Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 9:53 AM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

Jayden wasn’t sure how this came to be, how he and Belle found themselves in this situation but he didn’t mind it. In fact, they had been close in a short amount of time and now things looked to go even deeper than before. What started out as an innocent outing for them turned into something more intense and personal. He laid there with her, feeling her lips pressed against his and he embraced it eagerly. With each new action, he started to see her in a far different light and slowly followed her lead and before long they were entangled in unadulterated passion.

By the end of it, which seemed like an eternity, Jayden laid on his back and felt her body over his. Despite the very same blood he carried was that of his father’s and uncle’s, he hadn’t been a rolling stone. In fact, Belle had been his first. It wasn’t out of a lack of trying, but rather he had been focused on other, more important things. But right now, he felt her warmth against him and he couldn’t think of anything else. That was until she spoke of his mother and he softly groaned. “I have no idea. I will have to think of something though. I don’t…intend on just keeping this a secret from her.” Besides, she wouldn’t kill him, would she? He knew that Belle was Angela’s daughter and the sisters’ relationship was far from perfect, but she wouldn’t hold it against her daughter, right? Jay had to think for a moment before realizing that it was a good possibility that she could.

“I’ll speak to my father on how to approach that, he’s more level-headed with this sort of stuff. Are you going to speak with your mother?” He held onto her steadily and close as he thought about this coming for a long time now. “She might think that I just let my father’s blood take over, which I’m sure you might have heard of his reputation in his younger years, but I’m not like him. This was…my first time.” It was an odd thing to say coming from his mouth, but he was being honest with her. “Seemed better with someone that I cared about than a random stranger. And I do care about you alot, Belle.”

Author: Belle, Posted: Sat Jul 7, 2018 10:19 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

The look on his face scared her at first. She didn’t know whether it was a good shocked face or not. Belle had grown close to Jayden for weeks now even past that of family. So she hid and soon he was laughing and she had a blush across her face. Had it really been that silly? No, he surprised her this time as he kissed her. It was a warm light feeling she got when Jayden kissed her and it made her stomach go in silly knots. “I’m not scared of you Jay… I think that would be silly.” Her lips reacted just in time to his brief touch but she was still in a daze thanks to everything.

The Rosenite felt like she had a cat grabbing her tongue as words failed to come to her. He had promised to stay with her and now there was this. Her eyes softened a bit more as she relaxed and her arms wrapped around him the best she could manage. She could hear his strong fast heart from where she was. “Thank you, Jay…” Belle gave him a shy smile as she kissed him again. “For giving me courage when I couldn’t find it myself. I don’t think I could have done anything I have here if it hadn’t been for your words both back at your home and here. I’ve been a constant nervous wreck but your words help me.”

Finally, she got a bit braver as she got closer and pushed the envelope on the elephant in the room. Her lips brushed against his neck and she pressed her nose into his hair briefly. The movement was slow between the two as Jayden quickly caught onto where she was going with the movements. Their first tryst was long, passionate, and loving in many ways that Belle had thought had been missing from her life. She pulled the blanket up over them that they had seemingly knocked off in their moment before snuggling her forehead against his cheek then against his neck as she settled.

Her blue eyes slowly closed as she took his free hand into hers. She had never noticed how much smaller she was compared to him until then and that alone made her smile. Once more she nuzzled him softly before peeking up at him. “So… Curiosity is going to kill me here but… How are you going to tell Toya?” Obviously, this wasn’t just going to be a one-time thing. Jayden didn’t strike her as the type of person who would abandon her after such attachments were made.

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 8:03 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

He gave a stifled chuckle, “I trust you as well. Don’t ever doubt that.” Jayden had trusted her with his little brother’s life as well as his mother’s and he trusted her out here in the battlefield. It was something that she’d earned and he had to utmost confidence in her. Even if at times, she didn’t have it for herself. She just needed someone to support her through it and he would gladly take that role in a heartbeat.

They settled down and enjoyed their meal and wine. He wasn’t exactly a drinker like his parents, but he could enjoy a drink every now and then. “Aye, I knew of it from when we thought your mother died. My mom was on a warpath and none of us could talk reason into her. She wanted Dalanesca to pay. I think in their own way, they do love each other, but they also love to dislike the other. Not sure what sparked it other than sibling rivalry.” Though his father and uncle were at odds, they only tried to kill the other one. With the Rosenites’ it was a more difficult matter. But he did enjoy Belle’s company greatly.

Before he knew it, they were on her cot. Perhaps he had a bit too much to drink. Perhaps not. But somehow he found himself laying down with her. Jay didn’t mind it, in fact, it was nice. He dared not move to disturb her presence. He was half asleep, being so comfortable when she addressed him and he peeked an eye open. “Yes?” He was going to tell her not to worry about it when she kissed him and made both eyes open wide. He wasn’t…expecting that at all. Was she working up the courage to that the whole time? A spur of the moment? Either way, she retreated and he looked down at her. After a moment, he couldn’t help but laugh but he stopped himself midway. “Why are you hiding? Scared of my reaction? Well, here…” Jayden tilted her head up so that he could kiss her back. Maybe he was working up his own courage towards it and Belle beat him to the punch. “See, nothing wrong here, right? Don’t have to be scared of me.” He lightly chuckled again before he gave her another brief kiss.

Author: Belle, Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2018 6:44 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

“So you think that there is anyone who wouldn’t be bothered by this? Do they have a heart? What about the depth of their souls?” Her blue eyes looked at him as she thought about her words. Her kiss caught him off guard and finally, she gave him a good smile. “I hope so Jay… I just get so scared I’m going to mess up.”

Once he turned on his feet for a moment she was upset but it only turned out he was going to fetch them some food. Some much-needed food. “By the way Jay…” She called out before he completely left her. “I’ll always trust you.” It sounded so corny but yet it was the truth. She trusted Jayden with her life and he trusted her just as much.

While he was gone she got dressed in a simple nightgown and left her hair in their own wild curls. “That’s a lot.” She chuckled a bit. These people were good folk. They were just caught in a rough situation. Belle took her share and sat down on one of the stools in her tent. Tilting her head she watched as he ran out. “You are a dork.” She laughed as he brought the wine in. “It sounds like a good idea.” She ate as well and paused when he brought up that they didn’t often interact with each other’s family.

“Most of my siblings are outside of Sularia… So that might be why we don’t interact even though our mothers don’t get along… But I wouldn’t let them fool you. Our mothers are very close they just act like spoiled brats and would be the last to admit it. I think they would be lost without each other.” She poured some wine and sipped on it for a few. It was sweet like what she was used to back home.

They spent the night talking and finishing up their food. They had gone through the entire bottle of wine. He laid with her on her cot and she snuggled her head into the little nook between his neck and shoulder. His arm was around her loosely and it was comfortable. “Hey, Jay?” Belle looked up at him as she pulled the blanket up over them. “Thank you again.” She kissed him gently with a bright blush on her face that could have possibly lit the tent up. She forced herself back down so she could lay her head on him once more.

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 11:41 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

“Nah, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. The first time I was taken onto patrol, I was a nervous wreck. I didn’t think that my parents prepared me properly but it comes with time and experience.” It may have seemed like a lecture, but he certainly didn’t want it coming off as such. She was around his age and would know his words to be nothing more than true anyway. Jayden still thought she was being too rough on herself over what she had dealt with. It was still rather brave and honorable.

The washcloth he was using soon turned red as he slowly got the blood off of Belle. “We all can only carry so much of the burden before it gets to us. You’ve done well not to let it get to you while on the job”, he reassured her as he drained the cloth and rewet it before tending to her face some more. Hardly a thought got to him over how this scene could be taken as inappropriate for plenty of reasons. The biggest being that she was in nothing but a towel and he was a knight. It was unbecoming yet he was here because she required help and he knew that he could provide such to her. Hell, he nearly left the tent right as he walked in on her, not that there was anything wrong with her from what he caught sight of. No, if anything she was beautiful but he wasn’t going to go and think that about his own cousin. “You don’t need to than…”, he started but was caught off guard by the kiss to his cheek. He was quiet for a few moments before he smiled at her, “I know you will do fine. Others will see it when you do as well.”

Jay had confidence in Belle and her abilities, and hopefully, she would recognize it herself and reach the potential he knew she did someday. Now that things were starting to settle, he could feel the hunger reaching the pits of his stomach again. Though he nearly burst out into laughter as she corrected herself when she asked him to stay. Keeping his composure, Jay nodded and finished cleaning her and set the cloth down when finished. “I don’t mind staying. And I know what you meant. As long as you trust me, I’ll keep you safe. But first…” He got up to his feet and started to head out of the tent, “I got to get us some food before it's all gone. I’ll be back shortly.” Moments later he returned with a couple of bowls of hot stew and a loaf of bread. “Gave us a whole one after I explained what happened”, he said as he handed her her share.

“Gonna need your strength, so eat up and rest.” Speaking of which, he rushed back outside and then retrieved a bottle of wine and glasses. “Forgot about these. Normally not a drinker myself, but I think you could use a glass after today. He sat across from her and begun to eat. His belly would soon be happy with him yet as he ate. “You know, now that I think of it, I don’t really interact much with your side of the family. Though I’m sure that it's because of our mothers, or more to the point, mine…”

Author: Belle, Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:51 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

Belle’s grievance had always happened after her job was done. No one had ever seen it before now. She could stomach it while on the job aside from what happened with Sparrow. He calmed her down and she relaxed in his arms. It was a stupid little comfort that she found herself enjoying… Or more so it made her feel better. Besides her twin, she never really had anyone there with her to help her overcome things and this was the first time someone on the outside had even if Jay was family.

She felt the coolness of the water against her head as he washed the blood from her curls. She thought about it for a long time. “I suppose that while I did not have a choice to come out here… I probably would have anyway. Despite everything right now… I want to help people even if it terrifies me. So I try to not let it affect me during work if that makes sense. You’re the first person to see me after a long day that I couldn’t handle. It is a sort of embarrassing.”

His smile brought her more comfort as he gently washed her face where she had rubbed too hard. Her cheeks flushed but more so from realizing the situation they were in. How awkward it could be perceived but for some reason, it didn’t bother her. “Thank you, Jay…” Her voice wavered a bit as she pushed herself up and pressed her lips to his cheek. “Seems like you are the only one who has confidence in me… at least says so out loud. I’ve lost it a bit but I’ll get it back. I just need to get through this but I think… with you here I can do that just fine.”

He gave her the strength to do a lot of things. Which was weird considering how long they had been around each other. “Will you stay here? Tonight?” For a minute her face flushed and she chuckled. “Not in that way but… I am just uneasy. I would feel much better if you were to stay here with me.” After a few seconds, she smirked at him, "I promise to wear actual clothes and not this." She pulled at the towel lightly so not to undo it. It was more of a joke than anything.

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Mon Jan 1, 2018 10:25 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

Jay was shocked to see Belle like this, even after she was so headstrong and wishing to see her duties through. It was something else to see that she was quivering beneath the stress of the battlefield and death, or more so how the latter occurred. He couldn’t say that he had seen such a thing like that, but he was exposed to how battles could be grim early in his training. It took a long time before he could at least push through the fears and the gruesome sights. But she was still inexperienced and it showed, not that many were prepared for this sort of warfare. Damn bugs.

At least she seemed responsive when he made her that promise. “Aye, was taught by my father to never make promises I couldn’t keep. I’m confident that I will bring us home.” It was a bit strange to hold onto her the way he did while she only wore a towel on in his presence. But he couldn’t control the circumstances they were currently in and he had to support her through this. It was his responsibility to protect his family, after all.

Although her request could have been taken the wrong way, Jayden didn’t really see a problem with accompanying her and making sure everything was alright. “Yes, I’ll be here”

He enjoyed how close they were becoming in the last few weeks, he didn’t spend a lot of time with those outside immediate family often. But at least with Belle, they were comfortable around each other, perhaps a lot more than he thought considering how he had nearly walked in on her nude prior tonight. Hunger was nearly forgotten on his part and Jayden was more concerned about her than anything else. The kiss was unexpected but again he didn’t pay it much mind. It was harmless after all, right? “I won’t. I promise.”

She grew more comfortable with him as she relaxed against him and it only dawned on him on how she looked right now in his arms. Of how her body felt pressed against him, the towel didn’t really feel like it was there as much. He tried to focus on the conversation more to keep his wandering mind busy, “I know. I rather be at home with my siblings and parents than be here. But I understand that duty calls as well like you do.” He helped to clean more of her hair, ridding it of bloodstains as best as possible for her. “Seemed like you were able to do your job though. That takes a lot of guts in of itself. Your mother is prepared for the unexpected but we can’t help to be overwhelmed sometimes. That said, I think you are already strong, Belle. It’s different from your mother, to be true whether she has more experience or not.” He flashed her another warming smile has he brought the cloth over to where roughed parts of her face were and gently bathed it in a slow, stroking motion.

“You acted while you were afraid, that’s what real bravery is. Don’t fret about it. It will only serve to help you in the long run.”

Author: Belle, Posted: Mon Jan 1, 2018 9:14 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

Through her panic, it was his voice that calmed her down. Belle looked up at him with heaving breaths and nodded to him. His hands were warm and soothing. Looking at her further it could be seen where she had roughed her face up with the cloth in an attempt to get it off. After he got the cloth they sat on the ground and he helped her clean her pale blonde hair. She was really quiet until he began to talk to her more.

“Promise?” She looked up at him and smiled a bit. She nodded a bit more and leaned into him. She didn’t care if her body only had a towel on. Taking labored breaths she just closed her eyes as she leaned into him after taking his arms and wrapping them around her. It felt safe and she didn’t want to admit it but once in a while she would look up at him and blush a bit. “Will you stay with me tonight, please? It would make me feel safer.”

She gripped his hand and brought her face up to kiss his cheek. Her forehead now rested against his cheek as she shivered now. The cold desert air was now settling in but she was too weak to get up as she pulled his arms around her more. “Don’t leave me alright?” Her stomach growled lightly but she ignored it. It was the last thing on her tired mind as she sank into his arms and put her head on his shoulder and neck. He smelled like all Rosenites but there was that lycanthrope and sweat smell. Most likely from his time out in the desert today. It smelled good.

“I just want to be over so we can go home. I dislike war but… I am a healer too. I am just startled by something I’ve never seen before. It upsets me more that I panicked about it.” Her voice was so soft as she spoke to him about why she was so upset. “That I was so unprepared for it. To watch my mother swing in like it was nothing… I know she has so much more experience over me but I’m still envious of her. I just want to be strong.”

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Mon Jan 1, 2018 4:12 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

Great, this would be a lovely situation that he would have to explain to his folks. While his father might have a good laugh out of it, his mother, on the other hand, would likely scold him, but not because he was peeking at his cousin (which he certainly wasn’t trying to do). He remained at the door, though his own back to was turned to Belle while she covered herself up and when he heard her speak, Jayden hesitantly turned to face her again.

Gods, this was awkward.

But all his embarrassment was scattered to the wind when she came over to collapsed onto him. “Belle…” He called to her softly as he heard her crying and slowly wrapped his arms around her for support. “What happened?” He hadn’t seen her like this before and something must have stirred her greatly today, but what was beyond him. All he knew was that something got to her.

“Beetles?”, he repeated before recognizing what she was talking about. If it wasn’t the mummies they had to look out for, it was those damned bugs but from what he picked up, it was just tales spoken of how dangerous they were. He hadn’t believed in the rumors before, but what she was telling him made him think twice now.

He sighed softly as he stroked the back of her head as she explained what happened. “Don’t worry, I wasn’t near any of those things. It’s unfortunate for the victim though. But as you can see, I’m still alive and kicking” He tried to smile through the ordeal for her sake. He had worried for her about being on the frontlines, and the experience she just went through didn’t help matters. She was too shaken up by what happened to them and he kneeled down to keep her from falling to the ground.

“Belle, look at me. Look at me.” Jay brought his hands up to either side of her face and nudged her to look him in the eyes. “Don’t worry, we will get it off you, just breath.” He stood back up and went to fetch one of the damp cloths before he came back and started to try and clean her hair of the blood. “It won’t be too long before this is all over, and we won’t have to think of the bugs or the undead here or anything else. We will return home safe and sound, no matter what. I promise you that.”

Author: Belle, Posted: Mon Jan 1, 2018 2:17 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

It had honestly slipped her mind. Normally it had been the best part of her day but today had been rough and uncaring for her feelings. Bags had started to form under her eyes from the sheer exhaustion. Though she jumped and covered herself with the wet cloth as best she could as she turned away from Jayden. Her face was now fiercely flush as she got a blanket and tied it around herself. The blood was still dripping from her where she had started to wash it off. “No… You didn’t know.” Her words stumbled a bit.

She was quick on her feet as she came over to him and hugged herself to him. At the moment where she was at her weakest, she let her sobs come out. “No, but…” She buried her wet hair and face into his chest. Her arms were gingerly around him even in her great distress. “It was terrible Jay.” Her dark blue eyes looked up at him as the tears streamed out. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. The beetles they…” She shook her head and put it deep into his chest.

“They ate a man from the inside out Jayden. That could have been you… I was so scared when it got called. You were out patrolling and suddenly the call for clerics came in… A patrol unit got ambushed and I was so scared but I couldn’t look for you. I had to deal with those things before they infested the camp.” Her words began to choke as she hugged herself to him. “I was so scared. The blood…” She shivered as she began to pull at her hair to get it out. “It’s from… those things bursting out.” She wept as she began to collapse under her own weight. “I want it off.” She rubbed her eyes gently as she lost the reserve she had held all day.

“Help me get it off.” These beetles were one thing that the healers especially young had never dealt with. They unnerved even the strongest of people.

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2017 10:13 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

“I see. Aside from Aunt Angela, I really don’t know too much about the gods as a whole. Not really a detail my folks cared too much to elaborate, but it's still fascinating.” He heard tall tales and stories about them and could see with a more thoughtful mind as to why the goddess might have been worried. Despite not being well educated on that matter, it didn’t take too much to know that there were many people that disliked them for various reasons. “But I understand her concern over this matter. Hopefully this ends as soon as possible so that we can move forward.”

Of course he was concerned about her well being here since she was family, but Jayden also knew well enough that she wasn’t going anywhere due to her obligations. Not that he faulted her for it- he was very much in the same boat. He did chuckle a bit in surprise but she was right- he was his mother’s son and with her blood and his father’s training, he learned to be a strong individual as well as a knight. “Well, at least you are smart about it. Not many people are prepared to go about and help for the greater good.”

The days went by and when he wasn’t on patrol, he was sure to oversee that Belle was doing alright and even volunteer to escort her on retrieval missions. He also made sure to send word out to his folks about his well being whenever he could from those that were heading to and back from Sularia. He was sure that this conflict would come to an end soon enough so in the meantime, he made sure to be better acquainted with Belle over time. It hardly surprised him that his family didn’t have too much to do with hers, considering how their mothers were with one another and knew that his was especially reluctant to want anything more to do with his aunt.

—-

Today was a particularly rough day and finally his shift was over as he rode back to the camp. After making his reports, he yawned widely and dragged himself over to where he could smell the delicious food being cooked. Strangely, when he made it over to the tent, Belle was nowhere to be seen. It was odd because they would usually meet up here around this time, but sure enough, his search around the area produced no results.

Perhaps she was back at her tent? He asked around and someone did mentioned that she indeed headed back there as soon as she arrived back from her duties.

“Hey Belle, is everything alright?”, he came through without knocking. It was something he had made a habit of and thought nothing of it until he saw that she was naked. Immediately his hands covered up his eyes and his cheek were flushed red. “Sorry! I’m sorry! I didn’t know…” Jay was cursing his luck know, he should have known better that something was up if she had rushed back here so quickly. “You weren’t attacked, were you?” His voice still carried the embarrassment from his rudeness.

Author: Belle, Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2017 5:36 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

Belle chuckled just a bit at hearing how Toya was doing. The woman had fire and brimstone in her blood that much was for sure. “She’s a damn good mother Jayden. Of course, she wouldn’t let Sparrow get away that easily. A mother dragon is what she reminds me of most.” There was another chuckle as she thought of how vicious the White Queen could be but how docile she was with her mate and children. It was an interesting thing really. “I don’t know, I think she would throw a tantrum if something even remotely happened to you bad or otherwise.”

Thinking on the situation Belle just shrugged. “It has to be because this is old god magic. It’s a lot more powerful than gods like my mother. The legends the older gods have is what makes people terrified. People won't soon forget when a god missteps. Often they blame the others. I think Mother is worried about people blaming her for not being able to do enough.”

It was her healer’s duty to stay with the camp. Even if Jayden had pleaded with her she would have refused to go home. A soft smile crossed her lips and she nodded. “You are a good knight Jay. Your mother and father trained you just right. I also worry much more about your mother’s wrath than my own.” She offered a chuckle. “Vilpamolan? Well, I do a lot of traveling and healing in areas that often don’t have enough silver to pay for a high-end healer. It helps me get experience and helps spread my mother’s faith as well. She lets me use the tiny healer offices around Canelux so I can have places to stay while I’m there. The last time I was in Vilpamolan I ended up having a guard on me so it’s not that I’m scary as much as I just don’t know any better.”

She was sure that it didn’t make him feel any better hearing that but it was what it was. They spent a lot of time together in the camp. Often it was because Belle would be assigned to go out into the desert and retrieve people. Jayden had often volunteered to be the one to go with her so it ended up being a lot more time than she originally thought. They ate their dinner together mostly so the other had company.

One particular night Belle had completely forgotten to meet him for dinner near the food tent. Instead, she was in her own tent. Blood covered most of her robes today as she dropped them. It had been an emergency. Blotches of blood had soaked through her clothes and got all over her skin. She kicked the robes away and let her hair out of the bun it was in. Blood had managed to get there as well. Beetles were a pain and more often or not it caused more messes than it was worth.

Taking a cloth she got the cool crisp water from her washbowl and began to make sure the blood came off. She was so focused on it that she missed whatever commotion happened on the outside of her tent. There was just too much blood on her skin for her to care.

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 11:03 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

Jay kind of shrugged it off, he wasn’t too worried about those sorts of family traditions. He didn’t t feel as though that really mattered on the battlefield. There was plenty of time to worry about it after the fact, but he refrained from speaking it out of respect for his cousin.

“She was faring alright, still spitting out hellfire even though she needs my father’s help to move around. But nothing’s been able to tear Sparrow out of her arms unless he’s with Father. Think she’s got a new favorite son.” It was of course a jest, but he knew how special boy Rosenites were among the families, particularly with the White Roses. 

Jayden nodded and crossed his arms. Of course he knew that she had her obligations just like he did, and neither were going away from here any time soon. “Well, guess we are stuck together then. Figured as much, Belle.” Soon his hands moved to the back of his head and paced around a bit. He was a bit confused about how this invasion of sorts had to do with the gods, his aunt in particular. “Why does she feel bad about it? It’s not like Aunt Angela can control this situation.”

“I know…you don’t need to tell me you won’t leave. Even if I was to ask you. But I’ll take your word for it and will make sure that you and everyone else gets home safe and sound. If I don’t try to, I fear the wrath of both our mothers.” He chuckled a bit, but he knew that to be certain that there was some truth in those words. “So, what were you doing in Vilpamolan anyway. You don’t seem to fit the tough customer profile. But hey, maybe I shouldn’t worry about you after all… ”

Author: Belle, Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 9:31 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

“It’s rude to be a mess in front of family… Or so my mother says.” Belle chuckled a bit as she tiredly tried to straighten herself out. “It’s no problem Jayden. I don’t particularly like people I know seeing me as an utter disaster.”

Belle flashed him a smile and she tilted her head. “How is Toya? She was barely able to stay awake the last time I saw her. I do hope she is feeling at least a bit better.” Her voice was a bit nervous showing she wasn’t completely over what had happened. “And I’m a trained healer for years… No undead are going to keep me from my job so I guess we’re just going to have to work together… Now, aren’t we?” She grinned a bit before losing it to his last sentence. “Yes, it is a lot worse than she had thought though. They can now pinpoint exactly what caused all of this and Mother feels terrible.”

There was that smile again as he opened his mouth. “You know I wouldn’t leave Jayden. I have an oath I took as a healer. I take it very seriously, also running away seems kind of cowardly. If you are here at least I have protection. Besides, I’ve traveled to the worst parts of the slums in Vilpamolan by myself and made it back alive… I think a few mummies won’t bother me.” She chuckled. “You can always stay right close if you have to.”

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Mon Oct 9, 2017 11:11 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

Her reaction wasn’t…what he had been expecting in the least. He found himself nearly laughing at his cousin. As he calmed down, he entered the tent and look around for a moment. Clearly they were working her like a dog these days. Her appearance spoke loudly of it. “No need to get straightened up, it’s just me.” He waved it off as if his appearance here was nothing.

Her words brought a slight chuckle from his lips when it came to the danger. “And this is why I’m my mother’s son. I don’t run from danger- I’ve been trained for years to be a soldier and some undead and a city that popped out of nowhere.” He wasn’t fearless by any means, but he was ready to do what he must for his family and home. "Suppose that this is what Aunt Angela was speaking of when she said that this was a worse problem than mere raiders."

“Besides, I would have told you to go home yourself if you could. I’m here to help make sure you lot get home safe and sound.”

Author: Belle, Posted: Mon Oct 9, 2017 10:22 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

Belle was busy as always taking care of the soldiers who came to see her. So when she got a bit of a breather she went back in her tent and laid down. She had blood all over her dress and her blonde hair was a mess from the heat. The healer fell asleep with no real care in the world.

It was sometime after that the knocking on her tent pole happened. “I’m coming… I’m coming.” She yawned and got up as she rubbed her eyes and opened the flap to the tent. “Yes?” She said it so sleepily before her blue and silver eyes latched onto Jayden’s form. “J-J-Jayden…” She panicked as she let the flap almost slap forcibly shut. “I didn’t know it was you or I would have… straightened up… more?” She got a brush and started to brush her curls out.

“Come in… Please… I just… I was startled. I didn’t think you would be coming out here. It’s dangerous Jay you should go home. Things have gotten really bad… There's all these undead mummies, a ghost city, and now Mother has to put a barrier up around the outpost so we can at least sleep at night."

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Mon Oct 9, 2017 10:00 PM, Post Subject: Horizon (P,R)

Although he enjoyed the time he spent with his family for the next few days, especially with Sparrow, Jayden was still concerned about his people being out in the middle of the desert, facing the unknown. Not even his Aunt Angela knew what was going on out there. He was sure that his mother didn’t want him going out there, but she was in no position to argue with him and he had his father’s blessing. Besides, he was a capable warrior and knew how to handle himself. Besides, both his father and sisters were there to look after the Queen and the youngest prince while he was out.

But who would be protecting the others if he wasn’t around? He didn’t want to have that on his conscious, not if he could have done something about it. So when the time arrived, he packed his things, prepared his horse and gave his goodbyes to his family before riding off towards the location of the camp that Belle was at. It took half a day of riding before he found it, and met with the guards with a letter with his family’s seal. “I’ve been sent here to help, perhaps you may tell me where Belle Rose is?”

They pointed him to her tent and he stationed his horse and proceeded to head inside the tent but refrained. “Belle? You there?”, he called out, figuring that she may had wanted her privacy.