Val gave a smile to Annie, taking the bread she handed him. He took a bite, savoring the sweetness of the cinnamon.<i>Just like Annie to know I haven't eaten breakfast yet.</i><br/>"You're welcome, Annie. Hey, have you seen those guys? What's their deal? People from that fancy school?" Val cocked his head to the side, chewing slowly as he wondered.<i>White Castle's a really fancy school, only the nobles get to go pretty much. Why would two people from there come to Ashburn? </i><br/>"I'm going to go ask why they're here," Val decided after a moment. He rolled his shoulders, quickening his pace and leaving Annie behind. If she wanted to find out too, she'd ride her horse and catch up.  He slipped past the two men, jutting out his chin as he looked up at them.<i>Look them in the eyes, and make sure you stand firm. People won't take you seriously unless you show them that they can. </i><br/>He knew he was short, probably shorter than most guys his age, but he didn't want to look like a little kid to the two strangers.<br/>"Can I help you two gentlemen? Those maps are kinda old you know,"  Val gestured to the map in the guy's hands. "I'm Valentine."