Jamie
**Demetrius Verton
High Bloom Castle, Erilla**

Reyum normally took a seat with the Queen's table, and so he never moved to take a step towards him unless approached. They were friends, at least in his eyes, but it didn't mean they weren't in wildly different positions. His head dipped a bit as Reyum greeted him, and gave a small nod. "It's good to know I was missed in court, I would have thought with the new yield my face would have been forgotten." He smirked, but it was only short lived. "I didn't mean to make an impression, point me in their direction and I'll be sure those Petals are guided in the direction of proper suitors for their titles." 

He wasn't one to tempt the women in court; he considered himself mildly handsome, certainly graced to have not seen a battle ferocious enough to have scarred his features yet. But he didn't make an effort to impress anyone within De Barbaric's home. The Petals were kind, but it was most likely to gain favor with the royal family. Treating an officer well was a good merit in most of their books, and one experiencing the loss of a father was just another badge to add to their repertoire. None of those things mattered, as Demetrius had been raised to believe in the value of marriage. No court flirtations would earn any fruit from the man, not unless the woman in question was looking to have a target for a husband.

"I appreciate it, Reyum. But we mustn't let that color our night, I'm sure her majesty didn't send an invitation for me to bring a dark cloud with me for the evening." He mused, and looked to Reyum. "Speaking of, where is our Patroness?"
Douglas
Reyum Welles
Queen Juliana
High Bloom Palace, Erilla

He knew that Demetrius wasn't a ridiculous flirt, but he felt the desire to pass on the information about the girls, "I'll be glad to point you in their direction throughout the evening." It didn't seem like Demetrius was the sort to leave impressions on women he had no plans to court, but when it came to court nothing surprised him. When he offered to point the girls in directions of husbands Reyum chuckled, "You'll be certain to leave an impression if you go that route."

The tone shifted a bit when Reyum brought up his Father but it didn't linger for too long. Reyum shook his head once when Demetrius said he wasn't invited to be a dark cloud, "You're right, I am absolutely certain she did not." That would be the last that he would bring the subject up. Having lost his mother years ago, he understood how the constant acknowledgements of her kindness and beauty were both a blessing and a curse. 

Reyum looked around the room for a moment. The Queen and Princess were no longer in it. He turned back to Demetrius, "I believe it is the Princess' bed time. She was not scheduled to join us for dinner. I'm certain Her Majesty will be back in a moment after getting her settled."
___
Queen Juliana smacked the hands of he maid trying to fix her hair. She looked in the mirror herself, adjusting her crown. She paused looking at her reflection for a moment. The makeup made her seem a bit younger. Her lips were stained with a deep berry, and she smiled at her reflection before she sighed content with her appearance.

She turned, walking towards the door that would open before she had to break her stride because her guards knew her footsteps. 

The doors opened to a wonderful party. Everyone she wanted to be in attendance was there, and she was quite the charming hostess. She would greet everyone in the room by name, and personally thank them for joining her and her newest members of her court. She always began by walking up to the woman with the ugliest frock.
Michael
Jesper Kyr
High Bloom Castle, Erilla

Jesper looked around the room with boredom barely hidden behind his eyes. He had forgone his usual uniform for more formal clothing, the emblem of the Kyr Household sewn in on it. Despite leaving his uniform behind, he still had his sword strapped to his waist.

His eyes had constantly been scanning the crowd, catching sight of people he knew. Reyum stood out, talking to who Jepser believed was the son of the deceased Verton. Other then that, there weren't many that caught his eye.

Until the Queen walked in.

He had been prepared for when she entered, and began to make his way to her side. His position demanded he do so, and he didn't mind doing so.

"Your Majesty." He said softly, bowing his head as he fell a half step behind her.
Jamie
Demetrius Verton
High Bloom Castle, Erilla

Demetrius raised a brow at the comment, and he pressed his lips together tightly. "Hm, maybe you're right." He mused, and gave a small laugh. "Point me in the direction of one you think wouldn't mind ending up a widow." He paused, then pushed a hand through his hair. 

"That was dark, my apologies. Maybe I could use a drink and a good night at court to lift my spirits." 

And juat as he mentally resolved himself to enjoy his evening, the Head Knight took his place beside the Queen. Out of habit, he straightened at the sight of Kyr, and adjusted his collar. 

"A few drinks, actually."
Douglas
Reyum Welles
Queen Juliana
High Bloom Palace, Erilla

Queen Juliana knew Jesper's face well, so when he appeared beside her she greeted him with a warm smile, "Sir Jesper." She was the Queen, the Queen didn't bow to anyone, acknowledging when someone was speaking to her was good enough. Jesper was her Head Knight, the tall blonde man was either a fixture in nearly every room she was in or she was speaking with him regarding various happenings in Araedia. She floated over to the next guest, him shadowing her. 

After a few moments of chit chat she gave herself a break. She stood by the window, wine in her hand as she looked over at Jesper. "Tell me of your delightful little creature... Still squawking away from my blooms, I presume?" 
___
Reyum said flatly, "In the grand scheme of things, I don't think any of them would mind being a widow. It would mean they had a husband at some point." Reyum scoffed, "Darkness does not offend me. I quite like it." 

Reyum noticed Demetrius' eyes travel over to the Queen and his commanding officer. He looked back to the man, he seemed nervous. "Relax, they're on their company behavior. Have as many drinks as you like... This way." He gestured with his head over towards a servant carrying a silver tray of wine.
Michael
Jeper Kyr
High Bloom Castle, Erilla

Jesper let his mind wander as he followed the Queen, barely paying any mind to what others were saying to her. As she spoke to the guests, he sent glares to the guards of the event, a silent warning to be one their best behaviors, and not let anything happen.

The glare he sent Jamesly though had no effect, the man returning it with a friendly smile, and a small wave. Jesper would have to reprimand him for that later.

He followed the Queen to the window, hands crossed loosely behind his back and a small laugh leaving him as she asked about Pontus.

"Last I saw her, yes." Jesper let a small smile set on his face, talk of Pontus always improved the mans mood. "She wished to attend, but I made sure she was back in her stable. I don't think it'd do for a griffin to be running loose with so many around."
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

He looked around, carrying his lute and only two swords. The cloth around his face was pulled back due to the heat and humidity of the forest. Insects and animals were around him as he kept walking along a natural path paved by fauna. He scratched at his face, already feeling a bump of an itchy insect bite under his sandpaper beard. 

It was irritating for him, gulping from his waterskin, the cold liquid quelling his dry throat.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

Annlise hid innocently behind a tree, hearing someone walk and grunt. Silently, she poked her head out from behind the tree to get a better look of him. Fear gripped her, but maybe they were lost too. Or sad. "Excuse me?" Annalise slowly revealed herself as she stepped out from behind the tree. She wore a mighty fine dress and her hair was in a stylish braid. Annalise no longer had her suitcases or any supplies to get her through the night. Annalise prepared herself for the person to say no to her, that they had places to be. But she couldn't focus on the bad. Not how odd they looked, or how they somewhat frightened her. "Sir? The men accompanying me seem to have left. Have you seen my daddy?" She looked up at him with tear filled eyes and wrapped her arms around the last of her supplies. An expensive doll. It was like she was asking for someone to rob her.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

He knelt down before the girl, holding his hand out. "Can you tell me what your daddy looks like? I can help find him." He gave a soft smile, making sure that he wasn't intimidating at all... Which was difficult for a 5'9 man, covered in rags with small bloodstains and carrying two swords.

"I won't hurt you, I promise. Let's find your papa and get you home safe." This little girl reminded him of his sister, the weight of the teddy bear at his side felt heavy at the thought. Shaking it away, he looked around to see if it was safe.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

"He's big and has a beard. Mama said she didn't want me staying with them. She has red hair and pretty green eyes." Annalise looked nothing like her parents, and she didn't know their true names. Describing them without generalizing them would be hard. "Daddy has a limp and likes drinking. And mama stays home and complains a lot." The little girl giggles and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "They wanted me to stay with Uncle Joe. But I've never met him. And the guards and Jeremy left me alone all night and never came back with firewood. They didn't do their job." Annalise sniffled and clutched the doll tighter, realizing how awful her situation actually was. Her naivety couldn't save her from the fact that finding her parents would be a difficult task at hand.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

He frowned, this wasn't good at all... *She doesn't even realize that they've actually abandoned her... Ransom or something. Who would do this? The father?* "Do you know what your mother's house look like? And do you know which town it is?" After making sure no wild life would be out to hunt the two, he started to walk alongside Annalise to whichever direction her town was. His hand rested on one shabby sword for just in case..
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

"No. But my mama said the kingdom was falling because of the brothers." Annalise didn't know the story, but she knew that hatred and ignorance started wars as such. She proceeded to tell him about the mean men that lived in her village, how they would steal and lie. How some had beaten her father. "They say I need to be safe." She whispered sadly, but she wouldn't be safe without being with them. Especially because of her innocent nature. "I wanted a pet and a mean man pushed me away from his chickens. Daddy fought him and mama decided it was time for me to go." Annalise looked up at the man she walked with. "Do you think Jeremy is safe with the men that took him?" Though Jeremy left her to be with his family again, Annalise still worried he was in danger. "I'm hungry." Annalise murmured and buried her face into the doll.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

"Then your village isn't safe anymore... Here— It isn't much, but it's still food." He reached in his bag, pulling out an apple and some dried meat. "I'm pretty sure you're used to fresh homecooked meals..." He signaled for them to sit down while she ate. "Can you tell me who Jeremy is? He sounds like a friend of yours." He gave a small smile, surprised that the child didn't scream or run away.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

"He was my neighbor and we grew up together. But he never was fond of me. Said I was too nice." Annalise giggled and bit into the meat slowly. She chewed slowly to savor the first bit of food she had in almost twenty four hours. "His friends would tease him for walking everywhere with me, like to the stores. But he said that his mom would make him. After he was robbed, his parents had the idea to send him away. My family followed in pursuit." Annalise frowned and looked down at her lap before swallowing. She felt safe with the man that was helping her. "I hear that guards aren't safe with girls from the women in my village. Is that true? Aren't guards supposed to help us?"
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

"They are, but most guards are... Vile and wrong. They see the world differently than us. The villagers see the world as danger, and the guards see people as simply playthings. But what do I know? I'm a simple farm boy that was training to become a guard to protect my town. Some are different than others. Just as the trees age and grow at different paces, with different colors and leaves on them, All of us age differently, behave and act as separate and unique people. But sometimes... That doesn't end well."
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

"Why is the world so scary without mama and daddy?" She muttered and looked down, continuing to walk with him. She had finished most of the meat and placed it into her pocket, so she could munch on her apple. The best fruit known to man. "Daddy said a guard killed my real mom. And that's how him and mama found me." She didn't tell him about her mother's rage or her father's drunken state. Perhaps, that would be setting the wrong image of her family. Annalise sighed and looked up at the older man. "You were training to be a guard? Why did you stop? I think you would've been a great one." She took another large bite out of her apple and began to skip through the forest as he walked beside her. "I don't know where home is." Annalise randomly blurted. She truly only knew the generalized direction.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

"The world is scary because you're afraid of what you cannot control." He looked around, they were still on a path, and it began to look more like a gravel road, which was wonderful news. "I'm sorry to hear about your mother.. And why I stopped?" He began to sift through some memories as he kept walking. "I stopped after my family cottage burned down.. Alongside my family. The guardsmen that were training me, thought I burned it down... Preposterous! I loved my family to bits..." He tightened his grip on his sword and gently took hold of the teddy bear hanging from his waist, thinking once more of his own parents...
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

News had travelled of the young girl's disappearance after Jeremy was returned safely to his parents. They had paid a wealthy amount of money to have him back, money that Annalise's father had spent on her as she grew. It didn't come as a surprise to anyone in the village that her parents were blamed for the kidnapping of Jeremy and the disappearance of Annalise. Especially when the news of Annalise's mother becoming pregnant spread. It was now a matter of time. What were the villagers and guards going to do about the two? Only time would tell. Yet, as this happened Annalise had found peace with her companion who told her stories of how he quit. "That is dreadful. I don't know what I would do without my mama and daddy. They saved me." She smiled and tossed the apple core into the woods before sticking her hand into they stranger's. She held his hand as they walked down the gravel. "Do you think we'll be arriving soon?"
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

"Looks like it, I see smoke lines and I smell food. I can hear some chatter. I think we're here soon." And he was correct, the gates of the village was in sight as they walked on. In a few minutes, they were past the gates and into the town. He was wary of everyone, and pulled his cloth mask down. "Is this the right town?"
Douglas
Annalise Elaine.


A group of people stood at the center of town as they walked in and Annalise moved closer to the man. It was the same, but different. Men fought on the streets. Mothers cried in their homes. Children stole food. "I want Daddy." Annalise said growing nervous as she squeezed his hand. The two walked through the village and heard Annalise heard it. The shouts of horrendous things. Slowly, she dropped the hand that was holding his to her side and she walked to the crowd innocently. Bodies crammed together and the sounds of horrified screams could be heard in the middle. Some people screamed about Annalise and the guards, the men accompanying Annalise, laughed as they sat on their horses. "Mama? Daddy?" Annalise called, two short to see the two bodies hanging from ropes. Out of nowhere a stranger lifted her and carried her out of the crowd, knowing the sight was enough to break the child. 


Shouts and smoke filled the air as Annalise began sobbing, wanting her parents. She looked frantically at the stranger. "Where's daddy?"
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

He picked her up, hiding her eyes from the sight. "Mama and papa... Aren't here." He stared at the sight, before pressing the child closer to him. He muttered a question on the reason why these two were hanged, but asked first to keep it low as he was holding the child in his arms. He tried to comfort Annalise best he can, using the methods he used on his little sister before she passed.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

The woman that had carried the child away sighed and the smell of burning flesh filled the air. "They supposedly had the boy next door kidnapped and held for ransom. And the guards claim to have found her body in the woods with no successful return." She looked at the child and rubbed her head. Annalise gripped the stranger. Smelling her parents death. "Her things are at her cottage. I'll show you there before the guards arrive to take everything. Perhaps, save the child's clothes." With that, she led them to a lone cottage that looked run down. "Where's mama and daddy?" Annalise asked and wrapped her arms around the man who had been shielding her from the sight of her parents' deaths. "Her name is Annalise." The woman smiled and took Annalise before setting her things. "Pack lightly child." With that, the woman slipped out of the cottage and back to the execution ceremony. Annalise stood in the cottage, noticing the piled dishes and dirty laundry. "They're not coming back, are they?" She looked back at the man with tears in her eyes.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

Dismayed and quiet, he only nodded and helped pack her things. He slipped some food from the pantry into his bag, he folded some clothes and put it into another. He found a small pouch of coins, enough for the travel to the next three towns. "...Where do you want to go now? You have no caregivers." *And I don't think the town wants you here, either.*
Douglas
Annalise Elaine.
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

Tears flowed down Annalise's cheeks as she walked into her parents' room. Silently, she picked up her mother's only necklace and her father's journal. Innocently, she walked back and put them into her bag before going to her small closet that was made into a bedroom. Blankets lay in the floor that she had once slept. Annalise picked out the nicest dresses her father gave her and one more doll before stuffing it into the bag. She got another bag and walked to the stove. Her mother had been cooking before she died. Annalise stared at the pot. "Mama and Daddy are dead." She muttered and wiped her tears, her innocent light diminishing. No one would want an orphan and no one would care for her as they had. "The guards in the village took me, not them." Annalise sobbed and turned to the man. She wrapped her arms around his waist not wanting to leave her childhood home.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

He stared down at the child, before crouching down and giving her a proper hug. He picked up the bags, giving her one to carry. The rest were light enough and was stuffed into side pockets. He left some things behind, such as a sword and a gold coin on one of the pillows of the parent's bed. He would buy a horse for them to ride on. He picked Annalise up once more. "Where do you want to go? I'm going to be at your side, you need someone to protect you." *No! You have no idea on how to protect and raise a child, what are you doing?!* His mind protested, but it wasn't visible on his face.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine.
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

"I want to go where no one ever leaves." She muttered and stared at him with a newfound sadness lurking in the depths of her eyes. And she rested herself against the man that had saved her and rubbed her eyes. She smiled as he spoke about staying by her side, for she needed a new friend at the moment. The man held the girl in a protective, older brother, sort of way. But knowing what happened to his family, she knew that he'd only want to protect her. "Can we go somewhere cold? So I can where my big dresses and warm coat?" She smiled, remembering her father buying her warm clothing for travel. Travel that they had never been able to participate in.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

"Of course." Still holding her, he shambled outside and towards the stables. He pointed at a white stallion, in his prime and ready to use. He paid up and hoisted the saddle on. He set Annalise down before swinging onto the saddle. He held out his hands for her to grab, before hoisting her up in the front, making sure she sat snuggly on the leather. "Anything else to do, before we head off?"

He checked the map he had. They'll have to go to Terresol's Capital, then through Northwind at Iron Gate, far enough for winters, but south enough that they'll survive through the winter.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine.
Southmost Forest of Araedia.

"I'm afraid not." Annalise muttered. Memories or her father taking her to various stores and buying her as many fine things as he could afford ran through her mind. The first time her mother showed her affection played through her head like a movie. Memories of the neighborhood kids running up and down the streets caused a soft smile to make way onto her face. She leaned against her friend and imagined her parents burning flesh and the sounds of people screaming at them. Sighing, she closed her eyes and fell asleep against her newfound friend. The past days had taken every ounce of energy that she had once had. Nothing was controllable and her life was in the hands of someone that she had barely known. But she still felt safe. And that's what mattered to her.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

He snapped the reins of the horse, and it began on a steady prance along the path, when he looked back, the execution was nearly over... He turns back onto the path. Next stop: *Therinsford, Araedia*, A small village next to a river, good place to stop by and refill his waterskin— He would have to buy Annalise one, and start to teach her to conserve everything and be efficient. He would raise this child until she can stand on her own.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

She awoke soon after the were from her last village. Her parents were now dead and she was an official orphan once again. As she woke, her body trembled from nightmares and she moved away from the stranger. Recognition passed in her eyes as she offered him a fake smile. "Where are we?" She muttered and looked around the wooded area. They were going down a path and the air was more humid than before. Sweat beads formed on her forehead as she leaned against the horse. This was her first time travelling. In all of her wildest dreams, she had never expected it to suck the way it did. "Thank you for saving me, sir. The orphanage should be coming up soon if I'm correct." She believed he'd leave her with the orphans. He'd done more than enough for the child and she couldn't expect anything more of him.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

He rested a firm hand on her shoulder. "I am not leaving you there, we're going up north like you asked. We'll buy a nice little cottage and we'll make the best of what we have." The horse was at a brisk pace. He attempted to fish a doll from her pack to give it to her since he noticed her unease, but to no avail. He concluded to handing the teddy bear around his waist. "I think you'll like Mr. Fluffles, My little sister Ania raised him to have good manners." He was only playing around, but she was a child, and he wanted to make sure her innocence was still there.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 
Her tears quit flowing immediately and she gently took him into her arms. "Hello, do you really have manners?" She whispered to the bear and smiled. "He says that you're a good owner." Annalise giggled and began chatting with the bear. "I like your name, Mr.Fluffles. Mine is Annalise, but daddy calls me Anna." She grinned and brought the teddy bear to her chest. Her light wouldn't be back for a while, due to being robbed of it. But she could always make the best of a situation. "Your daddy saved me." She was casually talking to a bear, as if the bear could talk and they had known each other for a lifetime.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

When dusk was arriving, he tied the horse to a nearby tree at a clearing, He gathered dry twigs and sticks for fire wood. He began scraping rocks together, sparks flying onto the wood and bursting into flames. Building a small scaffold, he took a pan from the packs hanging from the horse, before pouring a knob of preserved butter into it, and setting it over the fire. "Do you want some roasted apples and beef?" The only reason they could have beef in the first place, is because he hunted before finding Anna, and also finding some meat in Annalise's old home.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

Annalise took a raw apple and looked back at the horse. "Can I have roasted beef?" She mumbled and sat her jacket down on the forest floor. She gently put the teddy bear on it and grabbed the apple before walking to the horse. "Can Snowflake have an apple? He looks hungry?" Annalise looked back at the man and hugged the horse innocently. She was quite short compared, but the horse remained still. It was almost like it had trusted the child with handling it in such a way. "Daddy never let me feed the horse but they're always so hungry and always run. They need dinner too, right?" She innocently looked back, not wanting to give the horse the man's fruit without permission.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

He nodded, handing her an apple. "Hold your hand out flat like this, so he won't accidentally bite your fingers." He smiled, keeping an eye on her as she stabbed some cubes of meat and apples with a stick, keeping them separated. He let those roast over the fire, "Oh my— I haven't even told you my name! Let's see.. Krujen Kf'ulir Marcusson. Son of Marcus and Maria, middle child of the family."
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Southmost Forest of Araedia. 

Her giggles could be heard as the horse ate the apple from her hand and she began bouncing slightly. "Look! Snowflake is eating!" She had taken the time to give the horse a new name showed how much she cared for the animal. The horse made a loud noise causing Annalise to giggle and kiss it's nose lovingly before walking to her newfound friend. She sat beside him and watched as he cooked the food. "Hi, Krujen. My name is Annalise, but you can call me Anna. Daddy said some people don't like my whole name." She was on her jacket with the teddy bear. The bear lay flat on it's back beside Anna and she obviously cared for it, for it wasn't touching the forest floor. As he finished cooking, a smile slipped onto her face. "It smells good... Do I get to stay with you?" She blurted out and looked at her hands.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Southmost Forest of Araedia

"Why yes, you get to stay." He smiled, taking the food off of the heat, the apples were soft and the sweetness heightened. He plopped everything into the pan, He got some forks out. "Here, just be careful, it's quite hot." He picked a cube up, blowing on it and bit into it carefully, before munching down fully.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Everstrong Forest. 

Annalise took a cube and waited for Krujen to take a bite. She copied what he did before he ate it, by blowing on it. Innocently, she stuck her tongue out and liked the cube to make sure it wasn't too hot. After blowing it once more, Annalise ate the cube slowly and savored the taste once more. He was a great cook. And a kind person. Someone Annalise looked forward to knowing. Silently, Annalise layed down on her jacket and pulled the bear to her chest. "He does have really good manners. I've never met such a polite bear." Innocently, Annalise would continue to make faces at it and talk to it as her friend finished dinner. She had seemed to lose her appetite in a matter of seconds. Thinking about the smoke of the fire reminded her of the smoke from her parents. But she couldn't allow her friend to know. Perhaps, she would seem ungrateful.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Everstrong Forest

He went over to bags, fishing out a sleeping bag. There was only one... He set it down. "You can sleep in that, I'll be fine like this." He fished out some wooly coats and layered them on top of one another, making a makeshift bed. He looked up at the stars, before dousing the fire with dirt. He settled into his somewhat reasonable sleeping bag, and lifted his eyes to the heavens.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Everstrong Forest. 

After a night time full of comfortable sleep, Annalise rolled onto her back and stared at the dawn sky. Krujen seemed to be asleep, so she hopped up and grabbed some clothes. Ignorant to any potential threats, she sauntered into the woods and found a good place to change. Swiftly, she changed and looked about her when she was completed. Now which way had Krujen been in. It was almost as if he'd left. Like the others. "I'm sorry I walked away. Don't leave! I'll find you!" She screamed frantically and began moving through the woods. Thorns scraped her arms and branches tangled her hair. Heaving, she found Krujen and stumbled to the campsite looking at the horse. Tears entered her vision as she crawled into the sleeping bag and held the bear. That would be the last time she'd leave to change. Krujen could've gone with her. But she went alone. Guilt flooded her gut as she gripped the teddy bear.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Everstrong Forest

He was awoken by her screams, he turned to her and crouched down at her side, wiping leaves and pulling twigs from her hair. "You scared me to death... Please, don't do that again, tell me if you want to do something, and I'll help you." He took a look at her arms, before going to his bag, he fetched some herbal poultice and bandages. He smeared thinly over her scratches that were bleeding, and wrapped the wounds that were necessary. "There.." He rested his hand on her hair and gave a smile. "The next town shouldn't be far, just another day of riding the horse and then we'll be there by dusk."
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Everstrong Forest. 

Still shaken by occurrence, Annalise hugged him and put her things into a bag. She held onto the teddy bear and watched as Krujen aided her fresh cuts. Somehow Annalise knew how to get into trouble. Wanted or not. Quietly, she rubbed her eyes and allowed stray tears to run down her face. It was surprising that someone had cared for her as kindly as her parents once had. "I like your food." She innocently mumbled and stood up. "I wanted to change and I was scared to wake you up." She mumbled sleepily and leaned against him, closing her eyes. Travelling was obviously not something Annalise liked to do. Her thighs were sore from horseback riding the day before. "We need to give snowflake breakfast." Annalise picked up and extra apple cube and walked to the horse. She placed it by the horse's mouth and giggled as it ate. Annalise hadn't eaten in a while now, due to not eating much dinner. But she still wasn't hungry because of the excitement. "Let's go. It'll be fun today, right?" She giggled and placed her hand in Krujen's.

Queen Juliana
High Bloom Palace, Erilla

Queen Juliana raised her eyebrows, tilting her chin a little further down with an amused expression seeing her head knight smile just talking about that beast. She didn't care much for any animal besides her house and by association her granddaughter. She was happy to have the beast protecting her since no one else had one, and it seemed to be a massive threat, but she would never build a bond with it. In her mind Pontus was equivalent to a very large sword. 

The Queen let a breathy half giggle escape when Jesper said the beast wanted to be in attendance at the introductory dinner, "Most of the people in this room are as much of a beast as your pet, so she might have been right at home. People are just better to look at..." She glanced over her shoulder at her guests enjoying themselves, dancing, laughing. She looked back at Jesper, "Well... *Some* People." 

She couldn't help but roll her eyes at the thought of what she'd have to ask him next, "I trust you've made sure my esteemed guests traveling home tonight will not have to look into the sunken eyes of any rats lining their passage home?" She smiled sweetly, "It's imperative that when people leave High Bloom they remember the beauty of the Palace, and not fear for their lives that they will be eaten by a mob of shitbloods on the way out.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Everstrong Forest

"Of course, we'll take a little break in an hour or so, a river should be nearing us.. After we get to the next town, we can rent a little place to sleep in, then we can go to Erilla and settle down and prep for Terresol. Do you wanna go north enough that it snows?" He cocked his head, before eating breakfast. It was apples, and the remainder of last night's meal. "Sorry that we don't have much variety of food, some of the dried lamb is saved for when we're on horseback and the carrots would need cleaning."
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Everstrong Forest.

"I never got to see snow, so yes." She smiled and watched him as he ate. "Daddy says snow is a miracle and it snows every time a baby is born. But I've never seen it snow where I lived and babies were born a lot." Annalise shrugged and hugged the bear before taking a doll out for playing during horseback riding. Hearing that they would be arriving somewhere brought her joy. Would it be beautiful? Safe? Unlike where she came from? Annalise giggled and looked at the bear. "Mr.Fluffles, meet Queenie. She is queen of all things dolls. People make her so she looks like the lovely queens throughout the world." Annalise giggled. "Queenie. This is Mr.Fluffles. He is very polite and loves hugs. And that's Krujen. He's our new family." She continued happily playing with the animals. "It's fine. We still have snacks. And carrots are nastyyy." Annalise giggled.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Everstrong Forest

He snickered, before riding on, after a few minutes, the trees dissipated and now it was just the vast plains of Araedia. "The snow is wonderful... Whiter than flour and more beautiful than a white Canary. It's cold and you could build snowmen.." He trailed off, before chuckling at her remark of carrots being nasty. "Have to agree on carrots, I like them boiled and covered in sugar."
Michael
Jeper Kyr
High Bloom Palace, Erilla

Jesper nodded softly, the small smile still on his face. "There are many here who would agree with that, even if they may be those few."

"I have guards spread around the castle, and I will have small groups escorting them home, so as to ward off any that may try their luck." Jesper said softly, taking a look around to make sure that none would hear their talk of shitbloods. "Although, if there are any you'd like to meet a shitblood, I can make something happen." He joked, smile giving way to a small smirk.
Douglas
Queen Juliana
High Bloom Palace, Erilla

The Queen openly smiled when he joked about having some of her guests meet a shitblood. Clearly, she didn't get the joke and took it as a serious suggestion. "Hmm..." She looked around the room, and shockingly no one was irritating her enough at the moment to warrant that sort of fate. She turned back to Jesper then slightly shrugged her shoulder, "None at the moment, but I like the way you think." She winked at him then waved over a tray so that she could place her empty glass on it. 

She sighed then looked around the room, and she still had a lot of people to get through before dinner was served. "Well, back to work for us both.." She turned to walk, but paused. She turned back to him then lowered her voice, "There's bound to be at least one here that will annoy me. There is hope for you to have a little fun making an introduction of your own." She laughed then turned back around to continue greeting the guests.
Michael
Jeper Kyr
High Bloom Palace, Erilla

A small sigh escaped Jesper as the Queen mentioned it was time for them to get back to greeting the guests, something that Jesper found slightly tedious, but was required of them.

"If there is any that you'd like for me to get 'acquainted' with, I will be more then happy to do so." He replied, rolling his shoulders as he stood straight. A small smile settled on his face, falling a half step behind her again.
Douglas
Queen Juliana
High Bloom Palace, Erilla

"Hm," She looked around the room, her eyes landed on Reyum and the soldier he was talking to. She didn't know his name, but if Reyum was talking to him he was probably of some use to her. "The man speaking with Provincial Reyum perhaps. I do not recognize his face, and Provincial Reyum does not often waste his time. He may be of some use to you," She said a before she looked at the last few guests. "After these four, I'll be sitting at my table. You are now officially freed of duty and can enjoy yourself, Sir Jesper." 

She again waved over a tray and took a glass off it. Instead of drinking it herself she handed it to Jesper, "Consider it an order." She turned away from him to go speak to the last remaining guests. With the amount of protection in the room, she didn't fear being too far away from her head knight.
Michael
Jesper Kyr
High Bloom Palace, Erilla

Jesper looked at the wine in his hand, before he glanced up as the Queen walked away, her dress trailing behind her. He took a deep breath in, before he sighed softly. "Yes, Ma'am." He mumbled softly, turning to face Reyum and the son of Verton, rolling his eyes a bit.

"Reyum." He greeted softly, nodding to him as he approached. "And the son of Verton, I assume?" Was all he asked, turning his gaze.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Everstrong Forest. 

"And you've the seen the snow? I bet it was a beautiful as Snowflake." She smiled softly and the horse begin trotting. The small girl began hopping up and down and a startled look appeared on her face. "I thought I was falling." She stated amused and felt the horse speed up slightly. In the distance, two carriages strolled up the trail. "What are those things? I've never seen one." Annalise was in awe as she watched the two black horses as fast as possible up the trail. How odd. They must be in a rush. Annalise watched with interest pursuing her body. Could a noble be in the carriage? Could a kind family? Annalise grinned at the wonderful thoughts. She'd never thought of what people sat in a carriage, nor what one had looked like. Her father never took her away from their village.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Everstrong Forest

He looked at the carriages, the horses were divine, their pelts and hair groomed, the carriages were not of royalty, but they weren't commoners either. He picked up pace, and if Anna asked why, he simply said, "We don't want to dawdle here, they'll get suspicious and think that we're some muggers." Although they were far from thieves, they looked like poor strangers looking to haggle and steal. 

The trees disappeared entirely, leaving them barren and exposed, especially to the sun. Thankfully, his shadow kept Anna in the shade.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Everstrong Forest. 

Annalise listened and did as she was told. Leaning against Krujen, she stared at the carriage nervously. "They won't kill us, like mama and daddy, right?" Her voice was vulnerable, but as the carriage slowed down beside them she hid her face against Krujen. It happened that they were kind villagers checking on the welfare of both the man and child. They then sped up and went on their way. Annalise gripped stayed against Krujen and held the toys tightly. "Why can people be so cruel, yet some so kind?" She asked questions that some adults would ask themselves. Questions that needed to be asked. Innocently she had the teddy and the doll speak to one another as they made their way to the village, isolated.
Kathryn
Krujen Kf'ulir
Everstrong Forest

"I do not know, but I will protect you." He pulled two strips of jerky from his satchel, he handed Anna a strip. He began to subconsciously gnaw on the meat, they would go to stay at an Inn, one stop before Erilla, before stocking up on meals and food, and then head to Terresol and possibly into Northwind if they can survive the winter. He picks up pace only slightly, making sure Annalise was fast on the horse and won't be falling off any time soon.
Jamie
Demetrius Verton
High Bloom Castle

Reyum insisted they would play nice, and he had no reason not to believe that, but it didn't mean he didn't straighten uncomfortably when they approached. 

"Demetrius," The man added a he bowed deeply, feeling like he was being prompted for his name by the Head Knight. "At your service." He finished, and straightened once more to his regular height.
Douglas
Annalise Elaine. 
Everstrong Forest. 

The journey was becoming difficult for the child to endure as the horse galloped through the woods. Her breaths were similar to pants and she nibbled on the meat, in hopes of restoring energy. Annalise's body had grown limp from exhaustion and she continued leaning on Krujen. Something about the man had comforted her. Perhaps, it was that he was the one that shielded her from a fate that was most likely death, or the slavery of an orphanage. Orphans in the slums were known to clean houses and do unspeakable chores. "Are we almost there?" Her mouth was dry and her voice hoarse. It was coming time for her to have a real meal and to eat, this much she knew. After skipping dinner and breakfast because of shock, it was like her body couldn't push forward. Her muscles felt drained and overall she was dehydrated. Innocently, Annalise kept her hands on her toys.