attention snapped back to the seeming noble.*

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*An amused smile caught onto his soft pale pink lips as he saw the sudden change and excitement that charged the air around them. Quiet chuckling escaped his lips as he saw the sudden performance of being a bear, as she chaced the two laughing boys. Oh, it was such a sweet sight to see and he was glad he chose to come even to see this. However, he noted the girl's attention turned to catch sight of him and he smiled kindly at her from a distance as he tried to make himself as unintimidating as possible. He waited as none of them noticed him which earned a ripe laugh from his lips. He hadn't laughed in so many years, his laugh noticeably distorted as if his own voice had forgotten how to laugh properly.* 

*Seeing them turn to spot him as he watched he stood back up to his full height, his posture immaculate as he was so used to a more refined state. Noticing the flustered look he gave an apologetic look to the woman as she tried to fix her appearance. Seeing the little girl run to him he gave a playful look before falling onto one knee to better get to her height. Tilting his head into a bow he gave a smile as he pretended to be a prince giving his best princely bravado.* "Well hello, young lady! To whom am having the pleasure of conversing with?" *He deepened his voice and did his best seeming to quickly fall into the role the young lady had said he was, for if he dismissed her belief of him being a prince... Well it would ruin the immersion would it not? So he considered it best to play along.*
Charles
*As if the girl wasn't already giddy at the sight of the stranger, she surely will grow wings to take off and fly now. In an attempt to mimic what she would imagine princesses to do. She replicates a servants bow with the clear attempt at attempting noble respect. Even going as far as to hold out the edge of the blanket she has wrapped around her as if she is partaking in a winters ball. This is her moment that she has always dreamed of. The dream that every little girl has, to be swept off of her feet by a prince. One so tall, so handsome! Oh she can see it now! The golden toys, an infinite supply of cake. The child gets lost in her thoughts that she nearly forgets to introduce herself.*

"O-oh! I am Liza!" *She happily chirps before letting out a gasp, shimmying her shoulders as she goes for a round two. That wasn't very noble sounding, she needs to sound noble if she is to win him over.*
"I mean- I am Liz-"

"You're tall!" *The shaggy haired child says, rushing up and cutting off the girl.*

*While she scowl at her annoying mate, the other child curiously approaches with the woman who had been singing prior. He is the one truly winning here as he get to hold her hand. In fact, the boy has a smug grin in his face. Though he does well to keep it hidden from her and his friends. The girl can try and woo this 'prince', his friend can admire his height. But the pink haired beauty is the one he gets to be close with and as they approach, the smell of rosemary grows stronger.*

"I want to be tall like that. Think the witch will grant me a wish?" *The boy suddenly asks, turning towards the approaching woman who gives him a sheepish smile.*

"She lingers in dangerous territory, you should rethink that wish little one." *She replies before turning her attention back towards the stranger.*

*He... Hurts her neck. Standing at only 5'2, his height is causing her to have to look up at a weird angle and while the kids can sing and dance around this goliath of a man. So she can be grateful he took a knee for the child, at least for now. The woman cannot and such a thought causes her to accidently strum her lyre out of nerves. Which she quickly silences by places a palm on it. Seldom does anyone come to visit the orphans, especially a man so lavishly dressed. Then again, who is she to judge? Her own attire is not befitting of the common folk. Ah... If only they he real identity. But it is best to just let them imagine the 'evil' witch rather than going off and chasing her into the woods because... Well, she can give them presents.*