Payments Due

[Rose Swan]

Melody didn't move, afraid to wake him up. But she heard the familiar chuckles of her father, and she turned her head. "You're looking better. How's Mom?" She was blushing a little, and wanted to get attention off of herself.

[Taiylor Wallace]

"She's just fine. So, I'm to assume you've got yourself a boyfriend, hm?" Rogal teased, "I suppose I can let him live for now." After all, he'd always said he'd kill any man who touched his daughter.

[Rose Swan]

Melody groaned lightly. "Dad... He's not my boyfriend." she said softly.

[Taiylor Wallace]

"Mhm, I'll take your word for it honey," Rogal teased further. "If he isn't yet... I'll give him two weeks." And with that, Rogal stepped out. Espera soon woke, and once he realized how he'd fallen asleep, he pulled away.
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"Sorry..." He said embarrassedly.

[Rose Swan]

Melody rolled her eyes again as her father left. She laid there in bed very still until Espera decided to wake up. She laughed a little at his reaction. "It's alright. I kind of had it coming since I fell asleep here."

[Taiylor Wallace]

Several days passed, and Barian was being fortified by its people. The rebels were going to move again soon, to a large town only a half-day away from Mordune, and Rogal was going to go ahead of them all to make doubly sure that the way was clear. After another week of rest, Rogal came out one morning with Pent at his side. Both would go. The strategy behind it was that they'd be riding somewhat apart, so that the other could flee if one was caught or hurt, and the only people Rogal trusted so well were his family. Nobody wanted the two to go, though, especially not with the high danger and the fact that Reculier was very aware that some new leader (he didn't know who yet) had risen.

[Rose Swan]

Amelia had recovered beautifully, and was up and around about the same time as Rogal. And once she heard his plans, she was not thrilled at all, especially when dragging her son into this. As they came out together, she followed with a worried frown. "Rogal, I know that you're wanting to make sure everyone's safe to pass, but last time you went gallivanting off somewhere your companion was killed. I don't want to have to bury my son, sweetheart. And I don't want to bury you either. Send some scouts, please." she begged him.

[Taiylor Wallace]

Rogal looked at her, and she could see her words about his dead companion hit him hard. He didn't answer beyond, "Pent will be fine..." And he looked to saddling his drake.

[Rose Swan]

"And you? Will you be fine?" she demanded, still not satisfied with the answer. Melody came out a moment later, running and hugging her father tightly. She was afraid she'd never see him again. After several moments there, she did the same with her beloved older brother.

[Taiylor Wallace]

Rogal didn't answer Amelia this time, climbing up on his drake's back. "Let's go, son..." Pent nodded, and followed close behind on his own mount. Ephriam, watching from the side, looked to Amelia with concern.
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(sorry, not much to say at this particular moment, but I've got more for the next post)