Ludwig the Lame. Because of that limp, one he'd had since childhood. Right now, he was off his horse and crumbling some leaves in his hands, then he looks to the men behind him. "I'm pretty sure they went this way, m'lord." he says to the man dressed in very nice, all black and red finery, sitting upon a large black horse. The man looked rather ridiculous in Ludwig's opinion, but his money was definitely very fine looking. The man he had addressed as "m'Lord" was none other than Sophia's uncle and the current reigning king. And for him to be out here with this search party meant that whoever they were tracking was in big, big trouble. Not just big trouble. But BIG, BIG trouble. Ludwig hadn't been told exactly why they were tracking this person, or persons, as he had figured out. One of which was a female who did not seem to be putting up any struggle. Not that he'd let on about that. He'd learned early that one never divulged information that you didn't have to.
King Edmund grunted. He grunted a lot. He'd put on quite a bit of weight when he had inherited the kingdom from his brother. A lot. Now he sat atop a horse that took four men to put him on. And he still liked to fancy himself quite the ladies man, even though he had a wife. She was probably very relieved, as she never gave him grief about it. Of course, none of the girls cared one whit for it, and were often drawing straws to see who would have to serve him, but such was the price of being in the castle. No one told the king "no" and lived. Edmund was very annoyed. His brother's daughter, the little bitch, had managed to go and get herself lost in the woods. Well, that was what he had been told at first. But upon hiring a tracker, he'd since learned that she'd likely been kidnapped.
"There looks like there might have been two more..." the tracker says, following the tracks that covered the ones they had followed. "This way." He limps back to his horse and pulls himself up, and sighs inwardly as the young man riding with them heads back to let the entourage know they were on the move. Hopefully, Ludwig wouldn't need to backtrack only to find that the small army of men traveling with the king had trampled all the signs.
It wouldn't take him too long to find what was left of the one body, though. He could tell it had been dragged by wild animals and feasted on, and he spent another hour finding where it had come from. And from there, he could tell there had been a fight. "It appears that they are still together, your highness. It is getting dark, and we should camp for now."
==============================
(I'd say that this is happening about a week after Sophia and Beau get to his house, so feel free to suggest what's been happening in the meantime?)
King Edmund grunted. He grunted a lot. He'd put on quite a bit of weight when he had inherited the kingdom from his brother. A lot. Now he sat atop a horse that took four men to put him on. And he still liked to fancy himself quite the ladies man, even though he had a wife. She was probably very relieved, as she never gave him grief about it. Of course, none of the girls cared one whit for it, and were often drawing straws to see who would have to serve him, but such was the price of being in the castle. No one told the king "no" and lived. Edmund was very annoyed. His brother's daughter, the little bitch, had managed to go and get herself lost in the woods. Well, that was what he had been told at first. But upon hiring a tracker, he'd since learned that she'd likely been kidnapped.
"There looks like there might have been two more..." the tracker says, following the tracks that covered the ones they had followed. "This way." He limps back to his horse and pulls himself up, and sighs inwardly as the young man riding with them heads back to let the entourage know they were on the move. Hopefully, Ludwig wouldn't need to backtrack only to find that the small army of men traveling with the king had trampled all the signs.
It wouldn't take him too long to find what was left of the one body, though. He could tell it had been dragged by wild animals and feasted on, and he spent another hour finding where it had come from. And from there, he could tell there had been a fight. "It appears that they are still together, your highness. It is getting dark, and we should camp for now."
==============================
(I'd say that this is happening about a week after Sophia and Beau get to his house, so feel free to suggest what's been happening in the meantime?)
(Not a problem!)
A loud cry could be heard from the back of the Eave's cabin. Not one brought on from fear or harm, but of mustering strength. Lyric, the middle child of the bunch, sparred as best she could with her older brother -- who was obviously holding back. The sword she wielded was much too heavy for the twelve year old's arms, but beside her twitching muscles and clenched hold of the weapon, her form was perfect. It took all of her power to hold the sword up, let alone move to attack with it, and yet there she was.
"I told Beau to let her try out the bow, but Lyric insisted on the sword." Cecilia spoke to Sophia with rolled eyes as the two peeled potatoes. They, too, were outside, sitting down in chairs while the skins from the spud fell below them. Sophia was a fast learner, already close to matching the twin's hand movements. "It's much too heavy for her but she's so damn stubborn." Cecilia said again, her eyes on her siblings with an almost paternal gaze, trying not to let out too loud of a snicker when the girl almost toppled over from the weight.
Agnus and Piper were by Marigold's side near the front of the home, grooming and feeding the family mare. Though forced to by her siblings Piper did manage to apologize to the Princess, but had made sure to only speak to Sophia when necessary. It wasn't that she didn't trust her morality -- she seemed kind enough -- but there was something about her that was hidden, and Piper could tell.
A loud cry could be heard from the back of the Eave's cabin. Not one brought on from fear or harm, but of mustering strength. Lyric, the middle child of the bunch, sparred as best she could with her older brother -- who was obviously holding back. The sword she wielded was much too heavy for the twelve year old's arms, but beside her twitching muscles and clenched hold of the weapon, her form was perfect. It took all of her power to hold the sword up, let alone move to attack with it, and yet there she was.
"I told Beau to let her try out the bow, but Lyric insisted on the sword." Cecilia spoke to Sophia with rolled eyes as the two peeled potatoes. They, too, were outside, sitting down in chairs while the skins from the spud fell below them. Sophia was a fast learner, already close to matching the twin's hand movements. "It's much too heavy for her but she's so damn stubborn." Cecilia said again, her eyes on her siblings with an almost paternal gaze, trying not to let out too loud of a snicker when the girl almost toppled over from the weight.
Agnus and Piper were by Marigold's side near the front of the home, grooming and feeding the family mare. Though forced to by her siblings Piper did manage to apologize to the Princess, but had made sure to only speak to Sophia when necessary. It wasn't that she didn't trust her morality -- she seemed kind enough -- but there was something about her that was hidden, and Piper could tell.
For one reason or another, Beau and Sophia had not yet started on the trek to the convent. To be honest, Sophia was a bit relieved. After getting a decent night's sleep, she felt less strained the next morning, and just tried to avoid saying anything too blatantly naive. She tells Cecilia that she'd had a sheltered childhood, she knew, and was interested in learning. Of them all, Cecilia was the one Sophia felt most like she could connect with, probably because she was the nicest to her, so she stuck close to the girl. She did score points with Lyric when she was able to braid her hair very intricately, slipping up and telling her, "Just like they wear at Court," then following up with a quick, "So I would think, because you look so pretty."
And one thing Sophia did have going for her was her ability to pick things up quickly. Once over the initial nervousness, and the feeling that she was generally unfit for any sort of chores, Sophia would allow herself to try, and she surprised herself at how capable she actually was. The girls might have considered some of the chores to be avoided, but Sophia actually seemed to enjoy washing the dishes, sweeping the floor and making the beds. She pestered Cecilia to show her how to cook /something/, pointing out, "I will have to cook when I am at the convent. I'd rather not go in completely dumb to how to start a fire and the like."
And then there was Beau. As the days wore on, Sophia found herself stealing glances at the somewhat shy blonde, and blushing as she does. At first, she tells herself that he is just a commoner. But within a couple of days, all silliness regarding rank and privilege have left in the wake of her daydreams of making a home here, in this idyllic valley.
And one thing Sophia did have going for her was her ability to pick things up quickly. Once over the initial nervousness, and the feeling that she was generally unfit for any sort of chores, Sophia would allow herself to try, and she surprised herself at how capable she actually was. The girls might have considered some of the chores to be avoided, but Sophia actually seemed to enjoy washing the dishes, sweeping the floor and making the beds. She pestered Cecilia to show her how to cook /something/, pointing out, "I will have to cook when I am at the convent. I'd rather not go in completely dumb to how to start a fire and the like."
And then there was Beau. As the days wore on, Sophia found herself stealing glances at the somewhat shy blonde, and blushing as she does. At first, she tells herself that he is just a commoner. But within a couple of days, all silliness regarding rank and privilege have left in the wake of her daydreams of making a home here, in this idyllic valley.
"Th-That's enough f-f-for now." Beau said out of pity, but made sure to hide the coddle in his tone, "We can pick-p-pick up later." At that his sister pouted, reverting from a warrior to an average child in record speed.
"But I need to learn to battle." she whined, akin to a child begging for a toy or sweets. "What if I'm to get captured and have nothing to defend myself with?"
"Then sword training will do you no good." Cecilia chimed in with a smirk, picking up another potato for their stew. "You know how to protect yourself with combat -- that's good enough." But Lyric's pout only grew as she looked between her siblings to try and find some wiggle room. That is until her eyes landed on Sophia's.
"Sophia, don't you think I should train some more? Hm?" she said all too innocently, batting her eyes and the like. Beau suppressed the urge to roll his eyes at the manipulative gesture, but Cecilia wasn't as poised, her eyes nearly reaching the top of her forehead. "You can train with me if you like! We have another sword!"
"But I need to learn to battle." she whined, akin to a child begging for a toy or sweets. "What if I'm to get captured and have nothing to defend myself with?"
"Then sword training will do you no good." Cecilia chimed in with a smirk, picking up another potato for their stew. "You know how to protect yourself with combat -- that's good enough." But Lyric's pout only grew as she looked between her siblings to try and find some wiggle room. That is until her eyes landed on Sophia's.
"Sophia, don't you think I should train some more? Hm?" she said all too innocently, batting her eyes and the like. Beau suppressed the urge to roll his eyes at the manipulative gesture, but Cecilia wasn't as poised, her eyes nearly reaching the top of her forehead. "You can train with me if you like! We have another sword!"
Sophia had been watching the girl as she peeled the potatoes, amazingly able to both once she got the hang of the potato peeling. She smiles at Lyric's pleas and then looks to Cecilia, "I wouldn't mind learning some of this." She tosses her last potato in the bin and wipes her hands on the cloth across her lap. "That was my last potato. I think it is fate." she offers with a grin, then adds, "Maybe Lyric can show me some of how to handle a sword?" she offers, hopefully appealing to the younger girl's wish to keep sparring, but being obviously too tired to carry on a real session. Without having to come right out and say it. "It sort of looks like a dance, and I did very well at dance classes."
"Wonderful!" the girl squealed, holding her hand out for Beau's sword. He hesitated before handing over the extra weight to his sister, who was already carrying a weapon of her own, but could only sigh place the sword in her free hand at the excited look on his sister's face. The twelve year old struggled to carry both over to Sophia, but proudly made her way after only stumbling a few times.
"Here," she said through clenched teeth, lifting up Beau's sword so that Sophia could practice with it, "I'll teach you how to guard and defend!"
"Here," she said through clenched teeth, lifting up Beau's sword so that Sophia could practice with it, "I'll teach you how to guard and defend!"
Sophia takes Beau's sword, one she had already hefted once before, and has to use both hands to lift it with any control. "Okay, now what do I do?" she asks Lyric, trying to mimic the stance she had seen the other girl do. The girl laughs, "Not like that, face the other way. No, the other-other way...that's it!" and then the young girl would lead Sophia slowly through some steps, coaching her a bit brusquely, but with laughs and smiles, as that's the way kids do it. Really, Lyric is a good teacher, having retained quite a bit of what Beau has taught her, and is managing to relay it quite well. Cecilia might jump in with a few helpful suggestions, but mostly the two are left to practice on their own.
However, it might get interesting if Beau decides to try and help Sophia with her stance, perhaps?
However, it might get interesting if Beau decides to try and help Sophia with her stance, perhaps?
Giggles could be heard all throughout the backyard at the awkward stances, leading the remaining siblings Agnus and Piper to take a seat with the bunch as well, relishing in the display. "If you stand open like that you'll lead yourself open to attack! See?" with that, Lyric slowly thrust her sword open, nearly poking at the Princess' ribs.
Beau walked over quietly, at first guiding Sophia with his voice, but then moving to grip at her arms. Physical instruction was always best shown with training, and he found himself standing behind her, helping to position her shaking arms more stiffly. Cecilia could be seen in the background, impishly whispering something into Agnus ear that caused the girl to stifle even more giggles, but besides that it was silent.
"The edge is always m-m-mightier than the flat." Beau repeated, lacing his hands around Sophia's own to help her grip his sword. "L-Lyric, come." Without anymore instruction the girl raced forward with a smile, ironically so seeing as how she wielded a deadly weapon. Beau felt Sophia flinch but let out a hush, as if to calm down a crying child. It was a rare form of compassion, not like his sisters who would goad the Princess for showing such unnecessary fear. "Raise." Beau instructed calmly, seeing Lyric getting closer and closer, her sword arched behind her side and ready to swing. He helped Sophia of course, taking the majority of the weight to lift the sword above them, swinging it just in time for a thundering 'clank' to be heard around the field as both weapons connected.
"R-Right now, b-both flats are t-t-together, but -- 'the edge is a-always mightier than the flat'." he repeated knowingly, but without the air of arrogance that most would show. Without a word he twisted Sophia's wrists ever so slightly, a small move that resulted in their sword turning to the sharpest edge, counter-balancing Lyric's own and twisting her downward. With the weight offsetting her the girl nearly toppled to the floor, causing Beau to smile. "It's ea-easy to remember." he said to Sophia with a genuine grin, hoping he hadn't been too forward in his teaching.
Beau walked over quietly, at first guiding Sophia with his voice, but then moving to grip at her arms. Physical instruction was always best shown with training, and he found himself standing behind her, helping to position her shaking arms more stiffly. Cecilia could be seen in the background, impishly whispering something into Agnus ear that caused the girl to stifle even more giggles, but besides that it was silent.
"The edge is always m-m-mightier than the flat." Beau repeated, lacing his hands around Sophia's own to help her grip his sword. "L-Lyric, come." Without anymore instruction the girl raced forward with a smile, ironically so seeing as how she wielded a deadly weapon. Beau felt Sophia flinch but let out a hush, as if to calm down a crying child. It was a rare form of compassion, not like his sisters who would goad the Princess for showing such unnecessary fear. "Raise." Beau instructed calmly, seeing Lyric getting closer and closer, her sword arched behind her side and ready to swing. He helped Sophia of course, taking the majority of the weight to lift the sword above them, swinging it just in time for a thundering 'clank' to be heard around the field as both weapons connected.
"R-Right now, b-both flats are t-t-together, but -- 'the edge is a-always mightier than the flat'." he repeated knowingly, but without the air of arrogance that most would show. Without a word he twisted Sophia's wrists ever so slightly, a small move that resulted in their sword turning to the sharpest edge, counter-balancing Lyric's own and twisting her downward. With the weight offsetting her the girl nearly toppled to the floor, causing Beau to smile. "It's ea-easy to remember." he said to Sophia with a genuine grin, hoping he hadn't been too forward in his teaching.
Sophia tries to ignore the giggles behind her, and focus on what she was being taught. She was older and stronger than Lyric, but not being at all familiar with weapons, she was very susceptible to making very novice moves. But she puts on a brave face, and tries to do what the girl tells her, and even try to pick out the helpful suggestions from those tossed out by the observers amid their teasing.
When Beau comes up behind her, she feels a flush of warmth and finds it suddenly hard to concentrate. But she wants to do this right, so she forces herself to focus on what he is telling her, not on how strong his hands feel, or how nice it felt to have him standing so close to her. She nods to his instruction, turning her wrists as he guides her, and smiles, "I can tell..." she agrees, nodding again.
"Can we do it again, Lyric?" she asks the youngster, moving back into the proper stance, and waiting on Lyric. Obviously, it isn't a true attack, and the girls are using practice weapons, although of the proper weight, but it is enough for Sophia to get a feel for the movement, and both girls smile as she does it correctly. "Again?" and the two continue, over and over, until it becomes more smooth. They will move on to a few more moves, until Lyric has taught Sophia a full set of parries and thrusts, and Sophia actually has it down pretty quick and rather adeptly.
When Beau comes up behind her, she feels a flush of warmth and finds it suddenly hard to concentrate. But she wants to do this right, so she forces herself to focus on what he is telling her, not on how strong his hands feel, or how nice it felt to have him standing so close to her. She nods to his instruction, turning her wrists as he guides her, and smiles, "I can tell..." she agrees, nodding again.
"Can we do it again, Lyric?" she asks the youngster, moving back into the proper stance, and waiting on Lyric. Obviously, it isn't a true attack, and the girls are using practice weapons, although of the proper weight, but it is enough for Sophia to get a feel for the movement, and both girls smile as she does it correctly. "Again?" and the two continue, over and over, until it becomes more smooth. They will move on to a few more moves, until Lyric has taught Sophia a full set of parries and thrusts, and Sophia actually has it down pretty quick and rather adeptly.
The two of them practiced on, with playful jabs from the sisters turning into cheers. Sophia had learned well regardless of her upbringing -- Beau noticed how quickly she caught on to the defensive moves, and couldn't help the small tugging at his face seeing her go toe-to-toe with his sister so well.
But darkness soon approached, and the clan found themselves back inside. After dinner was feasted upon they all went into bed, not thinking much of where the following days would take them; surely not anticipating what would lie ahead.
But darkness soon approached, and the clan found themselves back inside. After dinner was feasted upon they all went into bed, not thinking much of where the following days would take them; surely not anticipating what would lie ahead.
The dinner goes much better this time around, with at least Agnes complimenting Sophia on her being a quick study. And Cecilia gives her kudos on the biscuits that Sophia made, under her direction, of course. Everyone washes up and heads to bed, but Sophia lays awake on her pallet on the floor, sighing softly to herself.
Finally, she gets up, quietly making her barefoot way to the ladder at the back, and slowly climbs up until just her head peeks out over the floorboards, "Beau?" she whispers, "Are you awake?" Assuming he answers in the affirmative, she'll ask, "Can I come up. I wanted to talk to you." her voice quiet.
Finally, she gets up, quietly making her barefoot way to the ladder at the back, and slowly climbs up until just her head peeks out over the floorboards, "Beau?" she whispers, "Are you awake?" Assuming he answers in the affirmative, she'll ask, "Can I come up. I wanted to talk to you." her voice quiet.
Beau's eyes had been close but he hadn't fallen asleep yet, especially not when his name was called out in the dead of night. He slowly arches up in bed, realizing it was Sophia after a moment of silence. "Ye-Yes, come up." he finally said, for once feeling indecent with his bare chest on display. It was dark though without a candle present, so hopefully the Princess wouldn't be offended.
"Is everything al-alright?" he asked once Sophia had made her way up, not knowing whether he should stand with her or continue remaining seated.
"Is everything al-alright?" he asked once Sophia had made her way up, not knowing whether he should stand with her or continue remaining seated.
Sophia climbs up, but due to the low ceiling, sits down beside his bed, on the floor, and fiddles with the hem of her dress. Her head and shoulders are likely visible to him, as would be her thoughtful expression.
"I'm not sure how to start this..." she says, giving him a quick glance. She feels heart skip a beat as she takes note of his bare chest, but not sure if it is because of it being the first time she has been close to a bare-chested man, or if it is specifically him. She has been feeling more and more jittery around him, but at the same time feeling like she always wants to be around him. It is a very confusing thing.
"...what if I didn't go to the convent? What if...could I stay here? With you? I mean, with you and your sisters? I...I promise I can help. I'll learn. I'll do whatever it takes." She pauses, "I don't want to be who I am, let me become someone different. No one has to know."
"I'm not sure how to start this..." she says, giving him a quick glance. She feels heart skip a beat as she takes note of his bare chest, but not sure if it is because of it being the first time she has been close to a bare-chested man, or if it is specifically him. She has been feeling more and more jittery around him, but at the same time feeling like she always wants to be around him. It is a very confusing thing.
"...what if I didn't go to the convent? What if...could I stay here? With you? I mean, with you and your sisters? I...I promise I can help. I'll learn. I'll do whatever it takes." She pauses, "I don't want to be who I am, let me become someone different. No one has to know."
Relief washed over Beau like a wave, having been unaware of how concerned he was before knowing Sophia's reasons for calling him. He'd assumed the worst, even thinking she wanted him to start her off towards the convent right then and there -- leaving in the dead of night as to not cause an emotional fuss amongst his sisters. But no, she -- she wanted to stay. She wanted to stay with him...them, all of them.
Beau opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out, causing the blonde to expel a rather large sigh through his nose. Trying once more, the words came easier for once, perhaps as atonement for his block earlier. "I don't see why not. Hon-Honestly the girls would've been heartbroken had you dec-cided to leave. W-We all would've, really."
Beau opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out, causing the blonde to expel a rather large sigh through his nose. Trying once more, the words came easier for once, perhaps as atonement for his block earlier. "I don't see why not. Hon-Honestly the girls would've been heartbroken had you dec-cided to leave. W-We all would've, really."
Sophia finally smiled with relief. She could stay! A home where she could be a part of something loving and nice. Maybe she would get through to Piper, but she felt like at least she had sisters of a sort with Cecilia and Lyric. Agnes was coming around. "Oh, thank you, Beau!" she exclaims in a whisper, reaching out for his hand and giving it a squeeze. "I promise I won't be a burden!" she tells him, still holding his hand. The act of just touching him gave her warm shivers, and she didn't want to let go.
======================
Some distance away, the tracker sighs, "I've lost the trail, here at the water. We'll have to cross over and see if we can pick it up. But it might take a while, depending on if they came out upstream or down. It wasn't like they were trying to hide themselves, though." he reports.
Once again, the 'army' of cooks, tents, soldiers and more attendants, make camp on this side of the river, to keep from disturbing any clues on the other side. The King is displeased with the delay, and promises, "Whomever took the Princess will pay with his neck!" This has made him look bad to his potential ally, coming up with excuses for the delay.
======================
Some distance away, the tracker sighs, "I've lost the trail, here at the water. We'll have to cross over and see if we can pick it up. But it might take a while, depending on if they came out upstream or down. It wasn't like they were trying to hide themselves, though." he reports.
Once again, the 'army' of cooks, tents, soldiers and more attendants, make camp on this side of the river, to keep from disturbing any clues on the other side. The King is displeased with the delay, and promises, "Whomever took the Princess will pay with his neck!" This has made him look bad to his potential ally, coming up with excuses for the delay.
Prince Seamus was growing impatient. He was informed of the 'slight delay' but that did very little to cure his irritation. His entourage did well to give him space, knowing in his brooding state one misunderstanding could cost them a great deal. Yes, the young leader was -- heated, to say the least, having expected to be a true ruler by now. On the bright-side, one would assume a woman so vexing must be that much more enticing to finally have. Whenever they did get around to 'finding' the cold-feet Princess.
"Y-You couldn't be a burden if you tried." Beau said genuinely, giving her delicate hands a gentle squeeze. The girls would be delighted to hear of Sophia's stay, even Piper; she wouldn't admit it aloud of course, but the teen had grown accustomed to having the older girl around, whether she showed it or not.
"I-I am p-pleased you've decided to stay, but," Beau began, showing a rare form of nervousness as his eyes darted to the floorboards then back up to Sophia's, "per-p-perhaps you should make your way down, now. L-Lest m-my sisters spring up gossip." The joke still held truth to it of course, as Beau knew all too well eyes and ears were never too far away in the small home.
***
"Y-You couldn't be a burden if you tried." Beau said genuinely, giving her delicate hands a gentle squeeze. The girls would be delighted to hear of Sophia's stay, even Piper; she wouldn't admit it aloud of course, but the teen had grown accustomed to having the older girl around, whether she showed it or not.
"I-I am p-pleased you've decided to stay, but," Beau began, showing a rare form of nervousness as his eyes darted to the floorboards then back up to Sophia's, "per-p-perhaps you should make your way down, now. L-Lest m-my sisters spring up gossip." The joke still held truth to it of course, as Beau knew all too well eyes and ears were never too far away in the small home.
"Oh, of course." Sophia murmurs softly, drawing her hand away. Had she just been turned away or was it a true concern? She was unsure, and so with a nod of her head, she scoots back towards the ladder, to quietly step back down. Her mind was awhile. She knew she felt true affection for Beau, different than that for his sisters. What was it, really? Was it hero-worship, because he was offering her sanctuary from her nightmarish future? Or was it more? She wished she could talk to someone, but the sisters were out of the question. She quietly steps back to her blankets, glancing around in the darkness to see if anyone was awake who might have witnessed her visit, but none seemed to be. She laid down and tried to sleep, but her mind was too busy racing along with her thoughts. Eventually, however, sleep won out, and she finally drifted off.
By morning the household was awoken by thundering knocks on the front door. Beau jolted awake, not nearly as gracefully as one would suspect. By the time the second round of knocks were heard, he was at the bottom of the ladder, while his sisters were slowly rousing up from the noise as well.
He hadn't time to even question what was going on; by the time he'd opened the door a man was talking excitedly at him -- much too fast for Beau to keep up at so early in the morning. "Ni-Nicholas, what is this?" Beau asked groggily, not hiding the fact that his neighbor was infringing on his entire family's rest. The sun had barely peeked across the horizon and here he was, banging with enough force to summon an army into battle.
"I said there's word across the village -- the King is near!" That woke him up with a start, showing a flash of fear rather than mere energetic confusion like the man and his sisters. "No word yet on why, but he's not alone -- some say he's brought soldiers, others say a skilled tracker. So guard your --" the man trailed off then, peeking inside to see the unfamiliar set of eyes staring at him in shock. "Guard your possessions." was all he stated, subtly eluding to any stolen merchandise the clan may have gathered. From talk around the kingdom their Lord was known for being hang-happy, and would end a life over a stolen loaf of bread. Seeing as how their village was made up of nothing but notorious thieves, the warning was duly noted.
Beau was too shocked to speak, but made sure to nod dumbly before closing the door. The girls were whispering amongst themselves in a hush, more entertained than anything, not knowing of the danger they were in. "Can you believe it, Sophia? The king, in our village!" Cecilia smiled, turning to face her twin, "I wonder whatever for?"
He hadn't time to even question what was going on; by the time he'd opened the door a man was talking excitedly at him -- much too fast for Beau to keep up at so early in the morning. "Ni-Nicholas, what is this?" Beau asked groggily, not hiding the fact that his neighbor was infringing on his entire family's rest. The sun had barely peeked across the horizon and here he was, banging with enough force to summon an army into battle.
"I said there's word across the village -- the King is near!" That woke him up with a start, showing a flash of fear rather than mere energetic confusion like the man and his sisters. "No word yet on why, but he's not alone -- some say he's brought soldiers, others say a skilled tracker. So guard your --" the man trailed off then, peeking inside to see the unfamiliar set of eyes staring at him in shock. "Guard your possessions." was all he stated, subtly eluding to any stolen merchandise the clan may have gathered. From talk around the kingdom their Lord was known for being hang-happy, and would end a life over a stolen loaf of bread. Seeing as how their village was made up of nothing but notorious thieves, the warning was duly noted.
Beau was too shocked to speak, but made sure to nod dumbly before closing the door. The girls were whispering amongst themselves in a hush, more entertained than anything, not knowing of the danger they were in. "Can you believe it, Sophia? The king, in our village!" Cecilia smiled, turning to face her twin, "I wonder whatever for?"
Sophia had heard the neighbor's dire warning as soon as he had said it, and she felt herself go cold with fright. She did not take part in the whispered gossiping of the sisters, and instead tips her hand by rushing to Beau's side and touching his arm, "I am so sorry...this is all my fault!" she tells him, tears brimming in her eyes. "I'll leave straight away." she says, and begins to pace, "I can run farther away." she first suggests out loud, then backtracks, "NO, he'll just keep looking. I will turn myself in. Tell him that no one knew of my true identity." She knows the outcome will be bad for her, but she can't bear to see her new friends suffer in any way for her folly.
"Sophia, calm down," Cecilia intervened, touching her friend's arm lightly, "what ever would the King want with you, silly? It's fine, he'll most likely travel by without disturbing us at all."
Even throughout his sister's words Beau had begun to -- fidget. He didn't squirm regularly, usually he had a better grasp on hiding physical signs of distress. But however subtle the lip biting and hand wringing was, Piper noticed. She kept quiet though, only tracing her calculating eyes over her brother's tells, but she never said anything aloud. Before Sophia could even explain, the twin knew from that alone her family was in hot water.
Even throughout his sister's words Beau had begun to -- fidget. He didn't squirm regularly, usually he had a better grasp on hiding physical signs of distress. But however subtle the lip biting and hand wringing was, Piper noticed. She kept quiet though, only tracing her calculating eyes over her brother's tells, but she never said anything aloud. Before Sophia could even explain, the twin knew from that alone her family was in hot water.