Post by Annasiel on Dec 2, 2021 22:11:10 GMT
The guard seemed to freeze, for a moment, eyes growing dark, attention drifting from the trio of youths to the far horizon. It was over as soon as it had begun, passed so quick it might have simply been a trick of a light. He grinned, the same sort of grin a parent might give their child talking about Clove-Hoof Petey bringing gifts for Midwinter, and rubbed almost sheepishly at the back of his neck.
"Ain't no Prima here, girl. Hasn't been for centuries, if you even believe those old tales. Primas are things of King Faucion's day. Wisewomen and court wizards, heroes and dragons. Course - could be nice to have a Prima now, what with everything going sideways, hm? Nice to have someone to set the world straight."
He laughed, shaking his head.
"Where's your Prima. I'll be. Next thing you know, they're gonna be asking me if I know the Treesong."
Gesturing at the door behind him, he turned his attention back to Owain and Laurent.
"Why don't we get you two boys to the barracks, introduce you to the captain? Your friend can come along too, if she likes, but I'm afraid there's not much that'd interest her, there. She's much better off visiting the market below." He winked. "Biggest market in the kingdom, you know. They say you can find anything you want on the streets of Opus, and by the Goddess, I certainly believe them."
---
Pale stood nearer to the forest's edge than to the city, skittishly shifting back closer to the shade. It was day, midday by the hanging sun, and her features seemed washed and strained in the bright, unyielding light.
"That's not a place for me, Hush," she said, simply, eyes darting between his face and the tower. "Too bright, too loud. Too many people. Maybe one day, but - everything is wrong, now. Sideways, like a painting tipped on its wall. It still looks the same, you see, if you tilt your head, but it's still not - right."
She shivered, then, wrapping her arms tightly around herself in a comforting embrace.
"I'll follow when the sun falls. I promise. Alright? Find your friends, for now. Find the others. It's important, Hush."