Fort Fall And The Underwater Pods

At the back of the country locked in stone is a fortress built like no other. High walls melt into the rock as towers pour from every angle, holes allowing bowmen to guard this place to the last man. Fort Fall, the last outpost and the very last stand fortress of the kingdom. If all else was to fall, they would find themselves here, defending. Behind these massive walls rests the last armory, stocked full to the brim with food and armaments, and the Pod house. The pod house is for the full evacuation of the citizens if a war breaks out to Siram, the peaceful water nation, and to allow the removal of wounded from the battlefield and harms way.

The invitations where ready, a message had been cast, and preparations had been made for her departure. Her mind raced with several scenarios of sneaking, as she secured the dark charcoal wraps and robes around her little figure, tucking Shurik's invitation securely within the folds. "Distraction, distraction... Hum..." Her guards were no fools; she knew she'd be done for if Sachiel was by chance on stand tonight, he was the smartest of all her 'protectors', and had probably caught wind of her tricks before. So what would distract her guards long enough to lead them away from the pods, and allow her secret passage?

"Mrm.. Moh?" A familiar little mumble breathed from her left side, followed by a quiet coo. Micah dipped without hesitation, pivoting on her heel and sweeping down to cup the furry cheeks of her fox-puppy, whom sat on the floor by her bedside. His deep cobalt irises widened briefly, then closed completely; his head tilted and nuzzled into her small palms, and his muzzle parted with a small yip. "Minku, just waking up, huh?" He replied with a small, sleepy huff, and she scooped his tiny little form up into her arms in the next moment, nuzzling her face into his navy-blue fur. The gentle down coaxed a quiet giggle from her lips. He was such a sweetheart, she could hardly bare it sometimes. "Ah, hey Minku, would you like to come on an adventure with me? We might get in trouble, ehe..." He could understand her perfectly, not through the words she spoke, but the message they relayed and translated into within his own mind. And given his complete understanding, the excitement that overcame him in the next instant was clear. He bounded from her arms, pawing briefly at the carpet with his little paws, and then launched himself towards the door in anticipation. "Alright, alright, give me a moment, I have an idea."

A glimpse outside of her door proved comfort to her idea. No guards were positioned in the Royal's direct hallway, for the moment. She suspected they were in the process of changing shifts, in which case, she would have a few minutes to set this up correctly. She stepped into a smaller room off-shooting her own; this was the room her personal pets slept in, where Minku had been up until a short minute ago, and where her two other pets remained sleeping. The fluffies of Siram were infamous for their small, shapeless bodies of fluff and fur. Many people kept them as pets, as they made comforting cuddle-buddies and required little maintenance to sustain themselves. Although the fluffies normally preferred the warm beaches of Siram's islands, Micah kept two as pets for her own, whom were unique in the fact that they didn't much like the islands, or the sand. Mik and Mo were quite content in their large expanse of blankets and pillows, and she took several moments to watch them in their slumber with an amused smile. Time was running out, though, and this was the one chance she had at sneaking out tonight. And so, she woke them gently with tender caresses, and lifted them into her arms with a soft nuzzle as they burrowed themselves against her face and neck. "I need your help tonight, and I promise I'll get you extra marshmallows to snack on when I come back, 'kay?" They responded with small shuddered of approval, unseen lips moving with incoherent murmurs.

Carying Mik and Mo into her bedroom, she peaked once more out the door. Content on the empty expanse before her, she pulled it open the rest of the way. At this point, her mind was racing, and her veins were pulsing with an ice-cold excitement. "I'll get in trouble by Sachiel for this later, but its okay, I think he'll laugh at my tactics. Ehehe.." Minku was gathered at her feet, ready to leave; Mik and Mo were gathered against her chest securely. And with no more hesitation, she slipped out of her room and closed the brilliantly painted door behind her, fluttering down the hall a ways with a muffled laugh. When she reached the corner, she peaked around it to assure her safety, and continued on; getting as close to the pod corridor as possible, until she heard distant voices. "Now or never!" Minku gave a small yip of amusement as Micah leaned down and placed Mik and Mo on the floor. They rolled briefly, gathering themselves for the task. And with a small nod from Micah, they began to move; their small, fluffy forms rolling over the floor and down the hallway at surprising speed. They seemed to race as they moved, content on seeing who could go the fastest, who could complete this task the best, like a competition. She waited a moment. Then another. A third. And when she heard a faint gasp of surprise from one of the guards in the next hall, she began to run, Minku following suit.

Micah skidded into the next hallway, where she saw a group of guards gathered in a loose circle, staring down at the floor with disbelieving faces. Perfect. "Mik and Mo, they got out of my room! They were too fast for Minku and I to catch! Don't let them run, they might get stepped on!" Her voice raised, dipping into a deep tone of exhaustion and worry, and she shouted towards them. They turned with started faces; some showing extreme worry, others showing great amusement. The guards knew by now how much she cherished her pets, especially Mik and Mo, whom were too cute, and little, and helpless for them to not worry when Micah had let them loose accidentally. They had gathered around the two little fluffies before her arrival, and when they looked back down to the place they just previously had been, the floor was bare; two little fluffy figures were receding further down the hall, quick as can be. There were shouts, groans, and muffled sighs, and then the heavy foot-fall of their booted steps as they chased the little fluffies down the hall.

She followed, branching off into separate hallways and rousing the other guards positioned to join in the chase. When she finally reached the pod station, she skidded to a stop in front of the last oblivious men. They seemed surprised to be greeted by the sudden, heavily breathing and apparently upset princess. The brilliant blue multitude of swirls within her eyes glinted in the pale silver glow of the station. She knew by now that with the right stance, a trick of the light would leave her eyes seemingly brimmed and gleaming with tears. With a ragged breath, she pointed down the empty hallway before them, her arm trembling slightly. "My fluffies, they got out of my room, I couldn't chase them fast enough... The other guards, they haven't caught them... Please, go help catch them! Don't let them get stepped on!" As if to aid her display, Minku yelped helplessly at her side, as if he were just as deeply upset by this sudden occurrence. The two men looked at her then; took stock of her appearance, of her uneven breathing. One seemed doubtful, the other seemed concerned. They probably had no idea how to respond to this, they were probably stunned into surprised silence. It mattered not; a moment later another man came racing past the corridor. He paused, gave the two silent men before her a hard look, and barked with sudden urgency. "Princess Micah's pets have been released! They can not be allowed to run around, they might get injured! Come, aid in the search immediately!" The two men might have tried to argue the point, might have told Micah someone needed to watch the pods at all times. But the man that had come by was of obviously higher rank, and they responded to him with no hesitation, racing down the hall after him, and leaving Micah alone with Minku in the pod station.

"Ehe, they needed a little excitement, nothing ever happens down here." The ironic amusement of it all tugged a smile into place upon her lips, and she stepped into the pod system quickly, followed by Minku. It had been a while since she directed the pod system herself, and her muscles remembered every movement and gesture that would trace her path to Saravya. Putting the proper settings in place, she took a seat on the cushioned bench inside of the pod. The interlude to her adventure now passed, and she was already quite worked up physically from the show she had just put on. Relaxing against the bench, deep breaths were taken. The eyelids brimming cobalt irises dipped, sinking; plunging her into a comfortable darkness, which was laced by a dim silver glow. Minku hopped into her lap, settling into the confines of her robes and managing a sleepy yawn of his own. The trip to Sayavya would take a short while, but the scenery was pleasant. The creatures of the ocean came alive at night in a way most could not recognize. The mass of cobalt comfort surrounding her was filled with vibrant creatures, casting lights within the darkness, and easing the uneasy feelings that sometimes bubbled up within her stomach. Traveling alone at night was scary sometimes, when all that you could see was darkness. But the beautiful serpents and sea-fish painted little stars through the dark sky, and as long as she focused on those, she was at ease; swaying in the expanse. Her breathing had evened, and a rosey tint colored her otherwise moon-lit cheeks. She would arrive soon enough at the Fort, and hopefully be greeted by the little bird she had grown so attached to, and the ghost of a man she knew as Shurik, whom, she hoped, still possessed the essence of warmth she could remember.

Shurik arrived, simple as that, the Royal man walking through the massive gates as they closed behind him, shutting him into the cavernous expansion that was known as Fort Fall. Shurik was dressed rather casually still for such an occasion. His armor was removed and his loose clothing adorned him. Red and purple fabric slipped along his tone body as some of his men walked behind him towards the doors of the pods. Shurik chuckled lightly, waving them off as he continued to move across the large land mass area that lead to the housing for Micah's transport.

Shurik watched as the men returned to their posts, those purple eyes watching each and every man as they walked by him. The soldiers stopped and bowed as he made his way across, Shurik bowing slightly to each one as he went along. This was a tradition he long hated, and wished for his men to stop, but the older shoulders forbade it. So Shurik dealt with it, giving his men the guidance of tradition, even if he disliked it. So many soldiers under his command, it was hard to think of that they trusted him so fully with their lives that they would guard him til death.

He looked at the bird on his shoulder, still forgetful of the beasts name as he took a deep sigh. "You know, I wish on the death of me I could remember your name." He stared at the thing, reaching his opposite hand up and sending rough, war worn fingers sliding along its feathers. They may have been rough, but somehow there was still a soft tone to them.

He reached the pod station, unsure of the time Micah would be arriving due to the vagueness and quickly written note she had sent with her guardian bird. But he pushed open the wooden doors, sliding into the cooler area of the realm. This one spot was much colder than the rest of the city because of the draft that came from the pod tubes. With the bird there with him, the doors closed behind him, the warm wind at his back disappearing. He now stood and waited, a large smile on his face as he took the bird into his hand and held it up, shaking his head as he stared the bird within the eyes and smirked. "Ptitsa." The thing chirped with agreement, his smile matching the birds tune as he nodded. "Now I remember, when our time grows short."

The crystalline surface of the pod's shell reflected odd figures of color into Micah's eyes. With each passing moment, stray images caressed her vision, enfolding her in a blanket of cobalt ripples and stars of light. Drifting in a void of lonesome silence, with only the faint cascade of air, and the slow, sleeping breathes of Minku upon her lap, to lull her into a comfortable state if mind. She had forgotten how long a trip between clans could take; maybe it was the lack of conversation, of someone else's presence, that caused the minutes to drag. The wait was uneventful, its wears visible in the sleepiness of her eyes, the loose structure of her muscles. The ocean had an odd effect on Micah. Its quiet resonance instilled within her something similar; its cobalt glow cast an even tint of blues through her otherwise ivory strands. Her skin took on a cast as cool and as colorless as ice, and yet, the same multitude of brilliant blue swirls encircled her eyes, and the same rosy sheen painted her cheeks. She was mystified by herself sometimes; looking into the reflection of the pod's crystal shell, every detail, and every flaw was projected back to her. Her eyes trailed through the reflection, and her fingertips raised to caress the corresponding features of her face. Her eyes, they curved slightly at their corners; tilted upward ever so slightly, and her lips, naturally down-turned, created dimples when raised. Her nose was rounded, jawline drawn pointedly into a softened chin. "Is this what beauty looks like, or simply a misfortune of appearance..." The silence was delicate to break, and so she kept her voice to a soft, childlike murmur.

The silence had been long lived, but was slowly distilling in the wake of audible waves. The pod was slowing; wind rushed past the glass confines like breathes from the ocean itself. She could see the visible shadow looming above the ceiling of the constructure, marking the final destination of her voyage through the ocean. Somewhat relieved, she roused herself from the cushions; collecting the sleeping form of her fox-pup among the folds of her robe, and placing a soft nuzzle to his cheeks to wake him. A muffled sigh parted his muzzle, and soon he stirred, waking slowly against her chest. The pod continued its ascension until she could the final rush, and the unwinding clicks of the pod connecting to the station. Gathering herself, she waited the few extra moments it would take for the doors to open, Minku growing slowly more aware. And when the doors finally opened, and she peaked out into the dimly lit station of Sayavya, a slow smile formed on the edges of her lips. Before her stood a picture of worn beauty; a man who's face caressed her memories and coaxed them to life once more. Battle scars rippled through his skin, and yet his loose white spikes and vibrantly violet eyes pierced the dim fog of time and connected instantly. Her little, most cherished guardian fluttered about his hand, and the two looked as if they shared a secret no one else could tell. "Quality bonding time with my guardian I see? That's kind of cute; Ptitsa usually prefers the dead over the living..." A faint giggle was coaxed from her lips as Minku's maw nuzzled her neck. She bent to set him down, and watched contently as he wandered his way over to the man's feet with quaint curiosity. "Shurik, I had forgotten what you looked like..." The cherry sheen was ever present over her cheeks, as always; no way to tell whether the heat seeping into her skin was because of the familiar presence of her sibling clan, or something different. She swept herself into a small curtsy, allowing the robes to fall open from the gesture and her charcoal wraps to stand stark contrast against her otherwise silver-lit skin. She plucked the silvery-blue envelope from her inner wraps upon righting herself once more, offering it to him with a sort of childish grin that teased her brilliant blue orbs. "For you, on behalf of Siram."

His eyes remained fixated on the bird before him, those purple hues staring at the different colors before him as the little thing skittered and danced across his palm. Then he heard a voice, his eyes still closely focused to the bird before him, from behind his little friend. He listened, such a long time having past since he heard those soft tones, recognizing the voice near instantly. He answered her, chuckling to the bird as he slowly lowered the beast from his face, his eyes refocusing. "Well, one might expect it. I've been dead a few times." He laughed, her grace coming into view the instant his words where finished. It was like a picture. One moment she was foggy, unclear, and now it was like a crisp clean image before him. "So maybe the bird just thinks I'm dead." He laughed, slowly folding his arms as the small bird flapped from his hand and flew over to its true owner.

She was a vision to behold. So young, yet so locked in the thralls of beauty one might mistake her for older. Her eyes shined and that pale skin, in contrast to her dark garb, shown even brighter than he remembered. And how could he forget? A child, a princess, and a ruler of a country, even in her youth, she was beautiful as any woman.

His fingers tapped against his arm, his eyes watching her as his smile only widened, his teeth exposed as he returned her curtsey with a small bow, his eyes closing slightly before looking down to the beast at his feet. Saravyans and their natural affinity for animals shown bright in him as he let his hand be sniffed by the small beast, his other hand scooching the small thing into his hand before he picked it up and began to pet it. "The strange companions you keep, Micah." He laughed lightly to himself, smirking to the small fox-pup as he set it back down to the left of his body, taking a few steps towards the woman before him.

His fingers slipped around that which she handed out for him, his arms unfolding as his left hand grasped that letter with tender strength. The paper rested between his fingers as he pulled it back towards him. "Now what would this be, fearless Siram leader." She may have thought he failed to notice her lack of escorts, but he knew better. She didn't come on her own because they just allowed her to. But it wasn't his place to scold or tell, so he let it slide like he hadn't noticed. He flipped the invitation over in his hand, admiring the artwork she had so skillfully painted on the front and back. With that, he opened it, staring lightly as he read the handwriting. There it was. "A ball? Really?" He smiled, letting the letter slide into his pocket, nodding to her as he raised his eyebrow. "Sounds interesting enough to me. I will plan on attending."

He smiled to her, smirking to himself as he spoke once more. "So, how did you get out so late, dearest princess? I wonder. It must have been daring." He laughed to himself bowing once more to her invitation and her prowess for mischief.

Watching silently his interaction with her stray little friends allured a childish grin from her dimpling cheeks. Not only had her little bird fallen to his charms, but Minku as well now sat within the encirclement of his arms, content as can be. She herself now felt as if a thread of interest were pulling her towards him, prodding her to inspect the magnificent creature she hadn't yet added to her assembly of mysterious companions. She was, deep down, a child after all. A wonderfully curious child, and when curiosity had its hold on her, she could do little to resist. Before she realized, her feet had taken several small steps; drawing her towards him, diverting her to his left in a slow circle. Her azure gaze followed the contours of his loose clothe, sweeping over the his skin like a veil of silk. Little hands lifted, following the twists and turns of his figures close enough to hover just above the surface, but make no contact. No sound escaped, but a mask of mass confusion riddled her face and twisted her lips into a small circle of awe. "Ptitsa... he's used to Saravya as much as he is Siram. He rides your wind currents, every night, guiding the lost souls to Necropolis." The words passed in faint murmurs, as if she were trying to form and deliver tangible thoughts from within a cloud of sleepy confusion.

In the next moment her feet carried her to the initial spot she stood upon, fingertips lifting to brush against the silky feathers of Ptitsa's coat. He cooed; wings gliding him to her shoulder, beak dipping into the strands of her hair, and he rested there briefly, whispering thoughts into her ear. A slow smile played on the corners of her lips, eyes drifting from the little white figure, up to the wandering violet eyes of Shurik's. "Ehe, if you want to see strange, you should meet Mik and Mo. They're at home, leading my guards through an... unexpected training exercise." The devious giggle parting her lips matched the childlike expression of her face. Minku yipped faintly from Shurik's left, were he now sat, staring contently at Ptitsa's ivory form. He responded, fluttering his wings to hover above the little pup teasingly. They ensued a little dance, dipping towards each other and parting ways in a mock battle. Her attention held on them briefly with an amused gaze, before being drawn back by Shruik's footsteps, which lead him closer towards her. As he took the outstretched invitation, the urgency of the moment overcame her. She wondered idly as he unwrapped and read, what his reaction to the sudden visit and invitation would be. Other clans and their leaders would appear, and Saravya's unease with Septur Kana was apparent to her still. Would he be hesitant, or deny? She doubted she could contain the anxious expression, just as her little figure already shifted back and forth uneasily.

She wasn't forced to wait long, and his answer lifted the worry instantaneously. A huge, cheek-dimpling smile overcame her face, and not a moment later she was leaning against the station's wall to steady her bout of excitement. She listened contently to his questions, brushing a fair hand through her sea-tinted hair slowly. By now, Sachiel was probably very, very angry with her and her trickery, but she still had time to spend on her visit. She laughed quietly to herself, eyes raising to meet his violet hues. "Well, I had to sneak out of course. There's been little action recently in the underwater kingdom, so my guards needed some late-night excitement anyway. I assume by now they've caught my 'runaway' pets and sent them back to bed." The amusement about her was growing over the minutes, and though she was unsure how long she could keep his interest, she was content on staying as long as desired before drudging back to her palace and facing the consequences of her tomfoolery. They hadn't seen each other in years, ever since Micah had crowned him. Until recently, the council handled most of Siram's transactions as a clan. She was growing up, though, and her kingdom could not continue to be ruled by secret, silent figures while she stood a poster-child to their mistakes. She had been growing less and less in-touch with Daratan and its workings, but no more of that. She would get to know the clan leaders she hadn't seen since childhood, and would become an existence people would know and rely on in times of trouble; eventually. "I hope I'm not wasting your time, Lord Shurik, I realize my visit is quite rash. I suppose I feel compelled to make up for the time I've missed since my parent's accident..." It had been five years, and still a ghost of such bloody memories clouded her cobalt spheres. Despite this, a faint smile still curved her lips. "I hope this ball will do well to bring my long-lost sibling clans together, I'm overjoyed you would accept such an offer."

His eyes scanned over the invitation once more, a chuckled passing through that strong jaw as he raised an eyebrow to her, listening to her tail of trickery and mischief. Such a story she had. But it was amazing that the guards just seem to let her through like that. He had heard stories of the child-like nature of the Princess of Siram, but actually hearing a tail from the mouth that is normally spoken about was something he hadn't expected. Those hues of purple looked over the art work once more, admiring the penmanship that was presented like a treasured drawing or a scroll of great importance. He smiled gently, taking the invitation and slowly sliding it into the front of his shirt, into a hidden pocket within the tunic he wore. His attention turned to the strange creatures beside him, watching them dance around like happy fools as they played and enjoyed their time here. His head shook from left to right, those strong, yet gentle eyes turning back slowly.

She was against the wall now, it was sort of funny to watch her move from one location to the next. Like a restless child made its way from one spot of curiosity to the next. His arms crossed over that strong chest once more, his left hand rising once to move through those golden locks to bristle them once more up into gleaming points. It was like his hair was sharp enough to be a weapon itself. Yet to the touch of his fingers, there was nothing that could compare, not even the feel of the silk that adorned his body at this moment.

Shurik shrugged, laughing lightly at her concern for his time as he smirked, his four fangs on the left side protruding slightly as his eyes wandered on her. "Well, I can't say that you interrupted anything. I was sharing some time with my people down at the tavern." His hands removed themselves from their static position as he began to walk, his fingers lacing behind his back as he nodded to her. "My condolences on your parents. I don't know if I sent them at that time, but I state them now. Even if it has been a long time." The wandering man made his way in a small semi-circle, his eyes closing as he walked, opening only when he thought of something to say.

He turned to her, his feet coming to a military attention as he chuckled. He could tell she was hesitant to go back just yet, her body language and her strange change in topics and word choices revealed much about her current state of mind. "No time is wasted when with friends, am I right?" He turned his head, his grin widening as his left eye stared at her. His body turned shortly after, moving himself back across the Semi-circle he had moved through. "I actually look forward to such events. Not many opportunities arise anymore that allow me to see the world. I get a few calls to action outside the city on the Path, but nothing far out like this one." He licked his teeth from under his lip, thinking quietly to himself as he nodded. "Well, If you have some time on your hands, maybe you would like to join me for a small stroll through the city? Many things have changed since my years as ruler."

The specter of her memories remained just dimly visible over the smooth plains of her previously infantile face. The pools of blood, the metallic clangs of that night, they sobered her expression and brought the tiredness to life about her. Still, the memories pained her. But the time had passed, her time-counter a testimony of truth to that. There were times when the sadness would overcome her, cripple her with nightmares; but now wasn't one of those times. She stood before a man she hadn't seen in years, a man blessed with being one of the most beautiful she had ever seen, although he was probably told this frequently by the assortment of girls in Saravya. She could not remember the day of the funeral, couldn't remember Shurik's presence during that day. That had probably been the last time she had seen him, but her memory refused to show her this day. "Your condolences now are just as appreciated as they would have been, then, so thank you..." Her features softened a bit, she noticed, as her hand swept from the confines of her hair to brush against her own cheek quietly. The skin beneath her fingers had grown considerably warmer than normal. The heat of the land had already started to take effect on her, and she hadn't yet stepped outside of the pod station. So long it had been since she walked the city of Aldedge, and she wondered whether it would be just as warm and inviting as she remembered.

Her eyes followed his semi-circle movements, which tugged at the strands of her mind worriedly. The conversation had grown slowly static, and she wondered whether he had grown bored. Whether he could feel her disease; whether she bothered him. His offer reanimated her a bit, from the slow silence that covered her mouth. Her gaze, which had fallen to the floor where her two pets played together, lifted once more into the violet confines of his own that coaxed her smile. "The city? Sounds fun, its been a long time since I've seen Saravya's lights..." She could already anticipate the heat, that would seep through her clothes and light her skin aflame with its grace. Thankfully, she had dressed in two layers; she doubted anyone would come into the station and steal her royal robe if she left it inside during the trip. With little hesitation she began to unwind the thick robes that encased her body, the cobalt lace slinking from her skin like rain over porcelain. The robes parted, falling into her hands, and being set aside on one of the benches of the station. Righting herself, her fingertips flowed over the loose charcoal wraps, straightening them over specific areas, and leaving large portions of her silver-lit skin bare to the warmth. Then, lifting her fingers to run through the long curls of her hair that held the glow of the sea, she glanced up through the unwinding fringe of her bangs. Her arms wound around her waste, resting comfortably against skin. "I suppose its safe to leave my robes here? It might be too warm if I brought them along." Minku and Ptitsa had stopped playing long enough to gaze upon them, curiosity clear in their inhuman eyes. Micah's fingers lifted and curled in a beckoning motion; Ptitsa came to her shoulder, and she whispered a quick chain of words to him. The bird gave a short coo in response, and, upon opening the door of the station, would take off to Siram. "I suppose I should let my men know I haven't been kidnapped, if I plan to stay longer. Ehe," and with little more she sunk away from the wall and fluttered over to his side, outstretching an arm of offering. "Shall we go, then?" The hint of a childish smile tugged at the corners of her lips once more, azure spheres glimmering under the ivory fringe.

He watched, listened, observing her movements as he smiled inwardly to himself. The animals eyes arose his own curiosity as he looked down to them, their small little gazes meeting his powerful purple one. He smirked, turning his head as they scurried and fluttered off to join their master at her side. Such strange company she kept with her. When his gaze finally trailed back to her, following the small beasts he noticed her removal of the heavy cloak. Skin peaked out from new locations as her body became more exposed under the loose draping that adorned her pale, smooth frame. He was slightly taken back by how much she had grown in a few short years, his eyes alluring that they might be wandering, but those pupils remaining fixed upon hers. He smiled to her.

His eyes were wandering, he was just noble enough to allow the eye contact to remain strong without giving away the fact he was admiring her. Her slender frame, not revealed after the removal of her secret garb was magnificent, and her child-like movements, yet strong statements gave her the appeal of a young woman, despite being so young in age. He bowed to her, laughing lightly as he nodded.

"Yes, don't need your guards running around Aldedge trying to find you, and kill me. I think that might strain relations between our two countries, and I am strained enough with the sand folk breathing down my neck. That cute little leader of theirs still holds bad blood between the two of us, despite the people being under new management." He rose, returning himself to the full standing position as he walked to her, offering his arm as he nodded towards her things. "No one is allowed in this fort unless emergencies present themselves. It keeps locals and foreigner away from the door to the souls. I really don't need dead popping up because they where drawn in by the door." He didn't know if she would accept his arm or not, but either way, he lead her forward. "And I am sure none of the guards could fit such petite robes, Princess." He glanced, giving her a large smile as he pushed open the door leading to the city.

As the door pushed open, the heat rushed in. There was a near fifty degree difference from the inside of the Pod house to the outside, into the city. "Is he going to be alright out here? It is quite hot the farther we go down." he was referring to the small pup, worried the heat may take it if it ran around in such conditions.

She took his arm instantly; no doubts, no worries, no thought, really. She payed no mind to the idea that he could hurt her, or anything of the sort. He was a man, a leader, a beautiful creature. Her arm laced through his comfortably, and she settled at his side, following him out with a faint bubble of laughter. "Sotay, he always was a little troublemaker, even when we were little kids playing on the beach. I hope you two could be come friends, one day... Perhaps some ill feelings will be put to rest at the ball." Therein her intentions laid; the ball would be an opportunity to make friends, to tie connections she had let slip in the past 5 years, since her crowning. And maybe, some of the ill relationships could be eased, by the calm waves and picturesque peace of Siram's palace. No problems could be solved in a single night, but they could be eased, at least. As they left the station, and Ptitsa's little while form dove off into the night, she allowed her eyes to close briefly. The warmth spread over her quickly, leaving no cold tendril left on her body, or in her veins. As if bathed in a beautiful light, a pleasant giggle left the comfort of her lips. Her eyes opened once more, wandering over the scenery as they moved. "Its so beautiful here, I regret waiting so long to visit, perhaps I'll be paying more frequent trips to your lands. That is, if you don't mind being my tour guide,"

His questioning led her gaze down to her little fox-pup, whom twirled after them in a daze. All the lights, the colors, the heat; it must have seeped into and excited him like it had Micah. She was curious how he would fair in the heat. Saravya was much warmer than the islands of Siram, and though she could regulate the temperature of water in her own body naturally, she wasn't sure Minku had that ability yet. She had been training him at home, to bend waters as she could. He was born of water, in a special ritual sometimes done in secret, when a member of Siram desired a spirit animal partner. So far, though, he could only make tremors of water, and sometimes small bubbles. "Ah, I'm not sure how the little guy will handle, he doesn't know quite yet how to regulate himself." Pausing a short moment in her steps, her arm unwound from his own, and she bent down to scoop him up against her chest. He nuzzled into the bare skin of her collar, tongue parting maw to lick her cheek. He seemed a bit sleepy, as if needing an energy boost. Pressing her forehead to his own briefly, she allowed her sense to stretch, like fingertips; combing through his fur with a faint blue glow, connecting to his own senses. Her soul reached out, and once the connection was made, she slowly began to allow her own body's regulation to affect his. As long as the connection remained, she could actively ease him. He gave a soft coo in response, and she set him back down. Pawing briefly at the ground, he sprung up and began moving, more energetic than prior. With a faint giggle she laced her arm once more through Shurik's, her gaze lifting to meet his curiously. "I've still got to train him, but for now he'll be alright."

Her gaze wandered after a short while, taking in the city's charms. There were buildings placed around them as they moved, dim shadows passed, and she assumed they were other people. She couldn't remember anything of how the city had been set up, so she followed along beside Shurik as they moved. The city cast a wonderful glow about her figure that she hadn't had in a while. Like her personality, her features changed frequently, adapting to the surroundings. Her ivory hair had taken on a cobalt glow within the pods, but now, among the brightly glowing city of fire, a rosy crimson tint overcame her silver locks, and the cherry sheen glimmering across her skin intensified slightly. Aldedge brought her to life in a mystifying way that she couldn't really understand, or even begin to explain. Or perhaps it was the company she now kept; the even more mysterious man at her side, guiding her with hands worn by war, yet still tender to the touch. Looking at him was even more interesting, she realized, than the city was. She remembered his skin from back then, having been much smoother than it was now. Silver scars decorated him like faintly visible tattoos. They laced through his skin, like words written in a language she couldn't understand but still admired. She was aware she was staring; she payed no mind in hiding it. She was tracing him as any child would something they desired. But underneath the infantile curiosity and open gaze, a flicker of emotion brimmed her irises. Beneath the child that was Micah, there was a deeper sense of admiration the scars she studied now. He had fought battles, had risked losing life. He had lived, something she couldn't quite relate to. And so, as she studied him, her lips moved dimly through the otherwise occupied confines of her mind. "Do you have a place in mind for us to go, or are we just sightseeing, my King?"

A loud shriek would be heard, before Caladrius would swoop down before Micah, with a message, which read:

Emergency: A'Nailiah in critical condition! Come home IMMEDIATELY!
~Sachiel

The handwriting was messy and rushed, in contradiction to Sachiels normally neat penmanship. This could be seen as a sign of panic, anger, or a combination of the two.

Observation was always the key to a kings relations. Thinking they where the only tamers of animals who could share bonds with their beastly friends was a false pretense. From many years before he had learned that the people of Hayvn bonded spiritually with animals where their lives became so entwined it would almost kill one if the other was killed. Here, he was witnessing another form of this. The small woman before him was sharing a certain power with this little beast, and it made him wonder if his people could share a similar bond with animals. Then he remembered Ragnarok. Him and the dragon king where one in the same. The two bounded by fate to be one with one another. "Yes, troublemaker. As I was one of the soldiers standing in the old kings ranks when he gave himself up, he may not forgive me in such a short time, or at first meeting." Shurik chuckled as they continued to walk, his eyes watching over his kingdom, like they always did.

His eyes turned back to the energetic fox darting around the open courtyard of the fort as soldiers stopped from its path in order to keep from stepping on the swift little thing. He chuckled lightly to himself seeing the carefulness such fierce men could hold in their hearts. Some even dared to remove a gauntlet and pet the small thing. "Well. I'm sure he'll be fine also. The men seem to take an interest in him." Shurik's eyes still wandered over the rocky field before them, his arm linked with hers as they made their way across to the gate. The wooden bulk lifted for them, allowing the two to walk out, along with some of the men getting off their shift as guards. One was even courteous enough to hand the king the small little animal with a giant grin, his crooked fangs and dented armor, a soldier who had seen many battles just as Shurik had, speaking in a hoarse tone, yet soft, tone to the small creature. "Now here is the king. You stay close little thing, don't need you being crushed like a bug." He set the small animal in Shurik's other hand, the soldier bowing to Micah and then to him before walking off towards the housing district.

Shurik gave the small beast to his owner, this purple gaze catching her eyes as they looked up at him with such childish wonder. He gave her a coy smile, chuckling lightly to himself as he looked out over the vast city. She was so young, so much life ahead of her to live. He had the same, but he had seen so much more. Wars, battles, and dragons. Everything was different between them. What intrigued him the most was how she would live. One never knew the experiences another would have until tales of those embarkings reached listening ears.

He stared at her, such a young beauty come to see his city with him. He pointed down the hill, smiling softly to her, the colored tents and decorated buildings shining bright in the distance. With his arm in his, he lead the way. "I guess we should see the main attraction first. The market place is always a good place to start. Busting with my people, it makes me very happy to be among them." He tightened his arm around hers, the fingers of his opposite hand coming to rest over the hand locked in his arm, patting the soft skin lightly. "Forgive the roughness of my people, they live in such rough conditions." He laughed at this thought and lead her towards the marketplace once more, the trip taking only what felt like a few moments. -Respond in The Market?-