The Fall of Anharis {Dark x Rose x Happily}

[~Happily.Ever.After~]

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Dark times have fallen upon the once lovely kingdom of Anharis. With the fall of their ever-more corrupting king and his wife, the De'Claire princesses are forced to seek refuge among rebels in the forest along with their closest [and so far as they know, only remaining] staff.

Through the trials and tribulations that await, only one thing is certain. If the eldest daughter so wishes to reclaim her families land as the rightful heir to the throne everyone will have to work together to achieve the peace and prosperity that once graced the land.

@~Dark Disney~ @Princess Poisoned Rose @~Happily.Ever.After~

Princess Amrisa Kalesia De'Claire .:. The Heir

~ Princess Amrisa Kalesia De'Claire of Anharis ;; The Warrior Princess [Risa, Rissi] ~

~ 24 ~

~ Best friends with Sir Camden ~

~ Acquaintances with Sir Terrence ~

~ Secretly helped to organize the Rebellion ~

~ Will eventually fall for Alexander [current relationship -- unacquainted] ~

~ Hecate ;; female ;; 3yr ;; Beauceron ~

~ Radiance ;; mare ;; 10yr ;; Andalusian ~

Princess Anastasia Khrystyne De'Claire .:. The Brave Royal

~ Princess Anastasia Khrystyne De'Claire of Anharis [Anya] ~

~ 20 [June 18th] ~

~ Friends with Sir Camden ~

~ Acquaintances with Sir Terrence ~

~ Harsh feelings towards the rebellion and those who killed her parents [and inadvertently her dog, Lily] ~

~ Will eventually fall for Sir Camden [current relationship -- secret and hidden feelings from both heart and mind] ~

~ Romeo ;; stallion ;; 12yr ;; Morgan ~

~ Toby ;; male ;; 5yr ;; Russian Spaniel ~

~ Vlad ;; male ;; 9yr ;; Ragdoll-Tabby cross ~

Sir Terrence Phillip Hook .:. The King's Guard

~ Sir Terrence Phillip Hook of Anharis [Ter, Terry] ~

~ 28 [November 14th] ~

~ Acquaintances with the princesses ~

~ Will eventually fall for Octavia [current relationship -- met once in the marketplace ... technically unacquainted] ~

~ Madalena ;; mare ;; 7yr ;; Quarter Horse ~

~ Dudley ;; male ;; 3yr ;; English Springer Spaniel ~

~ Ashleigh ;; female ;; 15yr ;; Tabby-Siamese cross ~

Sir Camden Hartford .:. Princess Amrisa's Loyal Guard

~ Sir Camden Hartford of Anharis ~

~ 24 ~

~ Best friends with Princess Amrisa ~

~ Friends with Princess Anastasia ~

~ Helped supply the Rebellion ~

~ Acquaintances with Alexander ~

~ Major [and vastly known... to everyone except Anya who seems oblivious] crush on Princess Anastasia ~

~ Algernon ;; stallion ;; 12yr ;; Dutch Warmblood ~

Lady Aria Morelle .:. The Royal Healer

~ Lady Aria Morelle of Anharis ~

~ 23 ~

~ Other Relationships TBD ~

~ Will eventually fall for Seamus [current relationship -- unacquainted?] ~

~ Spots ;; stallion ;; 4yr ;; Quarter Horse-Arabian cross ~

~ Hathore ;; male ;; 2yr ;; Golden Eagle ~

~ Spooks ;; male ;; 1yr ;; Japanese Bobtail ~

Leader Octavia Night .:. The Rebel Leader

~ Octavia Night ~

~ 25 ~

~ Best friends with Alexander ~

~ Will eventually fall in love with Sir Terrence [current relationship -- met once in the marketplace ... technically unacquainted] ~

~ Horus ;; male ;; 3yr ;; Peregrine Falcon ~

~ Shadow ;; male ;; 4yr ;; Irish Wolfhound-Labrador Retriever cross ~

~ Sage ;; stallion ;; 3yr ;; Gypsy Vanner ~

Rebel Alexander Tudor .:. Rebel Second-in-Command

~ Alexander Tudor ~

~ 27 ~

~ Acquaintances with Sir Camden ~

~ Best friends with Octavia ~

~ Will eventually fall for Princess Amrisa [current relationship -- unacquainted] ~

~ Sasha ;; female ;; 2yr ;; Dutch Shepherd ~

~ Zoe ;; mare ;; 3yr ;; Arabian ~

~ Titan ;; male ;; 2yr ;; Peregrine Falcon ~

Rebel Seamus Finnegan O'Boyle .:. Rebel Healer & Guard

~ Seamus Finnegan O'Boyle [Shea ... pronounced Shay-mus] ~

~ 25 [December 24th] ~

~ Other Relationships TBD ~

~ Will eventually fall for Lady Aria [current relationship -- unacquainted?] ~

~ Noodle, Bob & Esther ;; female, male & female ;; 13yr, 9yr & 4yr ;; Alpine [inherited but useful for milk and fighting] ~

~ Chancellor ;; stallion ;; 9yr ;; Thoroughbred [stolen from the royals] ~

~ Booger ;; male ;; 7yr ;; English Bulldog ~

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[Dark_Psycho]

The Quiet Kingdom of Anharis was in bliss for many many years the King was a man if the people and all seemed well and dandy. That was till the King became a man of greed and politics. He iver taxed his peasants and under paid them. Less gold was in the people's hands and more in the kings. In the last 10 years of the kings reign other kingdoms saw his greed as a weakness they could take advantage of and tried to lay seige and conquer Anharis. While other kingdoms tried to Conquer them with in its lands a Rebellion was uprising a Group of men resided in the forest and set up camp any noble that dared travel the kings road was robbed and sent walking with no horse and no money. The rebellion held up against the kings guards and no has ever seen the true leader except for the revellers. They follow this leader with pride and stride.

Now it's been a few years and finally the Kingdom of Cormwall has layed seige to Anharis' lands and taken every price of land with out fight. Now the castle is the only thing that lay between the prince of Cormwall and his conquest of the land. He was at the gates and ready to kick them in. The King and Queen were surrounded by guards and the princesses protected in the Keep.

In the forest the rebels lay low and kept quiet as soldiers passed. They would not attack unless provoked or there leader said go. They stayed quiet and just watched from there hiding spots.

As the gate came down some guards surrened others fought till they died. The King and Queen were captured by the rebel prince. He smirked and nods."put them in the Dungeons and find the princesses and bring them to me. Any one you find that does not immediately give in kill them except the princesses. I want them alive " He snapped and looked at the King. "how does it feel to watch your kingdom crumble around you? Your sentence and Execution are at sun down. Your head will be on a pike." He said. Sending them off he went to sit on the throne.

Octavia called her men off and back to camp as she watched the guards march by. She went to her tent to speak with her second in command."They were not here for us which means the castle may fall. If it does we must be prepared for the worst, start now today training the men more. Get them fighting ready and ready to die in the name Anharis." She told Alex and Alex nods.

Leaving after speaking with Octavia went to gather the men."All of you listen you need to be ready for what is to come. We will train more and fight harder then ever the castle has fallen and a new tyrant sits on the throne let's give it back to the people." He said and the men cheered."go on get working" he said. Alex went to watch training and make sure the camp was secure.
~~~~

Back in the castle Aria was gathering supplies and other things waiting for the male knights to bring the princesses down. She was helping get them out of the castle and away from where no harm could come to them. Aria waited cloaked and a dagger in her hands as she heard loud screams and yells and metal clashing. She hoped the knights would bring them soon. Aria didn't know how much longer she could wait for them, before she was found out and the tunnels were as well.

 

[~Happily.Ever.After~]

Seamus was in his keep, nothing exquisite. It was a small just a small tent next to a rocky alcove that he used for storing and drying his herbs. The forest dweller had joined the group of rebels not long after they formed, he had the knowledge to heal from his mother and was an excellent scavenger and hunter thanks to his father. While he wasn't necessarily a star during combat he could take what was dealt. Growing up with nothing he felt the corruption as well as anyone else would have. He was glad to join their cause.

Placing down his pestle and mortar, Seamus emerged to join the group, listening while Alexander spoke. He wasn't thrilled at the prospect of more training... that meant more wounds. It really just meant he would need many slabs prepped and concoctions of vials filled at all times. Giving a nod, Seamus disappeared back to the rocky alcove to finish crushing the seeds and herbs he had been working on, trying to complete a new anti-infection ointment. If he left it too long before finishing he'd have to start from scratch again and waste all the hard work already put into it. His combat training would have to wait to resume until it was finished... which would be fairly quick, a few hours at most.


~~~


Sir Terrence paced outside the king and queen's chambers after they had been taken, trying to adjust his barrings quickly as not to attract more attention. The young man had been injured in the fight, and after taking a hit to the head from a sword's hilt, he had been 'down and out' for quite some time, only coming to after it was over. The rulers of Anhais were gone, and sprawled around him were pools of blood bodies ... so apparently things went south, very south. Wiping a trail of blood from his eyebrow away, Terry marched quickly, heading to the direction of the princess' chambers when he saw a familiar cloak and a familiar [yet secret] passage. Approaching closer he raised a hand in greeting. "Lady Aria. I'll have the horses ready to go just on the outskirts of the tunnels. Please be quick and protect those girls. They are Anharis' rightful rulers... and honestly their only hope." he breathed quickly, talking softly. Within a few moments after that he went through, easily finding his way in the dark tunnel's under the elegant castle. The tunnel system had a number of openings and flowed through every part of the royal palace and surrounding grounds. All the kings men were trained to navigate them in case of an emergency.

Upon pushing open the trap door to the stables he let out a sigh of relief, they hadn't sacked the animals yet. Both his horse and the horse belonging to the young knight closest to the two princesses had armor fitted for them. The other horses he needed to grab weren't meant to be charged into battle, thus they just had casual equipment. The young man didn't feel confident in taking more than five horses, especially as the more he took the more attention he would attract. Saddling everyone, and armoring Madalena nd Algernon, Terrence slid into his saddle and took off, ponying the other four horses along. Algernon and Spots to his left, Romeo and Radiance to his right. The sandy brown haired male took a longer route, one that skirted the outskirts of the royal land, but felt safer at this present moment before stopping at the tunnel entrance closest to the forest where he waited, still mounted and ready to move at the first sign of threat. They would try to find the other animals and palace survivors later. First they needed to protect the heirs.


~~~


Heart racing, face pale, hands shaking. Princess Anya wasn't one to scare easily, but right this moment... well fear and terror were completely palpable throughout the kingdom and it seemed to be the strongest in the castle. Cradling her ragdoll cat, Vlad, close to her, Anya took a deep breath to keep herself calm as she poked her head out from her chambers to check for clarity. At her side Toby protectively stood just slightly in front of her as the few royal guards that were left circled her. Surely her sister would emerge soon and they would be torn from the place she loved the most. They would get it back though. She felt sure of it. Even if it took every last fiber of her being, Anastasia wouldn't let anyone take over this place.

 

[Princess Rose]

Amrisa and Sir Camden were in her room she was quickly switching her attire from a dress into a simple long sleeve tunic, pants with thick leather armor over her tunic. She grabbed her sword and wove it around her securely. She was nervous and anxious to get up to her little sister because she knew that she was probably scared right now. She pulled on the brown leather boots that reached up to her knees; Amrisa scooped up her cloak with the pelt of wolf fur and nodded at Camden saying she was ready to go as she was pulling on and tying her leather bracers. Hecate was waiting for her patiently by one of the many secret tunnels in the castle. Her and Camden made their way up to the Keep where Anya was waiting for them with probably the last of the castle guards. She had made it a goal to memorize all the passageways when she was younger so could navigate them with ease if she ever had to in cases like the one she and her family were currently facing.

Sir Camden had been quiet knowing that Cormwall knights were all over the castle looking for the princesses. He had made sure that the secret passage had been secured once they were through the entrance. He did not want to chance the other knights finding the passageway, however, the passages had many twists and turns and if one was not careful they would end up in one of the many traps. There were only certain passages that were safe and even he had to learn them from an older knight when he was younger. He and Amrisa explored them together because they had always been close to each other. His father was a knight in the royal guard and so Camden was always around Amrisa and her sister, but he seemed to get close to Amrisa as only a best friend would. Once it was time for his assignment at 16 he requested to be Amrisa's personal guard.

Silently they made their way up the many stairs to the Keep. Amrisa opened the door only to be greeted with swords pointed at her before they were dropped and she was bowed to. She ran to her sister and enveloped her in a tight hug, "Anya, I am so glad you are safe." She whispered against her sister. "We need to get going though we cannot stay here forever, they will find the Keep eventually." She said pulling away from her little sister and looked back at Camden, who at the moment had eyes for only her little sister. He knew that it was forbidden by the King that he pursue Anya but he still loved the spitfire princess. He shook his head subtly shaking out the thoughts once more. "Princess Rissa is right, we need to go while they still haven't found the keep." Hecate was by her mistress's side and she was a relatively large dog and rather protective of Amrisa.

 

[~Happily.Ever.After~]

Anastasia hadn't been happy about being told to stay put while all of this escapery planning was going on ... especially when she was also familiar with the tunnel system. After all, what kind of troublesome little sister would she have been if she hadn't tagged along with Rissi and Camden here and there. Besides, they were always a fun challenge .. and the brunette never could turn one of those down.

Now though, well she was secretly glad that she was being kept here ... even if it did mean being in the dark about what was happening once they were outside the palace. All she could hope was that wherever they ended someone had the sense to have gotten a horse or two there ... There was no way they'd escape any danger otherwise.

Returning into her keep, Anya resumed her pacing back and forth. Her skirt flowing around her ankles as she went. Being a princess she didn't exact own any 'run from Cormwallers' gear such as pants or weapons, she was however lucky enough to be given a more common outfit from one of the ladies in the Kitchen staff. It consisted of a long, loose-fitting medium brown skirt, a tight sleeved white undergarment, light blue top, and her mother's shawl which was a very warm and soft, off-white base color with an intricate, asymetical floral pattern embroidered on it. Growing up as her spunky self though, she had been able to convince her parents to get her a pair of boots which she considered to be her most comfortable and useful shoe. They were polished brown leather and rose to just past her ankle, equipped with just the slightest of heels to allow her feet a better grip on the ground.

As soon as Anastasia felt her sister's tight hug she let out an audible sigh of relief, quickly clinging onto the next Queen. "I'm glad you're safe too. I was starting to worry" she breathed silently before pulling away regretfully. The girls were lucky enough to have grown up with a close bond, she knew she could always rely on Amrisa and hoped the elder knew she could rely on her just as much.

Giving a nod and redirecting her attention to her sister's best friend, Anya bit down on her lip to keep from a sassy remark. Of course her sister was right, but that definitely wasn't needed right now. "Lead the was Sir Camden" she said softly, giving the softest half snap of her fingers to alert her spaniel. The medium sized male was at her side in a moment, the cat still tucked in Anastasia's arms. Within moments the small group had decended down into the maze of passages again, heading to where Lady Aria would be waiting or where they would exit the palace for a long tme.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Aria saw the 3 coming and nods as soon as they arrive."Come we must move quickly we still have the market to walk through before we get to the safety of the Black woods and even then the rebels own that and when they see who you are they won't like it. Sir Terrance has the horses ready. Go quickly." She said and rushed them down the tunnel system and closed the wall behind them so darkness engulfed them and it looked just like a wall. Lighting a torch for them Aria sighed. She walked quickly down the halls with them keeping and often looking behind her. Sure they knew the tunnels like she did, but there were places she knew that they didn't. Opening the trap and helping them Aria ran them to the horses. She spotted her cat spooks and picked him up placing him in her saddle bag as she hopped up. Her eyes went to the princesses."now hoods up and do not react to anything done or said by me or others the main goal is to get you away out of here ." She said." Best if you two hood up as well." She told the knights. Taking the lead Aria rode down the road quickly and slowed when she came to the market place to not look in a haste guards let them pass with scepticism in there eyes. She slid from her horse and motioned for the others to follow suit. She stopped when she heard the Princes voice and him walk on to a platform with the king and queen."Don't do anything." She said quietly as she watched in horror. As the prince spoke.

"People of Anharis you have been conquered by me Pince Sebastian of Cormwall. I am your new king you will bow to me. Your King and Queen are here to be excuted to show you what happens to traitors." He said and brought the King and Queen forward. He made them kneel."Now watch your King and Queen loose there heads. We have your princesses still, any thoughts of rebellion and they will be next." He said. " Now." He said and the men in black hoods brought down sharp swords. A dead thudding sound, rang through the air as birds flew over head and guards put the King and Queens head in a spike. Aria held back a small gasp and held up her hand in a small gesture for the girls to not react. Screams and crys went up from the crowd. However no one rebelled against the New prince. They bowed, some had fallen to there knees in tears.

"We have to go" Aria told the girls. She started to walk her horse to exit the market and get to the Black Woods. She was stopped by the guards as she walked."Where are you going?" He asked." To the ports on official business dropping these two peasant girls off." She said."Oh and why is that." He asked." For Lord Bazzael of Cormwall. You do not want him to keep waiting for his cargo do you?" She asked. The guard chuckled."A spy for our city, very good what about the 2 males? And why are you walking your horses instead of riding them?" He asked. Aria thought quickly on her toes." Yes a spy for Cormwall also a trader and peasant girls are my trade the males are brainless fools to keep the girls in line.were not riding because there are to many civilians and I did not want to run them over we still need peasants." She said. He smirked "that we do." He made a gesture and she made one back. Making her way past him and once out of the market she hopped on her horse and waited on the others before riding off, she had been to Cormawall a few times for things and observed them all while she been there.Only reason she could have answers to get them out. Whistling, she called down the bird that been circling. The Eagle landed as she looked at him, kicking Spots into a gallop she ran for the Black forest her Hood flying back as she rode.

Slowing down after making there way into the dense forest. Aria held her hand up and slipped off her horse. "Get off, weapons down and hands up" her voice said quietly. Slipping from her horse she set her blades down and put her hands up. When the others did the same she saw movent from the corner of her eye. They were surrounded by men in hoods with swords, bows knives and many more weapons these men were armed to the teeth. "Were not here to harm you we come in peace the castle had fallen. Along with Anharis to The Prince of Cormwall." She said." Why should we believe you and think your not spys and kill you all." A male said.Aria went to speak when the sound of hooves came pounding up.

Alexander had been training with the others and using double swords to train with. He swung as the other large male and him fought. Being slimmer and smaller then the male he could easily role and dodge the man bringing down the hammer at his head. He held up his hand when a messenger came running."Alexander, Alexander. Intruders north side of the forest 5 of them. We have them surrounded." The messenger said. Alex nods and sighed."Thank you, will finish this another time Lothor." He said and whistled for Sasha to follow as he went to get on Zoe and ride up to see these intruders.

Alexander stopped and slipped from his horse. He walked up to the men." Do not harm them at least one of them has supplied our cause. Bring them to camp do not kill them The leader will know what to do with them. Good to see you again Sir Camden." Alexander said with a nod and got on his horse."take there weapons, blind fold them, and bind there hands, they do not need to know where camp is." He said and sent his Hawk Titan into the air of the trees to make sure all was okay. Sasha his dog ran beside his horse. He walked beside the group of travelers and made sure there horses and other pets followed. The finally stopped and Alex took there blind folds off. "Now why did you run to the forest and who are you?" He asked in a heavy accent. His eyes went to Aria."You first since you were the one to speak." He said."I am Lady Aria Morelle Healer of the royal family. We mean you no harm as I said we ran from the castle for safety and going through the woods was the only way." She said. He nods." So I am guessing just spit balling the princesses and the knights to protect them." He growled under his breath at her. The rebels had gathered around glared in there faces. When they heard whom was among them a angry up roar came. With a wave if his hand Alex silenced them. "It is not our place to pass judgment it is our leaders. When she returns she will tell us what to do with them. For now put them in the cage and lock them up." He said. The men led the 5 to the metal cage and threw them in locking the door.

"Get Night here now." He said and looked in at the 5. He turned and went to the fire to skin a rabbit. Aria rubbed her wrists as she looked out."who are You? Are you not the leader? you have authority over the men. Who is this leader of yours? Why has he started this rebellion?" She asked and placed her hands on the bars her head leaned against them as she watched Alexander smirk." You think I am just playing with you?" He asked her."who else could it be you have the command and voice and orders, your just protecting yourself and saying it is this other male." She said. Alexander laughed and looked at her."trust me it's not me, I am just in charge when Our leader is away and out of sight." He told her.

Octavia had been out hunting when her men came to find her. She lifted her eye brows as they told her what had happened. Getting on her horse Shadow, she rode back to camp hood up. Slipping from her horse and tieing it up she walked for Alexander and looked at him from under her Hood. With a nod and waved of her gloved hand she whispered to him and he nodded." Our Leader Octavia Night." He said. Octavia slowly removed her black hood as she looked at the 5 in the cage. Her eyes went over them." Now why should I allow any of you to live?" She said stepping up to the cage and looking in at them.

 

[Princess Rose]

Amrisa's eyes flickered over Aria, the court physician, she trusted the woman with her life. Amrisa secured her hood over her head and grabbed the reigns of Radiance. The walked through the town with her head bowed. Cormwell's men were probably all over her city. Beside her Camden's hood went up as he held onto his horse's reigns. The enemy prince's voice caught her attention and her eyes swung towards where the voice was coming from. Her breath nearly hitched when her eyes landed on her mother and father on the makeshift stage that the Prince had pulled together. Anger coursed through Amrisa's veins the moment she watched her mother be beheaded her heart ached at the loss of her mother and a slight sting was present as her father was also beheaded. She would have her revenge on Prince Sebastian if it was the last thing she would do, she knew her father had been unstable and sure she was going to usurp him on her own time but not like this. Aria's voice cut to her and she turned back around doing her best to keep the anger away from her features.

Camden rubbed Amrisa's back in the most comforting way he possibly could, he knew how difficult things were going to be now. She was technically now the Queen of Anharis and it shocked him at how composed she carried herself even in the face of her own parent's deaths. He knew deep in his bones that Amrisa was the ruler this kingdom needed. "Aria is right we need to leave now... Keep your head down Your Majesty." He whispered in her ear softly and she nodded letting her head fall down as Aria lead them out of the inner city. The moment they were past the guards Amrisa mounted Radiance and Camden did the same with Algernon. They rode fast and hard out of the city and Amrisa kept her head down to prevent the hood from flying off of her head and so that no one would know who she was. Camden though let his hood fly back as they rode away from the city.

The forest was dense and once they made it quite a way in they slowed down before they stopped. Aria slipped off her horse and Amrisa followed suit before she sat her weapons down on the ground with her head bowed down. She needed to wait for the right moment to reveal herself. Camden was beside Amrisa in an instant his sword on the ground with her weapons. He was automatically protective of her. He wanted to spit back the person demanding answers from them when Alexander arrived. Camden gave him a wary smile. "It is nice to see you as well Alex, how has the rebellion been since I last checked in?" He said softly one of the men approached him and he held out his hands for the man to tie and nudge Amrisa to do the same. She followed suit keeping her head down and allowing herself to be blindfolded. She really wanted to reveal herself the moment he mentioned her and her sister. She kept her cool knowing that then was not the correct time.

Her blindfold was off but her head was still down. She was strong she would get her kingdom back if it was the last thing that she would do. They were shoved into a metal cage and her wrists were free she stole a glance at Camden who touched her shoulder in reassurance. "Once they know it was you this will be much easier for us. Just wait for the leader. You can do this, Your Majesty." He whispered softly so only she could hear his words of encouragement. Amrisa could hear this Alexander call for their leader, Night. She waited patiently as she could pacing inside the cell with her eyes closed counting her steps as she paced. She stopped hearing a voice, feminine which surprised her some but not a lot in all honesty.

"Now why should I allow any of you to live?" Octavia Night's voice cut through the silence.

It was time, Amrisa stepped up to the bars as well throwing her hood off of her head, "Because I am Amrisa Kalesia De'Claire heir to the throne of Anharis and I am the one who has been supplying the rebellion with weapons and armor the last five years through my personal knight, Camden." Her words seemed to hold a near-deadly sway over the camp. "Not many of you realized you had a royal's help because Camden acted as my liaison. Did none of you notice you carried royal weaponry? Most of the smiths in town were swayed to the rebellion many years ago. I just had to pay them extra to let Camden whisk away their very best armors and arms. I went against my father the king when he began to fall ill. I did not want my country to be ruled like he had started to during his declining years. He started to lose the belief of the strength of a kingdom is its people and not its ruler. I want to change that back to how it should be. I, Amrisa Kalesia De'Claire, heir apparent to the throne of Anharis, swear to you Octavia Night, that I mean you no harm and that I am here to take back my kingdom with the rebels." Amrisa knew the risk she was now taking in revealing her true identity.

Camden took a step forward but stayed behind Amrisa slightly. "I can confirm I was on her orders and of my own volition to help. We simply want to make Anharis the great kingdom it once was." His words had provided comfort to Amrisa. She knew that her sister would be shocked when she heard all of this finally tumbling out of her mouth. No one but Camden knew about any of it and Amrisa swore him to secrecy. She happened a glance in Anya's direction. 'I hope you can forgive me little sister for want our father's downfall.' She thought to herself.

 

[~Happily.Ever.After~]

Turning a brief glance back, Anya faultered just for a moment before following the others through the dark, damp uderground passageways. The twenty year old couldn't let herself believe that, if things went badly, this could potentially be the last time she or Amrisa would set foot in here again... the only place either of them had ever really known. Not even a full moment later, Anastasia was walking swiftly through the maze of tunnels just behind the others. The sound of their feet mostly silent. An occasional echo caused when a loose stone was kicked and rolled along, but for the majority the group was quiet as mice. Climbing up a hidden ladder and through a small exit that brought them into the light of the new dusk, Anya drew in a long breath as she moved the shawl from where it rested on her shoulders out from under her long hair and lay it atop her head. Hopefully neither she or her sister would be identifiable based on their eyes. Both their parents sides seemed to have fairly distinct eye colors. Climbing easily onto the small and slim morgan that had already been saddled for her, for all of them actually, she settled herself quickly and gave a nod of thanks to Sir Terrence. Anya slipped Vlad into her saddlebag and looked briefly around her horse's hooves to make sure Toby was with them. She hadn't been able to track down Lily, her schnauzer puppy, or Gleb her multi-colored kitten before being rushed to the keep, she just held onto the hope that they would still be alive.

Leaning forward she gave Romeo a quick pat before nudging her on with her heel. He could be skittish at times, but she was positive they would get through it with relative ease. After all, her bravery and his fright tended to balance one another out nicely. As they approached the marketplace ... a place Anastasia had only had the pleasure of visiting once, about ten years prior when she was a child still, she slid off of the dark bay paint horse and took a hold of both reigns just under his chin though she left them draped over his head in case they needed a speedy getaway. When her parents were brought out, Anya felt her green eyes grow large. Her breath caught in her throat when the first was executed and she felt herself gripping tighter onto her mothers shawl. A short outcry escaping when the executioner executioned for the second time. Turning her face towards the Romeo she leaned into him, pressing her forehead against his neck as she used all her might to keep tears from falling. Luckily her outcry would go unnoticed as most of those gathered had given a similar reaction. In the blink of an eye a new fire blazed in her eyes, making the blood in her veins feel like they were boiling. "How dare he. He had no right" she hissed quietly as she gaze up towards her sister who was a horse ahead of her. Her fists clenching angrily as she did her best to obey Lady Aria's orders... something that didn't come easily to her. The young princess oft obeyed her own rules and only her own rules.

Taking the rear of the group, Sir Terrence could hardly do more than watch. It hurt to watch the two people that those of Anharis looked to for guidance be treated so brutaly and without the respect they deserved, but the king's guard were trained to be hard in the face of danger, no matter what happened. Now he had a new task at hand though. That new task was to care for the two beloved princesses that the land had watched grow. Keeping his head bowed and eyes averted, Terrence said not a word as the events transpired. He continued to bring up the rear until the group had journeyed into the forest. He was wary of the place, knowing just how powerful the rebelers were.

Sliding off of Madalena, the royal knight complied quickly, placing both sheathed swords, his knife [which he really only used for whittling] and the protective cuffs on his hands upon the ground, raising open palmed hands to the theives to show he had no more. Normally he would have gone immediately on a defensive fighting spree, but seeing how Sir Camden and Lady Aria, both people he hd much trust in, complied it seemed most logical for him as well.

Sliding off of romeo, this time pulling the reigns over her stallion's head, Anastasia stood straight and kept her head high. She had no weapons, there was no reason for her to place anything with the others, but she wasn't about to let these mongrels scare her in the least. A fire still blazed in her murky eyes making them seem almost a brighter green instead of a brackish one. Resisting when they tried to blindfold and bind her, Anya could feel nothing but resentment at the moment. She would not be giving in without a fight, no matter how hopeless a cause it was.

As soon as they were unblindfolded, Anastasia looked around, momentarily dazed and confused by her surroundings. They were without doubt still in the forest ... and judging from the thick of trees around the clearing they were fairly deep. Letting her shawl fall back to rest on her shoulders once more, the younger De'Claire girl glared at their captors. "So help you if you are a part of the Cormwall people who killed the king and queen" she spat at the rebels as they tossed her into the metal cage with the others after unbinding her hands. If it hadn't been for Sir Terrence wrapping an arm around the fiesty princess' waist at the exact moment he had she would have charged at them again, probably getting herself killed. Alas, the five-foot-one-inch princess ended merely swinging her legs back and forth and wiggling as her feet dangled a number of inches in the air. Though Terry was only at an average height it was still a great deal taller than the princess he was restraining.

When her sister's confession range out Anastasia stopped struggling, the boiling of her blood turning to stone-cold ice. "Put me down" she ordered at Sir Terrence, who complied even through his unwillingness. Storming over to the two people she thought she could trust she stopped, just a few steps behind them both "How could you" she breathed, doing her best to keep to keep her voice even though she could feel all the emotions crowding her heart and brain she didn't want to betray it in her voice. "I trusted you. Both of you more than anything! What papa needed was love and patience. He was an amazing ruler for ten years. He could have been amazing again" she trailed before turning and moving to a far corner of this cage they were stuck in. She needed to get a grip on this, ignore the pain and anger and disappointment and everything else.

~~~

The rebel medic had finished his ointment by a bit past mid day, stored it in a cool keep and retreated from the rocky alcove, grabbing his weapon from the tent and mounting Chancellor, a stolen royal horse, as he joined the others in practice. He had never been the best fighter, but he knew enough to survive for a while ... though if they were vastly outnumbered he would still most likely be one of the first to go, so the training, though rigorous, was always necessary for him especially.

As sunset approached he and the small group he was training with took a quick break to refresh their energy in the nearby stream. Cupping water in their hands to run over their faces and/or to get a quick drink. Seamus also managed to find a rather plentiful blueberry bush, giving each member a few to help replenish their energy before they went at it again. It didn't last long though. In fact, what seemed just moments after the sparring resumed an intruder call was sounded and they all bounded onward, dismounting their horses and tying them up nearby the others. Looking around at the five prisoners his light eyes narrowed when he recognized the figure speaking. He wasn't certain who she was, but he had run into her once, in the marketplace. They hadn't really exchanged words ... just knocked into one another while they were picking up some rarer dried herbs that could only be found in the traders market. Most of the herbs came from Cormwall, Tessleberg and Farnsted.

When Octavia arrived he approached once the Anharis heir had finished speaking, and ducked his head to his leader respectfully "Night, if I may" Seamus said swiftly, "I recognize the one in the cloak. She also is a medic. She may be useful to us as well" he added. Seamus could be brutal at times but it was rare. Mostly he was fair and rather sympathetic. Besides, keeping a royal medic alive could mean obtaining new medicines and remedies that could help his other rebels.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

With a small smirk Octavia watched the five. Two strong willed and mostly level headed. The other quite, another quizzical and the last blew up. She lifted and eyebrow and kept from laughing. She turned when her medic spoke up. Her dark gaze had turned to him, it lightened and she listened solemnly. A small sigh escaped her lips. She turned to black haired woman. "Okay, but she is your responsibility. I do not trust any of them at all. Not till we know them. So keep a close eye on her."Octavia said. She looked in at the raven haired woman."You let's go."She said. She waved her hand for the others to pull up there weapons. She opened the door for Aria and closed it again. She patted her down and nods. Her head turned back to the heir who had spoken "and why in the world would I believe a royal was willing to undermine her own father and help out a rebel cause that wanted to take her kingdom down. Your sister I assume has the proper attitude of the Royals we know. Stuck up and all about them never about the people. Thats why I have a hard time believing it was you." She said leaning on the cage. "But.." she cut off what ever the fiery princess was about to say."but I had notice they were castle forged steel and that could only come from a noble or higher command. So I believe you, but I don't fully trust you but, your free to come out as well."Octavia said, she opened the door for the others to step out, each got patted down,"will take you on a tour of the camp and get you all set up in a tent." She said.

Octavia looked at her top men Alex and Seamus. "Stay at the back and make sure they don't side to make a break for it." She said In Alex's ear. He nods and went to back."Follow me I will show you around." She said. Octavia started walking and waved for Rissa and Camden to walk beside her. "So our insiders of the castle welcome to the rebellion camp, we don't have high class clothes or walls to keep you warm at night. Furs to keep you warm a fire and some mead." She said and moved aside a hanging sheet she walked them to a tent "Seamus' tent need anything medical come see him, he is one of the best and he is very kind." She said and looked at Aria, This is where I leave you two." She said to the two medics and walked with the others. She walked the camp showing them where they ate, trained and the sentrys. She stopped at 5 empty tents, "here we are 5 tents one for each of you, I figured you need to talk, just remember we are always around there is no way to leave, plus I don't think any of you would make it with out being captured and tortured or killed by the prince. Now need us will be at the training grounds. Let's go" Octavia said to Alex."Yes Night." He said. He nods to them and looked over Rissa with a small smirk. He walked with his leader and they stopped in the training arena. She grabbed two training swords and he grabbed one. Alex looked at her."You don't trust them do you?" He asked."No and I won't, maybe if they earn our trust" she said.He smirked,"So stubborn." He said and went to attack her. She blocked and moved quickly. They went at it him swinging her blocking till he swung at her and she dropped to her knees and slid along the ground her head back as the fake blade skimmed above her and she used her training swords to hit the back of his legs and take him down. Putting the swords to his neck she smiled and looked down at him and laughed lightly. Her smile was genuine as she flipped the swords away. "Beat you again."She said.

Alex picked her up by her hips and swung her around. Laughing she put her arms on his. Her arms wrapped around his neck. He kissed her cheek and laughed . "As you should Night." He said. Octavia shook her head, looking up when she heard a someone cleared there throat. Stepping back, she cleared her throat and looked away a minute. " Yes?" She asked. "One of the intruders wants to speak to you." A male said. Octavia looked at Alex,he nods and they walk to the fire pit and sit on the log she starts to skin a rabbit as she waits, she looked up surprised to see one of the males from the group it wasn't Camden, it was the other male. "Whats on your mind." She asked and looked at him as she finished skinning the rabbit and skewering it. She set it over the fire and washed her hands in a bowl of water."sit join us." She said and threw the knife in the dirt.

Aria was surprised the leader had let them go so easily. She followed as they were showed around and stopped at a tent. She was told this was the Medical tent and was surprised, she peaked in and stepped in behind the man she was supposed to be helping. Looking over the tent she smiled."Good store, but you are missing a bit that could be helpful. I just haven't showed what I know because the king thought it was witch craft. " she said and set her hands on the table and went over the herbs."would your leader let us go find some I can show you somethings that would complete your store and help you stock up I know some good places. Well I did." She said softly and looked down.

 

[Princess Rose]

Amrisa's eyes met her younger sister's with a steadfastness. "How could I? Anya, you didn't see what I have seen with father. He was declining further into madness. There was no saving him. He was not going to get better. I gave father 5 years of patience hoping he would get better. He just declined further into madness... You never saw father beat mother because I was there to protect you from him!" She kept what stoikness she could muster. She felt her fist shaking as she faced her little sister. "I made sure you were out of his way when he became irrationally unstable. He began to talk to mother about marrying you off to some old foreign dignitary, while he planned on killing me off once I birthed a son. Now does that sound like a father or a ruler you want little sister? One that kills his child just for a male heir? It is a good thing that mother seemed to talk him out of marrying you but for me, it was just beginning. I was supposed to marry the prince of Cormwall. I do not want to marry him. He is just as bad as father and I will not stand for my Kingdom being ruled by people like them." She stared Anya down. "I know you are mad at me now little sister, but you will soon come to realize that this was a good thing. We will take back our kingdom. Be mad at me Anya, but eventually, you will understand the treachery father has done and what he was planning." Amrisa turned from Anya and looked back at the leader just as the leader told her that she believed her for now.

She nodded at Octavia and stepped out of the holding cell with Camden. "Anya will not trust us for a while at least until her temper flares down again." She said to her knight as they were both patted down for additional weapons. Amrisa and Camden stepped on either side of Octavia. "I was never one for high-class clothes or furs. The one I wear is one I killed and skinned myself and it keeps me quite warm. I always preferred more comfortable clothing and that which makes me blend in more with the people." Camden gave a smile at Amrisa and nodded. "I came with Camden once to a drop-off, he said I was his sister. That way I could see some of the people who supported my feelings on my father." She stepped over a log and heard the crunch of the foliage below her boots. She reached for the comfort of her blade but found the place where it normally occupied empty. She remembered that she surrendered her weapons. It left the heir feeling rather naked and exposed without her weaponry.

"I deeply appreciate your hospitality, Octavia. Camden and I both do. I was curious as to when we may have our weaponry back. I feel rather vulnerable without them." She stood in front of the tent in the middle. "I have no plans on leaving the camp. I am a good hunter and tracker. I am skilled with a sword and bow. I will contribute to this camp, but once I have my throne back. I want to make the rebels apart of a personal sector of security to ensure that another ruler like my father does not happen again. I would like for you to be my personal advisor, Octavia Night." She said with a smile before turning to Camden.

Camden looked at Octavia with an eyebrow raised before watching the woman walk away with Alex and he caught the smirk that the other man tossed at Rissa. "Well your Majesty. I say you have made a rather memorable impact on the rebellion." His voice was teasing as he gently poked her side. Which made Rissa give a rather childlike giggle. "Hey, I had to put on my big girl pants to get that out. Public speaking is not a strength I particularly have. I am just lucky that there were not many rebels or I would have vomited." She shoved her friend's arm playfully. He looked at Rissa who seemed to sag in defeat. "I know you feel bad about not telling Anya... Hell, I feel really horrible for not telling her about what we were planning. I hate that I never told her my feelings... I am sure Anya will come around eventually Rissa." He tried to sound reassuring for his queen but things were a little more muddled up than he expected even with Anya's reaction to the whole thing.

 

[~Happily.Ever.After~]

Amrisa's words pierced Anastasia like the coldest ice shards one could imagine. Glaring up at her sister, her green eyes ablaze she just watched for a moment. She would never understand this, as much she could see, her sister was just a part of this treason now. Standing as they were all led out of the cage she held her head high. "I know our father had skewed views, but that he was still our father and the ruler of our kingdom was enough for the time. You know just as I that I never would have given in to anything like that" she hissed under her breath. She wanted to say more, but what words could their be to express the anger in her at the moment? Rarely one to be speechless, Anastasia was the type of female whose tongue had gotten her into far more trouble than most would depict, especially for that of a princess. Then again though, neither of the De'Claire girls were exactly the type of royal stereotypical that any ordinary person would think of, much to their mother's chagrin.

Walking along, towards the middle of the group, Anya stopped when the rebellion leader motioned to five tents. Walking over to the one furthest to the right, she moved aside a flap of the fairly thick hide creating the tent and slid the shall off her shoulders, placing it neatly on the ground before retreating out of the small space and pacing in front of their new living situations. The youngest royal was doing her best to cope with her feelings after having everything, literally everything, revealed to her in just a few breaths. Calming herself down and keeping her feelings [and words] in check was not something that had ever come easy to the princess. Letting out shaky, infuriated breaths as she paced, she felt herself still lost. Why couldn't they have at least told her?!? Amrisa and Camden were the two people she had always idolized and trusted most [apart from her parents of course]. Couldn't they at least have clued her in a little. If they had told her everything when this started, when had Amrisa mentioned it again? Something like five years ago? Maybe she could have helped, or at least not be trying to wrap her mind around all of this while trying t calm down all after being captured and in their semi-hostage situation.

Finally looking around at her surroundings, Anya just gave a small shake of her head. Walking over to the nearest, sturdiest looking tree she reached her arms up and jumped, the first time she just fell back to the forest floor, having been a little out of practice. After all, as the rebellion strengthened the girls were allowed out less and less, to the point they were essentially prisoners in their own home. The second time she was more focused and wrapped her palms around the branch, using her boot-clad feet against the tree she climbed up with mild difficulty and balanced herself before climbing up two more branched, stopping at one that looked strong and wide enough to sit on comfortably. Placing her back against the trunk she balanced herself easily and took a few deep breathes, closing her eyes as she reveled in the near-forgotten purity and calmness of the nature around her.

~~~

Terrence complied easily as they were checked again upon exiting the holding cell and joined the group as close to the back as he could. Just as the rebels would be guarding them to ensure they wouldn't run or fight, Ter found it still to be his duty that none of the intruders pull a fast one on their leader by going against her and harming one of 'his people'... namely the younger princess who so far had shown herself to be the only one that appeared to act as a royal... even though that wasn't truly her. Unfortunately for the rebels who had ... uhm.. taken them in ... that was all they had seen of her. She wasn't really in the royal mentality though. Anyone who worked on the castle grounds could probably testify for that.

Watching as the group traveled away towards the training grounds, Terrence found himself wandering just into the deeper portion of forest surround the clearing, yet not so far that he would get lost if an emergency resounded. As he walked, leaves and twigs and other forest debris crunching under his military-grade boots. Occasionally he wood bend and retrieve a piece of tree from the ground such as a sturdy looking branch, or the remains of a log that had perhaps been chewed on by a beaver or other forest dwelling creature, forgetting until he meandered back to his tent, the second one on the left, that his whittling knife had been given up. Placing the tree debris on the ground in front of his tent he approached a nearby guard.

After convincing the guard to lead him to Night and/or Alex, Terrence followed, somewhat surprised by how short a travel it was. "Thank you, good sir" he said, dipping his head slightly in respect as the man left. Though he assumed they were essentially the same rank, Terrence tried to treat those as he would want to be treated. Walking over to their leader he gave a brief bow. "Miss Night" he began, taking a place across from them after a moment. Unsure as to the level of formality to which he should demonstrate, Terrence just went with what was natural to him from a young age, figuring it was safe or he would be corrected. "First, I would like to thank you and your men for sparing all of us. Also, I would like to apologize on behalf of the princess Anastasia. Though I would not be surprised if either Princess Amrisa or Sir Camden had already taken care of it. She is outspoken and has a temper to rival even the worst of them, not an excuse, but I do apologize for her outbursts. Lastly, I am aware this is probably a large request for one who has only just entered your camp... and,um, in quite the unwelcome fashion as well I'm afraid, but I would be grateful if I may take possession of my whittling knife once again. I have no plans to use it against anyone, and am willing to leave is outside of my tent, in a visible location at all times, I would just like to practice my craft. Surely even the most experienced soldiers here don't even train at every hour" he proposed, bringing his light eyes up to meet the leader of the rebellion's as he waited on a response. With any luck she would be willing. "I would also like to offer my assistance" he said before even a full moment had passed. "Though I didn't understand much of the rebellion or that it was being supplied by the princess and her personal guard, I do agree with them, and I may be able to help train you and your men in order to better combat any few remaining Anharisian's or Cormwaller's. Unlike Sir Camden who had the duty to protect the princesses directly, I served the front line for years and as things worsened the king directly, I know their combative tactics better than most" the young man explained, this time waiting for Octavia's reply.

~~~

"Ah, for this Miss Aria, you have no need for Octavia's consent. I may not be able to saddle you with weapons, for what I hope is obvious reasoning, but I can supply you with a horse to borrow, so long as you don't try to run from me then I see no reason not to leave. However, if I find that you are creating a poison to harm those I care for you will be in more trouble than you should care to find" he stated solemnly as he walked out of the tent, motioning for her to follow. Once she exited he secured the flaps to each other, a security feature most of the others didn't have. His stock was one that was cherished, should anything happen to it the rebels could end in dire straits.

"While I can't say I can get your horse yet as all of the royal animals are probably being watched closely, we have plenty of horses, many of which were uh ... well, belonging to the castle people to put it simply. Mine included" Seasmus pointed out as he walked them into a clearing smelling heavily of manure. "Any of those" he motioned to a few off to the left. They were the spare/unclaimed horses at the moment.

Leaving Aria to choose her mount after showing her where the excess tack was, Seamus collected Chancellor from the right side and tacked him up before mounting and walking over to the 'new recruit'. "Lead the way Miss" he motioned with a hand, trying to be respectful and remember what his parents had taught him so long ago as a little boy. It wasn't the easiest thing to follow, but it wasn't horrible either, and it was mor than likely what the royals were used to.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Octavia Listened to the Heir as she spoke and they walked. She seen her go for her weapon and smirked as none would find there weapons handy as of yet. She wasn't about to hand the weapons when she couldn't even trust them. They just gotten here and already making demands for there weapons back,they were not part of the rebels yet, the princess may have supplied them, but she had not lived the hardships of winter starving and hungry, she hadn't survived beatings and sexual advances from men. Octavia seen more then her fair share of bad things, and even more done to her. She learned to fight with everything she learned. Having learned a lot and how to protect herself, this is how she got to being the leader of a big rebellion against the king. Now they were in open Rebellion against the conquering king. Turning to the Princess," you just got here your safe, no need for weapons, no one here will harm you. If they try they will be beheaded and put with the others. You maybe able to do all that and supplied the rebellion with everything, but trust here is earned, not just freely given any one who chose to join the cause slowly earns there right to weapons. You will get them When it is time, for now your in the safest place you can be." Octavia said level headed, she was not great with new people asking for things, especially from those she didn't know. She was honored at the woman's offer. With a small nod Octavia stepped back." I will think on the offer thank you." She said.

Her and Alex had lkeft the 4 to speak. The other male was quite and it made Octavia a bit suspicious. Her and Alex did there battle training and were interrupted saying one of the new comers wishes to speak. Agreeing they went to sit by the fire, Octavia was skinning a rabut when the quiet male walked up and sat at her gesture slash command. She waited for him to speak as she kept skinning rabbits and putting them on spikts to be turned over the fire." Sparing you 5 maybe the healer the rest of you I am still not sure on. Like I told the Heir earlier Trust is earned here." She said and threw the knife into the ground. " Apologize at least she shows her true colors of being a royal. How most expect a royal to act and stand up for there own as we do our own. Outspoken isn't a problem here look who runs these men. Alex has some say, but my word is final law here." Octavia told him. Listened to him and smirked"would you expect a welcome when the kingdom had been taken over and 5 from the castle ride through your territory. As of now I will not be giving any weapons back to any of you 5 till you have gained trust. Here with me and my men." Octavia said.

Alex had been quite the entire time his leader had spoken. He was more or less watching. When the knight had come to speak, Alex grabbed his leaders wrist to keep her calm. The man had spoken way out of turn at this point. He seen the flash go across his leaders eyes. When the man offered to teach her how to fight. That had been the wrong way to put that. Alex leaned in and whispered to Octavia. She let out a huff as her second in command spoke. " are you insinuating we can not handle ourselves or fight. I am not leader because I am a woman. I am leader because I am the best among these group of men.All have been trained well and arm armed to the teeth you may fight properly,but we fight survive. All of you have lived the cozy life in the Castle, even if you have fought the front lines, you haven't lived a peasant life, cold, toes being frozen off, bein beaten, abused and taken advantage of because you have no status to your name. Knights have a status because even though your not royalty, you still have a higher standing then a lowly peasant girl. Who watched her father beheaded and mother burned at the steak. After that day I learned right quick where we as peasants stood among all else." She said and stood with a huff, getting up. Alex opened his mouth and watched her go. She grabbed her swords and left the fire pit." Wrong thing to say I will talk to her later about the weapons. Might want to work on how your bring something to the table. Especially to a strong willed woman." He said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aria hopped onto a horse and walked the horse over to him."gotta get me out of here and then I can take you to some good stops." She said and let him lead the way out. Once they were out, she galloped her horse to a field. Stopping the horse and getting off , she walked with it up to a patch of herbs. She grabbed a few, and moved from patches to patches. She showed him what to look for. When her basket was full she turned to him and waited on him. Standing by the horse she looked around and frowned at the smoke rising from the villages." Ever gonna be the same again. I use to be a peasant before the queen took me in, I believed in the rebels and there cause everything use to be simpler and better." She said and leaned on the horse.

 

[Princess Rose]

Amrisa frowned only slightly form the seeming denial but it was no bother to her, she will get them back soon enough. She looked towards the forest and gave a light sigh. This was her home until further notice. She could hear everything in the camp and her senses were hyper-aware of what was happening around her. It was then that she realized that she was tired from the events that had transpired today. She went back in her tent and sat down on the ground and broke down crying softly to herself; arms wrapped had around her body. She rocked back and forth as she wept for her mother and father.

Camden, on the other hand, decided to take a small walk around the forest to see if he could find Ana around. He searched through the trees looking up until he saw feet dangling down and he crossed his arms and exhaled softly. "Ana."

 

[~Happily.Ever.After~]

Anya ∞ Ter ∞ Shea

~~~

Keeping her eyes closed and head resting back against the tree, Anya hadn't even heard her name being whispered up at her at first, but after a few moments she just felt like she had missed something. Leaning forward to glance down, her face had just settled into a furious, exhasperated, scowl when she realized a little too late that she had perhaps leaned just a little too far forward. "Ah!" she accidentally let the small shriek fall from her lips as she started to fall forward, unsuccessful at trying to catch herself. Why did she have to be so damn clumsy? Landing with a hearty thump at her friend ... no, her ex-friend now, feet she inhaled, choking back all of the tears that felt like they were nearly as out of her control as her fall. The scowl resurfaced on her face, forhead wrinkling slightly as she began to push herself up off the ground only only to stare at Camden with her arms crossed over her chest, unable to say anything. The young princess knew that if she opened her mouth now, any chance of holding her resolve and tears back would crumble... especially around him. No matter how angry she got with the male in front of her, he had been her confidante on so many occasions as a child... especially after the very few fights the sisters had shared growing up. Now though, well, now she truly felt all alone.

~~~

Terrence listened quietly as the leader spoke, keeping his hands folded in his lap, his gaze flicking from Octavia to Alex to the fire and the rabbits and back again as he took what she was saying in. Deciding it best just to nod at her statement about the weapons, Ter didn't really find it an awkward answer after the one Princess Amrisa had received, but he had also figured it wouldn't hurt much to try. Perhaps he would just find a sharper rock or something to help get the outer layer of the bark off later on... then he could just save the pieces of wood to whittle once his knife was returned.

Staring, mouth agape as his words were taken in a way he hadn't intended. Sure, he could be brash and possibly a little hot headed at times... but he respected everyone and would always follow his code of chivalry until his last breath. Thinking it best not to dig himself yet a deeper grave, Terrence let his light gaze follow Miss Night as she huffed off in a storm of anger before standing himself. Looking apologetically at Alexander when he was spoken to the sandy-haired male gave a soft nod. "I had not intended to offend her, or any of you. I have no doubt of any of your abilities or the hardships that you have faced. I just wanted to offer any additional help I could. Since battle is what I was raised to do, I wanted to offer assistance where my strengths lie. If you could give her my apologies. I would like not to impose." he said after a moment of thought, doing his best to phrase things in what would hopefully be a better taken way. Reaching out his hand he offered it to the man opposite him, a sort of peace offering from a handshake if it was accepted. A few moments following the gesture, Ter found himself idly wandering back through the trodden paths to hopefully find his way back to the tents.

~~~

Leading the way out of camp with ease once they were both settled, Seamus fell into a trot, then a walk as he allowed Aria to stay a sparse few paces ahead before they dismounted. Peering closely down at the herb, Seamus nodded in concentration. There was a fairly large patch of these deeper within the forest as well... but he had always just taken it for crabgrass. Bending down and pursing his lips as he scrutinized some of the grassy-herbs before collecting or passing him, Shea was eventually aware of a gaze fixed on him after a while. Turning with the meager amount in his satchel, the rebel healer wandered back to the Royal Lady after a while, having collected all he found suitable.

Looking in the direction her gaze was still focused on, Seamus watched the dark smoke curling. "Sometimes things are better off different ... but for what it's worth, I grew up there for a small piece of my childhood too. It changed quickly. The village will bounce back to life, forming into another livable place once the villain is gone. Your castle, that may never be the same... but I guess only time will tell" he said, a mild yet gentle edge to his tone as he spoke to the foreigner. Shea was wary of the others... but as a man of medicine, he had to hold his trust that someone he met once in a far away market is someone he could trust. "Is there anything else you would like to find, or should we head back. The rabbits are no doubt almost finished being prepared by now" the young man asked, waiting on the medicine woman's answer.