Carol
Xavier de Delekou
The fields outside Delekou

Xavier had risen with the sun, unable to sleep after receiving the royal proclamation from the Queen. His heart was heavy thinking about the men and women - many of them friends - he would be sending to be "Purified." The man scoffed quietly as he threw on a tan peasant tunic and a pair of dark brown pants over his body. *It is a massacre. A religious massacre.* 

Rustling sheets drew his attention back towards the bed and his lips, which had been pressed together in a firm line, loosened to a smile as he watched Candela sleep. Morning rays danced on her face through the window, casting golden highlights through her brown curls and he couldn't help his hand as it gently carressed her face. She was beautiful to him still, even after the difficulties they had endured. 

Candela turned in bed and gently swatted his hand away, causing him to chuckle quietly and place a kiss on her temple before exiting their chambers to let her sleep. He needed space to think and the best place for that were the fields at dawn.
Loretta
Kedra
Delekou

Kedra stretched. She had fallen asleep on a thick pallet made from soft blankets. She slowly sat up, running her fingers through her dark hair as she slowly woke up. The sun's rays had not yet tipped over the edges of the buildings, so she stood up and walked over and dipped her fingers into the small bowl that sat on the table, getting a few of the nuts out and eating. She would have to go hunting today. 

She quietly exited the dark house, creeping along until she was well away from it. She needed to get far enough away that there was no risk of anyone seeing her shift. Yet, as she walked out into the fields, she noticed a man walking out alone. Had Etri been here he would have toyed with the idea of killing him. She would never, though. She cursed aloud as she kept walking, frowning once she realized he was on a path that would intersect hers. However, it would be strange if she turned course now.
Carol
Xavier de Delekou
Fields outside Delekou

Xavier sauntered through the empty fields feeling grateful for the harvest of the past year. It had been less than usual, but the plague had killed many of their workers and irrigation problems had led to the death of a number of crops. *A problem for another time.* 

In the distance, Xavier noticed a figure walking through the fields. He couldn't make out much with the morning fog, but the shape was undeniable. His head turned behind him to acknowledge the two guards and swiftly gave a signal to be prepared should something occur. As they grew closer, Xavier made out the figure of a woman and felt himself relax slightly. 

"It is unusual to meet someone on my morning walks." He greeted with a gentle smile. "What have you come out here to escape from?" He asked teasingly.
Loretta
Kedra
Delekou
 
Kedra turned as he spoke. Her soft blue eyes searched his face, but she did not know this man. Was he just being kind?

"We all are escaping from something, no? I'm just escaping boredom, I guess." She said, smiling softly. 

"What might you be escaping from?" She asked, noticing the guards behind him.
Carol
Xavier de Delekou
Fields outside of Delekou

Xavier nodded at her response, thoughtfully. "Indeed. If not something physical perhaps from a busy mind." He noticed her glance towards his guards, but decided to ignore it. He knew his guard made some uncomfortable, but it was an unfortunate reality. 

"Responsibility."