Firefly Glen [phe] and here we go, here we go, back to basics

@Reyna

the chill of night revealed much to him.

the scents of many were thick along the cold breeze. some concentrated in specific places but overall the masses crawled all over the lands like disturbed ants. food, refreshments, many faces.

he could indulge here and perhaps leave with a mighty group after a bit of muscle showing. it was the dream of any long-wandering soldier. so he dared to reveal himself to the first camp whose edges he had come upon.

a deep and warm note escaped him, an invitation for introductions.

the pale woman heard his wanderer's song. in times as desperate as these, to take upon one more would be neccessary. she was in no mood to hunt for the winter, not after this.

reyna left her children under the care of their father and handmaiden before answering the man with her presence instead of a song of her own.

hello there. a strong one. she tempered her excitement; strong ones always come to flex their strength only to disappear into the night, after taking from her and the food of the kingdom.

she was tall, but thin.

blonde moonlight come to part the night and wash him in light. he reminded himself to be on his best behavior — for now. he had no desire to be chased off so soon!

is this your camp, my lady? his eyes were warm as he soaked in her presence and their surroundings. and if so, perhaps there is room for another within it? maybe for the long haul, maybe for the festivities. for however long she might tolerate his presence.

this part of it, yes.. she too played nice. there were far too many competitors — goodness forbid he hears of the other kingdom, regardless of all the troubles they have gone for. and no way in hell would she share her newest recruit with them. we may be leaving soon, however. the wilds away from home are quite a mess. she swats at the flowers that itched at her ankles.
we may need an escort. the queen straightened as she settled into her seat. crimson eyes narrowed. i have young ones that need protection. for as long as you stay, i will provide you with the fruits of this festival, and the bountiful food present back home.

he was intrigued. maybe he did not need to go busy himself around all the other groups if she seemed interested in him too. it was always easier if there was no need to grovel or beg. it was unbecoming and admittedly he had little mind for it.

an escort. protection.

i can offer such with gladness — and the bounties you provide will be a boon. an easy smile on his features now. wouldn't it be so noble to protect the children of a fair lady? where do you call home? how far will our walk be? thoughtful, as if he meant to plan it all now — and he did.

she couldn't help but smile at his eagerness, only to remind herself. temper yourself;
in the hinterlands. it's a vibrant land. far less harsher than the ones here. even in the winter. she begins, imagining herself within the safety of her cavern once again. goodness — what will be left of it when she returns home?

but it's a long journey. not dreadfully long but it will take many days. by then the food gathered for this hunt would surely all be spent.

many days of travel would be rewarded with vibrant lands. she even spoke of their kindness through the coldest of the year. he thought he might have found himself a very promising in.

and when you are returned there will be work to be done, too. it did not feel so terribly out of line to say such. after all — i can be made a rather busy body even after offering escort protection. his eyes were brilliant with his own thinking.

guards are always necessary; alongside huntsmen. we have few, so your assistance will be greatly appreciated. the queen rises to her feet.

you will have to prove yourself to me, however. far too many have come and gone. even after i've shed blood for them. her lips twist, remembering as she'd spread blood over the basilisk man's crown. he did not deserve such a blessing. he did not deserve her kindness, her womanhood.

if all is well, then come; join me. i will introduce you to my family.

i would expect nothing less, he rumbled with a low dip of his head. to prove himself was vital. no victory was sweet if it was handed to him on a silver platter.

all is more than well, my lady. you may call me karpos — or whatever title you bestow upon your huntsmen. he was warmed by her and this deal they had made.

his stride would be strong and steady alongside her, prepared to already display how good of a guarding escort he could be.