Finishing his morning exercises Janus found his mind wandering. "I wonder if there's any more fun to be had?" he asked himself. climbing into his little tree-house Janus sat, thinking of all the adventures he could be having. "I'm sure this village doesn't need me protecting it anymore, no one would be hurt if I just set off on my own now would they?". Deciding that it was finally the time to satisfy his restless feelings Janus packed what little belongings he had into a travel bag, resolving himself to set out on his adventure after a quick nap.

@Milowan

Aya loved coming to the forest. It was always so peaceful and quiet. Hardly anyone ever seemed to come here, which she found very strange. After all, it was a beautiful forest. She had pestered Lord Phoenix to get one of his rapidly growing army of artists to get a painting done of it, but every time she asked, he went all pale and told her that 'there was a time and place for such things'. It was becoming rather tiresome, especially considering it was so picturesque.

So Aya decided, if you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself. She would have brought a proper paintbrush and paper, but all of the servants downright refused to go with her. She had begged and pleaded and demanded, but eventually she had to go on her own.

So here she sat, notepad in one hand and pencil in other, sketching the landscape that stretched out before her. This was her element, where she belonged - out in the wilds, fresh air in her lungs and the winds in her face. Of course, the House always told her that her place was at a musty old business desk, and some other merchants told her that she should be in either the kitchen or the bedroom. All three of those options failed to intrigue her.

"It really is a lovely day" she muttered absentmindedly to herself, letting her pencil do all the work. The sun was shining, the birds twittered happily and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

Aya kept sketching the landscape in front of her, wondering what exactly everyone was so scared of. After all, she had been here at least a couple of hours and nothing had happened to her yet.

Janus wakes up from his nap feeling like something was different, curious he grabbed his gear and went outside. Seeing nothing in his immediate vicinity he decides to move through the trees. Janus loved moving through the treetops as it made him feel like he could almost touch the sky, it felt as though all he had to do was jump and he'd be flying.

As he drew closer to the village Janus thought he saw something golden in colour through the trees. Curious, Janus slowed down and started moving closer to where he thought he saw the golden object. As he drew closer Janus realized that there were more birds in the area than usual. Coming to the edge of a clearing Janus decides it would be better if he stayed hidden. From his vantage point Janus saw a young girl, at least that's how she looked. She seemed to be drawing something. Curious Janus slid down into a bush and crept around the edge of the clearing. When Janus found himself behind the girl he still couldn't see what she was drawing.

Deciding it would be best if she didn't see him Janus distanced himself from the girl and contented himself with watching her draw.

@Milowan

Her pencil made more lines over the paper. Slowly but surely, the scratchy lines were changing into the image Aya saw in front of her.

"Alas, my love, you do me wrong,
To cast me off discourteously.
For I have loved you well and long,
Delighting in your company"

With the weather, the landscape and the general feel of the area, Aya couldn't resist. She carried the notes softly, almost timidly, letting them blend into the birdsong in the background.

Soon her image was complete. She put her pencil down and admired her work. She done herself well, one of her best to date. This one she had to show to her Patrician.

But not yet. This forest was so alluring, she couldn't resist staying.
"Just five minutes more." she whispered to herself "Then we'll go back."

Curious, and unable to hold back any longer Janus steps out from hiding.

"We? I was getting the impression that you were here alone, or did you maybe already know that I was here?"

Janus quickly found that he was fond of asking questions. Not too surprising as he'd been the boy who kept leaving riddles for the villagers every time he visited.

"What were you drawing? If you don't mind my asking."

"WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" The mysterious appearance of the boy caught Aya completely off-guard. How long was he there? What was he doing? Why did he look so strange?

Out of instinct, Aya jumped up rather quickly, knocking the book and pencil out of her lap. She took a few steps back out of panic, ready to run if the situation called for it.

"Wha- who are you? How long have you been standing there?" she cried questioningly, feeling her face quickly go red. Was this what she had been warned about? Was this a bandit? Questions ran through her mind like trains at a station. The only reason she hadn't bolted was because she was curious as to who this person was.

"D-don't get any closer!" she demanded, trying and failing to keep the fear out of her voice.

Shocked by the fearful reaction, Janus took several steps back.

"My name is Janus. I've only been here a few minutes. If you want me to leave I will, I didn't mean any harm."

Dejected, Janus began to sulk back towards the edge of the clearing.

So not a bandit? That still didn't answer many questions.

"Where are you going?" Aya called after him, stooping to pick up her discarded book and pencil. She couldn't leave them behind, Lord Phoenix would whip her hide off.

"Stop! Wait a moment! You just caught me off-guard, that's all!"

Perking up, Janus wheeled around.

"Really? Well that's fine then, all's well that ends well and all that!"

Janus paused for a moment before starting up again.

"I've introduced myself but I don't seem to remember getting your name, or should I just address you as 'Hey you!' or 'Little Missy'?"

Well, THAT was a turnabout. Aya couldn't remember seeing someone switch moods quite so quickly. Deciding not to question it, she instead responded to the boy's question.

"I-I'm Aya of the House of Phoenix..." she began, then cursed. She should have said she was a serving girl or something - now if he really was a bandit or a rapist, he'd have a reason to target her.

"I work for them, I mean. I was just sitting here during my time off. I really have to be going back soon..." she muttered half-heartedly, backing away, trying not to let her distrust show.

Suddenly curious Janus piped up again;

"The House of Phoenix? What's that? Not house, I know what house is but what's a phoenix? does it taste good?"

Janus realized this last question was odd but he wanted to ask it anyway as he genuinely wanted to know.