Private Tales For King and Country

[Faulkin]

The sun was yet high in the sky, and though the chill of winter was looming in the near future, the heat of the day was still enough to bring sweat to one's brow. Especially under a full suit of armour. Such as it was for Faulkin, suited for battle and preparing to make way for Elbion. He'd heard that there had been a great calamity there, but nevertheless that was the only place Drennantor's greatest minds could think to call for aid against... whatever it was they were afraid of...

---

Earlier that day...​

---

With the rising sun came a banging on his door. He groaned, and rolled onto his back and rubbed his eyes.

Bang bang bang...
"Captain, I... you'd better... here.."
​

He could tell despite the muffling from the door that whoever it was certainly had a sense of urgency about them. Faulkin rolled his eyes and swung his legs out from under his sheets and slapped his bare feet against the cold floor. He stood, and grabbing only a sheet to cover him he made his way toward the door, and swung it open abruptly and irritably, revoking the opportunity for another annoying knock. Outside stood Tor, his lieutenant.

"Capt'n, you've been called to council. Immediately."

Faulkin's irritation was replaced with a curious shock. He'd not been called before the council for quite some time, not since he'd last disobeyed their orders.

They were bullshit orders to begin with - they all knew it.

None the less, he'd suffered from a great deal of strife because of his actions. He was surprised that he was still a soldier - retaining the rank of captain at that. Someone must have been looking out for him, or he hadn't quite yet outlived his usefulness. Perhaps today he would find out...

* * *
​

Dressed in his armor with his sword at his side he entered into the chamber. At the far end sat the king, dressed in fine clothes of white and red and a great yet humble crown placed atop his head. Along the sides of the long hall stood many men in similarly fine robes. Some of them were old, others younger, but all of them nobles and advisors to the king. The chamber itself was brightly lit, with large windows along both sides and beyond where the king sat as well, allowing the morning Sun to dominate.

Wordlessly he approached the throne, and when he came to the great circle set into the floor before it he stopped, drew his sword, and knelt.

"My king," Faulkin declared with reverence, "you have summoned me."

"Rise, young Faulkin..." the king said with a solemn tone, "there is much for us to discuss..."

---

Woodsmen traveling through the Falwood came across something they could not describe. Blackwood was all they could say about it, and they admitted that though it made them uneasy, they'd felled the trees. Sometime after they'd returned home, strange creatures came from the forest, attacking and decimating the small outlying village of Accanon. Only a few survivors made it to the capitol, and they themselves seemed not well. Shortly after... they perished. The king was hesitant to act too rashly, and instead ordered an increased patrol of the surrounding land, and for an envoy to be sent to Elbion. Only... word never returned from the envoy, and there had been well enough time for them to make they way and send word.

Something strange was happening, and Faulkin was ordered to investigate...

---

Drennantor

A small kingdom set just north of the eastern Falwood, known for its warriors and labourers. Much of its wealth comes from logging, and it is a provider for many nearby countries and city states such as Alliria, Vel Anir, and many places in between. Drennantor holds dominion over a small portion of land along the northern edge of the forest and a number of small settlements. In each of these settlements' respective inns, bars, and taverns, word had been sent to each and every traveler willing to take up the call:

Head to the Twisted Talon Inn located in Brimsworth at Drennantor's northern border by week's end,
escort a (replacement) envoy to Elbion,
and be paid handsomely. ​

 

[Yvaine]

"Yvaine I do not have time for this today, nor any other day. I am not being unfair, I have given you options and you have chosen to ignore them and so it must be taken out of your hands." The king waved a hand dismissively at the young woman who rushed down the hallway behind him, her skirts lifted over her ankles and bare feet slapping at the stone floor..

"Yes but, if you would just listen, give me just a few minutes to sp--" The king stopped and turned to face her so abruptly that she almost ran into him. Despite his ageing, the older man had a solidness about him, as though a flood could wash around him without uprooting his feet. The way he looked at her made her take a step back, but he'd never lifted a hand to her in her life.

"Now enough. The matter is settled and my word is beyond contestation. Now, the council are gathering and I have far more important matters to attend to this morning."

"Uncle pl-" she interjected, but the man's hand rose with a single finger in the air and she silenced immediately. Something was troubling him far more than she had ever known to trouble him before and his expression was one that she knew well. He'd lose his temper if she tested it.

"Not. Another. Word.." he frowned at her and drew in a deep breath which he let out in a disgruntled huff. "Away with you, I'm sure you have lessons to be getting on with. I'll see you for supper.."

---

By week's end...​

---

"Evie. Please. Please reconsider.."

Soraia had been handmaiden to her for near a decade. Long past were the days she treated Yvaine like anything other than a close friend. She'd lost count of how many scowls it had taken from her to finally stop the woman calling her 'my lady'. Yvaine needed a friend, not another servant.

"I'll be perfectly safe, and as soon as I am settled I will send for you." Yvaine assured her with a drone as though she'd had to repeat the words for the hundredth time. "I won't stay here and have my life dictated to me.." Her words were bitter and cutting, and although she loved her uncle dearly, it was time for her to leave on her own accord before he sent her elsewhere. Oban was where her new life was to be. A marriage to the cousin of the crowned prince. A place where their women were to be seen and not heard..

Whether Soraia agreed with her or not, she had helped Yvaine pack and dress for travel, and she'd sent for a young stable hand named Kip and instructed him to saddle her horse with her bags of clothing, bed roll, weapons and some food for the journey.

"Juni." Yvaine clicked her tongue, and a copper fox hopped down from her bed and trotted to her feet to look up at her. She smiled and bent to lift the creature into her arms, and the little fox's tail wagged as she licked attentively at Yvaine's face and climbed up to settle around her neck like a living scarf.

"You're taking Juniper? She's... distinctive, Evie. Keep her well hidden until you're out of the city at least." Yvaine's eyes rolled and she lifted her black hood up over her head and the fox both. She was a small thing, and she peeked out from the shroud to stare back at Soraia with glassy brown eyes.

"There. Now, stop worrying. I'll see you soon." She was too apprehensive to allow emotion to intervene. A soft kiss to the woman's cheek and a reassuring squeeze to her shoulder was all she could manage, and she wouldn't look back for fear of catching glimpse of the woman's tears and allowing them to stop her. She had to be focused and careful if she wanted to get out of the castle and the city unnoticed.

Yvaine had run the halls of the castle since she was a child, she knew every inch of it, she'd hidden in every nook and shadow playing hide and seek with her uncle's servants. It was only a matter of time before she was guiding Veres, her inky friesian out of his stable. The horse was several hands too big for her, but the two shared such a bond that the beast wouldn't allow anyone else to ride him. She waited until the coast was clear before leading him through the gates.

The young half-elven woman snuck her way through the city as deftly as she could, her gaze downcast under her hood, and so far it had gone without a hitch. When the meeting place was in sight, Yvaine continued further down the road. There was no doubt that Faulkin or other members of the envoy would recognise her, and so she'd find somewhere to wait and she'd follow behind, and hopefully go on unnoticed.

 

[Faulkin]

"I don't like this," Tor mumbled, his voice like gravel, "we hardly know a damn thing and off we go."

Faulkin stood atop a small hill with a hand propped against the sword on his hip, and he looked out over the assembling troop. Tor stood just to his side. Before him were fifty of his infantry, some cavalry archers, and of course the envoy. It consisted of several wagons with a number of diplomats on board and some other nobles he presumed, exactly who he did not know. They would travel at the rear, of course, and he and his infantry would lead... when he was ready to depart. They'd been preparing for the last few hours to leave, but he was going to be sure they were ready. If the first envoy had been destroyed, then there was no doubt they too would see trouble.

Nothing they hadn't seen before.

"We've known less before," Faulkin replied somewhat passively, his eyes tracking along their number, "and had fewer swords."

Tor shook his head, and lifted his poleaxe onto his shoulder, "shouldn't we be going to Accanon and finding out what the hell is going on? Monsters seem like a bit of a..."

Faulkin's head snapped around with a sarcastically shocked expression, "and risk the king's anger? Now now, Tor, you should know better..." he shook his head, "no, we will go to Elbion."

An approaching soldier hollered to them. "Captain," he said over tired breath as he slowed to a stop, "we are ready with your order."

"Very well... where is Alwin?"

"Oh... he'll be along," replied Tor with a smirk.

Faulkin rolled his eyes.

---

Shortly after, Faulkin and Tor made their way to the head of the troop and began moving out. It wouldn't have been too long after Yvaine had passed by that the envoy would be following after.

---

Yvaine​

 

[Yvaine]

A thick copse of trees provided adequate cover as she waited off road for the envoy to get moving. She watched through the thicket, her golden eyes scanning the caravan for a place to slot herself in unnoticed. Yvaine's clothes were well tailored in rich fabrics, her black cloak stitched with gold autumn leaves and her beloved friesian was well groomed with a shining coat and a fine leather saddle. There would be no doubting that she was of noble standing, and so it made sense that she join by the ornate wagons with well presented drivers. But this was also where she was most likely to be recognised.

Yvaine silently cursed herself for not pre-empting this detail and finding something a little grubbier to wear. Soft fur brushed against her cheek and the little fox gazed up at her, apparently sensing her apprehension and sought to mollify her by gekkering softly at her ear. Yvaine smiled and lifted a hand to stroke at the creature's chin and felt her tail wag under her hood.

"Alright, hush now.." the elven woman whispered, and gently kicked her heels at Veres' sides, leading him into a slow walk in the same direction as the envoy whilst slowly edging closer to the road. She waited until the carriages carrying those of wealth were ahead of her, since they were less likely to be looking backwards after all, and she lowered her head, pulled Veres into a gap and held her breath. When none seemed to have noticed the straggler, she released the breath in the form of a relieved sigh, and smiled to herself.

Hours passed, and Yvaine looked up at the darkening sky at the crack of distant thunder. Veres nickered uneasily and she hushed him with a soothing stroke of his mane. She realised she hadn't even considered what she would do when they stopped to make camp, and that time seemed to be fast approaching.

 

[Faulkin]

There was little other than the click clack of horse shoes and the rattling of wagon wheels to listen to for quite some time. Faulkin himself chose to walk on foot like his men, Tor meanwhile had taken a steed. He was older anyway, and could probably use the rest, but Faulkin would never say so. He'd never sought to injure the pride of his own men in such a way, nor would he seek to any time soon. Besides, Tor was not some decrepit old man, and could quite likely give Faulkin a good run.

He smirked at the thought, fleeting as it was. Another thought took precedence as the sound of thunder was heard from the distance. Hours had gone by, and still Alwin had not shown his face. He could only hope he'd not gotten himself into too much trouble...

---

Alwin was never the sort to pay too much heed to the warnings of others. He was still so young after all, with much life to live. Hardly more than a boy, living as a soldier had both good and bad things for him to experience and learn from. Sometimes those things went hand-in-hand. And it would seem his escapades with the blacksmith's daughter would lead to such an experience. He'd met her at the tavern his first night in Brimsworth, and lost himself in her brown eyes. It had taken a little time, but the prestige of being a soldier seemed to fuel him with enough confidence... that was until her father got involved.

Faulkin and the others were long gone when Rodrick, Raven's father, was chasing him out of his house.

He was a total mess with bits of armour hanging here and there, his sword beltband trousers slung over his shoulder, and a sheet wrapped around his legs held in place by a white knuckled grasp at his waist. He flung himself from the home and bolted down the street. Rodrick slammed through the door with a sword in hand and gave chase.

He hollered over his shoulder, "I will always think of you, Raven!"

Rodrick was quick to shout back, "Why you bedswervin' wandought I'll have your head!"

He was a determined man, and a hopeful one apparently, but he was large and cumbersome, and he would not catch up with Alwin despite his disrepair. Meanwhile, Raven looked on from an open window as he disappeared down the street with her father in pursuit...

* * *
​

Riding up to the envoy Alwin was in a little better state. He fixed the remainder of his gear, tidied himself some and managed to arrive safely to his horse. He rode fast for a time, and as thunder began to rumble from beyond he caught sight of his comrades. His pace eased as he brought up the rear, and then he veered alongside to make his way to the point. He cast a glance out to the others, addressing as few as he came near, but quickly moved along.

"Aye, there he is now..." said Tor, who looked over his shoulder to see his approach.

Faulkin turned his head, looked at him for a minute and said, "where is your helmet?"

Alwin's hand fell hard atop his skull, and his eyes went wide for a second before he burst into laughter, "well, I.. uhhh..."

Faulkin snickered, and shook his head, and with a wry smile he said, "now brother, you should know better than to leave your things lying around."

Tor could only chuckle before turning his attention forward again, "maybe we should make camp before too long. That treeline looks pretty inviting."

Faulkin nodded as he too examined the potential site, "agreed." His eyes looked up to the clouds gathering, and it seemed to him they would be coming this way. The cover of the trees would likely be quite useful, "I'll let everyone know," he said, and turned back to start spreading the word amongst the men and eventually, back to the envoy of nobles.

---

Yvaine ​

 

[Yvaine]

Juniper was staring longingly at the forest that passed them by, but her soft whines were mollified by a few ear scratches and a few strips of dried meat, and the vixen curled herself back around Yvaine's neck and huffed by her ear as she settled.

One benefit of Yvaine's elven blood was her impeccable hearing, but she only wished it too would grant her the ability not to stick out like a sore thumb. She could hear the thunder of hooves, a single rider apparently catching up to the envoy, and she dipped her head as the hooves slowed a few lengths back. The voice she recognised as he exchanged greetings with some, and he could feel the man's eyes on her as he passed by, clearly expecting her to take notice and offer greeting. Luckily, he didn't press the matter and continued on to the front.

Golden hues finally peeked out from under her hood, and Yvaine leaned to her right to look further up the line for curiosity's sake. She could hear the rabble start to build amongst the infantry, and she noticed some scouts peeling off. They were stopping. Her teeth latched on to her lower lip and she chewed idly as she watched the Captain spread the word.

Yvaine’s gloved fingers tightened on the reins of her mount as the rider grew closer, and once again she dropped her gaze and hoped to be passed by. She might've been assumed to have fallen asleep whilst riding, there was nothing unusual about her, other than the little black nose that poked out from under her hood and sniffed curiously at the approaching Captain.

 

[Faulkin]

For some, only a nod was needed, for others he spoke more directly, and not a one seemed disheartened by the thought of a rest. Marching along like this did take its toll, no matter how candidedly they did so. The weight of their gear, the heat of the even dwindling day. Faulkin was not so spent, but the thought of something to drink, and drink well, certainly appealed. He'd made good and sure they were stocked. He'd most certainly need it to put up with the antics that young Alwin was no doubt dying to boast of.

That lad was liable to get them all in trouble some day... or worse.


Before long he'd made his way amongst the nobler sort, and out of habit he found himself behaving a little more proper, standing perhaps a little straighter. He'd not been very welcome in the king's castle for some while now, but there was a time he was favoured. He'd spent a great deal of his time in fact under the tutelage of general Gerard, one of the king's late and most valued tacticians, and friends. Following in his footsteps Faulkin had been expected for promotion up until his... disobedience. But he was hardly prepared to go from a proud warrior to bloodthirsty murderer all over a misunderstanding.

Even if only he knew the truth.

Up until those days he could very easily be found about the castle, and he'd been far from blind to a few of the finer details within... which if he was not mistaken, he had happened upon something similar out here of all places. As he approached the detail in question, set reclusively amongst the other nobles, he of course noticed the demeanour that was displayed. From what he could tell, she wasn't supposed to be here. But in truth, with her face hidden under the hood of her cloak she very well could simply be asleep rather than hiding herself, whoever she was.

As he approached, he gave an inquisitive look, "excuse me, my lady, we will be stopping soon. The scouts are no cause for alarm."

By the way he spoke it would seem there was no suspicion, but just then he noticed a peculiar thing which his eyes were clearly drawn to.

A little black nose peeking out at him.

---

Yvaine​

 

[Yvaine]

Golden eyes slowly closed as the Captain's voice spoke out to her so politely. The silence she left hanging between them was so brittle it could snap, and if it didn't, she felt like she might. Yvaine's knuckles paled under her gloves as she tightened her grip on her reins and there wasn't a muscle that wasn't taught with tension.

She wasn't afraid of Faulkin, nor any of his men. What she was afraid of was being sent home to deal with her uncle's wrath and exasperation, and the life he'd been setting out before her that she'd been so vocally reluctant to accept. She'd hoped to get further than this before being noticed. Hell she'd been naive enough to think she might make it the entire way.

On went her inner dialogue, and today it wasn't her friend. It whispered to her words of her stupidity, how it'd been her fault, that she'd only have herself to blame for whatever became of her being here. She was painfully aware of the pregnant silence and the air became more soupy and harder to breathe. A glossy sheen coated her eyes that wasn't there before and her thoughts scattered like there was an electrical storm in her head with too many short-circuits to make any sense. All the while the only thing that came through clearly was the ongoing 'You failed, it's over, give up...'

A soft brush of fur against her cheek caused her brow to furrow when she realised that Juniper's curiosity had been left unchecked and her hand reached to gently push her nose back under the hood. Soraia had of course, been entirely right about her little vixen, but like a child with a comfort blanket Yvaine had simply refused to leave the creature behind.

Her shoulders lifted and fell in a deep sigh as she slowly straightened herself. There was little point in continuing with her masquerade, it only made her look more foolish by the second. Her gloved hand rose to curl around the hem of her hood and she hesitantly pulled it back, and the little fox stood to attention with her two front paws on her shoulder. A shy and sheepish smile was offered to the captain, and there was no controlling the faint blush that bloomed on her cheeks as she curled her chestnut hair around the tip of her ear and let her golden eyes find his with an awkward clearing of her throat.

"Good evening Captain." Her words tumbled out within a soft sigh in resignation. "Rest sounds wonderful." she added quietly.

 

[Faulkin]

He was not deaf to the silence, nor blind to the tension. He himself felt it quite clearly, and it tugged at him with uncertainty. The unseen struggle of the moment nearly lifted him on his toes, and the inquisition in his eye deepened as he tried to sense, fruitlessly, just what exactly was going on here - it made him uneasy. He watched carefully the gloved hand which rose to sneak away the curious little creature, and then pulled away the mystery.

There was a mix of shock and relief on his features as Yvaine revealed herself. Briefly Juniper caught his attention as she shot upright, but his eyes were quick to meet Yvaine's, and an ease washed over his face. Almost a smirk.

"Good evening Captain." Her words tumbled out within a soft sigh in resignation. "Rest sounds wonderful." she added quietly.

"Yvaine," he replied with a bow of his head, "I did not know you would be joining us." There was a hush in his tone, curious and... charmed, "it is an honour."

He himself might appear flushed, as he found himself now to be in an interesting situation. No doubt in the past Yvaine had caught his looks from across the great hall or passing by through corridors. And while he'd never breathed a word, the suspiscion had not gone unmentioned to him, though he denied it. The last thing he needed was another reason for the king to be wroth with him...

---

Yvaine​

 

[Yvaine]

"I.." The elven woman pulled in a breath with the intention of allowing it to tumble out with words of excuse and apology and plea, but as the Captain spoke of honour she held the breath in her throat for a moment and allowed a sense of ease to fall over her. The breath escaped in a long sigh that seemed to cause her lips to curl ever-so-slightly upward at the corners, and she was unable to hide the glimmer of amusement in her gaze before she dropped it with a respectful dip of her chin.

Charm and curiosity were the last thing she'd expected. Not that she expected the captain to outwardly express anger toward her, but she'd expected some form of dread at her presence. "Thank you..Faulkin.." she answered with his name since he'd done her the same courtesy, but she was so used to titles and formalities that it seemed a strain to do so.

Golden eyes glanced up the line and she looked back down at him.. "I don't wish to be any burden. The king sent me to keep watch.." she mused in the same hushed tone, and she was surprised at how easily the lie came to her. She flashed a smile not dissimilar to that which she'd have used whenever she'd caught the man's gaze in the castle halls, and she bit down on her lip to stop herself from grinning with relief.

Juniper was now trying to lean closer to the captain, her black nose twitching as she pulled at his scent and demand some sort of acknowledgement. Yvaine reached to lift her up before she lost balance, and she hugged the vixen close to her chest to stop her squirming in effort to investigate the man for herself. She chuckled awkwardly.. "Juni insisted that she come along for the journey. I'll, try to keep her out of the way.." she let out a breathy laugh.

 

[Faulkin]

However strange it may have seemed to him for the king to send her with them on this excursion, incognito at that, he had no reason to doubt her words. There was little cause for dismay at her presence - Faulkin's men were some of the best, and clearly the king thought likewise. She would be safe, that was certain. As for sending her to Elbion? Who was he to question such things. There were any number of reasons for sending her to a place of such prestige.

He offered Juniper an approving look, "I'm sure your loyal friend will be just as welcome as you are. It is not often we have the privilege of such trust from our king as of late. You will hardly be any burden," he said, casting a look out toward the growing treeline, and then off toward the encroaching clouds, "seems we'll be getting some rain tonight..." his words trailed off a bit, as though there was more to say that did not come, and instead he said, "...if there is anything you need, let us know."

---

Yvaine​

 

[Yvaine]

Yvaine let her gaze linger on the man as he turned to look toward the forest and skies. Within a short minute he had managed to calm her thrumming heart and silenced her cacophony of perturbed thoughts. The man had a gentleness about him, and she was so tired that the sound of his voice was almost ataractic. A convenient lick to her chin from her restless pet reminded her that she was staring and a warm smile broke the pause in her expression and she gave a quick nod.

"Yes. I'll find shelter." she cleared her throat. "And I'll be sure to. Thank you, for your grace and understanding. My uncle is not an easy man.." she let out a huff of amusement. She knew the King would know by now that she was not in the castle, she could conjure the fierce booming of his voice on her mind, but at the moment she pushed that worry from her mind. She was too far away now for his voice to reach. She was going to Elbion, whether he liked it or not.

 

[Faulkin]

---

The rain had come, but it was gentle and sweet. Beneath the trees, it was little more than a comforting ambiance - the falling upon the leaves, the slowly growing damp, the infrequent and distant rumbling of thunder. But here they would do nicely, with their wagons and their tents, and their fires. To some, this weather was sometimes a reminder of quiet nights spent by childhood windowsills. As Faulkin looked out into the surrounding dark, he remembered several nights in the orphanage, sitting there, listening to the rain.

If only that was all he could hear right now...

"For a short while she had me thinkin', nooo she'd never... but then well, let me tell ya!"

Alwin was quite proud of himself. This Raven girl had really put him on his toes it seemed... or something. Faulkin took a healthy swig from his mug, his third or fourth now tonight. If the fire hadn't been enough to keep the chill away, well then this would certainly have made up for it. Tor said some friends of his had concocted it. Faulkin was beginning to think those friends might have been dwarves. He cast one last aimless look around before he finished his drink and stood up.

Not as bad as he thought.

He looked to Tor, who exchanged the look through his laughter at Alwin's embellishments, acknowledging Faulkin's leave. The captain was off to do a walk about the camp, at least one more before he wound up too incapable. But if something were to happen, it was hard to say how useful he would be having left his swordbelt and axe set there by the fire.

---

Yvaine​

 

[Yvaine]

Yvaine felt far more at home here than she ever could in the castle she’d grown up in, which was strange as she was afforded very little time outside it’s walls. Whenever she’d been brought along on journeys with her uncle or members of his court they travelled in carriages fitted with cushions and comforts and she’d been refused her requested walks in the wilderness as it was ‘improper’. Perhaps it was in her elven blood, some ancestral pull that beckoned her home.

She passed through the camp, searching for a place to settle. There were some polite bows and nods of acknowledgement, and she smiled softly to each ‘My Lady’, but she continued to pass the nobles and their carriages. Why they thought she couldn’t hear their whispers when they knew exactly what she was never ceased to astound her, but she was used to ignoring them. Whether the Lords and Ladies of Drennantor realised it or not, they had always made her feel different. Her friends had been her handmaiden, Soraia, and those such as stable hands and cooks. Amongst those, she was much more comfortable, much to her uncle’s dismay.

Yvaine steered Veres to the edge of the shallow stream and slipped from his back to set up her own little space far enough away from prying eyes and gossipers, but close enough to one of the larger fires that the air was warmed. She threw out her bed roll beneath an ancient oak and lay hugged within it’s roots, staring up at it’s twisting boughs and heaven-bound branches, listening to the whispering leaves that defended her from the smir of rain. She had always enjoyed the sound of rain and river, the water gave her sensitive ears something to focus on and dampened out everything else. Her uncle had her a small fountain built in her room as a child, and it had been the only way she’d been able to sleep peacefully.

Not that the babbling creek or soft rain was loud enough to drown out Alwin’s gloating.

She pulled her thick pelt over her and settled into the tree’s embrace to share some dried meat and a bread roll with Juniper, and when it was done the little fox set out to explore. “Don’t go too far..” Yvaine muttered as she watched the little creature’s nose lead her way, but the vixen’s ears were about as deaf to warning as Yvaine’s.

Her wine-skin was half drained and the elven woman lay comfortably, her eyes closing with a deep breath of petrichor, and she smiled to herself with a feeling of contentment and the pure freedom that she’d craved. She could almost feel the forest breathe and live. Her heart attuned itself to the subtle pulse of it and she fell into it’s lull until all other sound of chatter and laughter diminished, and all she heard were whispers of a language she couldn’t understand. Yvaine’s brow furrowed as she listened, but the whispers grew louder until she jumped as though she’d fallen over in a dream and her heart rattled in her chest.

She lifted her gaze from the leafy forest floor to the man passing on his patrol, her olive skin flushed and her breaths heavy with the sudden panic. “Faulkin.” She nodded, rubbing at her face and offering him a sheepish smile as she sat up a little..

“I hope your evening is a pleasant one.” she offered politely, and her golden gaze narrowed slightly as a warm smile reached her eyes.

 

[Faulkin]

Seeing the Captain make his way through the camp, one could say he was strolling through. It seemed the drink had loosened him up a bit, which was no surprise. Often when beginning a new task such as this he was weighed by the tasks of preparation, and the stress was enough for any leader to grow tense. Questions here, problems there... but now that they were underway there was little else he needed to worry for other than the safety of those present, which currently, was well in hand. So it was easy for him to relax a bit.

He was stopped occasionally by some soldiers, huddled around a fire sharing stories and drink. He'd share a few words, laugh, and carry on. The morale was high, and that was a good start. Somewhere along the way he'd been offered another drink, and he found himself now about the camp with the mug in hand.

---

There was a levity in the air here. The forest welcomed them, welcomed her - descendant of those born of light.

A gentle twinkling here, a soft brush of warmer air there... the spirits of this place hushed about unseen to the naked eye, and unfelt by... most. But to her they whispered, an ancient tongue, one that echoed in only the keenest ears.

And though for now most seemed incoherent, incomprehensible, a single, final word wisped to and fro before fading into quiet...

...Aeraesar...
​

---

Faulkin had made his way along to the farthest reaches of their camp, stumbling across a particular little vixen along his way. Coming face to face with Juniper all by her lonesome, he knelt and extended his hand to her welcomingly, offering a small portion of affection before standing again and carrying on.

"Faulkin," she said.

He looked.

“I hope your evening is a pleasant one.” she offered politely, and her golden gaze narrowed slightly as a warm smile reached her eyes.

There was an uneasiness about her, and though he could see she was tired, he found it difficult not to sate his curiosity. He bowed his head to her, "Yvaine," he replied, again disregarding proper manners, but this time she started it, "I know we cannot offer you the same comforts as the castle, but surely we could afford you a bit more shelter... the rain could pick up..."

The hesitation in his voice was joined with a sterner, more concerned look. Then, his curiosity showed through, and he quietly asked, "Yvaine, why are you here?"

He knew better than to believe that she'd been sent traveling to Elbion without so much as a carriage. And no mention beforehand? He may not have been the King's favourite anymore, but she certainly held more importance to him than this. No something didn't seem right to him, and he was certainly the type to inquire.

---

Yvaine​

 

[Yvaine]

Even the sound of her own voice sounded muffled in her ears, as though she were speaking under water. That word, 'aeraesar', seemed caught up in a riptide within her mind, as though something somewhere was determined that she hear it loud and clear and as she stared up at Faulkin now she tried not to look as disturbed by it as she felt. The whisper ebbed and flowed. She read his lips, he said her name, but the sound of it was muted by the soft sonorants as they slowly subsided.

Shame, she had somewhat enjoyed the sound of her own name when he spoke it.

Her gaze narrowed, focusing a little more on his lips than his eyes as he spoke to her, and she had to rub away a dizzy haze from her vision.. "Please, don't fret yourself, I am more than comfortable here.." she assured him, if a little distantly.

She heard her name better when he repeated it, and had been in the process of smiling but his question shook her consciousness back so violently that she seemed to flinch by how loud and clear she heard him. Perhaps it was the question itself. She stared at him, tight lipped as she processed a list of thoughts and emotions before she'd even consider answering.

Of course he hadn't fallen for her lie, a man in his position wasn't a stupid one. But, how generous of him to react so kindly to a feeble falsehood.

Yvaine hadn't enjoyed being deceitful. She hadn't considered the trouble she may have landed him in with her fabrication and right now she doubted that she could look more culpable if she tried, and so the first words that she owed him slipped past her lips.

"I'm sorry." she stated firmly, her golden eyes fixed on him to ensure he heard it and understood that she meant it before she'd continue. She chewed gently on her lip, anxiously loosening them in preparation of the truth that he deserved to hear.

Yvaine seemed to consider the words for a long moment before offering up a sigh of resignation and a subtle shrug. "I'm afraid there's really no way of making it sound any less foolish or dramatic..I..." her eyes rolled and she huffed quietly, even thinking the words 'I'm running away' made her feel like a petulant child.

"I just couldn't stay there any longer. I love my uncle, but though he might think he has my best interests at heart he fails to consider my feelings and only his duties. I am too old to be his problem any more and I.. Well, I didn't wish to stick around long enough to become anyone else's.." her voice was hushed, for his ears alone, she was well aware of how people enjoyed their rumours and gossip. Her brow knit and shame dragged her gaze to the leafy floor.

Now she was someone else's problem, his problem, and she couldn't look at him whilst she awaited whatever decision he made. "It seemed a safer option than running off on my own." she added, subtly if not a little manipulatively making him aware of that possibility should he decide to have her escorted back home.

 

[Faulkin]

There was no subtlety in his surprise, plainly displayed across his face. He bit his lip, and one eyebrow sank as he turned his head away and lifted his cup to his mouth, but he did not drink yet. He paused, and his eyes slowly scanned from left to right as he processed this new and unexpected development.

Then he drank. All of it.

"I see," he said as the cup fell to his side, and his other hand wiped his mouth, "yes, I see." He turned, and took a few gentle steps closer before sitting himself down in a nook between some roots. He set the cup down by his foot, clasped his hands, and lifted his eyes up to another direction.

More thoughts sifting through...

A gentle sigh escaped him, and he turned a lowered gaze to her, "this could make things very... interesting," his eyes closed and he chuckled a bit, almost under his breath, and then he lifted his head and looked at her again, a softness in his eyes, "the King is certainly set in his ways, and can be a hard man to dissuade... I..." he smirked, "can't blame you for wanting to leave."

---

Yvaine​

 

[Yvaine]

Pools of warm honey stared back at him, following his steps, his expression, unblinking in nervous trepidation. It was like she could see every thought being processed and yet she so wished she could read his mind. Instead, she gnawed subconsciously on the inside of her cheek and her lips twisted as she waited for him to come to some sort of agreement with himself.

Her gaze narrowed slightly as she watched him drink... She had that affect on people. 'I see' he said..and again.. What did he see?

Yvaine squirmed anxiously, her gaze remaining fixed on his perplexed face as he moved to sit close by, and she sat herself up a little, her head tilting expectantly.

'Interesting'... Her dark brows furrowed in confusion at the word, but his chuckle mollified her anxieties a little. His gentle gaze calmed her further. She released a breath she wasn't aware she'd been holding and she nodded with a quiet chuckle of her own and her gaze fell to her hands as she fidgeted.. "Yes, he is.." she sighed deeply and her smile slowly faded.

"He'll know by now. He'll expect you to have me escorted back home.." she frowned softly. "I'll understand, but I'll ensure he's made fully aware that you knew nothing of my being here." her shoulders fell. "I'm sorry for putting you in this position Faulkin, it was thoughtless of me." Her tone was sincere, but one thing she was certain of, was that she was not willingly going back home.

 

[Faulkin]

"He'll know by now. He'll expect you to have me escorted back home.."

Oh, surely...

He lifted his hand, and shook his head. There was no need for her apologies, she was after all above him. There was royal blood in her veins, and petty blood in his.

His demeanour took a change, "oh we're not going back to Drennantor, m'lady. I have rather explicit orders from the King himself to escort this envoy to Elbion with all haste," he stood, composing himself quite properly, "I'm afraid I can spare no men for a second escort, so I'm afraid your return will have to wait. Disobeying his orders has proven to not be in my best interests. I'm... sure you understand."

He offered her a departing look, and with a bow of his head he said, "if there is anything else we can do..."

---

Yvaine​

 

[Yvaine]

And now there was no subtlety in her surprise. Clearly, his answer was not what she had been expecting, and even though his manner had changed in order to respect formalities, a warm and grateful grin broke through her tension and lit up her expression with delight and relief.

She watched him stand, her attention only leaving him for a brief moment as she welcomed Juniper back into her lap and her fingertips ran through her fur as the little vixen licked excitedly at the underside of her chin.

"Oh, yes.. I understand completely, Captain, and I am quite alright.." she smiled at him and gave a gentle nod, "Thank you." she added, her eyes fixing on his for long enough to cast further sincerity into the words, and she hugged the whining fox to her chest.

When he left, it wasn't long before sleep pulled at her eyelids and Yvaine settled back down to listen to the soft rain and even softer whispers that slowly lulled her to sleep.

 

[Faulkin]

It was some time after he'd departed from Yvaine's company, and he was still awake. Most of the others were finally finished for the evening - most importantly Alwin - and things had become quite peaceful. He sat near a waning flame, with a pipe hanging from his mouth and his mug in hand. He sat with his eyes fixed on the fire's flickering, lost in the thoughts of piling weight. It would seem this excursion was to be dangerous even in the aftermath, if he knew the King well enough.

He thought that he did. Quite well.

Footsteps approached from behind, and Faulkin knew them by their pace.

"I'm surprised you're still awake," Tor said as he drew close, and sat, "it has been a long few days."

Faulkin's eyes remained on the fire, "do you feel what I feel, Tor? Do you feel that tightness in the air? That... closeness, of something... else?"

Tor's back stiffened, "aye..."

He'd felt it since they came here, but he could not tell what or who... Faulkin turned and looked at the old warrior, "those creatures the King spoke of, what do you think they are?"

Little did Faulkin know... Tor was there, when the survivors had come. He saw what they were like, heard what they said... what they saw.

"The likes that make me thankful that we are heading north, while they are in the south..."

---

Morning had come quickly, and he woke to find the rain still persisted, still gentle and slow. The camp was packed and ready in less than an hour, and they set off shortly after. Out from under the cover of the trees, the men had no choice but to travel under hooded cloaks, which for now, would have to do. That did little however, to help the mud and muck underfoot, which slowed their pace greatly and caused a few slips and injuries.

Sometime around midday the rain stopped, but the overcast sky remained, and a fog began to fill the air. Well before nightfall came it was thick enough to prompt them to light torches, and though the light of the day was greatly hindered, there was still no cause for them to stop, not yet, to the dismay of more than just a few. But Faulkin wished for them to make it to the safety of the next village. They'd now passed beyond Drennantor's reach, and these foreign lands could be much more perilous. The Kingdom's close borders made it easy to police, while other places rarely followed the same practice. More than this, he couldn't shake the feeling, like before in the woods, that something was off...

---

Yvaine​

 

[Yvaine]

Yvaine found absolutely no discomfort amongst the tangle of damp roots. The trickle and drizzle of water soothed her into the deepest of sleeps. Her body relaxed, but her mind was a different story.

Creatures crept through the shadows of her mind, and the whispers continued to grow louder as she walked through a dark, skeletal forest. Everything was blackened though she could smell no smoke or charcoal. The earth itself was black as ash, the trees twisted and warped like some hellish jungle. Something far more destructive than fire had caused this, and Yvaine felt her heart pound in warning.

The sound of a guttural snarl froze her body rigid and the whispers stopped abruptly. Slowly, her head turned, and what she saw made her gaze widen with panic. The red eyes burned into her with a desire to devour, it’s black, sinewy flesh clung tight to its honed muscle and skeletal form, and the smell of putrid decay overwhelmed her senses and her stomach churned uneasily. The predator stalked toward her, dark lips pulling back over rows of razor sharp teeth that dripped saliva and blood.

Yvaine pulled in a breath, and before she could run the beast that had hunted her lunged, claws splayed, jaw wide, and tore her down.

Juniper leapt from her lap and skidded across the forest floor as Yvaine jumped from her sleep, alert with panic and clammy with damp and cold sweat. The little vixen stared at her in affront before padding back over to climb back into the elven woman's embrace in effort to quell her fear. It took her some time to calm, and with the vivid memory of the demonic monstrosity on her mind, sleep did not come easily, nor deeply for fear of falling back into the same nightmare.

Where the rain dampened many a mood, Yvaine appreciated it. Veres was ever smooth and capable on his feet, and Juniper tucked herself around her neck to keep dry and warm under the hood, offering just as much comfort as she took.

As darkness grew, so too did the feeling of dread in Yvaine's mind. Whispers crept up on her now and then and her eyes closed under a dark and furrowed brow as she focused the rush of the river nearby. The fog did nothing to ease her apprehension, and she felt her body flush with the same cold sweat as she'd woken with. Her skin paled to alabaster, and her breaths turned to stone in her chest.

"My lady?..." Lord Rossiter, the plump little man who rode in the wagon next to her peered out of it's window to stare at her with mild concern. When she didn't answer he pressed again. "Yvaine.. Are you quite well?.." His words were muffled in her ears.

"Aeraesar.".. The word tumbled from her lips in a shallow breath, and she slowly slumped forward until she could hold herself upright no longer and her vision went black as she tumbled from the height of horse, unconscious before she hit the muddy road.

 

[Faulkin]

Trudging through the mud was nothing he was unfamiliar with, but he'd never grown to like it. It was likely safe to say few ever did. He was thankful that the rain had ceased, though, despite the following fog. He appreciated the rain so much more when he could make his way out of it if he chose. More than this fueled him of course, by when the panicked cries came from behind, Faulkin began to think perhaps it was best to make camp.

Especially when he discovered what had caused the commotion.

When he arrived with Alwin and Tor, Lord Rossiter had already taken to having Yvaine brought up from the ground and into the safety of his wagon.

"What happened?" The Captain demanded.

"She... seemed ill, and when I asked her if she was alright," the Lord cast a look away, "she said a word and collapsed. She fell from her horse."

Tor took a curious step forward, "what did she say?"

Rossiter was quiet for a moment, and then met Tor's eyes, "Aeraesar."

A dreary feeling filled the air, and it was almost as though it had grown darker at the uttering of that name.

"Aeraesar? Why..." Tor scratched his chin, "I've not heard of that place for some time..."

"Where is it? What is it?" Faulkin asked.

Tor turned to him and Alwin, "Capt'n, that, is a long story."

---

Yvaine's accident had been the last straw. It was as if some unseen force was working against them, and finally Faulkin decided it was best for them to circle the wagons and set up a camp. Arranged like this, ropes were easily tied and a canvas set up over the center of their wagons, with an opening at the center large enough for smoke to escape. Faulkin had men stationed round-about them, and would have them rotating all throughout the coming night. He was spooked, and felt as though they might be in danger.

He stationed himself and his men not far from where Yvaine now rested, eager to see how she was once she woke...

---

Beyond...

...far past where the likes of humans would see through the thickening dark...

...they watched.
​

---

Yvaine​

 

[Yvaine]

Her mind was afforded no reprieve as she slept, and she was once more at the mercy of her mind. Ahead of her, Drennantor, proud, bright..safe. And yet it filled her with nothing but dread fear. But she was alone, and it made no sense. Faulkin wouldn't have sent her back here on her own without escort or steed, or shoes for that matter.

She was dreaming.

In her lucid state she turned her back on the city and her gaze rose over the blackened forest that loomed ahead of her, it's bare branches spiking into the moonless sky. The path at her feet wound its way inside, and she knew she must follow it in search of answers. Whispers urged her forward, and so her feet followed the narrow strip of naked earth among the black husks of leafless giants, their gentle spirits long since gone. Slender fingertips trailed across their decayed skin as she passed, and her brow furrowed as it crumbled like ash under her touch.

Yvaine underestimated the utter blackness of nighttime in the woods. She began to breathe the cool air more rapidly as darkness pressed in on her from all sides and her body screamed for her to run.
The blackness nurtured a sense of claustrophobia inside her even though the woodland stretched unbroken for miles. And there was the sensation again, that she was not alone, that the darkness she peered into stared straight back at her.

She quickened her pace along the narrow path, which was made uneven by the knotted roots that crossed it. There was no map to follow, but even if there was the perpetual dark would prevent you from using it. She tripped several times, and the warning whispers grew louder and louder in her mind.

Juniper pawed at the sleeping woman's face as her heart spiked and her temperature rose, her chest rising and falling with each short, sharp breath of pure panic. There would be no waking until the darkness had caught her, and her feet skidded to a halt in the ashy earth as the ground shook, and from it rose a shadow of which should not have existed without any light. It grew, enveloping her until she couldn't see her hands in front of her face, nor hear anything but her own heavy breaths.

And suddenly, the world collapsed beneath her, and she fell into flame..

Human ears would have had little trouble hearing the sound of terror that ripped from her lungs as she jolted from sleep. She clutched at her chest, gripping hold of the pendant she wore as though it were some form of comfort, something that anchored her to what was real and what was present. She dragged desperate lungfuls of palpable air into her chest and ran her hand across her clammy brow as she tried desperately to calm.

Juniper stared up at her nervously for a moment and turned her little head toward Faulkin with a soft whine before hopping back up into the startled woman's lap. Yvaine looked up sheepishly, realising she'd screamed, that she'd fallen and caused a fuss. Aside from the flustered blush that formed on her cheeks and the darkening circles under her eyes, her skin was blanched and she shivered from cold despite the heat that radiated from her skin.

Yvaine had never been touched by fever, she'd never had so much as a sniffle in her entire life. Something was wrong, and something terrible had happened, was happening, and was about to happen.

 

[Faulkin]

It was quiet, with little more than the crackling of fire and the occasional whiney of horses to break it. Around the camp, some slept, others sat up restlessly. And then of course others stood guard, their eyes deligently cast into the surround. Faulkin was within their circular shelter, speaking with his lieutenants...

"Over a hundred years...? Why now, then, would someone speak of it?"

"I don't know," Tor replied, certainly perplexed, "but the girl is part elf. She could be a descendent with some unknown connection to the elves there..."

Faulkin's eyebrow cocked up, "connection?"

"Aye... the Aeraesarians were... are... a very strange caste. They could speak to each other with no words, no voice. Like telepaths, but... somehow different, like they knew what each other thought at all times... they could be reaching out to her."

By this time Faulkin was rubbing his head. Tor was a man gifted with long life, and with the time given he had seen and learned much. He knew magic, and Faulkin... did not, not really. So when he wanted to dismiss Tor's supposition, he found it difficult given that gap. Tor could very well be right, and Faulkin had little rebuttle to give.

"Do you think they have anything to do with the monsters?"

Tor shook his head, "the Aeraesarians were always an odd and reclusive bunch. But they have only ever been warriors of the Light."

Faulkin scratched his chin, and puffed on the pipe hanging from his mouth. He wondered then if they too were in trouble, and if they were trying to call for help in some way. But for now there was simply no way of knowing for sure, and he could only hope that it was not an omen of an even greater trouble that was yet to meet them. But the thought of that hope was shattered with the abrupt and startling cry that came with Yvaine's waking, and he turned sharply to make way toward her. Several of the others did as well, and in moments she was surrounded by Faulkin and a number of his men, including Tor.

Faulkin came near, looked her over, and turned his head to their doctor, "is..." then he looked back down at her, "... are you okay?"

Just as the commotion went on, one of Faulkin's sentries was coming near, eager to speak with him.

---

Yvaine​