Welcome to Gaia! ::

As they made their last small trek across the land towards the village, Serena looked forward to see a few people staring at them. She was sure they were likly suspicious, but she always tried to see the best in people, and so she believed they were a small greeting party. She put on her best smile, which seemed to lighten her features greatly. Her eyes sparkled and her hair seemed almost like pale gold. She was sight to see, sitting atop the horse, looking very much the part of a noble lady.

Her shimmering dress seemed to reflect what life remained to the land, adding a strange yet enchanting atmosphere about the young woman. It was nothing intentional, merely a trick of that particular fabric. At Ziren's words, Serena nodded, glancing over at him briefly. They had almost reached the people, and she guess that it would be better for her to speak up. It was, to her knowledge, more comforting for people to speak with a woman. Something about a soft voice and kind words seemed to lighten others to their presence. However, Serena was a special woman, and often had a calming air about her.

She waited until they were close enough to actually speak to the people, before she would say anything. She smiled down at them, bowing her head in respect as she let her gaze fall on each one. "Greetings. Please, could you possibly tell us where we might find an inn to stay at, preferrably one that provides food as well?" She put on her sweetest tone, looking as innocent as ever. It would be hard for any human, with even a sliver of kindness in them, to turn away such a face. She seemed to hold that childlike innocence that made denying a child so difficult. This also made her appear completely harmless, which could not truly be said for her traveling companion. There was no hiding his more rough appearance, hardened by warfare as he was.

Cross Reinhert

A crack in Cross's firm stance appeared for a split second as he saw the two men coming towards them. He could not believe that these two were the guards. Well, okay he could see the big man who seemed to be pretty buff, but he had to be well in his forties, and the other? The other was a short man that seemed old enough that he could be a living ancestor. What kind of gimmick was this? Perhaps this was the witch land, an old wizard with his apprentice eh? Yes that might just be it, Cross regained his pose as he looked at them.

It seemed Serena had followed through, with ever greatness, it even made him feel little inclined to just say 'hey take whatever room you need.' He just hoped the other two felt the same way, and from the look on their faces they seemed to be...actually all he could notice was gaping mouths as they peered at each other.

Both men started to speak out in a conversation to themselves, and from what Cross could tell, they were continuing off from probably where they left off, almost as if oblivious to the newcomers. His ears caught their words, and it was relatively easy to tell that they had a foreign dialect compared to what he was used to hearing. It seemed to be a little dragged out on the vowels. His mind was searching from which lands he heard this before, but it seemed a little too unique to be any place well known. Finally, while his mind was still turning, both of the men turned towards Cross and Serena, and the younger man scratched his head "I can't believe it, a whole trek through the forest it looks to me."

"Yeah, that it does, especially with that one over there," his hand pointed at Cross, "looks like the forest taught you a good lesson or two," the old coot hooted, "You know there's perfectly good roads to travel through the cities, sure it might take longer but at least you'll have your life." His eyes twinkled a bit, "But, traveling through the town is nowhere as great as seeing all of the magical creatures in the forest eh? I got to say, they never stop amazing me, back in the old day there used to be tons of them, it is so sad to see them all just disappearing off." His head shook, what white hairs left had long ago formed downwards mixing into his beard and so it almost seemed like the top of his head was upside down, making Cross look a little longer than probably necessary. "You know back in the old days there was actua-"

"Eh eh eh, Father, they don't need to hear your whole life story, they're outsiders, and they want a place to rest it seems."

"A place to rest? Well why didn't you say so, we have a place you guys can stay, don't get many visitors in these here parts." His brown eyes filled with a twinkle joy that only years and years of knowledge and understanding could grant, "Only things to come out of them forest are those magical beings, always a wonderful sight, and we're always quite happy to give them help." His eyebrows raised, "Don't tell me!" Both of his hands raised up high shaking in victory, " You're both magical creatures! And that steed of yours, it must be a unicorn or Pegasus in the making!"

Cross really did not feel like breaking it to the old man that he was wrong, but at least one thing was cleared up. The reason for such ill manner defense was because this place did not need it. Who in their right mind would come to a village that was a footstep from a magical forest? It was probably miles from any other major civilization, and he was still unsure where they were, but one thing did catch his eyes. An old sycamore tree stood in the midst of the others, the trees always spread all over, but the more one saw, the closer they were to his old land, Incarnus. They must be mere a few dozen acres away from his homeland! His mind was racing on with thought, but the other man interrupted both him and the old man.

"Eh, Father, they just got out of the forest you see, there's no reason to badger them so quickly, you'll scare them back into it." He let out a small sigh as his father continued to do his little wobbly victory. "Well, as Father said, if you are planning on staying for a bit, we can clear up a space for you if need be, we even have a stable for y-"

"Ohh you guys have to stay, we can talk all night long about stories of the forest!"

"If you wish to stay," he moved closer to them, as if to make a side comment away from his father, "it'll be cheaper than the inn, my old man just likes company, all you have to do is put up with him." He let out a hearty laugh, "So if you wish to stay, you can follow us, if not the inn is just a hair's way from us anyways." With that he faced his father, and looked at the man, "So tell me about that time you tried to sneak off to go fishing in the magical pond..."

The man, who had not introduced himself seemed to engage in a long winded story from his father, it was quite entertaining, and the man actually held a curious look on his face as if this was his first time hearing the story, but Cross could tell the man had heard it many times over. It was nice to see someone who cared enough to take care of their father like that. Still, Cross knew there was another reason the man started up a conversation with his father. As long as the man kept his father talking, Serena and Cross would have time to think over what they would do by the time they got there.

Personally, Cross had no problem staying with them, but it was not him that he had to be concerned over. Serena was the one who needed a nice sleeping quarters, and so it was up to her if she wanted to board with these two fellows, or go to the inn, he had the money for it and either way it'd be a nights rest. "So what do you say Serena, care to join them? Or do you want to go the inn?" His voice was a bit quiet, mainly due to him not wanting to interrupt the two ahead of them.

'Hah, how about that?' He attempted to drop the question on her, and she turned it around on him. She had effectively crossed Cross. Well either way though, now that the question was in his hands, he could not be more delighted. Sure it was nice letting a lady picked, but at least this way he was guaranteed going exactly where he wanted to go. And where was this place? Well they were offering free room and board, so of course it was with them.

"Ah comfortable?" He smiled at her, "If you know anything about Incarnus, you'll know we're known for jocularity above anything else. Why, the king has Jests, come from every country, so the most comfortable place would probably be spending a bit of time with these fellows. It'd be just like home..." all of this talking about Incarnus just made him realize he had the perfect ruse of how to get away from ever having to talk about being a Prince! "Actually, as I said, being a land of Jocularity, royalty is really no big deal and we actually prefer to be one of the norms. In fact we have annual balls with the commoners and other kingdoms alike to try and bring equality amongst everyone." Since he was telling the truth, he had no guilty signs popping up and about as he talked freely about his native land.

It was definitely a good thing he came from Incarnus, or otherwise he'd have a horrible time trying to get away with lies. Another good thing about Incarus, is that when there were parades and festivities, no one knows who royalty really was, unless of course one was introduced to another. So he could actually pull off saying he was Prince Ziren to anyone, besides the royal court, and he'd probably get away with it. Good old Ziren was right, all he had to do was just keep his calm and remain cool. He'd just have to avoid going through Telford, since the only people who might know of the real prince would be royalty, and Telford was where all the heirs were meeting. Nope, no sire, it would not be a good thing to be in Telford.

In mid conversation the old man stopped short in front of a not too impressive house, "So here we are at the old hutch and stones, I built her with my own two hands for my son and I." He smiled and the twinkles in his eyes grew ever wider. "So care to join us for some night time morsel's and chat about the forest?"

One thing that could be said about it was that it seemed cozy. How there could be two free rooms in there seemed a bit of awe...wait... Cross looked, he noticed there were only two windows. The man and his father were probably going to stay in the same room, while that meant...Cross and Serena were going to be in the same room? Of course, they came through this forest together, the old man probably figured they were a couple of some sort, after all there was only one horse they must ride together at some point in time, so they should be able to share a same room right?

Well the old man was wrong, but Cross knew that if he said they could not sleep in the same room then the old man would be disappointed because there was no room to house them... So with that notion in mind, Cross looked over to Serena, and tried to see if she was hesitant on the man's question. Whatever she went with he'd go with as well, either way was a room of rest eh?

Majxn had felt a small wave of something too, it had made his the hair on the back of his neck stand upright, but it was no reason to be alarmed as of yet. Matari was safe with the others, if it came right down to it, he knew she would fight her way out. Now to try and find the source of this... magic His thoughts slowed as he thought the word. Magic, of course! How could I have missed that clue? He began to drag his blade across the ground creating a smoke-screen appearance as he traveled along the road. It took a day or so of non-stop running before the boy tired. He had now expended his energies, and was forced to make a pitstop. But in the middle of the road? No, I can't let this end here. Not now. He forced his legs to keep going, dragging one foot in front of the other, he was pushing himself, but he didn't care. He knew what he was doing would help someone, somehow, or in some way.
Suddenly he stopped in his tracks, looking forward he saw the road bend to the right, and in front of him stood a forest, it looked plain enough, but Majxn's senses told him something was fishy about this forest. He decided to head into it anyway, hoping that what he would find within would help the group, or himself.

Seeing as everyone was ready, Evion gave a smile and a nod. Sitting in the saddle, she glanced at the small company. "Well, then. We're off! No time to dilly nor to dally nor even to dawdle! Such wasted time! The witches may even have to poor Star!! We cannot allow for one of such power and wisdom be lost to the throats of those wicked harridans! Come!"

The heiress wasn't typically a leader, but someone had to be. Considering the others had not yet replied to Matari, Evion had taken that job. And now, she urged Tanyon into a gentle run. Sir followed Evion, matching her pace though remaining behind, while his men waited for the others so as to fall behind them as a rear guard. Sir did not protest to Evion's brazen and reckless act (for once), but instead followed, understanding the urgency.

No time to waste, no time to lose! the heiress thought as the wind hissed through her hair and engulfed her body. And as soon as we reach Telford, I'm am getting out of this ridiculous dress! Such an unnecessary and wasteful piece of apparel...

Serena had taken her time following the old man into the house. Her ankle only throbbed now and then, so she was able to walk, but she wanted to walk slowly to avoid anymore damage. She could have laughed at everything the old man said, he was so utterly excited at their presence. She guessed it was likely he did not get many visitors, least of all ones that came from the forest.

Serena watched the younger man take Kia away, and she whispered a soft thanks, giving the horse a soft pat before she was lead away to the barn. She then turned her gaze back to the old man and Ziren. Once they were all inside the house, Serena found it hard to look at either of the men before her. She couldn't keep from looking at every little knick knack the old man had. She was like a child in a candy store, moving around the room and inspecting each item, though she was polite and would not touch them.

She didn't even notice the old man leaving, and almost didn't hear Ziren's words to her. "Hmmm?" She said softly, in a slight distracted tone, then shook her head and turned to look at him. She smiled sweetly at him, and she appeared to be glowing softly. It was like a white light shone all around her, though it was not overly bright. "Oh, that's just fine. I would love to hear some of his stories." Her eyes seemed to sparkle with joy.

It was now quite obvious that this woman's curiousity had pushed all thoughts of sleep to the back of her mind. Though she was exhausted, she could not help but be intrigued by the little items around the room, wondering what the stories behind each one was. She had a thirst for knowledge, even if she was likely one of the most knowledgeable people on the planet. She knew so much already, yet still seemed to know so little. She would take every chance she could to learn more about humans and their strange ways.

"Well, at least they found a place to stay." A voice spoke behind Ziren startling him a little as it broke the silence. Throughout the day, both he and Vassal had been trailing Cross in total silence. During that whole time, Ziren kept to himself the frustration that he was feeling, and it seemed Vassal saw through it and of course offered his words of wisdom.

"Yes, well I guess that's the bright side to this, but still I told him specifically not to go to Telford, and here we are."

"Well, the odds of him running into this place was slim to none to begin with, it must be fate's grasp that pulled him here, was it not?" As always the man's words brought some truth to the young mind of the Prince, perhaps why it always got Ziren to think outside the box.

"Aye," he sighed, tonight was not a night for fate to intertwine though. "Fate knows best when to mess with its subjects, but too much intervention can lead us to ruin." Yes there was indeed a reason why he was so weary of the nights twist of events, for his plans were cast away, careful laid plans that could cost the life of many, and one in particular. "Any minute now, 'she'll' announce herself, and no one will be there to protect her." It bit at him, he had sent a friend of his to go to the city and announce that she was the fallen star, and because he was now forced to watch over Telford, he could not protect her either.

"Well, we both know the easiest answer to this solution, I know you want me by your side to help you plan this out, but you are the only one out of both of us who can protect the true star, I shall go and protect the other."

Ziren shok his head, and let it rest down a little. Tonight was not going the way he had planned at all. Sure he thought there would be some alterations to his plans, but nothing like this. The worse of it all, he felt a bitter chill in his stomach begin to churn, was what he was doing all in vain? Was he merely just making things worse than they should be? Still, had they not gone through with his plan, the witch would of beat them there. There was no way them meeting first at Telford with the other heirs could of solved anything. So even if things were not working out exactly as planned, the major points still added up. He had to just let things go their course, ah how it felt to have no power over a situation. "Okay Vassal, you may go, I'll stay here long enough to make sure things smooth out, we'll meet back at our rendezvous point."

"Okay, I'll see you there." Vassal motioned for his horse to turn around. If one saw it from afar all they could see was Ziren's magic. He had altered an illusion around both he and Vassal, making them both appear as trees. No one would know of course, and any who had magic would surely not feel his presence for his always tend to mimic other's presence, so his trickery should work on the witch as well. However Vassal would no longer have that protection once he leave. "Take care of yourself," Ziren made sure to say, he did not want to lose the man due to his errors.

"You to mi'lord." With that said Vassal kicked off on his horse, and disappeared into the darkness.