Silver Creek paeon

Bloodied and panting through crimson-stained teeth, Makhai dragged a goat's corpse into a clearing. He sang out a short, ragged song for @Europia. The Queen's orders had been clear: keep their sister fed, keep her focused, keep her ready. But ready for what?

It was not the first time he'd asked himself this question. He suspected he would not like the answer. So the Prince bit his tongue, and did only as he was bid. Such was his lot.

At the call of her older brother, Europia was quick to trot into his view. She was always quick to respond.

Tail waving high at the sight of the goat, she called back to him. That looks like a good kill! Tilting her head, cheeky and grinning, she eyed the goat with clear interest. Is it for me?

All for you, Makhai confirmed, grinning as he stepped closer to press a kiss to his sister's forehead. I couldn't let my favorite sister starve, now, could I?

He stepped back to give her space to enjoy the meal, eyes drifting to scan the trees. Newly arrived as they were, he hadn't yet found the time to assess in full; to pinpoint any possible threats. Yet their Prophet seemed certain of the forest. He tried to force the tension out of his shoulders, and turned his eyes back to his sister.

Her tail swayed as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. She knew for certain that Makhai and the other's still babied her a bit, and if it meant that she wouldn't need to hunt for herself then she would embrace it. I won't tell Thalassa. She giggled.

She was taking quite the liking to the territory, for it was the furthest she had ever been allowed to go from their birth home. Danger was not something she was interested in looking out for. Have you settled in yet? I know Haedwig can't move too well anymore, so I assumed you would be marking borders. It was something that she knew the prophet had enjoyed taking care of once, but her joints were not so forgiving anymore. It was sad to see her so seditary.

His grin faded into troubled solemnity as Europia went on. The long journey had not been kind to any of them, but Haedwig least of all. Their Prophet's days were numbered. Makhai tried not to linger on the thought. The Umbra is assisting, the Prince assured his sister, settling back on his haunches with ears still swiveling to catch the sounds of the forest around them. It's a peaceful place our Prophet has brought us to; abandoned, from what we've seen. Not a soul around for miles but us.

It isn't home, Makhai sighed, unsure himself whether it was regret or relief which darkened his tone. But it will be, in time.

I like it. She affirmed with a nod. I wandered out from the tree line yesterday, it's just so pretty out here.. She faded off, eyes which seemed momentarily far away flicking back to Makhai. Don't tell.

She knew she was supposed to stay within the court's territory, that was the way it always had been. She used to listen quite well, but Europia but become far more rebellious with age; running off with boys and chasing rodents, she had experienced the walk of shame back home more than a few times.

Makhai shook his head, a hint of a frown darkening his features. I won't tell, Europia, he began in a tone already lightly scolding, but take The Umbra with you next time, at least. I've half a mind to find you a guard of your own.

He wouldn't, of course, if only because there was no telling what sort of barbarians they might find in the lands beyond their little haven. Still... No wolves doesn't mean no danger at all, the Prince half-growled, studying the trees now as if they might come to life and attack at any moment. And we could still be followed, not by friends but by our mother's enemies. Remember that.

She groaned at the mention of an escort, the reaction almost immediate. But she's so boring, She said, I'm not a baby anymore, I can handle myself. Her pout did not help her case, of course.

[indent[I just want to do something interesting. The rest of you all get cool jobs. Maybe manual labour wasn't her thing, but it wasn't fun to have nothing either. Thalassa was queen, Makhai was a cool captain, The Umbra was all tough and watchful, Haedwig was always doing something useful and witchy, but Europia was just.. Europia. She had no idea why she was here.

In the old kingdom she had friends and servants to keep her company, but now there was nothing to keep her busy.

Be patient, Europia. It's not all fun and games, having duties, Makhai's grin was sardonic, but his words were kind. The expression faded quickly enough. You'll understand your place here soon. In the mean time, we need to ensure that you truly can handle yourself.

He stood, shoulders set in a way that said they were turning to business now. Finish eating. Then we're going to spar. Now he was the Prince-Commander, enforcing an order from the Queen herself, and Europia a subject. It chafed at him, though he knew the necessity of it.

Spar? She repeated, raising an eyebrow. They had never let her spar. I don't know how.

Taking a bite of her goat, she eyed Makhai and waited for further explanation. Anything that risked her being scarred had been set completely off limits by their parents, though Europia did not completely understand why her appearance was of such importance to them.

You will learn, Makhai stated grimly, but softened into something akin to humor as he added: Don't worry, I won't hurt you. Even if she had not been his beloved baby sister, Thalassa would have him flayed if any harm came to her — especially if it was him who had inflicted it.

Europia was no soldier, and never would be; he would go easy on her. But in a land filled with unknowns, she could no longer remain so helpless. On that, at least, he and the Queen agreed.

Better not. She responded with a light huff. I think Haedwig's tired of patching me up.

Swallowing the rest of her share, Europia stood and shook out her dark coat. If Makhai wanted to spar, then she would give him a spar! The best she could, at least.

Copying the stance she often saw The Umbra and her brother take before exchanging blows, she waited. It couldn't be all that hard.

She had the spirit, at least. Makhai smirked as he examined her stance. Not quite, he murmured, and stepped closer to guide her into the correct pose with gentle nudges of his nose here and there. Stay light on your feet. Ready to move.

Then he stood back.

Alright. Now hit me.

She grumbled her complaints as he adjusted her stance, but complied nonetheless. Europia had a particular annoyance for being corrected, but she had to admit.. this felt a bit more comfortable.

Then he told her to take a hit. Releasing a breath, she moved forward with all the determination of a charging bull - but her movements were predictable, clumsy. Attacking an opponent like that, she would be better fleeing from the fight instead.