Kelly
*For a few hours, they talked on their way back to the capital. Their words wove around the topics of hunting, and the finer points thereof - how a deer smelled, what 'downwind' constituted, how to stay ahead of the pack, and whether or not he should actually use a bow when hunting, which he resolved to try. The beginnings of ideas about the investigation were also talked around - how he would find the men who had destroyed Heartford, how the records were aligned. He had done research himself for the Alchemist's Guild, and was confident that everything had a trail of parchment following close behind...

The gates of Alynthi's capital were a welcome sight to the prince, who had so far been enjoying his time in the woods. The sight of a portcullis and walls always made him feel at home, however, and the sense of belonging one could derive from the sight of a place you called your own was always welcome. As they passed traffic on the road, citizens bowed, the attention to the crown given with respect, and returned with the same as he waved to the passerby, inclined his head to recognize their deference, and kept on his merry way.

Children gathered in clumps, men and women in ranks as they passed, and went back to their business once he was gone. He took his time to make sure he acknowledged the starry-eyed stares of the young ones - after all, he had once been awed by his father's presence on the battlefield, by the gold of the crown, by the weight it held over the kingdom. If he could not use that presence of royalty to put a lighter step in someone's day, then what value was it, really?

Their eyes also followed the one-eyed woman next to the prince - who was she? Some famous huntress? Their curiosity only lasted as long as she was within sight...

The horses made their way inside the gate, and then through.*

"I thank you for your company today." *Astalios said simply as they crossed the threshold.* "It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience."
Martin
All the eyes that fell upon her and the prince caused Roesia to become quite self-conscious. She was used to the city, to crowds sure, but every pair of eyes on her while she was there? Now that felt terrifying. Roesia gripped on Angus's reigns so tight her knuckles became white, though she tried her best to focus on the prince's words. She could feel her heart beating a million beats a second, though it wasn't anything like stage fright. It was more so the fear of people seeing what she actually was. Of course, this was a bit irrational given her, *For the most part,* Complete control over the wolf within her. But what if she simply lost control, right now?

Finally, the prince's words broke through her panicked mind, and as she looked over to him she let out a quick sigh. "Oh- uh, yes. I'm sorry, I must be more tired than I realized." Running a hand through her nearly white hair, Roesia offered a genuine smile in the prince's direction. "You know, if you want to go hunting again I'm probably going to be in the city for quite some time." Gesturing to the wolf on her horse's backside, she continued. "This wolf should get me a good few days in a tavern, maybe I'll treat myself, do some shopping or some such." She shrugged, her mind finally off of the thoughts that plagued her earlier. "The tavern here, funnily enough I think its called the 'Hungry Wolf', you can probably find me there though-" Roesia stopped Angus at the end of a street and looked over to Astalios with a grin, gesturing her head over to the guards. "I'm sure they'd find me in no time if you have any issue."

The young half-elf looked up ahead of her into the city, and at the center of it all the massive and beautifully lit castle.

Even growing up a noble, Roesia had never been within a castle's walls. Manors, noble houses sure, but never a castle. Part of her wished to see the inside of the castle that the prince called home, but would never, *Ever* Ask to be invited in. There'd be dresses and proper greetings- *No thanks.*
Kelly
*She doesn't like attention much, he noted. Perhaps the crowds are a bit intimidating to her, and perhaps she's right to disdain attention. Next time he saw her, it would be disguised in some manner - a cloak, perhaps, and less armor. The crown, however, would stay on - and the signet that he carried, as well. There was no sacrificing his own identity. Instead, the accommodation to draw less attention to himself would have to do. Under it all, he was still the same Astalios...*

"I would very much appreciate the company on my next hunting trip, Miss Vuldrey, and I can say honestly that I will try to get away and find you when I do go. It is my hope that I may do it early enough to find you still in town. I must be off, unfortunately - the family will want to know how the trip went. I shall of course be complimentary about your skill, and begin the investigation into the town of Heartford before telling them of these." *He gestured to the rest of the wolves that had unfortunately tried to eat them, and had found that they were no easy prey. She was looking up to the castle. Perhaps, he thought, she might be invited to enter one day, but with the amount of attention she's garnered already, she may not like to.*

"Farewell, and may the gods grant that we meet again soon." *He inclined his head to her, and turned Tempest to clip-clop up the streets leading to the castle, a new memory of good times firmly cemented within his mind.*